January 5, 2026 • 30 mins
The Houston Astros introduced new starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai on Monday. Here is his introductory press conference.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
A man of the hour hour I May and his
attorney Scott Boris. Scott and today's translator, Kevin Ndo is here.
So without further ado, I'm going to turn it over
to Dana Brown right now, go ahead, Dana, all right.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Thank you, thanks a lot, Jeanie. Welcome everybody. Uh, thank
you all for coming here. Today is an exciting day
for us in this organization and for our fan base.
We had goals set out, you know, to sign starting
pitching this offseason, and we also had goals to you know,
get into the Japan market and get into a baseball
(00:34):
market over there in Japan. And so it was exciting,
you know, because we had the support of Jim Craine,
you know, who's backing us, you know, all the time.
And so with that, Scott Boris and I on Friday
came to an agreement to to to sign my man
right here to say you to say, y'all, I get
(00:57):
it right to sue to sue you hm.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
Uh im imi.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
And so I'm still working on my language here, but
you know, we're excited to have him here to be
a part of this organization. And uh, we're all thrilled
here and this is a big moment for us, and
we want to welcome you know, his wife as well.
Thank you for for coming. We have a warm welcome
for you and for your four dogs too as well.
(01:27):
And so uh you know this is a this is
an exciting time for us now to to to to
get this done. And you know with that I would
let Kevin translate maybe what I.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Said, mazamo di san and support. There's santo kyo ki
(02:14):
shm tonica stems, there is segony oxan must you know
(02:35):
anmore one sign?
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Okay, Danna, And.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
With that we'll give you the presentation of the jersey.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Everybody to stand against.
Speaker 4 (02:49):
This is the tat Emi conference. And again you don't
need to hear about the standing of the uniform. Ross
much better than Dana. Yeah, I just got to work
on that name a little bit. There is an interpreter
obviously because he might does not speak a word of English.
We can tell you on the day is you've got
Joe Aspata, you have Dana Brown, Scott Boris wearing a
how would you describe that orange plaid green tweed jacket?
Speaker 1 (03:13):
All right? Are they taking questions yet?
Speaker 4 (03:15):
Oh no, no, Okay, the interpreter's up there, Scott Scotty
Bee like the astros, Ross Scotty Beet does back to
the press conference. There's some crickets in the background. You
(03:38):
wear is gonna wearing number forty five.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Say, guys, we can be seated now before we open
up the questions Jerem or Scott, did you guys want
to say a couple of words about I may excuse.
Speaker 5 (03:58):
Me, well, I'll start to Gott to let you take over,
But just wanted to thank Dana and Joe for working
hard on this deal and we're very excited to have
Emi with us.
Speaker 6 (04:11):
I'm unbelievable for us here in Houston. I think he'll
get big support here and I just wanted to say,
you know, one of the things that made this possible
is with our great partners.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
In the front row Taco.
Speaker 6 (04:24):
Would you stand up the chief the chief marketing officer
of Dyke and Dyke in Park. Thank you, sir.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Thy Scott.
Speaker 7 (04:39):
I'm gonna thank Jim and Dana certainly recommend Jim's restaurant.
By the way, that was very good, Jim, thank you
for the hospitality.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
It went easy too.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
The UH.
Speaker 7 (04:51):
We had a great experience here with Kokuchi coming both
on an internal and external basis in the community and
everyone and involved. And we got the chance to tell
Tatsuya all about that and the comfort he had here
and the support he received from the staff in coming
here and improving as a player, how he well he
(05:12):
pitched in the ballpark. And Tatsuya has a tremendous arm,
an arm that is probably for many standards, something that
we will grow to know to be something of supreme talent.
And so I'm excited for Houston and excited that Tatsuya
begins here.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Thank you. Okay, Tatsuya, here's your opportunity. Let's say a
few words.
Speaker 8 (05:39):
What's up? A song by a ready to chase away
championship Ritzko kissing.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
Thank you so much, very well said. We're going to
open up the questions now I mentioned earlier is first,
and then we'll switch up with Japanese questions. So raise
your hand. We have people with microphones hanging around. We
got channeling here first, and then Kim and then uh
Matt over here.
Speaker 9 (06:11):
Okay, Hi, Tatsuya, welcome to Houston. The Astros have not
had a lengthy list of a Japanese presence on their team.
How much did that maybe intrigue you as being one
of the first Japanese players that could come here and
really make an imprint in this organization.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Like you won't taken you up, You won't take an you,
Anne and Jean Sanshi history in Monday nine, You and
Skio you could do? You hid the jump us dead?
Speaker 8 (06:57):
I know, school Key, I know, Junie, you go.
Speaker 7 (07:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
I'm just very excited to again go after and chase
the World championship here and perform for a great organization
like the Astros. And you know that's why I made
the long twelve hour trip to be here. O.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Hey, Kim, Matt Christy and then Brian.
Speaker 10 (07:25):
You know question you mentioned that that wanted to sign
a picture and if you wanted to get into the
Japanese market, and you talk about why you wanted to
get the Japanese market in How are you done this year?
