The Japan Series has concluded. For all practical purposes, it was a rounding success commercially, entertainment, and baseball outcome (for Dodgers fans). Anytime your team can win a series 2 games to none against a formidable opponent, the baseball outcome was fantastic.
While MLB may be taking a victory lap for the Tokyo Series, make no mistake, this was a Dodgers win. The Tokyo Dome was filled with fans in Dodgers jerseys and hats. Of course it is primarily due to Shohei. However, not only did Yoshi Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki have their healthy followings, Kiké Hernández is also a true fan favorite in Japan. Let’s face it, Kiké is loved wherever he goes. He is truly an ambassador for The Game.
The Japanese fans welcomed both teams with open arms, but the Dodgers were clear favorites. This was the sixth season opening series played in Japan. The five other series involved the following teams.
- 2000 — Tokyo, Japan (Mets vs. Cubs)
- 2004 — Tokyo, Japan (Rays vs. Yankees)
- 2008 — Tokyo, Japan (Red Sox vs. A’s)
- 2012 — Tokyo, Japan (A’s vs. Mariners)
- 2019 — Tokyo, Japan (A’s vs. Mariners)
The Cubs have now played in two season opening series in Japan. The A’s and Mariners have opened against each other twice, and the A’s have been represented three times overall.
There have been four other season opening international series played.
- 1999 — Monterrey, Mexico (Rockies vs. Padres)
- 2001 — San Juan, Puerto Rico (Rangers vs. Blue Jays)
- 2014 — Sydney, Australia (Dodgers vs. D-backs)
- 2024 — Seoul, South Korea (Dodgers vs. Padres)
While not a season opening series, the Dodgers did face the Padres in a 3-game series in Mexico City, May 5-7, 2018.
The Dodgers have not yet been tabbed to play in London. There have been 3 previous in-season series played there. MLB returns to London for 2026, and I am sure the Dodgers will be on the short list of teams asked to represent MLB. While it is clear that the Dodgers are a clear favorite in Japan, I do not know which teams are favored in London. Maybe Watford Dodger can advise us. NYY, Boston, St. Louis, Chicago Cubs, NYM, and Philadelphia previously represented MLB in London.
MLB canceled plans to play regular-season games in Paris in 2025 after failing to find a promoter. “People” spoke on condition of anonymity following an owners’ meeting because the decision was not announced publicly. This game was approved by the MLBPA included in the 2022 CBA.
Nothing is slated for future international series following the London series. They need to be approved by MLBPA in the next CBA.
When the Dodgers originally announced their 26-man roster for Tokyo, Justin Wrobleski was listed. At the last minute, the Dodgers decided to option Wrobleski and purchase the contract of RHRP Matt Sauer. Clayton Kershaw was moved to the 60 day IL to make room for Sauer. Sauer is now controlled by LAD for three years. This gives the Dodgers another option for the OKC – LA yoyo.
After the Series, the Dodgers announced that Matt Sauer, James Outman, and Landon Knack were optioned to OKC. The spaces were needed for Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Dustin May.
This is James Outman’s final option year. His trade value is non-existent.
Landon Knack has two option years remaining. I do not know if he is good enough to stick with the Dodgers in 2025 or 2026 as a starting pitcher. If he is (even as a reliever), then keep him. If not, you have to consider trading him. Knack can make multiple MLB 26-man rosters, so he does have trade value. Do I expect either Outman or Knack to be traded? Nope. IMO, it is unfair to both players, especially Outman.
Series Highlights:
- The Dodgers beat the Cubs and their two best pitchers without Mookie and Freddie. The Dodgers have 5 games left with the Cubs. Three in LA (April 11-13) and two in Chicago (April 22-23).
- Four Dodgers did not play in the Series: Outman, Austin Barnes, CT3, and Matt Sauer.
- Shohei Ohtani went 3-8 with a double and a HR. His HR was not measured for exit velocity or distance, but it was crushed. Obviously the Statcast cameras are not quite as functional in the Tokyo Dome. Multiple other ABs were not measured in the Series. However, he gave the fans exactly what they wanted after nearly going oppo in the first pitch of the game. He said he was relieved after the game.
