11-01-2020, 04:34 AM
I'd like to see a full season from Akiyama. The Reds started rolling when he was moved back into the lead off spot. He started battling every at bat instead of just being overwhelmed like early in the season.
Think about it.
New culture
New language
No fellow Japanese players on the team
No family - I really feel this also had as much to do with Suarez' struggles as his recovery from his shoulder injury
Covid
Oh yeah . . . facing Major League pitchers for the first time.
All that and he's still a finalist for a gold glove.
They still need more hitters and less sluggers, but Akiyama really looked the part of a leadoff hitter as the season started winding down. It kind of makes me wonder what he could have done if they played 102 more games
Think about it.
New culture
New language
No fellow Japanese players on the team
No family - I really feel this also had as much to do with Suarez' struggles as his recovery from his shoulder injury
Covid
Oh yeah . . . facing Major League pitchers for the first time.
All that and he's still a finalist for a gold glove.
They still need more hitters and less sluggers, but Akiyama really looked the part of a leadoff hitter as the season started winding down. It kind of makes me wonder what he could have done if they played 102 more games
Only users lose drugs.
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