Found in translation
Mar 28th, 2007 by Rob Bradford
Ten English-speaking Red Sox writers were invited to partake in an on-the-record lunch with Daisuke Matsuzaka, Hideki Okajima, and their translators at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Myers. (Free food and translation … sweet!)
Before I get to the summary of a pretty enlightening 1 hour and 40 minutes, I have to relay a moment that almost entrenched itself in Red Sox lore. When the Hartford Courant’s Jeff Goldberg asked if he had watched any of the Red Sox World Series run, Matsuzaka referenced the 2003 playoff brawl between the Sox and Yankees. When trying to demonstrate the act of Pedro Martinez pushing aside Don Zimmer the pitcher banged his right elbow on the solid wood table. Food intake stopped, and mouths opened in awe. But, alas, he was fine, leaving the incident in the narrow escape category of Boston baseball history.
After the lunch, and farewell handshakes, I got a chance to sidle up to the pair of pitchers and ask the question that had been weighing on me since the beginning of spring training: What was up with the Tabi socks. (In case you are new to the blog, I am fascinated with these socks that the Japanese pitchers wear, which have individual compartments for each toe, like a glove.)
Through translator Masa Hoshino, Matsuzaka explained that the socks supply better grip inside his shoes. When I told him I wanted to get some, he said that once you wear them you won’t want to wear regular socks again. Sounds good to me.
Here are the bullet points of the conversation:
- Matsuzaka has enjoyed playing golf in his spare time. He said that he shoots around an 80, but reports suggest he might be better than that. He doesn’t have a golf handicap.
- When asked about their interaction with Curt Schilling, Matsuzaka said that Schilling had advised him on a couple of pitching-related items, and Okajima lauded the Sox’s Opening Day starter for his effort in learning Japanese. They both also said that Manny Ramirez was always very friendly and out-going in the clubhouse.
- In terms of the differences in spring training in Japan compared to the United States, Matsuzaka explained that there are a lot more formal hours spent as a team in Japan. He also relayed that when talking to his friends back in Japan, they all commented to a man how much fun it looked like the Red Sox players were having. In Japan, he said, there is a little more tension.
- Okajima said he saw an alligator at the minor league complex, and Matsuzaka spied a big turtle at the team’s charity golf outing. (No report on if either spotted the albino raccoon.)
- As for what kinds of television Matsuzaka has been watching, he said the Golf Channel, MTV, and ESPN. He said he has also been able to pick up some English by watching various movies. Some of the flicks he has seen are “Lethal Weapon,” “Cliffhanger,” and “When Harry Met Sally.” He also likes Jackie Chan movies. Okajima prefers love stories, such as “Ghost.”
- Both talked about getting to know each other, since they didn’t have any kind friendship before coming to Fort Myers. Matsuzaka was surprised at how out-going Okajima was considering his initial impression was that he was a quiet guy. Okajima had heard Matsuzaka was a nice guy, but had some doubts. But he said he is even a nicer guy than he had previously heard and his character has been above and beyond anything he expected.
- When asked what all-time baseball player he would like to have an Asahi beer with, Matsuzaka named Cy Young and Nolan Ryan. He said Young because he had the most wins, and Ryan because the pitcher was someone he looked up to as a youngster.
- Matsuzaka was asked about the mystery of the Gyroball. It took a few minutes for him to answer, spending his contemplation time wearing a wry smile. He finally gave a non-answer, saying it would be better for him to analyze somebody else’s pitch. (He clearly enjoys the drama that surrounds the mythical pitch.) When asked to show the grip on a nearby roll, he declined while laughing.
- When asked what non-Japanese major leaguer they both were looking forward to facing, neither identified a specific player but each referenced the Yankees’ lineup.
- Matsuzaka said that he gets more nervous watching others play, which is why he feels he will be more anxious on April 2 than in his first start. Okajima is just the opposite. The lefty reliever said that when he takes the field for first time he will be thinking, “Oh my God, can I really believe I’m here.”
- Matsuzaka’s favorite sex symbol is Angelina Jolie, but not for the reason some might think. He is impressed by the aura about her and her strength and poise.
- Neither is sure what music they will be introduced to, although Okajima has been American artist Sarah Brightman for his theme music in Japan.
