If we're just talking some straight talk here, we've got the Saitama Seibu Lions sauntering into the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles' nest with a swagger that their last season's record doesn't quite justify. 49-91? That's not roaring, that's more kittenish, really. On the other hand, the Golden Eagles may not have soared above every other team, but a 67-72 record shows they know how to peck their way to the top now and then.

Keeping our eyes on the rear-view mirror a little longer, these two teams have been trading victories back and forth like they're playing catch. But it's hard to ignore the oomph those Golden Eagles rating was packing in their last encounter, giving the Lions a solid thump down memory lane.

Recently, the Lions’ performances have been somewhat lackluster, while the Golden Eagles have tasted bitter defeat but also experienced the sweet, adrenaline-rushing victory. Whatever, wins and losses are all part of life's rich pattern, right?

Bring it all together, pour a cup of coffee, and consider the existential meaning of sport. Well, it seems to be standing on the side of glory for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. By what margin, you ask? They've got an extra pep in their step, but probably won't exactly be swooping in to obliterate the Lions.

Albert’s Prediction: Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles by 2