GLENDALE, Ariz. – A language barrier arises when Kenta Maeda is on the mound, and A.J. Ellis is crouched behind the plate.
Maeda is a 27-year-old rookie from Japan who speaks limited English. Ellis is a veteran catcher from southeastern Missouri.
Between innings, they can mull strategy with help from an interpreter. On the field, it’s all on them.
What they resort to are a few expressions. If Maeda appears flustered, Ellis said he can calm him down by simulating a deep breath. There is some more body language too. He might give him “a look.