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Uh no, we're not done yet. We're still trying to
sign other players, but as far as the Japanese market, look,
we we wanted to be active. You know that there's
some very good players coming from Japan and uh you know, uh,
these guys are being becoming part of championship caliber teams
(07:56):
and so you know, we were so folk uh you know,
on getting in that market. You know, our partnership now
with dyk In is very important to us as well,
and so uh you know, we're we're locked in and
over there. So it's an exciting time for us.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Okay, Matt, Christie than Brian's chest. I love one word
of the factors in your decision and what ultimately.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
That's Mark hughestoning down there do you mm hmm?
Speaker 8 (08:37):
Once you know you must take it all at it
with it usual say what of the chumpion that day?
Do you Dutch? Don't it?
Speaker 3 (08:55):
You know, obviously I had the privilege to have a
couple of other offers as well on the table, but
you know, at the end of the day, I truly
believed that here in Houston with the Astros might be
able to seriously take a shot at the World Series
and make a run. And just was I thought that
(09:16):
this would be the best fit for myself, Christie and Brian.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
After playing professionally in Japan for so long. What do
you think will be some of the challenges of making
the move to the.
Speaker 11 (09:29):
M l B.
Speaker 8 (09:41):
This she when you'll steak down.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
The Yeah, the you know, the obvious changes, pitching on
shorter days, rest four days, and then in Japan, obviously
there's no time difference that I would have to adjust to.
But you know, those challenges are definitely going to be there.
But I look forward to, you know, overcoming those challenges
(10:22):
and learning and growing as a player and hopefully be
able to make a quick adjustment in my first year.
And you know, definitely want to just be able to
jump in with the guys and get to know my
new teammates.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
Okay, Brian Leah and then over.
Speaker 12 (10:39):
Here, hey, Jim Well was important to get in the
Japanese market.
Speaker 6 (10:45):
And well and people assisting to identify talent over the now.
We just made that adjustment in the summer. Probably didn't
have much to do with this one, but it'll have
a lot to do moving forward as we work on
those markets to try to bring the great place here
to Houston.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
Okay, Lea, then over here, I will go to Houston.
One of the big things here is the bood Sine.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
So where have you been to eat? And what are
some places you're excited to explore in the city make Houston.
I know, I know, you don't know, I don't know
ho hoang Nano Moscato.
Speaker 8 (11:38):
Schedule my money way much.
Speaker 11 (11:48):
So.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Just yesterday last night, it was at the restaurant in
the hotel, but I uh tried some lamb chops for
the first time. Definitely was an adventure, you know, but
I loved it, you know, I you know, first time
trying something like that, but I loved it. I'm looking
forward to uh uh trying some more lamb troops in
(12:09):
the new creature Kay over here.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Than veer than Dan.
Speaker 7 (12:13):
So you uh, welcome to Houston.
Speaker 1 (12:15):
When did you know that you wanted to go to
Major League Baseball?
Speaker 13 (12:19):
To the US and who they have inspired you?
Speaker 12 (12:23):
Eh?
Speaker 3 (12:23):
MA, don't know what time? Mean day? It mayor to
b me the prittish title Ako goten st Eko got
the stogati must you must come?
Speaker 13 (12:36):
Mm? Well, I'm all what else is shouting?
Speaker 2 (12:40):
You got?
Speaker 13 (12:41):
Huh?
Speaker 11 (12:41):
What else do I know?
Speaker 13 (12:42):
Okay, done one penny on them, you know major That's
what most.
Speaker 8 (12:57):
Jepend come and say, Oh sindhu.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Click it is this.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Yeah. So I I'd want to say five years ago
is when I had the privilege to meet mister Boris
over here. And that's when I, you know, really uh
began to seriously consider making my over to making my
way over to the MLB.
Speaker 13 (13:23):
It was.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
Definitely at a moment where I told myself, Hey, if
I put in the work and if I trust myself,
I really do have a chance at this.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
Hey Hoavier then Dan?
Speaker 3 (13:38):
Yeah, so.
Speaker 7 (13:44):
In Japan between Tame before after.
Speaker 3 (13:54):
Moto doesn't say shoot saving you know, and you send
you your son and this she yeah, So you know,
(14:46):
unfortunately he had to leave the organization mid season, and
so because of that, you know, unfortunately I haven't been
able to keep in touch with them very closely, obviously
seeing Hi here and there, and so yeah, I haven't
been able to speak with him yet, but I'm definitely
been looking forward to it, and I would definitely make
(15:07):
my day if he were to be able to come
over here to Houston. I'm sure, you know, he loves golf,
so I'm sure he's definitely gonna be able to find
himself a nice golf course out here as well.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
So have we got Dan, Chandler, Brian and then Kim again.
Speaker 14 (15:24):
Yeah, that's as far as ma son m.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Much Cutch stight to.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
So ever since I started playing baseball back in elementary school,
I was always I felt like I was a competitor,
wanted to always come out on top, throw the ball,
the furthest the fastest, and you know that's really that
mentality stuck with me through throughout my career with the
Sable Lions. And you know, that mentality of the must win,
(16:37):
you know, and compete and do my best. That mentality
I feel like has stuck with me ever since elementary school.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
Okay, Chandler, Brian Cambon.
