Kawakami: 'I didn't come over here to be a reliever'

By David O'Brien

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Kenshin Kawakami is a long way from home with a job that pays very well. Still, this isn't what he had in mind when he signed on.

The 35-year-old Braves pitcher lost his spot in the starting rotation to Kris Medlen six weeks ago. Since being bumped to the bullpen, Kawakami was called upon to pitch just once in the past 31 games before Wednesday.

Kawakami is in the second year of a three-year, $23 million contract he signed with the Braves following an outstanding career in the Japanese Central League.

He has an 8-21 record and 4.17 ERA in 48 games (40 starts) for the Braves, including 1-9 with a 4.75 ERA this season.

There appear to be no easy solutions to Kawakami's situation. The Braves do not want to pay part of his remaining salary for another team to take him in a trade, particularly since Kawakami provides depth and a solid backup plan if they have an injury to a starting pitcher.

Kawakami, speaking through his interpreter, discussed his situation with Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter David O'Brien.

Q. Has this been a difficult period for you, to lose your starting-rotation spot and then be used only once out of the bullpen in the past month?

A. To not be used, while I'm not even injured or having any problems, it's kind of difficult to prepare for what's to come. But the best thing I can do for the team is to always be prepared and to give my best to contribute when I can.

Q. How much have you been able to throw on the side and stay in shape and ready in case you're needed to pitch several innings or make a spot start?

A. I try to go in there every other day or once every three days, just to keep myself motivated and to work on my pitches.

Q. But if a starter went down, could you step in and go five innings right now?

A. To be honest, I don't know about my stamina or how my body will feel when that time might come, hopefully not. But I believe that's my role, to step in if that ever does happen. So [I] always try to be prepared for it.

Q. Has Bobby Cox or any Braves official talked to you in recent weeks about your role, their plans for you or when they might try to get you in games?

A. The only thing I heard was after I made my last start against Detroit. Maybe two days later I was told that I'm stepping down from the rotation and just being used as a reliever, maybe in long relief, or anytime a starter goes down, I'm going to be stepping in to fill that role.

Q. So they haven't talked to you since then about your role?

A. No.

Q. Could you ever imagine, when things were going pretty well last year, that you'd be in this position today? And how difficult has that been to deal with?

A. The balance of the team has been very good. The starting pitchers have all pitched to their potential. So I understand, to a certain extent. At the same time, I didn’t come over here to be a reliever. It might be a little disappointing, but with the team winning, I just need to stay ready.

Q. What about next season? Have you thought about that at all, what you might want to do? Have you talked to the Braves about that, how they intend to use you next year or anything?

A. Right now I'm given a job as a reliever. That's the only thing I can focus on, especially with the way the team's been rolling.

Q. Any regrets about coming to the United States or signing here?

A. Obviously I didn't expect to be in this position. But coming to the major leagues, I was prepared for anything to happen. Sadly, this is what happened. At the same time, I just can only be ready for something that might happen, any opportunities than I might be given.

Q. Would you rather be here, doing this with the major league team, than go to the minor leagues and be a starter again?

A. I'm not sure how it works over here, but I haven't really thought about it. I don't think I'm the one to say that kind of thing. I believe right now my job is as a reliever for this team. So, like I said, I just prepare for whatever opportunities I'm given.