Seibu Lions Manaya Nishikawa outfielder (26) went through contract renewal negotiations at the team's office in Tokorozawa, Saitama, on November 11, and signed for 57 million yen, an increase of 35 million yen. He revealed that he has introduced a new training program to ensure that he will be able to play in all games next season and secure a regular position.
Nishikawa smiled as he was offered more than double his salary, saying, "I'm really happy. It's made me want to work hard next year." This season, his eighth year with the team, he played in a career-high 124 games and established himself as the leadoff hitter. He recorded a batting average of .264, 10 Home Run, and 25 RBI, and also won the Mitsui Golden Glove Award for the first time for defense in center field. As General Manager Hiroike of the team said, "This is close to the highest recognition we have received among our fielder," Nishikawa has secured a salary worthy of his performance.
Next season, fellow center fielder Kuwahara will join from DeNA as a free agent. "If I can produce results, I'll be fine," he says, with no intention of giving up his regular position, and has set himself the goal of playing in every game and getting the most hit. Towards the end of the season, he has been training with an initial load machine, which is effective in increasing muscle range of motion and improving power. "I feel like I'm getting less injuries," he says, feeling the results. Nishikawa plans to do his own training alone in the new year. "There are some fun parts," says Nishikawa. He is building a foundation to make good on his promises. (Akimoto Masami)
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