1 00:00:02,480 --> 00:00:05,960 Speaker 1: Welcome to Dodger Blue Dream. I'm Richard Parks the Third. 2 00:00:06,519 --> 00:00:11,039 Speaker 1: It is Sunday, October twenty six, twenty twenty five, and 3 00:00:11,119 --> 00:00:14,960 Speaker 1: the Dodgers have tied the Jays in the World Series, 4 00:00:15,200 --> 00:00:18,560 Speaker 1: winning last night's game handily five to one. 5 00:00:19,040 --> 00:00:21,079 Speaker 2: Travel day for the Fall Classic. 6 00:00:21,480 --> 00:00:24,840 Speaker 1: Dodgers and Blue Jays are headed back to Los Angeles, 7 00:00:24,960 --> 00:00:29,000 Speaker 1: where games three through five will be held, and for 8 00:00:29,120 --> 00:00:31,680 Speaker 1: so much of the game last night, that score was 9 00:00:31,760 --> 00:00:36,760 Speaker 1: locked up at one to one. A classic postseason pitchers 10 00:00:36,840 --> 00:00:40,640 Speaker 1: duel with two studs on the mound duking it out, 11 00:00:41,159 --> 00:00:46,920 Speaker 1: Kevin Goussman for the Jays and Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the Dodgers. 12 00:00:47,280 --> 00:00:49,800 Speaker 2: We're matching one another inning for inning. 13 00:00:50,120 --> 00:00:54,120 Speaker 1: After letting in a run apiece early on, both hurlers 14 00:00:54,400 --> 00:00:58,040 Speaker 1: tuned to a dominant frequency and it was a question 15 00:00:58,200 --> 00:01:01,880 Speaker 1: of whose offense could strike first and maybe get into 16 00:01:01,920 --> 00:01:05,240 Speaker 1: the bullpen, a weak area on both sides. 17 00:01:05,360 --> 00:01:08,800 Speaker 3: All for fourteen on that four scene fastball who blinks first? 18 00:01:10,120 --> 00:01:13,360 Speaker 3: Seventeen straight retired by Gozman. The Dodgers got their run 19 00:01:13,480 --> 00:01:15,520 Speaker 3: back to back two out hits in the first inning 20 00:01:15,640 --> 00:01:18,200 Speaker 3: Freeman Doublin will Smith, who comes up here as single. 21 00:01:19,319 --> 00:01:22,960 Speaker 1: When Will Smith dug in to face Kevin Goussman for 22 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:25,760 Speaker 1: the third time in the top of the seventh inning, 23 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:29,880 Speaker 1: the Dodgers catcher knew that Goussman had been throwing him 24 00:01:30,120 --> 00:01:34,600 Speaker 1: nothing but four seam fastballs all night, nibbling at the 25 00:01:34,640 --> 00:01:37,679 Speaker 1: bottom of the zone. That was the key to Gousman's 26 00:01:37,680 --> 00:01:41,800 Speaker 1: success last night. He'd been locating this pitch expertly. But 27 00:01:41,920 --> 00:01:44,959 Speaker 1: Smithy had connected in both of his first two at bats, 28 00:01:45,280 --> 00:01:48,080 Speaker 1: driving in the loan Dodgers run with a single in 29 00:01:48,120 --> 00:01:50,920 Speaker 1: the first inning and flying out to right field in 30 00:01:50,960 --> 00:01:51,520 Speaker 1: the fourth. 31 00:01:51,760 --> 00:01:56,480 Speaker 3: First one to Smith, fastball inside nothing. Smith takes a 32 00:01:56,520 --> 00:02:02,120 Speaker 3: shrow one one but all four seam fastball. 33 00:02:03,480 --> 00:02:05,880 Speaker 1: Smitty fouls went off on his first swing of the 34 00:02:05,920 --> 00:02:07,320 Speaker 1: at bat, and it's. 35 00:02:07,120 --> 00:02:16,320 Speaker 2: Three and two. The three two, four seam fastball. 36 00:02:17,080 --> 00:02:21,840 Speaker 1: But this one wasn't nibbling the lower half of the zone. Instead, 37 00:02:22,040 --> 00:02:24,799 Speaker 1: it was up and on the inner half of the plate. 38 00:02:25,360 --> 00:02:29,600 Speaker 1: Smitty clocks it, pulls his massive muscular arms in just 39 00:02:29,680 --> 00:02:38,080 Speaker 1: a scoch and goes into a short, compact swing and 40 00:02:38,120 --> 00:02:39,600 Speaker 1: then he watches it fly. 41 00:02:41,400 --> 00:02:42,640 Speaker 2: High, drive tape. 42 00:02:42,440 --> 00:02:43,320 Speaker 4: To a field. 43 00:02:43,639 --> 00:02:44,639 Speaker 5: The Smith with it. 44 00:02:44,760 --> 00:02:46,560 Speaker 2: That swing into the. 45 00:02:46,600 --> 00:02:49,400 Speaker 3: Second des He's giving the Dodgers the. 46 00:02:49,400 --> 00:02:50,160 Speaker 2: Lead of the show. 47 00:02:51,840 --> 00:02:56,000 Speaker 1: Parance of the Dodgers, dugout, flips the bat aside and 48 00:02:56,120 --> 00:03:00,000 Speaker 1: lets out a roar. The ball landed in the bleacher 49 00:03:00,320 --> 00:03:04,919 Speaker 1: some four hundred and four feet away. The Dodgers had 50 00:03:04,960 --> 00:03:08,399 Speaker 1: the lead and there was no looking back. Gausman made 51 00:03:08,400 --> 00:03:12,160 Speaker 1: another mistake to Max Munsey later that inning that had 52 00:03:12,200 --> 00:03:13,480 Speaker 1: the same result. 53 00:03:14,320 --> 00:03:16,639 Speaker 2: Fastball lifted in the air deep left field. 54 00:03:16,720 --> 00:03:22,320 Speaker 3: Lucas joined back bis flum Max Muson with a second 55 00:03:22,360 --> 00:03:23,320 Speaker 3: Soto shot at. 56 00:03:23,280 --> 00:03:27,519 Speaker 1: The eddioting and as he rounds the bases, Monsey holds 57 00:03:27,560 --> 00:03:30,600 Speaker 1: up his index finger to his lips and goes sh 58 00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:35,320 Speaker 1: to the Toronto crowd. And from that point on the 59 00:03:35,440 --> 00:03:40,520 Speaker 1: game was Yoshinobu yamamotos there goes. 60 00:03:40,200 --> 00:03:43,880 Speaker 3: It's a curve that falls in for strike three. Strike 61 00:03:43,920 --> 00:03:48,240 Speaker 3: three called on Barger. Fastball in there at the knees down, 62 00:03:48,320 --> 00:03:50,560 Speaker 3: this time on the high fastball. 