Tsuneo Watanabe, the outspoken chairman of the Yomiuri Giants, suggested Monday that recently retired slugger Hideki Matsui would be a perfect choice as his club's next manager.
In November, the Giants won the Japan Series for the third time in nine seasons under current skipper Tatsunori Hara, who has led the club to five Central League pennants.
"There isn't anyone ready to take over after Hara," Watanabe said. "Hara is still managing, but Matsui would be the best choice to take the job after him.
"I want him (Matsui) to come back to the Giants soon, coach a bit for us and then become a great manager. I wonder what Matsui thinks. I'm going to see him when he comes back so I'll ask him directly."