Future Stars?

You might also want to consider Yu Darvish and Kento Tsujimoto.

Nishioka and Toritani are going to be huge. I especially love what Nishioka's been able to put up so far this year, sharing the spotlight with Hori and Kosaka.

I think Imae (3B) of the Marines is going to be the next great young Japanese third baseman. I see him like a third base version of Kazuya Fukuura. Actually, I see him hitting for a little less average and more power. Perhaps around the 20-25 HR range with a .290-.310 average.

Miki of the Giants was hyped to be a great starter, but we just have to wait on that.

Aoki of the Swallows has been doing an amazing job replacing Inaba so far. It seems like losing Inaba was for the better, since Aoki is hitting better and is faster on the bases.

I still think there are a couple more Shima type players to be discovered in ni-gun. They just need to be given a chance.

- I think Imae (3B) of the Marines is going to be the next great young Japanese third baseman. I see him like a third base version of Kazuya Fukuura. Actually, I see him hitting for a little less average and more power. Perhaps around the 20-25 HR range with a .290-.310 average.

Marines fans have to be encouraged by the play of Imae and Nishioka so far, especially considering their youth. Is there a younger starting player in NBP than Nishioka?

Through the first 13 games of the season, Tsuyoshi Nishioka is hitting .413/.471/.739. He's not going to hit over .400 and slug over .700 for the year. But if he keeps hitting like the best shortstop in NPB, it will be interesting to see how his season at age 20/21 compares to a couple of recent superstars when they were the same age.

Ichiro: 1994, .385/.445/.549
Godzilla: 1995, .283/.363/.481

Being a Hanshin fan, I haven't been totally thrilled with Toritani. Being the first pick last year, I expexted a little more from him. Even this seasion I don't think he has impressed. Also he struggles under pressure, highlighted yesterday when he grounded and struck out in the 2nd and 4th innings with a runner on third.