The LA Dodgers introduced new Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda on Thursday (7th January).

UPSOUND (English) Andrew Friedman/ President of Baseball Operations:

"Today is very exciting. We appreciate you guys for being here. Obviously we will take questions, but first I want to introduce the newest member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kenta Maeda."

SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Kenta Maeda (on joing the Dodgers):

"I am very happy to be here today to announce my decision to join the Dodgers organization. The Dodgers obviously have a tremendous history and tradition, and I am very glad to be a part of it."

SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Kenta Maeda (on joing the Dodgers):

"I understand that has been much speculation as to what type of contract I will be signing. As you have heard already in the media, during my physical there was some irregularities that surfaced and then that was factored into the contract that I signed."

SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Kenta Maeda (on joing the Dodgers):

"Despite the fact that there were some irregularities found during the physical, the Dodgers made a decision to make a long term commitment to me, so that really was meaningful to me, and so then I also made the decision to make a long term commitment to the organization, and I am very happy."

SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Kenta Maeda (on joing the Dodgers):

"And I am very excited and looking forward to play in front of the fans at Dodger Stadium as a Dodger and then once my family move here to L.A., I am looking forward to my life in L.A. as well."