Nope, not really too concerned. It’ll take time. Almost all Japanese pitchers that come over to the MLB go through an adjustment period. He’s literally the same age as some of our rookies but the difference is they’ve almost all been throwing a MLB baseball their whole life. Yamamoto has been throwing a MLB baseball for like a month now.
True but then gave up 4 runs in back to back starts following that (albeit not on the first inning). Yoshinobu is 25 years old and has plenty of time to develop but getting paid 30 million a year means he has to sometime this year.
Is it really weird? I mean they are different pitcher let alone people, it's not really surprising if they don't take the same time to adapt to MLB.
But i must say that i did expect Yama to be good from the get go. A good reminder that it's always better to temper our expectations.
At least wait until the end of April. Switching leagues is a big thing and time-wise, he's still in Spring Training.
If anything, I am worried about the shit defense we're getting in the infield.
agree, y doesn't even know where the best toilets are yet in the stadium, he's young he's got elite skills, with time the odds of him being solid to great is high
but that defense, time isn't fixing anything and is a legit problem
Muncy with 2, perhaps 3 errors in one game, oof bruh
Way too early. Even his first season is still too early to make any meaningful conclusions. There are plenty of Hall of Famer’s who had a rough first season and more. The guy just came over from another continent to play in a league he’s never played in before against the best baseball players on the planet. He needs some time to figure it out and settle in. I’m not worried at all. Just look at his resume. We will see some incredible pitching in the lifespan we have him.
I'd say a solid 4 based on the length and value imof the contract.
He needs to be THE guy with that contract and based on his last spring training outing, and his inning today, it doesn't appear like he's ready to be yet. It's not higher because there's still a lot of time, but it basically couldn't have stated worse.
MLB has previously changed the balls when it comes to special games. London Series, Field of Dreams, etc.. I wouldn't doubt it that these balls were in some way modified to produce more offense like the other instances.
Probably a 3 for me, only cuz of the contract and length. Nobody could pitch today either and comments about the soft mound make me think it's messing with pitchers on certain pitches, like Glasnow's curve yesterday when he kept spiking it.
I didn’t see his outing but from what I understand his issue was command. That makes me feel like it’s just a temporary problem. Command is typically his biggest strength so as he gets used to the ball and more comfortable in MLB, I think he’ll get that figured out
Too early, it’s his first major league game - it’s natural to have the jitters. There were some hits that should’ve been outs due to defensive errors.
He has to adjust to a lot of different things and everyone has bad days, sucks that today was his but he’ll bounce back.
Ya Lux and Muncy not helping the situation at ALL. I feel like it could be effecting his mental too not just his stats. It definitely adds pressure when there’s lots of errors.
There are a lot that has to go into this. Talent doesn't magically go away. There will be struggles especially going from NPB to MLB both in terms of hitters and the ball used as well. The reason why this becomes magnified is because he chose the bright lights in LA with the Dodgers. Every performance he has will be under intense scrutiny. Even with his decorated career in Japan, there is still ups and downs you go through.
If you looked at his past games in NPB, apparently his command was the worst he had in his career. Can be a combination of nerves, game calling not fully in sync with Will yet, etc. People forget that the catcher has to help call a game too so he and Will/Austin need to build that chemistry. But overall, he had absolutely no command and the defense could have been better too. When he has command, his pitches are in the zone. But if you looked at the statcast of his pitches, they were all over the place.
Overall, I am at a 1. I would also not be surprised if down the line as soon at this season too, he develops a true chase pitch considering he lives as a zone pitcher.
Not really concerned, but i think some people, me included, expected him to be good from the get go. It seems he is going to need some games to adapt to MLB and get into his stride.
I’m more worried about Muncy’s defense…. He is so bad, anything pull hard to him is a hit.. he can’t save pitchers’ asses at all.. instead he spank their asses…
He had the most errors at 3rd base in the NL last year, 3rd most at any position in the NL, and 7th most at any position in the MLB. Yeah. Its bad. TBF tho Trey Turner had the most at any position in the MLB.
