The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks have had to scratch and claw this season to compete in the tight Pacific League pennant race.
Having lost All-Star catcher Kenji Johjima to the Seattle Mariners and released third baseman Tony Batista (who burned out after a stint this year with the Minnesota Twins), Softbank does not have as much firepower.
With respect to the Seibu Lions, the red-hot Nippon Ham Fighters and defending champion Chiba Lotte Marines, a 2006 Pacific League post-season playoff slot is by no means a sure thing.