WATCH: Jed Hoyer on the MLB Tokyo Series, Matt Shaw's progression, more |
Tony Crumpton
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- 9 hours ago
Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer addresses the media from the MLB Tokyo Series to discuss the upcoming games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, how Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki handled the pressure of playing in Tokyo, and much more.
Watch the dugout interview below: Video summary/cliff-notes: Opening Day Excitement (00:00-00:31): Hoyer expresses excitement for Opening Day in a unique environment, looking forward to finally playing after a long stay overseas. Anticipation for the First Pitch (00:31-01:00): He expects a big moment when Shota Imanaga throws the first pitch against Yoshinobu Yamamoto, calling it a "made-for-TV event." Handling Pressure in Japan (01:00-01:29): Acknowledges the added responsibility for Japanese players like Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, as they feel like hosts in their home country. Matt Shaw’s Readiness (01:29-02:00): Says Shaw earned his spot in the lineup through strong at-bats in camp despite early injury setbacks. Shaw’s Fast Rise (02:00-02:30): Notes that Shaw progressed quickly through the minors but stresses the challenge of staying in the majors. Confidence in Shaw (03:01-03:32): Describes Shaw as uniquely confident, sticking to his approach despite outside suggestions to change. Young Players as X-Factors (04:02-04:32): Believes young players like Shaw, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Miguel Amaya could provide breakout performances crucial to the team's success. Depth of the Roster (04:32-05:02): Feels this is the Cubs' deepest roster in years, both in the majors and minors, allowing for difficult but positive roster decisions. Playoff-Like Atmosphere (05:02-05:31): Compares the energy of the Tokyo Series to the postseason, emphasizing the excitement of high-stakes baseball. Team Bonding During the Trip (06:02-06:33): Highlights the trip's impact on team chemistry, as players and families spent more time together, accelerating team cohesion.
