The giant’s “fight for the second” has heated up. Seiya Matsubara, an outfielder (26), who was designated No. 2 in the game against Nippon-Ham on the 6th, had 2 hits and 1 RBI in 4 at-bats. The batting line with Sakamoto at No. 3 and Maru at No. 5 worked, and in the fifth inning, 9 batters scored 5 points. Director Tatsunori Hara explained the intention to change the batting line, saying, “Let’s see several people at No. 2.” The game, which dawned overnight, revealed that Akihiro Wakabayashi, an infielder (27), would be designated as the second player.

The importance of the “No. 2” hitter increases in the search for the best order to minimize the impact of the new Crown.

With the addition of outfielder Takayuki Kajitani to the FA, Hara has said that the following high-ranking lines are the ideal type for this season.

No. 1 Kajitani

No. 2 Sakamoto

Circle No. 3

4 Banokamoto Kazu

Behind this line is a new combination of assistants of 196 top outfielders Justin Smoak (34 = Giants) and 96 outfielders Eric Thames (34 = Nationals). It was planned to enter the season in an order combining both. However, both foreign players are still unable to come to Japan. The presence of the hitter “behind Kazu Okamoto” holds the key to attack because it is inevitable to play against Kazu Okamoto, the main weapon of two cups last season.

By moving Sakamoto from No. 2 to No. 3, it was possible to set the circle at No. 5. In the game’s five onslaught on Day 6, No. 3 Sakamoto decided to sacrifice fly, Kazuma Okamoto walked and Maru retired on a sacrifice fly. Hara also said: “In general, it is difficult to calculate when foreign players are included. From that point of view, I think it is very important for us to have a circle behind Okamoto. What do you think of the other team? Like the other team either “.

The remaining piece is “No. 2”. Besides Matsubara and Wakabayashi, there are many candidates like Yoshikawa. Hara envisions a fight that has been fixed to some degree this season. For the second candidate, the result of the open party will be even more important. I also want to pay attention to Wakabayashi in this game.[Takuya Hamamoto]