Hello from the Giants Express editorial team ⚾️
The offseason is barely underway, yet November 4 brought a wave of major headlines for the Yomiuri Giants.
Under manager Shinnosuke Abe, the team is entering a new chapter—one defined by discipline, development, and what Ishii himself calls a “Strong Giants” spirit.
Here’s your quick digest of everything happening across the Giants’ first and second squads.
💥 Takuro Ishii Named Giants’ Farm Team Manager — “Strong Giants” Begins
The Giants officially announced that Takuro Ishii (55), former DeNA hitting coach and Giants alumnus, has been appointed as the new farm team (minor squad) manager.
It marks Ishii’s first return to the club in five years, and his vision couldn’t be clearer:
“This is the Giants, so we must be a Strong Giants.
My mission is to develop players who can win at the top level.”
Following the departures of coaches Masumi Kuwata and Tomohiro Nioka, the Giants’ staff reshuffle continues in full swing.
Abe’s message is unmistakable — this team is rebuilding with a sharper focus on toughness, growth, and winning culture.
🎯 Masayoshi Taguchi Joins as Battery Coach — Building from Behind the Plate
Alongside Ishii’s appointment, the Giants welcomed Masayoshi Taguchi, a former Giants catcher, as the new battery coach for the farm team.
His passion for nurturing young catchers shone through at his introduction:
“I want to raise catchers who are respected — and who win.”
With Taishi Ota also stepping into a new coaching role, the development squad has taken on a more energized, hands-on atmosphere.
The Abe Era 2.0 is clearly about building from the ground up.
🔥 Fall Camp, Phase 2: Energy in Giants Town Is Peaking
The Giants’ Fall Camp 2025 entered its second phase in Giants Town (Miyazaki), and the intensity feels more like midseason than offseason.
Live coverage on Giants TV showed players grinding through high-tempo drills and bullpen sessions.
Highlights:
- 🧤 Pitcher Yuyo Nishidate threw over 100 pitches in the bullpen, showing promise for a rotation spot next season.
- ⚾ Rion Kitamura stayed late for extra hitting work, determined to earn a call-up.
- 🕘 Nov 5 schedule: Morning long tee drills; afternoon defensive workouts (Live on Giants TV, 9:00 AM JST).
During Ishii’s first on-field session, even the youngest players wore serious, focused expressions.
The “Strong Giants” era has officially begun.
🌏 Red Stars in Okinawa — Rising Prospects at Japan Winter League
Three young pitchers — Yushi Akahoshi, Josa Ishida, and Keishin Suzuki — will represent the Giants in the Japan Winter League (JWL) held in Okinawa.
Akahoshi expressed his determination to grow through international experience:
“I want to turn every inning into a step forward.”
For many prospects, the JWL is not just a tournament — it’s a bridge toward becoming core contributors next season.
💪 Injury Report: Naoki Yoshikawa Returns to Practice with Farm Team
Good news for Giants fans — Naoki Yoshikawa has resumed training with the farm squad after his injury layoff.
His fielding and movement already look sharp, signaling a potential early comeback.
Meanwhile, Tetsuya Matsumoto’s move to the Nippon-Ham Fighters was officially announced, continuing the offseason’s wave of staff changes.
Abe’s camp clearly emphasizes youth, energy, and renewal.
🧡 Summary: The “Strong Giants” Are Rising
November 4 marked the beginning of a new era for the Tokyo Giants.
With Takuro Ishii taking charge of the farm team and a renewed focus on player development and team culture,
fans can already feel the energy building toward 2025.
The Kyōjin Spirit — the pride and discipline that define Japanese baseball — is alive and well.
And from the looks of this camp, the Strong Giants are just getting started.
📣 Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update: November 5 Fall Camp Highlights
#YomiuriGiants #TakuroIshii #StrongGiants #FallCamp2025 #ShinnosukeAbe #JapaneseBaseball
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