|
2024 First Year Draft
TOKYO - November 15, 2024
Continuing the tradition, newer expansion teams failed to make much headway, and will be drafting first and second.
The Okinawa Kirin Spirit took top right-handed pitcher Kyoichi Hirai with the first overall pick; although there are questions about his health, as he only pitched in 5 games with Rikkyo University last season due to a torn flexor tendon, his raw pitching skills are worth watching.
The Ehime Honda Comets took Waseda University's left-hander Yozo Hashimoto second. His stuff profiles as major-league ready already, especially his plus-plus changeup. There are concerns about his ability to control his stuff, but it's a solid choice.
Other expansion teams are finally improving and thus were forced to draft later. Niigata Komatsu went 6th, taking left-handed starter Jiro Miyake from Rikkyo University. With a 5-pitch arsenal and balanced skill set, he's expected to lead a rotation in the near future.
Shizuoka opted for third baseman Takahiko Arakawa from Keio University. Projected to go sixth, Arakawa had a down year last season (his batting average was cut in half), but still has the tools to succeed.
Arrows Results
1. Takahiko Arakawa, as above
2. Hirotaka Hayashi, high-contact switch hitter 2B from Maebashi Ikuei HS
3. Motosugu Fujiwara, catcher from Chiben Wakayama HS with a gimpy bat but great pitch framing and personality
4. Koichi Shimoda, speedy right fielder with a good work ethic. May be better suited to DH duties.
5. Rikiya Nishino, who put up 3 WAR in high school, failed to sign with the Lions, and struggled a bit at Waseda University. (I've seen him kick butt in other sims, so not letting him get away)
6. Suezo Muraoka, right-handed pitcher from Hotoku Gakuen HS. Probably just org filler, I've got plenty of good starters.
7. Masao Ogawa, defensive shortstop from Meiji University
8. Aichi Yoshimoto, leftie reliever with plus fastball and curveball
9. Yoshiro Ishida, rightie reliever from Kyoto University
10. Kuemon Kamimura, another speedy right fielder from Chiben Wakayama HS
|