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The Saitama Seibu Lions will be in transition for the 2022 season.
After coming off a historic last place season for the first time in 42 years, the Lions hope to rebound and not repeat 2021.
Gone are all the imports with five new signings in Brian O'Grady, Dietrich Enns, Jantzen Witte, Burch Smith and Bo Takahashi.
Two draft picks are expected to make an instant impact with Chihiro Sumida and Shunsuke Sato being in the rotation for Opening Day.
The rotation on paper is supposed to be improved with a bright future as Kona Takahashi, Wataru Matsumoto and Tatsuya Imai had productive seasons.
However, the offense is still a large question mark. Hotaka Yamakawa has declined hoping to have a better season.
The Lions outfield is uncertain, but there's hope that Shohei Suzuki can fill the role of an everyday leadoff hitter.
Offensively, the expectations are lower and Brian O'Grady will have a say on if the outfield can be stable and can bring some pop.
The infield is also getting older, there will be times O'Grady or Witte will fill in for the corner infield spots if necessary.
Lastly, the managerial position could change no matter the results as Hatsuhiko Tsuji initially resigned last year only to come back for one more season.
This year, Kazuo Matsui was promoted to the ichi-gun staff, likely in line to be the next Lions manager when Tsuji wants to retire.
There will be transition, but if this team can have a strong second half, find themselves the right pieces going forward for the bullpen, outfield and have great starting pitching, the foundation is set for 2023.
Personally would be happy with a fourth place finish if it means a better second half. Of course, A-class should always be the goal.
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I end with this video and interview from Pacific League TV's English Channel on making the pitch to being a Lions fan.
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