Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

By KAZ NAGATSUKA

Staff writer

Some things remain constant.

Cautious approach: Fighters skipper Masataka Nashida (center) says his team will need to avoided costly mistakes against the Giants in Japan Series contests at Tokyo Dome, where high-scoring games are common. KYODO PHOTO

Hitting the ball as far as he can and chatting with reporters before games, Giants cleanup hitter Alex Ramirez doesn't change his attitude at the ballpark regardless of where the game is played.

"Not really," Ramirez admitted before Tuesday's Game 3 of the Japan Series, when asked if he'll change his approach as the best-of-seven championship round shifted to Tokyo Dome.

"Of course both teams had not played for a week (after the Climax Series) and the timing (of the batters) is a little bit off, and we've got to see videos more. But the preparations are the same."

As far as Ramirez is concerned, there is actually a difference for him because he was now returning to his normal duty: playing in left field, which he didn't have to do in Games 1 and 2 in Sapporo, where he served as the team's designated hitter.

"I don't have to worry about defense," Ramirez said of being a DH. "I just sit inside and see what the pitcher's best pitches are. When I'm playing outfield, I have to focus on another thing: defense.

"But for me, it doesn't matter. If I can play a DH for 142 games, I'd be happy. I'd do that."

Meanwhile, fans and analysts insist that the powerful Yomiuri lineup would give the ballclub an edge at the home run-friendly Tokyo Dome, where the Japan Series' middle three games are being held.

But Ramirez, this year's Central League batting champion with a .322 average, rejected that notion.

"People think there is an advantage here for us," he said. "But I don't think so, (but) of course we feel (at) home, this is our home place. We have the fans and have the support.

"But, when it comes down to the game, it doesn't really matter while you're playing. You still go out there and hit. I mean, these guys (the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters) are a good hitting team, I tell you."

Scary place: Fighters skipper Masataka Nashida, meanwhile, is being extra cautious about the games at the Big Egg.

"At this stadium, if you commit walks and errors, you could get hurt," the 56-year-old Nashida said. "So no matter which side takes a lead and no matter how much you are ahead, it doesn't take away your fear."

Nashida, in his second season at the helm, doesn't seem to expect his club to completely shut down the Giants' offense. After all, Nippon Ham played home games at the same park before moving to Hokkaido in 2004.

"Giving up three solo shots is fine," he said. "But giving up three with runners on base is not."

Naturally, one of the Fighters' focal points is adjusting to the non-DH games in Tokyo because Pacific League teams don't use a DH unless they are playing interleague games.

"Honestly speaking, we want to have seven guys hit, not having the catcher and pitcher hit," he said with a smile.

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