Rakuten Eagles 's new signing, pitcher Chiharu Tanaka (25), held an introductory press conference in Nago City, Okinawa on the 30th. He joined the team as compensation for Rakuten Eagles, who exercised his overseas free agent rights to join The Giants. number be "29," and he will start the first-team training camp in Kin Town, Okinawa. The right-hander, who is expected to be used as a reliever, has set a goal of making over 50 appearances and ERA in the 1.00s, looking ahead to a breakthrough as a way of showing his gratitude.

Dressed in a new uniform, Tanaka Sen looked straight ahead. He joined the team as compensation for Norimoto. He was confused at first when the transfer was decided, but he has no doubts now. He has gotten over it. "I was determined to get a position with the Giants, so I was hesitant at first, but I'm really happy that they need me (Rakuten Eagles). I'm sure there will be more opportunities, so I'm really grateful," he said, vowing to make great strides in his new home.

Although he made appearances in the first team from his rookie year, he did not pitch in the first team last year due to the effects of surgery to clean his right elbow. Still, armed with a fastball in the 150 km/h range and a sharply dropping fork, he made 36 appearances in the second team, posting a respectable ERA of 1.51. GM Ishii commented, "His fastball is strong. His numbers are slightly lower than when he debuted, but there are also factors that could improve. He also has a vertical change of pace, which is a strength we don't have," and is considering using him as a relief pitcher. Tanaka Sen also set a goal, saying, "If I'm reliever, I want to pitch 50 times and have an ERA in the 1.00 range." He will be venting his frustration at not being able to make it to the first team last season.

Doing well will be a way to repay the favor to his former team. The games against The Giants are in the interleague games and the Japan Series. Tanaka Sen, who had dinner with The Giants pitcher Asano on the 29th, revealed with a smile, "(Asano) told me to pitch all straight pitches," and added, "I understand the characteristics of each (The Giants) player better than other teams," expanding on the image of "defeating the Giants."

He was beloved by The Giants, even singing Yutaka Ozaki's "I LOVE YOU" at the Giants fan festival. When asked about the prospect of showing off his singing voice in his new home, he grinned and said, "Please wait." He had already researched that Rakuten Eagles 's Uchi sings and plays guitar. He humbly replied, "I'll hand it over to Uchi," but when asked about a collaboration, he envisioned a "co-starring" situation, saying, "That would certainly be fun if we could do that." He is starting his fourth year as a pro with a fresh start. He has established a solid place for himself and is sure to excite the Tohoku region. (Miyauchi Kota)