The Seibu Lions "sugoi dasen" (spectacular hitting lineup) is getting most of the ink and most of the credit for the team's surge from an also-ran "B Class" standing in 2007 to compiling the best record in the Pacific League, as we approach the halfway point in the 2008 Japan pro baseball season.
However, the Saitama pitching staff also deserves its share of the recognition and, among them, reliever Alex Graman has made a significant contribution to the Lions' success.
In fact, the southpaw from Indiana is the leading closer in the Pacific League with 13 saves through games of June 12.