Break the line in the team’s third fastest season and renew the contract for 120 million yen
DeNA infielder Shugo Maki will negotiate the contract renewal at the team office in Yokohama on the 13th, with an annual salary of 120 million yen (estimated amount), an increase of 50 million yen, which is the most breakthrough quick for the team. the contract. In November, he participated in a warm-up match as a member of the Japanese national team “Samurai Japan”, and although he joined the ranks of the best name and reality players, he also revealed his “rival spirit” which continues from have with infielder Teruaki Sato from the same school year.
The two have deepened their relationship since they met at a training camp for Japan national team candidates in their third year of university, and they keep in touch throughout the season as well. The presence of Teru Sato, who sits at No. 4 in his own Central League team, also energizes Maki.
“This year was no different and I checked (the results) after every game.”
Last year, as a rookie, Maki had a .314 batting average with 22 homers and 71 RBI in 137 games, while Teru Sato had a .238 average with 24 homers and 64 RBI in 126 games. All won the Newcomer Special Award. 291 in 135 games, with 24 homers and 87 RBI. Teru Sato played in all 143 games with a . 264 batting average and 20 home runs and 84 RBI.
If you just look at the numbers, it looks like Maki won. However, “No, but I hit good 20 at Koshien (home plate) and the RBI is almost close, so I still can’t say I won good there.” “I want to have a good year next year,” he promised to keep working hard.
In the Samurai Japan warmup game, the batting practice group was joined by Teru Sato, Yakult infielder Munetaka Murakami, and Giants infielder Kazuma Okamoto. Wearing the same uniform on the highest stage, it was a precious moment for the theory of batting to flourish again.
Two people who have to lead the batting line as the team’s center next season. The story of the rivalry continues.
(Rie Machida / Rie Machida)
