Rangers' Barnette may use Japanese 'shuuto' pitch

The Texas Rangers thought outside the North American box when they acquired a new bullpen piece in December, signing right-hander Tony Barnette to a two-year deal.

Barnette, a former Arizona Diamondbacks farmhand, spent the past six seasons in Japan and could add one of their specialty pitches to his repertoire.

While playing for the Yakult Swallows, Barnette reportedly learned the infamous "shuuto," a tailing pitch that resembles a screwball, reports Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News.

The pitch, which Yu Darvish used to get out left-handed hitters when he pitched in Japan, is prominently featured in the film "Mr.Baseball," for all the Tom Selleck fans out there.

The 32-year-old Barnette, who is expected to compete for a bullpen spot in spring training, saved 41 games for the Swallows last season while posting a 1.29 ERA and 0.89 WHIP.