OK, so now we know the ball used in Japanese pro baseball games has been changed again and, in spite of the fact there was no initial announcement by NPB, everyone seems happy about the change — except maybe the pitchers.

Sluggers Tony Blanco, Wladimir Balentien, Shinnosuke Abe, Michel Abreu and Sho Nakata are all on a pace to hit more than 40 homers this season. As of Wednesday, the leading batting averages in both leagues were where they were prior to the deadening of the ball in 2011.

Chunichi Dragons third baseman Hector Luna led the Central League at .369, and Fukuoka Softbank Hawks outfielder Yuya Hasegawa was the Pacific League pace-setter at .357.