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RETURN to Teams Page
NPB Japanese Professional Baseball Draft
Guide
by Brandon Siefken, JapanBall.com
(This page to remain posted until just before 2010 season.)
For the first time in years the draft for the 2009 season
subjected all amateur levels (high school, university, and industrial league) to
the same draft.
Each team is ranked and graded using three criteria:
- How a team met its needs;
- What talent was drafted...and passed by; and,
- The value received for the round.
A brief recap of team statistics are given before the
analysis.
| Team: |
Swallows |
Draft Rank: |
7 |
Grade: |
B- |
|
2008 Statistical Finish out of Six Clubs in League |
| Record |
66-74-4 (5th) |
RBI |
583 (2nd) |
| RA* |
569 (4th) |
ERA |
3.75 (4th) |
| * Runs Allowed |
The Swallows are one of those teams that after the season ends
you review their numbers and can’t believe they were that good. I couldn't
believe their hitting was that good and their pitching was that strong.
First Round: They drafted the best person available with
their first pick, Katsuki Akagawa from Miyazakisho High School. Akagawa is a
strong, tough pitcher who's aggressive and projects to be a good starter for the
Swallows. He'll make a good fit with Yoshinori and Tateyama to make the rotation
even better. This was a great pick.
Second Round: They picked up another capable high school
pitcher in Ryosuke Yagi from Kyoei. He might get a chance to contribute early
and needs just a little work before he's big league material.
Third Round: Catcher, Yuhei Nakamura from Fukuisho High
School. Nakamura may not be able to start right away, but could fill in a hole
later when he improves his hitting.
The Swallows took another catcher and another pitcher to round
out the draft.
They did well for themselves in this draft, especially getting
Akagawa. Expect to see him soon.
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