MidValleySports.Com

By: Those Deferred Benchwarmers

We did not defer our viewing of the Tokyo Series and instead took everything live beginning at 3am. Luckily for us, the series went a lot better than last year’s foreign tour.

The Week in Review
Headline for the Week: No Betts, No Freeman, No Problem

Results: The Dodgers swept the Cubs in the two game Tokyo Series, winning game 1, 4-1, and game 2, 6-3.

Pitching Analysis: The Bullpen was solid, as nearly every reliever appeared and combined to throw 10 innings with 14 strikeouts. It was nice to see the new Dodger additions Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates throw well in their debuts. Landon Knack looked especially good, striking out three in two innings of work.

There’s a lot to like with the pitching staff, even from the potential subpar performance from Roki Sasaki. His Big League debut lasted only three innings, as he gave up one run, struck out 3, and walked 5. Sasaki clearly had some big emotions (Big League Debut, Pitching in Japan), as he threw first pitch balls to 11 of the 14 batters he faced. His stuff is electric; he hit 100 (in the emotionally juiced first inning) and the break on his pitches was fun to watch. Most reassuring was his final inning: After 3 straight walks and walking in a run, Sasaki struck out Michael Busch and Matt Shaw in dominating fashion. Once Sasaki settles in and exhibits control, look out!

Hitting Analysis: The Dodgers did not miss a beat from last year, displaying a lot of what gave them success in their 2024 World Series run: they were patient, got timely hits, mixed in some HRs from Ohtani, Edman, and Kiké, and took advantage of a (former) Yankee’s error. Will Smith led the way, going 2 for 4 during the series and drawing 5 of the Dodgers’ 15 walks. Andy Pages did a solid job turning the lineup over from the 9 spot as well. All this without Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

Takeaway for the Week: It’s early, but the Dodgers’ leadership and talent should erase the doubts of a World Series Hangover this season.

Weekend Preview
Matchups: The Dodgers return to California to complete Spring Training with the Freeway Series against the Angels.

Analysis: It’s gotta be hard for the players to go from meaningful games in Japan to exhibitions in Anaheim, but at least Sunday the Freeway Series Opener will be at Dodger Stadium where there should be a charged-up crowd (hopefully one still on the emotional high of a Bruin upset over Tennessee to reach the Sweet 16). Hopefully Betts and Freeman feel well enough to get some reps and no more injuries appear on the injury report.

What to Look for: It’s also hard for fans to jump between games that don’t matter and games that do, so we’ll use this space to highly recommend the new SNLA+ streaming service from MLB, the Dodgers, and Sportsnet LA. For $200 a year (or $30/month), you can get access to the Dodgers and Sportsnet LA without having to suffer through having Spectrum!