NEW YORK -- Pitcher Masahiro Tanaka was introduced by the New York Yankees on Tuesday to a media contingent nearly 200 strong, the franchise's largest news conference for a new player in more than a decade.

"This is Yankee big," general manager Brian Cashman said. "This is Steinbrenner big."

When manager Joe Girardi handed Tanaka his No. 19 jersey and cap, camera flashes snapped rapid fire. Tanaka, who speaks limited English, stepped to the podium.

Masahiro Tanaka, with manager Joe Girardi at Tuesday's heavily attended news conference, will soon report to the Yankees' spring training facility. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

"Hello, my name is Masahiro Tanaka," he said in English. "I'm very happy to be a Yankee."

Then he nodded and offered a broad smile.

Answering questions through his translator, Tanaka would have made the late George Steinbrenner smile when he said his No. 1 goal is to win a championship.

Tanaka arrives with a seven-year, $155 million contract and high expectations. He went 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA in the Japanese League in 2013. His splitter, according to many scouts, is one of the best in baseball. He will need to adjust to a larger ball and pitching every five days instead of once a week, as well as myriad cultural differences.

The Yankees have had two previous Japanese pitchers with big expectations. Both the late Hideki Irabu and Kei Igawa were disappointments. Tanaka said he had heard that New York can be "harsh" if he does not perform but looks forward to the challenge.

Cashman said Tuesday he thought about Steinbrenner and how The Boss would love the worldwide attention that the 25-year-old Tanaka's signing has generated.

Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner is the one who authorized the outlay.

"We needed another quality starter," Steinbrenner said. "Tanaka is one of the greatest in the history of Japan."