Saturday, October 26, 2013

The Nichibutsu Crestas were one inning away from having the perfect season.  They went 86-34 under the helm of Manobu Nagumo, who improved the team every season he coached them.  The team was filled with a bunch of prospects and a few veterans for stabilizing effect.  A lot of turnover is expected, but Nichibutsu expects to be just as good next year.  A few of the reinforcements coming from Single-A Shojo include utility IF Taikan Koumura, 2B Ryosei Suzuki, C Mitsuo Iwamoto and SP Masahiro Sakamoto.  Another new addition to the team will be the manager, as Nagumo decided to go coach the Salton Sea Kilmers, Hi-A affiliate of the PEBA’s Yuma Bulldozers.

To be included in this review, batters must have at least 10 AB and pitchers must have appeared in a game for the Crestas.

Batters (least to most AB):

Toshikuni Fujita – Toshikuni played at A, AAA and the LRS this year.  In the minors, he was being passed around as a backup catcher, getting very little playing time but making the most of his plate appearances.  When it became apparent that Eiichi Imai wasn’t cutting it as a backup in the LRS, Toshikuni was called up and made the most of his time.  He may or may not be back at AAA next year.

Munemori Okubo – Munemori hasn’t developed the way the C-Warriors had hoped.  His line of .135/.233/.216 is just downright laughable.  The only thing that keeps him in the organization is that he is very popular with the fan base.  Due to that fact, it is thought that Okubo will be put on the 35-man roster, but he’ll most likely stay at AAA.

Takechi Takahashi – Takechi was once highly regarded in the organization for his hitting ability, but in 2011 and 2012, his power disappeared and his average wasn’t high enough to be regarded as a prospect in an organization with a ton of outfielders.  So this season, he started out at A and moved up to AAA later in the year.  He showed again that he can hit for a good average, but it looks like the power will never develop.  He looks to be a 4/5 OF in the minors next year.

Tokuma Yamauchi – Tokuma was signed at the beginning of the year for emergency big league depth and to be filler at AAA.  Tokuma hit well at AAA, and while the C-Warriors were hoping never to have to use him, injuries hit and he got the call.  Tokuma stayed with the C-Warriors for a bit before being released.  He has no future in organization.

Tetsunori Takahashi – Waived in May by Lupin, Tetsunori was claimed by the C-Warriors.  The team had him step up and start at 2B, where they had an injury.  He then became the utility IF and backup DH.  Like in the past, Tetsunori had no problem hitting the ball in the minors, but scouts worry how it will translate to the LRS.  Out of options and eligible for the Rule 5 draft, the C-Warriors decided to release him.

Matabei Aoki – Matabei is another disappointment in the eyes of the organization.  He was acquired for a draft pick in the off-season with hopes of him making the LRS roster.  He had a great spring training, but the team thought it better for him to go to AAA.  Once there, he got stuck on the bench and couldn’t work his way off.  If he doesn’t make the team out of training camp, he will have to go through waivers.

Sadatake Chouda – “Clam” Chouda had an awful year in LRS and was sent down to AAA to get his swing back.  He seemed to find it, and he hit well in his limited time back in the LRS.  Next season, he hopes not to see AAA at all.  The C-Warriors hope the same.

Tsurayuki Marakami – When Azumamaro Fujita was traded, Tsurayuki became the starting catcher.  Not much was expected from him, but he showed skills at the plate and his defense didn’t hurt the team.  While he will be placed on the 35-man roster, he is most likely destined to be the backup catcher at AAA unless he beats out the C-Warriors’s Toshikuni Fujita.

Akihisa Mori – Akihisa was on the 2012 C-Warriors but didn’t make the team out of camp.  After serving as the utility IF for two months, Nichibutsu decided to make him starting SS due to his defense.  Mori’s glove-work was excellent and he batted well enough not to hurt the team.  Hopefully he is back next year as a starting IF or utility guy.

Tabito Fujihara – Tabito was at one time a highly touted prospect; now he is barely even a backup.  Tabito was given the starting second baseman job for the Crestas when the season started and he held that job until near the end of July.  He failed to show any improvement at the plate and was sent down to the Ninjas, where he was rarely used.  Tabito’s future with the club is in major doubt.  Unless there is some improvement, he will be looking for a new team to employ him soon.

Will West – Will spent the entire season at AAA and then the playoffs at A (due to injuries).  Will was signed as a free agent two years ago and has shown that he comes to the park ready to work every day.  This season, Will was used as a 1B/3B backup and started at 1B when Augusto Delgado was injured.  Offensively, Will did well until August, when he went ice cold.  Defensively, he was a gem as usual.  He’ll reprise his role with the Crestas next season.  Will has no chance of making the C-Warriors, but the team hopes his work ethic will earn him a spot in the future.

Azumamaro Fujita – Azumamaro was acquired by the C-Warriors to replace “The Gambler”, but when Salvador signed a cheaper than expected contract, he became trade bait.

