The Yomiuri Giants may be trading Tokyo's cool temperatures and concrete facade for sunny and scenic Miyazaki, but the team's spring camp won't feel like much of a vacation for some of the newest Kyojin.
Entering the season as something other than the defending Central League champions for the first time since 2007, the Giants' camp will feature a number of internal battles as players vie for a limited number of spots on the roster.
The victors will play in front of packed houses at Tokyo Dome, enjoying all the trappings of the top level of Japanese baseball. The rest will bide their time with the ni-gun team, waiting for an opportunity.