When not injured, center fielder Tetsuya Iida ranks as one of the best at his position in Japan. While Iida rarely hits home runs, he can reach base and steal his way around the horn.

Right fielder Atsunori Inaba can smack home runs, hit for average and steal bases. Patrolling the right field foul line, Yakult's Mr. Hustle can reel in the most stubborn line drive and rifle it back home.

Backing up the starters, Mitsuru Manaka can easily take over any outfield position. Filling in for injured Iida, Manaka led the club's offense during the summer and in the Japan Series.

Shinichi Sato often works as a late-inning defensive replacement for Hosey while Tomohiro Jo stands on call whenever a right-hander is needed.

Since defense makes his tired old legs buckle, Shinji Hata has been reduced to an occasional pinch hitter.