SCOUT’S VIEW

Here's a look at the Yankees' newest prize, Japanese nese ace Masahiro Tanaka: Born: Nov. 1, 1988 in Itami, Hyogo, Japan. Bats: Right. ght. Throws: Right. Height: 6-foot-2; Weight: 205 pounds. nds.

The numbers: 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA last season, 99-35 9-35 with 2.30 ERA for the Rakuten Golden Eagles since 2007, with ith 1,238 strikeouts in 175 games. He has 53 complete games, including cluding 18 shutouts.

What he throws: Some consider his splitter the best est on the planet, and he can reach 96 or 97 mph with h his fastball, although he mostly pitches at 5-7 mph ph below that, dialing it up when needed. He also has as a curveball, slider, changeup and cutter.

The buzz: Scouts say he is mature and at 25 is more advanced at holding runners on and fielding his position than most young pitchers, who are still developing those skills when they reach the majors.

The worry: Most teams worry about his previous workload. He threw 160 pitches in Game 6 of the Japan Series in a loss and came back the next day to close ose Game 7. Will early high pitch counts affect him as his career areer continues?

Scout’s take: “The outside knocks are going to come ome because he's got so many innings, so many pitches on his arm, but they’re getting a good young pitcher. At the end of the contract, everyone can make their assessment then. He’s a good pitcher with poise.”