May 5, 2023: Hanshin Tigers, Defence, Team Manager (阪神タイガース、守備力、監督)

It has been more than a month since the Professional Baseball season opened. It is more enjoyable for me than the last few seasons. This is because the Hanshin Tigers have been doing far better than before. This time last year, the team was in its worst shape as they lost seven games in a row from the opening game. But this year, they have a good start and have had more wins than losses for now. That must be down to a much-improved fielding. I can watch it at ease this year. In particular, a new shortstop, Kinami, has been helping to enhance the team’s fielding. He has been showing great skills individually. But he also has a superb combination with a second baseman. I am happy just to watch his great skills, whether the team wins or not. I also admire the team manager, Akinobu Okada for his eye. He has had a good eye for choosing a shortstop. I expect the team to reduce the number of errors significantly.
I have another thing I look forward to reading after the games. That is to read the interview articles between the manager and the journalists. I like his funny way of talking. He talks without a subject, with accents that are unique to the Kansai area. It sounds like part of Manzai. Above all, I need it to console myself when the team has lost a game.

　プロ野球が開幕しておよそひと月がすぎました。阪神が好調なおかげで、今年は昨年までより楽しいです。昨年の今頃の阪神は、開幕からの7連敗で最悪の状態でした。今年は、好調なスタートを切り、今のところ勝ち越しています。これも、ひとえに守備力があがったおかげだと思います。今年は、安心して守備を見ていられます。特に、新しくショートに入った木浪選手が守備力向上に貢献しています。個人だけでなくセカンドとのコンビでも、素晴らしいプレーを見せてくれています。試合の勝敗に関係なく、この守備を見るだけで満足です。また、岡田監督の鑑識眼にも感服です。ショートに木浪選手を選んだのは大正解です。おかげで、チームのエラーは大幅に減りそうです。
　そして、もう一つの楽しみが、岡田監督の試合後のインタビューです。岡田監督の面白い話し方が好きです。関西弁で、主語がない話し方をされます。まるで漫才を聞いているようです。特に試合に負けた時は、このインタビュー記事がいやしてくれます。

岡田監督語録 ー スポニチ Sponichi Annex