Source of Johnson’s presser here
How do you feel now that you’ve joined the club?
Pierce Johnson (PJ): I’m really excited. I’m really thankful to the Tigers organization for giving me an opportunity to play on such a historic baseball team.
What is your impression of Japanese baseball?
PJ: I feel like every guy on this team works really hard towards improving his skills. Hopefully I can fit in really quickly and help the team win.
Do you know any Japanese players, and is there anyone you’re looking forward to facing?
PJ: I’ve known about Kosuke Fukudome since the days when he was playing in America. Just earlier I happened to bump into him. It’s an honor to play with a legend like him. Also, he’s not Japanese, but I talked to Matt Murton, and also Ryan Vogelsong while I was with San Francisco. Both of them spoke very highly of Japanese baseball.
What’s your impression of Japan so far?
PJ: Everyone’s really kind, nice. I haven’t been here very long, but I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of people, learning the language and all about Japan.
Anywhere you want to go, or food you want to eat?
PJ: I definitely want to try the seafood here. My wife and I really like Disneyland, so we’re definitely going to check it out in Tokyo. I’ve also heard that the cherry blossoms are really beautiful in the spring, so I’m looking forward to that, too.
Have you heard about Hanshin fans yet?
PJ: I’m excited for it. I love the energy that they bring. I think it elevates everything for the players, I think everyone plays harder thanks to them.
What do you want the fans to call you?
PJ: They can call me “PJ.”
Tell us your goal for this year, and give a final word to the fans, please.
PJ: My goal is just to fit in with my teammates and help the team win. Just go out there no matter what the situation, no matter when I’m needed, and get a lot of outs to help the team win. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m really excited about this opportunity.
Source of Garcia’s presser here
How do you feel now that you’ve joined the club?
Onelki Garcia (OG): I’m really happy to be a member of the Tigers. Today is a great day.
What are your strengths as a pitcher?
OG: I don’t really like talking about stuff like this. My pitching changes from game to game… but I have confidence in my slider.
Last season you picked up three wins against both the Carp and the Giants. Did you feel good matching up against them?
OG: I know they are both really strong teams, but I don’t think about who my opponent is – I just try to throw like I know I’m able to, and things will work themselves out after that. That’s the biggest thing on my mind when I step on the mound.
You’ve moved over to a Kansai-based baseball club. Anywhere out this way you’d like to visit?
OG: I don’t know anything about Kansai yet, but I talked to Efren Navarro and it seems like a fun area, so I want to get out and check it out for sure.
What’s your impression of the mound at Koshien – you had two starts here last season…
OG: I didn’t win at Koshien last year, but I definitely felt the fans’ excitement. This year with the Tigers, Koshien is my home park, so I’m going to work hard to make sure I get some wins here.
What do you want the fans to call you?
OG: When I was with the Chunichi Dragons, I had them call me “Satelite” so they can call me that here, too.
Any reason for choosing number 77?
OG: My lucky number is 7, and I was hoping to wear #70 like I did last season, but it wasn’t available. So I doubled up on sevens – 77.
Please give a final word to the fans.
OG: I definitely hope you’ll come out to the park again this year in support of the team. I always say this, but I really want to get a champion ring, so I’m going to give all I’ve got in order to help the team win it all.