Nippon-Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54) presented his 'Shinjo-style cleanup hitter vision' on the 6th. After naming Mizutani and Yazawa for the first slot, Mizuno for the second, and Reyes—who won the team's triple crown this season—for the third, he asked the press, 'Who do you think would be good for the fourth slot?' While names like Nomura, Mannami, and Shibata were suggested, he stated, 'I want a right-handed hitter who doesn't struggle against either right-handed or left-handed pitchers. Also, I need to place a player there who can handle small ball,' expressing his desire for a cleanup hitter capable of executing plays like a squeeze or hit-and-run.

Regarding the reason for requiring small ball skills from the number four hitter, he explained, 'When Mizuno moves to second baseman or third base as a runner, I often initiate plays at first and third. It is difficult because I have to place a player there who can execute small ball tactics. Mizuno is usually involved, right? Because with the next batter, we can perform a safety squeeze or a hit-and-run.' He emphasized the importance of the number four hitter's small ball ability, envisioning cases where Reyes, the number three hitter, draws a Walk to create a first-and-third situation with Mizuno as a runner in scoring position.

This season, Gunji started as the cleanup hitter and was entrusted with the role for a team-high 36 games, but no permanent cleanup hitter emerged. As many as 12 players, including Mannami, Nomura, and Kotaro Kiyomiya, occupied the spot. Regarding candidates for next season, he expressed expectations for the two right-handed power hitters, saying, 'It would be interesting if Mannami-kun, who is surprisingly good at small ball, were there. If Nomura-kun could do that... well, I have to make him do it.'

During the Escon autumn camp on this day, he directly instructed Nomura and Mizutani on bunting. He actively gave advice, saying things like, 'It feels like you're going to catch it with your right hand. It's okay because the ball will die on the grass (at Escon).' Nomura, who hit a career-high 17 Home Runs this season, said, 'I'm just going to do my best wherever the Boss tells me to go. I will prepare so that I can do what is required of me,' showing he will deliver maximum performance for the manager's assignments. Next season, they will further develop Shinjo's meticulous style of baseball, including hit-and-runs and the squeeze.