Pingback by 2009 Pacific League Preview (Podcast at TPR) « 燕軍: The Tokyo Yakult Swallows

March 28, 2009 @ 10:15 pm

[…] You can listen to the podcast on your computer by going here. […]

Comment by Ken Worsley

March 29, 2009 @ 5:47 pm

Thanks for the show, guys. Looking forward to the Central League preview.

I have to say I’m a bit surprised to hear you pick Orix to finish top 3 again. I’m not sold on Rakuten either. It seems pretty wide open, actually. I’m thinking Seibu, Nippon Ham, Chiba, Rakuten, Softbank and Orix.

It would be good to hear thoughts on MVP, comeback, rookie of the year - stuff like that would be fun to hear about. And who might win the climax series?

Comment by David Watkins

March 29, 2009 @ 7:06 pm

Ken

Thanks for listening. Yes, I also think the PL is wide open this year, as it was last year.

My Orix prediction is based on more of a hope that they can consolidate on last year and establish themselves in the league a little. They’ve made some decent acquisitions too.

Rakuten look to be in the strongest state going into a season in their short lifetime so my thinking there is that they may be in a position to make the step up and be a genuine contender for the playoffs.

But the margins will be small this year as in 2008, when only 4.5 games separated the top four teams. I expect it to be as tight this year, but maybe between five teams instead of the four.

Whatever happens, it looks like it should be the more exciting and open of the two leagues competitively as usual.

Comment by Ken Worsley

March 29, 2009 @ 7:37 pm

That fifth team would be Rakuten? It seems Softbank is being left out by everyone so far.

I was also wondering how possible sales of teams might affect them. I doubt it will happen in the middle of the season, but both Seibu and Orix look like potential candidates.

Comment by David Watkins

March 30, 2009 @ 12:10 am

Right.

But Softbank are a team which usually contends, so if their new guys blend quickly under the new manager then they could improve on last years cellar performance.

As you say, it’s very open. But with regards to the PL I’m happy to defer to those with more knowledge than myself. I’m a CL guy.

Comment by Christopher Pellegrini

March 30, 2009 @ 10:33 pm

a. Bobby Valentine and Larry Rocca are good guys.
b. I get a wedgie every time I watch a game sitting on the astroturf slope in left field at Seibu Dome.
c. Orix should change their name from “Buffaloes” to “Butchers” because they have so many meaty men (as Dave likes to call them) on their roster.

There. That’s basically all I know about the Pacific League.

Comment by Luke

March 31, 2009 @ 3:58 am

As Sally attests it usually takes a lot to tickle my funny bone. However Dave’s ‘hookers and cocaine’ line made me laugh out loud. It’s funny how hangovers induce straight talking.

Comment by larginejohnson

July 6, 2009 @ 7:23 pm

who might win the climax series?