On the 17th, Lotte outfielder Hirohiro Inoue (24), who was transferred from Hanshin Tigers in the active player draft last December, opened up his private training session at Mori All Wave Stadium in Kanoya City, Kagoshima.
During joint training sessions with DeNA's Seibu Lions and Seibu's Koga, which began on the 10th, he also took on the challenge of Iai-nuki (drawing sword) using a Japanese sword (replica) with a blade length of about 70 cm and a weight of about 900 grams. "I've never held a sword before, so it's really difficult. You actually use your feet a lot," he said, training his mind and body in a variety of ways.
Although he is registered outfielder, he also devotes time to practicing defense at first and third base, saying, "I don't think there's any harm in practicing, so it's important to find the time and practice hard when you can." He is preparing to increase his playing opportunities in his new environment. He also revealed that he receives advice from infielder Maki, saying, "I'm learning how to catch the ball and what third base looks like. I'm doing basic practice every day, while he teaches me how to move my feet and how to step."
Manager Saburo has high hopes for him to awaken as a long-range hitter from the right. "I want to do my best. It's not that I'm changing my mindset, but I'd like to start training camp in February with that mindset. I'll do my best and play to the best of my ability," he said enthusiastically.
◆Inoue Kota: Born August 12, 2001 in Osaka Prefecture. 24 years old. Joined Hanshin Tigers as the second pick in the 2019 draft from Riseisha High School. Transferred to Lotte in the active player draft in December 2013. Uniform number 39. His career stats are a batting average of .189, 3 Home Run, and 16 RBI in 45 games. Height 189 cm, 100 kg. Throws and bats right-handed. Estimated annual salary this season is 10 million yen.
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