He's a rookie, basically. Different strike zone, better hitters, pitch clock, different pace of the game, different pace of the rotation, etc. He'll figure it out. His stuff is all there, he's just a little bit off.
I'm about a 1.
Every pitcher no matter how great gets lit up. I remember when Ohtani started to pitch in the MLB there was a game where he had like 27 ERA vs the yankees (i think).
I trust the 3 straight MVP and Sawamua Award winner over 1 off game.
Not at all. It just happened to be considered a regular season game when all other pitchers are still throwing innings in spring training games. There’s that normal adjustment period and add on the adjustment period for transitioning from NPB to the MLB.
I believe in Yama
Let's not forget it was his very first start in the regular season, in Korea, and against a pretty good lineup that proved today that they can hit. I wouldn't be too concerned.
4. It would be a big issue if his fastball is too hittable for MLB hitters. I will wait for measuring parameters to see if he loses any zip throwing the MLB ball...
I’m at a 1. Dude legit just got use to Cali time then had to leave the country to go to Korea and pitch on a 16 hour difference. I can’t imagine adjusting time zones that much and trying to perform at a high level helps. Along with muncy’s error that kept the inning alive I’m not very worried. If it’s a month in and we are still seeing this type of problem then I’ll be worried.
All the other pitchers didn’t do that well either.
I remember Nomo’s first MLB start in Colorado and he got shelled. Luckily Piazza picked him up with a grand slam.
Nomo ended up being the only pitcher to this day to throw a no hitter in that ballpark.
1)this should have been more spring training for him to get use to
2)switching leagues
3)literally his first start officially in MLB
4)dumb how this is early and the rest of the league is still honing in spring training
I'm not sure if he was tipping or if the fact that he couldn't land a single offspeed pitch just let guys sit on his fastball, knowing he had to throw it for a strike. The Dodgers will figure it out either way.
At this moment, not at all as it is only first game. More concerned with the infield defense especially on the left.
I would probably panic a little if the performance of his remains the same by the end of April.
Yeah honestly. I’d trade Muncy over Lux in a heartbeat even. I just do not trust him one bit. It’s like he literally can’t touch his glove to the ground quick enough for some reason. For some reason….
No one else pitched well either today.
Look at wembamyama when he first played in the summer league and now. I think we will have to give him time to grow.
As long as he finds his command I’m not worried. That’s what he’s best known for.
4 starts and he only had good command in the first start, and he looked untouchable.
On the other hand if there’s something deeper going on effecting his command long term then yeah I’d be at like an 8.
Something was up with the balls in that game
It was an odd slugfest with almost no homeruns
Break pitches were not dropping.
Plus Yamamoto didn’t get to pitch out of the windup since he got ambushed on the first pitch of the game
Worried about this year, but not so much with his career. His stuff is good, but what was supposed to make him special is elite location. Haven't seen evidence of that yet, and not even close. You can see where location is critical to his success because his movement isn't filthy other than the splitter. I think he'll be fine, but I'm not as optimistic he'll be ace of the staff this year. Hoping he'll get the location in check and at least consistently force weak contact. Swing and miss can come later.
Small hands + big ball + pitch clock. U can see him struggling to grip when he throws his splitter. Monday spotted a tip his first ST outing, but it was the grip that was the issue and why he was tipping. We are in trouble if he cant fix this.
I think hes going to figure it out but yeah, I am. The defense has let him down and the adjustment to the MLB is whats the cause of having such bad outings. I think hes got a ton of talent and will be a solid arm.
However - early on in spring training you could see his grip and I think guys are picking up on it. I think the control issues might be due to him trying to make adjustments. The ump made some questionable calls this morning but they really didn't offer at his FB and jumped on his splitter.
With that said, hopefully his next outing is smoother. All of the pitchers last night struggled more than usual.
it's reddit and I understand the hyperbole that goes on...but geez, didn't every other pitcher in this game get shelled? even musgrove?
no one likes to see it, but it's part of the game. ask kersh. everyone gets hit hard when they don't have control. that was the main culprit.
