Rakuten's main player Hideto Asamura has been trying to convert to the third position, where there is relatively little defensive movement, from this season in order to reduce the strain on his body and make better use of his batting.
Asamura, the mainstay of the team that won the home run title last season, had previously played in the second position, but coach Toshiaki Imae wanted him to ``always be in the game,'' so he moved to the third position, where there is relatively little defensive movement. I'm trying to convert, reduce the burden on my body, and make the most of my batting.
At the camp, he received a knock on the third fielder on the 3rd, and was able to play ground balls with ease, saying, ``I'm gradually becoming more calm and able to do it.'' He also showed new skills in the cooperative play between the pitcher and infielder, which was performed for the first time in this camp. I was checking the movement of the position.
In addition to preparing three different sized gloves to find the one that would fit better in his hands, he also listened to manager Imae, a four-time Golden Glove Award winner, about defense.
Asamura said, ``Considering the strain on my body, I think playing defense in the third position is a plus, so I want to use that to improve my batting.I want to improve my level in all aspects and contribute to the team even in the slightest.'' I was there.