The Dodgers are in Tokyo for a couple of exhibition games tomorrow before the regular season opens up against the Cubs in the Tokyo series. Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki have already received a hero’s welcome in their native country as the Dodgers have turned Tokyo and beyond into Dodgerland. The Dodgers have set out to take over the market in Japan, and with Japan’s vaunted stars calling Chavez Ravine home, it looks to be working, as players received standing ovations during a practice session.
The uniqueness of the games in Tokyo allows us fans in the States to witness the Japanese fan base’s passion. If you have never watched a game played in the Tokyo Dome, now is the time to give it a look. In this digital age, where you can stream or even record the game on your DVR, you don’t have to be awake at 3:10 to catch the game live. However, I live in Oklahoma and have an advantageous 5 am start time. I will be up to watch both games against the Cubs live.
The Dodgers recently gave Dodgers skipper Dave Robert a four-year extension that ensures he will be in the dugout through 2029. This excellent contract allows one of the Dodgers’ great managers an additional four years and shows that Dave wants to call Los Angeles home. It always takes two to tango, and Dodger fans should be pumped that Roberts and the Dodgers union will continue as the Dodgers have done nothing but win since he became manager.
As the Spring Breakout prospect games are taking place throughout spring training, Dodger fans missed their opportunity to witness the top prospects take on the Cubs prospects as Mother Nature decided the game didn’t need to happen. I am a little bummed not to see the prospect game, but if you have been watching spring training games on Sportsnet LA, you have seen a plethora of prospects get playing time this spring, which always makes spring training a little more exciting.
A little news indicated that Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound has been delayed. It is fantastic to see him pitch as he is a great pitcher, but I understand they do not want to rush him back to the mound before he is ready. His bat is lethal, as evidenced last year during his MVP campaign. You do not see many players pitching and smashing homers the way Ohtani does, so in the meantime, we can all see if he can improve even more and have an even better year this year. I wouldn’t bet against it as Shohei’s ultra-competitive and strives to be the best player.
So, in closing here, spring training is almost over, and the real games begin in Tokyo on Tuesday and Wednesday. The defense of their World Series title starts, and before you know it, the home opener will be happening at Dodger Stadium. Good times are ahead, and this week, the Dodgers can let the 29 other teams know that the champs are back. LGD
Clay Gregory
Growing up and living in Oklahoma I fell in love with the game of baseball from an early age from playing T ball through High School. I have always had an admiration for the Boys in Blue with how the Dodger Way is the right way to play the game. Tommy Lasorda is my favorite manager of all time and my all-time favorite players are Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Sandy Koufax, Pedro Guerrero, Mike Piazza and Clayton Kershaw. I am enamored with Dodgers history from the Brooklyn days when they were Dem Bums to the days of Fernandomania to Mannywood and beyond. Vin Scully will always be the best announcer the game has ever seen and it will always be time for Dodger baseball. I am married to the love of my life Melissa who gave me the inspiration to actually take on this crazy idea of writing about the Dodgers and without her support I would not be able to do what I love. My cousin Zach Chase and uncle John Chase for being a Dodger encyclopedia and sharing their knowledge with me. I will bring my perspective and love for the team to readers and I will most likely have spelling errors from time to time but I promise ill do my best on it. I want to bring you a unique perspective on your favorite team and also throw some humor along the way. I love to talk about baseball with anybody who will listen and I look forward to the Dodgers going back-to-back in their quest for another World Series Championship. Dodger Blue through and through.
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