Norichika Aoki, the sole major leaguer on the Japan national team roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, said Monday he is mentally ready for action but may need time to reset his sleep cycle.
The 35-year-old, who was released by the Houston Astros for the March 6-22 tournament, spoke to reporters at the airport in Orlando before his departure to join the rest of the squad, which wrapped up a four-day training camp in Miyazaki on Sunday.
"I'll finally get to see my teammates," said Aoki, who will be entering his sixth season in the majors.