South Korean slugger Lee Seung Yeop is setting his sights high for the 2007 season.
After deciding to remain in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants instead of pursuing a career in the U.S. major leagues, Lee is determined to help Japan's most popular team win a championship.
It won't be easy. The Giants haven't won the Japan Series since 2002 and finished a disappointing fourth last season, 23 1/2 games behind the Central League champion Chunichi Dragons.
Lee is hoping his bat and improved play in the field will help the team make progress this season.
"I'd like to hit 45 homers and bat .300," Lee said on the Giants' official Web site. "I want to put up better numbers than last season and have trained harder than ever to do that."
Lee had an impressive showing last season for the Giants, hitting 41 homers, driving in 108 runs and finishing second in the Central League with a .323 batting average.
After undergoing surgery on his left knee in October, Lee went through a rigorous rehabilitation program and said he has plenty to work on in spring training.
"I've been working on hitting the inside pitch," said Lee. "I've also been trying to improve my defensive play at first base."
Lee helped South Korea to the semifinals of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March. He batted .333 and led all players in the tournament with five homers and 10 RBIs.
There were reports last season that several major league teams, including the New York Yankees, were interested in the left-handed hitting first baseman.
But Lee resigned with the Giants on a four-year contract for a reported $5.5 million.