Not impressed. No control or command. Looked overwhelmed and overmatched.
Don’t feel the need to overreact from his first outing
Nobody should be making any sort of declaration on one start for any pitcher.
First start, he should build on his experience and knock off any nerves moving forward. I was at the game and it felt like he has the support of the fans.
I’ll respond after a few more starts. Yamamoto had a rough first start as well I believe.
Well it’s Monday so I’m already in “I wish I could afford to not work for a living” mode
He looked nervous, give him 5 starts before thinking about counting him out.
First outing in the MLB and a completely different country. You saw the stuff. He’s gonna be good
Give him time, but even in the exhibition game he seemed to be struggling.
But I’m waiting him out before I pull a “it’s over”
HRC HairyGrim
I was at the game yesterday and I found his posture to be fantastic and he seemed confident at first but must have gotten super nervous as time went on. I’m excited to see how he progresses. I want him to do well.
Here’s what Imai said post game:
“I stepped onto the mound with the genuine desire to enjoy it. However, since I was pitching in an atmosphere so different from Japan, I felt nervous for the first time in a while. That nervousness wasn’t ideal, or rather, I think I was standing there with a slightly different sensation than usual.”
“Even watching on TV, I could sense it, but (major league hitters) have the power to smack back fastballs clocking near 100 mph without flinching. It’s not exactly fear of getting hit, but an awareness of the opponent’s high skill level that, while not quite panic, somehow turned into a sense of apprehension. As a result, I think there were moments today where I ended up throwing with too much brute force. (More than just nerves,) the biggest issue was mechanically trying to overpower them with sheer strength.”
“I wanted to go at least five innings if possible. My family and the trainers who always look after my condition had come to watch, too. But my pitch count climbed in the first and second innings, and I gave up runs. My performance wasn’t great overall, so I got pulled midway. It’s frustrating—regret lingers. Honestly, there’s a part of me thinking, ‘Well, that’s how it goes,’ but yeah, it’s still frustrating.”
“The mound’s slope was quite different from Japan’s, too. I tried to stick to what I’ve been doing back home, but adjusting to it smoothly was tough. I felt like I need to adapt to the major league mound specs as quickly as possible—even one day sooner—and develop a form and mechanics that work with the slope.”
“I’ve always centered on fastballs and sliders, but today drove home again how crucial it is to be able to get strikes with a variety of pitches like splitters or changeups. Honestly, without improving the precision on my forkball and changeup, I can’t compete. I’m starting to locate my slider in the zone to some extent, but I still need better adjustment on the ones that hang. That’s something I want to fix.”
“Since it was our first matchup, the opponents were seeing the trajectory of my fastball and slider for the first time. It’s tougher than facing someone you’ve battled multiple times, and that really made me realize I have to compete firmly in the zone regardless. One positive was that I didn’t get hard-hit on my fastballs, but overall, there’s still a long way to go.”
“There were moments when the offense dragged on, too. In Japan, we’d take extra time for catch before heading to the bench, but here, that’s not an option. I think I need to figure out ways to handle that better.”
“If flaws are going to show up, better early on. I’d rather this happen now than in the late season or playoffs. That said, I strongly felt the lack of practice and adjustment. I want to tackle things more rigorously and stoically. Eating plenty, sleeping plenty, getting my body in shape—I’ve got to do everything I can.”
“I approached it trying to bring what I’ve done in Japan just as it is, and that’s the result we saw today. The points needing fixes are clear. Including how to handle the slope, I need to adjust properly, regain my important elements like rhythm and timing, and make sure I deliver a strong performance next time.”
Lots to build upon. IIRC Yamamoto got shelled early last year.
I think he will be fine if he can adjust to MLB baseball. He is clearly aware of what it will take to compete here and if he can make the adjustments, the sky is the limit for him. At the very least he could be an effective arm in the bullpen.
It’s 1 start. I don’t feel any particular way. It always seems trivial to try and judge a player by his rookie debut. How about we give him 10 starts and then decide?
Not great not terrible but also an n of 1 so way too early to call anything. I’d be curious to see what he’s like by mid-season but even then some players take time to full adjust to the majors.
I feel like I need to see him 4 more times. I think 5 outings will give a good view of how he’s doing and adjusting.
Looked much better than Paul Skenes – gosh that guy’s looking like a total bust, am I right my fellow overractors?
He seemed frustrated himself with the lack of command. It’s his first start in a new country, he’ll settle down
Yamamoto’s MLB debut was also disappointing, but he later recovered and had a strong season.
He was super nervous and didn’t have his command. His stuff looks good and I think he’ll be solid
First start in MLB. No conclusions to draw other than the whole slope issue and prepping for the MLB game should have been a ST focus.
That was a great answer he gave. Plus, he was nervous, shit. I’ve been nervous. It fucks with you. I saw great potential.
i thought his pitches were nice and lively, but he struggled to find the zone. I could say the same thing about Hunter as well. Hopefully they won’t be as nervous second start.
He was nervous, first time in the show, in a different country, everything. A lot going on, and thrown into an MLB rotation on opening weekend, nothing like how minor leaguers will get a spot start every now and then. Tough situation. I would not be surprised if he locks in, wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t.
Not great, Bob
We still won the game. That’s what I care about most.
The dude hasn’t even pitched to our minor league except a few spring training games…. It’s different baseball.
I think he touched on one of the most important things in that statement, MLB hitters are far different than Those in Japan. MLB literally has the best in the world at hitting a small ball with a big stick. Imai will be fine, he got thrown in to the deeper deep end.
