July 31st Tsuru v Nakata - Dragons just hang on
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Re: July 31st Tsuru v Nakata - Dragons just hang on
[ Author: Guest: gotigersredsox | Posted: Aug 2, 2010 2:31 PM
]
What a crazy game! The last time I went to Koshien, the game ended at 8:20. For this game, extra innings didn't even start until 10:20. It's the first game I've been to at Koshien where they actually had to stop selling beer!
Tsuru obviously wasn't great, but he did have some pretty sloppy defense behind him--a bloop single that Kanemoto should have gotten to and then another error by Kanemoto later. Still, he needs to learn to pick himself up after bad defense behind him. I think he belongs in the rotation for now and can hold his own.
Despite the disappointment of this tie, it was a very positive weekend. We fought back every game against our old nemesis Chunichi. It's a good sign heading into a brutal week and month of baseball.
I hate to say it, but Kanemoto's performance does trouble me. He's the weak link in a very lethal offense right now. When you also consider his defense, they really have to question whether he should be an everyday player. It's one thing to move him down from batting 4th, but I don't see them taking him completely out of the line-up.
Tsuru obviously wasn't great, but he did have some pretty sloppy defense behind him--a bloop single that Kanemoto should have gotten to and then another error by Kanemoto later. Still, he needs to learn to pick himself up after bad defense behind him. I think he belongs in the rotation for now and can hold his own.
Despite the disappointment of this tie, it was a very positive weekend. We fought back every game against our old nemesis Chunichi. It's a good sign heading into a brutal week and month of baseball.
I hate to say it, but Kanemoto's performance does trouble me. He's the weak link in a very lethal offense right now. When you also consider his defense, they really have to question whether he should be an everyday player. It's one thing to move him down from batting 4th, but I don't see them taking him completely out of the line-up.
Re: July 31st Tsuru v Nakata - Dragons just hang on
[ Author: Guest: Eric Lord | Posted: Aug 2, 2010 5:49 PM
]
You're mostly right about Kanemoto - even though I'm a huge fan of his, his offensive numbers this year don't justify below-average defense at a corner outfield spot. Just based on watching the games, kind of felt like his production had improved since he returned to the lineup, so I went ahead and ran the stats since his return to left field on 7/16 against the Swallows.
11 GP 39 AB 42 PA 9 H 4 RBI 3 BB 10 K
BA 0.231 OBP 0.286 SLG 0.358 OPS 0.644
That's a bit better than earlier in the year when he was down below the Mendoza Line, but still not fantastic. The high strikeout-to-walk ratio is also really worrying. Even still, it seems (again, just based on watching the games with no evidence to back me up) that his hits always seem to come at good spots in the middle of rallies or big innings. Also encouraging is his flyout-to-groundout ratio (15-4), if you're really desperate for a bright spot.
Of course, the Tigers don't have a lot of other options in the corner outfield. Lin is a good hitter, but his fielding is as bad as Kanemoto's - I really like the role he's found as the left-handed go-to pinch-hitter. With Sekimoto and Kanoh from the right side, that's one of the most fearsome benches in Japanese ball. Fujikawa Shunsuke is amazing defensively, but a poor hitter - his best use is a late-inning defensive replacement. Hirano can play the outfield, but that leaves second base to Yamato, who also can't hit very well, and is better used as a pinch-runner. Kanoh, as has been mentioned here, is better as a backup catcher, so that he can learn from Johjima.
One option, when he comes back from injury, is Nohara Yuya on the 2-gun team. I remember when he got called up last year and hit the lights out for a few games. He hurt himself early in the year on a dive into first base, but should probably be ready to go pretty soon - I'd love to see him get another crack with the big team.
11 GP 39 AB 42 PA 9 H 4 RBI 3 BB 10 K
BA 0.231 OBP 0.286 SLG 0.358 OPS 0.644
That's a bit better than earlier in the year when he was down below the Mendoza Line, but still not fantastic. The high strikeout-to-walk ratio is also really worrying. Even still, it seems (again, just based on watching the games with no evidence to back me up) that his hits always seem to come at good spots in the middle of rallies or big innings. Also encouraging is his flyout-to-groundout ratio (15-4), if you're really desperate for a bright spot.
