Roki Sasaki is the latest identify to affix an extended record of pitchers to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers, however his aim is greater than simply being an important Dodger: He desires to be the best Japanese pitcher of all time.
Sasaki made that clear throughout his introductory press convention at Dodger Stadium Wednesday afternoon.
Extra information: Roki Sasaki Reveals Why He Selected Dodgers in Free Company
Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts highlighted Sasaki’s ambition to grow to be the primary Japanese pitcher to win a Cy Younger award. In accordance with Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe — who additionally represents Yu Darvish and Yoshinobu Yamamoto — Sasaki expressed from the start of the offseason that his final aim is to be the most effective pitcher in baseball.
MLB Community’s Jon Morosi additionally confirmed the ambition.
Sasaki may arguably be essentially the most proficient of the group, with the potential to compete for the Cy Younger award on a yearly foundation. His 100-mph fastball and deadly splitter have drawn comparisons to two-time Cy Younger winner Jacob deGrom and the Nationwide League’s reigning Rookie of the Yr, Paul Skenes.
With him being a rookie and solely 23 years previous, there’s room for enchancment which makes him much more spectacular. It’s additionally why he tasked groups with a “homework project” that targeted on his fastball’s drop in velocity and the way it may very well be rectified.
“I simply felt like this homework project could be a extremely good alternative for me to see how the groups suppose,” Sasaki stated.
Sasaki clearly favored what the Dodgers thought however he additionally thought extremely of the Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres, in line with his agent Joel Wolfe.
Learn extra: Roki Sasaki’s Agent Says It Was a ‘Coin Flip’ Between Dodgers, Padres, Blue Jays
“I felt like he may simply go to Toronto,” Wolfe stated. “After we left San Diego, I felt like he may simply select San Diego. When he got here right here, I actually thought the complete course of was a coin flip.”
However, Wolfe added: “The Dodgers do have a home-field benefit in Japan.”
Out of every part Sasaki stated throughout his press convention, his opening statment will follow Dodgers Nation.
“Placing on this Dodgers uniform at present,” he stated, “I’m reminded that my journey is nearly to start, and it makes me really feel extra targeted than ever.”
Extra information: Dodgers GM Discusses Clayton Kershaw’s Future in LA Following Newest Additions
Picture Credit score: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Photos
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