28 comments
Not impressed. No control or command. Looked overwhelmed and overmatched.
Don’t feel the need to overreact from his first outing
Nobody should be making any sort of declaration on one start for any pitcher.
First start, he should build on his experience and knock off any nerves moving forward. I was at the game and it felt like he has the support of the fans.
I’ll respond after a few more starts. Yamamoto had a rough first start as well I believe.
Well it’s Monday so I’m already in “I wish I could afford to not work for a living” mode
He looked nervous, give him 5 starts before thinking about counting him out.
First outing in the MLB and a completely different country. You saw the stuff. He’s gonna be good
Give him time, but even in the exhibition game he seemed to be struggling.
But I’m waiting him out before I pull a “it’s over”
HRC HairyGrim
I was at the game yesterday and I found his posture to be fantastic and he seemed confident at first but must have gotten super nervous as time went on. I’m excited to see how he progresses. I want him to do well.
Here’s what Imai said post game:
“I stepped onto the mound with the genuine desire to enjoy it. However, since I was pitching in an atmosphere so different from Japan, I felt nervous for the first time in a while. That nervousness wasn’t ideal, or rather, I think I was standing there with a slightly different sensation than usual.”
“Even watching on TV, I could sense it, but (major league hitters) have the power to smack back fastballs clocking near 100 mph without flinching. It’s not exactly fear of getting hit, but an awareness of the opponent’s high skill level that, while not quite panic, somehow turned into a sense of apprehension. As a result, I think there were moments today where I ended up throwing with too much brute force. (More than just nerves,) the biggest issue was mechanically trying to overpower them with sheer strength.”
“I wanted to go at least five innings if possible. My family and the trainers who always look after my condition had come to watch, too. But my pitch count climbed in the first and second innings, and I gave up runs. My performance wasn’t great overall, so I got pulled midway. It’s frustrating—regret lingers. Honestly, there’s a part of me thinking, ‘Well, that’s how it goes,’ but yeah, it’s still frustrating.”
“The mound’s slope was quite different from Japan’s, too. I tried to stick to what I’ve been doing back home, but adjusting to it smoothly was tough. I felt like I need to adapt to the major league mound specs as quickly as possible—even one day sooner—and develop a form and mechanics that work with the slope.”
“I’ve always centered on fastballs and sliders, but today drove home again how crucial it is to be able to get strikes with a variety of pitches like splitters or changeups. Honestly, without improving the precision on my forkball and changeup, I can’t compete. I’m starting to locate my slider in the zone to some extent, but I still need better adjustment on the ones that hang. That’s something I want to fix.”
“Since it was our first matchup, the opponents were seeing the trajectory of my fastball and slider for the first time. It’s tougher than facing someone you’ve battled multiple times, and that really made me realize I have to compete firmly in the zone regardless. One positive was that I didn’t get hard-hit on my fastballs, but overall, there’s still a long way to go.”
“There were moments when the offense dragged on, too. In Japan, we’d take extra time for catch before heading to the bench, but here, that’s not an option. I think I need to figure out ways to handle that better.”
“If flaws are going to show up, better early on. I’d rather this happen now than in the late season or playoffs. That said, I strongly felt the lack of practice and adjustment. I want to tackle things more rigorously and stoically. Eating plenty, sleeping plenty, getting my body in shape—I’ve got to do everything I can.”
“I approached it trying to bring what I’ve done in Japan just as it is, and that’s the result we saw today. The points needing fixes are clear. Including how to handle the slope, I need to adjust properly, regain my important elements like rhythm and timing, and make sure I deliver a strong performance next time.”
Lots to build upon. IIRC Yamamoto got shelled early last year.
I think he will be fine if he can adjust to MLB baseball. He is clearly aware of what it will take to compete here and if he can make the adjustments, the sky is the limit for him. At the very least he could be an effective arm in the bullpen.
It’s 1 start. I don’t feel any particular way. It always seems trivial to try and judge a player by his rookie debut. How about we give him 10 starts and then decide?
Not great not terrible but also an n of 1 so way too early to call anything. I’d be curious to see what he’s like by mid-season but even then some players take time to full adjust to the majors.
I feel like I need to see him 4 more times. I think 5 outings will give a good view of how he’s doing and adjusting.
Looked much better than Paul Skenes – gosh that guy’s looking like a total bust, am I right my fellow overractors?
He seemed frustrated himself with the lack of command. It’s his first start in a new country, he’ll settle down
Yamamoto’s MLB debut was also disappointing, but he later recovered and had a strong season.
He was super nervous and didn’t have his command. His stuff looks good and I think he’ll be solid
First start in MLB. No conclusions to draw other than the whole slope issue and prepping for the MLB game should have been a ST focus.
That was a great answer he gave. Plus, he was nervous, shit. I’ve been nervous. It fucks with you. I saw great potential.
i thought his pitches were nice and lively, but he struggled to find the zone. I could say the same thing about Hunter as well. Hopefully they won’t be as nervous second start.
He was nervous, first time in the show, in a different country, everything. A lot going on, and thrown into an MLB rotation on opening weekend, nothing like how minor leaguers will get a spot start every now and then. Tough situation. I would not be surprised if he locks in, wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t.
Not great, Bob
We still won the game. That’s what I care about most.
The dude hasn’t even pitched to our minor league except a few spring training games…. It’s different baseball.
I think he touched on one of the most important things in that statement, MLB hitters are far different than Those in Japan. MLB literally has the best in the world at hitting a small ball with a big stick. Imai will be fine, he got thrown in to the deeper deep end.