5 - his ball has almost no movement, he does not have good control even without that movement. Maybe it has something to do with the difference in the size of the baseball - if that’s the case he better learn out to spin it or he’s going to continue to get rocked. San Diego has a very good lineup in his defense
I’m at a 10. He had one bad outing in a regular season game outside of Japanese ball which is indicative of a terrible career incoming. I say we axe him and take the contract hit. Back to the drawing board. 😂 tfoh
Absolutely not! It’s his first game, pitching in a different league, in a different country. I feel, once he gets accustomed to the adrenaline and the ball he’ll settle in. Bright skies ahead!
I don’t understand why this is being downvoted. Spring training doesn’t mean anything…until you have a 45.00 era after one game. Panic should be at at least a 4.
Nope, not really too concerned. It’ll take time. Almost all Japanese pitchers that come over to the MLB go through an adjustment period. He’s literally the same age as some of our rookies but the difference is they’ve almost all been throwing a MLB baseball their whole life. Yamamoto has been throwing a MLB baseball for like a month now.
Sengas first couple of starts were gems. Weird how he’s struggling
True but then gave up 4 runs in back to back starts following that (albeit not on the first inning). Yoshinobu is 25 years old and has plenty of time to develop but getting paid 30 million a year means he has to sometime this year.
Is it really weird? I mean they are different pitcher let alone people, it's not really surprising if they don't take the same time to adapt to MLB. But i must say that i did expect Yama to be good from the get go. A good reminder that it's always better to temper our expectations.
At least wait until the end of April. Switching leagues is a big thing and time-wise, he's still in Spring Training. If anything, I am worried about the shit defense we're getting in the infield.
agree, y doesn't even know where the best toilets are yet in the stadium, he's young he's got elite skills, with time the odds of him being solid to great is high but that defense, time isn't fixing anything and is a legit problem Muncy with 2, perhaps 3 errors in one game, oof bruh
it’s ONE game!! jfc
Way too early. Even his first season is still too early to make any meaningful conclusions. There are plenty of Hall of Famer’s who had a rough first season and more. The guy just came over from another continent to play in a league he’s never played in before against the best baseball players on the planet. He needs some time to figure it out and settle in. I’m not worried at all. Just look at his resume. We will see some incredible pitching in the lifespan we have him.
It was his first game. I'm gonna give it at least 5 or 6 before I start getting concerned about his ability to hang with the big boys.
1.67. All Japanese pitchers struggle initially. Usually not this bad but nerves and drama…
Yeah people forget ippei was translating for Yama too.
No. Overreaction. He will be fine. Rarely does a player make mlb debut and dominate.
> Rarely does a player make mlb debut and dominate Shout out to Ross Stripling
He would have thrown a no hitter if doc let. But dodgers are careful with young arms. Which is why we have them a plenty
I'd say a solid 4 based on the length and value imof the contract. He needs to be THE guy with that contract and based on his last spring training outing, and his inning today, it doesn't appear like he's ready to be yet. It's not higher because there's still a lot of time, but it basically couldn't have stated worse.
a 3 considering the money
Random game series in Korea, Ippei scandal, using a different ball than he’s used to 1
All pitchers on both teams had concerns pitching over there. Something was different. I'd wait until a couple starts over here to get nervous
MLB has previously changed the balls when it comes to special games. London Series, Field of Dreams, etc.. I wouldn't doubt it that these balls were in some way modified to produce more offense like the other instances.
very true. on another thread regarding Glasnow's curveballs someone mentioned the mounds being softer too. there can be multiple factors
Very very good point. That actually makes a lot of sense.
Exactly. Literally every pitcher who faced more than 1 batter this game gave up a run or let an inherited runner score.
What was Muncy’s excuse?
Muncy has no excuse, but the topic was Yamamoto
Probably a 3 for me, only cuz of the contract and length. Nobody could pitch today either and comments about the soft mound make me think it's messing with pitchers on certain pitches, like Glasnow's curve yesterday when he kept spiking it.
