Tokyo Yakult Swallows left-hander Hirotoshi Ishii, who underwent surgery on his pitching shoulder last October, is likely to miss the 2007 season. "I've been told it'll take a year to fully recover, so there is no point in getting worked up," Ishii said.
"I would like to make preparations to play for the next 10 years." Affected by a shoulder injury he sustained during the World Baseball Classic in March, the 29-year-old Ishii pitched in just 11 games and earned six saves last year.