Thoughts on Bobby V. So Far

Well, even after losing 10 games in a row, the press was still sold that Bobby would get Lotte out of it. And when he left Lee at #4 despite a slump, and Lee finally came through, getting credit for breaking the losing streak, the press essentially called Bobby a genius. By believing in his players, they came through with a win. And they've won four straight since.

Currently, Lotte has the best ERA in the Pacific League at 4.00. (Still kind of high.) And they've got the worst batting average of all 12 teams at .244. The press knows that Valentine worked hard on getting over the batting problem during the Spring. There's not much more he could do. They've been keeping games close, out-scoring opponents 104 runs to 96 runs given up, and I've watched a couple of exciting sayonara endings.

The press is still as taken by Bobby as they were in 1995. 10 losses in a row were hard, but I don't see anyone blaming Valentine-kantoku for them. He did everything he could, including impromtu post-game meetings. All they need to do is win 10 in a row and nobody will remember this losing streak.

Is he letting them take the immensely-long pregame practices his Japanese players are used to, or is this American manager insisting on letting up, as he did 9 years ago?

Interesting thought, Albright-san.

Let me add more. During the last trial, Valentine-kantoku brought "ikino-kakatta-ningen," such as Franco and Incaviglia, with whom Kantoku used to build rapport. As a Ranger, Incaviglia especially had a head-start under Valentine-kantoku.

This time I also recognized that Matt Franco and Benny Agbayanni have been in Lotte's roster.

What are some benefits of having familiar faces in Valentine's lineup? I should absolutely check statistics, too.

Yuki Sei

Speaking of foreign managers, what's the opinion of the Japanese media about Hillman?

From what I've read in this forum and other articles in English I've found, Hillman will probably end up back in the U.S. next year. But is it possible that he might get renewed as the Fighters' manager?

Hillman has a good reputation, as a hard worker, with the Fighters' organization. He is also involved in community events. From what I have heard he is also learning Japanese (long term plans?).

However his ability to get along with Shinjo, may be a factor. With his Hollywood status and all. Shinjo has said one of the main reasons he prefers playing in Japan is the language factor, he then went on to comment that his manager (Hillman) could only speak English. This may be looking too deep into things, but if it comes down to a choice between Hillman or Shinjo, you gotta think the Fighters would hold on to Shinjo (he has the ability to attract fans).

Bats can wake up fairly quickly, so if he has batting talent, I wouldn't be too worried about the low team average right now.

I'm more interested in how he goes about motivating his players and if his techniques are different from other NPB managers. More importantly, I was wondering how effective Bobby V's techniques might be in NPB. He always liked a stirred pot in New York. I don't know how that would be received in NPB.

Bobby V. always had favorite players with the Mets. He might like their attitude, approach, and/or talent. Kincaid, Franco, and Benny A. were some of his favorites during his stint with the Mets. I am going to check Benny's stats. I posted a while back that I thought he had the make-up to be a very solif NPB player.

- I'm more interested in how he goes about motivating his players and if his techniques are different from other NPB managers.

That's really something that only someone closer to the team can answer. I only have what announcers say during games I watch and what's printed in the newspaper.

One thing that Valentine-kantoku does that no other manager would do is give his closer every chance in the world. And last night (May 3), Kobayashi failed yet again. That was Kobayashi's 5th failed save attempt (2 wins, 3 losses, 6 saves, 15 appearances), blowing yet another 2 run lead in the 9th. Most NPB managers would say, "Blow a save once, shame on you. Blow a save thrice, shame on, shame on, ..., never get a chance to blow another save again." But Bobby keeps sending him out there in tight games in the 9th. Oddly enough, I haven't yet seen anything critical about this practice.

Is Kobayashi one of his favorites? Has Bobby given him the role of closer and won't admit defeat? Does this sound like his normal strategy?

I really don't know a thing about Kobayashi-san, whether he is capable and having a tough streak or if he is overmatched.

I can tell you that Bobby was a big fan of Armando Benitez when he was the Mets' closer. Mondo has very good stuff - a 98 mph fastball and closed successfully most of the time. However, he is also a bit of a "head case." He could get rattled easily and, in high pressure games, could go into a melt down. You would hold your breath when he came in under those situations. Across town with the Yanks, Mariano Rivera would thrive in those situations and would slam the door shut. Mondo would open the door. The New York fans would get on Benitez and make matters worse. Bobby stuck with him at all times, defended him and helped massage his ego. This is what Mondo needed and he appreciated Bobby's untiring support.

Perhaps Bobby sees that Kobayashi-san needs total support during good or bad times so that he can be a successful pitcher. This might be a motivational tool, but I don't know anything about K-san. Bobby V. does have his favorites, and those who live in Bobby's dog house as well. That's Bobby - love him or hate him and vis-a-versa.

Benitez, I might add, was traded away last year and landed as the closer for the Florida Marlins. He is off to a great start this year. He could never have survived in New York - too much pressure, too unreliable, too many unforgiving fans.

Bobby V. has always been a great personality in the dugout. He has that charismatic way of dealing with players (not to mention fans). His relationships with his players leave lasting imprints. I went to watch B.V. manage the Norfolk Tides when I was younger and he was always a great guy. Always signed autographs and had conversations with the fans.

And Benny Agbayani is playing for him for the third time on the third different team (Norfolk Tides AAA, NY Mets). When I was in elementary school, Benny came and did an interview with my News Crew (Churchland Elementary, VA) and he said he always loved playing for Bobby because he had confidence in his players.

Benny has always been great with the fans and so has Bobby. Japanese baseball is priviledged to have both of them. And if anyone knows how I can contanct Benny, please e-mail me. And should Benny happen to read this: think Churchland Elementary School in the mid-late 1990's - Keith Barth - you gave me your bat before a game, invited me to your wedding, the AAA allstar game? E-mail me, it would be good to talk to you.

Another point worth mentioning right now is the strangeness in the breakdown of Lotte's wins and losses. Bobby V. and the Marines have owned the Buffaloes and the Hawks (defending champs), but have stumbled against Seibu and have yet to win a game against the Blue Wave (0-7 as of this post). Any possible reasons for that?

Seibu's the current Pacific League leader, so I can understand Lotte's lack of success there. But so far, Orix has been a middle-pack team at best. How does Lotte keep losing against Orix?

- Stevie