Hawks Redux

This one was boring, a 0-0 tie - an exhibition game ending like this? Kubo started followed by Shimoyanagi and relieved by Kobayashi, Fujikawa and others. This time Murton batted six and Brazell five. Shunsuke led off the batting and Fujii caught. Kanoh was left field again. It is nice to see that Johjima is recovering well - one shudders to think of Fujii catching in the regular season.

You'll be glad to hear that, apparently, Murton at 5/6 is only a temporary measure. He's just there at the moment because the planned number 5 batter isn't playing the pre-season games. Because he's recovering from injury. Because he's... Kanemoto!

I despair.

I totally agree but they are planning to play Kanemoto on the 12th as a DH. However, he should be batting seven not five.

How's the outlook for Kanemoto for opening day? I'm not worried about his lack of appearance in pre-season games, as this has been the pattern the last few years, but just wondering if he'll be ready for the real season.

Tigers plans are for Kanemoto to be ready for opening day. However, there are rumblings with Sakai owner and Minami president talking about a potential trade if he is not. All this is after Tigers ignored the availability of Uchikawa. This is indicative of the general mediocrity of Tigers upper levels which has gradually reasserted itself after the excitement of the Hoshino years. As Michael has noted on Bayside West Tigers have Lin who would slot nicely into left field. However, recognizing talent is not one of Mayumi's strong points.

Even without Kanemoto back, I think we have enough players to cover the outfield, when you consider Murton, Fujikawa, Asai, Lin, and Sakurai. I've kind of given up on the idea of Lin being given a starting role, but maybe he'll finally get a shot. His mediocre defense has been exposed the past couple years, but more playing time could overcome that. Considering Kanemoto's decline, I think Lin could be just as productive as him if given the chance.