[Previous entry: "Japanese Baseball News: Sasaki Hammers Steinbrenner; Rhodes Hitting Seventh?"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "MLB News: Angels Land Guerrero"]
01/13/2004 Archived Entry: "Japanese Baseball News: Franco Reunited with Valentine; Takatsu Makes Case in L.A."
Team Reports
Hanshin Pitcher Katsuhiko Maekawa, who came over in a trade with Kintetsu, worked out with pro golfer Jumbo Ozaki Tuesday. Tigers boss Akinobu Okada has told the 6'1" Maekawa to lose some weight, but Ozaki, after watching the southpaw, posited that it wasn't necessary since he moves so well with the 210 pounds he's at now. Actually, what Maekawa really needs to focus on is keeping his pitches from getting fat, which has been a struggle the the last three seasons, when his ERA has soared well above 5.00....Hanshin got some bad news after an examination of prize rookie Takashi Toritani's vision, which, it turns out, isn't all that hot. "He might have some trouble picking the ball up during night games," said a training coach. While at college, Toritani played almost exclusively during the day. No word on whether he will be fitted for glasses, but it would probably be a good idea.
Chunichi Former Dragons ace Shinji Imanaka liked what seventh round choice Tsuyoshi Kawagishi was spinning during a bullpen workout Tuesday, saying that Kawagishi's mechanics will allow him to continue to improve....Number one choice Hiroki Nakagawa impressed coaches with his ability to suck up all the routine plays flawlessly even if his range isn't that spectacular. Nakagawa told a Chunichi Sports reporter that he would like to try playing some short. However, he is normally a third baseman and would probably be worked out at second before he might see the shortstop role.
Yomiuri Manager Tsuneo Horiuchi, who was known to miss a curfew or two when he was the ace of the Giants, has reportedly forbidden his players to stay out late, get drunk or play golf. "You can't win if you're too comfortable," the new skipper told an assembled audience of more than 900 in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture.
Yakult Free agent closer Shingo Takatsu threw 32 pitches today in a workout at Dodger Stadium. Swallows catcher Atsuya Furuta acted as his backstop. Friend Kazuhisa Ishii was also at the workout with pitching coaching Jim Colborn looking on, who, while prefacing his comments with the "it's still too early to tell" line, offered that Japan's all time saves leader has a better than average MLB sinker. Takatsu's agent, Joe Urbon, has invited scouts from other MLB teams to see his client throw in hopes of landing him a big league job.
Hiroshima Number one draft choice Yuta Shirahama was running a fever Tuesday morning, so he skipped practice and was taken to hospital as a precaution. After he was given an IV treatment, he felt much better, according to Sankei Sports.
Daiei According to Sankei Sports, Hawks lefty reliever Shuji Yoshida, who has racked up at least 50 appearances in each of the last six seasons, could break former Seibu sidearmer Takehiro Hashimoto's mark of 526 consecutive relief stints without making a start sometime in late 2005 at his current pace. He is currently at 424, third all time.
Seibu Key setup man Shinji Mori has hired a personal trainer and hopes to be allowed to compete for the closer's job with Kiyoshi Toyoda. He is working on strengthening his lower body to improve the consistency of his velocity....Meanwhile, Mori's teammate, pitcher Mitsutaka Goto, indicated that he wants to add a shuuto to his repetoire this spring.
Kintetsu Third baseman Norihiro Nakamura talked to reporters again about solving the supposed waning popularity of pro baseball in Japan, stating that he wants to build a new ballpark in cooperation with the city of Osaka "that will really wow the kids." Moreover, he revealed that he also hopes to create "a Koshien-type tournament for elementary schoolers."
Lotte The club announced the acquisition of former Mets catcher Matt Franco. The ex-understudy for Mike Piazza will make $800,000 in a one year pact and will wear number 4. He is expected to be used at third base, replacing Jose Fernandez and Rick Short, both of whom were released after last season....Seung-yeop Lee's returning to Japan has been held up for a few days due to visa issues. Waiting for him when he re-enters the country will be his new interpreter, who is also named Lee.
Miscellaneous Shidax pitcher Takahiko Nomaguchi, who should go in the first or second round of the 2004 draft, will probably not be allowed to be on the Japanese olympic baseball team due to manager Katsuya Nomura's judgement that his team is too pitching thin to allow his ace to play overseas. On the other hand, one could ask the question, "who cares about the industrial league?" Shidax is a processed foods company and one wonders if Nomura will be overruled by higher ups for public relations reasons. By the way, Nomura, who won championships as Yakult's helmsman, lectured about 80 industrial league coaches and managers for 90 minutes earlier today....Former Pacific League umpire Osamu Tachibana has been sent to Taiwan to instruct the pro umpires there, according to Hochi Sports. He will be there for a month.
Replies: 1 Comment
Matt Franco was not a bacup catcher for the Mets, or any other team.
He played first and third.
Posted by oops @ 01/16/2004 12:37 AM EST