63 00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:55,720 Speaker 1: Fastball splitty twelve to six curve. Yamamoto had all of 64 00:03:55,760 --> 00:03:59,080 Speaker 1: his pitches working for him, boxing by. 65 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:03,840 Speaker 3: The short from Muki's routine for Muncie boumps back to him. 66 00:04:03,920 --> 00:04:06,120 Speaker 3: Yamamoto's got it takes his time. 67 00:04:06,440 --> 00:04:11,600 Speaker 1: Yamamoto ended up going the distance a complete game, and 68 00:04:11,720 --> 00:04:15,080 Speaker 1: for the last seven or so innings, none of the 69 00:04:15,200 --> 00:04:20,560 Speaker 1: Jays did nothing. Yamamoto retired twenty in a row. In 70 00:04:20,640 --> 00:04:24,960 Speaker 1: a game of inches, where a slight mistake can cost you, 71 00:04:25,279 --> 00:04:33,920 Speaker 1: he was close to perfect, this being his second consecutive 72 00:04:33,960 --> 00:04:37,839 Speaker 1: complete game in the postseason. Yoshi is now in a 73 00:04:37,880 --> 00:04:44,960 Speaker 1: category with Oral Sandy on the most legendary and iconic 74 00:04:45,040 --> 00:04:49,080 Speaker 1: Dodgers pictures of all time. And the Boys in Blue 75 00:04:49,120 --> 00:04:52,479 Speaker 1: were headed back to Los Angeles, now tied with the 76 00:04:52,600 --> 00:04:56,400 Speaker 1: Jays one to one after that horrible blowout in Game one. 77 00:04:57,040 --> 00:04:59,960 Speaker 1: It was the vibe shift that we needed so desperate, 78 00:05:00,360 --> 00:05:04,719 Speaker 1: and it's all thanks to Yoshi Nobu Yamamoto. And look, 79 00:05:04,800 --> 00:05:08,840 Speaker 1: here's the deal on a team of superstars. Maybe Yama 80 00:05:08,920 --> 00:05:12,120 Speaker 1: is getting a little bit lost in the mix, slightly 81 00:05:12,120 --> 00:05:16,400 Speaker 1: in the shadows behind the show haze. The mookis the Freddy's, 82 00:05:17,040 --> 00:05:20,960 Speaker 1: even the Kershaws. But this Game two performance and its 83 00:05:21,080 --> 00:05:25,359 Speaker 1: historical significance is getting a ton of very well deserved 84 00:05:25,440 --> 00:05:30,599 Speaker 1: media attention for Yamamoto, who is somewhat quietly arguably the 85 00:05:30,600 --> 00:05:34,160 Speaker 1: best pitcher in the National League, and he'll probably finish 86 00:05:34,240 --> 00:05:37,799 Speaker 1: second in Cy Young voting to Paul Skeins. The yams 87 00:05:37,880 --> 00:05:40,360 Speaker 1: is just in his second year as a Dodger, his 88 00:05:40,440 --> 00:05:43,600 Speaker 1: second year in the major leagues, having already had an 89 00:05:43,640 --> 00:05:47,000 Speaker 1: amazing career in Japan. So we're just getting to know 90 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:51,640 Speaker 1: this charming young fella. But with his ten year contract, 91 00:05:52,440 --> 00:05:54,200 Speaker 1: we're going to be spending a lot of time with 92 00:05:54,279 --> 00:05:58,160 Speaker 1: this guy. So today on the show, we're going to 93 00:05:58,279 --> 00:06:03,200 Speaker 1: focus on Yoshi Nobu Yamamoto by rebroadcasting one of our 94 00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:08,080 Speaker 1: episodes from last season, Yo Yo Yamamoto. As with all 95 00:06:08,120 --> 00:06:11,000 Speaker 1: of our portraits of the boys in Blue, these things 96 00:06:11,000 --> 00:06:13,440 Speaker 1: are ever green in nature. You can listen to them 97 00:06:13,480 --> 00:06:16,480 Speaker 1: anytime and they'll be just as relevant. So as we 98 00:06:16,560 --> 00:06:19,039 Speaker 1: have a day off from the world series today, I 99 00:06:19,080 --> 00:06:28,120 Speaker 1: wanted to put this together for you, Yammo, yoshinam. 100 00:06:27,520 --> 00:06:28,280 Speaker 2: Sino Bir. 101 00:06:28,960 --> 00:06:32,200 Speaker 1: Thanks for tuning in to Dodger Blue Dream. I'm Richard 102 00:06:32,279 --> 00:06:37,160 Speaker 1: Parks the third today's episode, Yo Yo Yamamoto. 103 00:06:38,440 --> 00:06:39,360 Speaker 2: We'll be right back. 104 00:06:39,600 --> 00:07:08,960 Speaker 4: After a short break, it time for Dodger Base. 105 00:07:11,240 --> 00:07:14,320 Speaker 3: Mid time residents have it forced to evacuate as the 106 00:07:14,480 --> 00:07:17,960 Speaker 3: line fire in San Bernardino County continues to growl. 107 00:07:17,800 --> 00:07:20,520 Speaker 1: With the record break and keep wave causing power problems 108 00:07:20,600 --> 00:07:21,880 Speaker 1: across southern California. 109 00:07:21,920 --> 00:07:25,720 Speaker 6: Harrison, former President Trump will be facing off in Philadelphia tonight. 110 00:07:25,760 --> 00:07:28,040 Speaker 6: They're going to be debating at a pivotal time with 111 00:07:28,400 --> 00:07:29,800 Speaker 6: just reas development. 112 00:07:29,400 --> 00:07:29,960 Speaker 5: On the election. 113 00:07:37,680 --> 00:07:44,640 Speaker 1: September tenth, twenty twenty four, with the temperature dipping below 114 00:07:44,720 --> 00:07:48,200 Speaker 1: triple digits for the first time all week, a cool 115 00:07:48,280 --> 00:07:53,520 Speaker 1: breeze wafted through Chavez Ravine. The San Gabriel Mountains shone bright, 116 00:07:53,720 --> 00:07:57,800 Speaker 1: backgrounded in the distance by massive smoke clouds, chrome and 117 00:07:57,960 --> 00:08:01,760 Speaker 1: pink from the nearby fires. It was Guatemalan Heritage Night 118 00:08:01,800 --> 00:08:05,600 Speaker 1: at Dodger Stadium, and the vibes were high, because they 119 00:08:05,640 --> 00:08:08,720 Speaker 1: always are at the ballpark, a welcome escape from the 120 00:08:08,800 --> 00:08:12,160 Speaker 1: anxieties of present day life. But there was extra excitement 121 00:08:12,280 --> 00:08:16,080 Speaker 1: for Tuesday night's game against the Chicago Cubs because we 122 00:08:16,240 --> 00:08:27,680 Speaker 1: were going to see Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Pitch Cub said can 123 00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:34,200 Speaker 1: this season, our starting pitching has been a constant source 124 00:08:34,280 --> 00:08:37,959 Speaker 1: of anxiety for Dodger fans. Our staff has been plagued 125 00:08:38,040 --> 00:08:42,360 Speaker 1: by injuries and uncertainties all season long. You cannot go 126 00:08:42,559 --> 00:08:46,400 Speaker 1: deep in the postseason without a great starting rotation. And 127 00:08:46,559 --> 00:08:51,000 Speaker 1: now October is just around the corner. Yams was supposed 128 00:08:51,040 --> 00:08:55,160 Speaker 1: to be our golden boy, but after a solid start 129 00:08:55,200 --> 00:08:58,040 Speaker 1: to his season, he'd been out now for more than 130 00:08:58,240 --> 00:09:02,920 Speaker 1: three months with a rotator cuff injury, and in Yamamoto's absence, 131 00:09:03,120 --> 00:09:05,040 Speaker 1: things have gone from bad to worse. 