In 2008, Hiroshima Carp manager Marty Brown will be entering his third season as skipper of the Central League club without his two best players.
But he remains upbeat and optimistic he can lead the team into next year's postseason Climax Series despite missing his ace pitcher and cleanup hitter.
The No. 1 starter, free agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, appears headed for a major league career, most likely with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels or Seattle Mariners.