The newest Dodger ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is taking the city by storm. The excitement surrounding Yamamoto is palpable, and many fans cannot wait to see him on the mound in Blue Heaven on Earth. Although Yamamoto is now the...
The newest Dodger ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is taking the city by storm. The excitement surrounding Yamamoto is palpable, and many fans cannot wait to see him on the mound in Blue Heaven on Earth.
Although Yamamoto is now the highest-paid pitcher in league history in total value, he is still an unknown commodity. The 25-year-old has yet to pitch in the major leagues.
Some might say it is a risk to add him, but the reward looks to be much greater. There’s no denying his talent, and he’s already received much praise from former players and analysts.
The eye test tells you Yamamoto’s transition will be seamless. If you don’t believe us, take the word of 11-time All-Star and seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens. In a recent interview with ESPN MLB insider Buster Onley, Clemens said Yamamoto’s splitter reminds him of his own.
Say what you want about Clemens, but there’s no denying his talent and accomplishments during his prime. The movement on his splitter was deadly, and Yamamoto shared the same sentiment.
Yamamoto’s arsenal features a devastating splitter of his own that falls off the table like none other. His splitter travels from 89-91 MPH with right around 12-13 inches of horizontal movement and minimal vertical movement.
He lands it in the strike zone more than 70% of the time and is willing to throw it on any count. The right-hander has that much confidence in that pitch, and one could argue it’s not even his best pitch.
If Yamamoto can be half of the pitcher Clemens was (minus the controversy), the Dodgers have a Hall of Famer in their hands who should bring them to the promised land multiple times.
The Dodgers got a good one, and we cannot wait to see him perform his craft in front of thousands at Chavez Ravine.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Are you subscribed to our YouTube Channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!