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In Masahiro Tanaka, Yankees buy a ready-made ace

After seven seasons with NPB's Rakuten Golden Eagles, Masahiro Tanaka is coming to MLB.

After seven seasons with NPB's Rakuten Golden Eagles, Masahiro Tanaka is coming to MLB.

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A star in Japan, Masahiro Tanaka pitched on the country's World Baseball Classic team in 2009 and 2013.

A star in Japan, Masahiro Tanaka pitched on the country's World Baseball Classic team in 2009 and 2013.

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Adjusting to a new pitching routine will be one of Masahiro Tanaka's many challenges in the U.S.

Adjusting to a new pitching routine will be one of Masahiro Tanaka's many challenges in the U.S.

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Masahiro Tanaka shakes hands with Joe Girardi during his introductory press conference in January.

Masahiro Tanaka shakes hands with Joe Girardi during his introductory press conference in January.

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Masahiro Tanaka will face increased attention as the latest Japanese star to come to Major League Baseball.

Masahiro Tanaka will face increased attention as the latest Japanese star to come to Major League Baseball.

A baseball in a shiny silvery sheathing, like a 25-year-old ace pitcher up for bid, may be a beguiling aesthetic. But the true beauty of it comes in the unwrapping.