- Matsuzaka wasn’t necessarily a fan of the Yankees growing up, but he is a fan of pinstripes. Part of the infatuation stems from the fact that the Japanese National Team wore the vertical striped uniforms.
So there it is. Both are extremely friendly, fun-loving guys, and are clearly enjoying their surroundings. As for what they had to eat … that’s off the record.
Speaker series update: Mike Lowell has answered your questions and I will post them later tonight.
26 reader comments to “Found in translation”
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1David Exum said:
Rob, I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much I enjoy seeing you on TV and reading your blog! Sure great to see you doing so well! All the best!!!
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2Anonymous said:
Rob,
Love the blog. Thanks! It’s a service.
SI is reporting via the NY Post that “rumors are swirling of a Manny-for-Ichiro deal.” Is this anything more than wishful thinking on the Post’s part? That is, have you head anything? Thanks!
P.S. good luck with the marathon traning down in FL. Those 80 degree temps gotta be tough on the long runs.
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3Mike said:
Rob, long time reader, first time commenter here. Just wanted to say that this is the kind of stuff Red Sox fans have been starving for. Today’s description of the lunch with Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima was great reading. I’m looking forward to reading your blog once the season starts.
2 Questions for you:
After being around the relief pitchers through the spring, where would you slot Okajima among the other relievers?
Is there any one arm in the ‘pen (besides Papelbon) that stood out over the others?
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4Anonymous said:
Oh my god, that lunch sounds like so much fun :).
Let us know if you try those socks!
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5Anonymous said:
Rob -
My wife has a pair of Tabi socks or whatever Target calls them. She has been after a pair since I worked at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall in Waltham - they had a handful of Japanese kids.
Not back east anymore, Mainers that defected to Cali. So maybe it’s the Targets in northern California that have the coveted footwear - I’ll keep an eye out for you.
Don’t want CHB to knock your site - but love it - great stuff.
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6Rachel said:
Thanks for an informative, interesting blog!!
I used to wear Tabi socks (I called them toe-socks) as a kid. They were strange. Definitely takes some getting used to. Best of luck with that!
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7Anonymous said:
Interesting interview, Rob, thanks. There has been about zero Okajima press so far so it was nice to find out a bit about him. Basically an anti-CHB piece.
“When asked to show the grip on a nearby roll” - that’s classic. -
8Michael said:
Hi Rob,
This Clay Buchholz start tomorrow is quite a big deal for us prospect junkies. Too bad we can’t see it on TV (nesn or espn).
Are you going to be at the game? Maybe you could steal someone’s pitching chart with his pitches thrown and velocities = )
Seriously though, do you know how many pitches/innings he is scheduled to throw… or any other information about his start?
Thanks!
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9YG Bluig said:
Hey Rob.
Great read.
It’s amazing that with all the Dice-K mania that has been going on since November/December, there’s still stuff to learn about the guy.
He and Okijama each seem really nice.
They must have thought you were nuts to be asking them about socks.
great job. -
10SuchaMc said:
Rob, If you are serious about wanting them, you can buy genuine tabi socks at this website: http://www.asianideas.com/japanesetabi.html. The usual tabi worn in Japan is like a mitten for the foot, with one compartment for the big toe and another for the other toes. The site offers several styles, some of which are on sale at $4 a pair. I got some last Christmas to go with a Yukata (a Kimono shaped bathrobe) I was buying for my husband. They also sell lots of other Asian styled things, martial arts headbands, hats, footwear) http://asianideas.com/asianfashion.html. It’s a fun site and the prices are fair.
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11Anonymous said:
Sarah Brightman = British
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12Steve said:
Rob -
Thanks man - this great.
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13ugh said:
Well, it seems that Dick-K and Okajima have slightly better taste in movies than Hideki Matsui and his famous video porno collecion.
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14Anonymous said:
Rob,
Question: How can you be a biased reporter when Dice-K pitches if he is taking you guys out to lunch. If he fails, will you report it as such or put a water boy type spin on it? Aren’t reporters supposed to be biased? Isn’t it also a code of conduct to not get free meals from people you report about? I just don’t think it is fair to the other members of the team that you guys are breaking bread with certain members of the team. What is next dinner with Mike Lowell, brunch with Brandon Donnelly or breakfast with Coco Crisp?? Thankfully I am living in Queens where the reporters don’t suck up to the Yankees and Mets like the Boston guys do to Dice-K.
