More on Minor Leaguers playing in Japan
By robertemrichmlb
By Robert Emrich/MiLB.com
Bryan Bullington and Miles Mikolas had plenty more to say on their experiences overseas than could be covered in one mere story, here are some of the high points.
Bullington on Wladimir Balentien’s breaking the single-season Japanese home run record in 2013:
“We heard all those stories, the history of Sadaharu Oh’s record, and how they wanted to keep that a Japanese record. There were a few guys that had gotten close and they were avoided in the 80’s and 90’s, not letting them get to see pitches to break the record. I don’t feel like there were some games where the team had to worry about winning, I felt like when most teams could pitch to him, they did. I didn’t think there was anything protecting the record, it was more trying to win baseball games if the game was in question.”
On whether he’d recommend playing overseas to other players:
“I think it’s a great opportunity. It’s changed a lot in the U.S. even since the time I went over there. Guys aren’t getting the kind of looks they were in Triple-A. Guys that are 27, 28, that was your Triple-A prime, you’ve got a few years to figure some things out and get yourself established in the big leagues. I feel like those decisions are being made at 23, 24 now. You see a lot of guys that are 26 that have labeled as that four-A guy, you see these guys go overseas a lot sooner and make that guaranteed money. I think it’s a great opportunity, if you feel like you’re not getting the opportunities here. … They are always looking for hard throwers and guys who have power. It’s a tough adjustment, but if you go in with the right mind-set, most guys do pretty well with the adjustment.”
Miles Mikolas on a 2015 campaign in which he went 13–3 with a 1.92 ERA for the Yomiuri Giants:
“I don’t think the season could have gone any better unless we won the championship. On a personal level, there was little I felt I could have done to make a better first impression. I earned myself a good extension on my contract as well. On top of doing well , the fans here make you feel even better about it. They love baseball so much here, it’s incredible. They sell out just about every game. Baseball is their only major sport, so you can get the whole city behind you, it’s great.”
Mikolas on other differences in the way the game is played in Japan:
“There is a big emphasis on pitchers being quick to the plate in order to try and stop all the bunting and stealing. The teams put a much higher emphasis of all the small parts of the game. There is extra attention paid to the bunt plays and shifts as well as the pickoff plays. Also at the end of the game, because of the rule that they only go 12 innings, they will play for the tie.”