Susumu Kubota – Susumu found himself on the outs after last season’s awful performance.  He was brought up to AAA after the draft and the coach decided to enter him in the lineup.  From that moment on, he didn’t disappoint.  He batted .348/.426/.523 in 279 AB.  His fielding ZR was +15.7 in LF and +3.9 in CF.  He excelled in every spot he was placed.  Now he wants to show his stuff in the LRS.  Whether that happens remains to be seen, but the team now has him high on their radar.

Sotatsu Kimura – Sotatsu was suppose to be the starting 3B for the Ninjas, but with Delgado injured and West at first, Nichibutsu needed a third baseman.  After his promotion, he just raked and didn’t stop until September, when he showed some signs of fatigue and the league catching up to him.  The team is very happy with the outcome but they are hoping to see better off-season preparation from Sotatsu so that he improves on this season.  Next year, he could be at AAA or maybe even a starter in the LRS.

Altifício Prostes – Altifício spent most of the season starting in CF for the Crestas.  He won the Glove Wizard Award at CF and hit .270/.317/.428.  The team was impressed with his overall abilities but would like him to take a few more walks and maybe increase his average a tad.  He is expected to stay at AAA next year and probably start again.

Jotaro Chikuda – Jotaro was having a great season before getting hurt playing catch with his dog.  It is rumored the manager went over to his house and shot his dog right after (these reports can be neither confirmed nor denied).  Jotaro had an awful 2012 with the Crestas, so he had a lot to prove this year.  He rose to the challenge, hitting .309/.378/.405 with 25 SB, which is something the C-Warriors desperately need.  There is almost no chance that Jotaro makes the C-Warriors next year; management and the scouting department would first like to see if he can repeat his success.

Augusto Delgado – Augusto has been nothing less than superb since arriving with the team.  Augusto was off to a great start before suffering a hip strain injury that kept him out five weeks.  Upon his return, he continued where he left off.  He finished the season with a .339/.401/.578 batting line, winning him the Minarai Doumei Outstanding Hitter Award.  This winter, the team is going to send him to Winter Ball so he can freshen up, as next year he will be with the C-Warriors as their starting first baseman.  If Delgado sees one inning at AAA next year, it will be a huge letdown for him.

Naohiro Kumanti – Naohiro was signed to cover for any C-Warriors injuries.  He started out at SS, but while he hit well, his defense was atrocious.  The team slid him over to second base, where he was serviceable defensively.  Naohiro hit well for the team and provided the leadership that was needed on and off the field.  When the AAA season was over, he got a cup of coffee with the C-Warriors but did not impress and was released.  The Crestas will most likely look elsewhere for leadership.

Hiroji Kobayashi – Coming into the season, the team saw plenty of potential in Hiroji but little consistency.  This season, he decided to show he could hit.  His batting line was .340/.374/.466 and he stole 27 bases.  Hiroji plays defense well enough that when the ball goes to right field, you don’t have to close your eyes.  Hiroji wasn’t called up because the team didn’t want to put him on 35-man roster and waste an option year.  If the C-Warriors don’t go out and sign a free agent OF, Hiroji is on the top of the list to get the RF job.

Pitchers (least to most IP):

Ray Moore – Ray was signed while he was recovering from TJ surgery.  He only appeared in one game and looked okay while doing it, but the team decided to send him to A to get more innings.  It is expected he will stay at A next season, too.

Mitch Reeves – After being signed, Mitch was shuffled between A and AAA, but with no real purpose.  Mitch was released to allow him to seek success overseas, and he has now signed with New Orleans.

Shigochiyo Nakayama –Shigochiyo was released by San Antonio and the club signed him up right away.  He is very young and had only pitched four (poor) pro innings before signing with the Crestas.  The team sent him down to A to work on his stuff and that is where they expect him to be next year, too.

Yosai Samurakami – Yosai was up for one start and had a decent outing.  He didn’t get the win, but didn’t get the loss either.  He might be part of the pen next year.  Not much is expected of him, though he was a savior in the Ruukii Kyuugi Dokaben.

Takesi Wada – Takesi was on the front list to make the team out of camp, but he failed and was awful after being sent down to AAA.  The team didn’t really like the fact he seemed to be pouting, so they released him.

Sawao Honma – After three years of starting for Shojo, Sawao found himself without a role.  He was at A but wasn’t going to be used for much there.  This wasn’t because the organization has lost faith in him but because they could find him no suitable role.  The team brought him up to the Crestas and he worked out of the pen in eight games, doing a relatively good job.  The organization was impressed with his handling of the situation and plans on using him as a swingman next season for the Crestas.

Yoshifusa Yoshimura – Yoshifusa was acquired in a trade with Hyakujuu and was immediately put in the pen to see how he could handle things.  He pitched beautifully, earning himself a start before the end of the year and another in the playoffs.  Both starts went great, so the team rewarded him with a call-up to Fushigi Yugi and gave him two more starts.  While the results were encouraging, the team wants him to work on his control and reduce his walks.  Yoshifusa is slated to be a starter at AAA next year.

