Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki knows that Japan will have to rise to the occasion against a well-balanced Team USA in the inaugural World Baseball Classic.
Ichiro Suzuki works out in Peoria, Ariz. prior to Japan's warmup game against the Seattle Mariners.
The blueprint for victory over Team USA in the second round, however, depends on Japan sticking to its own style of baseball without being intimidated by the flamethrowers and powerhouse lineup of its opponent.
"I heard that they won today and of course we are aware of them as a strong opponent. But it's more important that we concern ourselves with what we have to do as a team," Suzuki said after taking indoor batting practice and joining a two-hour team practice on Tuesday night at Peoria Sports Complex.