Dodgers News: Yoshinobu Yamamoto's NPB Opponent Wishes 'Good Luck' to MLB Hitters
Lewis Brinson knows a thing or two about talent when he sees it.
A 2012 first-round pick of the Texas Rangers, Brinson spent parts of six seasons with three different big league clubs (Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants) before making the move to Japan this past year.
A member of the Yomiuri Giants, he had the pleasure — or displeasure, depending on how one views it — of facing newly signed Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
In an interview with MLB Network Radio, Brinson spoke about his challenges facing Yamamoto this past year. The former major league outfielder mentioned Yamamoto's ability to throw four pitches for strikes. Brinson also said the ball "explodes" out of Yamamoto's hand:
"He is gonna be a problem over here. He is going to be an issue," Brinson said. "I felt overmatched against him. That was the only guy over there in a while that I felt overmatched... He is the real deal. He is the truth. Whatever team, person that’s gonna face him next year, good luck."
- Lewis Brinson on Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Specifically, Brinson mentioned Yamamoto possessing a curveball, slider, splitter, cutter, and fastball.
It's one thing for scouts to praise a pitcher coming over from Japan, but to hear it from a recent major leaguer is exciting. Brinson didn't just have a cup of coffee at the Major League level. He played parts of six seasons. This sample size is large enough to determine whether a guy "has it" or not.
Though only 25 years of age, Yamamoto was a dominant force in NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) for years. As a member of the Orix Buffaloes, Yamamoto had a 70-29 career record with a minuscule 1.82 ERA.
He also made five All-Star appearances and won three consecutive Sawamura awards (Japan's equivalent of the Cy Young award) the last three seasons. Yamamoto also led the Pacific League in strikeouts and ERA on four separate occasions.
