Hiroto Monbetsu, a 19-year-old left-handed pitcher, is a new addition to the team. Manager Akifu Okada has high hopes for the left-hander as a potential addition.
Manager Okada adopted a unique method of determining the batting order for both teams. Teruaki Sato, who mainly played No. 5 last season, was placed at No. 1. Takumu Nakano, who had the most hits last year, was put in No. 4.