Yuto Kanemaru’s Coaching Approach Sparks Conflict Between Manager Inoue and Chunichi Executives

How to raise a golden egg

This year’s draft saw Chunichi select Yuto Kanemaru (21) from Kansai University as their first-round pick, and already, there is conflict between Manager Inoue (53) and the team executives regarding his coaching approach.

“This fall’s draft was seen as a ‘win’ for whichever team could acquire either Meiji University’s Rui Sooyama (21) or Kanemaru. The fact that both the B-Class Rakuten and Chunichi managed to acquire one of them is a positive considering the need for competitive balance” (Scout from a Pacific League team).

This offseason, Chunichi is likely to lose key players such as long-time star hitter Dayan Viciedo (35), closer Raidel Martínez (28), and pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara (27), who is aiming for a move to the U.S. Major Leagues through the posting system, which will result in a significant drop in their strength. Therefore, developing the promising new talent, Kanemaru, has become the team’s top priority.

“Manager Inoue, who has experience as a minor league manager, understands the importance of player development. It seems he has a detailed plan for Kanemaru, a ‘golden egg,’ and depending on his condition, he is considering starting him in the minor leagues during spring training to closely monitor his growth.

However, the team executives, who prioritize business considerations, are reportedly pressuring Manager Inoue to start Kanemaru in the first team camp and make him a part of the opening rotation. Knowing how tough the professional world can be, Manager Inoue is said to have become angry, asking, ‘Is the team really serious about strengthening the squad?’ If Manager Inoue and the executives are already clashing over team reform, it’s hard to be optimistic about what lies ahead.” (Team insider)

“I’ll take care of him.”

Already, the local supporters in Nagoya, the hometown of the team, are reportedly vying to take Yuto Kanemaru under their wing. For example, a local business leader, known for personally “supporting” many young pitchers in the past, has expressed his intentions.

“Kanemaru-kun? Of course, I’ll support him. I’ve already asked to be introduced to him during the spring training in February. I want to take a photo together and get his autograph! I’m talking with other supporters from the same circle, including an owner of a company, saying, ‘He’s the same generation as Hiroto Takahashi (22), and there’s no doubt he’ll lead the Dragons. We want to take care of him and help him become a big success!'”

Kanemaru signed a tentative contract with the team on December 4, and now, as he begins his professional career, these “challengers” are waiting eagerly to guide him.