Young players that Ryota Igarashi focuses on
Pacific League
Rakuten’s Tohei (left), who won his first victory in four years, and Nippon-Ham’s Kiyomiya (right), who is showing signs of flowering.
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Pay attention to Softbank’s Tomohisa Ozeki’s pitching
――Continuing from the Central League last time, please tell us about the Pacific League this time about newcomers and young players who have made great strides this season.
IgarashiThe first name that comes to mind is Lotte pitcher Aki Sasaki (8 wins, 3 losses, ERA of 2.14 as of August 31, same below). After all, he achieved a perfect match (laughs). Sasaki is exceptional, but Tomohisa Ozeki of Softbank, who is in his third year as a professional pitcher, was also doing well.
Q: Ozeki had six wins, but he underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his left testicle and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. What is your charm?
IgarashiAt the start of the season, I was wondering what kind of member Softbank’s starting pitchers would be this year, and when I saw his name, I was paying particular attention to him. For better or worse, he’s a pitcher who wins with his throws. For example, regardless of whether the runners are accumulating or the mood of the team is not good, you can always pitch yourself. I think my strength is that I can pitch with such confidence that I feel like I’m not feeling anything at all.
――Specifically, what kind of pitcher are you?
IgarashiThe biggest strength is straight strength. The control is a little rough, but I will never forget the attitude of attacking without fear. I can swing my arms with all my heart regardless of my condition. If it’s his third year, he’s already an attractive pitcher, so I hope he makes an early comeback.
――What other players left an impression on you?
IgarashiAt Softbank, Yanagimachi Toru (batting average .281), who is also a third-year professional, is also good, and Lotte rookie Matsukawa Torao has a good impression of his imposing play, which is unlike a young player. Personally, I had high hopes for Nippon-Ham pitcher Nobutaka Kitayama before the start of the season, but the situation is a little tough now.
――You were nominated as the opening pitcher by Big Boss coach Tsuyoshi Shinjo, and were later appointed as a closer and a middleman. So far, you have 3 wins, 5 losses, 12 holds, and 8 saves. What do you think of Kitayama?
IgarashiHe was drafted in 8th place, but he has been attracting attention since the open game. If he succeeds, he will be a real feat, so in that sense, he had high hopes. It’s a tough situation right now because the opposing team worked out countermeasures early on, but I want to expect him from next season onwards. Also, there is another pitcher that I really want to mention.
