Pacific League TV uploaded an interview with Shota Takekuma right before the Saitama Seibu Lions traveled to Sapporo for Opening Day. Takekuma, 28, has been a mainstay in the Lions bullpen for several years, but the reporters noticed he received a few starts in the preseason.
Here is what he had to say:
Reporter: We're finally through spring training and preseason games as 2018 season is about to begin. How are you preparing for the season?
Takekuma: I pitched only a few games so am kind of concerned.
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R: In past seasons you were in the bullpen and pitched for a lot of games, but this year you're in the starting rotation?
T: I think I am a spot starter.
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T: I think I am a spot starter.
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R: Who told you to start and when?
T: Maybe in the 2nd series during the preseason I heard it. I don't know how I feel only after having experienced a few starting games. When I was in the bullpen and a starter was taken out early in the 5th inning, I used to complain about pitching longer in relief for the starter. However, once I experienced starting and found pitching for even 5 innings to be so tough and great.
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T: Maybe in the 2nd series during the preseason I heard it. I don't know how I feel only after having experienced a few starting games. When I was in the bullpen and a starter was taken out early in the 5th inning, I used to complain about pitching longer in relief for the starter. However, once I experienced starting and found pitching for even 5 innings to be so tough and great.
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R: It feels like it takes fewer days to prepare to pitch in full throttle in the training.
T: In the training, usually I feel tired in the 3rd or 4th series when we start some intrasquad games. I start my personal training before the spring training in full throttle and in the 1st series. I feel tired and I put myself in good condition in the 3rd or 4th series after recovering.
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T: In the training, usually I feel tired in the 3rd or 4th series when we start some intrasquad games. I start my personal training before the spring training in full throttle and in the 1st series. I feel tired and I put myself in good condition in the 3rd or 4th series after recovering.
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R: So you usually prepare early?
T: Yes.
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T: Yes.
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R: Is there any habits or types of training you follow?
T: I can do it naturally. When I hurt my elbow in the past, I spent a spring training in a slow pace manner. I had no idea how to spend the training. After that, I do it the way I'm used to.
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T: I can do it naturally. When I hurt my elbow in the past, I spent a spring training in a slow pace manner. I had no idea how to spend the training. After that, I do it the way I'm used to.
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