It was revealed on Day 1 that Seibu decided to renew the contract with pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka (40) next season. Matsuzaka has returned to Seibu for the first time in 14 years since 2006, and it is critical to finish the season without having to go up to the 1st Army. He developed numbness in his right arm during the season and did not get a chance to get on the table due to the influence of “endoscopic cervical spine surgery” in July. The team decides that the 170-win right-handed monster in Japan and the United States will become a force for next season if it recovers, and prepares for the 23rd year of professionalism.

According to those responsible for the team, they continue to rehabilitate with the aim of reviving the next season. He continued to make good adjustments in spring camp and started open play in March. In the original show, the opening rotation was “decided unofficially.” With a throwing style that allows him to hit and take, he won six victories in China and Japan in 2018, and if conditions are perfect, chances are high that Seibu could revive.

I am cheering on the same generation called the Matsuzaka generation. I was inspired by how Softbank Wada played an active role with eight wins. On the other hand, in August it was announced that Hanshin Fujikawa would be retiring for this season only. At the time, he was concerned about Fujikawa, who was in the process of adjusting the 2nd Army due to poor conditions, and said, “Please refrain from commenting when the ball boy is rehabilitating to return this season.” He was sending a “silent” beer to his allies.

Rehabilitation is expected to continue now, but it appears there will be no obstacle to continuing active duty. Next season, we will give fans the look of wearing the Seibu uniform entrusted to us and flying the resurrected white star.

◆ Daisuke Matsuzaka Born on September 13, 1980 (Showa 55). Born in Tokyo. 1998 Koshien Spring / Summer Consecutive Championship at Yokohama High School. He joined Seibu in 1st place in the draft of the same year. In 1999, the first year, he scored 16 wins and became the new king, and since the same year he has scored the most wins for three consecutive years. Transferred to Red Socks in 2007 and became the best in the world in the same year. He joined Softbank for 15 years after working for Indios and Mets. Transferred in mid-2018 and returned to Seibu Furusato for the first time in 14 years this year. Top accolades are best defense rate 2x, most stolen hits 4x, and the Sawamura Award. Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, 2004 Athens Olympic Games, June 6, 2009 WBC Japan representative. 182 cm, 92 kg. Right handed.