Thai
@thainamo.bsky.social
Sports FANatic: Clippers | Dodgers | Rams | Kings | UCLA
It was said that while his teammates were going out to have fun in the evening, Shohei would abstain from dating and other frivolities and only allowing himself to play video games. Otherwise, he was preoccupied with baseball 24-7. Obviously, he's allowed himself more freedom as a pro in MLB.
January 8, 2026 at 8:31 AM
It was said that while his teammates were going out to have fun in the evening, Shohei would abstain from dating and other frivolities and only allowing himself to play video games. Otherwise, he was preoccupied with baseball 24-7. Obviously, he's allowed himself more freedom as a pro in MLB.
...while developing and playing in Japan, there were stories of how committed and focused Ohtani was to being the best baseball player he can be by "eating, sleeping, thinking and talking baseball" where he not only studied and practiced technique but read about proper dieting and weight-training.
January 8, 2026 at 8:29 AM
...while developing and playing in Japan, there were stories of how committed and focused Ohtani was to being the best baseball player he can be by "eating, sleeping, thinking and talking baseball" where he not only studied and practiced technique but read about proper dieting and weight-training.
You're right that Shohei's previous interpreter served as more of a barrier to communications than a bridge, but Ohtani showed himself also to be personable and invested even during his time with the Angels. However, even while he was considered a great teammate and ideal player to be coached...
January 8, 2026 at 8:26 AM
You're right that Shohei's previous interpreter served as more of a barrier to communications than a bridge, but Ohtani showed himself also to be personable and invested even during his time with the Angels. However, even while he was considered a great teammate and ideal player to be coached...
...a short-term deal. If either were to actually settle for a short-term contract, the Dodgers make the most compelling case to sign with. I just think Bichette is more unwilling to accept a short-term offer at this point and probably wants to re-establish himself and settle in a change of scenery.
January 8, 2026 at 7:52 AM
...a short-term deal. If either were to actually settle for a short-term contract, the Dodgers make the most compelling case to sign with. I just think Bichette is more unwilling to accept a short-term offer at this point and probably wants to re-establish himself and settle in a change of scenery.
However, I will say that I've flipped on my opinion on which of Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette would be the more likely to sign with the Dodgers this off-season. Whereas I previously figured Bichette was the more likely to wear Dodger Blue, I now think Tucker is the likelier possibility of accepting...
January 8, 2026 at 7:44 AM
However, I will say that I've flipped on my opinion on which of Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette would be the more likely to sign with the Dodgers this off-season. Whereas I previously figured Bichette was the more likely to wear Dodger Blue, I now think Tucker is the likelier possibility of accepting...
While the Japanese free-agent class of 2026 is not as appealing as that of 2024 or 2025, Okamoto even has a decent likelihood of having a longer MLB career than the much more sought-after Roki Sasaki who was the top target in 2025. Sasaki has only recently started to accept some of LAD's advice.
January 8, 2026 at 7:37 AM
While the Japanese free-agent class of 2026 is not as appealing as that of 2024 or 2025, Okamoto even has a decent likelihood of having a longer MLB career than the much more sought-after Roki Sasaki who was the top target in 2025. Sasaki has only recently started to accept some of LAD's advice.
...to be the more adaptable player of the three while also offering more positional defensive versatility and lower strike-out rates than Murekamai. MM arguably has the higher upside given his power potential but KO has the higher floor and is more likely to have the longest MLB career of the trio.
January 8, 2026 at 7:37 AM
...to be the more adaptable player of the three while also offering more positional defensive versatility and lower strike-out rates than Murekamai. MM arguably has the higher upside given his power potential but KO has the higher floor and is more likely to have the longest MLB career of the trio.
Munetaka Murekamai may be the more hyped proposition and Tatsuya Imai may be the more bold player saying he wants to beat the Dodgers, but Kazuma Okamoto is the more proven and steady NPB star. Okamoto will likely initially struggle w/MLB's more frequent higher velocities, but he's shown himself...
January 8, 2026 at 7:37 AM
Munetaka Murekamai may be the more hyped proposition and Tatsuya Imai may be the more bold player saying he wants to beat the Dodgers, but Kazuma Okamoto is the more proven and steady NPB star. Okamoto will likely initially struggle w/MLB's more frequent higher velocities, but he's shown himself...
