The Hiroshima Times
May 2, 2011

As the gates are about to open on the League of the Rising Sun, there is a buzz in Hiroshima as the Hyakujuu Shinkansen prepare for Opening Day.  Hyakujuu brings back a veteran presence as they attempt to push to the top of the Shining Star Group, but many obstacles lie ahead in their journey through the new season as many questions remain.

Masujiro Inoue, Hyakujuu’s star center fielder, is 35 and is in his contract year with the Shinkansen, but does he still have the magic to lead this team offensively?  Two years removed from his monstrous 2008 season (.315 AVG, 96 RBI), Inoue’s production has steadily declined the last two seasons, with a herniated disc slowing him down in late 2010.

Alonso Arteaga is still on top of his game but, like Inoue, he is 35 and is also in a contract year.  Arguably the best pitcher in the LRS, Arteaga is the leader of a mediocre staff.  Coming of a 15-6, 2.08 ERA campaign in 2010, he is expected to pitch many innings, but how far can they ride him before his tank runs out?

Hisashi Wada, the power-hitting cleanup batter, protects Masujiro Inoue and creates a dynamic 3-4 punch for the Shinkansen.  Wada is a threat no pitcher likes to face with runners on base, driving in 98 runs in 2010.  He is the anchor to Hyakujuu’s offense and looks to continue his dominance.

Who else will step up for the Shinkansen to be a catalyst for this team?  RF Akinori Hayashi will get many pitches this year batting after Hisashi Wada in the fifth spot.  Although everyone knows in baseball that chances of scoring are higher when the leadoff man gets on base.  SS Mike Brown sits on the top of this potent lineup.  With a career .351 OBP, this speedster stole 44 bases last season but was caught 20 times.

Yasushi Amano, 2B Shunsen Hashimoto and 1B Tanosuke Kouda look to play supporting roles for Hyakujuu in 2011.  SP Augusto Ramos starts the season with the Gojira Godziras but will see substantial time as the season progresses.

Hyakujuu is a solid team entering 2011, but will need to fight in a division full of players.  The Shin Seiki Evas, Niihama-shi Ghosts and division rival Kure Arsenal are marked on the calendar in the team locker room as must-win games.  Can this team aspire and find its way to the top?  The lines on the field are chalked and ready for baseball; we will find out where they stand in October.