Masashi Kuwahara (32), outfielder who transferred from DeNA to Seibu Lions after exercising his overseas free agent rights, held a press conference at the team office in Tokorozawa, Saitama on the 22nd and vowed, "I want to be greedy for victory and play in my own style."
He was moved by the team's enthusiasm. For the negotiations, General Manager Hiroike prepared a document of about 20 A4 pages outlining "why Seibu needs Seibu Lions." He revealed, "We put it together in a hurry. We analyzed what was needed, and also emphasized the importance of his playing style, and we put all our effort into it. It really felt like we were throwing ourselves into it." Manager Nishiguchi, who was in the middle of his fall training camp in Nango, Miyazaki, also came to the negotiations and made his case.
Kuwabara has won two Golden Glove Awards as center fielder, but the manager has already told him he will be playing left or right field. He has set aside his preferences and is heading into his 15th year as a pro with renewed determination, saying, "I want to play my role wherever I'm needed."
The summer heat at Belluna D is intense, but he firmly states, "As a professional, blaming the environment and saying you can't perform to your full potential is just an excuse." "I think my passion will blow it away." At DeNA, the man affectionately known as "Gutsman" paints the stadium in blue flames with his spirited play. (Oonaka Ayami)
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