The Yakult Swallows made a formal offer to Nippon Ham Fighters general manager Shigeru Takada on Friday to be their field manager for next season. "Since there are important games left, I need time before making a decision," Takada said, while adding, "I don't see any obstacles (for taking the job)." The 62-year-old will step down from the general manager's post after the postseason. He was a Nippon Ham field manager for four years through 1988.
