Tanaka (and interpreter) on joining the Baysox
Ryohei Tanaka, the Japanese right-hander who joined the Double-A Bowie Baysox on Friday night, talked with the media after the team's 3-0 loss to the Erie SeaWolves.
The 26-year-old pitcher shared his thoughts on a variety of topics. Since he doesn't speak English, the Baysox needed to find an interpreter on short notice.
Yoshi Araki came through for the Baysox, and the comments below are his translations of Tanaka's responses to the media questions.
On how comfortable he is with the English language: "I'm not used to speaking English, but I would like to get better at it. I spent time in Florida [learning the language], but I trained back home [in Japan] even longer."
On communicating with coaches and teammates: "The teammates have been very good at speaking English slowly and using gestures. Some of the teammates here that I spent time with back in 2007 [in Hawaii Winter Baseball], I feel comfortable with them also."
On being first Japanese player in Baysox history: "I don't feel the pressure, but I would like to pitch very soon."
On his projected role with the Baysox: "I haven't heard any plans from the team, but whatever the team decides, I would like to do the best job at it."
On off-the-field adjustments to the United States: "I haven't had any problems so far with eating or whatever. I've been enjoying the American lifestyle so far."
On living arrangements: "I haven't decided anything, but so far I have been staying in a hotel."
On best part about United States so far: "In the 2007 winter leagues, I spent some time with Orioles and other American [minor leaguers]. I was able to see the very basics of baseball and appreciate it. I would also like to spend as much time as possible in the state, but I would also like to pay back the Orioles for hiring me this season."
On adjustments from Japanese baseball to American baseball: "I only spent a little bit of time in Hawaii, but I realized that Americans are good at finding the positive side of things."
On decision to sign with the Orioles: "Back in February at tryouts, the Orioles were one of the teams that I got an offer with, and I don't really know why I decided on the Orioles. That's just the way it happened."
On struggles in Japan: "Yes, it was very much [a difficult time], but I would like to start fresh with the Baysox."
On Orioles starting pitcher Koji Uehara: "I haven't spoke to him in person, so I really can't answer that question. If there is a chance, I would like to meet him and discuss things."
Comments
In typical Oriole fashion they sign a guy and he doesn't even know what his role will be even after joining the team.Isturis had surgery last night and it's 1:25 pm and no announcemnet of him going on the DL and a replacement being called up. This could have been done last night.
Posted by: John | June 6, 2009 1:26 PM
John - In typical internet blowhard fashion, you're complaining about things that aren't even problems.
Posted by: Gus | June 6, 2009 3:34 PM
Hey John, calm down. Did you ever think the announcement/replacement (which late last night/early this morning I heard about Izturis going on the DL) is because another move is to be made shortly with Koji coming off the DL? There are far more important things to worry about. Patience, my friend, is a virtue. After 11 years, the future looks bright. Youth will be served.
Posted by: Os fan | June 6, 2009 3:49 PM