[tehsuigi]

2022 *** First Year Draft Results

TOKYO - November 15, 2022

Some familiar faces at the front of the draft order this year, as the Niigata Komatsu Bears and Shizuoka Arrows again drafted first and second.

The Bears selected first baseman Tadashi Nakamura from Okinawa Shogaku HS first overall - he could easily be a four-tool player and the key piece the Bears need to succeed in the future.

The Arrows selected Tadahachi Ogawa from Meiji University second overall. Although his fielding profiles as an average right fielder, his bat and speed could play in the majors right now, according to scouts. If his contact skills develop as expected, he could be a .300 hitter in short order.

1. Tadahachi Ogawa, as above
2. Atsunori Nishiyama, Meiji's left fielder. His power and eye are already ***-ready; just need to work on his defense.
3. Hiroshi Morita, a third baseman/right fielder from Rikkyo University. I like his defense and his avoid K's stat.
4. Kintaro Sasaki, a centre-fielder from Nihon Bunri HS. Likely profiles as a defensive type.
5. Satoshi Onishi, second baseman from PL Gakuen. Leadership ability, good hands, pop in his bat.
6. Norio Yoshioka, another high catcher-ability guy.
7. Baiko Murayama, first baseman from Kasukabe Kyoei HS, who won this year's Koshien.
8. HIdenobu Arakaki from Todai. The guy can play every position except the battery.
9. Yoshinori Kanda, righty reliever from Hirosho HS. Big palooka (6'5" at age 18!), and has leadership skills.
10. Shunsuke Abe, a flame-throwing right-hander from Kansai University.

Post-script: Tadahachi Ogawa failed to sign a deal with the Arrows, and thus Shizuoka will receive the #3 pick in next year's draft as compensation. (guy wanted a major league deal!!)