Two homers but a .100 batting average! Seiya Suzuki, “A Surprising Former Giant Pitcher Who Becomes a Nemesis”

I knew that if I didn’t hit the ball soon, people around me would start to talk about it, so I did it. That’s a lie.”

Seiya Suzuki, 27, of the Cubs, told reporters in a good mood.

The Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki, 27, was in a good mood as he spoke to reporters during an open game against the Mariners on March 31 (Japan time) in Arizona, USA. Suzuki hit a two-run shot to left center off the ace, Gonzalez. It was his first hit in his fourth game and 11th at bat, and his first home run. Suzuki immediately answered a reporter’s question, “Will it be a kicker?” …….

I don’t think so. But I’m sure it will happen somewhere. I just have to believe in it and continue to bat patiently.”

On April 3 against the Angels, Suzuki hit No. 2 in an open game. However, as of the same day, his batting average is .143, and he has struck out six times in 14 at-bats, nearly half of his total. It is not surprising that Suzuki is cautious in his comments.

After each game, Suzuki stays in the video room and repeatedly checks the images of opposing pitchers, looking over the materials provided by the team. Most of them are pitchers he has never seen before. He must be desperate to deal with them.

We cannot be optimistic. No Japanese right-hander has ever achieved satisfactory results in the majors. Ichiro, Hideki Matsui, Shohei Ohtani, and other successful fielding players all hit left-handed. One thing that the Japanese have particular difficulty with is the moving fastball, which moves in their hands. Suzuki will have a hard time until he gets used to it.

The harsh public address system that was used on Fukudome.

Local Chicago fans could also be an element of concern for Suzuki. Sports journalist Nachi Tomonari, who is well versed in the Major League Baseball scene, tells the following story.

They are called ‘bleacher bums,’ and they are the Cubs’ most passionate fans. Their fervor is even greater than the Hanshin fans in Japan. They hurl relentless criticism from the stands at any player who is not performing well.

They have no mercy on Japanese players either. When the trade to the Reds was finalized, there was a sarcastic announcement at the airport. Mr. Kowske. You have been assigned to the Cincinnati Reds. He signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the Reds, and because of his high reputation, if he doesn’t produce results, I think the criticism of Suzuki will be quite strong.

Suzuki’s likely rival is a former Giant ace who belongs to the Cardinals of the National League’s Mid-Division, the same division as the Cubs. Tomonari continues.

He was a member of the Giants for three years starting in 2003. He honed his control in Japan and won 33 games in three years. In 2006, when he returned to the Majors, he won the title of most wins with 18 victories. Injuries have prevented him from pitching as well as he would have liked over the past two or three years, but he is back on track this season and will be a key member of the rotation. He should be able to pitch against Suzuki more often.

Maikolas is not a power pitcher who can handle the moving fastball, which Japanese pitchers have trouble with. He is a breaking ball pitcher who mainly uses curves and sliders. While in Japan, Suzuki hit Mikolas 15 times for 5 hits and 2 home runs. Even in the majors, I’d love to see him duck.”

Suzuki’s long-awaited shot must have eased his mind a little, and he should be in good shape for the season opener on April 8.