Lotte outfielder Eito Takabe attended contract renewal negotiations at Zozo on the 17th and signed a contract for an annual salary of 50 million yen (estimated amount), an increase of 17 million yen.

At the press conference, he revealed that his uniform number "38" until this season will be changed to "0" from next season. Since Ogino, whom he admired, left the team at the end of this season, he consulted Ogino to give up number. "It's not for me (Ogino) to decide, but I was told that I would be happy if (Takabe) carried it on my back, so I took the plunge and asked the club," he explained.

This season, he hit .286 with a .2 Home Run, .34 RBI, and .20 stolen base batting average in 111 games. In 2010, he won the stolen base King and the Golden Glove Award with 44 stolen base. "I want to aim for the stolen base King, most hit, Golden Glove, and Best Nine. I have nothing but positive feelings and I think I'm starting from zero. I know there will be some weight, but I hope I can make number 0 my own," he said with renewed determination.