On September 28th, Motonobu Tanishige and Tomoya Satozaki appeared on the Persol Pacific League TV official YouTube channel's "Monday is also Pa-Tele Time" and discussed the "Samurai Japan short stop Issue."

While looking back at the Pacific League over the 10 days since the 19th, the topic turned to Rui Muneyama as a Rakuten Eagles highlight. Although he was sidelined just before the season opener and got a late start, he has played in 62 games since returning to the first squad, posting a .266 batting average. He was in good form in August with a .322 average.

Satozaki evaluated Rui Muneyama, saying, "It was painful that he was out with an injury in the first half of this year, but his hard work in the final stages will lead into next year." Furthermore, he expressed the view that Ryuya Taira, who performed well in the first half during Rui Muneyama's absence, will be a positive factor for next season, stating, "Because of Rui Muneyama's injury, Ryuya Taira emerged, which added depth to the team."

Then the topic moved to the "Samurai Japan short stop." With the master Sosuke Genda, who has participated in numerous international tournaments until this year, retiring from the Japan national team, attention is focused on who will take over the short stop position. First, Tanishige stated flatly, "(Rui Muneyama) is the leading candidate, right?"

In addition, Seibu Lions' Natsuo Takizawa, whose defense is attractive, cleared the required plate appearances for the first time this season and has had a breakthrough in hitting with a current .280 average. Orix Buffaloes' Kotaro Kobayashi has also marked 18 Home Run, significantly updating his career high. Satozaki listed names of rivals in the Central League as well, but Tanishige pushed for the two, saying, "I think Natsuo Takizawa and Rui Muneyama are fine."

This off-season in November, the "Raxus Asia Professional baseball Championship 2026," in which the under-24 youth Japan national team participates, will be held. Who on earth will be the short stop selected for the first campaign of the new manager Tadahito Iguchi, the former Chiba Lotte Marines manager?

LIVE Streaming Program "Monday is also Pa-Tele Time"
・Streaming Date: Every Monday from 21:00 (Scheduled to stream until October during the season)
・Streaming Platform: Persol Pacific League TV official YouTube channel
・Cast: A pair of professional baseball alumni appearing on a weekly rotation
(Ryota Igarashi & Sho Nakata / Ginji & Yuji Kaneko / G.G. Sato & T-Okada / Motonobu Tanishige & Tomoya Satozaki)

Next week on October 5th, Ryota Igarashi and Sho Nakata are scheduled to appear, with T-Okada as a guest. Don't miss it!