Giants’ Managerial Search Intensifies: Hideki Hashigami Set to Step Down as Yoshinobu Takahashi May Cut Short Overseas Trip

Hideki Hashigami, 60, who took over as interim manager of the Yomiuri Giants from former manager Shinnosuke Abe, 47, midway through the season, has guided the team to a second-place finish in the league during the regular season.

“There were times late in the season when his decisions came under criticism, but he deserves credit for making the most of a batting lineup that lacked the firepower of Hanshin’s. Quite a few players and former Giants members believe he should be allowed to continue in the job next season.” — A former Giants player

However, the club is reportedly searching behind the scenes for candidates to become its next manager.

“There is said to be an unwritten rule at the Giants that the manager should be a homegrown player who has served as either the team’s cleanup hitter or ace pitcher. Hashigami never played for the Giants during his playing career. Even if he leads the team through the Climax Series and all the way to the Japan Series title, I suspect a managerial change is already a foregone conclusion.” — The same source

In recent years, more teams have left decisions on coaching appointments and roster construction largely to their front offices. The Giants, however, are one of the few clubs where the first-team manager is said to wield considerable authority over personnel matters.

“There is a wide range of roster-related work, including the draft scheduled for October 22, free-agent acquisitions during the offseason, and decisions about which players to release. All of these require close consultation with the club’s front office.” — The same source

One former Giants figure being mentioned as a possible next manager is Tatsunori Hara, 68.

“He has an impressive track record, with 1,291 career wins as a manager. Their rivals, the Hanshin Tigers, won the championship after experienced manager Akinobu Okada, 68, returned for a second stint following the tenures of Tomoaki Kanemoto, 58, and Akihiro Yano, 57. Some might criticize a return to the past, but with the team entering a transitional period, it would hardly be surprising if the Giants chose to follow the same path as Hanshin.” — A Central League team executive

Meanwhile, there are signs of growing activity surrounding another prominent candidate…

“It is Yoshinobu Takahashi, 51, who retired as a player at the end of 2015 and took over as manager the following year. During his tenure, the team finished second, fourth, and third, respectively. Although he put up respectable results, he stepped down without winning a championship. Since then, he has built a successful career as a baseball commentator and analyst. Recently, however, he has reportedly begun turning down work that would require him to take extended business trips.

Some speculate that he is keeping his schedule open in anticipation of a possible return as manager. If his appointment is confirmed, Hirokazu Ibata, 51, with whom he has a close relationship, could also join the coaching staff in a senior role, possibly as head coach.” — An executive at a major television network

Attention is now turning to Takahashi’s next move.