Jim Allen of the Daily Yomiuri applauds Japan's Central League for adopting a playoff system for 2007 similar to the "junior" Pacific League. Additionally, there could be a bit of a change to the Japan Series.
The most interesting suggestion came from one of the IT-powered PL clubs, the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, who suggested selling the Japan Series' naming rights, as well.
This is a significant step, not because of the cash such a sale would bring, but because of the notion that the event can be more than it currently is. The very idea that the Series might be transformed into something different is a novel concept in Japan, where things often stay the same for no other reason than fear of criticism.
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Japanese pro ball needs to see its traditions in a new light if it is to thrive.
Traditions should be baseball's guide, not its ball and chain.
Why not, and then they can tattoo "Mizuno" on each of the player's foreheads, too.
You know it's only a matter of time before teams start painting advertisements on the outfield grass. I was listening to the Mets-Dodgers game on WFAN last night, and they start off each game with a sponsored "game time temperature." Bozhe moi!
They already have way more ads in Japan than they do in the U.S. But if more people show up and make the sport a better financial investment than it is now (which it isn't in Japan), wouldn't that be better than the alternative?
Did you see King Kaufmann's column today about why y'all don't have an NFL franchise in LA? Maybe the Japanese baseball powers that be should look at that as a way to make more than miniscule profits. (Not that it's any better as a alternative...)
Some of the writing in that article seemed over the top. I'm guessing it sounds less comical in Japanese.
He was certainly heaping lavish praise on the Giants, though. You'd think the paper has a vested interest in them or something.
You know it's only a matter of time before teams start painting advertisements on the outfield grass. I was listening to the Mets-Dodgers game on WFAN last night, and they start off each game with a sponsored "game time temperature." Bozhe moi!
Did you see King Kaufmann's column today about why y'all don't have an NFL franchise in LA? Maybe the Japanese baseball powers that be should look at that as a way to make more than miniscule profits. (Not that it's any better as a alternative...)
He was certainly heaping lavish praise on the Giants, though. You'd think the paper has a vested interest in them or something.
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