Yokohama BayStars

Shuichi Murata

Last season: 4th
Manager: Akihiko Oya

Akihiko Oya's men burst out of the gate in 2007, but a mid-to-late season swoon cost them a spot in the CL Climax Series.

Home-run king third baseman Shuichi Murata remains the top power threat in the BayStars' lineup. Outfielder Yuuki Yoshimura, who finished with 24 homers, is a viable second option.

The RBI pickings are slim after those two unless veterans Tatsuhiko Kinjo, Takahiro Saeki, Toshihisa Nishii and leadoff man Takuro Ishii can consistently provide additional run support.

Pitcher Daisuke Miura is a candidate to get the ball on Opening Day as the headliner of the Yokohama pitching staff. Behind him the BayStars have right-hander Hayato Terahara, as well as left-handers Yoshihiro Doi and veteran Kimiyasu Kudo, who will be entering his 27th season.

In the bullpen, Oya will need a capable replacement for departed closer Marc Kroon, who signed with the Yomiuri Giants in the offseason after saving 31 games with a 2.76 ERA in 43 appearances in '07.

Travis Hughes was the closer for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox last season and should be Kroon's successor. Hughes, 7-6 in 57 appearances, had 24 saves and a 1.91 ERA for Pawtucket.

The BayStars also feature a large foreign contingent with infielders Larry Bigbie and J.J. Furmaniak and pitchers Hughes, Matt White, Dave Williams and Mike Wood all under contract.