Ed Massey – Ed was signed to help a Crestas bullpen that was looking pretty weak heading into the season.  He put up underwhelming numbers, and when the Lupin GM offered some cash for Ed, the decision was easy.

Sadakuno Kichikawa – At age 31, the last place Sadakuno wanted to be was at AAA, especially since 2007 was the last time he was there.  Coming off an improved 2012, the team was counting heavily on Sadakuno to help anchor the pen.  Instead, they got a pitcher who couldn’t find the plate, and when he did, the batters were driving in runs.  He was sent to AAA, where he spent time trying to right himself.  The results indicate the work might have paid off.  He’s expected to be part of the C-Warriors next season.

Katsuhiko Ikarashi – Another pitcher who was supposed to help out in Fushigi Yugi, Katsuhiko ended up with his worst season since 2009, which was also the last time he was at AAA.  When he was sent down to AAA, he became the closer and did a great job, but the team wanted him to be a little more dominant.  Next year will be crucial for Katsuhiko.  If he has a bad spring training, he will be assigned to AAA and risks being forgotten.

Toshiki Nakagawa – Get ready for the same theme: Expected to play in the LRS, he underperformed and was demoted to figure things out.  Toshiki excelled after being sent down, earning himself a promotion.  He pitched 9.1 excellent innings, then blew out his arm.  He still has an option and won’t be ready to pitch until the end of summer next year, so most likely he will be a reliever in 2014 for Crestas, with the team hoping he can bounce back into 2013 form.

Yugoro Iwasaki – You will never guess where he came from… If you said, “The C-Warriors,” you are correct.  Yugoro was penciled in as a starter but failed to be consistent and was an utter disappointment.  The team sent him to the Crestas to get familiar with coming out of the pen again.  While down there, Yugoro rediscovered himself.  If the C-Warriors don’t trade him away, he will be competing for a role in the pen and is probably one of the favorites to land a role.

Héctor Nieves – The team thought it should put Héctor in the pen because the rotation was full and he worked as a reliever when he was in the PEBA.  At first, it looked as if Héctor was made for the pen.  But he experienced back stiffness in July, and when he came back at August, he wasn’t the same pitcher.  Due to his age and the fact that he is a gaijin, the team released him.  The club said if they need a veteran pitcher and he is available, they would definitely contact him.

Brian Williams – Brian was claimed off waivers and put into the pen for the Crestas.  At first, he had a hard time adjusting, but he settled in nicely.  He had a great year until the last playoff game, in which he gave up the tying and winning runs.  Brian is young enough to improve but is a gaijin and most likely won’t ever make the C-Warriors.  His future in the organization depends on their ability to improve the Cresta’s pen with higher potential Japanese-born players.

Kazuma Miyahara – Kazuma was signed just in case anyone on the C-Warriors got hurt or faltered, but he did so well as a reliever with the Crestas that they kept him in the minors.  It also didn’t help that he had no options left.  While at AAA, Kazuma showed the skills that he has shown over the years in the LRS.  When the playoffs where over, the C-Warriors gave him a chance to show them what he had, but he didn’t look sharp and when he refused to be sent back to AAA, the team released him.

Dan Davis – Dan Davis put up another good year for the Crestas and even got to start three games in the LRS.  Dan has potential and management really likes him, but the problem is they never have any room for him in the majors due to his gaijin status.  Unless the team makes drastic moves with their other gaijin, Dan is stuck at AAA for another season.

Toshiki Takata – Toshiki started the year out awful, putting up his worst month in recent memory.  In 25 innings, he had a 7.20 ERA.  Toshiki ended the year with a 3.37 ERA in 147 IP.  The team wants him to work on improving his stuff and getting a little more movement on his pitches.  If he can do that, he will be in the running for the #5 SP for the C-Warriors.  If he can’t, he will back at AAA, but he could be the first call-up if a SP is needed.

Carol Werkman – Carol was signed because the team hoped he could help the rotation.  While at times dominating, there were other times he was outright awful.  The team wasn’t unhappy with him, though, as he did give them 23 starts and 13 wins.  His position on next year’s club isn’t certain.  He might be used as trade bait.

José Castillo – Signed in 2012 to be an innings-eater, José was just that.  He stepped up his game in 2013 and became Nichibutsu’s #1 starter after Toshiki Takata failed in May.  José shut teams down and did what was needed from him.  He ended up with a 2.61 ERA in 24 starts.  The team signed him to a minor league extension and expects him to be their #2 starter next year.

Tomoyuki Morita – Tomoyuki won the Minarai Doumei Outstanding Pitcher Award, going 16-4 with a 2.99 ERA.  Since being acquired off the waiver wire, Morita has been a pleasant surprise for the Crestas.  The problem is he is out of option years and the team doesn’t want to try to pass him through waivers.  He was offered and accepted a minor league extension, so the one thing that can be counted on is that he will be in the rotation again.