Ohtani’s ex-interpreter majorly lied about his background. He never went to college like he claimed nor did he work for the Red Sox in any capacity. Shit is getting crazy.
Did he know how to speak Japanese? That’s better than some of the phony sign language interpreters that have been caught.
Angelos said during the players’ strike of 1994-95 that he wouldn’t field a team of replacement players and risk ending Cal Ripken Jr.'s consecutive games streak just 121 games shy of the record. Articles from the time were unsure how baseball’s record-keepers would have handled that mess if it had happened:
Right. There never were replacement players in baseball. I don’t know if Angelos’ stance had anything to do with that.
In Spring Training there were and Shane Spencer among them. But not in the regular season at least.
Minor note: In 1912 there was a strike and replacement players actually played. ETA: It was only Detroit and appears to have been a single game.
MLB to open next season in Japan for Cubs Vs Dodgers.
Interesting timing of the announcement as this could have easily been postponed.
Mizuhara is essentially the George Santos of baseball, it would appear.
I almost made the same comparison. I bet there’s more to come.
Next revelation: Mizuhara wasn’t even Mizuhara all along! Rips off mask to reveal Santos underneath
How awkward would it be if Ohtani ended up being suspended for the 2025 season for his role in wiring money to an illegal bookie, and the Japanese fans don’t get to see their hometown hero?
As Ohtani is practically the face of baseball right now, I predict Rob Manfred and Ohtani’s lawyers will negotiate his punishment down to a moderate fine, with no suspension, “totally cool what happened, nothing to see here, move along …”
“At least he was using FanDuel, the Official Sports Betting Partner of MLB.” (I am still boggled that this is now actually a thing.)
The one thing I keep thinking of is the question of is did Ohtani violate anti money laundering rules? Much easier to cover up someone with a huge gambling addiction like Michael Jordan versus this odd story with huge sums of money sent across international borders
In other news, basically just a formality, but David Rubenstein officially approved as Orioles owner.
Maybe the last deal before the season, Yankees trade Ben Rortvedt and get infield help. They were carrying three catchers and are dealing with some injuries so it’s not surprising.
And Jordan Montgomery’s off-season from Hell is finally over with a 1-year $25MM contract with the D-Backs. A very disappointing winter for superagent Scott Boras
did he spend some money on the team? I’ve heard they’ve needed it for a long time … and possibly a new stadium
Not yet. I assume there are still complex legal formalities occurring out of public view. I’m not certain the money has even actually changed hands yet. I do know he’s bought a round for everyone at Pickle’s Pub on Eutaw Street at least once.