Kure GM Vows to Allow Scouting Director to “Do His Thing”
By Sai Sato, Kure Daily
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
In a history filled with disappointments, very few things have remained constant for the Kure Arsenal. One of those things is long scoring droughts and losing games by one run. The other is scouting director Nobukazu Ito, who has been with the franchise since its inception in 2007.
Ito is generally regarded as one of the best scouts in the business, but as the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. Until 2012, the Kure Arsenal had been the laughingstock of the LRS. So if Ito is so great, what gives?
There are those that believe Ito, 56, is a sure bet to have his contract extended when it expires at the conclusion of the season. But to talk to insiders, Ito has played an increasingly smaller role under the regime of GM Aaron Tassano, who was brought on just as the 2010 season began. While Ito conducted every Arsenal draft from 2007, the 2011 draft was different, and while Ito and his staff produced the scouting data, Tassano had the final say in each and every pick. The 2010 draft was reportedly more of a team effort.
“Last year, I took the reins,” said Tassano in a candid interview via cell phone, “There wasn’t any particular reason; I just felt I had a better handle on the players for that particular draft, but this year I’m giving Ito full control of the draft. It’s his baby. He’s going to have the chance to do his thing.”
Team insiders have suggested that the 2012 draft will be the final point in a full reevaluation of Ito and his work that will ultimately decide if he is extended for 2013 and beyond. Tassano denies this.
“No. We want Nobukazu to be back with the Arsenal until he decides to retire,” said Tassano. “His work stands for itself – Akihito Ichihara, Naizen Shimizu… these are the cornerstones of the franchise, not to mention up-and-coming contributors like Shohei Araki and Katsumi Hayagawa. I’m very satisfied with Ito’s work.”
Still, insiders say it was questioning of Ito’s judgment that led to last year’s draft being conducted entirely by Tassano.
“Don’t kid yourself,” said one Arsenal insider that wished to remain nameless. “That was all the GM. From Hamada to Yamamoto, Ito had no say whatsoever. He wasn’t even at the team complex during the draft. He was sent on a scouting mission to Slovenia.”
So if Ito is doing such a good job, why the sudden change? According to the insider, one need look no further than the 2010 draft, which was Tassano’s first in the LRS.
“Two words – Akira Goto. You want to know why Ito wasn’t around for last year’s draft? There you go: Goto,” says the insider.
Indeed, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 draft has been a disappointment thus far. The 20-year-old has struggled to keep his weight under control. He was promoted to AAA Ikari mid-season in 2011 despite a lackluster .216/.302/.311 batting line. Goto’s 2012 campaign in AAA has followed suit; he’s currently hitting .264 with a .321 slugging percentage. The team had hoped he’d be able to play 1B, but Goto is much more comfortable as a DH.
“The 2010 draft was a combined effort,” said the insider, “but Goto was Ito’s guy. He only had 77 at bats to his credit, but Ito felt strongly about him and Tassano gave the OK to take him No. 2 overall. It’s probably not fair to just blame one or the other because they were working together, but the GM is the boss and so, in a sense, Ito is the fall guy and will have to prove himself again.”
Looking ahead to the 2012 draft, Tassano once again dealt the No. 1 overall pick, this time to acquire Yugoro “Checkmate” Chouda. Also gone are the team’s 2nd and 3rd round picks, yet Kure will still select six of the first 63 players chosen this weekend, as Tassano collected extra picks in the 5th round and two extra picks in the 6th to go along with the team’s normal 4th, 5th and 6th round choices.
“We feel this draft is a little thick in the middle,” said Tassano. “There’s some decent talent at the very top, but there are a lot of solid players that will be around in the middle of the draft.”
Who the Arsenal will take will surely be secret until the 4th round begins this weekend. However, one thing that is certain; the pick will be Ito’s. Tassano has vowed to stand in the back of the room.
“I’ll be there, but it’ll be Ito’s list. Ito’s list, Ito’s picks and Ito’s opinions. I’ve looked over the data, and if they need me to chime in with an opinion, I’ll be happy to give it. But this is Ito’s draft to win or lose.”
When asked to elaborate on what he meant by “lose”, Tassano refused to comment.
Nobukazu Ito was contacted prior to the writing of this story, but he refused to comment.