Masahiro Tanaka was electrifying during his Pacific League Rookie of the Year season in 2007. In 2008 his numbers dipped while he took a back seat to teammate Hisashi Iwakuma, who embarked on a Sawamura Award-winning 21-4 campaign.
In 2009, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles fans are experiencing the perfect storm — both hurlers are playing at an elite level at the same time.
Rakuten opened Thursday1 1/2 games behind the first-place Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in the PL. The main reason being that they have a pair of pitchers, who could both be considered aces.