5 Teams in 6 Years
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Re: 5 Teams in 6 Years
[ Author: PLNara | Posted: Feb 26, 2004 2:43 AM
| HT Fan
]
- Anyone think that there are any rotations out there that can stop the Giants' lineup from going crazy? (Giants can potentially put up a lineup in which all 8 position players, including the catcher, can hit at least 20 home runs!)
The Giants led the league in home runs last year, and still finished in third place, tied with Yakult. They'll probably hit more this year, but Rhodes, Petagine, Kiyohara will take at bats from each other, and Kokubo will take at bats from Etoh. Also, I would be pretty surprised if Nishi hits 20 home runs.
The problem with the Giant's lineup is that they're going to strike out a lot. Rhodes, Kiyohara, Kokubo, Takahashi, Petagine, and Nioka will strike out at least 90 times, if they're all healthy. A lot of those homers are gonna be solo shots.
Another problem with the Giants is their outfield defense. Takahashi is a good outfielder; Rhodes, Shimizu, and Petagine are poor. This could hurt flyball pitchers, especially Uehara. The infield is solid, though.
The Giants led the league in home runs last year, and still finished in third place, tied with Yakult. They'll probably hit more this year, but Rhodes, Petagine, Kiyohara will take at bats from each other, and Kokubo will take at bats from Etoh. Also, I would be pretty surprised if Nishi hits 20 home runs.
The problem with the Giant's lineup is that they're going to strike out a lot. Rhodes, Kiyohara, Kokubo, Takahashi, Petagine, and Nioka will strike out at least 90 times, if they're all healthy. A lot of those homers are gonna be solo shots.
Another problem with the Giants is their outfield defense. Takahashi is a good outfielder; Rhodes, Shimizu, and Petagine are poor. This could hurt flyball pitchers, especially Uehara. The infield is solid, though.
Re: 5 Teams in 6 Years
[ Author: Guest: Suraj | Posted: Feb 26, 2004 4:05 PM
]
- A lot of those homers are gonna be solo shots.
You hit the nail on the head there. Especially with Horiuchi's asinine idea of batting Nishi lead-off. Nishi has some pop for a second baseman, and speed, but his OBP is terrible. And Yoshinobu cleanup?
Bottom line, though, is pitching. The Giants are still relying on Kudo and Kuwata to have good years - ridiculous. Uehara is bound to break down, he pitched a lot last year, and has a history of injuries. And Kawahara apparently still can't finish games.
It's gonna be between the Dragons and Tigers.
You hit the nail on the head there. Especially with Horiuchi's asinine idea of batting Nishi lead-off. Nishi has some pop for a second baseman, and speed, but his OBP is terrible. And Yoshinobu cleanup?
Bottom line, though, is pitching. The Giants are still relying on Kudo and Kuwata to have good years - ridiculous. Uehara is bound to break down, he pitched a lot last year, and has a history of injuries. And Kawahara apparently still can't finish games.
It's gonna be between the Dragons and Tigers.
Re: 5 Teams in 6 Years
[ Author: PLNara | Posted: Mar 2, 2004 7:15 AM
| HT Fan
]
- It's gonna be between the Dragons and Tigers.
Yep -- and I think the Swallows and Giants are gonna beat up on each other a lot this year, they seem pretty evenly matched. That should help both the Tigers and Dragons. Should be a great season in the Central League.
Yep -- and I think the Swallows and Giants are gonna beat up on each other a lot this year, they seem pretty evenly matched. That should help both the Tigers and Dragons. Should be a great season in the Central League.
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1999: Chunichi Dragons
2000: Yomiuri Giants
2001: Yakult Swallows
2002: Yomiuri Giants
2003: Hanshin Tigers
Amazingly, 5 different teams have won the Central League pennant in the last 6 years. Even with the presence of Watanabe owner and his money, it seems like the Central League is proving that teams with smaller payrolls can also win. It's amazing how so many different teams can win the pennant, and it shows that, in the recent past, no one team has dominated the league, (although the Giants usually do end up in the A-Class) It'll be even more interesting if the Hiroshima Carp actually give the Giants a run at the pennant next year.
Anyone think that there are any rotations out there that can stop the Giants' lineup from going crazy? (Giants can potentially put up a lineup in which all 8 position players, including the catcher, can hit at least 20 home runs!)