Aki was one of my favorites... Loved watching the little guy play... Things I will remember..

1. Aki tagging second base to clinch the ALCS sending the Rays to the World Series..
2. Aki getting a curtain call in the second game of the ALDS against the White Sox after hitting a home run off Mark Buerhle.
3. Aki's bat... Squared off at the top that drove Joe Torre crazy....
4. The Japanese media that covered Aki's every move when the Rays signed him
5. Aki scoring runs in the World Cup for the Japanese National team that helped them win the World Championship.
6. Tim McCarver pronouncing AKi's name Akimura instead of Iwamura in the World Series...
7. Aki running down the first base line. He never dogged it...
8. Aki at third base. AKi at second base... Bartlett to Aki to Pena. Great defense...
9. Aki getting his knee tore up by Chris Coughlan. The Rays were just hitting their stride...
10. Akinori Iwamura a gentleman on and off the diamond...

Good Luck Aki.... We will see you down the road when Pittsburgh dumps your salary to an American League contender...

Nice tribute!

Aki was only here 3 years, but it seemed like so much more. There were times where I thought aloud- "this guy is the toughest player I have ever seen!" Wherever he lands, that team will be lucky to have him.

WE WILL MISS YOU, AKI!!

I remember his homer to help win over the Redsox at home early in the 08 season. Aki was smiling and very gracious and excited to help the team win.

I salute Aki and wish him much success with his new club.

"I am really excited and humbled by this opportunity," Iwamura said. "I look forward to being part of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and wearing the uniform."

"Hopefully I can help the team win this year," [Aki] said (back in December, 2006).

"But I'm up for the challenge of second base or [the outfield] if asked to do so," [Aki] said (also back in 2006).

"My first intention is to get back on the field as soon as possible," [Aki] said through a translator on May 29 (days after sustaining an injury that appeared to be season- and possibly career-ending).

He will be sorely missed next year when the second base carnival goes into full rotation. Nothing against Zobrist, but he is not a major league second baseman ( full time) and Brignac and the others in the minors just aren't ready.
Aki, in less than 2 seasons, turned from a natural 3rd baseman into a natural second baseman and was only getting better.
He will be missed more than the local bumpkin fans will realize.

LOL -- that kills me! Clearly you have no idea what Zobrist brought to this team in 2009 vs what Aki brough tin 2008. Well, let's compare.

Aki - 2008 152 games BA - .274 HR - 6 RBI - 48 7 Errors

Zobrist - 2009 152 games BA - .297 HR - 27 RBI -- 91 and made 7 total errors playing all 3 OF positions, SS, 2B and 1B (4 E at 2nd in 91 games)

Ummmm....the choice is CLEAR....

No I'm not an Aki hater but Zobrist more than proved he is VERY capable of being a MLB starting 2B and his bat is much better than Aki period.....

Aki was just the odd man out due to his contract especially after we picked up S-Rod.

BTW -- he wasn't sorely missed this year....check the above numbers

And just because some of us are OK with this move does NOT make us "bumpkins" -- just means we can see the positives in this.

Aki was a very good player for the Rays in 08.He will be missed by the players and fans alike.In baseball,players come and they move on,there is always a softspot for a former Ray wearing another uniform,at least for me.We have guys who will fill that position,you never know who will rise to the occasion and standout from the competition.Personally i am looking forward to seeing what Brignac or Rodriguez can do.We already know Zobrist is fully capable of handling several positions.

Apparently the mods agree. I'll try to soften my comments a bit, so I don't offend anyone ever again.

I wouldn't call a .275 average the worst in history. I sure wish BJ was hitting .275 when he was leading off.

Aki a horrible lead-off hitter compared to what we had to put up with most of last season??? BJ made Aki look like Pete Rose out of the 1 Hole... Jason fixed the lead-off slot, but Aki was a serviceable lead-off hitter...

Pittsburgh needs a player like Aki, whereas the Rays don't. The Pirates will build around Aki's professionalism. Thanks for pointing out your favorite Aki moments.