Love the Japan Game, but
Discussion in the Open Talk forum
Comments
OT: Do We Know Each Other?
[ Author: TimC51 | Posted: Jan 20, 2005 2:20 PM
]
Your name sounds familiar. Were you with the VA-115 Eagles, my former command? (I'm former AMS-2 Tim Gowan. Now work as a translator in Japan.)
Re: OT: Do We Know Each Other?
[ Author: Guest: Jeff Jackson | Posted: Jan 3, 2006 12:22 PM
]
Yo, Tim. This is Jeff Jackson. Drop me a line at jpjackson atmark mail d0t utexas d0t edu.
Re: Love the Japan Game, but
[ Author: Christopher | Posted: Jan 21, 2005 9:50 AM
| HAN Fan
]
Hi Don.
My impression was that the spectacular diving catches by the MLB players was more to do with a lack of speed and positioning than willingness to take more risks. To my mind Japanese fielding is of a much higher standard with players faster and more aware of the ball so they do not need to dive so often. Watching the Tigers/Yankees match last season I was surprised how noticeable this was.
Where there is a difference I think is in the pitching - MLB is definitely much more superior.
My impression was that the spectacular diving catches by the MLB players was more to do with a lack of speed and positioning than willingness to take more risks. To my mind Japanese fielding is of a much higher standard with players faster and more aware of the ball so they do not need to dive so often. Watching the Tigers/Yankees match last season I was surprised how noticeable this was.
Where there is a difference I think is in the pitching - MLB is definitely much more superior.
Re: Love the Japan Game, but
[ Author: Guest: John DePodesta | Posted: Jan 24, 2005 1:12 AM
]
My observation is that the fundamentals are very sound in Japan. It is true that some "webgems" by guys like Edmonds and Byrnes result form bad reads or slow speed. However, I do not think not reaching or attempting a catchable yet difficult play is explained by your statement.
You imply that all catchable plays are made due to excellent "read" and speed. I think the case is that many catchable plays are fielded cleanly and with more ease in NPB, not that there are more catchable plays made than in MLB. More MLB players will risk the embarassment of missing in order to make the play, even in a spectacular fashion. The NPB is a bit more risk adverse. It's simply a reflection of culture, not baseball skill.
You imply that all catchable plays are made due to excellent "read" and speed. I think the case is that many catchable plays are fielded cleanly and with more ease in NPB, not that there are more catchable plays made than in MLB. More MLB players will risk the embarassment of missing in order to make the play, even in a spectacular fashion. The NPB is a bit more risk adverse. It's simply a reflection of culture, not baseball skill.
Re: Love the Japan Game, but
[ Author: Christopher | Posted: Jan 24, 2005 11:30 AM
| HAN Fan
]
I never meant to suggest that all catchable plays in NPB are due to "read" and speed, but a lot are. Japanese culture is not particularly risk averse - more embarassment averse. Of course it is difficult to generalise, but speed and reaction is faster because of this embarassment factor. No one wants to be the guy who drops or misses the catch and everyone wants to do well for the team so they make sure they make the plays and are in a position to do so as securely as possible.
Re: Love the Japan Game, but
[ Author: mijow | Posted: Jan 24, 2005 11:30 PM
| HT Fan
]
I suppose another factor may be the prevalence of artificial turf in Japan, with players quite understandably not wanting to land too heavily on a surface that is essentially concrete.
I've witnessed some spectacular diving catches at Koshien, which has a grass outfield. So maybe the surface has has something to do with it.
I've witnessed some spectacular diving catches at Koshien, which has a grass outfield. So maybe the surface has has something to do with it.
Re: Love the Japan Game, but
[ Author: mijow | Posted: Jan 25, 2005 9:42 PM
| HT Fan
]
- ... a surface that is essentially concrete.
Which, of course, applies mainly to the domes, as I meant to say.
Which, of course, applies mainly to the domes, as I meant to say.
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The only gripe I have with Japanese players is the fact they don't take enough risks. I mean they don't dive for the ball like American players do. A lot of Japanese outfielders let the ball bounce in front of them instead of going for the circus catch.
Of course, I have not seen a game for ten years, so maybe I am off base. I would love to see a game on TV, but they are never on.