Tigers Lamentable Performance

Well, there was so much magic during the 10-game winning streak that it seemed like they had 1st place clinched, even though their biggest lead was about 1 game (can't remember if it was 0.5 or 1.5). Instead of teasing us with that, it almost would have been better if they had just stayed around .500 and settled for the 3rd playoff spot.

Still, with the kind of streaks they have had this year (both hot and cold), all we can hope is that they suddenly get hot again in a few days and never let up. I don't expect that to happen, but I'm at least hoping for it.

Spot on, JR. I always thought third place was a more realistic goal this season, with the hope that they could get it together for the post-season. Maybe they peaked too early.

But I knew there'd be a reversal or two before the end of the season, although I wasn't expecting something so severe. Overuse of Fujikawa has been a problem (despite zman's protestations), and Williams hasn't shown the same form after his return from injury. That grand slam given up by Vogelsong last night was so depressing, and perhaps tells the story of the last two weeks.

Six games to go. They just need one or two wins to clinch the final playoff spot, and then they can rest some of the key players (although it would be nice to finish ahead of the Dragons).

Yeah, hate to be pessimistic, but even when they were in first and riding high, I feared that their inconsistent rotation would eventually catch up with them. Again, they have shown that when they are hot they can beat anyone anywhere, but you can only go so far without having a true ace, which they haven't this year.

Hey, it's the Tigers. Win 10 and then lose 8. That is why we love them so. If you are a real fan of the Tigers you understand this, as opposed to those who support other teams or sports (cricket for example).

The hitting now is just woeful. No one in the lineup last night was over .300. Sheets is fading again and is helping to assure his job in the Mexican league next year.

But Hanshin could turn things around starting today, and if very lucky get by the Dragons to face the dreaded YGs.

Hey zman, Fujikawa seemed to be back to normal tonight, so maybe he finally got the rest you've been going on and on about. Pity about all those blown saves though.

And yep, Sheets is sure fading, so it looks as if you might be right about him. Still, I think you called it too early - he was starting to put it together when you put the hex on him. As you note, though, the batting of the whole team has been dreadful, so maybe he won't be only one let go.

As to what only real Tigers fans understand, ha, that's so funny - you really are starting to sound like Christopher.

I thought I was the pessimistic one. What I would say about the recent run of losses is that the timing qualifies as inappropriate.

As for who is under threat - Imaoka, Akahoshi, and Sheets (but I think he will stay). Noguchi as well must be considered as under threat. Katsuragi seems to have made a good case for himself and Toritani needs to learn to focus on hitting on the field not elsewhere.

It was you along with the other cricket lovers that wrote off Fujisawa. The speed on his pitches did not change at all during your many posts. As for the blown saves, that was out of character, but even Mario Rivera goes through bad patches.

So the Tigers did finally win tonight, hopefully they can play 500 ball for the rest of the season and prepare for the playoff series properly.

Regarding the nature of the Tiger fans, be honest and admit that usually the Tigers lose. For decades at a time they have lost. Doesn't matter however, perhaps it does only to the bandwagon fans such as you and Christopher.

Who is Fujisawa? I think you mean Fujikawa. The speed of his pitches is not the important thing - it's his control, and this started to go. That is why he blew the saves. Fujikawa himself complained about feeling tired and Jeff had to be nurtured very carefully. Overuse of your elite relief team means that they will not be 100% when they are most needed. This is what happened. No one wrote him off - just recognized this overuse.

If he was not used in the manner he was the Tigers would be where you predicted they would be, in last place.

And if he had not been overused they might still be challenging for the pennant.

- It was you along with the other cricket lovers that wrote off Fujisawa.

No, not true. I never wrote off Fujisawa. Read the posts. I merely supported the view that Okada should not be using him in non-save situations. Big difference.

- ...perhaps it does only to the bandwagon fans such as you and Christopher.

Bandwagon fan? Mmmm... I wouldn't exactly call someone who joined this forum in October 2001 a bandwagon fan. FYI I've been in Japan for over 15 years, saw them lose the pennant to Yakult by one game in 1992, experienced the lost decade along with everybody else. Frankly, if you only knew how deeply I've been involved with the Tigers over the years, your eyes would water. No, really.

- If you are a real fan of the Tigers you understand this, as opposed to those who support other teams or sports (cricket for example).

I need help. I'm trying to follow your argument, but don't understand this part. It sounds like you're saying no-one who likes any sport other than baseball can be a fan of the Tigers and, by the same token, no fan of Hanshin could ever like another sport. That's not what you're saying, is it?

Could you clarify that for me, please?

I almost started another one of those "Tigers' slump stats" threads, but naaah, we all know the story.

Just this one tidbit: as of last night (Sep. 27, 2007), Hanshin have apparently gone 20 innings without a "timely hit" (excl. HRs).

Just this one tidbit: "... as of last night (Sep. 27, 2007), Hanshin have apparently gone 20 innings without a 'timely hit' (excl. HRs)."

As the only runs last night (28th) came on Lin's homer, I guess that streak is still intact.

Congratulations boys - you got those timely hits you have been looking for today vs. the Carp.

By the way, I was just wondering - do you all support the same team, or are you all supporting different Tigers teams in parallel universes?

