Kazuhisa Ishii - LHP - Ishii, who had a 4.44 ERA in 102 starts and three relief appearances in the majors from 2002-05, has been a disappointment since returning to Japan. He went 9-10 with a 4.16 ERA in 2007. It’s highly unlikely that he’d look to return to the U.S.

Satoru Kanemura - RHP - Kanemura is the one free agent from Trey Hillman’s Nippon Ham Fighters with any chance of crossing the Pacific. Most famous for getting roughed up by Julio Zuleta after the first baseman charged the mound in April 2006, Kanemura peaked from 2002-2005. The 31-year-old disappointed last season with shoulder troubles and wasn’t much better in 2006. With just 90 strikeouts in 213 innings the last two years, he seems like a poor bet. Still, there’s a chance he’d surprise as a reliever.

Masahide Kobayashi - RHP - Arguably the top reliever available, Kobayashi, 33, has saved 227 games in Japan. His 3.61 ERA in 2007 was his highest mark in three years. 2.95 ERA, 116/29 K/BB ratio in 146 1/3 IP the last three seasons. 90-92 mph fastball. Very good 82-83 mph splitter/forkball. Unlike most American relievers, he throws from the stretch with none on. Little deception in his delivery. He could close for a team in the U.S., but contenders will likely look at him as a setup man. Some team should be willing to go to $15 million over three years.

Shinya Miyamoto - SS - Hit .304/.337/.374 and .300/.338/.384 the last two years. With Tomohiro Nioka ineligible for free agency, it’s unlikely any MLB teams will turn to Japan for middle-infield help this winter. Miyamoto, the captain of Team Japan in the 2004 Olympics, has the ability to play in the U.S., but at age 37, he probably wouldn’t be viewed as an everyday shortstop by any team. There’s no reason to think he’d want to jump now anyway.

Yasuhiko Yabuta - RHP - Failed starter has posted ERAs of 2.79, 3.07, 2.62 and 2.73 while helping set up for Kobayashi the last four years. 64 hits allowed, 10 walks and 45 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings in 2007. 34 years old. White Sox are believed to be interested in him as a setup man.