Lotte outfielder Kyota Fujiwara (25), currently training independently in Okinawa Prefecture, set his goals for this season on the 14th: becoming the batting hitter stolen base 30 bases. He has been training since the 6th amid the warm weather, doing weight training in the morning and batting practice on ground in the afternoon.
"The main focus is on weight training and other training. I'm conscious of how I move my body. The theme is to build a body that doesn't get injured. It's training that uses the whole body."
Last season was the first time in his seventh year that he reached the required number of at-bats. He played in a career-high 107 games, batting .271 with four Home Run and 24 RBI. Expectations are high for even better results this season, and he said, "I'll definitely win the title. I want to be the batting hitter. (Nishikawa) Misho has also said he wants to be the batting hitter, so it would be great if we could compete within the team. Strong teams compete for the title within the team. I think friendly competition is also important."
Last season, he stole 15 stolen base. Under new manager Saburo, who places importance on mobility, he expressed his desire to increase his number stolen base. "30 stolen base. There are a lot of runners, so we need to use our feet to increase our scoring ability," he said, aiming to double his target and leading the team.
He also pays attention to his diet, saying, "I've been gluten-free since last year, and I try not to eat bread or noodles. I also think about the protein I get from my meals." All of this is to contribute to win.
This season's team slogan is "PLAY FREE. WIN HARD." New manager Saburo has made it clear that he wants to "have fun together while completing rigorous training." Fujiwara said enthusiastically, "It's not fun if we don't win. I think the fans feel the same way. Last year wasn't a fun season. It's only fun if we win. I want to stick to that." With their strong bodies, they will fight through to the end of the best season ever. (Kato Hiroshi)
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