Comments made by pitcher Tatsuya Imai (27), who is aiming to transfer to the majors from Seibu using the posting system, on the 24th (25th Japan time) are attracting attention.
In an interview broadcast on TV Asahi's "Hodo Station" (Monday to Friday, 9:54 p.m.) on the previous day, the 24th, Imai declared, "I would like to beat them, if I have the chance. Of course, it would be fun to play with Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki, but beating a team like that and becoming World Champions would be the most valuable thing in my life."
The official MLB website ran the headline, "Imai doesn't want to join the Dodgers, he wants to 'beat them,'" and American media outlets responded one after another, with American broadcaster FOX Sports (online edition) reporting, "Tatsuya Imai has his sights set on beating the Dodgers." American information site Dodgers Nation also reported, "In the process of deciding which team to sign with first in MLB, Imai reiterated his desire to beat Ohtani, Yamamoto, and the Dodgers."
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