As a welsh rugby fan (a little off the point perhaps) I have always maintained that we were the most inward-looking and critical of fans, but have recently come to think that you lot top the lot - you have my respect. Sort of!

- By the way, I was just wondering - do you all support the same team, or are you all supporting different Tigers teams in parallel universes?

Well, that's the problem. There are actually two Tigers teams this year - the team with a 10-game winning streak and also the team with 8 and 9-game losing streaks. All teams have their ups and downs, but the Tigers have been pretty extreme this year!

An agonizing year in many ways, yet let's just be happy and grateful that they did make the cut despite all those ups and downs. For now it's "Tora tora tora!" into the post-season!

Um, you're still a bit premature in the celebrations. Mathematically, the BayStars can still win 9 in a row, including 2 against the Tigers, and snatch third place. If Hanshin is accomidating and dropped their remaining three games, then Yokohama only needs to win 8 of their last 9.

You wouldn't want to be the one who jinxes them for calling the third place finish too early, would you? I don't think the Tora fans around here would appreciate that.

- I almost started another one of those "Tigers' slump stats" threads, but naaah, we all know the story.

Okay, so I can't help myself. Here we go...

There's been a lot of talk of JFK being fatigued. That got me thinking about the last time JFK got the night off because Hanshin were well in the lead rather than losing. So, pop quiz! Can you remember when Hanshin last won by three or more (regardless of whether or not JFK pitched)?

The answer is written below, but have an honest try before you look at the answer. FWIW, I got the answer way wrong; I could only remember that 12-2 blowout over Yakult in August. I wonder if that makes me a "bandwagon fan"?









Answer: The Tigers beat Yomiuri four to one (spelled out rather than written in numbers to avoid seeing the answer inadvertently) at Koshien on September 17.

Okay, next question. When was the last time Hanshin won by three or more and was ahead by that much by the end of the sixth inning (based on the assumption that JFK would otherwise appear starting in the 7th inning)? I have to admit I had no idea about this one, thus proving beyond a doubt that I am a bandwagon fan who watches other sports. In fact, just yesterday I was thrilled to watch Fiji knock Wales right out of the Rugby World Cup (ducks to avoid incoming leek thrown by Cardiff Carp. )









Answer: Hanshin led Yokohama six to one when the sixth inning ended on September 4. The Tigers went on to beat the BayStars six to two.

The 4th September game was the one in which Okada brought Fujikawa on when he didn't need to.

- The 4th September game was the one in which Okada brought Fujikawa on when he didn't need to.

That was the point all along. Who cares if it was not a "save" situation according to the rules? Okada is no less of a manager for not knowing the save rule, because crediting saves is irrelevant to winning games. It is a function of record keeping - not managing.

Okada said he would have used another pitcher, either brought in Kubota or left Hashimoto in the game. Thus, he didn't think Fujikawa was necessary but used him only to record a save - as opposed to actually saving the win. And this was after Fujikawa had thrown in four straight games and the Tigers were beginning a stretch of six more without a day off.

Knowing the save rule is trivial. However, using players solely to help them acquire records, as Okada admitted doing, is poor managing.

- Who cares if it was not a "save" situation according to the rules?

Well my use of "non-save situation" is basically shorthand for exactly what you're saying. Don't worry Jim, I know what your point is. Your article couldn't have been clearer.

Fujikawa can get plenty of rest to prepare for the playoffs now that he helped the Tigers get there.

All this whining about Okada-san overusing his staff, he had to do what he had to do to make the playoffs, and it worked. Many were burying the Tigers in mid-season, let's not forget this. Westbay was sure his BayStars were going to climb out the B-Class, but it didn't happen.

There is something about baseball fans that takes them to the trivial in lieu of the bigger picture. It's like focusing on a minor blemish of your model girlfriend.

For getting the Tigers to third place Okada-san deserves to be Manager of the Year. He made more with less. Any idiot could have taken the YG's money line up to victory.

Well it's certainly an interesting view. If Okada had delivered the pennant then, yes, I could agree with you about the Manager of the Year. However, third place is not exactly something to go overboard on - it's better than nothing and holds out the potential of a Japan Series, but this is only a remote possibility. Remember, for a while the Tigers were in with a chance of the pennant and as Miyazaki-san was talking about how can they hold a victory sale for reaching the playoffs? As an achievement it's a bit underwhelming.

- Fujikawa can get plenty of rest to prepare for the playoffs now that he helped the Tigers get there.

Though the thing is, Hanshin's rotation just doesn't strike much fear in anyone. They can hardly get past the fifth or sixth inning. With the massive overwork Okada has placed on the pen due to the ineffective starting rotation, the wear and tear is going to catch up to them sooner or later, more sooner than later if Hanshin's pitching gets shelled against Chunichi.

Not to mention, Kubota has been overworked more than Fujikawa. He's been used in over 60% of Hanshin's games and has logged 107 innings. Also, Williams has had his share of shoulder problems all year.

Well, at least last night the BayStars were the ones throwing away the game. I mean, really? You intentionally walk Hiyama to get to Sekimoto? Is there any reason in a sane world for doing that? I don't even think lefty-righty is a valid argument here, and it's not like you can set up for a double play when there are already two outs and Yano on second anyway.