Former Orix BlueWave outfielder Ichiro Suzuki wrapped up a two-day practice session Saturday with a light workout as he prepares to leave for the United States next week for his first season in the major leagues.
The seven-time Pacific League batting champion worked out for about an hour, playing some catch and hitting some balls from the pitching machine at the Chunichi Dragons training facility in Nagoya.
Suzuki, who is better known to Japanese fans by his first name, confirmed that it would be his final workout in Japan before leaving next Tuesday to begin training in the U.S. Asked about his feel for the bat and the ball, Suzuki remarked, "At this time of the year it all feels the same, good or bad."
Pressed for comments on his expected upcoming season with the Seattle Mariners, the 27-year-old outfielder said, "I have no idea what it is going to be like playing in the majors this year. I can only imagine what it might be like, so I will just have to go there and experience it."
Suzuki will be joined by Tsuyoshi Shinjo of the New York Mets this year as the first Japanese players in the major leagues who are not pitchers.