General News

The DH rule will not be in effect at Tokyo Dome.  The idea was raised during the Manager Meetings today, but was shot down because it was something the executive committee had to decide, not the two managers.

And starting pitcher announcements will not be made during the series.

Source: Nikkan Sports 10/26/2012

Nippon Ham Fighters

According to Sanspo, Yuki Saito has a shot to start Game 4 after pitching well during a Phoenix League start on Thursday: 5 IP, 74 NP, 3 H, 2 SO, 2 BB, 1 R.  The first three games will likely go to Mitsuo Yoshikawa, Masaru Takeda, and Brian Wolfe.  Source: Sanspo 10/26/2012

Nikkan Sports figures he will be as a reliever.  Source: Nikkan Sports 10/26/2012

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Yoshikawa threw about thirty pitches in the bullpen today.  Source: Sponichi 10/26/2012

Yomiuri Giants

The rotation could go: Tetsuya Utsumi, Hirokazu Sawamura, Dennis Houlton, and Ryosuke Miyaguni.  Source: Sports Hochi 10/26/2012

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Toshiya Sugiuchi is able to throw the ball at distances of seventy meters.  He played catch at a distance of about twenty meters while throwing the ball somewhat hard and is getting a better feel for his off-speed pitches.  He could toss a bullpen session soon.  If he gets a start, it will be after the first two games of the series.  Source: Sponichi 10/26/2012

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Shinnosuke Abe's legs are doing much better.  He swung the bat on Thursday for the first time in three days.  Source: Sanspo 10/26/2012

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Yoshihito Ishii vs the Nippon Ham Fighters, between 2008 and 2012: 51-for-144, 3 HR, 18 RBI.  Source: Sports Hochi 10/26/2012