The catcher position remained important for the Saitama Seibu Lions in 2019, with Tomoya Mori winning the batting championship and Pacific League MVP award. While it's clear cut who is starting, the depth options are still open.
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A-camp
Tomoya Mori: Coming of a true breakout season, Mori had no trouble batting third in the lineup and finally crossed the 20 HR benchmark. Barring no injury, he will be the everyday starter once again.
Hitoto Komazuki: Komazuki was the emergency third catcher at the ichi-gun level, but only saw a handful of in-game action. His bat will need to improve if he wants more playing time.
Masato Saito: Saito was promoted from the ikusei roster in the middle of 2019. He was also an emergency catcher when called up to the ichi-gun for a handful of games, but didn't play. Saito lacks the ability to hit, but is a healthy body looking to make his ichi-gun debut for 2020.
Sena Tsuge: Tsuge is a shakaijin catcher who was drafted last fall by the Lions. It's very possible he takes an opening day roster spot as the third catcher if he can hit. Scouting reports show he has a decent pop speed.
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B-camp
Masatoshi Okada: Okada begins in ni-gu camp. but is likely the backup catcher after Mori. When healthy, he's serviceable when spelling for a few games and also serves as a pinch bunting option.
Shoya Makino: Makino was a high school draft pick from 2018 who saw time developing last year. There's a longshot chance he makes his ichi-gun debut in 2020 and will probably stay in ni-gun.
Daichi Nakaguma: Nakaguma is the only ikusei catcher remaining with the hope of wanting to earn a 70-man roster spot. After seeing limited ni-gun time in 2019, he will want to play in more games besides get the promotion.
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Outlook:
Mori and Okada will be the first two options at catcher while Komazuki and Tsuge battle for the third spot. It wouldn't hurt if someone can develop their hitting abilities and become a pinch hitter like Tatsuyuki Uemoto was, but that's an unfair amount of expectations.
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Other positions:
Pitcher
Infielder
Outfielder
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