Sources (with pics): Tigers HP / Tigers HP
Robert Suarez
Team Chairman Tanimoto: He’s tall and has a high release point. He’s got a fastball, slider, forkball, and a two-seamer. He mixes his pitches well to get strikeouts. I think he’s more suited to the bullpen as opposed to starting. He had reconstructive Tommy John surgery on his elbow in April 2017 but has completely recovered. We expect that he will come to the team’s rescue out of the bullpen this season.
How do you feel?
RS: I’m really happy to be here. I’m glad to be able to play for a team with such a long history, and I’m going to give it my all this year.
How did you feel when you received an offer from the team? Also, what is your impression of Koshien?
RS: I like how this team goes out and plays to win, and I’m looking forward to performing for this team as well.
What are your strengths?
RS: My fastball is fast. That’s my biggest weapon. I think it’s back to 100% this year. I can get strikeouts with my offspeed pitches as well, so I suppose I would consider them a strength as well.
You’ve played in the Pacific League up until now. What is your impression of the Central?
RS: I don’t think there’s any gap between the leagues. I’m just going to practice as I always do and play with all my strength.
Give a message to the Tigers fans, using some Japanese if you know any.
RS: Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Suarez desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Gambarimasu. (Nice to meet you, I’m Suarez. I’ll do my best, and I look forward to seeing you at the park.)
Justin Bour & Jerry Sands
Team Chairman Tanimoto: From yesterday I have been introducing guys whose names start with J, and including Jefry Marte, we now have 5 J’s. I really hope they are able to show strong competitive spirit moving forward. Bour is a lefty, Sands is a righty, but both are extremely powerful men who can hit to all parts of the park and have good plate discipline. We expect them to contribute to the team’s offensive production so we can see an improvement on last year’s numbers.
How do you feel?
JB: I’m really excited. For the past two years there have been talks of me playing for the Hanshin Tigers, and I really wanted to play for this team some time. Now that it has actually happened, it’s a true honor. I’m really, really excited.
JS: I’m excited and I’m thankful to the team for giving me this opportunity. I hope to use my experience in KBO to contribute to the Hanshin Tigers winning more games this year.
How did you feel when you received the offer. Also, what is your impression of the Tigers and of Koshien Stadium?
JB: I did what I could to look up the Hanshin Tigers. Looks like they are a good team that is always in the playoff hunt, has a long history, a lot of passionate fans… hopefully me and Sands can contribute to the team’s success going forward.
JS: When the team first reached out to me I was really excited. I heard a lot about the team last year from Pierce Johnson. He said the team, fans and ballpark create an optimal baseball environment. I’m looking forward to it.
What are your strengths as a player?
JB: One of the things that I bring is power, the ability to drive the ball… home runs, doubles, gap-to-gap type power. I don’t steal a lot of bases, but maybe I will, I don’t know! I also think my defense at first is decent.
JS: Power is my strength. Me and Bour are not very fast runners, but I think we are smart when it comes to positioning and reacting, taking that first step.
Justin, fans are hoping that you will be a core player who hits in the heart of the lineup.
JB: It’s an honor to hear that. All I can do is give it my best to meet their expectations. Of course, I have come here to contribute with my bat, and I’m going to do what I can to meet or exceed the high expectations people have for me.
Jerry, we’ve been told you are able to play the outfield and first base. Which position do you prefer?
JS: Wherever they need me, I can play both corner outfield positions or first base, but wherever I’m in the lineup is where I’ll play.
JB: Shortstop? (Everyone laughs.)
Give a message to the Tigers fans, using some Japanese if you know any.
JB: Okini (Thanks) and we talked about today, Ii otenki desune (Nice weather!) are the two Japanese phrases I know. I want the fans to enjoy watching us play winning baseball. I’ll do my part to help us win. I’ve heard about how passionate the fans are, so I’m looking forward to seeing it with my own eyes and playing in front of you all.
JS: Konnichiwa! That’s all I got. I know this is a team with a great history and that the fans are wild, so I am also hoping to contribute to the team winning. I look forward to your support at the park.