132 00:09:06,040 --> 00:09:09,000 Speaker 2: We can't win the World Series without his help. 133 00:09:09,960 --> 00:09:12,880 Speaker 1: What would he be capable of in his first start 134 00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:16,880 Speaker 1: against major league hitting since before the summer solstice? Would 135 00:09:16,920 --> 00:09:21,439 Speaker 1: his fastball have speed, would his splitter deceive? Would his 136 00:09:21,559 --> 00:09:24,120 Speaker 1: curve fall off the table or would it linger too 137 00:09:24,200 --> 00:09:26,760 Speaker 1: long in the strike zone only to be walloped into 138 00:09:26,800 --> 00:09:30,600 Speaker 1: the pavilion by one of the Cubbies sluggers. This start 139 00:09:31,080 --> 00:09:34,760 Speaker 1: was a test good or bad. I knew that I 140 00:09:34,960 --> 00:09:39,240 Speaker 1: had to be there in person to witness. Welcome to 141 00:09:39,360 --> 00:09:44,679 Speaker 1: Dodger Blue Dream. I'm Richard Parks the third Today's episode, 142 00:09:45,520 --> 00:09:47,760 Speaker 1: yo Yo Yamamoto. 143 00:10:09,840 --> 00:10:13,319 Speaker 5: This MiLB off season free agency is going to be 144 00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:16,240 Speaker 5: dominated by Yoshi Nobu Yamamoto. 145 00:10:16,800 --> 00:10:19,480 Speaker 1: When it was announced that Yamamoto would be making the 146 00:10:19,640 --> 00:10:23,360 Speaker 1: jump from Nippon Professional Baseball, the Major League equivalent in 147 00:10:23,440 --> 00:10:27,360 Speaker 1: Japan to the US this past offseason, Yama was coming 148 00:10:27,440 --> 00:10:30,040 Speaker 1: off of one of the most impressive three years since. 149 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:33,640 Speaker 2: In the history of pitching, Yamamoto is the ace of 150 00:10:33,760 --> 00:10:34,720 Speaker 2: the ORX Buffalo. 151 00:10:42,080 --> 00:10:44,760 Speaker 1: He had won the Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award 152 00:10:44,920 --> 00:10:45,600 Speaker 1: three times. 153 00:10:48,559 --> 00:10:49,480 Speaker 2: He had won the A. G. 154 00:10:49,679 --> 00:10:53,679 Speaker 1: Sawamura Award, the equivalent of the Sayng Award, three times, 155 00:10:56,840 --> 00:11:00,280 Speaker 1: and he had won the Triple Crown three times. He 156 00:11:00,400 --> 00:11:05,480 Speaker 1: had led his league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA three times. 157 00:11:05,559 --> 00:11:08,760 Speaker 5: He is also a World champion and a Gold medalist. 158 00:11:09,240 --> 00:11:11,560 Speaker 1: Throw in a couple of no hitters for good measures. 159 00:11:14,240 --> 00:11:17,520 Speaker 1: And Yamamoto had done all of this by the tender 160 00:11:17,679 --> 00:11:24,319 Speaker 1: age of twenty five. That's insane. In the face of 161 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:27,800 Speaker 1: these accomplishments, there is no other player or person to 162 00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:31,319 Speaker 1: compare him to, and given his youth, it's conceivable that 163 00:11:31,440 --> 00:11:33,320 Speaker 1: the best is still yet to come. 164 00:11:33,720 --> 00:11:38,240 Speaker 5: We're talking easily the most hyped up Japanese prospect since 165 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:39,280 Speaker 5: Shoho Tani. 166 00:11:39,720 --> 00:11:44,640 Speaker 1: Naturally, every major league team was interested in Yamamoto's contract, 167 00:11:45,120 --> 00:11:47,560 Speaker 1: and his free agency had much of the same buzz 168 00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:49,840 Speaker 1: of his countrymen's Shoheyo Tanis. 169 00:11:50,400 --> 00:11:52,880 Speaker 2: I've never seen a free agency like Otani's. 170 00:11:52,960 --> 00:11:56,600 Speaker 6: There's never been someone who's so committed to not telling us. 171 00:11:56,679 --> 00:12:01,480 Speaker 1: I say, both of these figures were mysterious for Shohey 172 00:12:01,559 --> 00:12:06,599 Speaker 1: and his representatives. Secrecy was a negotiating tactic for Yamamoto. 173 00:12:07,040 --> 00:12:08,680 Speaker 1: We just hadn't seen this guy much. 174 00:12:09,120 --> 00:12:14,520 Speaker 7: Winner of this game takes coolb and advances to the quarterfinals. 175 00:12:14,840 --> 00:12:17,480 Speaker 1: But we had seen him pitch during the World Baseball 176 00:12:17,600 --> 00:12:19,360 Speaker 1: Classic in twenty twenty three. 177 00:12:19,679 --> 00:12:22,720 Speaker 2: Another game, Another Japanese phenom. 178 00:12:22,720 --> 00:12:24,520 Speaker 1: And the first thing that stood out to me about 179 00:12:24,559 --> 00:12:26,320 Speaker 1: him was his modest stature. 180 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:28,400 Speaker 8: One hundred and seventy pounds. 181 00:12:28,480 --> 00:12:34,520 Speaker 2: My goodness, most prolific strikeout pitcher in PB. Janelly cannot 182 00:12:34,559 --> 00:12:35,040 Speaker 2: hold up. 183 00:12:35,120 --> 00:12:39,559 Speaker 1: That's three and strike out number one for Yamaoto, and 184 00:12:39,720 --> 00:12:41,360 Speaker 1: he has a peculiar delivery. 