3/5/2011: Tokyo, Japan – When a team has been as bad for as long as the Neo-Tokyo Akira, loyal fans look to their favorite players to provide some pride and excitement – something to give them hope.Management, too, often looks to these players to build some hype, more fan interest – and more ticket sales.

In the Akira’s case, those players were José Escalante and Sozen Kato., players who were around long before the current management was brought in.These were the guys that kept fans coming to the ballpark while the Akira were losing 95+ games a season.

So it was somewhat surprising when Escalante was shipped off midseason last year to a contender, although being arbitration-eligible made him a target for a ticket out of town.

But that was nothing compared to the shock Akira loyalists received last week when catcher Sozen Kato was dealt to Evil Empire Shin Seiki Evas.What made the move even more startling was the fact that Sato had just signed a 2-year, $5.6 million extension back in October, seemingly making him a cornerstone of the franchise.Apparently the structure is being torn down before construction is complete.

Opinions varied among the fan base.Referring to GM Ron Hiscock, one NeTo faithful sporting a Sato #29 jersey opined, “That guy is clueless.He’s done nothing but tear this franchise apart since he’s gotten here.He’d sell our cars behind our backs in the parking lot if he could get away with it.”

Others were more magnanimous.”Maybe he’ll eat some rotten sushi,” was among the nicest wishes.

Undeterred, management felt confident in the trade they pulled off.The Akira have made over their infield in an attempt to improve their defense, batting average and speed.Former All-Star Hogai Kito should lock up shortstop, while veteran infielder Ton Kichida should add some much-needed pop to the lineup.OF prospect Katsunosuki Ishii was a key figure in the transaction but may be a year or more away.

Said GM RonHi: “I’m not here to make friends.”By that standard, he’s doing a good job.