Speaker 9 (16:49):
And Christy Scott mentioned you Sakauchi's experience over here and
how much he enjoyed it. Have you been able to
speak to him, either before you signed or since you
signed about what he experienced here? And then maybe Scott
if you could also add, what what about that experience
resonated so well with you guys to to make this
partnership happen?
Speaker 3 (17:13):
Sanga British.
Speaker 8 (17:28):
Mascot money same place.
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Yeah, so ever since he came over to the m
l B. Unfortunately I wasn't necessarily in close contact with him,
but right when I uh signed with Houston, he reached
out immediately congratulating me and also mentioned, hey, like if
(18:12):
you need anything, If you ever need anything, let me
know and I'll be there for you.
Speaker 7 (18:20):
I've known Testsua for five years and I'm gonna thank
to Caledino and Toksato or are our employees based and
they monitor the nip On Baseball League very closely. And
my first meeting and watching Tatsuya pitch was he had
(18:41):
an air by the shortstop and then another heir by
the second baseman, and he then struck out the next
three batters and probably saw the most emotion I had
seen from him as a player. And I asked him
after the game, I said, what what motivates you?
Speaker 1 (19:00):
What? What what compels you?
Speaker 7 (19:01):
And he says, there's nothing better than picking up your
teammates and and making sure that you can help them
through the process and the rewards you get from that.
And I knew immediately he was built for Major League
Baseball after that.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Okay, Brian Kim Christie, than Matt, did you wanna interpret
that or for media Japanese?
Speaker 7 (19:23):
I mean, I don't know, thinks I.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Don't know if there's Japanese right yet. Okay, good.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Scott.
Speaker 7 (19:33):
What was it?
Speaker 11 (19:33):
What was the courtship of of eve a life as far.
Speaker 13 (19:36):
As the Astros?
Speaker 5 (19:38):
How far back did it go over?
Speaker 11 (19:39):
What the sort of the steps that you know, you
have a.
Speaker 1 (19:41):
Place uh for you know player coming from the den.
Speaker 7 (19:45):
Dana and I you know, meet annually at the at
the general manager of meetings and we lock him in
the room for a couple hours and then we uh
have discussions about their needs and what they're doing and
and of course he had had a full DOSSI on
Tatsuya and said, look, we this is somebody we may
want to reach back to you about and talk to
(20:06):
you about. And so we've been in dialogue since then
about the possibility of him coming here.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Okay, Kim Christie, then.
Speaker 10 (20:15):
Matt Year, can you talk about what adding hens been
right to your pitching staff and how excited.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
You want to added?
Speaker 11 (20:25):
Yeah, thank you. I'm super fired up because you guys
well know the importance of starting pitching. You could never
have enough pitching. But one thing that my conversations with
Maya has been a few conversations how much he says
the world champion and that really I love that about
him because he's a competitor. He's uh, you could hear
(20:47):
the grid and the toughness, and I'm just excited to
have him on board and and give him the ball
and see him compete for us here and help him
through those challenges that he mentioned. We have we added
some pieces and I'm sure that will We'll make sure
we put in the best position for him to succeed.
Speaker 1 (21:05):
Okay, Christine Matt and then over here and then channel m.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
It.
Speaker 11 (21:10):
It seems like you have a pretty big personality.
Speaker 12 (21:12):
I was wondering for people that don't know you, how
would you describe yourself as a person and.
Speaker 3 (21:16):
What kind of teammate are you? Mato in my saying
you are Skoku called akari the door you insu out
of the skita no more. But even do you say
cat door your Decato.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
Mm to.
Speaker 8 (21:38):
Tanasi Ship Houston Cord, Well, you don't want taxan Kodia
state Tanoshi shi Hi hi Ma wants your society to
(22:00):
look at the skiddle.
Speaker 11 (22:04):
So Hi.
Speaker 3 (22:10):
To use he coodise. Personality wise, yeah, I just like
to have fun, whether if it's baseball non baseball, you know,
and that that includes you know, interacting with fans and
just having a good time with them as well. And
you know, I also I feel like I have that
(22:30):
feeling of wanting to give back to all those who
have supported me. I feel like I'm here today because
of you know, all the support that I've received and
just overall, I I look forward to challenges and that
I guess that's my personality.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
Hey, matting overhead and Chandler we at times for just
a couple more in English and Joe.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
Or how would you describe to see.
Speaker 11 (23:01):
That.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
Yeah, So you know, one of the big points for
us this offseason was to beef up the rotation, and
you know, getting a guy like Imi is just it's big.
It's a big part of what we're gonna do and
what we're doing here. So we feel good about the
rotation right now. As I've always said, I'm always in
(23:24):
the market for pitching because it's one hundred and sixty
two games and you never know how tough the season
is gonna be with injury, so you're always looking for pitching.
But we feel pretty good about the rotation right now.
Speaker 11 (23:37):
Yeah, just to add, you know, important to continue to add,
and we've done a really nice job adding first month
of the season, we played twenty five games in twenty
seven days, so important to have enough pieces just to
get us going to get out to a good start.