- LAD pitching was superb. They allowed 4 runs in the 2 games. They limited Kyle Tucker to a meaningless 9th inning double off Alex Vesia in Game 2. They shut down 2024 LAD nemesis Michael Busch (0-6 with 3 K). Seiya Suzuki looked very vulnerable all Series. He was 0-8 with 4 Ks and 3 broken bats. PCA also went hitless in the 2 games (0-7 with 3K). Is Jon Berti going to become the new nemesis for the Dodgers?
- Dodgers pitchers issued 8 walks while striking out 21. Five of those walks came from rookie Roki Sasaki.
- Will Smith is off to a very good start as well. He has reached base 7 of his 9 PA. He has 5 walks and 2 hits (including a double).
- Kiké starts out going 0-5 in Game 1, the only LAD to not reach 1B. He turns it around in Game 2 with a long SF to CF, and a booming HR in LF. He leads the team with 3 RBI.
- Andy Pages had a good series. He had 1 double in 5 AB, but also drew 3 BB. He reached base on 4 of his 8 PA. Downside? He had 4 Ks, 2 against LHP. His double was off a RHP.
- LHRP Jack Dreyer retired his first MLB hitter, Kyle Tucker on a F8 in the right-cent4er gap. It was a good catch, but it was not as superlative as EK and Joe Davis made it seem. Still good catch by Pages. He then struck out Michael Busch for his 1st MLB K. He then misplayed a Matt Shaw one hopper back to the mound as it went off his glove, and was ruled a hit. IMO, Dreyer was leaning towards 1B before he had the ball, and a hit was given to Shaw for his 1st MLB hit. I am going with that. It really was not a difficult play. He seemed to lose focus and Dansby Swanson crushed an inside center slider for a run scoring double. He settled down and got PCA to hit a F9 out.
- Kirby Yates was lethal in Game 2. He threw 21 pitches, getting 12 swings. Of the 12 swings he had 8 swings and misses. To put that a bit in perspective, Justin Steele had 67 pitches and 9 whiffs. Following Tanner Scott’s Game 1 performance, the back end of the LAD bullpen is going to be very difficult to face. It will get even tougher when Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech rejoin the team. I am not including Brusdar Graterol because he is not slated to join the team until sometime in the 2nd half.
- Tommy Edman hit the first LAD HR of 2025. Of course he did.
Finally my take on Roki Sasaki’s outing. It was not always pretty or efficient, but I think his potential is very apparent. He is 23 years old and was obviously amped up playing in front 42,367 of is home country’s fans in a LAD uniform. When Shohei Ohtani said he was nervous in his 1st AB, just how do you think Sasaki felt? He had very little, if any, command of his splitter. He needs both his splitter and slider to complement his 4-seamer. The LAD coaches will go over and thoroughly scrutinize the film of his outing and make adjustments. But the most important adjustment he has to make is his composure and confidence on the mound. He belongs. At least it was not as bad as Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s MLB debut last year. And look how that turned out.
Goody-goody. We next get to see three meaningless games against the Halos before the Dodgers start again against the Detroit Tigers with Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty.
I was impressed with how many times hitters swung thru Yates 93 mph fastball. Sure must have something going for it.
Dodgers
Just some quick thoughts on the last couple of games:
Phil, I really appreciate when you write. It is very knowledgeable and with experience. It does conjure up further discussion. Thank you.
I mentioned it in my previous post how much I like Conforto’s swing. There is something special about a clean LH swing. Before his double in game 1, he pulled a long foul ball. He saw the ball well in both swings. I agree that Michael Conforto is going to be a difference maker this year for the Dodgers. As much as Teoscar in 2024? I also love Kyle Tucker’s swing.
With regards to Roki, he is certainly an arm injury candidate. No denying that. Same is true with a lot of pitchers. Gerrit Cole is already gone for the next 15 months. The Pirates 2nd year RHSP, Jared Jones, is having elbow pain. Apparently the Pirates got a diagnosis they did not like, and are seeking a second one. I hope the young man just needs to rest the elbow, but it did sound ominous.
