By Saruwatari Tsuyoshi, Kyoto Shimbun News

November 5, 2013: Kyoto, Japan – Most fans didn’t even realize what had just happened.  Edo RF Shimpei Adachi was streaking into deep center like a gazelle and then was down writhing on the field on the warning track.  It was surreal and cast a long shadow over the team’s prospects in the Neo-Tokyo Cup.

“I felt the gravel underfoot as I hit the warning track but wasn’t sure how close to the wall actually was.  I sure felt it when I found it,” Shimpei later related.  “I’d really like to thank the fans of both teams who offered me support after the injury.”

Manager Shigeo Nagashima added, ”That’s a tough loss, both for Shimpei and for the club.  He’s a lightning rod in the leadoff spot and he’s been solid in center.  He was really having a breakout year and his contribution to the club was immense.  He made everyone else better.”

Fans are left wondering how the team will fare without their spark plug at the top of the lineup.  Shimpei was just nearing the end of a one-year deal with the team.  Due to financial considerations, it was widely expected that Edo would assign him the Juuki designation for 2014 and then ensure he was amply rewarded in 2015.  Now it’s all in doubt.  At 31, how much will the injury impact his trademark speed?  Will Ben Bigalow finally take command in center field and, more importantly, at the plate?  Or will he fade again as he did last year?  One thing’s for sure; as the Neo-Tokyo Cup proceeds, the Evas are the kind of team that can and will make the most of this opportunity.