On the 20th, Orix Buffaloes catcher Kenya Wakatsuki (30) vowed to "get ready super fast" for the WBC in March. He has been practicing almost non-stop since November 2013, and was selected for Samurai Japan on the 16th. "I have to be in a state where I can go at any time," he said, exuding a sense of responsibility as he carries the Japanese flag.

He also trained independently at Maishima in Osaka on this day. He faced off against Kuri and Soya in bullpen as they practiced pitch. "I think eyes are really important," he said, intending to make catch practice a daily routine. He was also full of enthusiasm for batting. "I'm really grateful that you're pitching to me," he said, requesting that Kuri hold a live BP (batting practice in a real game setting) in the near future. The right-handed pitcher, who had the most wins on the team in 2013 with 11, readily agreed, saying, "I'll be able to confirm what hitter have noticed, and it'll be good practice for me as well."

This is the first time that a real-game training menu has been added in January. An intrasquad game is scheduled for February 8th during the Miyazaki training camp, and manager Kishida has given the go-ahead for the team to participate, saying, "We need to make adjustments in time for that (WBC)." His style is to be in top form on both offense and defense before heading to his first WBC. His desire to become the world champion again is intense. (Nagata Toru)