Press conference joining Arihara Kohei “A little bit where Senga left off”
I didn’t want to get the numbers right. I had to fill the “Chiga hole” with a player who would become a “biller”. On the 28th, Softbank held a press conference for pitcher Kohei Arihara at a hotel in Fukuoka city. GM Director Sugihiko Mikasa, who was present, explained the acquisition process, saying, “One of the themes of the formation was the hole that Senga was missing, and the maintenance of the starting pitchers.”
Pitcher Kodai Senga will currently practice his FA overseas and transfer to the major leagues. For the team, the challenge was how to fill the hole of the ace who won a total of 87 wins. Last season, aside from Senga, only pitcher Higashihama (10 wins) had double-digit wins. We needed a player who could lead the cards and contribute throughout the season.
GM Mikasa emphasizes the need to bolster the starting pitcher even in numerical terms.
“Even in terms of statistics (statistics), for many years, the pitchers have supported the closers during the Kudo period. The statistics showed that it was slightly lower, and Senga was also missing. It is encouraging ok to get Arihara to join.”
In terms of numbers, he revealed that the style of the team, in which pitchers have supported fielders, is reversed. Of course, there will be growth in the outfielders, but it was also seen as a pressing need to develop pitchers. In addition, Mikasa GM also mentioned the name of the pitcher Roberto Osuna, saying, “By reinforcing the relief team, we have many players who are suitable for the starting pitcher and middle pitcher. There is also an effect synergistic that can be assigned to the starting pitcher.” continuation.
Arihara himself enthused, “Chiga has always had great results. GM Mikasa said, “The Falcons were chosen from many options. The Hawks always have a goal that goes beyond the word booster.
(Gaku Takemura)