Of course, the Tigers don't have a lot of other options in the corner outfield. Lin is a good hitter, but his fielding is as bad as Kanemoto's - I really like the role he's found as the left-handed go-to pinch-hitter. With Sekimoto and Kanoh from the right side, that's one of the most fearsome benches in Japanese ball. Fujikawa Shunsuke is amazing defensively, but a poor hitter - his best use is a late-inning defensive replacement. Hirano can play the outfield, but that leaves second base to Yamato, who also can't hit very well, and is better used as a pinch-runner. Kanoh, as has been mentioned here, is better as a backup catcher, so that he can learn from Johjima.
One option, when he comes back from injury, is Nohara Yuya on the 2-gun team. I remember when he got called up last year and hit the lights out for a few games. He hurt himself early in the year on a dive into first base, but should probably be ready to go pretty soon - I'd love to see him get another crack with the big team.
Re: July 31st Tsuru v Nakata - Dragons just hang on
[ Author: Guest: gotigersredsox | Posted: Aug 2, 2010 7:49 PM
]
I've said again and again I'd like to see Lin be a starting member, but I do see your point about having a good left-handed bat ready to come in and pinch-hit. When a big hit is needed, I'd go with Lin over the beloved Hiyama any day. At least think Kanemoto should sit now and then and give Lin the occasional start. I don't remember Lin's fielding being this bad until they moved him to left this year. If he starts, he could play right and Murton could go back to left.
Good to see Asai back from injury this year and playing well. He's a pretty impatient hitter, so I keep waiting for his average to take a dip, but he's stayed hot. If we can just get Toritani to play up to his potential every starter except Kanemoto could be flirting with or over .300!
Good to see Asai back from injury this year and playing well. He's a pretty impatient hitter, so I keep waiting for his average to take a dip, but he's stayed hot. If we can just get Toritani to play up to his potential every starter except Kanemoto could be flirting with or over .300!
Re: July 31st Tsuru v Nakata - Dragons just hang on
[ Author: Christopher | Posted: Aug 2, 2010 8:58 PM
| HAN Fan
]
Lin's throwing is worse than Kanemoto's so he's not really a solution at left. Hirano hasn't actually played left at all for Tigers only right and centre. Murton has played left and would be the logical choice for that position. However, I see no reason to dump Kanemoto just to move him down the batting order possibly even below Asai who is hitting well.
Re: July 31st Tsuru v Nakata - Dragons just hang on
[ Author: Guest: gotigersredsox | Posted: Aug 2, 2010 9:24 PM
]
I don't want to dump Kanemoto, just think he doesn't need to start every single day.
By the way, I read a headline the other day about a comment Kanemoto made about the base running "mistake" by Yamoto in that tie game. I think it was Sankei sports, but I can't find it now. I don't read Japanese fluently, so wasn't sure if I missed some nuance, but looked like Kanemoto was criticizing Yamato. Did anyone see that article?
By the way, I read a headline the other day about a comment Kanemoto made about the base running "mistake" by Yamoto in that tie game. I think it was Sankei sports, but I can't find it now. I don't read Japanese fluently, so wasn't sure if I missed some nuance, but looked like Kanemoto was criticizing Yamato. Did anyone see that article?
Re: July 31st Tsuru v Nakata - Dragons just hang on
[ Author: Christopher | Posted: Aug 3, 2010 5:45 AM
| HAN Fan
]
I didn't see the article and usually read the Daily Sports, not the other sports papers. I don't recall the criticism unfortunately.
Re: July 31st Tsuru v Nakata - Dragons just hang on
[ Author: Guest | Posted: Aug 3, 2010 9:25 AM
]
Hmm, not sure if Kanemoto should be calling guys out for their base running mistakes. His lack of hustle has cost Hanshin a few runs.