Sasaki hit 100 twice, but sat 97-98 for most of the 2nd and 3rd inning. That would have been fine if he could have established a secondary pitch. I agree that Smith was searching for that secondary pitch, but could not find it. I am not going to criticize Sasaki for his debut whereby his adrenaline was flowing sky high. Remember the number of fans who were very critical of Yamamoto after his debut? And his debut was in Korea, not Japan. Sasaki’s debut was not good, but it was better than the more established Yamamoto’s debut.
Sasaki is a power pitcher. That is who he is. Does anyone really think he is going to change?
I think he deserves at least 6-10 starts before any conclusions can be drawn, positive or negative.
Jeff D. thanks for your shout out and comments. There is little I enjoy more than baseball discussions with knowledgable folks. I love exchanging ideas and information. And you know your stuff. You experienced so much with your son of the finer points. You did catch me however when you mentioned my desire to solicit conversations about baseball. Just staring the pot a little.
Superteam
The great Keith Law looks at some Dodgers prospects. Let’s say he is somewhat happy with Emil Morales’ swing:
($$$$$)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6214914/2025/03/19/scouting-dodgers-guardians-prospects-jesus-made-jaison-chourio-jackson-ferris/?source=user_shared_articleScouting Dodgers and Guardians prospects — and Jesus Made — on the back fields
Channeling Howard Cosell
DOWN GOES OUTMAN
DOWN GOES OUTMAN
I like Conforto’s swing.
Pages looks competitive at the plate. Dislike his tats.
I know it’s great for the game, but are the Dodgers going to be opening up internationally every season now? I would like to see a normal spring training next year if that is possible.
It’s just a brutal schedule, flying out there, playing two games, plus two exhibition games, then flying home and going from regular season games back to exhibition for the freeway series against the Angels, then 3 days laterthe stateside regular season games begin. No wonder Mookie got sick.
I doubt there will be an international opener next year as it’s a WBC year. That will mean another off kilter off season. Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki playing for Japan for sure. Mookie and Smith for the USA maybe. Freeman playing for Canada. Who knows who else would be involved.
Scott, I agree. I completely understand all the financial and commercial benefits of this trip to Japan. It seemed to be a huge success.
But I to think it takes a toll on everybody. I do not want to see this become a yearly distraction from normal preparation for the players.
Japan, I get. London, Paris, Germany………………forget it.
Was encouraged that Sasaki hit 100,101 mph on the gun. Yes, he could not sustain that velo after the first inning but the ability is there. And there were some concerns that he had lost 2-3 mph last season due to injury concerns.
Kid has all world potential. With a bit more experience and patience he will bevome an ace starter. It too Yamamoto some time to get accusstumed to MLB and he was further along in his development than Sasaki is now.
Go Dodgers””””””””””””””””
Thanks Jeff…..great analysis, as usual.
I too am holding my breath over Sasaki’s health, but because we have so many arms who can fill in, I’m pretty sure we can withstand his absence certainly for this year. Heck, look at what we had to overcome with SP injuries last year, and we still won it all.
My initial thoughts of our hitters….glad to see Will Smith look good and of course, I’m very glad Kike jacked one today. He’s not my favorite Dodger hitter (Edman, Ohtani, Freddie, and Teoscar are tied for that honor), but I realize how important Kike is to the team and to the fans.
Lastly….we didn’t even miss Freddie and Mookie. What does that tell you? Wow…..
While Sasaki had some issues, you have to give him credit for getting out of the third with only giving up one run. It’s something we’ve all talked about with Miller but haven’t really seen.
Sam – I liked how Doc left him in there to battle through, and it worked because after walking one in, he then struck out the next two he faced.
It meant he left the game with a much better feeling and a good confidence boost.
Jeff, why do you say i would be unfair to Knack and Outman to be traded? Wouldn’t ha potentially help heir careers? And re Sasaki, he definitely has super potential but I think he wad one pitch or one walk from being pulled. He clearly had lost command of his pitches and then gave up a hard hit ball that went right a Miggy for the dp. Lets see if they can get him into the Freeway Series and see if he gets ” back o normal”.
