The Saitama Seibu Lions, often seen in the Pacific League Climax Series in recent years, are currently struggling to move out of the second division in the PL.
However, manager Hisanobu Watanabe thinks his team can shake off its problems and climb in the standings following the end of interleague play this week.
A shaky bullpen, lack of a consistent closer, a slow start by slugger Takeya Nakamura and the absence of much help by the team's quartet of first-year foreign players are some of the reasons the Lions have been wallowing in the Pa League's "B Class."