With roughly six weeks and 40 games remaining in the 2009 Japan pro baseball season, we are taking a look this week at the Central League clubs, where they stand and their chances of qualifying for the Climax Series, with mention of some key players and their ups and downs.

Following is a team-by-team analysis of how the year has gone for each, listed according to current standings. We'll do the same for the Pacific League next week.

YOMIURI GIANTS — The Kyojin are right about where they should be as Japan's highest paid team of superstars expected to finish where they are now — in first place.