And you know, this guy right here really exciting to
have him because he's he's going to contribute right right
off the bat.
Speaker 1 (23:56):
Okay, we get over here, then channeling them more after
that over here.
Speaker 15 (24:01):
Okay, thanks for for for Joe, and well I just
want to say welcome you a Mason.
Speaker 3 (24:06):
Joe.
Speaker 15 (24:07):
If you can answer also with the Spanish, I will appreciate.
Are you planning on taking some Japanese lessons and how
is the process for a player as experienced but adapting
as quickly as possible for the MLB level.
Speaker 11 (24:19):
Yes, on the Japanese, I'm gonna try it. I'm gonna
work really hard trying to learn some Japanese, be able
to communicate with him. Uh panel seeing Portia, the will
being in Portante, Yeah, u you and hinted and alo okay, and.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
Then one more over here.
Speaker 9 (25:02):
Too really quick, Tatsuya, will you pitch in the WBC.
Speaker 3 (25:05):
A WBC the NAG the additional Cup video nies as
of right now, no plans to participate.
Speaker 9 (25:16):
And then Jim, you mentioned wanting to get boots on
the ground in the Pacific room that in Asia. I
guess is there has there been like an inflection point
or something that has really enhanced your desire to expand
you guys's footprint into that market.
Speaker 6 (25:29):
Well, that's an easy one. I mean the Dodger's kind
of led the way there, and I've got an international company,
so it was pretty easy to kind of set up
quickly in there and give those guys a place to
work and you know, communicate back here in our system.
So we'll be moving pretty fast in Asia and continue
to focus on that and evaluate all the talent over
(25:50):
there so we can hopefully get some more of them
over here to play and to deepen the team. I think,
you know, you can really see the Asian market as
the players coming out of there are are really equivalent,
are better than some of the guys we have here.
So it was kind of untapped and I andn't think
until we had the Otani effect. And I think a
lot of people are focused on it, but we'll be
(26:12):
laser focused on it moving forward.
Speaker 1 (26:15):
Okay, last two right here.
Speaker 16 (26:21):
On a latter note, Houston, in a term of endearment,
likes to give its players nicknames. We have Diesel, we
got Spaghetti, we got the Red Tile or Christian Javier.
There's been a couple of nicknames doing about for for
mister Tatsuya in line with a very popular ramen noodle
chain Ramenua. How receptive of you of that term of endearment.
Speaker 3 (26:44):
For now, mahis don't know the money you're coming about,
so you well you'll be I know you'll need it.
Speaker 12 (27:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (27:30):
I don't really know where this whole Ramin thing came from,
but uh yeah, you know, at the end of the day,
a name uh that really sticks, you know, within my
teammates and obviously the staff and most importantly the fans.
You know, a nickname that is easy to remember and
and pronounce, I think with the ideal.
Speaker 1 (27:51):
Okay, last one in English will switch the Japanese news.
Speaker 12 (27:55):
Have you have been contacted with any of your new
teammates for coaching staff and if so, who has been
like the one player you're interested in working with at
your time in Houston.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
And Missage Yokoso Houston, the missage.
Speaker 8 (28:34):
The long one.
Speaker 11 (28:46):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (28:47):
So this morning I woke up to a lovely notification
from Instagram a follow from Josh Hater and the d
M as well, just basically welcoming uh me to the
Houston Astros. And you know, he also sent me his
phone number saying, hey, let me know if you need
ever need, if you ever need anything, and so you
(29:09):
know his uh, his messaging was a very fast one
hundred miles per hour, it felt like, and I definitely
want to reply back with a hundred miles per hour reply.
Speaker 1 (29:21):
All right, folks, let's switch over to Japanese race.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
That is the press conference took ends to day that
the English portion from Tetua em what app age?
Speaker 3 (29:30):
Did he say?
Speaker 1 (29:30):
What up age town?
Speaker 3 (29:31):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (29:31):
Did he throw the ages up?
Speaker 4 (29:33):
I don't know what he was doing that at the
Texans game. Yeah, he looks like he's going to be
a fit right in for however long it's going to be.
In three year deal. There are opt outs. That's what
baseball does, and hopefully Kyle Tucker do the same thing
here shortly. We don't know that yet. For whatever team
he happens to choose from reputation's good, very successful. Likes
(29:54):
the fact he'll get extra day's rest here as compared
to playing with the Japanese. I'd pitch much more often.
But it makes a lot of sense. First of all,
I think it does help build a relationship between Scott
Boris and his clients. That can't hurt. There is dyk
in Park that is Adkin's a huge sponsor. Was Jim
Crane was thinking the president or whatever the executives and
(30:15):
probably acted as a conduit between the two. And my
guess I wouldn't be totally surprised if Tatsua does some
sort of endorsement deal down the road with them. So absolutely,
it wasn't. Josel Tube was in some diking advertisements.
Speaker 3 (30:28):
Wasn't.
Speaker 4 (30:28):
It'll all work out, all right, we are super late
for break obviously, let's stay cool in the summer. Yeah,
I believe it or not. Today is all things about
the fire cover. You know what, I don't know if
we have time.