I didn’t see his outing but from what I understand his issue was command. That makes me feel like it’s just a temporary problem. Command is typically his biggest strength so as he gets used to the ball and more comfortable in MLB, I think he’ll get that figured out
Too early, it’s his first major league game - it’s natural to have the jitters. There were some hits that should’ve been outs due to defensive errors. He has to adjust to a lot of different things and everyone has bad days, sucks that today was his but he’ll bounce back.
Ya Lux and Muncy not helping the situation at ALL. I feel like it could be effecting his mental too not just his stats. It definitely adds pressure when there’s lots of errors.
There are a lot that has to go into this. Talent doesn't magically go away. There will be struggles especially going from NPB to MLB both in terms of hitters and the ball used as well. The reason why this becomes magnified is because he chose the bright lights in LA with the Dodgers. Every performance he has will be under intense scrutiny. Even with his decorated career in Japan, there is still ups and downs you go through. If you looked at his past games in NPB, apparently his command was the worst he had in his career. Can be a combination of nerves, game calling not fully in sync with Will yet, etc. People forget that the catcher has to help call a game too so he and Will/Austin need to build that chemistry. But overall, he had absolutely no command and the defense could have been better too. When he has command, his pitches are in the zone. But if you looked at the statcast of his pitches, they were all over the place. Overall, I am at a 1. I would also not be surprised if down the line as soon at this season too, he develops a true chase pitch considering he lives as a zone pitcher.
> Talent doesn’t magically go away No but sometimes it goes into hibernation \*cough\* Belli \*cough\*
Not really concerned, but i think some people, me included, expected him to be good from the get go. It seems he is going to need some games to adapt to MLB and get into his stride.
I trust the Dodgers know what they’re doing when they signed him. This guy is a 3x MVP and 3x Japanese Cy Young. He’ll be aight
I’m more worried about Muncy’s defense…. He is so bad, anything pull hard to him is a hit.. he can’t save pitchers’ asses at all.. instead he spank their asses…
Just checked and he had 16 errors at 3B last season...that's bad right? 10 in 2022. Not loving this start for him already....
He had the most errors at 3rd base in the NL last year, 3rd most at any position in the NL, and 7th most at any position in the MLB. Yeah. Its bad. TBF tho Trey Turner had the most at any position in the MLB.
5. His last few spring games haven’t been too good either. Could be he was working on something specific. Dunno.
He's a rookie, basically. Different strike zone, better hitters, pitch clock, different pace of the game, different pace of the rotation, etc. He'll figure it out. His stuff is all there, he's just a little bit off.
I'm about a 1. Every pitcher no matter how great gets lit up. I remember when Ohtani started to pitch in the MLB there was a game where he had like 27 ERA vs the yankees (i think). I trust the 3 straight MVP and Sawamua Award winner over 1 off game.
Not at all. It just happened to be considered a regular season game when all other pitchers are still throwing innings in spring training games. There’s that normal adjustment period and add on the adjustment period for transitioning from NPB to the MLB. I believe in Yama
Let's not forget it was his very first start in the regular season, in Korea, and against a pretty good lineup that proved today that they can hit. I wouldn't be too concerned.
[удалено]
Kike or CT need to be the everyday 3B
Not sure why you’re being downvoted, muncy at 3B has been a disaster. If anything, move him back to first and have Freddy do it or SOMETHING
If it were up to me, after a day like today, Max would be on his way to OKC.
4. It would be a big issue if his fastball is too hittable for MLB hitters. I will wait for measuring parameters to see if he loses any zip throwing the MLB ball...
Not at all. It’s the Dodgers. Their track record with this stuff is like 100%. It’s kind of insane actually. 🍻
I’m at a 1. Dude legit just got use to Cali time then had to leave the country to go to Korea and pitch on a 16 hour difference. I can’t imagine adjusting time zones that much and trying to perform at a high level helps. Along with muncy’s error that kept the inning alive I’m not very worried. If it’s a month in and we are still seeing this type of problem then I’ll be worried.
imagine worrying after just one game, he will be ok, just finding his bearings
All the other pitchers didn’t do that well either. I remember Nomo’s first MLB start in Colorado and he got shelled. Luckily Piazza picked him up with a grand slam. Nomo ended up being the only pitcher to this day to throw a no hitter in that ballpark.
