Newly signed import pitchers Aaron Wilkerson (32) and Kyle Keller (28) arrived in Japan on March 6 and met the press today in Nishinomiya, Japan. Below is a partial transcript of their interviews. Please keep in mind that these are translations (from Japanese to English) of translations (from English into Japanese)! I do not have the guys’ original words, so it may not be 100% accurate.
Sources: Hanshin Official, Daily Sports, Daily Sports.
Aaron Wilkerson
― How do you feel right now, having finished your first practice with the team earlier today?
I’m so happy to be here! The quarantine was three days long, which felt both short and long at the same time. I was really anxious to get out there and meet my teammates as soon as I could, so I am glad the day finally came. I think today was a good first day, given what it took to get here. From now I’m going to step things up day by day and hopefully, I can contribute to the team as soon as possible.
― What led you to the decision to play for the Tigers?
I’ve been wanting to play in Japan for the past few years. Part of that is because things were not going quite as planned in America, but I’m just really thankful for the opportunity that the Tigers have given me to play here in Japan.
― Tell us what you think your own strengths are.
My style of pitching is, I don’t throw very hard, but I’m a command guy. I can throw four different pitches for strikes in any counts that I want to. I throw a fastball, curveball, changeup, and slider. I feel comfortable with all of them. I wouldn’t rank any of them above another. That’s what I’ve got. The hitters will have to adjust to me as they stand in the box, but I hope to be able to read their thoughts a little and not allow them to swing as they want to.
― How’s your condition?
Well, it was a long trip and then the quarantine, but I’m not feeling too bad at all. I stayed active during the offseason and I think things are coming along well for me. I am going to have to ramp up my running and practice. I know Japanese pitchers are tough and throw long innings and a lot of pitches, but I’m going to build up my stamina so that I can do the same. I want to make sure I am at my best for the season.
― Any thoughts on Japanese food?
I hear people eat octopus here… that’s kind of scary but I’ll give it a try. I tried natto before the press conference, and it was like… uhhhh… (laughs)
― Do you have a nickname?
People called me “Wilk” in the States, and I like it, but if the fans have something else they’d like to call me, I’m OK with that, too!
― Give a message to the Tigers fans.
(In Japanese) Kachimasho! (Let’s win!)
Kyle Keller
― How do you feel right now, having finished your first practice with the team earlier today?
I’m really happy to be here. I was able to see an awesome ballpark, I got to practice, I got to meet my teammates and team staff. I’m finally here!
― What led you to the decision to play for the Tigers?
There was always something deep inside of me that wanted to challenge playing overseas. When the Tigers made me an offer, I simply could not pass up the chance. The timing of everything worked out well, and so I thought this was the best time for me to come out to Japan and play baseball here.
― How’s your condition?
I feel really good. I wasn’t able to go to camp in Okinawa, but I threw in a bullpen in America once or twice every week, and I felt really good.
― Tell us what you think your own strengths are.
I have a lot of experience closing games, sometimes in the minors, but I am just here to do wherever the team needs me to do. I know I need to prove myself, that I am able to contribute to the team. My strengths are, I think I have a good fastball and a good breaking ball that plays off of that. I like competition, I am able to get outs, and I feel confident that with my two best pitches, I can make necessary in-game adjustments to get hitters out.
― Do you have a nickname?
We were talking about that today, I think ‘KK’. I like KK. It’s my initials, Kyle Keller, KK.
― Give a message to the Tigers fans.
(In Japanese ) Gambarimasu! (I’ll do my best!)