Yoshinori Tateyama likes Rangers power

February, 20, 2011
2/20/11
1:31
PM CT
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- So far, the best part of spring training with the Rangers for reliever Yoshinori Tateyama is watching batting practice.

"It was amazing," Tateyama said through a translator. "Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre. It was lots of power."

Tateyama said he's making the transition to the United States just fine. He spent the offseason throwing with a MLB baseball to get used to its size. Tateyama said the Japanese ball is slightly smaller and the seams are thinner and thicker. So it just feels different.

The pitcher throws a slider, changeup and cutter and said the slider is his out pitch.

"I wanted to pitch in the best league in the world," Tateyama said.

Tateyama impressed pitching coach Mike Maddux early in camp with his command and deceptive delivery. The 35-year-old said he's enjoyed meeting his new teammates, including Tommy Hunter, whose locker is right beside Tateyama's.
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.

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TEAM LEADERS

WINS LEADER
Yu Darvish
WINS ERA SO IP
6 3.05 63 56
OTHER LEADERS
BAJ. Hamilton .379
HRJ. Hamilton 18
RBIJ. Hamilton 49
RI. Kinsler 36
OPSJ. Hamilton 1.187
ERAY. Darvish 3.05
SOY. Darvish 63

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