It has been reported the Tokyo Yakult Swallows are looking for a former player to take over as manager in 2011, and pitching coach Daisuke Araki, a one-time Yakult pitcher, is the presumed leading candidate to become the next field boss.

However, if they want to try something different, I can think of at least four Americans, all ex-Swallows players, and one former opponent and manager wannabe who might be considered.

First, there's Tom O'Malley, the 1993 Central League batting champion with the Hanshin Tigers, and 1995 CL MVP while playing first base for the Japan Series champion Swallows. O'Malley also coached with Hanshin under manager Senichi Hoshino in 2002-03.