This just in: Sources say that deal with Funai Electronics for interview sessions signage will net Red Sox just more than $900,000 for this season. There is no planned signage in Fenway Park for Funai.
Highlights from a fairly uninformative, yet sometime entertaining, Daisuke Matsuzaka press conference:
– He tried throwing the knuckleball during his workouts in California, but with not much success.
– Feels strong physically, having prepared for Japanese spring training schedule, which is a bit earlier than Major League Baseball.
– Will apologize to any teammate who is bothered by added media attention.
– Will most likely team up with Hideki Okajima as a throwing partner, but hopes to eventually play toss with Tim Wakefield.
– Hopes to throw a fastball for his first pitch.
– Had dinner with Ichiro Suzuki to learn about playing in United States.
– No plans to change his pitching approach.
– Wants to be the kind of positive influence Hideo Nomo was on him to younger people in Japan.
– Started to learn English.
– Will throw Gyroball if he has the chance (although wouldn’t exactly say if it really exists).
– He seemed upbeat and glib.
Translator was Red Sox media liaison Sachiwo Sekiguchi. Reviews of her translation by Japanese media members revealed she was better than translator at Fenway Park press conference but not as good as planned Sox translator.
