Sources: Tigers Official / Nikkan Sports / Sports Nippon
It is now official. The Hanshin Tigers have signed Dominican first baseman Aderlin Rodriguez (30) to a contract for the remainder of the 2022 season. The right-handed hitter was playing for El Paso (San Diego Padres AAA affiliate) at the start of this season, batting .271 and hitting 12 home runs while driving in 46 runs in 45 games played. Below are excerpts from his press conference, held in Nishinomiya on Tuesday, July 12.
- How do you feel about becoming a member of the Hanshin Tigers?
I’m extremely thankful to the Hanshin Tigers organization for giving me this opportunity to come back and play in Japan. I’ve always felt that giving 100% effort is important. I know that not many guys get a chance to come back to Japan to play after they have left, so I am ready to give my all out there.
- There was no interleague play in 2020 when you were with Orix, but what kind of impression do you have of Hanshin and the Central League?
I lived in the same apartment complex as Robert Suarez, Onelki Garcia, Jefry Marte and others, and we talked a lot. They told me about how passionate the fans are, and I’m really happy to have the chance to play in front of them.
- Speaking of the passionate fans, what are your thoughts about Koshien Stadium?
I saw it yesterday for the first time and it’s a really beautiful ballpark. The combination of grass and the dirt infield is beautiful; it is really impressive. I’m looking forward to playing on that field.
- What are your impressions of Japanese pitchers?
They have really good control and a lot of them have good velocity as well. They are able to hit their spots on the corners, and use their heads when putting together their approaches. I really felt that when I was here in 2020.
- Have you spoken with manager Yano or the coaching staff yet?
I had a little time to just say hi to them, that is about all. We haven’t talked about much yet.
- What do you think your strengths are as a player?
Of course, hitting is important, but I also think playing hard on defense is crucial. Also, if one of my mates is in need of help or advice, it’s important to be reliable, to contribute to the team in that area as well. I hope to be able to do all of those things for the team.
- They say Koshien is not a hitter-friendly park. What are your thoughts on that?
Well, obviously, hitting home runs is the best way to get runs, but there are other ways as well. I want to be able to keep rallies going and contribute in whatever way the team needs. I can hit for power, but I do not think of myself as a one-dimensional player.
- When you were with Orix, you won the Sayonara Hit Award for the month of July. Can the team and fans count on you to be a clutch hitter?
If I remember correctly, that game (July 10, 2020 vs. Nippon-Ham) was the first one in which fans were allowed into the stands. It was a three-run home run, which obviously means that without those runners on base, I would not have had the chance to walk the game off. Their role was equally important, plus I think the fans’ presence in the stadium helped a lot with the atmosphere as well. I hope I can do something like this for the fans again.
- Manager Yano says he plans on using you at first base. Are you confident in your defensive abilities?
Yes, I am.
- What kinds of goals do you have for yourself, statistically?
I honestly do not have any numbers that I am striving for. I do not think about the numbers. I mean, I don’t want to just reach the goal and then stop there. If I am able to make the most of each opportunity and help the team win every game it can, then my numbers will take care of themselves. First and foremost, I want to help the team win games.
- Do you have confidence that you can win the battle for playing time among foreign position players?
The decision of how much playing time I will get comes down to the coaching staff and the manager. I cannot make that decision for them. I just want to perform well and do what is expected of me as one member of this organization.
- Do you have any nickname you would like to be called by?
Anything is fine, really. Whatever people want to call me, if it suits me, that is fine.
- What are your thoughts about wearing #91?
I’m glad to have been given this number, and I hope to contribute in a way that is befitting of it. I hope people will remember #91 as my number.
- Finally, give us your thoughts about the rest of the season.
Every team has the same goal, and that is to win the game being played that day. I’ve always done that as well, and that won’t change here. I just want to make progress, help the team win games, get into the Climax Series, and ultimately win the Japan Series.
どこのチームにいても目の前の1勝を目指してやってきたので、それは変わらずに突き進みたいと思っていますし、まず1個ずつだと思うので、クライマックスにしっかりと進出して、優勝を勝ち取りたいと思います。