Speaker 11 (30:36):
We do have time.
A man of the hour hour I May and his
attorney Scott Boris. Scott and today's translator, Kevin Ndo is here.
So without further ado, I'm going to turn it over
to Dana Brown right now, go ahead, Dana, all right.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Thank you, thanks a lot, Jeanie. Welcome everybody. Uh, thank
you all for coming here. Today is an exciting day
for us in this organization and for our fan base.
We had goals set out, you know, to sign starting
pitching this offseason, and we also had goals to you know,
get into the Japan market and get into a baseball
(00:34):
market over there in Japan. And so it was exciting,
you know, because we had the support of Jim Craine,
you know, who's backing us, you know, all the time.
And so with that, Scott Boris and I on Friday
came to an agreement to to to sign my man
right here to say you to say, y'all, I get
(00:57):
it right to sue to sue you hm.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
Uh im imi.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
And so I'm still working on my language here, but
you know, we're excited to have him here to be
a part of this organization. And uh, we're all thrilled
here and this is a big moment for us, and
we want to welcome you know, his wife as well.
Thank you for for coming. We have a warm welcome
for you and for your four dogs too as well.
(01:27):
And so uh you know this is a this is
an exciting time for us now to to to to
get this done. And you know with that I would
let Kevin translate maybe what I.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Said, mazamo di san and support. There's santo kyo ki
(02:14):
shm tonica stems, there is segony oxan must you know
(02:35):
anmore one sign?
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Okay, Danna, And.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
With that we'll give you the presentation of the jersey.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Everybody to stand against.
Speaker 4 (02:49):
This is the tat Emi conference. And again you don't
need to hear about the standing of the uniform. Ross
much better than Dana. Yeah, I just got to work
on that name a little bit. There is an interpreter
obviously because he might does not speak a word of English.
We can tell you on the day is you've got
Joe Aspata, you have Dana Brown, Scott Boris wearing a
how would you describe that orange plaid green tweed jacket?
Speaker 1 (03:13):
All right? Are they taking questions yet?
Speaker 4 (03:15):
Oh no, no, Okay, the interpreter's up there, Scott Scotty
Bee like the astros, Ross Scotty Beet does back to
the press conference. There's some crickets in the background. You
(03:38):
wear is gonna wearing number forty five.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Say, guys, we can be seated now before we open
up the questions Jerem or Scott, did you guys want
to say a couple of words about I may excuse.
Speaker 5 (03:58):
Me, well, I'll start to Gott to let you take over,
But just wanted to thank Dana and Joe for working
hard on this deal and we're very excited to have
Emi with us.
Speaker 6 (04:11):
I'm unbelievable for us here in Houston. I think he'll
get big support here and I just wanted to say,
you know, one of the things that made this possible
is with our great partners.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
In the front row Taco.
Speaker 6 (04:24):
Would you stand up the chief the chief marketing officer
of Dyke and Dyke in Park. Thank you, sir.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Thy Scott.
Speaker 7 (04:39):
I'm gonna thank Jim and Dana certainly recommend Jim's restaurant.
By the way, that was very good, Jim, thank you
for the hospitality.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
It went easy too.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
The UH.
Speaker 7 (04:51):
We had a great experience here with Kokuchi coming both
on an internal and external basis in the community and
everyone and involved. And we got the chance to tell
Tatsuya all about that and the comfort he had here
and the support he received from the staff in coming
here and improving as a player, how he well he
(05:12):
pitched in the ballpark. And Tatsuya has a tremendous arm,
an arm that is probably for many standards, something that
we will grow to know to be something of supreme talent.
And so I'm excited for Houston and excited that Tatsuya
begins here.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Thank you. Okay, Tatsuya, here's your opportunity. Let's say a
few words.
Speaker 8 (05:39):
What's up? A song by a ready to chase away
championship Ritzko kissing.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
Thank you so much, very well said. We're going to
open up the questions now I mentioned earlier is first,
and then we'll switch up with Japanese questions. So raise
your hand. We have people with microphones hanging around. We
got channeling here first, and then Kim and then uh
Matt over here.
Speaker 9 (06:11):
Okay, Hi, Tatsuya, welcome to Houston. The Astros have not
had a lengthy list of a Japanese presence on their team.
How much did that maybe intrigue you as being one
of the first Japanese players that could come here and
really make an imprint in this organization.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Like you won't taken you up, You won't take an you,
Anne and Jean Sanshi history in Monday nine, You and
Skio you could do? You hid the jump us dead?
Speaker 8 (06:57):
I know, school Key, I know, Junie, you go.
Speaker 7 (07:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
I'm just very excited to again go after and chase
the World championship here and perform for a great organization
like the Astros. And you know that's why I made
the long twelve hour trip to be here. O.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Hey, Kim, Matt Christy and then Brian.
Speaker 10 (07:25):
You know question you mentioned that that wanted to sign
a picture and if you wanted to get into the
Japanese market, and you talk about why you wanted to
get the Japanese market in How are you done this year?