185 00:12:41,559 --> 00:12:43,800 Speaker 8: One thing that'll jump out at you when watching Yamamoto 186 00:12:43,920 --> 00:12:47,040 Speaker 8: is a unique pitching mechanics. You can see Yamamoto throws 187 00:12:47,080 --> 00:12:49,480 Speaker 8: out of a slidestep in lieu of a big leg 188 00:12:49,559 --> 00:12:50,520 Speaker 8: lift in his wind. 189 00:12:50,400 --> 00:12:53,280 Speaker 1: Up, starting with his hands at the letters of his uniform, 190 00:12:53,400 --> 00:12:56,319 Speaker 1: and then with a relatively subtle lead kick, he kind 191 00:12:56,360 --> 00:12:59,520 Speaker 1: of twists and coils his body back to then propel 192 00:12:59,559 --> 00:13:01,200 Speaker 1: his weight forward off the mound. 193 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:03,720 Speaker 8: He said he ditched his leg lift because he felt 194 00:13:03,760 --> 00:13:06,480 Speaker 8: like he was getting stuck and instead now focuses on 195 00:13:06,559 --> 00:13:09,240 Speaker 8: his weight transfer and in the end there's no weight 196 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:12,640 Speaker 8: left on his back leg. He models his mechanics after 197 00:13:12,920 --> 00:13:14,439 Speaker 8: javelin throwers mechanics. 198 00:13:14,679 --> 00:13:17,079 Speaker 7: It's different than what the hitters used to so from 199 00:13:17,120 --> 00:13:20,200 Speaker 7: a timing standpoint, it I mean it throws it off 200 00:13:20,840 --> 00:13:23,680 Speaker 7: and watching him pitch, he immediately struck me as an 201 00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:28,880 Speaker 7: impish menace to too Froze Glenn Dinning. Two strikeouts in 202 00:13:28,960 --> 00:13:34,079 Speaker 7: the first inning for Yamamogo retired this first sixties faced tonight. 203 00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:39,480 Speaker 2: Yamahodo strikes out wind Row. He's got two k's in 204 00:13:39,559 --> 00:13:40,960 Speaker 2: every inning, eight total. 205 00:13:42,760 --> 00:13:43,520 Speaker 3: William Dolan. 206 00:13:45,040 --> 00:13:47,760 Speaker 1: His pitches have crazy movement, and there are a lot 207 00:13:47,800 --> 00:13:51,880 Speaker 1: of them. A four seam fastball that explodes with late life, 208 00:13:52,160 --> 00:13:54,320 Speaker 1: as if it run over one of those turbo charging 209 00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:58,960 Speaker 1: speed strips on Mario Kart, a splitter that tumbles off 210 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:01,480 Speaker 1: the table just before where it crosses the plate like 211 00:14:01,559 --> 00:14:05,920 Speaker 1: a train running off the tracks. And a slow sweeping 212 00:14:06,040 --> 00:14:09,880 Speaker 1: curveball that bends like a rubber band. Throwing a two 213 00:14:09,960 --> 00:14:13,520 Speaker 1: seam fastball plus a cutter for good measure, and Yamamoto's 214 00:14:13,640 --> 00:14:16,920 Speaker 1: arsenal is two to three times that of the typical 215 00:14:17,080 --> 00:14:20,640 Speaker 1: major league pitcher. Watching him pitch, it's hard not to 216 00:14:20,720 --> 00:14:24,160 Speaker 1: think of the Japanese concept of shokunu. He is a 217 00:14:24,240 --> 00:14:27,480 Speaker 1: craftsman on the highest level, an artisan on the mound, 218 00:14:27,640 --> 00:14:31,640 Speaker 1: with a modest, minimal, sui generous style you just don't 219 00:14:31,680 --> 00:14:33,080 Speaker 1: see in American pitchers. 220 00:14:34,120 --> 00:14:42,280 Speaker 7: One strike away, that's three and that's four wins for 221 00:14:42,440 --> 00:14:47,240 Speaker 7: Japan and pool be the top team in their pool 222 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:49,520 Speaker 7: the twenty twenty three World Baseball Classic. 223 00:14:51,320 --> 00:14:54,760 Speaker 1: After I'd seen him pitch, my mind was set. I 224 00:14:54,960 --> 00:14:56,440 Speaker 1: wanted him ad. 225 00:15:01,240 --> 00:15:04,480 Speaker 8: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is going to be one of the 226 00:15:04,600 --> 00:15:06,680 Speaker 8: highest paid free agents this offseason. 227 00:15:06,920 --> 00:15:11,520 Speaker 5: There's not really any specified geographic location that he reportedly favors. 228 00:15:12,600 --> 00:15:17,400 Speaker 1: With Shohy Yoshinobu Yamamoto was the story of the offseason 229 00:15:17,520 --> 00:15:20,480 Speaker 1: this year. Where would these players sign and for how 230 00:15:20,560 --> 00:15:23,680 Speaker 1: much money? It was the source of constant speculation and 231 00:15:23,800 --> 00:15:27,880 Speaker 1: conversation in the baseball world all winter long, and then 232 00:15:28,160 --> 00:15:29,800 Speaker 1: on December eleventh. 233 00:15:29,920 --> 00:15:34,520 Speaker 8: Oh Tani makes his decision known on his Instagram page. 234 00:15:35,480 --> 00:15:38,200 Speaker 1: After the Dodgers signed show Hey, we were all of 235 00:15:38,400 --> 00:15:42,960 Speaker 1: course elated, but the money Show Hey was getting was insane. 236 00:15:43,400 --> 00:15:46,640 Speaker 1: At seven hundred million dollars, it was the largest contract 237 00:15:46,720 --> 00:15:49,520 Speaker 1: in sports history, and it ended up being about two 238 00:15:49,640 --> 00:15:52,560 Speaker 1: hundred million more than anybody had initially thought it would be. 239 00:15:52,920 --> 00:15:56,720 Speaker 1: And even a team like the Dodgers has somewhat limited resources. 240 00:15:57,760 --> 00:16:01,040 Speaker 1: And in the meantime, Yamamoto was linked to so many 241 00:16:01,080 --> 00:16:03,880 Speaker 1: other teams. He was in New York meeting with the Mets, 242 00:16:04,240 --> 00:16:06,520 Speaker 1: he was in Chicago meeting with the Cubs, he was 243 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:09,280 Speaker 1: in San Francisco, and of course the Yankees were in 244 00:16:09,400 --> 00:16:12,640 Speaker 1: on it. It just didn't seem likely that, especially after 245 00:16:12,800 --> 00:16:16,480 Speaker 1: getting show heyed, we'd be able to sign Yamamoto as well. 246 00:16:16,960 --> 00:16:20,640 Speaker 1: I was tempering my desires, thinking during those weeks in 247 00:16:20,760 --> 00:16:23,960 Speaker 1: mid December, I need to work on letting go. You 248 00:16:24,040 --> 00:16:28,160 Speaker 1: can't get everything in life. But then on the third 249 00:16:28,280 --> 00:16:32,360 Speaker 1: day of Christmas, December twenty seventh, we got it done. 250 00:16:32,440 --> 00:16:33,480 Speaker 9: We got the deal done. 251 00:16:33,520 --> 00:16:38,200 Speaker 6: Looking good, not even baseball season, but the Los Angeles 252 00:16:38,280 --> 00:16:41,320 Speaker 6: Dodgers are making a big splash for the second time 253 00:16:41,440 --> 00:16:41,920 Speaker 6: this month. 