Dialogue between Shingo Takatsu and Mitsuru Manaka
1st “From the bottom to the best in Japan”
Last year, Shingo Takatsu, who led the Yakult Swallows to the top in Japan, and Mitsuru Manaka, a former Yakult coach and professional baseball commentator, talked with each other. Mr. Takatsu joined the team in 1991, Mr. Manaka joined the team in 1993, and when he was active in Yakult, he had a relationship of seniors and juniors who were close in age. .. What was the reason why “Takatsu Yakult” was able to produce results from the bottom of the previous year? What are your challenges and aspirations for the 2022 season, where you will win the championship in a row? We will deliver a total of four talks between the two who are in good spirits.
A dialogue between Yakult Shingo Takatsu (left) and Mitsuru Manaka was realized.Looking back on the best battle in Japan
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[Director’s first year of patience]
Mitsuru Manaka (hereinafter referred to as “Mitsuru Manaka”)First of all, congratulations on being the best in Japan. What has changed between 2020, the first year of the coach’s inauguration, where the tough battles continued, and the 2021 season, when he became the best in Japan from the bottom?
Shingo Takatsu (hereinafter referred to as Takatsu)) Until then, I had experience as a second army coach, but since the first army coach was my first experience, to be honest, I spent a lot of time trying various things and taking a closer look in the 2020 season. I feel like I was there.
middleLooking at the director’s first year, I felt that Takatsu was very patient. Especially for the middle pitchers, even if I think it’s a change, I’ll put up with it and let them continue to pitch. It was very tenacious, wasn’t it?
TakatsuThere was it. Regarding 2020, I wanted to make a decision after seeing it, whether it was for the purpose of training or not.
middleIn my first year in office, I really want to get results, but I was really impressed by the fact that I was really patient when it came to using a pitcher.
TakatsuWell, everyone knew that pitchers were an issue, so the first step was to rebuild them. No, that may be all. That’s why I was focusing on hiring pitchers. However, it was actually terrible (bitter smile). However, I was facing it by splitting it.
middleWhat were your thoughts on starting rotation at the stage of last spring camp?
TakatsuAt the time of the camp, we have all the heads. There are 10 candidates, so how do you narrow down to 6? I’m thinking about it, but by the middle of the season, I’m wondering who should throw it (laughs).