In spite of my previous assertion that Toronto could secure both Tucker & Bichette in free agency, I'll stick to my predictions that Tucker signs with the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette goes to the New York Metropolitans and Bellinger re-signs with the New York Yankees.
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While it's certainly possible that the Blue Jays will continue their aggressive off-season maneuvering by re-signing Bo Bichette and signing Kyle Tucker, I personally anticipate that Tucker signs long-term with Toronto, Bichette signs with the Mets and Cody Bellinger re-signs with the Yankees.
January 8, 2026 at 7:35 AM
In spite of my previous assertion that Toronto could secure both Tucker & Bichette in free agency, I'll stick to my predictions that Tucker signs with the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette goes to the New York Metropolitans and Bellinger re-signs with the New York Yankees.
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...in demanding a long-term contract at a premium price tag despite his preference for returning to New York. The Dodgers are reportedly waiting in the wings to see if an opportunity presents itself to capitalize in pouncing on signing either Tucker or Bichette to a short-term, high AAV deal.
January 8, 2026 at 7:29 AM
...in demanding a long-term contract at a premium price tag despite his preference for returning to New York. The Dodgers are reportedly waiting in the wings to see if an opportunity presents itself to capitalize in pouncing on signing either Tucker or Bichette to a short-term, high AAV deal.
...development community as well as the Yankees' internal prospects pipeline, but that's another discussion altogether. Another reason would obviously have to be the difference in expected financial commitments between Tucker and Bellinger. This would explain Bellinger's camp's steadfast position...
January 8, 2026 at 7:24 AM
...development community as well as the Yankees' internal prospects pipeline, but that's another discussion altogether. Another reason would obviously have to be the difference in expected financial commitments between Tucker and Bellinger. This would explain Bellinger's camp's steadfast position...
Similar to the Cubs, NYY has restructured its organization to where it is also committed to not overspending apparently going as far as to even renege and cancel all of its international signing commitments, which will have long-term consequences in relationships in the international scouting and...
January 8, 2026 at 7:20 AM
Similar to the Cubs, NYY has restructured its organization to where it is also committed to not overspending apparently going as far as to even renege and cancel all of its international signing commitments, which will have long-term consequences in relationships in the international scouting and...
...in the clubhouse and, fair or not, team executives tend to have expectations of leadership and charisma from players who demand long-term, big-money contracts. That could partially explain why the Yankees have made re-signing Cody Bellinger their top priority over pursuing Tucker.
January 8, 2026 at 7:15 AM
...in the clubhouse and, fair or not, team executives tend to have expectations of leadership and charisma from players who demand long-term, big-money contracts. That could partially explain why the Yankees have made re-signing Cody Bellinger their top priority over pursuing Tucker.
...that the organization is committed to not overspending. With regards to Tucker's character and personality, most people have quirks. Some could be as manageable as Zack Greinke while others would be as perverse as Trevor Bauer. It may not be a big deal, but teams are concerned about chemistry...
January 8, 2026 at 7:12 AM
...that the organization is committed to not overspending. With regards to Tucker's character and personality, most people have quirks. Some could be as manageable as Zack Greinke while others would be as perverse as Trevor Bauer. It may not be a big deal, but teams are concerned about chemistry...
People could point to his anticipated departure from the Cubs despite the org dealing for him at the trade deadline, but the trade was probably structured as a one-year rental from the beginning. Despite being among the most profitable franchises in MLB, the Cubs owner has publicly acknowledged...
January 8, 2026 at 7:06 AM
People could point to his anticipated departure from the Cubs despite the org dealing for him at the trade deadline, but the trade was probably structured as a one-year rental from the beginning. Despite being among the most profitable franchises in MLB, the Cubs owner has publicly acknowledged...
He may not be a clubhouse cancer but he could be a more aloof and distant person. That in itself is not necessarily a bad thing, but it's led to talk of him not even liking baseball and questions about his competitiveness or ability to handle pressure, especially in big media markets.
