10/27/2015:Tokyo, Japan – “Gonna free fall out into nothing…”

Exactly one year ago today, the Neo-Tokyo Akira were riding a wave of success. Having upset perennial power Shin Seiki in the Wasei Junkesshou, they were preparing to do battle with the Edo Battousai in search of their second title. With a solid core of veterans like reigning Saiyu-shu-senshu winner Nobuhito Hasegawa and former winner Enrique Ortíz along with some up-and-coming talents like Takiji “Eager Beaver” Mitzutani, Neo-Tokyo was flush with success. Although the Akira fell one game short in their bid for another Neo-Tokyo Cup, they appeared to have a window of opportunity with this group for several years to come.

So what happened?

“Free fallin’. Free fallin’…”

70-74 happened. A 15-game drop from last season, finishing an astounding 28 games back of SSG leader Shin Seiki. Much was made about the offseason trade of über-prospect Eager Beaver to Seoul in exchange for picks,1B Yasuyuki Hashimoto, and more picks. GM Ron Hiscock expected the team to fall back somewhat from last year, but not this far back. Besides, Mitzutani’s nine wins in 2013 was bettered by free agent acquisition Haruki Seguchi’s 11 this year.

A closer look at the numbers shows that the offense is as much to blame as anything. The team finished 5^th in the SSG in AVG and runs scored. The loss of gaijin 1B Josh Emery, who returned to the PEBA (for a minor league contract and a copy of Ron Collins’s See the PEBA on $25 a Day) played a part. Emery put up 31 HR and 110 RBI in 2014. His replacement Hashimoto’s stats were a shadow of those numbers.

“Free fallin’, mama. Free fallin’…”

Enrique Ortíz’s season-ending injury in June had as much affect on morale as it did on the team’s lineup. Besides his ability to drive in runs, Ortíz’s loss had a domino effect on the infield rotation, with multiple Akira playing out of their comfortable positions. Oliver Guzmán – or “OGuz”, as no one calls him – had a decent year at the plate, although nothing compared to last season’s gaudy .346 AVG. The wind seemed to die from the sails of the Akira ship.

As the trade deadline approached, Hiscock had a decision to make. Should he try and salvage the season and make a push for the playoffs? The team, despite their slow start, had climbed to within six games of Hyakujuu for 2^nd place. Premier arms were available, but they would be costly in prospects and picks – just what NeTo got in return for the Beaver. Or should Hiscock fold his hand and make a clean break from the past by going into full rebuild mode? Offers for Hasegawa were on the table. He would have to act quickly and decisively.

He did neither. It was status quo. The deadline came and went without either of those scenarios coming to fruition. The Akira tried to make a run with what they had. Then it happened.

“Now I’m freeee. Freeee faaallin’…”

Shortly after the deadline passed, Hasegawa suffered a torn labrum that not only ended his season but will keep him out beyond the start of next season. That effectively put an end to the Akira’s hopes of catching the Shinkansen, and they knew it. The team, already on a eight-game losing streak, dropped out of sight and ultimately finished in 4^th place, their worst finish in five years.

The losing may have a greater effect beyond the standings. Several key components to the roster will be eligible for free agency this offseason and rumors of discontent abound. CL Shiro Shimizu, Seguchi, and Ortíz may be ready to test the market rather than discuss a possible extension. Shimizu’s agent, Maka Lotado, all but confirmed those rumors. “My client deserves to be paid well and play for a winner. He’s not happy right now.” His juuki designation may have completely soured him on the organization.

Enrique’s agent has stonewalled the front office throughout most of the season, but Hiscock has smoothed some ruffled feathers by assuring him he will not be their juuki designee this offseason. That has reopened negotiations for a possible extension that could keep this fan-favorite in town.

There will be no skirting the issues this offseason. In the highly competitive SSG, you snooze, you will lose. Freefall. Out into nothing.