The 2023 Saitama Seibu Lions season is now thought to be a wash. It's not even at the halfway point yet, but the flaws are too much for the team to be taken seriously as an A-class contender.
That being said, this past weekend's series against the Rakuten Eagles showed glimpses of the future behind several first round draft picks.
Takuya Hiruma made his debut and got his first career HR in the third game which was the eventual game winner. Many think he could be a five-tool player with bat comparisons to Masataka Yoshida.
The Lions waited to play him with wanting to manipulate the service time, which will save a bit for later and he'll be playing every day as long as he's healthy.
Chihiro Sumida might not be an ace, but he's been an unlucky loser when it comes to pitcher decisions outside of his control. The Lions have been rather tight with using him, yet there's progress with what we're seeing on the mound.
As a trajectory, there's reason for optimism of being at least middle tier rotation starter.
Kento Watanabe spent the entire 2022 season in ni-gun, but is now a starting 1B due to Hotaka Yamakawa in trouble. With this necessity, the Lions have no choice but to give him a shot an opportunity to win a starting position.
His pop numbers may not be as flashy as his appearance, but will get a chance to develop by continuous play.
All three players had at least a win or home run for the series in Sendai.
Despite having the worst record in interleague play, they can still avoid the Pacific League cellar.
It won't be about wins and losses in the standings from here on out, but the progress of the young players which we haven't seen for some time.
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