254 00:16:42,520 --> 00:16:47,640 Speaker 1: Three French hens and one historic baseball talent from Japan. 255 00:16:50,880 --> 00:17:07,040 Speaker 1: We'll be right back, Welcome back to the show. 256 00:17:09,840 --> 00:17:12,480 Speaker 2: There's a new evil empire. It seems like the Dodgers 257 00:17:12,480 --> 00:17:14,959 Speaker 2: are trying to just take over the Baseball World right now, 258 00:17:17,600 --> 00:17:20,159 Speaker 2: Yamamoto came at a steep price. 259 00:17:20,280 --> 00:17:23,560 Speaker 6: However, according to multiple reports, the team has agreed to 260 00:17:23,680 --> 00:17:27,359 Speaker 6: a twelve year, three hundred and twenty five million dollar 261 00:17:27,480 --> 00:17:31,960 Speaker 6: contract with prize Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yawamoto, the. 262 00:17:32,040 --> 00:17:36,639 Speaker 1: Most lucrative contract ever awarded to a pitcher in Major 263 00:17:36,760 --> 00:17:42,040 Speaker 1: League Baseball history. Twelve years, three hundred and twenty five 264 00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:46,760 Speaker 1: million smack arews for a twenty five year old who 265 00:17:46,880 --> 00:17:50,760 Speaker 1: had yet to throw a single pitch in the major leagues. 266 00:17:51,640 --> 00:17:55,000 Speaker 1: And so the Dodgers free agency tally on just these 267 00:17:55,119 --> 00:18:00,960 Speaker 1: two coveted Japanese free agents alone skyrocketed well north of 268 00:18:01,160 --> 00:18:05,920 Speaker 1: one billion dollars. With a bee please join me and 269 00:18:06,040 --> 00:18:12,120 Speaker 1: officially introducing number eighteen Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the Los Angeles Dodgers. 270 00:18:15,320 --> 00:18:18,080 Speaker 1: Of course, knowing that I would be doing this podcast 271 00:18:18,200 --> 00:18:22,560 Speaker 1: episode the following September, I tuned in for Yoshinobu Yamamoto's 272 00:18:22,640 --> 00:18:27,240 Speaker 1: introductory press conference and immediately I liked his vibe. There 273 00:18:27,359 --> 00:18:31,080 Speaker 1: was the strong fashion choice a blue checked three piece 274 00:18:31,280 --> 00:18:36,480 Speaker 1: plaid suit, a pretty baller looking wristwatch, and conversely to 275 00:18:36,720 --> 00:18:41,040 Speaker 1: the somewhat shy retreating and reticent Shohe who had been 276 00:18:41,119 --> 00:18:46,080 Speaker 1: introduced just weeks before. Yamamoto was smiling wide, soaking up 277 00:18:46,160 --> 00:18:47,800 Speaker 1: the limelight in Los Angeles. 278 00:18:48,560 --> 00:18:53,000 Speaker 2: I am beyond ecstatic to become a member of. 279 00:18:55,200 --> 00:18:59,480 Speaker 1: This historic franchise, and he had even prepared a statement 280 00:18:59,600 --> 00:19:06,760 Speaker 1: to read in English. Pictures They're always hands and Yoshinobu 281 00:19:06,920 --> 00:19:09,320 Speaker 1: capped off his day by doing some shopping at the 282 00:19:09,359 --> 00:19:12,040 Speaker 1: Dodger's merch store at the stadium, and then posted a 283 00:19:12,119 --> 00:19:15,640 Speaker 1: video of himself holding up two big bags stuffed full 284 00:19:15,680 --> 00:19:18,679 Speaker 1: of gear. In a day, he had won our hearts. 285 00:19:18,920 --> 00:19:20,800 Speaker 1: Our goal is just to have Yoshino would be the 286 00:19:20,880 --> 00:19:24,639 Speaker 1: best version of Yoshinobu all year and especially when we 287 00:19:24,720 --> 00:19:32,840 Speaker 1: get to October. Over the course of spring training, Yoshinobu 288 00:19:32,960 --> 00:19:36,600 Speaker 1: became one of my favorite people to watch. In addition 289 00:19:36,720 --> 00:19:41,280 Speaker 1: to his unconventional mechanics, there were these unusual workout routines. 290 00:19:41,680 --> 00:19:45,480 Speaker 1: This was briefly mentioned earlier, but Yoshinobu trains as a 291 00:19:45,560 --> 00:19:48,920 Speaker 1: javelin thrower, and so before his starts you see him 292 00:19:49,040 --> 00:19:52,359 Speaker 1: out on the field launching a javelin across the green. 293 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:56,760 Speaker 1: These clips became popular online with Dodger fans, but obviously, 294 00:19:57,200 --> 00:20:00,920 Speaker 1: Yamamoto was not here to become an Instagram sensation or 295 00:20:01,200 --> 00:20:04,440 Speaker 1: a track and field guy. He was here to help 296 00:20:04,560 --> 00:20:08,320 Speaker 1: us win baseball games, and with Tyler glassnow to be 297 00:20:08,760 --> 00:20:12,960 Speaker 1: the ace of the Dodgers' pitching staff, glassnow had signed 298 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:16,359 Speaker 1: a five year, one hundred and thirty six million dollar 299 00:20:16,600 --> 00:20:20,639 Speaker 1: extension in the offseason, and so along with Glass, Yams 300 00:20:20,840 --> 00:20:24,679 Speaker 1: was expected to carry the pitching staff throughout this season 301 00:20:24,960 --> 00:20:31,520 Speaker 1: throughout the entire decade. Historically, Japanese pitchers have a bit 302 00:20:31,560 --> 00:20:34,520 Speaker 1: of trouble making the leap to major league play for 303 00:20:34,840 --> 00:20:40,639 Speaker 1: a few reasons. First, there's the burden of the workload. 