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.
