There. That’s basically all I know about the Pacific League.

But Softbank are a team which usually contends, so if their new guys blend quickly under the new manager then they could improve on last years cellar performance.

As you say, it’s very open. But with regards to the PL I’m happy to defer to those with more knowledge than myself. I’m a CL guy.

I was also wondering how possible sales of teams might affect them. I doubt it will happen in the middle of the season, but both Seibu and Orix look like potential candidates.

Thanks for listening. Yes, I also think the PL is wide open this year, as it was last year.

My Orix prediction is based on more of a hope that they can consolidate on last year and establish themselves in the league a little. They’ve made some decent acquisitions too.

Rakuten look to be in the strongest state going into a season in their short lifetime so my thinking there is that they may be in a position to make the step up and be a genuine contender for the playoffs.

But the margins will be small this year as in 2008, when only 4.5 games separated the top four teams. I expect it to be as tight this year, but maybe between five teams instead of the four.

Whatever happens, it looks like it should be the more exciting and open of the two leagues competitively as usual.

I have to say I’m a bit surprised to hear you pick Orix to finish top 3 again. I’m not sold on Rakuten either. It seems pretty wide open, actually. I’m thinking Seibu, Nippon Ham, Chiba, Rakuten, Softbank and Orix.

It would be good to hear thoughts on MVP, comeback, rookie of the year - stuff like that would be fun to hear about. And who might win the climax series?