Closer Yuki Matsui said Tuesday the chance to play alongside Japanese compatriot Yu Darvish at the San Diego Padres was a big factor in his decision to join the club.
"(Darvish) is a pretty big presence for me," said Matsui, who had 236 saves with a 2.40 ERA in 10 seasons with the Rakuten Eagles in the Pacific League in Japan.
"It'll be a big plus being able to play baseball (with him) and live close to him."
The Eagles' first-round draft pick ahead of the 2014 season, Matsui led the PL in saves for the third time last year, topping the category for the second year in a row with a career-best 39.
Speaking to the media online, Matsui also vowed to help his team beat Shohei Ohtani's Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for the National League West title.
"I actually didn't face him much in Japan, so I first need to see his data and build a plan," Matsui said of Ohtani, who played for the Nippon Ham Fighters in the PL while in Japan. "The Dodgers of course are a team we have to beat."
"I've messaged (Ohtani) and he sent me congratulations on signing the contract."
The 28-year-old Matsui joined the Padres on a five-year deal, reported by U.S. media to be worth $28 million.
Along with Darvish and Ohtani, Matsui was a member of the team that lifted last year's World Baseball Classic, but did not pitch well and barely played.
"I'm happy to have been on that great world championship team, but for myself, it was frustrating," he said. "But I drew great energy and motivation from the experience, and I'm more motivated than ever to come to the States and be my best."
Matsui frequently indicated having learned this or that from things Darvish had told him, but he had to go back to early last year when asked what advice from his new teammate has stuck with him.
"It wasn't something he said when I signed with San Diego, but what he said to all of us at the WBC, about baseball only being one part of your life," Matsui said.
"Of course, when playing, you concentrate on baseball. But when you're doing poorly, you don't have to carry it around with you. You can still eat delicious food and take a moment to enjoy yourself, and then give it your best shot."
"I thought, 'What an excellent mental outlook that is.'"
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