Some Japanese questions taken from the team official site. Others can be found here. Some answers taken from TV report (English) and others were translated.
— Tell us about yourself, and how you feel about becoming a member of the team.
EN: Ohayo gozaimasu! My name is Efren Navarro. I’m excited to be here, and I’m really blessed for this new chapter in my career. In fact, I know Matt Murton very well, he’s a friend of mine, and he spoke very highly of all of you guys, from top to bottom. He told me all the good places to go eat, so yeah, we’ve been talking back and forth.
— Did you ask Murton about how you might find success playing in Japan?
EN: Oh yes, in fact, he was my locker room partner, and we talked a lot about the culture, about baseball, how they pitch over here, and… now I’m here! He’s been a big help. He told me to just play my game, which is kind of like his game: hit liners to the gaps. He told me that if I was able to enjoy Japanese baseball and make the right adjustments, that I’d do fine.
— What is your impression of Japanese pitchers at this point?
EN: I get the impression that they are aggressive, and I know I’ll have to make adjustments along the way. The sooner I can do that, the sooner I’ll be able to help the team win some games.
— Got any nicknames?
EN: Well my name is Navarro, so some people call me “Navi”.
— Coming over here midseason, in what ways do you hope to contribute to this team?
EN: I just want to make sure I’m prepared for every game, and just get the most out of my talents for my teammates, for the fans, for everyone. I’m going to do my best to help the team win.
— Have you learned any Japanese words yet?
EN: I’ve been learning, slowly. Mizu (water), Arigato (thanks), Konbanwa (good evening)… Gambari… um, so, just a little bit, but I plan on trying to learn at least a couple of new words every day.
— What Japanese foods do you want to try?
EN: I’m sure I’ll find a lot of good places soon, but last night I ate Kobe beef and itw as the best meat I’ve ever eaten in my life.
— Tell us about your play style.
EN: I tend to hit liners to the gaps, generally in the general direction of center field. Sometimes those end up being home runs, but basically I make adjustments to the ball as it comes to me.
— How do you feel about coming to Japan to play?
EN: I’m really thankful and blessed. It’s a great opportunity for not only me but my family, and I’m really grateful for it.
— Did you have any reservations about coming out here?
EN: I heard that there was some interest in me out in Japan about six years ago. It’s been awhile since then, but the possibility has been there in my head ever since. I know a lot of guys have made their way out to Japan and found success, and I thought maybe I could be next. This seems to be perfect timing for me to come out to Japan now.
— Did you talk to anyone other than Murton?
EN: Amador (Eagles), Cruz (formerly Lotte) and a few others. They said, “Just don’t lose sight of who you are as a player, and you’ll be fine.”
— Murton was big into keeping notes on the other teams’ pitchers. Are you?
I played with Murton for a short time, and he’s a great player. He’s a little bigger than me, but I think our playing styles are kind of similar.
— Do you want to put up better numbers than Murton did out here?
EN: The records he established out here are amazing. I’m ready to give 110% percent to get close to what he has done.
— At what positions are you confident playing?
EN: I was a first baseman first of all, but around six years ago I started playing some left and right field, too. I’ve played more left than right, so I guess I’m pretty confident at first and in left.
— What were your first impressions of Koshien?
EN: It’s a real historic building. I know Cecil Fielder played here. I’m sure it’s a great feeling to be able to put on this team’s uniform and play on this field. It’s real honor to be able to do this.
— Do you want to complete your career with Hanshin?
I feel good. I feel like I’ve made a clean break from my playing days in America, and I’m ready for a fresh start here in Japan. I just want to do what I’m capable of doing.
— What helped you to get as far as you did despite being drafted so low?
My family immigrated from Mexico to America. When they were in Mexico I heard their lives were really hard. But they moved to America for me, and I wanted to do something to thank them for that. I was drafted in the 50th round, but I really wanted to show everyone that I was better than that.
— Got a message for the Tigers fans?
EN: The fans, yeah I’ve watched YouTube videos, and they’re so excited. They root for the team, win or lose, and I hope to give the best of me to the fans.