Kanemoto's salary cut

It seems that Kanemoto was on a three year contract which expired last season. He was of course offered a new contract but only for one year and with a big cut to 4.5 oku.

Akahoshi has decided to forgo a retirement game - he cannot really take part and nothing is convenient. He is though settling into his coaching role nicely.

What kind of coach will Akahoshi be? I hadn't heard about this.

Akahoshi will focus on base running and stealing (which somehow seems quite natural).

The salary cut is suitable. I also thought that Kanemoto should finish his innings streak this year for the benefit of the team. He would gain from resting more as we could see his statistics decrease last year as the grind of the season went on.

What do other fans think. My thoughts may anger some. I am not anti-Hanshin. I think resting Kanemoto sometimes will help him and the team.

Hiroshi, I agree with you. It's not anti-Hanshin at all to say Kanemoto should put an end to the streak. It was an amazing feat, but it would benefit the team more to rest now and then. Cal Ripken's streak also seemed to be a burden on the team by the end. I love Kanemoto, but that doesn't mean I need to see him play every inning of every game.

Thank you for your reply gotigersredsox. I hope Mayumi-kantoku shares our way of thinking.

A rift seems to be developing between Kanemoto and Johjima over salary. Kanemoto has been confirmed as No. 4 batter for this season but he is actually paid less than Johjima and this is causing troubles. It was given out that Johjima was to receive 4 oku per year plus bonuses. However, at the beginning of the discussions with the Mariners catcher the figure being banded about was 5 oku. Kanemoto accepted a pay cut to 4.5 oku for the next year of his contract and it has since emerged that Johjima is actually to be paid 5 oku in line with the original figure. Kanemoto is reported to be displeased by this seemingly sharp practice by the Tigers management. However, I would not be complaining if I received 4.5 oku per year. Kanemoto is fading and really has no grounds for complaint - he is still very well paid.

Surprising to hear Kanemoto complain like this. After all, when he got his huge contract a few years back didn't he decline some of the money so that it could go to other players?

I hadn't heard that but I do remember him using some of the money to provide holidays in Hawaii for fans. I rather suspect that as his abilities fade and his status declines he feels it more than others. After all whatever his performance his commitment has always been 150%.

Well, hopefully he has at least one more good year in him. He's been wildly inconsistent the past couple years, so hopefully a good solid year awaits. If Johjima and Brazelle both perform well, that will both provide a lot of protection in the line-up and take some of the pressure off. It will be a shame if he never gets to win a Japan Series, but it seems highly unlikely at this point.