With all the regular season games complete, more players who were hoping to be back with their teams next year have been informed that those teams have different plans.
On Tuesday, amurai Japan manager Hideki Kuriyama announced his squad for four November games that will help him prepare for March’s World Baseball Classic, with the big news out of that being how a lot of top players were not on the list, and I don’t just mean the MLB guys who are not eligible until March.
We also had news about Tatsunori Hara’s desire to manage the Yomiuri Giants next season despite the team’s failings, and some thoughts on a possible replacement for Tadahito Iguchi with the Lotte Marines.
Meanwhile the SoftBank Hawks have named their starting pitcher for the first stage of the Pacific League’s Preclimax series against the Seibu Lions starting Saturday.
Keito Mori was the first pick of the DeNA BayStars in NPB’s 2019 amateur draft. Although a shortstop, he played center field for Japan last summer in the Under-18 World Cup.
Birthday: Jan. 28, 2002
H: 1.75 m, W: 75 kg
Bats: L, Throws: R
Position: SS
Physical description: Looks like a right-handed-hitting Kenta Imamiya (SoftBank), but with a big front leg kick.
Present
Future
Hitting Ability
40
50
Power
30
40
Running Speed
70
70
Base Running
50
50
Arm Strength
65
70
Arm Accuracy
50
50
Fielding
50
50
Range
60
65
Baseball Instinct
60
60
Aggressiveness
50
50
Abilities: Athletic, excellent foot speed and a strong throwing arm, disciplined aggressive hitter with quick bat and compact swing.
Weaknesses: Short arms his throws in the infield, but not in the outfield. Footwork is more mechanical than fluid.
Summation: Immediately profiles better as a center fielder, but could conceivably develop into a championship-caliber shortstop.
