Based on last chapter’s preview, the first Inter-squad game will be between first and third years. If the format is still the same with last year’s (during Eijun’s first year), this will decide which first and third-years making it to the first or second-string. Only with one marked difference, the first-string players are not excluded, considering that there is no first-string right now with the coach’s announcement. If that is true… well, I don’t really want to be Seidou’s first years. The only consolation is, if it follows the same pattern, Coach Kataoka will immediately pull out the potential players for first or second-string from the field and give others time to shine. (though it makes me wonder how and when is the time for second years then…?)
Thus, as suggested by @xautumnwondersx, I am giving a try on guessing the possible new team roster with the reformation of the first-string before the Inter-squad match, although I’ve got a feeling that by the end of the match, my guess will be debunked, or y’know, jossed. So take this with a grain of salt (*ゝ∀･)v
The easiest way to do this is by starting from the current-now-former first-string members, then followed by characters outside first-string we have come to know (mostly) by face and name. I’d give one (*) asterisk for those I am certain to remain in or get to first string, two (**) for those I am uncertain of, or consider second-string material, and question mark (?) for relative unknown in skill and ability.
With the help of Daiya Wiki, here are the listed first-string members for Spring tournament:
Furuya (*) His performance lately is lackluster, but Furuya has been the Ace who led Seidou and stood toe-to-toe with the champion Komadai. He also has been pitching since his first year, so he is one of the most experienced players in the team. While his position as ace is uncertain, but his place in the team is not, as he is both capable in defense and offense, which cannot be said with the rest of pitchers. He can also play as left-fielder.
Miyuki (*) Being captain, catcher and cleanup, Miyuki is irreplaceable, or the last person to not be considered for first string. He has competition in all positions he holds, all but catcher position. Miyuki has been starter since his first year, making him the most experienced player in the team, and added with his exceptional skill as catcher and solid rapport with pitchers, he is the undisputed main catcher for the team.
Maezono (**) Although Maezono is vice-captain and good first baseman, his batting has been inconsistent and unreliable. He is supplanted by Shirasu for fifth batter position for seemingly good reason. Even Yuuki, a first year, has given better showing in his matches. If he shows no progress, he is likely not to make the cut for first-string.
Haruichi (*) Haruichi is among the most consistent and reliable batters of the team, and one of the two best infielders that makes the Iron Wall. @kikychandesu is concerned that his habit using wooden bat might hinder him, but if we consider him using wooden bat as a handicap, what does it speak for him that he has shown the best performance among batters with such handicap? I’d say that it will only make Ochiai (the only person who objects to his stubbornness) more persuasive for Haruichi to use metal bat, not taking him out from first-string.
Higasa (**) He is the only other third year who also made it into the previous roster with the former third years, and during Fall tournament, Higasa is often considered as starter for third baseman, which speaks well for his ability. However, in the Spring tournament, Kanemaru is the preferred third baseman, which means he has to work hard to prove his worth.
Kuramochi (*) He is the most skilled and experienced player in the team only after Miyuki. It is widely acknowledged that Kuramochi and Miyuki form the core strength of the team, added that he is also vice captain and has been acting captain in Miyuki’s absence during Meiji Jingu, one half of Iron Wall and the trigger of Seidou’s offense, he is as irreplaceable as Miyuki. There is no reason not to consider him in the first-string. He also has shown growth in his offense, whereas before his batting is considered lackluster (looking at you Miyuki).
Asou (**) He is well known for his fast throw from outfield, but not much for his batting. His position as left-fielder has the most competition, especially it’s the most likely position for Furuya when he is not pitching. He also isn’t shown much lately, his position in first-string is currently under question.
Toujou (*) Toujou has proven himself in both offense and defense as second batter and center fielder. During Meiji Jingu, he and Haruichi were the players who contributed most runs. His performance is exceptional during Spring tournament. He is unlikely not to make the cut for first-string.
Shirasu (*) Shirasu is the epitome of slow and steady wins the race. From the bottom of batting lineup, he ends up fifth in the batting lineup, taking over Maezono who is more flashy, but inconsistent. It seems that he immediately became regular starter once the third years retire in his first year. He is completely reliable in both offense and defense, and the role model of Toujou as fellow outfielder. He is unlikely not to remain in the first-string as he is considered the backbone of defense, especially in the outfield.
Kawakami (*) Kawakami is not only the most experienced pitcher but also the pitcher with the best control in the current roster. His pitching is reliable and consistent compared the other two pitchers, one is in decline and the other on the rise. His offensive ability doesn’t matter but his chance to be starter in other position than pitcher, not unlike Eijun. He is still in the race for ace position, but he needs to show that he is capable to carry the team on his back from the start/under pressure. Otherwise, his position in the first-string in unquestionable.
