So Taguchi played in 134 games for the St. Louis Cardinals last season, but only started in 71 of those contests. Nevertheless, Taguchi made his living by mostly coming off the bench and was hailed by manager Tony LaRussa as a key component of the World Series champions.
Yomiuri outfielder Kenji Yano (center), who hit a game-winning homer in the eighth against the Hokkaido
Nippon Ham Fighters on Monday at Tokyo Dome, smiles along with closer Koji Uehara (left) and shortstop
Tomohiro Nioka after the Giants' 1-0 win.
KYODO PHOTOIt's a model that Yomiuri Giants outfielder Kenji Yano should know well, because he seems to be following it to the letter.