Kenji Koshino and Hiroki Nomura, who appeared on "Professional baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 26th, spoke about Lotte manager Saburo, who became manager after serving as the second-team manager and head of the first team.

Koshino commented, "Since they've been playing in the second team, it's very difficult for young players to take the next step when their coaching changes drastically, but the person watching over them is now the manager of the first team, which is a big deal. When the entire system changes, the direction changes a little and differences in thinking arise, but since that won't happen, I think the young players will be able to fight together while receiving advice from Manager Saburo."

Nomura also spoke positively, saying, "Manager Saburo knows the players, and the players have been with each other for a long time, having gone from being second-team manager to first-team manager. They understand what kind of manager they want to be, and as Koshino said, it's different from making a sudden change. I think it's great that they can play baseball with continuity."

Manager Saburo said, "Last year, we just happened to be able to play in a game, but this year we'll have to grab it ourselves, so I'm really looking forward to that."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"