TAMPA — The investment and investor are looking at the process from different angles.
Masahiro Tanaka, who pocketed $155 million from the Yankees, wants to jump into exhibition games as soon as possible.
The Yankees, who added $20 million to the price tag via a posting fee, aren’t quite sure when Tanaka will face hitters other than the ones dressed in the same uniform.
“I feel I am pretty much ready to throw in a game,’’ Tanaka said following a 35-pitch live batting practice exercise on Field 2 of the grounds of George M. Steinbrenner Field on Monday morning.
It was Tanaka’s second live BP session and served as a showcase of his vast arsenal of pitches.
Joe Girardi could start Tanaka on Thursday against the Pirates at GMS Field, but won’t. David Phelps gets the ball in the first Yankees exhibition game to be televised by YES.
“I can’t tell you exactly when he will pitch in that first week,” Girardi said. “Larry [Rothschild, the pitching coach] has the schedule that he is still putting together. You are still trying to see if a guy wants one more BP or does he feel he is ready to go.’’
Tanaka, who might get an extra day of rest during the exhibition season to help him transition from working once a week in Japan to pitching every fifth day, said he will respect whatever plan the Yankees have for him.
“From my standpoint I will work with what the manager tells me to do,’’ Tanaka said.
Staff ace CC Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda preceded Tanaka on the mound, but didn’t draw the same attention as Tanaka, who impressed several people with the session that featured fastballs, sliders, curveballs and splits.
“You want to see him against big league hitters and see how he does and how he reacts,’’ Girardi said. “I am happy with the progress he has made, and he hasn’t tried to do too much. I think he has adapted to what we want him to do.’’
Girardi was impressed with Tanaka’s command. Scott Sizemore, who faced Tanaka, and catcher Francisco Cervelli followed the manager’s lead even if Sizemore said the split-fingered fastball wasn’t filthy.
“There were some pitches where I missed the spot, but I feel overall it was a good session,’’ Tanaka said.
Girardi saw a changeup from Tanaka on tape, but hasn’t witnessed it live. However, everything else is in full view.
“I think I need one more finger. I’ve got to take off my glove (to give signs). But it’s great. I think every day is better,’’ Cervelli said.
And presumably one day closer to seeing Tanaka in a game.