Kiyohara Ready for 2008?

Kiyohara will be starting off spring training at ni-gun (the farm team), taking his time completing the rehabilitation on his left knee. He and Collins-kantoku are both hoping that Kiyo will be ready by Opening Day.

For additional support, both of Kiyohara's parents will be joining him at camp this year, his 23rd spring camp.

Michael,

I think we should have an opinion poll giving everyone a chance to vote on how many games Kiyohara will play this season. What do you think?

For the sake of nostalgia - 23 training camps, so I'll say that he also plays 23 games this year and then finally retires.

Hey guys, I'm kind of a closet Kiyohara fan, so I went ahead and did up an actual poll on our site. Come on over and vote [East Windup Chronicle].

23 games and 60 strike outs is my prediction.

Shinsano,

Thanks for the link. I voted for 21-50 games, with the expectation he will get into closer to 50 games before the season is over. You can be sure there will be some pinch hit appearances here and there, especially if the Buffaloes play the Giants in inter-league games this season, and the Buffaloes will milk his presence on the team for all its worth for as many home games as they can.

Regarding the poll over at East Windup Chronicle, after Miceli-san suggested it here, I passed the idea on to Shinsano-san. We had talked off list about the possibility of doing some Pro Yakyu related polls this season, and I thought the suggestion was a good one.

There was a suggestion that he's out to try to take readers from this site. Such rumors are false. East Windup Chronicle is a great complement to the discussions here, and you'll find that I link to a lot of his articles in the Pro Yakyu News and KBO News sections here.

Variety is good. And I'm happy to help promote more understanding of baseball throughout Asia. Shinsano's idea of doing polls throughout the season is one such effort that I'm in support of.

Just thought we should revisit this old thread. Golden Week is upon us and Kiyohara hasn't played a game. Any predictions or news on whether he will suit up this year? I'm looking forward to the Powell--Kiyohara showdown when Powell strikes him out and shuts up the old man.

I haven't seen anything about Kiyohara since the season started. I guess he'll start to show up for work in July, with an eye on some late-season appearances.

Who's the real cash boy? Can you believe this guy calling Powell "cash boy"? I hope he makes it back for one game and faces Powell so Powell can strike him out. I guess this guy sells merchandise and tickets, but come on.

When has this guy last played and been productive? Maybe a couple homers in 2006, but look at how stupid Orix is. 3 years and how many million dollars? Maybe if they spent that money on somebody else they could win a few more games and sell some tickets by winning instead of trying to sell a guy that never plays. He's the best mascot in NPB.

You are so right. I've been thinking the same thing. What a scam. I don't think Kiyohara is ever coming back. Orix just perpetuates the myth to sell Kiyohara goods. Orix should use the money they pay Kiyohara to get someone who can actually win games for them. Winning brings fans, but the Orix front office is to stupid to understand that concept.

Kiyohara played in a minor league game today with Surpass.

Yes, and he went 1 for 2 with 1 RBI.