304 00:20:41,160 --> 00:20:45,280 Speaker 1: Japanese starters pitch every sixth day. Here in the US 305 00:20:45,600 --> 00:20:50,400 Speaker 1: rotations turnover every five days. American pitchers tend to throw 306 00:20:50,480 --> 00:20:53,879 Speaker 1: at much higher velocities too, and generally the job of 307 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:57,840 Speaker 1: pitching in Major League baseball is more physically demanding than 308 00:20:57,920 --> 00:21:01,840 Speaker 1: it is in Nippon Professional baseball. A. Major league pitchers 309 00:21:01,920 --> 00:21:04,920 Speaker 1: also tend to throw fewer pitches as a result of this, 310 00:21:05,760 --> 00:21:07,560 Speaker 1: It's just a different style of play. 311 00:21:07,880 --> 00:21:11,280 Speaker 2: And that's not all. There's also the baseball itself. 312 00:21:11,840 --> 00:21:14,280 Speaker 1: The ball we used here in the US is slightly 313 00:21:14,359 --> 00:21:17,840 Speaker 1: bigger than the one used in Japan, and Japan's ball 314 00:21:17,960 --> 00:21:21,480 Speaker 1: also has some tackiness intentionally added to the surface ahead 315 00:21:21,520 --> 00:21:25,040 Speaker 1: of time, which helps with grips and adding movement to pitches. 316 00:21:25,840 --> 00:21:29,800 Speaker 1: And last, there is the hitting style and skill level difference. 317 00:21:30,320 --> 00:21:33,320 Speaker 1: Some say that the japan League is equivalent to Triple 318 00:21:33,400 --> 00:21:36,919 Speaker 1: A Baseball in the US. Major League hitters are accustomed 319 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:40,360 Speaker 1: to hitting higher velocities, and they generate a lot more 320 00:21:40,480 --> 00:21:44,399 Speaker 1: power and hit more home runs generally speaking than Japanese hitters. 321 00:21:44,880 --> 00:21:49,000 Speaker 1: They tend to be bigger and stronger, and so Japanese 322 00:21:49,040 --> 00:21:52,760 Speaker 1: baseball on the whole focuses on what's known as small ball, 323 00:21:53,040 --> 00:21:56,960 Speaker 1: with more emphasis on moving guys over contact hitting and 324 00:21:57,080 --> 00:21:59,159 Speaker 1: less focus on the home run than there is here 325 00:21:59,240 --> 00:22:02,600 Speaker 1: in the States. So a Japanese pitcher coming to the 326 00:22:02,680 --> 00:22:05,879 Speaker 1: major leagues has a different set of things to worry about, 327 00:22:06,280 --> 00:22:08,800 Speaker 1: and certainly would have to learn how to adjust his 328 00:22:08,880 --> 00:22:12,560 Speaker 1: approach in order to get guys out, which meant that 329 00:22:12,680 --> 00:22:16,159 Speaker 1: in spite of all that hype, Yamamoto was not a 330 00:22:16,320 --> 00:22:20,679 Speaker 1: sure thing, and. 331 00:22:20,760 --> 00:22:22,720 Speaker 2: That is stripped and that one is down and it's 332 00:22:22,760 --> 00:22:24,080 Speaker 2: gonna get all the way to the wall. 333 00:22:24,440 --> 00:22:26,960 Speaker 1: And during his first start on just the second game 334 00:22:27,040 --> 00:22:31,399 Speaker 1: of the season. During the Soul Series, Yamamoto got shell and. 335 00:22:31,480 --> 00:22:33,480 Speaker 2: A triple for a crown and worth. 336 00:22:34,359 --> 00:22:38,160 Speaker 3: This one's gonna challenge Munci fair ball and I want 337 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:39,399 Speaker 3: to smoke to right Haywhard. 338 00:22:39,400 --> 00:22:40,520 Speaker 5: It is not gonna get it. 339 00:22:41,000 --> 00:22:45,080 Speaker 2: Yamamoto gives up another one, a single. It is five 340 00:22:45,200 --> 00:22:45,600 Speaker 2: to nother. 341 00:22:45,640 --> 00:22:47,280 Speaker 3: Thing is cap Gusano comes in. 342 00:22:48,600 --> 00:22:52,240 Speaker 1: But after that first start, Yamamoto settled into major league 343 00:22:52,280 --> 00:22:56,480 Speaker 1: life quickly and seamlessly, becoming one of the game's top starters. 344 00:22:56,640 --> 00:22:59,960 Speaker 1: And with Tyler glasnow carrying the Dodgers pitching. 345 00:22:59,680 --> 00:23:03,640 Speaker 3: Staff, he struck him out as a curve falls over 346 00:23:03,760 --> 00:23:07,760 Speaker 3: the corner. A fastball strikes Lame strikes him out with 347 00:23:07,880 --> 00:23:10,200 Speaker 3: a fastball in a curve ball to get him out 348 00:23:10,240 --> 00:23:11,080 Speaker 3: of the zam again. 349 00:23:12,119 --> 00:23:15,840 Speaker 8: Travel back through this rivalry and it's eleven World Series. 350 00:23:16,160 --> 00:23:17,480 Speaker 2: Take a ride to the Bronx. 351 00:23:18,720 --> 00:23:22,000 Speaker 1: When the Dodgers faced off against the Yankees in June 352 00:23:22,160 --> 00:23:25,640 Speaker 1: in New York, Yamamoto had a chance to prove himself 353 00:23:25,920 --> 00:23:26,920 Speaker 1: on a big stage. 354 00:23:27,480 --> 00:23:29,600 Speaker 2: Now he's made twelve starts. They've been pretty good ones. 355 00:23:29,720 --> 00:23:32,040 Speaker 6: Oh, the last eleven have been outstanding, only six and 356 00:23:32,160 --> 00:23:34,120 Speaker 6: one with the two six ears. 357 00:23:33,760 --> 00:23:37,000 Speaker 9: Swings and misses on that slide piece from Yamamoto. It's 358 00:23:37,040 --> 00:23:39,639 Speaker 9: a strikeout to end the first for Yoshinobu Yamamoto. 359 00:23:39,760 --> 00:23:43,080 Speaker 2: Holloight, that fastball has some life today. 360 00:23:43,240 --> 00:23:46,320 Speaker 6: He's been averaging around ninety six ninety seven. 361 00:23:46,280 --> 00:23:51,880 Speaker 9: Football swinging a miss bifold pieces. Fourth strikeout already or Yamamoto. 362 00:23:52,800 --> 00:23:56,760 Speaker 1: Yamamoto threw the fastest pitch of his MLB career that 363 00:23:56,920 --> 00:24:00,560 Speaker 1: day in the Bronx. He struck out seven, allowed just 364 00:24:00,920 --> 00:24:04,080 Speaker 1: two hits, and used one hundred and six pitches to 365 00:24:04,359 --> 00:24:08,920 Speaker 1: shut out a lineup that included Aaron Judge through seven innings. 