For a team that looked like the best in the Pacific League for most of the season, uncertainty has set in for the Seibu Lions at the absolute worst time.
Ace pitcher Hideaki Wakui is struggling, hurler Takayuki Kishi is working his way back from an injury and the rest of the rotation has underachieved down the stretch.
So it could be a bad time to play host to the Chiba Lotte Marines, who, when they're clicking, can score in bunches and features a terrific leadoff man in Tsuyoshi Nishioka and all-around threats in Tadahito Iguchi and Toshiaki Imae. The series begins on Saturday.