Roki Sasaki has a history of arm issues, including a strained muscle in his right arm during his first year with the Chiba Lotte Marines that led to multiple hospital visits and a recommendation for Tommy John surgery, which he ultimately declined.
Here’s a more detailed look at his injury history:
I know I keep beating this drum but if the Dodgers don’t figure out how to dial him back a few clicks this kid won’t make it through his first year here.
So Sasaki is the new Glasnow, lol.
I’m glad we are 20 to 30 pitchers deep, we might need them all this season. Injuries are impossible to predict and just as impossible to plan for, except for getting a bunch of very good players and just go “next man up” approach.
Regarding injuries, I have never heard anyone mention the future injury problem possibly facing Ohtani. He has already had major elbow surgeries which halted his time on the mound, yet thru his rehab he has been able to sustain unbelievable stats as a DH during his recovery time from TJ. Has anyone given it any thought that we actually are risking a ton of troubles if he returns to the mound and damages himself and thus knocks him not only off the mound but out of the batter’s box? To tell you the truth, we have a helluva lot of good pitching, we actually don’t need Ohtani as a pitcher, he is much more valuable to us as a devastating batter. Putting him back on the mound runs a totally unnecessary risk.
I remember a quote by the great Vin Scully, talking about players injuries. Scully was talking about a player that was “day to day”, then Scully said aren’t we all? That is deep and true. I believe management would know best on how to handle pitchers and velocity and pitch counts. It certainly worked out for Koufax when he dialed it back. Koufax retired at 32 with arthritis in his elbow. Randy Johnson played many years looking as if he threw every fastball as hard as he could throw. My theory, for what it’s worth, is many injuries are generic and my be related to strength training and stretching exercises. As a former long time coach it seemed that my teams had a lot more injuries when we lifted and stretched but on the other side of the coin the athletes were better because of their training schedule. Don’t know where I’m going with this so I will stop and go out today and live like I’m “day to day.”
“I believe management would know best on how to handle pitchers and velocity and pitch counts”
Clearly they don’t. Or didn’t. Did they learn something over the winter? Didn’t look like it yesterday. Sasaki’s first pitch was 101. His second was 100. Keep that up and it’s sayonara Roki.
Koufax retired at 30. And most pitchers from that generation knew how to pitch. High and tight, low and away. Up down in out on the edges change speeds. Haven’t seen much of that since Maddux retired.
Thanks for another great read Jeff.
Basebsll has never taken off in the UK.in the way the NFL has. Back in the early 80’s when we only had 3 TV channels, a fourth was born, the imaginatively named Channel Four, and they picked up the rights for the NFL and had Sunday nights all to themselves as there was no other sports offerings. We all watched and picked our teams. It was the Marino, Elway, Riggins, Montana, Rice and Fridge era. A European League soon followed – the London Monarchs bring our team.
There is no Baseball following here as it’s never been marketed or shown on the TV, although these days you can follow a little if you have ESPN on Canle.
However all the 2 match London Series have been hugely supported and successful. There have been large crowds over from the US – the games are in mid June not before the season starts and it’s a perfect time to visit London, which is one of the best cities in the world. Plus the exchange rate is good for you guys.
Make no mistake though, everyone has heard of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and also the New York Yankees. I’m not sure you’re ever gonna grow the game here. Soccer is king, followed by cricket and rugby, but the games sell out easily but are very expensive. A LAD V NYY matchup would be the perfect sell.The only caps you see are these two teams, but plenty of them.
Agree on your Roki assessment, and sadly agree re James Outmsn. Personally I would have moved him at the last TD while he had small value. Pages has won that battle.
Im guessing Roki was very nervous because obviously he wouldn’t walk 5 on any other day. I liked Doc leaving him after he walked the first run in. He then struck out 2 to get outta the innings, and would certainly have felt better about things when reflecting on his performance.
All in all a great couple of games, and the boys are off to a flyer.
Sorry it was Drysdale who retired at 32.