Unveiling the Next Manager, Kudo, Akiyama, or Ito? Anticipation Grows Following Seibu’s Matsui’s Resignation

Seibu’s manager Katsuyuki Matsui (48) took a leave of absence after the May 26 game against Orix at the MetLife Dome, and on May 27, it was announced that team GM Hisanobu Watanabe (58) would assume the role of interim manager. This sudden change sent shockwaves through the baseball world. With just 45 games played and a record of 15 losses, Matsui effectively faced dismissal. What exactly transpired behind this sudden personnel decision?

According to the team’s release regarding the “Managerial Personnel Announcement,” Matsui agreed to take a break after discussions with the team. He left the following comment:

 

“Amidst the challenging battles, I deeply apologize for not being able to meet the expectations of our loyal Lions fans who continue to support us unwaveringly. Despite our efforts to turn things around with the coaches and players, I have decided to entrust the helm to GM Watanabe mid-season. Leading this team since last year, I’ve felt the players’ growth, but the inability to translate that into results lies solely on me as the manager.” 

Following the sudden decision, Matsui’s wife, the 50-year-old entertainer Mio, expressed on social media, “it’s all so sudden”

After the announcement of his leave, Manager Matsui appeared in casual attire at the stadium parking lot, expressing gratitude to the team. He stated, “I’m grateful to the organization. There are young players in the second team, and I want them to do their best. I want to keep a close eye on them. I’ve done my best.” Meanwhile, GM Watanabe explained “I wasn’t planning to return to the field anymore, but the organization said, ‘The only one who can break this situation is the GM.’” However, this entire exchange has left former team members feeling uneasy, with some lowering their heads in discomfort.

“Before the season started, team owner Takashi Goto (75) mentioned veteran players like Takeya Nakamura (40) and Takumi Kuriyama (40), both of whom are at retirement age, as players he had high hopes for. It felt like they were avoiding addressing the issue of insufficient strength.

Since Watanabe became GM 11 years ago after stepping down as manager, how many key players have left through free agency? With each player leaving through free agency, there have been murmurs questioning the club’s response, often citing a lack of sincerity. Among longtime alumni and within the organization, there are concerns that if the head of operations also assumes the role of manager, players may become either timid or overly ingratiating. Some express considerable apprehension, believing that turning things around now may be out of reach.”

Ultimately, Seibu made the decision to strip Manager Matsui of his uniform. The difficulty of combining the roles of GM and manager is evident, as seen in the case of former Rakuten manager Kazuhisa Ishii (50).

 

“Already, there are those within the coaching staff and front office angling for internal promotions. Personally, I believe that if experienced veterans like Kudo Kimiyasu (61), Akiyama Koji (62), or Ito Tsutomu (61) were to return as managers, the team would undergo significant changes.

 

Expectations are high. Unlike Manager Matsui, they have vast experience and significant influence within the front office, so even if bold reforms take time to yield results, the fans and upper management will be patient.” (same source)

 

The lack of firepower might be offset by the expertise of seasoned managers. From this off-season’s managerial appointments, perhaps the turnaround for Seibu will finally begin.