Rakuten Eagles 's first-round draft pick, pitcher Sota Fujiwara (22) from Hanazono University, made a sensational debut in his first bullpen on the second day of the team's training camp in Kin, Okinawa, on the 2nd. His fastball immediately clocked a top speed of 153 km/h. He threw 25 pitches, including slider that catcher described as being "like (The Giants') Norimoto's." The rookie's pitch, with his sights set on the opening day roster, was met with rave reviews, leaving a strong impression.

He stunned with his soaring fastball and sharp breaking ball. "I didn't think he'd be able to throw at such speeds with 70-80% of his power. I'm glad he's surpassing 150 km/h." With a relaxed arm swing, he delivered a succession of fastballs in the 150 km/h range. He also threw curveballs, vertical and horizontal slider, and splitter. Horiuchi, in his 11th year, who caught the pitch from the first draft pick, was lavish with praise, saying, "It's intense. His fastball is fast and strong, and it moves from a low position."

He made a statement with a weapon on a "Norimoto level." It was slider, which Fujiwara revealed to be "the most vital of breaking ball." Horiuchi said, "slider had a powerful curve, just like Norimoto's," comparing it to the right-handed pitcher who played for Rakuten Eagles until last season and transferred to The Giants this season. Fujiwara, who has been described as the "second Norimoto" since his days at Hanazono University, has naturally seen videos of Norimoto. Hearing Horiuchi's words, he blushed and said, "I'm happy."

The management also smiled. Manager Miki commented, "It's a very strong ball. It has a spring in it, like a rubber band snapping back," while pitcher Kubo praised him, saying, "It had a dynamic feel." How he will be used will be decided in the future, but there's no doubt he has made a strong impression.

pitch The reference for the style is Dora 1 of the Astros. "I want to level up my average ball speed and struck out." The first goal is the opening first team. "I want to achieve solid results in actual battles." The professional life of the right-hander, who has high expectations, has started smoothly. (Kota Miyauchi)

◆Souta Fujiwara

▽Date of birth: November 20, 2003

▽Origin: Iga City, Mie Prefecture

▽ Career He started playing baseball with Ayama second baseman Blue Fires in the first grade of elementary school, and played as a shortstop and pitcher for Koga Senior High School. At Mizuguchi High School, he played as a shortstop with number 6 in the fall of his first year, and pitcher with number 1 from the spring of his second year. At Hanazono University, he pitched from the spring of his first year.

▽I admire Tatsuya Imai

Fastball: Fastest 156 km/h

▽Pitches: curve, slider (vertical, horizontal), splitter, two seam fastball, change-up

Size and pitching/batting: 178 cm, 73 kg, right-handed pitcher/batter