Kenji Johjima Quotations

When I don't say anything, it's not a good pitch. Over half the time today, I didn't say anything.

When I left the base, I already knew I was out.

Seattle had interest in me first. Out of respect for them, I wanted to sign here.

I don't know what exactly is the word, but all my feelings are at a higher state.

I can't imagine starting on opening day. My first job is to be a part of the team. To do that, I have to learn to communicate with the pitchers. I have to establish myself. I have to prove myself.

It hurts when I touch the knuckle against anything. It may be sore in the morning. We'll see. I think I should be able to play tomorrow.

I think it was a mistake on my first step. I was late in determining it was a hit so I got a slow start. If I realized that it was a hit immediately I could have gone to third.

I struck out twice, and I gave up a two-run homer.

I think I've kind of been lucky, actually.

Just because the pitcher shook off my sign, it doesn't mean all the responsibility is on the pitcher. I feel responsible for that pitch because I am the one actually giving the next sign for it.

Maybe I look tired to him, but I'm not tired.

That was the one situation we didn't want to see. I went to the mound because Jarrod was flying open and his pitches were sailing.

That wasn't the best pitch to throw there. It was a missed location.

That wasn't a missed sign or a ball with a lot of movement. I should have caught it. It was for sure a passed ball. It's very frustrating.

We have meetings like that after games in Japan. We have many of them sometimes.

The pitcher has to get the catcher the ball quickly. I don't know what the time (to the plate) was, but it was quick.

I've seen him many times on television. I don't think I could hit him.

It was a very good opening day, but the result just wasn't right. I can't say I'm satisfied with today's result.

Everyone said the language barrier was one of the issues. But when the game starts, I know how it's played. So all the conversations with the pitchers are something I know. It's not like we're going to talk about the government out there on the mound.

I want to talk with the pitchers to gain trust. Even if they don't understand what I say, they'll know I'm eager to communicate. I've heard (starting pitcher) Jamie Moyer likes wine, so I've decided to drink wine, too.

I'm very happy with today's results. It feels good to get three hits and help the team.

I'm assuming I might look tired. If I look tired, that might be my fault.

I know he's a very quick guy. I just had to relax and release the ball quickly.

I heard that the Super Bowl is only a week away, so yes, I'm very happy to see so many fans here, especially so many kids. I heard that the fans are warmhearted and that they always come to the games and support the team, so that was definitely a part of me signing with the Mariners.

In two months, I think I've had enough time to learn them.

I put pressure on myself. The money the club has committed to me because of my success in Japan, the success of Japanese players in the major leagues - yes, I feel pressure.

I don't necessarily go up to the batter's box thinking I want to hit a home run. I've been seeing the ball really well, but I didn't want to make any excuses. So when the results are good, it's satisfying.

The main thing is to win. I want to catch the last pitch, hide the ball in my back pocket, and go home.

The first thing is to find out what kind of pitch the pitcher has confidence in throwing. He must be confident in what he is throwing to make it a good pitch.

The manager told me he was going to give me two days off ... and it really happened.