With the regular season almost upon us, it’s time to look at who is likely to start the season on the top squad, and what their role might be. We have already spent some time briefly introducing you to the team’s:
Now it’s time to look at who will be on the top squad on March 31, when we open the year against the Yokohama DeNA Baystars at Kyocera Dome:
Oops! I left out reliever Daichi Ishii #69 who is on the top squad! (I accidentally put him on the farm depth chart below. My bad.)
So that leaves the farm players. Who’s been getting action so far on the bottom squad? (Note: They started their regular season on March 17.) This is what it basically looks like, though the situation changes down there on almost a daily basis.
It should also be noted that the three pitchers in the bottom-right (Nishi-Nishi-Ohtake) are expected to make up the back half of the rotation on the top squad. They will be registered early next week, and two players (potentially one position player and one pitcher) will be dropped down from the top squad to make room for them.
Also, the infield looks lean, but Takahama and the catchers are also capable of filling in (especially at the corners) should the need arise. Many of the infielders are versatile enough to play multiple positions as well.
So there you have it. Now all that is left is for you to sleep one more night, with sweet dreams of a big win on Opening Day! NPB baseball is almost here, everyone! Can’t wait!