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Greetings, fellow baseball enjoyers! Lots goin on this time out. We’ve got another plot twist in the Ohtani gambling scandal, Jackson Holliday making it to The Show, and a look at the Red Sox opening day ceremony.
My name’s AJ… and this is Two-Strike Count.
Feds say Mizuhara “stole” $16 million from Ohtani
Federal authorities charged Ohtani’s ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara with bank fraud on Thursday, claiming he stole millions from the Dodgers’ superstar and spent the money at an illegal sportsbook.
Stole? Uh huh. Sure.
You mean to tell me Ohtani is so rich he didn’t notice all that money missing? C’mon, folks. If you believe that I’ve got some oceanfront property in Arizona you might be interested in.
I don’t care how rich you are, there is no way you lose 16 million bucks and don’t notice. Which means I see this playing out one of two ways. One, Ohtani really is so dumb he didn’t notice the missing money. Or two, he was in on it and Mizuhara was placing bets for him.
Either way, it’s not a great look for Ohtani. Although if he really just didn’t know what Mizuhara was up to, at least that means he wasn’t complicit. Option number two, however, doesn’t end well for Ohtani. He’d be facing at the very least a suspension… or worse.
And, as if this story didn’t have enough layers already, keep in mind that MLB’s own investigation is still ongoing. I usually try to be a glass-half-full kinda guy, but somethin tells me this is gonna get worse before it gets better.
Jackson Holliday… welcome to The Show!
Orioles prospect Jackson Holliday told his agent Scott Boras and Orioles general manager Mike Elias he hoped to be playing in the majors in “two years or less.” Mission accomplished, kid.
Holliday made his MLB debut Wednesday against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The second overall pick batted ninth in Baltimore’s lineup while wearing number 7, which was once worn by Cal Ripken Sr. and his son Billy. Cal Ripken Jr, part of the Orioles’ new ownership group, said the Ripken family gave Holliday their blessing.
There’s no question Jackson is facing lofty expectations. But early on, at least, he doesn’t seem rattled. Afterall, he played so well at Triple-A Norfolk, the Orioles called him up less than a month into the season. And giving him number 7 is a vote of confidence, too.
Holliday’s an electric young player and the latest in a long line of them for Baltimore. O’s fans got to see Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman make their debuts in 2022 and Grayson Rodriguez last year. It’s hard not to be excited for the Orioles faithful after all the dark days they endured.
Hard, but not impossible. As a Red Sox fan, I have to agree with Boston skipper Alex Cora who summed it up perfectly, saying: “For baseball it’s great. For the American League East, it sucks.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Red Sox ceremony a rollercoaster ride
Don McLean’s American Pie was the perfect song choice for the pre-game ceremony at Fenway this past Tuesday. It’s both triumphant and somber. It celebrates both nostalgia for, and mourning of, the past.
Just like the ceremony.
Sure there were cheers as we watched the memorable moments of the 2004 Red Sox on the video board. Varitek fighting A-Rod. Dave Roberts swiping second. Keith Foulke’s flip to first. It felt amazing to celebrate the triumphs of, arguably, the most iconic team in Red Sox history.
But then the images turned to Tim and Stacy Wakefield, who we lost in the span of less than six months. Cue the tears. It was only the second time I’ve cried sad tears at Fenway. Watching Wake throw knuckleballs. Winning his 200th game. His induction into the Red Sox Hall of Fame. And all his and Stacy’s tireless work for the Jimmy Fund.
After the music trailed off, most of the 2004 team, sans Pedro Martinez (who had another commitment) and Curt Schilling (for obvious reasons), made their way onto the field led by Trevor and Brianna, Tim and Stacy’s kids. Kevin Millar in his finest cowboy boots. Johnny Damon still rockin his trademark locks and holding the 2004 World Series trophy.
Brianna threw the first pitch to Jason Varitek. It was a strike. Her dad would’ve been proud.
Emotional rollercoaster. Happiness and sadness. Smiles and tears. Reunion and loss.
But when it was over, and the ‘04 team gave way to the current Red Sox wearing a heart-shaped number 49 patch in honor of Wake, I realized something.
It was more than just a celebration of 2004. It was a celebration of Tim and Stacy’s lives. And I know they were smiling down.
That’s it for this edition of Two-Strike Count, baseball fans. Until next time!
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