– Guy from Queens
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15Anonymous said:
Hate to say it, but I think the guy from Queens has a point. I just googled the reporters code of conduct and I think those guys broke a rule yesterday…Here is some of what I found….I hope you don’t get in trouble Rob. You do a solid job!
Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public’s right to know.
Journalists should:
— Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
— Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
— Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
— Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
— Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
— Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
— Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news. -
16GREG said:
so much better of a article and information than what was published in the globe thanx
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17Anonymous said:
Who says a reporter can’t be a fan too?
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18Ian said:
Sarah Brightman as entrance music is really funny…
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19Tom said:
Jebus guys, it was a freaking lunch. If any of these guys can be bought for a tuna roll and an ice tea than they’re not worth diddly do anyway. (The Globe paid its share, according to Shaughnessy. I suspect others might have as well.) Besides, I think the Sox have been putting out a spread for reporters for years so if their evil plan was to get soft coverage, it ain’t working.
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20Anonymous said:
Contrary to previous posts, it was reported elsewhere that the Sox footed the bill for lunch, not Matsuzaka and the joke about the Globe paying is a CHB stand-by regarding the Globe’s lack of impartiality because they partially own the Sox
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21Anonymous said:
Tom,
Why is it that the Red Sox have never had one of these lunches? Why is it that the only lunch they had is with the two Japanese imports? They know these guys, especially Matsusaka, will be in the spotlight all year. They also know there is a chance he may have a few bad games. So, they are greasing the skids early to ensure these guys won’t get bashed. Think about it, if they bash these guys then word will leak to Japan that Boston isn’t a great place afterall. Advertisers will shun Boston and those players will goto New York or California to play ball. This was another Mafia like setup these owners pulled. (When is lunch with Doug Mirabelli??) The worst thing is, none of these reporters will call them out. Not one.
By the way, my buddy at the New York Post told me the Sox charge the media $10 to eat. So this was the case of greasing the palms.PS: Go METS!
– Guy from Queens.
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22Anonymous said:
“This was another Mafia like setup these owners pulled.”
Gosh, a free lunch? They OWN these guys now. They don’t charge them to get into the games, either, it’s just not fair.
We know you’re bitter about Pedro, Guy, but please try to get a grip. Free food has always been part of the press box experience, and many a writer has lambasted the hometown team while munching on it.
By the way - another great post, Rob, keep it up.
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23Anonymous said:
To the King of Queens,
Neither the Yankees nor the Mets have any pitchers worth taking to lunch.
How bout them apples?
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24Anonymous said:
Queenie,
“if they bash these guys then word will leak to Japan that Boston isn’t a great place afterall. Advertisers will shun Boston and those players will goto New York or California to play ball.”
?
Huh?
What?
Firstly, neither Dice-K, Okaji, the Red Sox or the entire nation of Japan cares what a few beat writers from Boston think.
Secondly, a fine lunch isn’t going to change what those writers from Boston think or write.
Thirdly, advertisers are not going to care what the writers think either and they certainly won’t shun Boston, they want money, that’s the bottom line.
Finally, both Dice-K and Okaji have contracts, so they can’t just up and move.
And an afer though…there is no word “leaking” to Japan, not when you have a 150 member press entourage following these guys’ every move.
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25Tom said:
Queen Guy,
The Sox only charge NY Post writers $10. It’s the George King surcharge.I suspect your argument is intentionally nonsensical so I’ll let it stand on its own.
As for the Mets, I got no problem with them. It’s the Yankees I don’t care much for. But if George Steinbrenner buys me a buffalo chicken wrap and a diet Coke I may soften my stance.
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26Gee said:
Sarah Brightman is definitely British.
The guy from Queens needs to work out the difference between ‘biased’ and ‘unbiased.’ Also reporters on many occasions eat or otherwise spend informal time with the people they write about, and they absolutely should. Would you rather they stayed at home and wrote their pieces based on reheated Google leftovers?
There’s a BIG difference between sharing a meal and receiving a back-hander. The reporters’ code isn’t even slightly compromised by this sort of informal press event.
