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 greeted the players, saying, "I think it would be difficult to suddenly say, 'Ask me anything,' so I'd like to have a good time talking about various things with the players, so I look forward to working with you over the next week or so."

He exchanged opinions with manager Saburo, communicated with team staff, and watched over the coordination between pitchers and catchers.

In the afternoon hitting practice, he gave enthusiastic one-on-one instruction with gestures to Misho Nishikawa outfielder and Daito Yamamoto outfielder, who were expected to do well.

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.