Conversations with players are based on how they will be used

My way of thinking is, “Conversations with players are not done with words, but with the way you use them.” Rather than saying this and that, I think you can convey what you want from a player by how you use them.

It’s easy to understand if we take 2023 as an example. The batting order and defensive positions were fixed. Chikamoto was fixed as the center fielder. The messages included were: 1) Be the key player in the outfield defense, 2) Focus on on-base percentage rather than the number of hits, 3) Steal bases with the sign of this ball (next ball), and 4) Hit as you like when there are runners on base.

Chikamoto has a quick understanding of baseball. If you are a fast left-handed leadoff hitter, depending on the opposing pitcher, you can aim for an infield hit. This is called a “running hit” in the baseball world. Open your body at the plate and hit the ball while starting. When you are facing a pitcher who is not very good at hitting clean hits, you can hit a slow grounder to the left to get a hit.

Early in the camp, several people, including Chikamoto, practiced this and measured the time it took to get to first base. The results showed that Chikamoto was not fast. He had a swing that involved a lot of effort, so he couldn’t get a good start.

Rather than forcing players to hit the ball while running, it is better to swing as you like. There are some first batters like that. By checking at the camp, both the manager and the players will be convinced and confirm the direction of the team.

I think that’s the conversation that should take place between a coach and a player.

Nakano, the second batter, was converted from shortstop to second base. He doesn’t have a strong shoulder. As a result, his defensive position at shortstop was moved forward in 2022. It’s not clear from the field. I guess it’s because he was in the press box behind the net, on the upper level, that he was able to see the big picture, which is the eyes of the critic Okada. He has good defensive skills to begin with. His main position at Tohoku Fukushi University was second base. No one knows that.

If you play second base, you don’t have to worry about throwing the ball, so your defensive range will be wider. If you have the confidence, you can become a first-class second baseman. The best second baseman in Japan was born, surpassing Hiroshima’s Kikuchi, a masterful player who was a regular winner of the Golden Glove Award.
Some people say that “the bold move to convert Nakano to second base is a bold move to win the championship,” but to me that’s just a given. Using Nakano at second base is just a normal move.