The search for the skipper for Japan's defense of the World Baseball Classic title was effectively over Monday, when Yomiuri Giants manager Tatsunori Hara was tapped and indicated his readiness to take up the post.
Hara, 50, was recommended for the manager's job at a meeting of the committee created to discuss the formation of Japan's team for the WBC tournament to be held next March. Japan won the inaugural meet in 2006 under Sadaharu Oh.
Yomiuri team owner Takuo Takihana said he will give "positive consideration" to the offer while Hara himself said he plans to follow Takihana's directive once a direct request has been made, making his appointment more or less a formality.