Competing rookie from 3 teams is a “talented talent” that surpasses “Samurai’s left-hander” The lineup is also solid “I think it’s better in terms of strength” | Full-Count

Kokugakuin University’s pitcher Natsuki Takeuchi agrees to join the team… His spine grows as he wears the legendary jersey number “21”

Kokugakuin University pitcher Natsuki Takeuchi, who was drafted first by Seibu, held negotiations to join the team at a hotel in Yokohama on the 16th, with a contract fee of 100 million yen (plus trading volume of 50 million yen) and an annual salary of 16 million yen (amount is estimated). ), he informally agreed to join the group. At this fall’s draft meeting, three teams competed to acquire the fastest 153km/h left-handed pitcher, and Tetsuya Shiozaki, director of the organization group at the team’s headquarters, said he had a higher price tag than southpaw pitcher Tomoichiro Sumida, who was successfully acquired after four teams competed in the 2021 draft. gave a rating.

Takeuchi mentioned Sumida’s name as a player he would like to see on the team, saying, “His fastballs and breaking balls are of a high level, and I want to play an active role as a college graduate.” In response to this, Mr. Shiozaki was asked to compare him with Sumida when he joined the team, and he praised him, saying, “In terms of strength, this (Takeuchi) has more output.His control is also better.” CarNext acknowledged that he is a talent that surpasses Sumida, who was selected as a member of Samurai Japan for the 2023 Asian Professional Baseball Championship.

He is currently waking up at 6 a.m. every morning and running for 40 minutes to build up his stamina in preparation for the joint voluntary training for newcomers starting in the new year. Players of his generation who entered the professional ranks after graduating from high school are steadily improving. “I am consciously watching pitcher Miyagi (Orix), who is also a left-handed pitcher.I want to make sure that I don’t lose in pitching,” he said, declaring himself a rival as a member of “Aki’s generation.”

He will wear the number 21 on his back, which belonged to Osamu Higashio (1969-1988), who reigned as Seibu’s ace. It was worn by Tomoo Watanabe, Yukihiro Nishizaki, Takashi Ishii and other pitchers who represent the team, and Ken Togame, who was in charge of developing amateurs at the team’s headquarters organization group and was in charge of the region, also wore it from 2012 to 2022. It’s a number. “I want to live up to my legendary number. (Mr. Togame) said to me, “Thank you for taking over from me,”” he said with a firm expression on his face.

“I want to be a winning pitcher. My goal is to be the Rookie of the Year.” His large left arm attracts attention and is knocking on the professional door.

(Full-Count Editorial Department)