January 8, 2026 at 7:03 AM
He may not be a clubhouse cancer but he could be a more aloof and distant person. That in itself is not necessarily a bad thing, but it's led to talk of him not even liking baseball and questions about his competitiveness or ability to handle pressure, especially in big media markets.
...a short-term contract maybe with opt-outs at a high AAV in order to prove himself again and try to capitalize on the free agent market in the future at a more advantageous position. However, there's been some whispers about Tucker's wanting clubhouse demeanor and personality.
January 8, 2026 at 6:57 AM
...a short-term contract maybe with opt-outs at a high AAV in order to prove himself again and try to capitalize on the free agent market in the future at a more advantageous position. However, there's been some whispers about Tucker's wanting clubhouse demeanor and personality.
...stepping up contract negotiations into more serious territory. With that said, there is increasing buzz that the LAD could actually be in play for either Tucker or Bichette, though I continue to have my doubts. Tucker may be at a point where he may actually consider a...
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It looks like the Dodgers front office and I are on the same wavelength w/regards to pursuing Kyle Tucker. A short-term, high-AAV contract is the only route we'd be interested in going w/him. Buxton & Kwan may not be available this off-season, after all, w/their respective clubs playing hardball.
January 8, 2026 at 6:53 AM
...stepping up contract negotiations into more serious territory. With that said, there is increasing buzz that the LAD could actually be in play for either Tucker or Bichette, though I continue to have my doubts. Tucker may be at a point where he may actually consider a...
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...Jays are still maintaining contact w/Bichette's camp seemingly treating him as the back-up option while they try to work out their primary objective of securing Tucker. That's apparently also the case in free agency as teams and players' agents are waiting on the Tucker domino to drop before...
January 8, 2026 at 6:48 AM
...Jays are still maintaining contact w/Bichette's camp seemingly treating him as the back-up option while they try to work out their primary objective of securing Tucker. That's apparently also the case in free agency as teams and players' agents are waiting on the Tucker domino to drop before...
...expensive. The Blue Jays would likely have to include a prospect or valued player as sweetener and/or possibly even eat some of the money left committed to Santander in order to entice another org to engage in a deal. It's almost a foregone conclusion that Bichette is leaving Toronto, but the...
January 8, 2026 at 6:45 AM
...expensive. The Blue Jays would likely have to include a prospect or valued player as sweetener and/or possibly even eat some of the money left committed to Santander in order to entice another org to engage in a deal. It's almost a foregone conclusion that Bichette is leaving Toronto, but the...
There's speculation that Toronto is trying to clear cap space in order to fit Tucker on the payroll, especially w/current luxury tax implications. It's been suggested that trading away Anthony Santander's contract could help facilitate signing Kyle Tucker, but that could prove difficult, if not...
January 8, 2026 at 6:42 AM
There's speculation that Toronto is trying to clear cap space in order to fit Tucker on the payroll, especially w/current luxury tax implications. It's been suggested that trading away Anthony Santander's contract could help facilitate signing Kyle Tucker, but that could prove difficult, if not...
I suspected Cards GM Bloom and his former colleagues over at Boston were partnering to drive up the price on the Dodgers for Donovan before LAD stepped away from negotiations. It apparently worked well enough for Seattle to engage in a bidding war that has it considering paying quite the high price.
January 8, 2026 at 6:11 AM
I suspected Cards GM Bloom and his former colleagues over at Boston were partnering to drive up the price on the Dodgers for Donovan before LAD stepped away from negotiations. It apparently worked well enough for Seattle to engage in a bidding war that has it considering paying quite the high price.
Buehler is likely pursuing another one-year contract in order to prove himself as a starter, so it's unlikely that he'd sign a deal in order to return as a reliever. Otherwise, he'd be the ideal signing to fulfill one of the 2 remaining tasks on my off-season to-do list for the Dodgers.
January 8, 2026 at 6:00 AM
Buehler is likely pursuing another one-year contract in order to prove himself as a starter, so it's unlikely that he'd sign a deal in order to return as a reliever. Otherwise, he'd be the ideal signing to fulfill one of the 2 remaining tasks on my off-season to-do list for the Dodgers.