Hideto Asamura had a strong month of August. He was rewarded by winning the Pacific League hitting MVP for the month as a result.
He didn't have the highest batting average, but Asamura's 14 doubles and 26 RBIs might have been what stood out. You can see a video of all 14 doubles here.
Asamura is only the second Lions player to earn monthly honors in 2016. Ernesto Mejia was the Pacific League's hitting MVP for April earlier this season. Last year, there were four times the Lions earned these awards. Shogo Akiyama had it twice, Takeya "Okawari-kun" Nakamura once and Kona Takahashi earned it among the pitchers.
After having a slow April to the 2016 season, Asamura has been nearly automatic with his bat as the Lions starting 2B. He is approaching 20 home runs and could have a career high in doubles. He is hitting .300 and the slugging average is nearly at the .500 range.
It's been a strong season after having two good half seasons with the Lions in 2014 and 2015. The 2016 season for the Lions will be over soon, but he is a key piece that could be built around. Last year, we considered him for part of the team's Core-4 and this season, he's made a case for 2017.
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Other August MVPs:
Central League:
2B Ryosuke Kikuchi (Hiroshima Carp)
P Yasuhiro "Ryan" Ogawa (Tokyo Yakult Swallows)
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Pacific League:
P Yuki Matsui (Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles)
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