The assignments for Lotte's spring training camp roster were announced on the 22nd, with four players selected for the first team: first-round draft pick Genki Ishigaki (Kenta Takasaki High School), second-round pick Kaito Mori (Meiji University), fifth-round pick Hayato Fuji (Nippon Express), and seventh-round pick Taisei (Honda Suzuka).

Genki Ishigaki stated his determination, saying, "It's been my goal for a long time, so first of all, I want to get used to the atmosphere and show my strengths." Seniors with a proven track record in the first team, such as Kazuya Ojima, who has reached the required innings pitched five consecutive years, Shuta Ishikawa, Fumiya Ono, and Rikuto Yokoyama, will be joining the first team camp. "I'd like to start by saying hello and getting them to remember me, and then I'll be able to talk to them," he said, adding that he would like to watch all of the senior right-handed pitcher pitch in bullpen.

While the rookie joint voluntary training is being held without spectators, many The Marines fans are expected to come and watch during spring training. Genki Ishigaki emphasized to the fans, "I want you to see us full of energy and enthusiasm."

Mori, who is ranked second, will be heading into training camp with the first team, but said, "I hope to do things at my own pace," and hopes to absorb as much as he can from fellow left-handed pitcher Kojima, including how he will prepare to compete for a year.

Fuji, who was also ranked 5th, expressed his delight, saying, "I'm honestly happy, and I want to learn a lot from my seniors." On this day, Fuji entered bullpen for the fourth time during the rookie joint voluntary training. For the first time, he threw 21 pitches with catcher behind the plate.

During his standing pitching on the 20th, he said, "It was cold, and my fingertips didn't grip the ball well, so I'll make sure to fix that next time." However, during bullpen pitch on this day, he said, "My body moved well today, and even though it was my first time sitting down, I was conscious of my control, so I think it's better than last time." He had made some clear corrections from last time.

Taisei, ranked 7th, said enthusiastically, "I'm honestly happy. I'm really going to be playing in the first team, so I thought I'd take it easy, but I'll just do what I can now and make adjustments so I can make an impression in the first team."

With spring training less than two weeks away, it's important for the rookies to prepare well to get off to the best possible start.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita