Chunichi Dragons

The combined ages of Masahiro Yamamoto (forty-seven) and Hanshin Tiger Tomoaki Kanemoto (forty-four) was the second highest in NPB history for a pitcher and a batter.  The NPB record of ninety-six years was set on November 5, 1950 by Shinji Hamazaki (forty-eight) and Yoshio Yusasa (forty-eight).  Source: Nikkan Sports 10/4/2012

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Junki Ito was asked to re-do a pitch after umpires found that he used a two-step motion.  So what was originally thought to be a fly out to center to the lead-off batted in the 2nd inning, ended up being a ground out to first.  Source: Nikkan Sports 10/4/2012

Yakult Swallows

The Swallows are planning to offer Shigeru Sugimura a job as Ni-gun batting coach for the 2013 season.  If he joins the staff, that could pave the way for Takahiro Ikeyama's promotion to Ichi-gun batting coach.

Yakult is also thinking about offering Kazuki Fukuchi a Ni-gun fielding/base-running coach job.

Source: Nikkan Sports 10/4/2012

Yomiuri Giants

Scott Mathieson (right shoulder) joined the Ichi-gun team for workouts on Wednesday and tossed twenty-nine pitches in the bullpen.

Said Mathieson, "No problems with my elbow or shoulder.  I feel strong with each bullpen session."

Mathieson could be added to the active roster for the team's last series of the season (vs Yokohama, October 5-7).

Source: Sanspo 10/4/2012

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Hirokazu Sawamura will be available out of the bullpen for the final series of the season.  Source: Sponichi 10/4/2012

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Tatsunori Hara, head coach Kaoru Okazaki, batting coach Shinichi Murata, and strategy coach Hideki Hashigami all worked with Shuichi Murata on his hitting during workouts at Giants Stadium on Wednesday.  Source: Daily Sports 10/4/2012, Sanspo 10/4/2012

Hanshin Tigers

The Tigers have two more games remaining on their schedule.  They may give Atsushi Nomi a shot at the strikeout title but letting him pitch a few innings in relief.  Nomi currently has 168 strikeouts.  That is four behind current league leader Toshiya Sugiuchi's 172.

Nomi tossed two shutout innings in relief on Wednesday and struck out three.

Source: Sanspo 10/4/2012, Nikkan Sports 10/4/2012

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The Tigers are still uncertain if Takahiro Arai and Kyuji Fujikawa will be ready in time to play Tomoaki Kanemoto's retirement game on October 9.  A lot will depend on how far along they are on or around October 6.  Source: Sanspo 10/4/2012

Yokohama Bay Stars

The Bay Stars announced they sign Ni-gun infield/base-running coach Shintaro Mizutani to a contract for the 2013 season.  Source: Daily Sports 10/4/2012