366 00:24:09,400 --> 00:24:11,919 Speaker 2: Rounds went the second base handled my luck slip defense 367 00:24:11,960 --> 00:24:13,560 Speaker 2: for one o the first two. 368 00:24:15,200 --> 00:24:17,800 Speaker 1: As a harbinger for what Yamamoto would be doing for 369 00:24:17,920 --> 00:24:20,200 Speaker 1: the rest of the season and as a precedent for 370 00:24:20,280 --> 00:24:23,840 Speaker 1: a postseason start. Under the bright lights of October, this 371 00:24:24,280 --> 00:24:25,920 Speaker 1: was as good as one could hope for. 372 00:24:26,520 --> 00:24:27,480 Speaker 2: You could just see it. 373 00:24:27,840 --> 00:24:31,760 Speaker 1: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he felt it, he knew 374 00:24:31,840 --> 00:24:34,480 Speaker 1: we needed it, and it brought out the best in him. 375 00:24:39,960 --> 00:24:43,520 Speaker 1: But then after the best start of his major league career, 376 00:24:44,000 --> 00:24:50,679 Speaker 1: we got the bad news. Yams was hurt. Rotator cuff injury. 377 00:24:52,080 --> 00:24:55,960 Speaker 10: When he got injured, he was devastating, absolutely devastating. We 378 00:24:56,040 --> 00:24:56,679 Speaker 10: just picked him up. 379 00:24:57,640 --> 00:25:01,600 Speaker 1: He was out for three months off the season, and 380 00:25:01,720 --> 00:25:05,160 Speaker 1: in that time, over the course of June, July and August, 381 00:25:05,680 --> 00:25:09,720 Speaker 1: our starting pitching situation went from bad to worse. We 382 00:25:09,840 --> 00:25:13,080 Speaker 1: really haven't had many dependable guys over the course of 383 00:25:13,160 --> 00:25:16,399 Speaker 1: twenty twenty four, and given that Yamamoto was signed as 384 00:25:16,440 --> 00:25:20,160 Speaker 1: a premier starter with all of the expectations for longevity 385 00:25:20,320 --> 00:25:23,960 Speaker 1: and clutch performance that come with that, his absence was 386 00:25:24,080 --> 00:25:27,439 Speaker 1: constantly felt and Dodger fans got down in the dumps 387 00:25:27,440 --> 00:25:27,800 Speaker 1: about it. 388 00:25:28,480 --> 00:25:31,600 Speaker 10: A lot of haters talking and you overpaid and blah blah. 389 00:25:31,440 --> 00:25:34,400 Speaker 2: Blah and Wusi wu and I heard from Wes about 390 00:25:34,440 --> 00:25:34,840 Speaker 2: this one. 391 00:25:35,800 --> 00:25:37,760 Speaker 10: Yeah, So that sucked. Not having him around for three 392 00:25:37,800 --> 00:25:42,920 Speaker 10: months was really difficult, especially with the culmination of you know, 393 00:25:43,240 --> 00:25:45,080 Speaker 10: all these other guys getting injured and all these other 394 00:25:45,119 --> 00:25:47,440 Speaker 10: guys tanking and not being so good, and you know, 395 00:25:47,560 --> 00:25:51,080 Speaker 10: expecting more from guys like Dueler and Bobby Miller, and 396 00:25:51,200 --> 00:25:53,800 Speaker 10: it's taking them a really long time to get it together. 397 00:25:53,920 --> 00:25:56,480 Speaker 10: It's frustrating. It's frustrating. 398 00:25:57,480 --> 00:26:01,080 Speaker 1: As August turned to September, the reality sank in that 399 00:26:01,200 --> 00:26:04,359 Speaker 1: if Yams didn't return strong, there was no way for 400 00:26:04,480 --> 00:26:12,480 Speaker 1: the Dodgers to make a deep postseason run. The Dodgers 401 00:26:12,520 --> 00:26:15,439 Speaker 1: are in a very tight race to win the NL West, 402 00:26:15,760 --> 00:26:18,840 Speaker 1: and generally speaking, it's good to go into the postseason 403 00:26:19,119 --> 00:26:23,640 Speaker 1: with at least three solid looking starters. Our trade deadline 404 00:26:23,680 --> 00:26:26,720 Speaker 1: pickup Jack Flaherty looks capable of holding down one of 405 00:26:26,800 --> 00:26:29,520 Speaker 1: those spots, but as to who will join him in 406 00:26:29,640 --> 00:26:32,560 Speaker 1: those second and third spots, it's still at this point 407 00:26:32,800 --> 00:26:37,280 Speaker 1: totally uncertain. After Monday, there are only twelve games left 408 00:26:37,359 --> 00:26:40,280 Speaker 1: in the regular season, during which time we'd hope to 409 00:26:40,359 --> 00:26:44,159 Speaker 1: see these two more pitchers step up and prove themselves. 410 00:26:44,680 --> 00:26:47,399 Speaker 1: We were all holding out hope that Tyler Glasnow would 411 00:26:47,440 --> 00:26:50,680 Speaker 1: return after being on the IL since early August, but 412 00:26:50,840 --> 00:26:54,480 Speaker 1: on Saturday it was announced that his season was likely over. 413 00:26:54,880 --> 00:26:59,440 Speaker 1: Gavin Stone, who had been our hem rock, has also 414 00:26:59,600 --> 00:27:02,639 Speaker 1: fallen to an arm injury in his rookie year, and 415 00:27:02,800 --> 00:27:06,200 Speaker 1: we don't know when he'll return. Clayton Kershaw has turf 416 00:27:06,320 --> 00:27:10,600 Speaker 1: toe a bone spur in his left foot, and Landon 417 00:27:10,720 --> 00:27:14,800 Speaker 1: Nak another rookie who was emerging as an unlikely candidate 418 00:27:15,119 --> 00:27:18,080 Speaker 1: for the top of the rotation, had his worst start 419 00:27:18,240 --> 00:27:21,520 Speaker 1: of the year against the Braves on Friday, giving up 420 00:27:21,640 --> 00:27:28,000 Speaker 1: six runs. Yeah, you know, I. 421 00:27:28,119 --> 00:27:32,880 Speaker 11: Think with Yoshinobu, he's back pitching in a major League 422 00:27:32,880 --> 00:27:36,879 Speaker 11: game on independent race. I expect his mind to be 423 00:27:37,040 --> 00:27:39,720 Speaker 11: in that compete mode. I don't think anyone knows where 424 00:27:39,760 --> 00:27:41,760 Speaker 11: his stuff is going to be as far as commanding 425 00:27:41,840 --> 00:27:44,920 Speaker 11: of the fastball of the secondary. I'm betting on the 426 00:27:45,000 --> 00:27:47,920 Speaker 11: fact that the lights are on and he's going to 427 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:49,320 Speaker 11: go out there and show well. 428 00:27:50,000 --> 00:27:55,240 Speaker 1: The organization set modest expectations for Yamamoto's first start back 429 00:27:55,720 --> 00:27:59,360 Speaker 1: fifty sixty pitches at the most, and at the very 430 00:27:59,480 --> 00:28:03,080 Speaker 1: most four innings of work. He wasn't built up yet. 431 00:28:03,600 --> 00:28:06,680 Speaker 1: He wasn't physically ready to give it his all or 432 00:28:06,800 --> 00:28:09,359 Speaker 1: to max out the way that he had in New 433 00:28:09,480 --> 00:28:17,119 Speaker 1: York in June. As I settled into my seat on 434 00:28:17,240 --> 00:28:20,880 Speaker 1: Tuesday night, gazing up at Yamamoto's forty foot tall face 435 00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:24,280 Speaker 1: projected on the JumboTron above the right field pavilion, I 436 00:28:24,440 --> 00:28:26,600 Speaker 1: moled over my own expectations. 