Sanspo posted an interview with Masahiro Tanaka on Thursday.

You donated autographed baseballs to children in Fukushima with Brad Pitt...

I wonder if it's really ok that it's me.  I just hope that people enjoy it.

Did your performance this year send a message to people in Tohoku?

I don't feel like I really accomplished anything because the team didn't do well.  On an individual level, I kind of feel like I did something based on the feedback I've gotten on my blog and through Twitter, but baseball is a team sport.  We finished in 5th and I wasn't satisfied about the type of season we had.

What kinds of charitable support will you provide moving forward?

We're a Tohoku team.  And as such, I think we need to act as a team and look at this over the long-term.  I'd like to visit the survivors again and I'd also like to hold baseball clinics.

What do you think of Moneyball?

I've actually read the book.  I think it was back when I turned pro.

The story is about the Oakland Athletics.  Would you like to [play in the Majors] in the future?

That question is a really tough one for me...  It's not really a dream or anything, because it's not my goal for playing baseball.  I'm not looking for a place to play baseball.  I just want to continue taking myself to the next level.

You had a great year this year where you led the league in victories, ERA, and winning percentage.

I think it was good, but it won't matter if this is the only good year I have.  Now that I've had a year like this, people will look at me differently and expect more from me the next time around.  I think people will recognize my abilities if I can put up the numbers in that kind of situation.

Do you have confidence in putting together better seasons?

Of course.  I still have a lot to accomplish.  On all facets of the game.

It'll be your year next year (as in, it'll be the year dragon, which is his Japanese zodiac).

I'd like to try and make it my best baseball year.  Not just me personally, but as a team as well.

Will your goal be winning a championship?

I'd like to still be playing baseball [at this time next year].  My birthday is on 11/1.  The season started late this year so the Nippon Series hasn't even started yet, but under normal circumstances, it's usually around my birthday.  So I'd like to make a birthday start if possible.

Be Sociable, Share!

•