WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL B - CHINA VS JAPAN

March 8, 2023

Hideki Kuriyama

Tokyo Dome

Team Japan

Workout Day Press Conference

Q. Finally you are going, starting from tomorrow, you are challenged to the World Baseball Classic is going to start. So what's in your mind right now?

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: Well, it's hard to explain how I feel right now. Well, it's been for a while, that -- well, I'm not talking about my career, back in the day. My first career starting lineup game was Tokyo Dome. I was so nervous at that time that at that time, I thought now my dreams became truth, and this is something, it's similar, and this is my very exciting moment. I am so honored being a manager representing Japan.

Q. With such wonderful players on your roster, how do you feel about your team roster?

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: First of all, representing Japan, like you mentioned, we have the very strong roster. It is a very important thing. So I am so happy that everybody has such high expectations, and I am responsible. All I can do is just trust my players. That's all I can say.

Q. Tomorrow you'll have the opening against China. Who is your probable starting pitcher for tomorrow?

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: Tomorrow, I've been watching some exhibition games, and some players didn't play well. It is such a difficult game. Shohei Ohtani will be our starting pitcher.

Q. What is the reason why you put Shohei Ohtani for tomorrow?

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: Well, we have a lot of strategic reasons. We have a lot of great pitchers on our roster. One of the reasons I put Ohtani, I can't describe right now. All I can say is tomorrow's starting pitcher will be Ohtani. That's all I can say.

Q. Not only Japanese players but the entire world of baseball fans is watching two-way player Ohtani.

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: After my press conference, Shohei by himself is going to mention on his own, but not only pitching, also his great hitting. So I am expecting him to play well as a two-way.

Q. You've been the national team manager for three months. What's your aiming for this tournament?

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: I mentioned in the first day in the press conference, I'm just concerned with being the world No. 1 champ. That's the only concern I have right now.

Q. Starting pitcher Ohtani such a great athlete, especially for the big stage. How are you expecting him to play tomorrow?

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: Well, Ohtani, yes, I've been watching him since the beginning of his professional career. But he's a player that he can lead the team win. That's the type of player I think about Ohtani.

Q. Thinking about Shohei Ohtani, you are the skipper to let him go for the Major League Baseball, and you put the message to Ohtani to become the No. 1 player. Now you've become the national team manager and you played with Ohtani; how do you feel about it?

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: Yes, I have a lot of thought but right now, currently, I am representing Team Japan. So I don't care about my personal feeling. So I'm not saying much right now.

All I can say right now is I've been telling him since the Fighters error, the two-way players, two-way play, is the best way to lead the team win.

Q. In the first round, Ohtani can pitch up to 65 pitches. Are you planning to let him pitch up to 65 or if you have any specific numbers.

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: Well, it all depends on the situation. I've been talking with, but as of now, I haven't decided yet what the numbers will be. Not only pitching but we have to care about the his whole body, so it all depends on his condition right now.

So all I can say is not only Shohei but we are aiming to be No. 1 champion, and we have to minimize players injured, so we have to all care about taking care of our players.

Q. Ohtani as two-way player, he is going to be starting pitcher, but if you can mention his batting order, please tell us.

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: It's hard to explain. I mean, it's tough to mention right now -- it's a joke.

For the starting lineup batting order, I have to rethink tonight. And I haven't fixed it yet to be honest with you. I have some options and I have to also think about the future. At least we have four games coming on, and all I'm concerned is we have win all four games, and I have to also think about my entire roster. The lineup is all about the combination, not only one player. I have to think about the entire roster.

So tonight, I have to rethink about for tonight.

Q. In the practice session, you put Kai's uniform No. 10. What was the reason why?

HIDEKI KURIYAMA: Well, the reason why is because I forgot my uniform in my room, so that's why I put Kai's uniform in the photo session.