Before the warm-up game for the WBC (World Baseball Classic) in March next year, Japan national team manager Hideki Kuriyama held a press conference, saying, "While trying to win in any form, the challenges that came up. I'm going to erase it," he said enthusiastically.
As part of their preparations for the WBC, the Japanese national baseball team will play warm-up games against Nippon-Ham on the 5th, the Giants on the 6th, and Australia on the 9th and 10th.
This is the first time that Kuriyama, who took office in December last year, actually takes command of the top team. I think we can play a high-level match.It will be a very important four matches, so we will try to win in any form and eliminate the problems that have arisen.”
Regarding the use of players, "The WBC has a limit on the number of pitches, so we don't leave a game to one person, and there are cases where we usually use him as a relief even if he is a starter, and we do what is necessary for Japan to win. In addition, he said, "I didn't dare to choose a player who is dedicated to the first team so that I can defend multiple defensive positions. There are things I want to try." .
Softbank pitcher Shuta Ishikawa, who is scheduled to start on the 5th, said, "I'm happy to have a chance, and I'm going to throw it with a sense of gratitude. I'll play well in the strike zone with a good tempo and a characteristic curve ball. I'm going."