437 00:28:27,119 --> 00:28:27,159 Speaker 3: Me. 438 00:28:27,680 --> 00:28:32,080 Speaker 1: I just didn't want to see anything heartbreaking happen. No injuries, please, 439 00:28:32,720 --> 00:28:35,040 Speaker 1: And I didn't want to see him get sheld. 440 00:28:34,960 --> 00:28:38,800 Speaker 3: He in half climbs in. Yamamoto threw his wind and 441 00:28:38,960 --> 00:28:42,120 Speaker 3: off we go with a fastball at ninety seven, crisply 442 00:28:42,240 --> 00:28:43,400 Speaker 3: to the outside corners. 443 00:28:43,440 --> 00:28:47,400 Speaker 2: Strike one. But then Yamamoto was very sharp. 444 00:28:48,480 --> 00:28:53,080 Speaker 3: There's the car man, then the splitter downstairs, one and 445 00:28:53,120 --> 00:28:53,800 Speaker 3: two on half. 446 00:28:54,680 --> 00:28:58,200 Speaker 1: His three most important pitches, the four seemer, the splitter, 447 00:28:58,360 --> 00:29:01,400 Speaker 1: and the curveball were all working well for him that night. 448 00:29:03,720 --> 00:29:07,080 Speaker 2: Strikes out the side. It is first jenny in forty months. 449 00:29:09,640 --> 00:29:11,440 Speaker 2: There's this thing in Dodger Land. 450 00:29:11,680 --> 00:29:15,040 Speaker 1: If the Dodgers' pitching staff combines to get seven strikeouts 451 00:29:15,120 --> 00:29:18,800 Speaker 1: the next day, everybody is entitled to free jumbo jacks 452 00:29:19,000 --> 00:29:21,360 Speaker 1: jack in the boxes version of a big mac at 453 00:29:21,480 --> 00:29:24,120 Speaker 1: area jack in the boxes with the purchase of a 454 00:29:24,240 --> 00:29:28,280 Speaker 1: large drink. Sometimes it takes several pitchers to combine to 455 00:29:28,360 --> 00:29:32,360 Speaker 1: get to jumbo jacks. Sometimes the Dodgers' staff doesn't get 456 00:29:32,400 --> 00:29:35,640 Speaker 1: to jumbo jacks at all. But on Tuesday, even given 457 00:29:35,720 --> 00:29:40,000 Speaker 1: the modest expectations for his first start back, Yamamoto got 458 00:29:40,080 --> 00:29:44,040 Speaker 1: us jumbo jacks himself in just his third inning of work. 459 00:29:44,720 --> 00:29:48,160 Speaker 1: In all, he got through those four innings cleanly. It 460 00:29:48,320 --> 00:29:50,760 Speaker 1: was the very maximum of what the team had hoped 461 00:29:50,760 --> 00:29:52,240 Speaker 1: he'd do in his first start back. 462 00:29:52,720 --> 00:29:53,640 Speaker 2: Did we win the game? 463 00:29:54,200 --> 00:29:58,040 Speaker 1: No, things got messy for other reasons, but a starting 464 00:29:58,120 --> 00:30:02,520 Speaker 1: pitcher can only do so much. We'll see how Yam's 465 00:30:02,560 --> 00:30:05,440 Speaker 1: fares during his next start, which is on Monday against 466 00:30:05,480 --> 00:30:08,960 Speaker 1: the Atlanta Braves. They have a lineup of mashers, so 467 00:30:09,120 --> 00:30:12,680 Speaker 1: it will be another test. In our next episode, we'll 468 00:30:12,720 --> 00:30:15,600 Speaker 1: take a closer look at the story of Walker Buehler, 469 00:30:16,200 --> 00:30:20,320 Speaker 1: a proven postseason starting pitcher who's helped the Dodgers win 470 00:30:20,480 --> 00:30:24,160 Speaker 1: championships in the past, who is attempting a comeback after 471 00:30:24,280 --> 00:30:29,440 Speaker 1: a second major elbow surgery. How will this billion dollar 472 00:30:29,600 --> 00:30:33,440 Speaker 1: team look if we don't make it all the way? Already, 473 00:30:33,600 --> 00:30:37,240 Speaker 1: the cries on social media for manager Dave roberts Head 474 00:30:37,600 --> 00:30:41,040 Speaker 1: have been getting loud. In the meantime, let's hope that 475 00:30:41,160 --> 00:30:45,120 Speaker 1: Yamamoto can continue to be strong in his remaining regular 476 00:30:45,240 --> 00:30:48,840 Speaker 1: season starts. There's nothing I'd like more than to see 477 00:30:48,920 --> 00:30:58,080 Speaker 1: this guy take us all the way. Dodger Blue Dream 478 00:30:58,280 --> 00:31:02,240 Speaker 1: is written and produced by me Richard Parks Thid. This 479 00:31:02,480 --> 00:31:06,360 Speaker 1: episode was story edited by Jordan Bass and Caitlin Esh, 480 00:31:06,760 --> 00:31:11,000 Speaker 1: with production assistants from Tyler Hill. Original music in this 481 00:31:11,160 --> 00:31:16,200 Speaker 1: episode by Jonathan Snipes, William Ryan Fritch, The Blasting Company, 482 00:31:16,560 --> 00:31:19,480 Speaker 1: and by me. If you like the show, please help 483 00:31:19,520 --> 00:31:22,280 Speaker 1: me spread the word. With your help, we've made it 484 00:31:22,400 --> 00:31:26,160 Speaker 1: past our modest goal of one hundred ratings on Apple Podcasts. 485 00:31:26,440 --> 00:31:29,280 Speaker 1: But let's not stop there. Let's take over the world. 486 00:31:30,040 --> 00:31:33,960 Speaker 1: Thank you for your support and thanks for listening. Dodger 487 00:31:34,000 --> 00:31:37,960 Speaker 1: Blue Dream is produced in partnership with Iheart's Michael Tura 488 00:31:38,120 --> 00:31:42,480 Speaker 1: podcast network. For more podcasts from iHeart, visit the iHeartRadio app, 489 00:31:42,600 --> 00:31:46,320 Speaker 1: Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.