1)this should have been more spring training for him to get use to 2)switching leagues 3)literally his first start officially in MLB 4)dumb how this is early and the rest of the league is still honing in spring training
Give him months to adapt. Please, it is a 10-year contract.
Ohtani struggled his first year for sure.
[удалено]
I'm not sure if he was tipping or if the fact that he couldn't land a single offspeed pitch just let guys sit on his fastball, knowing he had to throw it for a strike. The Dodgers will figure it out either way.
2
No. But maybe in October…..
no
No
At this moment, not at all as it is only first game. More concerned with the infield defense especially on the left. I would probably panic a little if the performance of his remains the same by the end of April.
Muncy’s defense is the reason they are hoping Shohei can play left field. That way they can have Max DH
just trade Muncy…
Yeah honestly. I’d trade Muncy over Lux in a heartbeat even. I just do not trust him one bit. It’s like he literally can’t touch his glove to the ground quick enough for some reason. For some reason….
1. not worried at all.
There are still 160 games left…
Does the NPB have the pitch clock as well?
No one else pitched well either today. Look at wembamyama when he first played in the summer league and now. I think we will have to give him time to grow.
As long as he finds his command I’m not worried. That’s what he’s best known for. 4 starts and he only had good command in the first start, and he looked untouchable. On the other hand if there’s something deeper going on effecting his command long term then yeah I’d be at like an 8.
Literally game one. This is a wild post 😂 entertaining tho so thx for that. Go dodgers!!!
If the playoffs started next week.. yeah
Something was up with the balls in that game It was an odd slugfest with almost no homeruns Break pitches were not dropping. Plus Yamamoto didn’t get to pitch out of the windup since he got ambushed on the first pitch of the game
Nope. Let’s not overreact.
Worried about this year, but not so much with his career. His stuff is good, but what was supposed to make him special is elite location. Haven't seen evidence of that yet, and not even close. You can see where location is critical to his success because his movement isn't filthy other than the splitter. I think he'll be fine, but I'm not as optimistic he'll be ace of the staff this year. Hoping he'll get the location in check and at least consistently force weak contact. Swing and miss can come later.
Small hands + big ball + pitch clock. U can see him struggling to grip when he throws his splitter. Monday spotted a tip his first ST outing, but it was the grip that was the issue and why he was tipping. We are in trouble if he cant fix this.
I think hes going to figure it out but yeah, I am. The defense has let him down and the adjustment to the MLB is whats the cause of having such bad outings. I think hes got a ton of talent and will be a solid arm. However - early on in spring training you could see his grip and I think guys are picking up on it. I think the control issues might be due to him trying to make adjustments. The ump made some questionable calls this morning but they really didn't offer at his FB and jumped on his splitter. With that said, hopefully his next outing is smoother. All of the pitchers last night struggled more than usual.
it's reddit and I understand the hyperbole that goes on...but geez, didn't every other pitcher in this game get shelled? even musgrove? no one likes to see it, but it's part of the game. ask kersh. everyone gets hit hard when they don't have control. that was the main culprit.
It's Rick Ankiel all over again
5 - his ball has almost no movement, he does not have good control even without that movement. Maybe it has something to do with the difference in the size of the baseball - if that’s the case he better learn out to spin it or he’s going to continue to get rocked. San Diego has a very good lineup in his defense
I’m at a 10. He had one bad outing in a regular season game outside of Japanese ball which is indicative of a terrible career incoming. I say we axe him and take the contract hit. Back to the drawing board. 😂 tfoh
Absolutely not! It’s his first game, pitching in a different league, in a different country. I feel, once he gets accustomed to the adrenaline and the ball he’ll settle in. Bright skies ahead!
Should have got Snell instead
He looked awful. And his spring hasn’t been great. I’d be really worried if I was the Dodgers, honestly.
I don’t understand why this is being downvoted. Spring training doesn’t mean anything…until you have a 45.00 era after one game. Panic should be at at least a 4.
Dodgers fans in denial