Simon Currie, so obsessed with compiling power rankings he often tabulates them in his sleep, has unleashed his first batch for the new NPB season. With Yomiuri off to such a sluggish start there were bound to be a few surprises. I’ll tease you with just one of the 10 and you can bump on over to his site for the rest of the list.

2. Tokyo Yakult Swallows 6-3 .667

Sweet revenge in the home opener Tokyo derby where the team swept the crosstown rival Giants who signed away the birds top pitcher, Greisinger, and one of the top hitters, Ramirez. The team continues has continued its hot play, but its lineup cannot be expected to keep on slugging .450 (it was .409 last season), and team ERA of 4.04 doesn’t bode well for the future, but things are looking good at the moment. Losing closer Igarashi to injury after the first game may have been a blessing in disguise as import Chang-Yong Lim has wicked stuff, mid-90’s fastball with late movement from a deceptive submarine delivery, and he has probably won the closer’s job (though using him in the most high leverage situations before the 9th would probably be better for the team than a strictly 9th inning closer role, and the birds’ pen is not exactly awash with talent so the return of Igarashi would help.)