Former Seibu Lions Lions manager Kazuo Matsui (50) joined Lotte's first-team spring training camp in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki on the 5th as a temporary coach.

During the huddle, he said, "It's probably difficult to suddenly say, 'Ask me anything,' so I'd like to have a good time talking about various things with the players. I look forward to working with you all over the next week." He also exchanged opinions with Manager Saburo, and while communicating with the team staff, he watched over the pitcher-catcher coordination.

The program will run until the 11th. Matsui is one year ahead of Manager Saburo at PL Gakuen. He has an outstanding track record as a player in both the Japanese and American baseball leagues, and has ample experience as a coach, so this is likely to be a meaningful time for the Lotte players as well.