Baseball commentator Yasushi Tao (68), an alumnus of Hanshin professional baseball, updated his YouTube channel on October 19, 2022, with a unique perspective on infielder Ryo Watanabe (27), who was traded from Nippon-Ham to Hanshin. analysis of
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“There are too many left-handed batsmen in the starting line-up.”
Hanshin and Nippon-Ham announced on the 18th that a two-for-two exchange trade was being established. Outfielder Ohga Egoe (29) and pitcher Yukiya Saito (27) were transferred from Hanshin, and Ryo Watanabe and infielder Yuji Takahama (26) were transferred from Nippon-Ham.
Watanabe, who graduated from Tokai University’s Kofu High School, was selected by Nippon-Ham 1st overall in the 2013 draft and joined the team. In 2019, he reached his first regular at bat, leaving a batting average of .262, 11 home runs, and 58 RBI. This season, the opportunity to participate has decreased significantly, and he has only participated in 21 games.
Takahama graduated from Yokohama High School and joined the team after being selected 7th overall in the 2014 draft. Although he spent a long time in the second army, he earned regular first base in 2009 and participated in 107 games, posted a .262 batting average, 8 home runs, and 43 RBI. This season participation ended in 1 RBI with no home runs in just 7 games.
Regarding the addition of Watanabe and Takahama, Mr. Tao, “The Tigers’ weak point was their low batting average against left-handed pitchers, but two right-handed batters have entered. He explained the need for a right-handed hitter as follows.
“There are too many left-handed batsmen in the starting line-up. This was one of the big points. Nakano (Takumu), Shimada (Kairi), Chikamoto (Koji), Sato (Teruaki), and Itohara (Kento). of the five left-handed batters out here, at least five of the eight batters had left-handed batters. Inevitably, many teams will field left-handed pitchers. It is difficult to hit that left-handed pitcher. 2022 was a difficult year.”
“There is fierce competition for second and short jobs”
He praised Mr. Tao Watanabe’s slugging ability and expressed his opinion that moving to Hanshin, whose home is Koshien Stadium, would increase his home runs.
“I think it’s hard to increase the number of home runs with a big baseball stadium in Hokkaido as the home field. In that regard, the wind at Koshien Stadium is generally advantageous for right-handed batsmen. Hamakaze blows. I think it’s safe to say that Ryo’s home run count is bound to increase. I think he’ll continue to use him at second if he doesn’t get injured.”
He also pointed out that the addition of two right-handed batsmen as a new force will widen the range of strategies for manager Akifu Okada (64).
“Considering the members we had so far, I think we could only create a strategy that was limited to a certain extent. , This is this trade. This is the first trade that went very well. a bright spot for the Tigers.”
Furthermore, “Right now, I think Ryo Watanabe will be used as second. Next season, the competition for second and shortstop will be even more intense than the this season.”
According to sports newspapers and other reports, Director Okada talked about how to use Watanabe after the trade was set up, and revealed that he considers him a force in the second. Regarding the two games, he is said to have stated his intention to “fix at least 80% (of the season)”.
