Tigers season - Batting and fielding

Thoughts on Tigers players performance throughout the season. Players are listed in shirt number order and their HRs, RBIs and batting averages are quoted.

1. Takashi Toritani
Av: .301, HR: 19, RBI: 104
A much improved season which saw Toritani excel in every category. He became the first shortstop in Japan to ever reach 100 RBIs and hit sensibly particularly when batting third. Fielding was awesome and despite the odd error he showed a stunning ability to stop scoring chances.

2. Kenji Johjima
Av: .303, HR: 28, RBI: 91
His first season at Tigers was a very creditable performance. Catching and calling was excellent and batting was of a very high standard. Production did fall off late season and Johjima who had previously hit left to left-centre exclusively focused on hitting left.

3. Kentaro Sekimoto
Av: .256, HR: 3, RBI: 12
Used mainly in the pinch hitting role Sekimoto made a useful contribution. As usual he had that sense of occaision which enabled him to get on base or hit the vital run when needed. Late in the season he acted as a replacement for Brazell at First.

4. Hiroki Uemoto
Av: .333, HR: 0, RBI: 2
Used mainly as a pinch runner, Uemoto demonstrated nice speed. He was responsible for the 'miracle run' on 9th July when he went from first to home.

5. Keichi Hirano
Av: .350, HR: 1, RBI: 24
Another batter who improved in every category. Hirano was able to hit and get on base again and again. His scoring production was up and he made a nice follow on to Murton. He was asked to bunt too many times though and now holds the Tigers record for sacrifice bunts (59) but one has to ask should a batter hitting .350 really be asked to bunt so often? As ever totally committed in the field and incredibly versatile

6. Tomoaki Kanemoto
Av: .241, HR: 16, RBI: 45
His production was down initially due to injury but then to the fact he couldn't get back into the swing of things. A danger to unwary pitchers but to those on the ball an easy out. Pride didn't allow him to admit this and the positions he batted when he returned (Nos 5 and 6) were far above his ability at the time. Fielding was likewise not so proficient. He needs to rest and try again next year.

7. Shunsuke Fujikawa
Av: .255, HR: 1, RBI: 10
A Mayumi favourite he played all positions of the outfield and kept more powerful and productive batters out of the team. His defense wasn't the best particularly when he got near the fence and his production was poor. Failed to exhibit the speed needed as well. His prominence has to be said to be a mistake.

8. Ryo Asai
Av: .297, HR: 3, RBI: 14
Didn't get as much playing time as he could have and was platooned with the inadequate Shunsuke Fujikawa. He was able to hit more and drive in more runs in less games and in the centre field showed a much better defensive appreciation. Mayumi should have made more use of his abilities.

9. Matt Murton
Av: .349, HR: 17, RBI: 91
Holds the all time hits record for Japan (214) Murton was a revelation. He drove in runs, got on base and charged around the field like he was possessed. In fact he was a bit too enthusiastic in the field getting in other fielders ways but no one could fault his commitment. He was an excellent lead off batter but no so hot at No. 3. Still a great debut and a real contributor to Tigers season.

24. Shinjiro Hiyama
Av: .254, HR: 1, RBI: 12
He cemented his place as Tigers 'daida no kamisama' (God of pinch hitters). His professional approach and ability to hit when needed were awesome. Hiyama has settled into the role of Tigers pinch hitter very well and delivers.

25. Takahiro Arai
Av: .311, HR: 19, RBI: 112
Another much improved player, Arai finally showed his potential and what a potential it was. He developed into a hitting machine able to drive in runners when needed. Arai can hit and score any side of the field and this makes him potentially very dangerous. His home runs were not so many but were always elegant swings with a check at the end. Fast round the bases Arai flourished as Tigers No. 4 batter. Fielding was also excellent and Arai was a secure third base.

31. Lin Weichu
Av: .289, HR: 4, RBI: 22
He didn't get enough playing time but his RBI count shows that he could have possibly managed at least 50 if he had been allowed to play more. His bat speed is back but he does need to work more on his strike out rate.

33. Ikuro Katsuragi
Av: .207, HR: 1, RBI: 3
Ineffective and eventually despatched to ni-gun. There really isn't much else we can say about Katsuragi this year.

35. Katsuhiko Saka
Av: .269, HR: 2, RBI: 7
Made a few appearances late in the season but was not really impressive with the bat. In fact, like Shunsuke Fujikawa he was a drag on the side's run production capability and did not add anything spectacular in speed. Fielding at second was highly impressive though and rivalled Hirano for its dynamism.

39. Akihiro Yano
Av: .222, HR: 0, RBI: 1
Injury kept Yano out of the first team and when he did play it was as pinch hitter. He acknowledged the inevitable and retired at the end of the season though Kyuji Fujikawa managed to mess up his retirement game.

45. Takashi Shimizu
Av: .250, HR: 0, RBI: 0
A reserve catcher who did nothing to catch the attention of anyone. Dropped to ni-gun where he belongs at the moment.

50. Mitsunobu Takahashi
Av: .000, HR: 0, RBI: 0
A pinch hitter who failed to perform. Will retire and become a Tigers ni-gun coach.

51. Kodai Sakurai
Av: .255, HR: 9, RBI: 30
Despite being injured for a big portion of the season Sakurai's scoring potential showed through. He was totally secure at right and needs to be given a whole season. He was certainly a better prospect than Shunsuke Fujikawa who Mayumi often preferred. Has power and the ability to use it.

60. Shinji Komiyama
Av: .250, HR: 0, RBI: 2
Used as a replacement catcher for Johjima. Inadequate in the role.

66. Yamato Maeda
Av: .273, HR: 0, RBI: 4
Used mainly as a pinch runner for his role Yamato was able to make a useful contribution. His speed round the bases was misused by Mayumi though.

67. Craig Brazell
Av: .296, HR: 47, RBI: 117
Even better than the season before, Brazell did have some difficulties hitting with runners on but still managed to produce an enormous amount of RBIs for the Tigers. He hit when needed and was a positive asset. His fielding at first was excellent except for one really bad screw up he was secure. He like Murton should return next season. He has the potential to hit even more.

99. Keisuke Kanoh
Av: .214, HR: 2, RBI: 5
Tigers lead catcher in 2009 he was relegated to the sidelines in 2010. This was quite scandalous treatment and showed a disregard of ability as he could have helped Johjima and would have worked well with Egusa. Talent and ability was sacrificed for mediocrity and Kanoh might want to think about being posted and becoming first catcher for a different team.

The following position players were let go at the end of the season, outfielder: Takahiro Shoda (0), Yusuke Takahashi (121) infielder: Keisuke Mizuta (32), Yuji Oshiro (63), Hisanori Nishitani (127).