May 24th Fukuhara v Hiroyuki Kobayashi - No game

This was a no game which did see some action but the rain at Koshien eventually won. Hirano started instead of Fujimoto, a definite improvement and Akahoshi was rested. Fukuhara wasn't at his best this game but gave up no runs and the game ended scoreless. Box scores

         1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Marines  0 0 0 0           0 4 0
Tigers   0 0 0             0 1 0

Starting lineups

Marines
1. Nishioka (Short)
2. Fukuura (First)
3. Saburo (Centre)
4. Iguchi (Second)
5. Ohmatsu (Right)
6. Satozaki (Catcher)
7. Burnham Jr (Left)
8. Imae (Third)
9. Hiroyuki Kobayashi (Pitcher)

Tigers
1. Hirano (Second)
2. Sekimoto (First)
3. Toritani (Short)
4. Kanemoto (Left)
5. Arai (Third)
6. Lin (Right)
7. Sakurai (Centre)
8. Kanoh (Catcher)
9. Fukuhara (Pitcher)

Marines first started quietly with Fukuhara retiring the three batters he faced in order. Hirano started the Tigers first with a lead off bunt hit to first and beat the field to the sack. Sekimoto bunted him to second and gradually it looks like Tigers are falling into the same conservative pattern as last season. One out later Kanemoto walked to set up runners on first and second but Arai flew out to centre to end the innings. If Marines first had been quiet, the second was quite a bit more busy. Iguchi led off with a hit and Ohmatsu followed with another. Both runners were bunted to second and third but Burnham Jr grounded out to first and the runners couldn't advance. Fukuhara then walked Imae to load the bases and to get at Kobayashi who duly flew out to end the innings. Tigers second was quiet with the batters falling in order. In Marines third Saburo hit with two out but nothing came of this. Tigers third was also quiet with the batters falling in order.

Fukuhara struck out the first two batters he faced in the Marines fourth but then Burnham Jr hit. However, Imae grounded out and the innings was over. Kobayashi struck out Toritani in the Tigers fourth and then with Kanemoto at the plate the heavens opened. It was clear that the rain wasn't going to let up and the game was abandoned. No game.

Fukuhara had thrown 80 pitches but had kept the Marines off the scoreboard. Tigers had only generated one hit but this might have changed when they got through to the Marines relief. This game will be replayed on May 26th, the day before the series against Seibu.

Why are you so high on Hirano always? I think he plays the game like a high school boy and I'd rather see Fujimoto get a shot, but just my opinion.

Hirano has considerably more ability and versatility than Fujimoto. He can play second, centre and right and makes things happen. His OBP and ability to hit significant shots are better and he can hit with runners on. Currently Fujimoto isn't fielding well either, his pick ups are frequently sloppy and he isn't really producing. I would also say that Hirano's sheer competiveness makes him far more valuable than Fujimoto's.

OK, good reasons. I just wish Hirano would stop with the head sliding into first. A lot of fans appreciate the effort they think he is showing. However, most baseball experts agree that running through the bag gets you there faster than sliding. In addition, sliding into first is also an injury risk. In a recent game, he slid into first even though he was obviously going to be safe and then the throw got by the first basemen. He might have been able to get to second if he wasn't on his stomach!
Anyway, I do agree with what he brings to the team as a utility player.

Fujimoto's average is better than Hirano but Hirano has better OB%. At a personal level, I like Fujimoto more. I like his character. Both have sound gloves. Have not seen Fujimoto field recently but from what I remember from the past he was one of the better defensive 2B men in the Central.



Edited for punctuation Christopher

Fujimoto doesn't have as many extra base hits as Hirano and doesn't hit with runners on. I agree that the head sliding approach isn't as effective but remember Hirano has just recovered from a horrendous leg injury. He wouldn't want to risk his leg with the normal slide.

He wouldn't want to risk his leg with the normal slide.
My point is he shouldn't be sliding at all. You don't slide into first base--you run through the bag.

Hirano is an entertaining player to watch. Sometimes, though I am not sure if he has lots of courage which he does or if he is a little stupid. He is more of a Kamikaze style player. Giving more than 100% resutling in injuries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHwdMgS6KZ0&feature=related

However, I do understand that Mayumi prefers him over Fujimoto. Don't think that decision is that controversial.

Mayumi has been preferring Fujimoto over Hirano which is strange. Hopefully he is coming to his senses.