Don’t be fooled by the title – rather, note that the pennant and the Japan Series are two separate terms… and this one is referring to the Buffaloes winning the Pacific League title… in 2021. The book was written a couple of years back, as Orix won its first pennant since its merger in late…
Hosts T-Ray and Sanjay discuss team news, the three games that made up the Climax Series Final Stage, and then break down the upcoming Japan Series – the Hanshin Tigers’ first trip to the dance since 2014. Who’s going to win? Why? In how many games? Your thoughts/comments/predictions are welcome, too! Recorded on: October 24,…
From our monthly Daily Sports column / デイリースポーツの連載コラムから It’s funny how a couple of wins will cheer up your soul, even after a whole string of losses. The Hanshin Tigers started the year 1-15-1 and now find themselves sitting at 7-20-1 (as of April 28). Still in last and that will not change for weeks,…
The Kansai Derby always seems to be interesting. This year, it was the Orix Buffaloes turn to “hit the road” and come over to Koshien. The series was delayed thanks to a rainout on Wednesday (June 6), and the rubber match wasn’t played until two weeks after it was originally scheduled. The way it was played,…
In case you missed it, there is an amazing baseball tour that can take you all across Japan. You can travel in from anywhere in the world, join the group, and experience Japan and its yakyu from multiple perspectives: different cities, stadiums, seats, subcultures, and more. The tour comes in three options: Main Tour, See…
← Click here for more information about the Orix Buffaloes The last time these two teams clashed at Kyocera Dome (in 2015), the results were disgraceful. Hanshin got outscored 26-2 over three games, and left Osaka for the comfortable confines of Koshien with bruised egos. Would this time be any different? Game 53 – Tuesday…
The Hanshin Tigers signed “B-Rank” free agent Yoshio Itoi last month, and in doing so, gave the Orix Buffaloes two options: receive a cash compensation totaling the equivalent of 60% of Itoi’s 2016 salary, or a sum equalling just 40% of his salary plus a player “to be named (by Orix) later.” If the latter…
Veteran Outfielder Reportedly to Earn ¥1.8 Billion over 4 Years The headline can be anagrammed “F.A.I.L.” but this acquisition should, at least for the immediate future, be seen as a successful endeavor. The day teams were free to negotiate with new free agents, Tomoaki Kanemoto jumped at the opportunity to meet with former Orix Buffaloes…
Here’s a basic rundown of the free agency situation in NPB. For players to acquire the right to become domestic free agents, they must have served on a team’s top squad for at least seven years (if involved in a trade, the years from the previous team count). Then they must apply to the commissioners’ office…
The Tigers combined to win two of nine (one vs. Lions, none @ Marines and one @ Fighters) against quality Pacific League opponents. Their two wins against the then-last place Eagles was barely acceptable, and the same result against the now-last place Buffaloes would also be the bare minimum, though a sweep would definitely be preferred,…