The 2013 season will surely be a pivotal one for the Hanshin Tigers and their fans as the team attempts to halt a downward slide that has seen the club finish in the Central League's second division the past two seasons. Hanshin dropped from fourth place in 2011 to fifth last year.

A series of player personnel changes has given the popular team a new look this year, leaving the Tigers with a revamped batting attack to support an excellent starting pitching rotation, but two weaknesses remain. They need to find a closer to replace Kyuji Fujikawa and a catcher who can provide some offense.

Free agent Fujikawa has left for the glory of the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs, and injured former All-Star backstop Kenji Johjima has retired, along with fan favorite outfielder Tomoaki Kanemoto.