The Japan Series features two teams from the Kansai area for the first time in 59 years. Last time (1964), the Tigers bowed out in seven games to the Nankai Hawks. This series features the Tigers for the first time since 2014, and the Buffaloes for the third straight year. How do former players (now Sports Nippon columnists and commentators) feel this series will go? Below this chart is a translation of each person’s thoughts…
Isao Harimoto (NPB’s all-time hits leader, Fighters etc.) Pitching ability is dead even. Orix has strong tenacity, but Hanshin has greater momentum now. This one will go the distance, and will surely develop into a pleasant viewing experience for those who know the game. Tigers in 7
Michiyo Arido (Infielder, “Mr. Lotte”, Orions) The Tigers have an advantage on defense, including the catcher. If they can split the first two games on the road, then win two of three at Koshien, they will be in good shape. The key is Teruaki Sato. Tigers in 7
Koichi Tabuchi (Catcher/Coach, Tigers etc.) Both have rock-solid pitching staffs. The Buffaloes may struggle to score runs with Sugimoto, Kurebayashi, and Tongu’s physical conditions in question. The fact that Hanshin runs out the same lineup every night is huge. Tigers in 6
Osamu Higashio (Meikyukai pitcher, Lions) Pitching staffs are a stalemate, both starters and bullpen. How will experience in the Japan Series play out? If the young Tigers pitchers can play their best games, it will be a good match. Buffaloes in 7
Kiyoshi Nakahata (2004 Olympic manager, Giants etc.) Both teams have strong pitching staffs, so it should be a low-scoring series. How will the offenses get that one extra run and protect the one-run leads? Hanshin has a slight advantage, what with its fixed batting order in which everyone knows his role. Tigers in 7
Shigekazu Mori (Pitcher/Manager, Lions etc.) Both teams are pitcher-centered and play strong defense. Hanshin has momentum in their favor but I am buying into Orix’s two straight years of Japan Series experience. Buffaloes in 7
Kazuhiko Ushijima (Pitcher/Manager, Dragons etc.) Pitching is a deadlock. Orix has three straight pennants but Hanshin has momentum. Okada’s guys have bought into his philosophy of drawing walks, giving them a bit of an edge. Tigers in 7
Hiromi Makihara (Pitcher – second-most recent perfect game, Giants) Pitching is dead even. If Orix loses red-hot Sugimoto to injury, their ability to score runs takes a hit. If he is able to play, they have a strong chance at the Nippon Ichi. Tigers in 7
Tsutomu Itoh (Catcher/Manager, Lions etc.) Starters are even. Hanshin has a slight advantage with wildcard Takuma Kirishiki in the bullpen. I saw their lineups as even as well, though the injuries to Orix players is going to hurt them. Tigers in 6
Takeshi Nakamura (Catcher/Coach, Dragons etc.) Both teams have outstanding pitching and games should all be within three runs, but Hanshin’s batting order strings together rallies a little better. The Tigers fans will also be an advantage in this Kansai Derby. Tigers in 6
Hatsuhiko Tsuji (2B/Manager, Lions etc.) Orix is a little unstable with injuries to Sugimoto and Kurebayashi, but they are used to that sort of thing. The fact that they have been through two Japan Series battles already will be a strength for them. Buffaloes in 7
Interesting reading. Thanks a lot for the translation.
My pleasure!