Chunichi Dragons catcher/manager Motonobu Tanishige began his workouts this year with a vow not to change anything about the way he prepares for the season.

Hardly groundbreaking news since Tanishige is preparing for his 26th professional season and should know better than anyone what it takes to get himself ready by now.

But it isn't just about getting into playing shape anymore. The longtime Chunichi backstop is also preparing to enter waters few have waded into as he hopes to successfully juggle his duties as a player against the demands of being a first-time manager.