The Chunichi Dragons announced today that they will not offer pitching coach Hiroshi Gondo a contract for the 2013 season.  Gondo held a press conference at the team offices in Nagoya to address the media.

Said Gondo, "The players did a good job.  We got that far and could not close it out.  The two things came together and I feel mixed about things."

Source: Nikkan Sports 10/24/2012

Team rep Ryohei Sato: "We have to consider what [Morimichi] Takagi wants.  We want to be supportive as we make preparations for what comes after Takagi."

Source: Nikkan Sports 10/24/2012

Team president Katsuhiko Sakai: "We are focusing on the next season with the personnel changes we are making now.  We think highly of [Gondo] as a coach.  We are grateful for his help in developing a number of our pitchers over the course of the season."

Source: Nikkan Sports 10/24/2012

UPDATE @ 2:47pm - The Dragons decided to part ways with Gondo during a special board of directors meeting on Tuesday.  The team will likely promote someone from within to become the next pitching coach.  Source: Daily Sports 10/24/2012