Terry Ito Column Vol.70 Will the three Japanese Dodgers players participate in the WBC?

Dodgers manager Roberts appeared on his regular ABEMA TV show in high spirits after the World Series. While interviews are usually held in the manager's office at Dodger Stadium, he revealed his home for the first time. With a blue lawn, a beautiful pool, and a view of the ocean in the distance, the mansion resembled something straight out of a movie. The manager gleefully listed off the names of the players who were the driving force behind the team's two consecutive World Series victories. In his living room bathed in the bright sunlight of LA, he not only mentioned the names of the three Japanese players, but also spoke of their achievements. However, when the conversation turned to next year's WBC, his calm expression clouded over. After a short pause, he began to speak. "This year's season was really long. Starting with the opening game in Tokyo in March, we played games all over the United States, and then finally made our way to Canada. We won the championship, but everyone was physically and mentally exhausted. I would like to give the players a rest if possible. I want them to have time with their families. Our mission next year is to win the World Series for the third consecutive year, and the fans are hoping for that, so I would like to give the players a rest in order to make that happen. However, the final decision is not mine." These are clearly his true feelings as a manager in charge of the team.

The WBC kicks off in early March, nearly a month before the start of the major league season. If a player is selected, they must be fully prepared for battle by mid-February. After seeing Yamamoto's legendary 34-pitch blitz in Game 7 of the World Series, anyone would want to give him an extended rest day. I'm starting to have mixed feelings. However, if Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki don't play in the WBC, the buzz and excitement will change. It will also affect our chances of winning. I want them to wear the Japan national team uniform and show the world the strength and greatness of Japanese-grown baseball. Unfortunately, right now, the Japanese people, myself included, and professional baseball players, are focused on the major leagues. While there's nothing wrong with aiming high, that's exactly why I want them to once again show the world the Japanese baseball spirit forged in high school baseball and at Koshien!

For that reason, Otani and Yamamoto are absolutely necessary. Hoping for the dream of a third consecutive championship, Otani's fifth MVP award for the fourth consecutive year, Yamamoto's first Cy Young Award, and Sasaki securing a place in the starting rotation, makes my emotions even more complicated. Knowing Yamamoto, I'm afraid he'll be too manly and throw too hard in the WBC. I'm sure Otani will also try to avoid injury by stealing bases, and knowing the two of them, he'll give it his all. I'm worried about whether they'll participate in the WBC, and I'm worried about whether they'll even participate. I really want Japan to win. I wonder how long my Hamlet-like feelings will last...

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry