Jun Hirose set a new NPB record by reaching base fifteen consecutive times.

The original NPB record of fourteen was held by three players: Tokitaka Minamibuchi (Lotte, 1993), Yoshinobu Takahashi (Yomiuri, 2003), and Michihiro Ogasawara (Nippon Ham, 2003).

The Hiroshima Carp franchise record of twelve was set by Kazuyoshi Yamamoto in 1967.

===

Recap

===

Valentine's Day: Shota Dobayashi received about 100 chocolates.

Source: Nikkan Sports 2/14/2013

===

Kenta Kurihara felt tightness in his lower back during warm-ups today and ended his day early.

Source: Nikkan Sports 2/14/2013

===

Jun Hirose was re-assigned to San-gun camp because of tightness in his back.  Hirose first started feeling the soreness during practices on Wednesday and ended his day a little early.  He will return to Ichi-gun camp once he can participate in regular workouts.

Source: Sports Hochi 2/14/2013

===

Takeru Imamura had a fever on Tuesday and still managed to throw two bullpen sessions on Wednesday.

Source: Nikkan Sports 2/14/2013

===

Shota Dobayashi will begin using a longer and heavier bat after batting coach Hiromasa Arai suggested the change.  Current bat: 33.5 inches, 890 grams.  New bat: 34 inches, 910 grams.

Source: Sports Hochi 2/14/2013, Nikkan Sports 2/14/2013

Jun Hirose earned his international FA option today with nine years of service time on the active roster.  Hirose earned his domestic FA option last year and signed a three-year deal with the Carp during the off-season.

Source: Sponichi 7/4/2012

Nikkan Sports and Daily Sports is reporting that 32-year-old Jun Hirose met with the Hiroshima Carp at Mazda Stadium today and agreed to a 3-year deal worth 60M yen a year plus incentives.

The two provide slightly different comments from Hirose.

Nikkan Sports: "I thought staying with Hiroshima was the best option.  I struggled in my 20s, went through a lot of difficult times.  I hope that I can grow into a better player in my 30s.  And I decided I wanted to do that with the Carp."

Daily Sports: "I was a distraction for the team this year and was left with feelings of disappointment.  Whatever the kind of contract, it is a year-to-year battle.  I want to use the troubles I went through in my 20s as fodder to help me grow in my 30s."

Sponichi is reporting that 32-year-old Jun Hirose will most likely stay with the Hiroshima Carp and not exercise his FA option.

Hirose returned to Japan from his training in the US on Monday and said to reporters, "I've played in Hiroshima for 11 years.  I'd like to win with this team.  My feelings are set."

Hirose will probably meet with the Carp today to inform them of his decision.  He is also expected to select a multi-year, one that could be three years long and worth a total 270M yen, over a one-year deal since he told reporters that he didn't want to be controlled by his FA option and just wanted to settle in and focus on playing.

UPDATE @ 3:27pm - Via Daily Sports: Hiroshima Carp announced today that Hirose will not exercise his FA option and will remain with he team.  Hirose also updated his blog asking fans for their continued support.

Jun Hirose met with the Hiroshima Carp earlier today. The Carp would like to lock up the 32-year-old veteran and have, according to Nikkan Sports, offered him a 3-year deal worth an estimated 80M yen a year  (Sports Hochi puts their estimate at around 90M yen a year).

"I'm happy that they offered a 3-year deal," said Hirose. "But, chances like this (earning an FA option) don't come around to often so I want to think about this some more. I don't think I'll be able to come to a decision right away."

No word on when the two will meet again.

Jun Hirose Career Stats

The Hiroshima Carp are scheduled to formally meet with 32-year-old Jun Hirose to discuss a contact extension.  The two sides have already spoken unofficially and will now move towards contract specifics.

Hirose has not decided whether or not he'll exercise his FA option but did tell reporters he's interested in hearing what kind of offer the club was going to make him.  From the sounds of things, it seems he's also curious about what kind of value other clubs might place on his services (as in, discussions like these can only take place when he has an option to exercise).

Jun Hirose earned his domestic FA option today with 8 years of service time on the active roster.

"It hasn't sunk in," said Hirose,  "[I probably won't feel it] until after the season ends.  There still are a number of games to go in our season."

According to a report filed by Osaka Hochi, the Hanshin Tigers are looking into potential free agent Jun Hirose (currently playing for the Hiroshima Carp).

Hirose is scheduled to earn his domestic FA option on 10/15 and could hit the free agent market during the upcoming off-season.  While the Tigers wouldn't admit their interest (tampering issues), he would make some sense for the team, considering their current outfield situation (Matt Murton could return to the US, Tomoaki Kamemoto will be 44, and the younger players like Kohei Shibata and Shunsuke haven't managed to stick).

A lot will also likely depend on how well the Tigers do in stocking up during the upcoming draft.

Jun Hirose was taken off the active roster today with discomfort in his right hamstring.  Hirose just returned to the active roster on 8/2 after coming back from a similar injury that pulled him from the active roster on 5/21.