Despite 12 years in professional baseball, Yoshihisa Hirano said Tuesday he is ready to adopt the mindset of a rookie when he joins the Arizona Diamondbacks next spring.
The free-agent closer of the Orix Buffaloes last week agreed to a two-year deal with the Diamondbacks. Speaking to a newsconference, the right-hander said his 156 career saves are irrelevant as far as his transition to the major leagues goes.
"I will set aside my history in Japan, intent on going as a rookie and earning my place," the 33-year-old said. "They (my saves in Japan) were no guarantee I would be able to go. So I feel somewhat relieved."