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Starting lineups
Dragons
1. Araki (Short)
2. Ohshima (Centre)
3. Morino (Third)
4. Blanco (First)
5. Wada (Left)
6. Yamai (Right)
7. Tanishige (Catcher)
8. N. Donoue (Second)
9. Nakata (Pitcher)
Yamai was replacecd by T. Donoue before the game started.
Tigers
1. Toritani (Short)
2. Hirano (Second)
3. Murton (Right)
4. Arai (Third)
5. Brazell (First)
6. Kanemoto (Left)
7. Johjima (Catcher)
8. Asai (Centre)
9. Tsuru (Pitcher)
Everything started so nicely for Tsuru he retired the first three batters in order. Then Tigers started the first in fine style. Toritani hit and Hirano bunted successfully to third - runners on first and second. Murton struck out. Arai however, hit a nice two base to left. Both runners made home 2-0 Tigers but Arai tried to turn the two base into a three base and was out. Brazell walked and Kanemoto hit to short who couldn't get the throw away in time. Johjima hit to left but only succeeded in flying out. Tsuru totally failed to hold the lead. Blanco hit and then Wada hit to left as well - runners on first and third wth no outs. T. Donoue hit into a double play which brought a run home 2-1 Tigers. Tanishige hit a two base to left - Tsuru failing to command this part of the zone. With the runner on second Johjima decided to walk N. Donoue to get at Nakata. This was a sensible strategy but he reckoned without Tsuru who screwed up badly and gave up a right hit to Nakata 2-2 scores tied, runners on first and third. He might be a beginner but really he has to pitch better if he wants to stay in the top team. Araki walked to load the bases but Ohshima flew out to end the innings. A disastrous piece of poor pitching by the Tigers starter. Tigers second was quiet with the batters falling in order. Tsuru got the first two outs in the Dragons third but then walked Wada. The next batter was T. Donoue who hit his first pitch for a two run home run 4-2 Dragons. Three of their runs had come from non batters and really Tsuru only has himself to blame. His carelessness had put his team in a difficult position. He then struck out Tanishige looking but this was too little too late. Tigers third started promisingly, Hirano hit to short and reached second on the throwing error. Murton's ground out took him to third and then Arai walked. Brazell struck out which brought up Kanemoto who really must do something to justify his place at No. 6. At the moment he is a waste of space with runners on and should really be dropped to No. 7. He struck out looking and his was only the first time in this game. Johjima is hot and he should be moved into the No.6 slot with Kanemoto at No. 7.
T. Donoue led off Dragons fourth with a hit to short. He advanced to second on Nakata's bunt but got no further with the next two batters falling easily. However, this was the last of Tsuru's undistinguished innings as the Dragons clean up was coming up next. Tigers fourth saw Asai hit to right. Hiyama (pinch hitter) grounded out moving Asai to second and then Toritani hit to right to set up runners on first and third. Toritani then stole second but Hirano grounded out to third. Hirano doesn't drive in many RBIs but does hit and the case for moving him to the first postion is very strong. Murton could go second and Toritani third. Despite the fact that he has less opportunities to drive in runs than Murton, Toritani still leads him in RBIs. Nishimura took over for Dragons fifth and gave up a two base hit to Wada with two out. This didn't result in anything as T. Donoue flew out to left to end the innings. In Tigers fifth Arai walked but somehow neither Brazell nor Kanemoto did anything against the very ordinary Nakata. Dragons sixth saw Tanishige walk to start the innings. N. Donoue bunted him to second and there he stayed as Nishimura dealt handily with Nakata and Araki to end the innings. Johjima welcomed Nakata to Tigers sixth by hitting a two base. Asai struck out but Lin walked and that was the end of Nakata. He had been pretty abysmal throwing 132 pitches in his not even six innings but managing to hold the lead. However, to continue him any more was really tempting fate and so he was replaced by Kobayashi. He did what was necessary striking out Toritani and then getting Hirano to ground out again.
