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Chunichi Top of order.

Discussion in the Open Talk forum
Chunichi Top of order.
It's of course no surprise to read of Hanshin's line-up woes, but does anyone have any opinions on the Dragons minor and potentially major problems.

Minor - Tyrone Woods. Typically getting a lot of stick from the fans in the gaiya seats for his slightly slow start, some of which has been deserved. I feel a little time and he will come good though, and it's been great to see his defense on first this year.

Major - The top of the order. Araki especially, batting something like .160 at the moment. Ibata could be doing a little better too. You can't realistically rest either of these guys, because they play so much that the Dragons have stifled any development of their backups in the infield. Recently, Kamata was dropped to ni-gun, leaving the only cover of either position as Masahiro Kawai in the first team squad. If you tinker with the order, how do you do it? One idea is put Ibata to lead-off, followed by Alex, and Araki bats at 7. Another is lead-off with Hidenori, but he really doesn't have the average to do that. Anyone else have any thoughts?
Comments
Re: Chunichi Top of order.
[ Author: BigManZam | Posted: Apr 18, 2006 12:07 PM | CLM Fan ]

I was just thinking the other day about how the Dragons have absolutely no backup plan if something happens to Araki or Ibata. I'm surprised about how poorly Araki is doing. I think Fujii should get another shot at the #2 spot, and then you could possibly put Ibata at lead off. Araki could bat 8th until he gets going.
Re: Chunichi Top of order.
[ Author: Christopher | Posted: Apr 18, 2006 1:50 PM | HAN Fan ]

Woods started slowly last year as well I seem to recall. With Ibata he is performing a very useful role staying where he is. What was noticeable is how often he fouls and battles the pitcher tiring them out. I don't think it would be quite as effective if he was lead off. Where the Dragons will struggle is with their pitching - against the Tigers they didn't so much win the games as Tigers loose them. The batting order is formidable but needs better pitching backup. Changewise they are in a similar situation to Hanshin - too soon to hit the panic button.
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