Lotte's first-round draft pick, pitcher Genki Ishigaki (from Kenta Takasaki High School), who boasts a top speed of 158 km/h, stated on the 2nd that his New Year's resolution is to win a professional title.

"I want to win various titles since turning pro, such as most strike out, but my long-term goal is to win the Sawamura Award. I think this is the highest award for pitcher, and I've heard that no one in the team has ever won it, so I wanted to aim for that height," he said, setting his sights on the Sawamura Award, which is given to the best starter of the season, in the near future.

During the New Year's holiday, he returned to his hometown of Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, and has been working out at a local gym, focusing on weight training for his lower body. "When it's not snowing, I play catch and run outside. The rookie joint voluntary training will start soon, but I think the most important thing is to avoid injuries. I tend to get a little too enthusiastic and overwork myself, so I want to be sure to pay attention to my body and be in top condition to start camp in good health," he said enthusiastically.

Coach Saburo, who has already made a job offer as a member of the first team camp next spring, said, "My image is that I am thinking of starting in the future. I think I will become a starter who represents the baseball world, saying, "I think I will be able to pitch in the reliever (at first), but basically I will start as a starter." Lotte's number 18 will soon start walking on the road to the Sawamura Award.