On March 14, the Hanshin Tigers announced that they were trading left-handed pitcher Daiki Enokida (31) to the Saitama Seibu Lions for right-hander Yosuke Okamoto (32).
Our first-round draft pick in 2010 just never panned out. He showed promise in his first two seasons, coming in from the bullpen 110 times and posting a solid ERA (2.30). However, after moving into the starting rotation in 2013, he struggled to find consistency. Two years later, he was back in the bullpen, but was used primarily as a long reliever or in blowouts. Last season, he only appeared in three games, all in September, and despite a solid ERA, he gave up a lot of hits in the process.
Enokida left the fans with this comment: “I had seven good years with the club, and in my first season I was given lots of chances. In my time with the team, I was a starter, mid-reliever and even closer, and got named to the All-Star team as well. I had lots of incredible experiences, and I hope to have even more as I blossom once again as a pitcher with Seibu. Thank you, fans, for your support during these seven seasons. I’m changing teams, but still hope that I can receive support and cheering from you.”
This is what Christian from Graveyard Baseball had to say about Okamoto: “He had some early success as a back-end rotation guy. He threw a postseason shutout in 2013, probably his greatest accomplishment. He was drafted in the 2009 Draft out of industrial league baseball. He lacks the ability to strike out, but can induce ground balls. When he faced the Tigers, I had him slated as the worst starter on the Lions, with no upside. Then he went on a decent run of getting five innings with four runs or less against. Given the Lions’ offense, I was happy with that stretch he had last year, though I don’t see it coming again. He might have been successful last year because he nibbled close enough to the zone and drew weak contact. The Lions’ defensive improvements probably created confidence in the pitching staff. His weakness is hanging up pitches. If hitters bite his nibbling and the defense is good behind him, then he can be medium leverage bullpen or a spot starter.”
Hanshin has indicated that they want him to compete for a spot in the starting rotation. Given the current state of affairs, he’s got a shot. Some of the pitchers who are fighting for rotation spots are doing well, but none of those guys are proven. The ones who have shown potential in the past (Fujinami, Iwasada, Aoyagi, etc.) have been fairly inconsistent this spring. I’m a bit worried about Christian’s comments, though, in that our infield has not proven itself to be very good this spring. Even if he induces lots of ground balls, can we trust our fielders will get the outs to support Okamoto’s style?
The jury is out on this trade… but we certainly didn’t lose too much to get Okamoto. Let’s keep our eye on this one, even if it doesn’t make or break our team. Best of luck to you in Saitama, Enokida-kun!