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Hanshin・Manager Okada
Photo by Sponichi
On the 26th, it was announced that Hanshin had signed development contracts with two pitchers as a result of tryouts held that month in the Dominican Republic. Manager Okada gave an interview at Koshien Stadium on the same day and said: “He threw almost 150 km. He seems organized and his control isn’t that bad. I don’t think he’s practiced that much.” That’s why I thought he was training in Japan. I think it has the potential to be transformative,” he expressed his expectations. Both are right-handed in their early 20s and are expected to come to Japan in March.
This is the team’s first attempt to conduct a large-scale entrance test in the country. Special Assistant Kyuji Fujikawa and the External Relations Officer visited the site to assess their capabilities. Director Okada watched the test, which was attended by about 70 people. “As a field player, I was totally disappointed. It’s difficult to be an outfielder.” As the level of Japanese baseball has risen in recent years, it is still difficult for assistant players to play an active role. With this in mind, the team launched a project to extract and grow raw materials in the country where many large-scale gardeners are produced.
According to coach Okada, the two players have experience in the “lower leagues” of the major leagues and therefore seem to be the right material to train with.
“I’m not sure how well they can adapt to Japanese baseball, but it’s my first try. I think it would be beneficial if they could control it that way, even with one or two players.”
He has no intention of ending this as an isolated incident and has indicated his intention to continue, saying: “If we can catch even one or two people next year, things will be different.” If the new challenge of the Teams to train foreign players under training contracts becomes a reality, the path to a successful team becomes even clearer. (Yohei Kuraseko)
○…Director Okada appeared live on the show “Nekketsu! Tigers Party” by Sun TV and mentioned Takahashi, who is aiming for a comeback after cleaning surgery on his left shoulder and surgery on his left wrist in June last year. “I could pitch. I heard he’s pitching better than I expected.” He revealed he’s received reports that his left arm is recovering well enough to be able to throw bullpen pitches while sitting with the catcher, and he’s excited on his recovery.
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