Orix Buffaloes Alen Kuri pitcher (34) was looking forward to "testing his arm" against Ibata Japan on January 1. The right-hander, a second-year FA transfer from Hiroshima, is scheduled to play his first game outside Japan on April 2 in a training game against Samurai Japan (Kyocera D). He said, "Players who are selected for the Japan national team are top players regardless of age. I hope I can pitch with the intention of borrowing from their chests.

Starting with this game, the Japanese national team will be open to players from the major leagues. One thing he is looking forward to is playing against his Hiroshima teammate, Seiya Suzuki (Cubs). He envisions a head-on battle with his junior, who is three years younger than him, saying, "I want to play with the idea that I'll rely on my fastball." He also hinted at a "trial pitch" of the knuckleball he has been secretly practicing, saying, "I think I'll just do what I think at the time (laughs)."

In 2013, he recorded the most wins on the team with 11, and this season he is eager to be the opening pitcher for the second time since 2012. "I just want to get myself in a position to perform well for the opening game," he said, pitching well against the Samurai, who are aiming for consecutive championships, and making his presence known.

(Shunta Nanbu)