Atsuki Taneichi won 10 games for Lotte last season, tied for the team's lead. He pitched twice at a camp held in Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, and appealed to be included in the national team.
Coach Hirokazu Ibata had high expectations for him, saying, ``He's a player who can play on the nationalteam because of his strength and sharpness with the ball'' He already hinted that he would be included with the team for the international tournament in November.