This post will be updated throughout the day.

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Today's practice game against the Hanshin Tigers:

The game ended in a 2-2 tie.

Masao Kida needed just 8 pitches to retire the side in order.

Sho Nakata hit a solo homer out to right-center off Kai-Wen Cheng in the 4th inning.  He also collected an RBI infield single in the 8th with runners on second and third with 2 out.  Nakata finished the day 3-for-4 with 2 RBI.

===== 2/17 @ 1:25am

Parent company, Nippon Ham, announced today that they will be working together with Hokkaido to help re-vitalize the region.

===== 2/16 @ 11:40pm

Shinji Takahashi was supposed to play in today's game, but was held out of the starting line-up with discomfort in his lower back.  It doesn't appear to be serious and Takahashi is expected to play in the team's intra-squad game on the 19th.

Takahashi is essentially considered day-to-day for the time being.

===== 2/16 @ 7:56pm

Yu Darvish also threw a knuckle-curve during his 89-pitch bullpen session yesterday.  He also worked on his motion to the plate with runners on base (he was timed at around 1 second).

Darvish is currently to start and pitch 1 inning in an intra-squad game on the 19th.

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Eiichi Koyano managed to increase his weight from 85-86kg to around 91kg during the off-season.

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