Nakata (**) There is not much known about Nakata, except that he is the reserve/relief shortstop. Living under Kuramochi’s shadow is certainly not easy, especially his fellow third year managed to keep up with Ryousuke and became the Iron Wall of Seidou. However, this means that he is currently the only one capable to make combination plays as required as second baseman, regardless of the shortstop. Thus, he has a good chance of making it to the first string, unless a promising first-year that can keep up with current second, not unlike Kuramochi, makes an appearance.
Ono (*) Being in the same year with Miyuki, Ono is naturally overshadowed by Miyuki. However, he has his chance to shine when Miyuki is injured and has proven himself a capable replacement for Miyuki, taking the team as far as the semifinals in Meiji Jingu. His experience and rapport with all three pitchers ensure his spot in the first string even with the incoming talents vying for his position. He has also shown capability for growth.
Seki (**) From all third years in current lineup, Seki is the least we see. I don’t think he even started in Fall tournament at all. I’d say of all third years, he will be the first candidate who is the most likely to be cut off.
Yamaguchi (**) He seems a power batter, which is currently missing from the batting lineup since Masuko. He has a good chance if he shows promise in his offense and defense. Considering he is first baseman and Maezono’s performance is currently not up to par, he might overtake his fellow third-year.
Kanemaru (**) Kanemaru has been consistently the starting third baseman, chosen over Higasa, which means his defense is solid and reliable. However, he is put at the bottom of batting lineup, suggesting that his offense is not as good as it should. His spot in first string is rather precarious, at least compared to Higasa he has better chance to make it.
Kijima (**) Kijima is former roommate of and has been relief second baseman under Ryousuke, who set high standard for the position. While he is passed over for Haruichi, it doesn’t mean he can be underestimated because he has more time to learn from Ryousuke even compared to Haruichi himself. Being relief second baseman in different rosters means he is capable performing combination plays with any shortstop. He has a good chance to make the cut, like Nakata, unless a really talented first-year who can keep up with Kuramochi appears.
Kaneda (**) He is supposed to be part of the first-string since the beginning, or at least since the second-years took over, but his only significant appearance is when Kaneda is paired with Okumura in the bullpen, which is quite confusing since we’ve never seen him in the bullpen before, even Eijun when he is still in the second-string is seen practicing together with the first-string pitchers (I think? I am pretty sure). I don’t even think his pitching is shown when he replaces Eijun in the Inter-Squad match between regular and reserve during Fall tournament. If there is another talented pitcher or decent outfielder with good offense, he is likely to get booted.
Sawamura (*) With his growth, besides being the MC, Sawamura is as likely as Miyuki not to make it to the first string. He is becoming a formidable pitcher with his unique pitch and high variety of pitches. Along with Furuya and Haruichi, he has played since his first year and is often put on the field in difficult situations. He is also a mood-maker that is able to inspire the team. His offense still needs work, but is getting there. Regardless, he and Furuya are currently the top contenders for ace position.
Yuuki (*) Only in his first official appearance as a first year he has hit a home run, an achievement surpassing his brother. His offense is proven and needed for Seidou that is currently lacking in batting power. For solely that reason, it is rather a certainty he will remain in the first string, if not the only guaranteed first year to be in the summer roster. His defense still needs work, and too soon to assume the same position with his brother in the infield.
Yui (**) Yui is in tough position of being a catcher, and not even the first choice after the main catcher. He still hasn’t been able to catch the pitches of the top two pitchers of Seidou and build a rapport with them, so he and the rest of catchers will be competing for the likely third catcher in the team. Being one of two first-years in the first string gives him an early lead and he appears to be an all-rounder (based on Ochiai’s note), but Okumura seems to react better to difficult pitches and Kariba has better rapport being older, so I’d say their chances are pretty much even.
As you can see from above analysis per player, only 10 (ten) players I am pretty certain will remain in the first string, which leaves 10 openings for the Summer Qualifiers (before it will be once again reduced to 18 for the Summer Koshien, which will be another analysis in another time). From those ten, the positions filled are 3 pitchers, 2 catchers, 1 shortstop, 1 second baseman, 1 center-fielder, 1 right-fielder and 1 unknown (likely outfielder).
My guess of the positions still open or need to be filled are 1 catcher, 2 first basemen, 1 shortstop, 1 second baseman, 2 third basemen, and 3 outfielders (1 pitcher). Since Seidou is renowned and likely to keep their distinctive strategy of Pitcher Relay, the coach would have liked to have at least another catcher and pitcher in the roster adding to the current catchers and pitchers (see above), and it helps that pitcher can also be an outfielder.
