Spring training and the opening of the 2019 season have been pushed aside by the arrival of the M's and the A's in Japan. There is undeniable excitement from all involved about this trip and considerable anticipation at the welcome Ichiro will receive at the Tokyo Dome. The major league debut of Yusei Kikuchi, ironically occuring in his homeland and, to a much lessor extent, the return of former Japan league players, M's Wade LeBlanc and A's Cliff Pennington sparks interest. Of course, Japanese fans are also thrilled to see hall of famers, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Ricky Henderson as part of the entourage.
It's instructive to read the English-language edition of the Japan Times. They are as curious as we are to Ichiro's next move, with some sentiment that he use his Tokyo games to retire from playing. But those interviewed concede that it's Ichiro's call and he has always made his own decisions. Just reading between the lines, it feels like Suzuki is not real happy right now. He looked thuggish with his knit cap pulled low coming off the plane and seemed sullen at a press conference, irritated they didn't ask manager Scott Servais more questions
Felix, however, was elated to arrive, greeting the crowd of fans and press at Haneda airport, with "I'm here! I'm here."
What hasn't been given much notice is the fact that, former M's starter, Hisashi Iwakuma has returned to Japan and joined the Giant team. He's on the roster, but it is unclesr if he is ready to pitch.
By the way, there are two North American pitchers, both relievers, on the Yomiuri Giants roster. Scott Mathieson, who appears to be hurt, and Ryan Cook, who pitched for the M's last year. Cook appeared in 19 games, went 2 and 1 with a less than impressive 5.29 ERA. Cook, who also pitched with the A's a couple of seasons, appears to be their closer.
Shout outs to Jen Mueller of Root Sports and Shannon Drayer of Northwest Sports (KIRO-710) who do a great job of keeping in touch.
What hasn't been given much notice is the fact that, former M's starter, Hisashi Iwakuma has returned to Japan and joined the Giant team. He's on the roster, but it is unclesr if he is ready to pitch.
By the way, there are two North American pitchers, both relievers, on the Yomiuri Giants roster. Scott Mathieson, who appears to be hurt, and Ryan Cook, who pitched for the M's last year. Cook appeared in 19 games, went 2 and 1 with a less than impressive 5.29 ERA. Cook, who also pitched with the A's a couple of seasons, appears to be their closer.
Shout outs to Jen Mueller of Root Sports and Shannon Drayer of Northwest Sports (KIRO-710) who do a great job of keeping in touch.
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