Former MLB Player Gives Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto Glowing Reviews

In an interview with MLB Network Radio, Brinson spoke about the challenges in facing Yamamoto this past year. The former Major Leaguer mentioned Yamamoto's ability to throw four pitches for strikes. Brinson also said the ball "explodes" out of Yamamoto's hand:

"He is gonna be a problem over here. He is going to be an issue," Brinson said. "I felt overmatched against him. That was the only guy over there in a while that I felt overmatched... He is the real deal. He is the truth. Whatever team, person that’s gonna face him next year, good luck."

- Lewis Brinson on Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Specifically, Brinson mentioned Yamamoto possessing a curveball, slider, splitter, cutter, and fastball. 

Those who support the boys in blue must be excited about this description. Brinson didn't just have a cup of coffee at the Major League level. He played parts of six seasons. This sample size is large enough to determine whether a guy "has it" or not. 

Though only 25 years of age, Yamamoto was a dominant force in the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) for years. As a member of the Orix Buffaloes, Yamamoto had a 70-29 career record with a minuscule 1.82 ERA. 

He also made five All-Star appearances and won three MVP Awards in the process. Not to mention, Yamamoto led the Pacific League in strikeouts and ERA on four separate occasions.