Taken mostly from here, short bits found here and here
How do you feel about becoming a member of the Hanshin Tigers?
Jefry Marte (JM): First of all, I am extremely happy, and I’m thankful to the team for giving me this chance. I hope I will live up to the expectations of the fans and my teammates.
What is your impression of the Hanshin Tigers?
JM: I think this is a team that is able to get the best out of its players. I hope to keep up with everyone, and give 100% of myself.
What is your impression of Japanese baseball?
JM: Ever since three years ago, I’ve been talking with my family about it – that I would come to Japan if given a chance to play. That chance didn’t come around for awhile, but now that it has, I’m really happy, and I hope I can perform well in Japan.
You were teammates with Shohei Ohtani with the Angels – did you hear anything from him about Japanese baseball?
JM: I heard from Ohtani that baseball is very well organized in Japan, and that they play the game respectfully. When I heard that, I really wanted to experience that kind of baseball myself.
What are your strengths?
JM: I have personal strengths, but more important than that is contributing to the team. I just want to pick my places when I’m up at the plate and hit the ball.
What is your level of confidence in your defensive play?
JM: I grew up playing mostly third base, then moved over to first, and I’ve even played left field a little as well. I have the feeling I’ll be playing mostly third and first, but wherever I am used, I’m going to play my hardest.
Camp is starting soon – what kind of impression do you see yourself giving on the first day?
JM: I feel like I have gotten myself ready, and I know what I have to do when I get out there, so I just can’t wait to get out there and do it.
Are there any players you’re looking forward to facing? Any players you know?
JM: I don’t really have anyone in mind that I want to face, but I want to meet up with Hiroyuki Nakajima (Giants), who played in Oakland before.
You’re wearing #31 this year, which is a very important number in Hanshin history – were you aware of this?
JM: First of all, I’m very proud to be able to wear this number. I knew about how important it was, and I hope I can live up to the number I have been given. I hope I play well enough that someday young upcoming players say that they want to wear “Marte’s number.”
Any nickname you’d like to be called in Japan?
JM: I don’t currently have a nickname, so if the fans or my mates come up with something good, then that’s fine with me.
What is your impression of Japan so far?
JM: Well, I just got here so I can’t say much, but my impression is that people are very respectful and the streets are clean.
Do you know any Japanese words yet?
JM: Arigato (thank you), genki (feeling good), konnichiwa (hi).
The fans of this team are really passionate…
JM: I’m glad to hear that. I’m from the Dominican Republic and I play with a lot of energy and passion, so I hope the fans recognize that and remember my name quickly.
Yano is hoping you can bat clean-up…
JM: I just need to keep calm and produce. I want to give it my all no matter what situation I’m put in.
Who was your hero growing up?
JM: When I was little, I really looked up to Manny Ramirez and Albert Pujols. I grew up wanting to be just like them.
What is your goal for this season?
JM: First of all, I just want to stay healthy all year. I hope I can support the team and be supported by the team and others on and off the field, so we can win a championship.
Give a message to the fans, please.
JM: I hope you all keep on supporting the team as you have all along, and I think this is going to be a great year for myself personally and for the team as well. We’re going to play our hardest, but we will also need your energy!