Source: Hanshin Tigers Official
―Please tell us how you feel now that you are members of the Hanshin Tigers.
Jose Betances: First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the team that has given me this opportunity, and I am determined to give 100% of my effort to contribute to the team’s victory.
Anthony Martinez: I am truly grateful to everyone for giving me this opportunity, and I want to play with all my might under their support.
―How did you feel when you arrived in Japan?
Jose Betances: I’m already having a good time, the people are very nice. I have also eaten some meals and have come to love them, so I feel that I am in a very good environment.
Anthony Martinez: I am happy and feel very comfortable. The food is delicious, so I am feeling great at the moment.
―What are your impressions of Japanese baseball?
Jose Betances: My impression is that it is very organized. Of course, baseball is a universal sport, but that’s the impression I have.
Anthony Martinez: I think it’s the same worldwide, but my impression is that they play a very organized and clean game of baseball, following the rules.
―It seems like you’ve already adapted well to Japan, but what kind of meals have you had in Japan?
Jose Betances: Yesterday, I had steak, french fries, and rice. Today, I had an omelet. Everything was delicious.
Anthony Martinez: I had the same meal, steak, french fries, and rice. The orange juice was very delicious, and I had toast for breakfast, which was also very tasty.
―What is your impression of the Hanshin Tigers?
Jose Betances: I have the impression that they are a very strong team, and a competitive player, I feel like in that sense, I’ve come to a very good team.
Anthony Martinez: I feel the same way. I’ve heard that they are a very strong team and even won the championship last year, so I’m very happy to be part of such a strong team.
―Please tell us each of your appealing points.
Jose Betances: My strength is the velocity I get on my fastball, plus I have a variety of effective off-speed pitches.
Anthony Martinez: I rely on my curveball as my weapon. I believe my ability to use the curveball in any count is my strength.
―Do you have any goals of what you want to achieve in Japan?
Jose Betances: I want to stay healthy throughout the year, and first and foremost, I want to prepare myself to be able to perform well wherever I am asked to contribute.
Anthony Martinez: I want to prepare thoroughly every day and continue to maintain discipline in my preparation and approach to games.
―I heard you went to the same high school, what do you call each other?
We call each other by our last names, Betances and Martinez.
―What would you like to be called?
Jose Betances: Betances is fine, or whatever name everyone wants to call me.
Anthony Martinez: Call me “Maru-chan”.
―Finally, please give a message to all the Hanshin Tigers fans.
Jose Betances: I came here to give my all, and I want the fans to see that. I hope they enjoy my performance on the field.
Anthony Martinez: I’m giving it my all, so I hope everyone will continue to support me. I’ll do my best.