Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes infielder Kotaro Kobayashi (23) issued a "bear warning" to himself on the 11th. He attended contract negotiations in Maishima, Osaka, and renewed his contract with a 16 million yen increase to 95 million yen a year. He vowed to "become a player who can easily surpass the 100 million yen mark by achieving outstanding results," and he also became more wary of the "tough opponent" as he began his mountain training.

"I do it every year deep in the mountains, so I want to retreat to the mountains again this year." In short stop to improve upon this season, in which he recorded a batting average of .260, nine Home Run, and 43 RBI in 116 games as the starting shortstop, Kurebayashi plans to do some independent training during the off-season. However, bear sightings have become a social issue across the country this year. Even last year, Kurebayashi says he had spotted deer and wild boars several times. "It might be a little dangerous (laughs). I'll practice while holding a bell or something," he said, imagining training in the "wild."

During contract negotiations, he requested the introduction of the cutting-edge virtual batting practice machine "Traject Arc." "When I see slider of Hiromi Ito (Nippon-Ham Fighters) or when I see it in practice, I can go straight into the game," he declared. "I can only become a regular if I play the full inning in 143 games," he declared, setting a goal of hitting 20 Home Run for next season. If he keeps his word, he will undoubtedly "break the 2000 mark." (Nambu Shunta)