Akira Neo, who has been used as a fielder, a two-way pitcher, and a pitcher, is in danger of getting stuck at Chunichi.

Once again, he failed to produce results.

On October 8, Akira Neo (24) of Chunichi pitched six innings against Seibu in the Miyazaki Phoenix League, and gave up five runs on four hits, including a three-run homer to Garcia in the third inning.

Neo’s biggest problem is his control of the ball. He often throws the ball ahead of the batter, and in many cases, when he tries to get a strike, he is hit by the pitch. Even in the farm, he has given up four walks in a row and has often been in trouble with the bases loaded.

Neo throws a 150 km/h straight ball with a slider, fork and other breaking pitches, and the ball itself is top-notch. However, he lacks control and is not very consistent. Even though he throws a great ball in the bullpen, when he takes the mound, there are many cases where he throws four balls in a row.

Nebo’s record this season was 4-5 with a 2.63 earned-run average with the second team, while his record with the first team was 0-1 with a 9.39 earned-run average.

On his days off, he read books all the time.

Nebo was a first-round draft pick in 1919, joining Chunichi from Osaka Toin High School. In the six years since then, he has not had a year in which his performance has been satisfactory to fans, but there are some circumstances that make one want to feel sorry for him.

He has not had a year in which his performance has been satisfactory to fans, but there is one circumstance that makes us want to feel sorry for him. When I first joined the team, I said, ‘Please let me play only shortstop (I was a regular since high school),’ but in the fall camp of 2007, I was ordered to play outfield defense. When Kazuyoshi Tachinami took over as manager in 2010, Nebo’s position changed two or three times: as a pitcher, a fielder and a pitcher, and again as a pitcher. No wonder he felt uncomfortable.

Neo’s personality may have had a negative impact as well. He is so serious that he says, “I read books on my days off. Chunichi’s alumni have a strong voice. I am sure that Neo listened intently to the advice of the alumni who visited his practice sessions, and in some cases, he even began to think about it. I feel that he is troubled and lost. The high expectations of the avid Dragons fans for the first-round draft pick may also be putting pressure on him” (reporter for a sports newspaper).

Kazuki Inoue, who led the second team this season, will be the first team manager next season. The atmosphere within the team will change from the Tachinami administration. However, considering Nebo’s position, some fans are concerned that he may be at risk of getting stuck in Chunichi, where the way he is used has changed so frequently, and that he should change the environment.

A classmate of mine at Osaka Toin High School.

A fresh start may be most effective for the sluggish Neo. There is a possibility that Chunichi will release him in the future. The rumored destination is a surprising team.

Lotte. Lotte has Kyota Fujiwara, a classmate and good friend from Osaka Toin High School. The alumni of Lotte are not as influential as those of Chunichi, and the fans are likely to give him a warm reception. Above all, the presence of manager Masato Yoshii, who made ace player Akinori Sasaki a great success, is a big factor, although his departure next season is unknown. There is a strong possibility that Nebo will awaken under Yoshii’s guidance and in a no-nonsense environment.

For Lotte, the addition of Neo is also a great benefit. Sasaki is expected to try out for the Majors in the near future. If Nebo awakens, he will fill the void left by Sasaki. There are hopes that Neo, a ‘Koshien hero,’ can become the new ‘face of the Marines’ as a star player.

Next season will be Neo’s seventh year as a professional baseball player, and he has thrilled baseball fans all over Japan with his dynamic performance at Koshien. This will be his seventh year as a professional baseball player, and it will be a year of great challenges for him.