Hanshin Tigers

Atsushi Kataoka informed reporters after today's game that he will be stepping down from his post as batting coach.

"I feel responsible.  [The offense] did not put up results.  That is how things are in baseball," said Kataoka.

Source: Sponichi 10/9/2012

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The Umeda Hanshin Department Store will be running a Hanshin Tigers Supporters Appreciation Sale for a five-day period beginning on October 10.  Source: Daily Sports 10/9/2012

Hiroshima Carp

Toshiaki Aizawa will be returning to Hiroshima next season as a batting practice pitcher.  When Hiroshima informed Aizawa that he was not in the team's plans for the 2013 season last week on Wednesday, they also asked if he was interested in taking a job as a BP pitcher.  Source: Nikkan Sports 10/9/2012

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Team owner Hajime Matsuda told reporters today that Takuro Ishii will most likely return next year as an Ichi-gun coach.  A formal announcement could be made some time this week.  Source: Sponichi 10/9/2012, Nikkan Sports 10/9/2012