Indians after Japan’s Kikuchi

Count the Indians as one of the seven Major league teams who are after Japanese pitching sensation Yusei Kikuchi.

The 18-year-old left-handed pitcher could be the first high school player to bypass the Japanese draft and sign a contract with a Major League Baseball team.

Kikuchi, who is expected to be the top pick in the Japanese draft, has reportedly been scouted by the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Cubs, Giants, Tigers, Braves, Rangers, Mariners and Indians.

According to this Japanese baseball blog, Kikuchi is scheduled to meet with the Indians Oct. 20.

Obviously, the Nippon Professional Baseball organization would like him to stay in Japan.