Under manager Saburo (50), the Lotte Marines this season have made it much harder for their opponents to stolen base.

This is clearly reflected in the numbers. Last season, under former manager Masato Yoshii (61, now manager of Rakuten Eagles), the number of stolen base attempts by opposing teams was the worst in the league at 148. This season, in 74 games, the number is expected to drop drastically to 51, ranking fourth in the league, and 98 when averaged out for the season. The team's stolen base prevention rate also improved from 12.8% last season to 27.5% this season.

The major change in the stolen base prevention measures between last season's Yoshii and Saburo's management this season is the thorough implementation of the pitcher 's quick motion system. Eiwa Mitsuyama, the first-team head coach and chief battery coach (60), who supports Saburo, said, "Including foreign pitcher, we just want to do quick fasting thoroughly. Until last season, we weren't that good enough," and immediately after Saburo took over, he began thoroughly promoting and penetrating the quick motion during last autumn's camp. He emphasizes the difference from last season, saying, "If pitcher throws without quick fastballs and catcher catch, runner gets close to next base, and even if they make good throw, it's likely to be safe. This season, since pitcher has been able to execute quick, we've also been able to improve the numbers (the number of stolen base attempts by the opponent)," he emphasized the difference from last season.

Yoshinori Tateyama (50), the first-team pitcher coordinator, analyzed the situation, saying, "This year, we've been focusing on quick pitches, and I think the decrease in stolen base attempts by opponents is partly due to the increased speed of quick pitches. There were pitcher, physically, didn't have the quickness technique to compete with catcher, but now everyone has been able to do it properly. I think the improvement in catcher' throwing technique came first, and then pitcher' quickness was added on top of that."

Toshiya Sato catcher (28), who has started behind the plate in 53 games this season, said, “I think it makes a big difference (with our strict focus on quick motion this season). It’s completely different depending on how far ahead (runner) is when I catch the ball.It gives me more breathing room, and I’m able to pitch in my own style without rushing,” he said. He believes that pitcher ’s strict adherence to the quick motion is also helping to thwart the opponent’s baserunning attacks.

After 74 games, they have a record of 36 wins, 35 losses, and 3 ties, placing them 5th in the league. However, they are only 8 games behind the league leaders Softbank Hawks and 5 games behind the 3rd-placed Nippon-Ham, showing they are still in a tight position. Saburo's philosophy is definitely taking hold in his first year as manager. (Shunsuke Ami, Special Reporter)