Rakuten Eagles manager Hajime Miki (48) expressed high expectations for Rui Muneyama infielder (22), who will be entering his second season next season. Despite being a rookie, Muneyayama earned a starting starting line-up in the opening game and played in 122 games, reaching the required number of at-bats. He finished with a batting average of .260, 27 RBI, and three Home Run, becoming the first Pacific League rookie to be named short stop of the Best Nine in 44 years. "I want him to play as a key player and the face of the team," the manager said. He added that regardless of age or years in the pro league, he wants Muneyayama to play with the awareness that he is a key player.
Coach Miki, who has been diligently speaking to his players throughout the season, revealed that he spoke with Muneyama after the autumn practice ended. "When I asked him how he did, he said that at first he was confused about getting used to the speed and the environment. He has a high adaptability, so if he can demonstrate what he has experienced this year, I'm sure his numbers will improve." He gave Muneyama the thumbs up, saying that he will be able to achieve better results than this season, despite the fact that he has struggled throughout the year.
Regarding the second-year jinx, Muneyama himself is positive, saying, "I'm not worried. Even if there are many things he can't do, it's just a matter of how to overcome them." Manager Miki also intends to provide maximum support, saying, "There are difficulties in his second year, so we need to keep him on his toes and make sure he doesn't get too complacent. We also need to be careful about any serious injuries." With this awareness in mind, Muneyama will perform even better than this season and blow away the second-year jinx.
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