The Chunichi Dragons' preseason has been marked by significant performances and challenges as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 season. Notable among these was Jason Vosler's impressive display against the Hanshin Tigers during the open-air friendly matches held between February 22 and 23, 2025, at Agre Stadium Kitakyushu and Okinawa Chatan.
On February 23, relief pitcher Tatsuya Shimizu assessed the team's progress, stating, "A new Dragons need to establish a new closer. Maybe we will promote from the starters," hinting at the strategic reshuffling the team is facing following the departure of their standout closer, Raidel Martinez, who moved to the Yomiuri Giants after solidifying his tenure with 166 saves and an impressive 1.71 ERA over 303 matches.
With just days before the official season kickoff, the Dragons have been dubbed as needing to cultivate their interns and maintain pace with the competitive dynamic of Japanese Professional Baseball (NPB). Shimizu expressed this unease, emphasizing, "They need to bring their mental game up. We will see how they adapt and fill the gaps left by our key players." This statement resonates deeply as it reflects the underlying pressure players face with season expectations looming.
February 22 saw another preseason game where pitcher Hideaki Wakui struggled on the mound, facing significant opposition from the Tigers. “I really had it all under control today but I need to focus more on changing the game plan,” Wakui remarked post-game, acknowledging areas for improvement. His comments underline the mental adjustments needed as the team transitions from informal training sessions to live game scenarios.
On the hitting front, newcomer Vosler demonstrated why he is expected to be instrumental this season. He launched a massive three-run homer during the match against Hanshin, announcing his arrival confidently to the fanbase. Relishing the moment, Vosler noted, "I just connected perfectly with the pitch, and I felt it was going to fly far." His play not only energized the crowd but also signaled hope for the Dragons' offensive lineup.
Looking forward, the Dragons are set to face the Hiroshima Toyo Carp on February 24. With the first game of the season rapidly approaching, fans and analysts alike are closely watching how the coaching staff will employ their player strategies. Former DeNA coach Alex Ramirez has suggested considering unconventional methods, wondering whether struggling starting pitchers could transition effectively to the closer role, stating, "It’s all about finding the right mental state to take on whatever role suits them best."
Mental fortitude has emerged as another focal point for the team. Recently, the Dragons invited sports psychologist Kaori Araki, who previously worked with Japan's rugby team, to speak about resilience and how to prepare for tackling performance pressures during games. The insights provided were practical, encouraging players to find personal signals to focus, as discussed by pitcher Tatsuya Shimizu during their training sessions. Shimizu revealed, "I focus deeply on one point and take deep breaths to calm myself before heading to the mound water and regain control."
These interactions highlight the Dragons' commitment not just to improving their skills on the diamond but also to fostering mental resilience to handle both successes and setbacks effectively, echoing the sentiments expressed by veteran players who know the rigors of the professional circuit.
With set expectations leaning on how they will manage this season's opening games, the team’s cohesion appears bolstered by these efforts. Each game provides insight as to how they might fill the vacuums left by significant player shifts and adapt to their new identities. Enthusiasts are eager to see these strategies play out as the Dragons engage with challengers, seeking to establish themselves not only as contenders but as skilled practitioners of the game.