Chunichi catcher Motonobu Tanishige is set to take over as the Dragons' new manager for next season while Hiromitsu Ochiai, the club's skipper from 2004 to 2011, is likely to be appointed general manager, Kyodo News learned from several team sources Wednesday.
The 42-year-old Tanishige, who joined the Yokohama Taiyo Whales (currently the Yokohama BayStars) as a first-round draft choice in 1989, will continue his playing career while being at the helm.
"He has the ability to think; he's a very positive guy," Dragons owner Bungo Shirai said of Tanishige. "Tactically, I think (Ochiai) will bring out the team's strengths, first and foremost. That, and team development."
Tanishige, who moved to the Dragons in 2002, has won the Japan Series with both Chunichi and Yokohama.