Seibu Lions manager Fumiya Nishiguchi (54), who will enter his third year in office next season, visited the team's home ground, Belluna Dome, on the 16th and expressed his expectations for the young lions competing in the Phoenix League in Miyazaki.

The 'Miyazaki Phoenix League' has been underway since the 7th. Last offseason, players such as Shinohara, Mameda, and Hasegawa participated, which led to their breakthroughs this season.

This season, despite finishing in second place during the regular season, the team was eliminated in the first stage of the Climax Series. Looking toward a comeback next season, the manager expressed high expectations for the emergence of new talent, stating, 'There are still plenty of chances to make the first-team roster. The regular positions may seem set, but they aren't. I want them to go out and seize something.' He urged the participating players to make an even stronger impression, adding, 'While the opposing pitchers might be slightly below the level of the first team, producing results there will lead to opportunities next year and beyond, and it will certainly catch the eyes of those watching.'

Depending on the situation after the draft, the manager also plans to personally visit the Phoenix League.