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Uh no, we're not done yet. We're still trying to
sign other players, but as far as the Japanese market, look,
we we wanted to be active. You know that there's
some very good players coming from Japan and uh you know, uh,
these guys are being becoming part of championship caliber teams
(07:56):
and so you know, we were so folk uh you know,
on getting in that market. You know, our partnership now
with dyk In is very important to us as well,
and so uh you know, we're we're locked in and
over there. So it's an exciting time for us.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Okay, Matt, Christie than Brian's chest. I love one word
of the factors in your decision and what ultimately.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
That's Mark hughestoning down there do you mm hmm?
Speaker 8 (08:37):
Once you know you must take it all at it
with it usual say what of the chumpion that day?
Do you Dutch? Don't it?
Speaker 3 (08:55):
You know, obviously I had the privilege to have a
couple of other offers as well on the table, but
you know, at the end of the day, I truly
believed that here in Houston with the Astros might be
able to seriously take a shot at the World Series
and make a run. And just was I thought that
(09:16):
this would be the best fit for myself, Christie and Brian.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
After playing professionally in Japan for so long. What do
you think will be some of the challenges of making
the move to the.
Speaker 11 (09:29):
M l B.
Speaker 8 (09:41):
This she when you'll steak down.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
The Yeah, the you know, the obvious changes, pitching on
shorter days, rest four days, and then in Japan, obviously
there's no time difference that I would have to adjust to.
But you know, those challenges are definitely going to be there.
But I look forward to, you know, overcoming those challenges
(10:22):
and learning and growing as a player and hopefully be
able to make a quick adjustment in my first year.
And you know, definitely want to just be able to
jump in with the guys and get to know my
new teammates.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
Okay, Brian Leah and then over.
Speaker 12 (10:39):
Here, hey, Jim Well was important to get in the
Japanese market.
Speaker 6 (10:45):
And well and people assisting to identify talent over the now.
We just made that adjustment in the summer. Probably didn't
have much to do with this one, but it'll have
a lot to do moving forward as we work on
those markets to try to bring the great place here
to Houston.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
Okay, Lea, then over here, I will go to Houston.
One of the big things here is the bood Sine.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
So where have you been to eat? And what are
some places you're excited to explore in the city make Houston.
I know, I know, you don't know, I don't know
ho hoang Nano Moscato.
Speaker 8 (11:38):
Schedule my money way much.
Speaker 11 (11:48):
So.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Just yesterday last night, it was at the restaurant in
the hotel, but I uh tried some lamb chops for
the first time. Definitely was an adventure, you know, but
I loved it, you know, I you know, first time
trying something like that, but I loved it. I'm looking
forward to uh uh trying some more lamb troops in
(12:09):
the new creature Kay over here.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Than veer than Dan.
Speaker 7 (12:13):
So you uh, welcome to Houston.
Speaker 1 (12:15):
When did you know that you wanted to go to
Major League Baseball?
Speaker 13 (12:19):
To the US and who they have inspired you?
Speaker 12 (12:23):
Eh?
Speaker 3 (12:23):
MA, don't know what time? Mean day? It mayor to
b me the prittish title Ako goten st Eko got
the stogati must you must come?
Speaker 13 (12:36):
Mm? Well, I'm all what else is shouting?
Speaker 2 (12:40):
You got?
Speaker 13 (12:41):
Huh?
Speaker 11 (12:41):
What else do I know?
Speaker 13 (12:42):
Okay, done one penny on them, you know major That's
what most.
Speaker 8 (12:57):
Jepend come and say, Oh sindhu.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Click it is this.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Yeah. So I I'd want to say five years ago
is when I had the privilege to meet mister Boris
over here. And that's when I, you know, really uh
began to seriously consider making my over to making my
way over to the MLB.
Speaker 13 (13:23):
It was.
Speaker 3 (13:26):
Definitely at a moment where I told myself, Hey, if
I put in the work and if I trust myself,
I really do have a chance at this.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
Hey Hoavier then Dan?
Speaker 3 (13:38):
Yeah, so.
Speaker 7 (13:44):
In Japan between Tame before after.
Speaker 3 (13:54):
Moto doesn't say shoot saving you know, and you send
you your son and this she yeah, So you know,
(14:46):
unfortunately he had to leave the organization mid season, and
so because of that, you know, unfortunately I haven't been
able to keep in touch with them very closely, obviously
seeing Hi here and there, and so yeah, I haven't
been able to speak with him yet, but I'm definitely
been looking forward to it, and I would definitely make
(15:07):
my day if he were to be able to come
over here to Houston. I'm sure, you know, he loves golf,
so I'm sure he's definitely gonna be able to find
himself a nice golf course out here as well.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
So have we got Dan, Chandler, Brian and then Kim again.
Speaker 14 (15:24):
Yeah, that's as far as ma son m.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Much Cutch stight to.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
So ever since I started playing baseball back in elementary school,
I was always I felt like I was a competitor,
wanted to always come out on top, throw the ball,
the furthest the fastest, and you know that's really that
mentality stuck with me through throughout my career with the
Sable Lions. And you know, that mentality of the must win,
(16:37):
you know, and compete and do my best. That mentality
I feel like has stuck with me ever since elementary school.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
Okay, Chandler, Brian Cambon.
