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It’s been an interesting weekend in the world of MLB news, as spring training progresses, prospects continue to put up impressive performances, and superstars are getting ready for the start of the season. The WBC is right around the corner and more.
MLB News: Shohei Ohtani hits two homers in WBC exhibition game
Shohei Ohtani, the LA Angels two-way superstar, played for Team Japan for the first time in almost six years this weekend. Ohtani's last appearance with the national team was in November 2016, when he played against the Netherlands in an exhibition game.
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Ohtani wasn't included in Japan's 2017 World Baseball Classic roster and hadn't played with the team since joining the Major Leagues.
During Japan's first exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers, Ohtani hit two home runs after a slow start at the plate, with one of them being a three-run homer. He celebrated the second home run with a "pepper grinder" celebration, which he learned from his new Samurai Japan teammate Lars Nootbaar. Japan will begin its World Baseball Classic campaign on March 9 against China.
MLB News: Willy Adames on the World Baseball Classic: "It’s like the World Series in Spring"
Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames has left Spring Training to join his Dominican Republic teammates in Miami for the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Adames said he was unfazed by the jump in intensity from Spring Training to the WBC:
“You have to be careful, but you have to play hard, too. It’s like the World Series in spring. That’s what it feels like."
The stakes are high for the Dominican Republic, who won the WBC in 2013 but were stopped short of the final round in 2017. Adames is one of two excellent shortstop options for team Dominican Republic’s manager Rodney Linares, who is currently the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays. Adames said he had discussions with Dominican officials about playing time before committing to the event.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will miss World Baseball Classic due to injury.
Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has withdrawn from the World Baseball Classic due to a minor inflammation in his right knee. Guerrero sustained the injury during a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers. While an MRI revealed no structural damage to the knee, the Blue Jays want to treat it carefully.
Guerrero was expected to play for the Dominican Republic team in the WBC, but will remain in Florida for treatment. Guerrero joins catcher Alejandro Kirk (Mexico) and reliever Jordan Romano (Italy) in withdrawing from the Classic. The Blue Jays have in-house options at first base, including Cavan Biggio and Brandon Belt.
MLB News: Famous Tampa Bay Rays broadcaster dies at age 58
Dave Wills, a radio broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays, has died at the age of 58. Wills was with the team since 2005 and was much-loved by players and fans alike.
“To know Dave was to love Dave. He had an infectious personality and an uncanny ability to talk to anyone and everyone and make them laugh”, said his daughter Michelle.
Wills’ career as a broadcaster began with the Kane County Cougars in 1991 and he later joined the Chicago White Sox radio team before moving to Tampa Bay. His most memorable call came when the Rays made the World Series in 2008 when he said:
“This improbable season has another chapter to it! The Rays are going to the World Series!"
The Rays said they plan to honor Wills with a pregame tribute during the season.
