Daisuke Matsuzaka met with over 6,000 media members today at City of Palms Park where the Red Sox hold their spring training games. Ok, it was probably like 100-150 members of the media. This is the type of following that will probably follow him around during spring training and to every city the Red Sox visit plus at home in Boston.
So let’s take a look a few of the questions asked during the press conference today.
There is a large number of media here and around you. Talk about your relationship with the media and have you spoken with the rest of your team about the amount of media?
[Matsuzaka laughs] I don’t know if I will tell them about the media situation. I think the team will be the way – the right people to address that situation.
How has the transition to the United States been, with what you’ve eaten and everything like that?
I don’t have any dislikes. So far, so good from now on. I see no problems in the future.
You are unfamiliar with the hitters and they are unfamiliar with you, with that do you think they will keep you out of some games this spring against division teams like the Blue Jays or Yankees?
We don’t have data on each other – so – being the pitcher will be more advantageous in that situation. I won’t sit out at all.
Question in Japanese: As a Seibu Lion, you always had a theme in the spring. What is your theme this year in the US?
The most important – since it’s the first time – getting familiarized. If I can find a theme in doing that, it will become my theme.
We’ve heard so much about the gyroball. Do you throw it and will we see it this season.
[Matsuzaka pauses and grins] Hmm… how to answer this? I knew this was coming. I prepared some optional answers. Do I say I can, that I have it? Or do I ask what pitch you are referring to? Overall, if I have the chance, I will pitch that ball.
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Gyroball
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Well the one thing that sticks out to me is the gyroball question. He had ducked the question in the past about whether it was in his arsenal. So know we know that he, in fact, does throw it. It’s nice to hear he is making the transition to the United States and adapting to our culture. I am sure it would be the same for us if we were in Japan.
It will be interesting to see how the rest of the Red Sox react to the amount of media that will surround them during the entire spring training and season. There are a few (Manny) who aren’t particularly happy having the media around. Think of it this way Manny. You will have some new fans in Japan.
Anyways thats all for now from the frozen confines of Connecticut. Here is a look at the rest of the entire transcript from the press conference.
Technorati: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston Red Sox, gyroball
As this is my first time in the United States, I will stay humble and do my best.
(Is your approach to spring training any different than it was in Japan?)
The day we start is about the same time as in Japan. I prepared my physical strength to this level, and I’ve gotten to that level I believe.
(There is a large number of media here and around you. Talk about your relationship with the media and have you spoken with the rest of your team about the amount of media?)
[Matsuzaka laughs] I don’t know if I will tell them about the media situation. I think the team will be the way – the right people to address that situation.
(Are you surprised at the number of people who are here from the media?)
Ever since the first year I played, many media showed up, so I’m not surprised.
(Compare the excitement of preparing to play this year to what you had last year as you prepared for the World Baseball Classic.)
The situation surrounding the two is different… to start something is the same. But joining the Red Sox is something I’m more excited for.
(Some of your new teammates don’t like the media – will it affect them?)
If I see someone get bothered, I’ll honestly apologize to the gentleman.
(How has the transition to the United States been, with what you’ve eaten and everything like that?)
I don’t have any dislikes. So far, so good from now on. I see no problems in the future.
(You are unfamiliar with the hitters and they are unfamiliar with you, with that do you think they will keep you out of some games this spring against division teams like the Blue Jays or Yankees?)
We don’t have data on each other – so – being the pitcher will be more advantageous in that situation. I won’t sit out at all.
(The contract was so big and there’s so much attention. Do you feel pressure on you to succeed?)
The scale of the contract doesn’t determine how I play. I feel some responsibility, but no pressure.
(What’s your initial impression of your teammates?)
Everybody reached out to me so far to talk to me. I appreciate that. Everybody is cheerful and happy.
(Have you talked to anybody in Japan?)
I talked to Ichiro – I had dinner with him. We talked about our lives in the US a little bit.
(What is your approach to throwing to Major League hitters?)
I have no plans to change.
(Question in Japanese: Have you found a throwing partner here? Have you found someone you like to catch with?)
The easiest person to throw with is Mr. Okijawa. I want to maybe catch with Wakefield – I want to try to catch his knuckleball.
(Question in Japanese: There are a lot of expectations – you’ve had it since you were a child. Some people take it as encouragement, some don’t take it well…you?)
I have received a lot of expectation all my life, and I always remember to play ball and have fun. I’ve done it so and will keep doing so. I’ll meet everyone’s expectations that way.
(Was seeing Nomo come to the US an inspiration for you?)
When Nomo started, I was in junior high. For me, wanting to play in the big leagues some day his first start was impressive. I remember it clearly. For that, I’ll play my best so young players who dream of playing some day can look up to me.
(Question in Japanese: After ten days of workouts, you’ll pitch in the preseason in the US. Hitters are concerned with your breaking ball. How do you prepare for the preseason?)
I know all my pitches won’t work in every situation. In the preseason I’ll see what works and what won’t.
(Your facial expressions seem relaxed and full of pride. Does that reflect your training recently in California?)
I’m not sure if my expression shows I’m proud of what I am. Training in Southern California worked out very well. I’m not trying to have fun really, but the environment makes me feel I can have fun. My experience is limited, but I think so.
(Question in Japanese: You’ve adjusted your life to the US – now are getting ready to pitch. What kind of game do you imagine and what first pitch do you expect to throw?)
I will keep getting trained and without injuries, if it happens, I’ll throw a fastball. And to my first batter, if he is listening, please try not to hit it. [Matsuzaka laughs]
(You have drawn media attention since arriving up in Tampa, will it be hard to fit in as just another member of the team?)
Since I arrived, I’ve tried to stay in condition. I’m trying to get rid of tiredness in my body. I look forward to meeting all the team members on Monday.
(Question in Japanese: As a Seibu Lion, you always had a theme in the spring. What is your theme this year in the US?)
The most important – since it’s the first time – getting familiarized. If I can find a theme in doing that, it will become my theme.
(You talked about future generations – some in Japan call yours the ‘Lost Generation’. Do you want to inspire them?)
In fact, friends of mine fall in that category. One of them said to me that watching me pitch makes him feel like he should start working. As long as my play and how I pitch inspires others – I want to keep doing that.
(Are you concerned about communicating with a catcher and manager who don’t speak Japanese? … and you talked about Wakefield… do you want to throw a knuckleball?)
To get along – communicating is important. I want to learn English and I am learning English as we speak. If I can keep my form and throw a knuckleball – it would be great. I tried it in L.A., but it didn’t work.
(We’ve heard so much about the gyroball. Do you throw it and will we see it this season.)
[Matsuzaka pauses and grins] Hmm… how to answer this? I knew this was coming. I prepared some optional answers. Do I say I can, that I have it? Or do I ask what pitch you are referring to? Overall, if I have the chance, I will pitch that ball.
