While the Yomiuri Giants' All-Stars have gotten off to a slow start this season, two unheralded players have stolen the spotlight.

Seldom-used outfielder Yoshiyuki Kamei and shortstop Hayato Sakamoto have been two of the bright spots for the Giants throughout an otherwise forgettable start to the year.

Through Thursday, Kamei had appeared in 35 games, 15 more than he played in last year and more than halfway to the career-high 65 appearances he posted in 2006.