The Lotte Marines, in cooperation with the city of Chiba and Chiba Prefecture are looking at relocating across the street from their current digs, city-owned and Lotte-operated Chiba Marine Stadium.
The ballpark, which opened in 1990 on the eastern shore of Tokyo Bay, is suffering damage from the salt air, with rust visible on the metal parts of the stands. Leaks have developed in the indoor training facility, although it was only constructed after the 2010 season.
Kona Takahashi ended his win drought Tuesday, and a day later reflected on his progress toward MLB and his disastrous 2024 season.
For the first time in over a season and a half, the 190-centimeter Seibu Lions right-hander earned a win with six shutout innings at home against the Rakuten Eagles. In 2022, Takahashi went 12-8 with a 2.20 ERA, working more aggressively than ever, attacking the zone with an unusually solid mix and then finishing hitters off with a splitter that had joined those of Japan’s big boys.
That autumn, he told the Lions he wanted out, to play in MLB, and as is customary, he expected to be allowed to go after another good season in 2023, but was turned down. Since then, everything had gone downhill. Takahashi was hurt in camp the following spring and had a few good games but was more often unwatchable.
