Nippon-Ham infielder Naoki Arizono took outfield practice on the 12th during his voluntary training at the team's minor league facility in Kamagaya, Chiba.

He played defense in high school, but as far as I can remember, he only played left field in one game last season, in an exchange match with university students. He chased a fly ball, but said with a wry smile, "I'm starting to lose track of the ball unless I practice."

The trigger was a comment made by manager Shinjo after a staff meeting on the 7th. While discussing the competition outfielder he hinted at the possibility of using Arizono in the outfield, saying, "I have a feeling that Arizono's batting is about to explode. I think it would be interesting to see Arizono outfield. He has a strong arm. If he gets used to it in a few months and gains some experience, he could probably play at least as well as Polanco. If only he could hit."

Arizono said, "I also read the article about Manager Shinjo. He wants to do something in outfield. So I want to be ready to play anywhere." However, with Kiyomiya and Gunji already at first and third base, he revealed that he and the manager were on the same page, saying, "I had been thinking about playing (outfield) even before I read the article. I think it would be easier to use if I had more versatility."

He recorded his first hit in the first team last season, and is positioning his fifth year as a crucial one. "I think they're aiming to win the championship, but I also need to produce results this year in order to become a regular player. That's what I'm thinking," he said enthusiastically.