Inviting teammates to his parents’ home in Hiroshima…Sho Nakata, who was acquired by Nakanichi, “also duplicates first base with Viciedo, the main gun”, an unexpected thought of Manager Tatsunami.

Nakata said, “I felt something ignited inside me. I honestly felt I wanted to play for this team.”

Sho Nakata, 34, who has decided to join Nakata, told the press at a press conference on December 6. The contract is a large one, estimated to be worth 600 million yen over two years. Nakata was offered the number “6,” the number he wore when he was with Nippon Ham.

It was a lightning-fast transfer.

Nakata was a very good player,” said Mr. Kurokawa, “and Nakata was very eager from the beginning. On November 15, Nakata exercised his right to opt out and announced his resignation from the Giants. On the same day, Chunichi Sports reported that the Giants were “investigating the possibility of acquiring Nakata. Three days after Nakata officially became a free agent on December 1, Chunichi announced that they had acquired him.

Manager Kazuyoshi Tachinami, who has been in last place for two consecutive years, wanted to acquire Nakata at all costs. I heard that he personally negotiated with Nakata at a hotel in Tokyo. The team’s .234 batting average, 71 home runs, and 390 runs scored this season are all the lowest in the league. Nakata, who hit a total of 303 homers and drove in 100 or more runs three times during his days at Nichi-Ham, might be able to solve the poor batting situation.

According to a source, manager Tatsunami himself made a direct appeal to owner Uichiro Oshima to acquire Nakata. Tatsunami must have been dissatisfied with the team’s reluctance to reinforce the team. The front office, too, was moved by Tatsunami’s enthusiasm and finally lifted its heavy hand.

Nakata’s hitting ability is well known to everyone. However, his position in the Chunichi lineup overlaps with that of their main gun, Viciedo, at first base.

Viciedo won the top hitter and the most hits title in 2006, but his performance has been declining year by year. This season, he is batting .244 with six home runs and 23 runs batted in. These are not the kind of numbers befitting of a star slugger. Manager Tatsunami complained that he must notice his decline, and often demoted him to the second team. Even if there is a positional conflict, he will give priority to Nakata.

Director Tatsunami has an unexpected idea.

Nakata is a good friend and takes good care of his teammates. When he was with Nippon Ham, he often invited his teammates to his parents’ house in Hiroshima when they played the Carp in the interleague games. It is a well-known story that he served them meals. He took good care of Masato Akihiro, who had been struggling in the Giants as well, and helped him awaken by having him train with him.

Chunichi has many promising young players. Yuki Okabayashi, Kosuke Ukai, and Kenta Bright ……. If Nakata can set a good example and start coaching the youngsters, the team’s strength will be greatly enhanced. Nakata’s batting ability is a big advantage for other teams.

Nakata’s hitting ability is a threat to other teams. But that is not the only attraction. He has the potential to create a “chemical reaction” in Chunichi and awaken the organization.