The Theory of the Strongest Number Two Hitter

Johnny Evers, a legendary second baseman for the Chicago Cubs and a member of the MLB Hall of Fame, wrote in his book 'Baseball In The Big Leagues':

'The number three hitter is the most important on any team. He must hit long flies, hit with power, bunt, and run. This is because on a well-constructed team, he is preceded by two hitters who have earned their place on the team for their on-base ability. The number three hitter must be able to advance them or hit a home run.'

he stated.
Since 1910, the image of the number two hitter as a small, good-bunting, fast-footed slap hitter who can advance runners and avoid double plays has become firmly established.
Although it is not used by the mass media at all these days, the act of pulling the bat back from a bunt stance, which Johnny actually devised, is called the 'Evers Strategy'.
It is the so-called 'fake bunt' that number two hitter Toshio Haru often showed during the Yokohama BayStars' championship season in '98.

Today, May 14th, in a practice game against Loki Techno Toyama, Masahito Takino, who had been batting fourth in exhibition games and fifth since the opening game, stood in the batter's box as the number two hitter.

Placing the strongest hitter in the number two spot has become mainstream since players like Derek Jeter of the NYY and Mike Trout of the ANA, and coupled with the recent emphasis on OPS (On-base Plus Slugging), it is also becoming established in NPB.
It makes sense if you prioritize how to score the first run rather than playing baseball just to get one run, as they simply get more at-bats than the number three or four hitters.

That effect appeared immediately in today's game, as Takino launched his first professional home run into the left-field stands.
Number four hitter Tatsuya Miyoshi was not to be outdone and also hit a home run into the right-field stands, proving that the lineup reshuffle was highly effective in improving scoring power.

Because it was a practice game, pitchers not registered for the Nihonkai League official games took the mound one after another.

While starting pitcher Shuya Nishio is registered, he was followed by Jun Ishikawa, Kyosuke Arai, Shunji Sekikawa, and Shunsuke Saito for one inning each, with Kazuharu Sekikai closing it out.
It was a blissful time for Toyama GRN Thunderbirds fans, as these were all pitchers they had seen in the bullpen but never in a game.
Since the mercy rule of a 7-run lead after 7 innings introduced in the Nihonkai League this season was not applied, it was very enjoyable and worth watching as each pitcher tested their own stuff, including their pitch selection.

On a weekday afternoon after Golden Week, with sparse crowds for a practice game, it was a slugfest ending 10 runs on 10 hits to 17 runs on 19 hits, but it was a condensed and fulfilling game that would have been a waste to be free.
No matter how many runs are scored or allowed, if they continue to play games like this, the significance of independent league teams will increase, and they should catch the eyes of NPB and overseas teams.

(All photos taken by the author)

Postscript:
Loki Techno Toyama's starting pitcher, Seinosuke Otsubo, is a power pitcher with an excellent combination of four-seam fastballs and sliders, and great control.
If he is not drafted in the fall by an NPB team, I would love for him to join the Toyama GRN Thunderbirds.