Ryan Vogelsong, the ultimate late bloomer

SAN FRANCISCO -- Ryan Vogelsong has been mobbed by the Japanese media covering the World Series.

"I get more attention now than when I pitched over there," the San Francisco Giants right-hander said with a smile.

Vogelsong pitched for three years in Japan from 2007-09 with the Hanshin Tigers the Orix Blue Wave, going a combined 11-14. He returned to the USA and spent the 2010 season at the Class AAA level in the Philadelphia Phillies' and Los Angeles Angels' farm systems.

Now, Vogelsong, 35, is the ultimate late bloomer. He was selected to the All-Star Game last season and has been the Giants' top pitcher in the postseason with a 2-0 record and 1.42 ERA in three starts.

"I wouldn't say playing in Japan necessarily made me a better pitcher," Vogelsong said. "However, it helped change me as a person. I think I'm mentally tougher after spending three years in a foreign county and the language barrier taught me patience."

Vogelsong is scheduled to start Game 3 on Saturday night at Detroit against Anibal Sanchez.