Seibu Lions Lions manager Fumiya Nishiguchi (53) stated on the 28th that regarding the allocation of the 13 players selected in this fall's draft to next spring's training camp, "For now, we'll take the top three players to the A team (first team)." He also expressed hope that second-round draft pick, left-handed pitcher Hakua Hakua Iwaki, might be selected for the closer role, saying "it might happen."

Iwaki is active mainly in reliever in Chudai with a fastball as a weapon. While the commander clearly states, "(The method of use) is relief," he does not rule out the possibility of a closer, saying, "If it's really good to see it in camp."

In addition to first-round draft pick Kojima (Meiji University), who declared on the day of the draft that he would "take him to the first-team spring training camp," Iwaki and third-round draft pick Akiyama (Chukyo University) will also accompany him to the training camp in Nango, Miyazaki. "They're unknown quantities, so there's no confidence in them. We'll see how much they improve by playing in games." The role model is Watanabe Satoshi, who was second-round draft pick last fall and became the core of the batting line-up. The final allocation decision will be made in mid-January. Will any rookies emerge from the first-team training camp and secure a spot on the first team for the opening day? (Onaka Ayami)