HANSHIN TIGERS -- The Tigers seem to be taking turns finishing in fourth and first place every other year. Fourth in 2002 and 2004, first in 2003 and 2005, and if not careful, they could drop to the second division in 2006.
Manager Akinobu Okada's club will be starting this season not as good as it was this time last year.
Tokyo Yakult Swallows player-manager Atsuya Furuta talks to his players during spring training camp in Okinawa. With an influx of power and pitching,
the Swallows are expected to contend for the Central League title this season.