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Seattle Mariners vs Oakland A’s: 5 Players to Watch in Japan Series

By Colby Patnode

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 18: Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki (C) #51 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates after his team's 6-5 victory with his team mates in the preseason friendly game between Yomiuri Giants and Seattle Mariners at Tokyo Dome on March 18, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 18: Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki (C) #51 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates after his team's 6-5 victory with his team mates in the preseason friendly game between Yomiuri Giants and Seattle Mariners at Tokyo Dome on March 18, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images) /
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2. Yusei Kikuchi

TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 16: Yusei Kikuchi #18 of the Seattle Mariners in action during the Seattle Mariners training and press conference at the Tokyo Dome on March 16, 2019, in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 16: Yusei Kikuchi #18 of the Seattle Mariners in action during the Seattle Mariners training and press conference at the Tokyo Dome on March 16, 2019, in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images) /

Yes, there are a number of reasons Yusei Kikuchi is on the list. First, he was the biggest MLB acquisition this off-season for the Mariners. For many people, this will be their first look at him in a Mariners uniform.

Second, he is making his MLB debut. Like Marco, Seattle has put a lot of faith in Kikuchi reaching his ceiling of a #2 starting pitcher in the next two years. It will be fascinating to see how his stuff plays against a real MLB lineup.

Third, the obvious connection to Japan. He was born in Morioka and played in the NPB for 8 years. Obviously, there will be a lot of adrenaline pumping through his veins. It will be fascinating to see how he handles it. Kikuchi will be the first Japanese born player to make his MLB debut in Japan, and I am always here for a fun bit of trivia.

But of course, more important to us, is how he looks against a very good Oakland A’s lineup. There has been a difference of opinion on this site as to what a reasonable expectation for Kikuchi is. Some, like our Ty Gonzales, believe Kikuchi will be so busy getting his feet wet in American culture and baseball, that he will be just another #4 type of starter this season.

Others, like me, have called him a favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Of course, these are all questions over the course of an entire season. In this start, I think we hope to see fastball command and off-speed stuff that plays against big league hitter.

We would never draw a conclusion of a player off of 1 outing, but making a good first impression would be an excellent start.

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