Seibu Lions pitcher Taishi Mameda attended contract negotiations at the team's office in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture on the 18th and signed a contract for 7.5 million yen (all figures are estimates), a decrease of 500,000 yen.

In his fifth season, he only made appearances in three games at the end of the season. In preparation for next season, he traveled to Puerto Rico in November to participate in the winter league. He made appearances in six games, striking out 24 struck out in 23 inning. "My fastball wasn't being hit hard, so it gave me a lot of confidence. It was a good experience," he said, feeling pleased that his signature spinning "small fastball" from his right arm was effective.

"I don't want to be looked down upon," he said, laughing softly as he added that he'd shave the beard he'd grown in Puerto Rico "before spring training." With Taira returning to the starting rotation, bullpen will be short-handed, leaving them without a closer. "If I can aim for it, I'd like to," he said, setting his sights on his sixth season next year.