While it's pretty much a foregone conclusion the Yomiuri Giants are going to win their first Central League pennant in four years, the Pacific League race is a dandy that threatens to go to the Oct. 9 wire with three teams in the running: the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, Seibu Lions and Nippon Ham Fighters.
As of yesterday, the Hawks held the top spot and would appear favorites to win a second consecutive PL flag. Seibu, stung by the Reggie Jefferson episode in which the steady-hitting American first baseman was released after a temper tantrum over being pulled from a game in the middle of an inning for "shabby" defense, has been struggling.
The Fighters' "Big Bang" batting attack is alive and well, and wins and losses depend mostly on how Nippon Ham's pitchers perform each day. So, who will it be facing the Kyojin come Oct. 21 in Japan Series Game 1 at the Big Egg?