===
The Saitama Seibu Lions are 30 games into the 2023 season with a 15-15 record, good for fourth place and B-class in the Pacific League.
While they aren't the worst team in NPB, it may be hard to take them seriously with the pace they're on.
The Bullpen regression is worse than expected
Many believed the Lions pitching numbers and run prevention from 2022 was a fluke to carry them into the postseason. This time, the bullpen isn't the same since Kaima Taira moved to the rotation, Yoshinobu Mizukami is in ni-gun and Tatsushi Masuda is an uncomfortable liability.
Saturday's loss to Orix happened in the worst way possible and manager Kazuo Matsui is forced to scramble around with options. On Sunday, Minato Aoyama earned a save, but the rookie is still green and looks nowhere close to being in this position.
The Lions options in the bullpen before the 9th inning look good, but they can't find anyone to close it out. On paper, it was supposed to be Jesus Tinoco to take a back end role, but his wild command has forced him into low and medium leverage situations only.
===
New imports having minimal impact
When you're not a contender, it's up to the new foreign signings to make or break being competitive. The aforementioned Tinoco has been unable to earn a better role in the bullpen while Mark Payton was already taken off the ichi-gun roster after April. Both players have an uphill battle if they want their careers in Japan to stay alive.
On the other hand, David MacKinnon has held his ground as an infielder while not lighting it up. He's been hitting his weight and played solid defense with six multi-hit games.
===
Nakamura carrying offense is a blessing and curse
Not many would expect Takeya Nakamura to lead the team in HRs with seven total while Shuta Tonosaki is second with five.
Hotaka Yamakawa was out for multiple weeks, yet the power hitting wasn't an issue. This will be good long-term given it's possible Yamakawa walks in domestic free agency.
Tonosaki had an impressive April, but the outfield is still flaws with only "Aito" being a regular. It would be nice if Gakuto Wakabayashi and/or Shohei Suzuki could earn a regular spot.
===
Takumi Kuriyama's career on pace to end sooner than later
The former captain and all-time hits leader Kuriyama has mostly seen pinch-hit opportunities and hasn't succeeded like in the past. Right now, he might be at the stage of his career like "Saburo" Omura was for the Chiba Lotte Marines at the end.
===
The rotation looks fine
As unlucky as Chihiro Sumida has been, he's doing his part in the middle of the starting rotation after a disastrous rookie season. Kaima Taira has transitioned to being a starter without much issue while Tatsuya Imai and Kona Takahashi lead the way.
===
Follow us on Twitter @GraveyardBall
No comments:
Post a Comment