Japanese teen's triple-digit fastball has some calling him the next Shohei Ohtani

[Ace-Of-Diamonds]

https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2019-07-25/rouki-sasaki-japanese-pitcher-next-ohtani

[Stradling]

Eppler and Ohtani might have to go pay him a visit.

[Broad Street]

SIGN HIM NOW. He’s going to be the next Nolan Ryan. 

[zenmaster]

Does Roberto Baldoquin have a brother? Maybe we should sign him instead.

[tdawg87]

But who is the next this kid?

[Angel Oracle]

Is it a concern that he's already thrown 194 pitches in a game, and is still only 17?

[Claude]

He’s already in pinstripes. 

[Stradling]

Somebody wants to go 0-2

[m0nkey]

Claude’s just trying to reverse jinx it so he signs here

[Vlad27Trout27]

Go get him!

[Second Base]

Look at that delivery!  I remember when I had that sort of flexibility as a teenager.  I wonder if he could throw just as hard without the huge leg kick that powers his motion toward the plate.  

Either way, it sounds like he's going to pitch in Japan first.  Also, the kid threw nearly 200 pitches in a 12 inning shutout.  In America, that coach would be fired and imprisoned for child endangerment.  

[angelsnationtalk]

34 minutes ago, Calzone 2 said:

He’s already in pinstripes. 

That's what they said about Ohtani...

[Broad Street]

18 minutes ago, Second Base said:

Look at that delivery!  I remember when I had that sort of flexibility as a teenager.  I wonder if he could throw just as hard without the huge leg kick that powers his motion toward the plate.  

Either way, it sounds like he's going to pitch in Japan first.  Also, the kid threw nearly 200 pitches in a 12 inning shutout.  In America, that coach would be fired and imprisoned for child endangerment.  

Yeah but if he does that all the time, his arm will be immune to breaking down. 

[tdawg87]

1 hour ago, m0nkey said:

Claude’s just trying to reverse jinx it so he signs here

Claude will officially retire from AW with a bow and a "You're welcome" as he rides his donkey into the sunset.

[Angelsjunky]

Meaning, next in line for Tommy John Surgery?

[Lou]

 

1 hour ago, Angelsjunky said:

Meaning, next in line for Tommy John Surgery?

[tdawg87]

2 minutes ago, calscuf said:

Hey I searched for “Japanese” “teen” on google today too!

I love looking at blurred out dongs too.

[Tank]

This dude looks like he needs a couple of cheeseburgers and some pizza.

[Jay]

Hopefully the current Shohei Ohtani has a triple-digit fastball.

[halomatt]

6 hours ago, azmancini said:

Why are you looking to fatten him up?

 

This still creeps me out after all these years. 

 

Do you think he would still be a serial killer today, or would he save up the money and get the operation?

[FromJapan]

Roki SASAKI joined Chiba Lotte Marines (Pacific league, NPB) in 2020. He accompanied the team during the 2020 season in spite of a non-roster. For a year, the team's policy was to strengthen his body. His uniform number is 17. In the 2021 season, as of Sept. 30, he was 2-2 with a 3.05 ERA.

Hirokazu SAWAMURA (Red Sox, 2021) was enrolled in Chiba Lotte Marines for a short period in 2020. Hideki IRABU was also a major leaguer (Yankees, Expos, Rangers) from Chiba.

Edited April 11, 2022 by FromJapan
Changed the spelling of his first name according to the registered name in NPB

[Angel Oracle]

Turns 20 in November.

Up to 188 lbs. per Wikipedia page

[FromJapan]

On 10/1/2021 at 10:29 PM, Angel Oracle said:

Turns 20 in November.

Up to 188 lbs. per Wikipedia page

He has been an NPB player for the 3rd year this season, recorded a 102mph pitch in the official game (March 27th).

 

[Second Base]

Should we call every American teen that throws hard the next Nolan Ryan?

That's a firm fastball though. Looks impressive. 

[Taylor]

3 minutes ago, Second Base said:

Should we call every American teen that throws hard the next Nolan Ryan?

That's a firm fastball though. Looks impressive. 

Are there many American teen pitchers who can hit triple digits? Genuinely asking.