Fujihara started Dragon seventh. Two outs followed rapidly but then Mayumi decided to switch to Watanabe for Blanco. This was successful with Blanco striking out swinging. Asao took Tigers seventh and getting Murton and Arai faced Brazell. The home run that followed was a straight just to the right of the scoreboard 4-3 Dragons. Kanemoto struck out to end the innings but the game was no longer comfortable for the Dragons. It became even less comfortable as their eighth was unproductive and the clean up were disposed of comfortably by Watanabe. Shimizu started Tigers eighth with a hit to Johjima. Asai bunted him to second and then Sekimoto (pinch hitter) walked. This spelled the end of Shimizu and he was replaced by Takahashi. This was not a wise change as Toritani hit a two base hard to right and Johjima was home 4-4 scores tied runners on second and third. Perhaps Yamato (pinch running for Sekimoto) should have tried for home as well and given Tigers the lead. It might have failed and if there is any criticism of Tigers management of this game it is an over-conservative approach. Hirano was next and he lined out to end the innings. Instead of Kyuji Fujikawa for the Tigers ninth Mayumi went with Kubota. Whilst I am a big fan of Kubota surely this situation was more suited to Kyuji. Anyway Kubota gave up a lead off hit to Donoue (the T version). He was bunted to second by Koike (pinch hitter) - a waste of a pinch hitter if ever there was one. Arai flew out but Ohshima somehow managed a hit. Next was Morino with runners on first and third and also hit to left 5-4 Dragons, runners on first and second. Blanco tried but grounded out to first to end the innings. Tigers ninth and Iwase with Ochiai contemplating victory. Murton grounded out but Arai battled and then launched a huge two base which just fell short of being a home run. Brazell struck out but Iwase was in an unaccustomed position. The batters were fighting him and he was getting a bit frustrated. Kanoh (pinch hitter) followed Brazell and proceeded to foul off several. The eighth pitch hit Kanoh - dead ball. Next Johjima who also fought hard and picked up another dead ball, bases loaded and Iwase was in trouble. Still he only had one out to go and focused on Asai. Asai swung at his thid pitch and broke his bat as he did so which had an effect on his short ground out. It gave him just enough time to reach first and Arai to reach home 5-5 scores tied bases loaded - Iwase had blown it. Shimizu struck out but it was extra innings.
Kyuji Fujikawa pitched Dragons tenth and retired the batters in order. Mise started Tigers tenth and with two outs walked Murton. This brought an immediate switch to Hirai who struck out Arai to end the innings. For Dragons eleventh, Mayumi went with Andoh - always a risky prospect but he was sound and retired the batters in order. Hirai continued with Tigers eleventh and retired the batters in order. In fact one could say that Tigers batting in the extra innings was a bit lazy. They seemed happy with the tie and didn't seem to be looking for the win. Andoh returned for Dragons twelth and gave up a lead off hit to Ohshima. A balk (which is an entirely possible happening with Andoh) took him to second and so Johjima decided to deliberately walk Morino. A big mistake as Nomoto bunted to first and Brazell could not decide which base to throw to meaning the bases were loaded with no outs. Here though Andoh did do well and redeemed his earlier mess ups. Wada struck out, Dragons most dangerous batter was gone. Kuramoto (replacement right) flew out to second - not far enough and the sacrifce fly was ruled out. The final batter was Tanishige who flew out to end the innings and Andoh had escaped. Now Dragons needed to prevent the sayonara and they did this very effectively. The pitcher Suzuki retiring the three batters he faced in order - Mayumi having run out of pinch hitters having to use Andoh as a batter. This was poor planning but the game was tied.
Tigers could be happier with the result. The Dragons hadn't been as formidable as before and they needed to win this game for their pennant challenge. It is nice to see Kanoh back in the top team and as a catcher not a fielder. He will make a great understudy to Johjima. Brazell hit his 33rd home run and is tied with Ramirez for the lead. One does wish though that he would hit home runs with runners on more often.