Now, there are other players given name in the manga, but not many actually given actual panel and introduction, so these are the potential players that Terajima-sensei might be considering.
Mimura (**) Mimura has previously managed to make it in the first-string during Fall tournament, but doesn’t make the cut for Koshien. In Spring tournament, he lost against first years. He will need to work really hard for his last chance. It’s one thing to be passed over for second-years, but first years? His chance is currently low.
Kawashima (**). Kawashima is in the same position with Mimura. His chance is low for returning to first-string.
Kariba (**). Kariba is one of the most notable second-years besides those the quintet. Oddly though, he never makes it to first-string despite his ability to deal with Eijun’s tricky pitches, and likely Furuya’s heavy pitches. Or he did but I don’t remember? Being fellow second years, he has rapport and experience with the pitchers, even Kawakami. It should be his advantage over the first-year catchers. Unless he utilizes it well, he might be overshadowed by either Yui or Okumura.
Oka (?) Oka is one of the two other second-years we are introduced to while the spotlight seems to be on the first-years. This likely means that they will be at the forefront fighting for position in the first-string with the rest of the team. However, his current skill and ability is unknown, including his preferred position.
Takatsu (?) Takatsu is the other second-year we are introduced to while the spotlight seems to be on the first-years. This likely means that they will be at the forefront fighting for position in the first-string with the rest of the team. However, his current skill and ability is unknown, including his preferred position.
Seto (**) Seto is one of the five first-years noted by the coaches and considered to be put into first-string, so he is certainly second-string material. However, since his preferred position is second baseman, he is up to a hard competition with Haruichi and Kijima, who is not to be underestimated. However, he is particularly proud of his legs, so I wonder whether he will try for shortstop position instead and becoming Kuramochi’s successor and Haruichi’s future partner as the current reserves for Iron Wall are both third-years. It doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll make it into first-string though.
Okumura (**) He is the only other first-year given particular focus/background besides Yui. He has yet to build rapport with pitchers, the only first-string pitcher he interacts with is Eijun. So he is still behind compared to Yui. However, based on Ochiai’s note, he seems to be a better catcher than Yui (’natural sense’) but loses in overall ability for offense and defense so he might give Yui and other catchers a run for their money.
Asada (**) He is tall, shy and awkward, and throws a curve ball. Sounds like a dead ringer to the previous ace, doesn’t he? Considering the coach’s preference for having various kind of pitchers in his lineup, if Asada shows good control and performance enough with his curve ball, he is likely to be promoted to first-string as rough and unpolished Sawamura made it to second-string back then. I’d say he is the only other first-year than Yuuki surely to make the cut. It is also a good chance for Asada to gain skill and experience to later fill in the spot of reliever, like Kawakami.
Kuki (?) Since he seems to be injured, Kuki makes late but consistent appearance. He even has built good relationship with Toujou and Kanemaru. However, his skill and ability, along with his preferred position is still unknown. The current best bet that Kuki is second-string material with little potential for first-string since he didn’t particularly catch the coaches’ attention.
Kagami (**) The mysterious first-year that is included in Ochiai’s note but doesn’t make any appearance (yet), so he is likely to be second-string material with some potential for first-string? That is if he is not an existing character that Terajima-sensei doesn’t happen to forget haha. From Ochiai’s note, he seems more like Shirasu, so there’s a possibility he doesn’t make a splash initially but then become prominent later.
Mogami (?) Currently Mogami looks like more a comic relief. So… second-string is the furthest he might go.
Based on the long-winded analysis, the initial guess for the new team roster without seeing how the Inter-squad match goes are pretty much like this:
Catcher: Miyuki, Ono, Yui/Okumura
Pitcher: Furuya, Sawamura, Kawakami, Asada
First baseman: Yamaguchi, Maezono
Second baseman: Haruichi, Kijima/Seto
Shortstop: Kuramochi, Nakata/Seto
Third baseman: Kanemaru, Higasa
Outfielder: Toujou, Shirasu, Yuuki, Asou, Kaneda, ?
The italicized names (12 of them) are those who have above 50% chance to make the cut for first-string. Somehow I’ve got a feeling that the first-years that end up the in the roster won’t be more than three, probably four max, because there is at least one month before the finalization of the roster for Summer qualifiers. Some positions that required combination plays (catcher-pitcher, shortstop-second baseman) might not be filled by first-years since they have to keep up with more experienced senpais.
Well, that’s just my opinion. There’s a very good chance I am wrong. (･∀･) Let’s hear yours!
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