Rui Okoye of the Giants Under the Pressure of Manager Abe’s Hot-Blooded Guidance

“I had a very exciting year in a new environment. I’ve been able to draw more out of myself.”

Rui Okoye, 26, of the Giants, who renewed his contract at the team’s office in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward on November 28, told the press with a relieved look on his face. His estimated salary is 12 million yen, an increase of 3.5 million yen. Okoye, who was expected to be a star at Koshien but failed to produce results, was often rumored to be on the verge of retirement. He joined the Giants from Rakuten in the active draft, and he will be very happy to see his salary increase for the first time in six years.

 

However,

“He is not in a very secure situation if you look at it objectively. This season’s results include a .235 batting average, two home runs, and six runs batted in. I don’t think the team’s executives are satisfied with the results. I think the contract renewal at a higher price is a figure that includes expectations.”

“Everyone agrees that Okoye has a strong shoulder with a long throw of 120 meters, eyesight of over 2.0, and a 50-meter run of 5.96 seconds. However, his personality is uneven. During his time at Rakuten, he would affirm himself every year, saying, “I’m growing up too smoothly,” but when he received attention from coaches and managers, he would become flustered. Kazuhisa Ishii, the manager at the time, told him, “You are not thinking straight,” If he doesn’t come out soon, his own baseball career will suffer.”

It’s easy to be a lousy hitter.

 

Manager Shinnosuke Abe, who has been leading the team since this off-season, must understand Okoye’s ability and personality, as he was seen giving him enthusiastic and devoted instruction many times during the fall training camp held in Miyazaki in November.

“He gave him very specific instructions, such as, ‘You should lay the bat down a little bit,’ I think it was out of parental love, wanting him to be a part of the outfield lineup. He also spent a lot of time teaching defense. Manager Abe seems to think that Okoye has room to grow, but he thinks it would be a waste. He believes that if he can coach him in the right way, he can become a great player.”

“On the other hand, Abe also has a harsh side. He puts a certain amount of pressure on his players and encourages them to get excited. According to a report in “Sports Hochi,” Abe tells his players, “It’s easy to be a bad player,” If you don’t think that way, you won’t take action.”

Whether Okoye will be inspired by coach Abe’s passionate guidance or whether he will feel pressured and fail to grow, will be up to Okoye’s attitude.

But the fact is that the current situation is tough.

“The Giants’ outfield is a fierce competition. Manager Abe has a blank slate for the regular outfielders, but there are many candidates. Veterans include Yoshihiro Maru, Hisayoshi Nagano, and Takayuki Kajitani. Youngsters such as the promising Shogo Asano and the fast-growing Masato Akihiro may protect the outfield. It will not be easy for Okoye to join them.”

“The “trial period” after the active draft ends this season, and unless he is not satisfied with a batting average in the low .200 range and changes his mindset and resolve, he may have a very serious future next offseason. Even though he has renewed his contract, Okoye is in a backwater position.” said a sports reporter.

Will Okoye be able to regain the brilliance that made him so successful at the Koshien Stadium next season? Okoye’s true value will be tested.