Nippon-Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54) revealed his plans for infielder Yuki Nomura (25) to try his hand at second base on the 4th. He summarized the first training camp session in Nago, Okinawa, saying, "We'll have Nomura try his hand at second baseman. We'll also have exhibition games. If he can hit, he can play outfield, so I'd like to see him compete and see what happens." Last season, Nomura played in 101 games at first base, third base, left field, and right field, hitting eight Home Run and batting fourth in the opening game, announcing his intention to convert the slugger.

Breaking out of his shell with the Shinjo style. In 2011, he converted catcher Gunji, who had transferred from Chunichi Dragons, to third base, and awakened him last season, recording a batting average of .297 as the cleanup hitter. "Two years ago, you thought, 'There's no way Gunji could play third base,' right? It's the same feeling as thinking, 'Well, let's give it a try,'" he said, emphasizing the importance of not being bound by stereotypes.

Nomura played two games at second base in 2011, but this will be his first time playing second base since then, and he said, "I think I understand where I stand." The day before, the manager informed him of this intention via direct message (DM) on Instagram. He doesn't have a glove for second base, so he plans to play at third base. "The right to try out is free on this team, so I'm grateful and will take it seriously," he said, opening up new possibilities. (Haruki Kawakami)