Neo-Tokyo Off-season Progress Report
5/7/2012: Tokyo, Japan – Despite the close resemblance in name to the League of the Rising Sun‘s championship trophy, the Neo-Tokyo Cup, the Akira have never come close to competing for one. Neo-Tokyo’s 5-year win total of 273 is ahead of only Kure.
Following three consecutive 93+-loss seasons, the fans and ownership were anxious to see some progress on the field in 2011. The squad produced their best win total in team history, finishing 3rd in the SSG for the first time ever. However, finishing 33 games back of 2nd place means there is a lot more winning to do before the Akira seriously contend for the playoffs.
NeTo doubled their payroll in 2011 in order to accelerate the rejuvenation project. Despite high expectations, the team limped out of the gate, and a season-ending injury to highly touted pitching prospect and former #1 overall draftee Takiji “Bad News” Shiskikura seemed to seal the fate of the 2011 campaign. Bad news, indeed. Ryuzaburo Mizuno‘s torn rotor cuff didn’t help, either. The team did not roll over, though, and actually produced a winning month of August. There is hope, then, that a successful recovery to those key members of the rotation, along with meaningful additions to the offense, could mean bigger and better things ahead. Both pitchers appear to have recovered nicely and will be counted on to play key roles this year. Offseason moves could impact how much NeTo progresses.
Roster losses:
OF Tabito Matsushima provided power (team-leading 28 HR) and a strong glove in LF. How will NeTo replace his bat? Matsu became a free agent and signed a minor league contract with the PEBA.
CL Héctor Rodríguez was a mainstay on the staff and Mr. Reliable out of the bullpen, averaging 24 saves a season the past 4 years. At age 36, he was allowed to walk (technically, he was claimed off waivers by Hyakujuu, who let him walk).
OF Carlos Cavazos, a gaijin with an outstanding glove and solid bat, provided speed with 54 SB. He was traded to Kawaguchi.
2B Ton Kichida was acquired by Shin Seiki for his veteran leadership. Ton was a disappointment all around, producing his worst year at the plate and in the field. A .162 BA and a meager 4 HR (down from 20 the previous year) earned a ride on the bench the final part of the season. Kichi re-signed with SS.
MR Masato Noguchi. After two solid years, Nogu may have been overworked and finished with a 5.34 ERA, although he somehow tied for the team lead in wins with 9. Signed with Naha.
Roster additions:
The roster overhaul started early when Neo-Tokyo signed free agent and five-time ABSF All-Star Enrique Ortíz in July. In less than half a season, he hit 19 HR and batted .266. Equally impressive is his outstanding defensive capabilities at all IF positions. His performance over a full LRS schedule could determine the fortunes in Akira-land.
CL Pepe Rico. Acquired in the Cavazos trade with Kawaguchi, Pepe is a high-talent, high-priced closer who will replace H-Rod in the pen. Had 54 combined saves the last twoo seasons. Will he make Akira diehards forget their beloved Rodríguez?
IF Isao Kono was also part of the Cavazos deal. His 24 HR and 88 RBI should replace Matsushima’s bat nicely. With a good glove and speed, this 24-year-old should be around a while. He was immediately signed to a two-year extension.
MR Hirohisa Noguchi, the 3rd pitcher acquired from Kawaguchi in the Cavazos trade, has a 98 MPH fastball, but can he control it? Could just as well walk you as strike you out. 135 strikeouts in 98 IP last season – but a 5+ ERA. Bullpen upgrade or train wreck?
OF Tatsukichi Suzuki was a free agent signing to replace Cavazos. Had 30 HR in 2010 but fell to 18 HR last year; however, his BA rose 35 points to .265. His great speed and glove is expected to make up for the loss of Cavazos. Suzuki won the Neo-Tokyo Cup while with Shin Seiki in 2007 and is openly revealing the dark secrets of the Evas’ clubhouse to team members.
1B José Aguilar, a 36-year-old gaijin, was acquired from Lupin for a minor leaguer and a draft pick. If he can reproduce his 2011 numbers (25 HR, 84 RBI, .292 AVG), he could help propel NeTo to contenders.
Neo-Tokyo’s overall weak offense needed a facelift. The additions of Ortíz, Kono, Aguilar and Suzuki could make things interesting around Tokyo if everyone performs to expectations. Could this be the year NeTo shrugs off the tag of “perennial losers”? Buckle up; the ride begins now…
