Before the 2007 season, the Tampa Bay Rays signed a little-known Japanese ballplayer named Aki Iwamura. Needless to say, I was not overly enthused. Only a few Japanese players have really made it big in the States.

After a mediocre 2007 season, I was still not impressed with Iwamura.
        
About halfway through the 2008 season, my thoughts on Iwamura changed.

I realized that hitting home runs and driving in a ton of runs was not his game. His game was to get on base and to make pitchers uncomfortable with his speed.
        
In the playoffs, he continued to amaze me. Even though B.J. Upton had the best offensive series against the Red Sox, it was Iwamura who stepped up and helped the Rays by doing all the little things. He got hits, took walks, and scored runs.

His defense wasn't too bad either. In 2007, Iwamura had a solid year defensively at third base.

So, what was his reward for his good defense at third base? He got moved to second base to make room for Evan Longoria.

I am so glad they made that move.

Not only did the Rays gain a superstar in Longoria, but they got a Gold Glove-caliber second baseman in Iwamura. He made the transition to second base flawlessly. It made Tampa Bay management look brilliant.

So, when you are watching the 2008 World Series, keep an eye on Aki Iwamura. He will surprise you, too.