Speaker 9 (16:49):
And Christy Scott mentioned you Sakauchi's experience over here and
how much he enjoyed it. Have you been able to
speak to him, either before you signed or since you
signed about what he experienced here? And then maybe Scott
if you could also add, what what about that experience
resonated so well with you guys to to make this
partnership happen?
Speaker 3 (17:13):
Sanga British.
Speaker 8 (17:28):
Mascot money same place.
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Yeah, so ever since he came over to the m
l B. Unfortunately I wasn't necessarily in close contact with him,
but right when I uh signed with Houston, he reached
out immediately congratulating me and also mentioned, hey, like if
(18:12):
you need anything, If you ever need anything, let me
know and I'll be there for you.
Speaker 7 (18:20):
I've known Testsua for five years and I'm gonna thank
to Caledino and Toksato or are our employees based and
they monitor the nip On Baseball League very closely. And
my first meeting and watching Tatsuya pitch was he had
(18:41):
an air by the shortstop and then another heir by
the second baseman, and he then struck out the next
three batters and probably saw the most emotion I had
seen from him as a player. And I asked him
after the game, I said, what what motivates you?
Speaker 1 (19:00):
What? What what compels you?
Speaker 7 (19:01):
And he says, there's nothing better than picking up your
teammates and and making sure that you can help them
through the process and the rewards you get from that.
And I knew immediately he was built for Major League
Baseball after that.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Okay, Brian Kim Christie, than Matt, did you wanna interpret
that or for media Japanese?
Speaker 7 (19:23):
I mean, I don't know, thinks I.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Don't know if there's Japanese right yet. Okay, good.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Scott.
Speaker 7 (19:33):
What was it?
Speaker 11 (19:33):
What was the courtship of of eve a life as far.
Speaker 13 (19:36):
As the Astros?
Speaker 5 (19:38):
How far back did it go over?
Speaker 11 (19:39):
What the sort of the steps that you know, you
have a.
Speaker 1 (19:41):
Place uh for you know player coming from the den.
Speaker 7 (19:45):
Dana and I you know, meet annually at the at
the general manager of meetings and we lock him in
the room for a couple hours and then we uh
have discussions about their needs and what they're doing and
and of course he had had a full DOSSI on
Tatsuya and said, look, we this is somebody we may
want to reach back to you about and talk to
(20:06):
you about. And so we've been in dialogue since then
about the possibility of him coming here.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Okay, Kim Christie, then.
Speaker 10 (20:15):
Matt Year, can you talk about what adding hens been
right to your pitching staff and how excited.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
You want to added?
Speaker 11 (20:25):
Yeah, thank you. I'm super fired up because you guys
well know the importance of starting pitching. You could never
have enough pitching. But one thing that my conversations with
Maya has been a few conversations how much he says
the world champion and that really I love that about
him because he's a competitor. He's uh, you could hear
(20:47):
the grid and the toughness, and I'm just excited to
have him on board and and give him the ball
and see him compete for us here and help him
through those challenges that he mentioned. We have we added
some pieces and I'm sure that will We'll make sure
we put in the best position for him to succeed.
Speaker 1 (21:05):
Okay, Christine Matt and then over here and then channel m.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
It.
Speaker 11 (21:10):
It seems like you have a pretty big personality.
Speaker 12 (21:12):
I was wondering for people that don't know you, how
would you describe yourself as a person and.
Speaker 3 (21:16):
What kind of teammate are you? Mato in my saying
you are Skoku called akari the door you insu out
of the skita no more. But even do you say
cat door your Decato.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
Mm to.
Speaker 8 (21:38):
Tanasi Ship Houston Cord, Well, you don't want taxan Kodia
state Tanoshi shi Hi hi Ma wants your society to
(22:00):
look at the skiddle.
Speaker 11 (22:04):
So Hi.
Speaker 3 (22:10):
To use he coodise. Personality wise, yeah, I just like
to have fun, whether if it's baseball non baseball, you know,
and that that includes you know, interacting with fans and
just having a good time with them as well. And
you know, I also I feel like I have that
(22:30):
feeling of wanting to give back to all those who
have supported me. I feel like I'm here today because
of you know, all the support that I've received and
just overall, I I look forward to challenges and that
I guess that's my personality.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
Hey, matting overhead and Chandler we at times for just
a couple more in English and Joe.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
Or how would you describe to see.
Speaker 11 (23:01):
That.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
Yeah, So you know, one of the big points for
us this offseason was to beef up the rotation, and
you know, getting a guy like Imi is just it's big.
It's a big part of what we're gonna do and
what we're doing here. So we feel good about the
rotation right now. As I've always said, I'm always in
(23:24):
the market for pitching because it's one hundred and sixty
two games and you never know how tough the season
is gonna be with injury, so you're always looking for pitching.
But we feel pretty good about the rotation right now.
Speaker 11 (23:37):
Yeah, just to add, you know, important to continue to add,
and we've done a really nice job adding first month
of the season, we played twenty five games in twenty
seven days, so important to have enough pieces just to
get us going to get out to a good start.
And you know, this guy right here really exciting to
have him because he's he's going to contribute right right
off the bat.
Speaker 1 (23:56):
Okay, we get over here, then channeling them more after
that over here.
Speaker 15 (24:01):
Okay, thanks for for for Joe, and well I just
want to say welcome you a Mason.
Speaker 3 (24:06):
Joe.
Speaker 15 (24:07):
If you can answer also with the Spanish, I will appreciate.
Are you planning on taking some Japanese lessons and how
is the process for a player as experienced but adapting
as quickly as possible for the MLB level.
Speaker 11 (24:19):
Yes, on the Japanese, I'm gonna try it. I'm gonna
work really hard trying to learn some Japanese, be able
to communicate with him. Uh panel seeing Portia, the will
being in Portante, Yeah, u you and hinted and alo okay, and.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
Then one more over here.
Speaker 9 (25:02):
Too really quick, Tatsuya, will you pitch in the WBC.
Speaker 3 (25:05):
A WBC the NAG the additional Cup video nies as
of right now, no plans to participate.
Speaker 9 (25:16):
And then Jim, you mentioned wanting to get boots on
the ground in the Pacific room that in Asia. I
guess is there has there been like an inflection point
or something that has really enhanced your desire to expand
you guys's footprint into that market.
Speaker 6 (25:29):
Well, that's an easy one. I mean the Dodger's kind
of led the way there, and I've got an international company,
so it was pretty easy to kind of set up
quickly in there and give those guys a place to
work and you know, communicate back here in our system.
So we'll be moving pretty fast in Asia and continue
to focus on that and evaluate all the talent over
(25:50):
there so we can hopefully get some more of them
over here to play and to deepen the team. I think,
you know, you can really see the Asian market as
the players coming out of there are are really equivalent,
are better than some of the guys we have here.
So it was kind of untapped and I andn't think
until we had the Otani effect. And I think a
lot of people are focused on it, but we'll be
(26:12):
laser focused on it moving forward.
Speaker 1 (26:15):
Okay, last two right here.
Speaker 16 (26:21):
On a latter note, Houston, in a term of endearment,
likes to give its players nicknames. We have Diesel, we
got Spaghetti, we got the Red Tile or Christian Javier.
There's been a couple of nicknames doing about for for
mister Tatsuya in line with a very popular ramen noodle
chain Ramenua. How receptive of you of that term of endearment.
Speaker 3 (26:44):
For now, mahis don't know the money you're coming about,
so you well you'll be I know you'll need it.
Speaker 12 (27:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (27:30):
I don't really know where this whole Ramin thing came from,
but uh yeah, you know, at the end of the day,
a name uh that really sticks, you know, within my
teammates and obviously the staff and most importantly the fans.
You know, a nickname that is easy to remember and
and pronounce, I think with the ideal.
Speaker 1 (27:51):
Okay, last one in English will switch the Japanese news.
Speaker 12 (27:55):
Have you have been contacted with any of your new
teammates for coaching staff and if so, who has been
like the one player you're interested in working with at
your time in Houston.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
And Missage Yokoso Houston, the missage.
Speaker 8 (28:34):
The long one.
Speaker 11 (28:46):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (28:47):
So this morning I woke up to a lovely notification
from Instagram a follow from Josh Hater and the d
M as well, just basically welcoming uh me to the
Houston Astros. And you know, he also sent me his
phone number saying, hey, let me know if you need
ever need, if you ever need anything, and so you
(29:09):
know his uh, his messaging was a very fast one
hundred miles per hour, it felt like, and I definitely
want to reply back with a hundred miles per hour reply.
Speaker 1 (29:21):
All right, folks, let's switch over to Japanese race.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
That is the press conference took ends to day that
the English portion from Tetua em what app age?
Speaker 3 (29:30):
Did he say?
Speaker 1 (29:30):
What up age town?
Speaker 3 (29:31):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (29:31):
Did he throw the ages up?
Speaker 4 (29:33):
I don't know what he was doing that at the
Texans game. Yeah, he looks like he's going to be
a fit right in for however long it's going to be.
In three year deal. There are opt outs. That's what
baseball does, and hopefully Kyle Tucker do the same thing
here shortly. We don't know that yet. For whatever team
he happens to choose from reputation's good, very successful. Likes
(29:54):
the fact he'll get extra day's rest here as compared
to playing with the Japanese. I'd pitch much more often.
But it makes a lot of sense. First of all,
I think it does help build a relationship between Scott
Boris and his clients. That can't hurt. There is dyk
in Park that is Adkin's a huge sponsor. Was Jim
Crane was thinking the president or whatever the executives and
(30:15):
probably acted as a conduit between the two. And my
guess I wouldn't be totally surprised if Tatsua does some
sort of endorsement deal down the road with them. So absolutely,
it wasn't. Josel Tube was in some diking advertisements.
Speaker 3 (30:28):
Wasn't.
Speaker 4 (30:28):
It'll all work out, all right, we are super late
for break obviously, let's stay cool in the summer. Yeah,
I believe it or not. Today is all things about
the fire cover. You know what, I don't know if
we have time.
Speaker 11 (30:36):
We do have time.
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