Since I moved from the Daily Yomiuri, it has been awfully hard to find original material I’ve written because my work for Kyodo News is available to subscribers, and the bulk of what is freely available on the internet is on the Japan Times website, which publishes my work without a byline — you can ask them why.
I’ll skip the game stories and stick to the interviews and features and put up a list of the links to my original work I can find. Not all of it is from the JT, but most is.
Mikolas learning to live outside the zone
May 31, 2015. Yomiuri Giants right-hander discusses the art of expanding the strike zone in Japan.
Seguignol grows into role as scout for Giants
May 14, 2015. Fernando Seguignol had a tough introduction to Japanese baseball in 2002, but borrowed what he learned here to help remake himself as a player. After eight seasons in NPB, he is now a scout for the Yomiuri Giants and still focused on what’s next.
Giants rookie Takagi simply winning
May 8, 2015 Rookie right-hander Hayato Takagi of the Yomiuri Giants was the Central League’s best pitcher at the start of the season. What’s he doing that’s special?
Focused Lions defying predictions of doom
May 9, 2015 Surprisingly good pitching and defense have allowed the Seibu Lions and their explosive lineup to shoot up the Pacific League standings.
Journeyman Caraballo comes good
April 30, 2015. From an April 21 conversation with Orix’s Francisco Caraballo and his mentor last year, Alex Ramirez
Buffaloes beginning to show signs of life
April 22, 2015. Feature on the resurgent Orix Buffaloes
Swallows’ batting star Yamada working to improve play in field
April 12, 2015. On the transformation of the Yakult Swallows’ fielding efforts.
Barbon, NPB’s first Latin star, reflects on Japan
March 29, 2015. Interview with Chico Barbon
Kokubo urges Samurai Japan to pay fitting tribute
March 9, 2015 Preview of first Japan-Europe games.
Unless Japan calls again, former Eagle van Mil to hang ’em up
March 7, 2015. Chat with former Rakuten Eagle and Netherlands closer Loek van Mil, who is now studying hard at Utrecht University…
Matsuzaka returns to Japan mound
March 4, 2015. Report on Daisuke Matsuzaka’s 1st game back in Japan since the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
New Giants lefty Poreda settling in well
March 1, 2015. Feature on Yomiuri Giants lefty Aaron Poreda.
Kaneko completes award sweep as Best IX winner.
Nov. 20, 2014. Both leagues announce their Best IX winners.
Capuano eager to scratch NPB pitching itch. Nov. 19, 2014. Feature on Chris Capuano’s affinity for Japan and its game.
Kuroda still grinding on mound. Sept. 17, 2014. Interview with Hiroki Kuroda at Yankee Stadium.
Oh feels competition against big leaguers vital. Aug. 24, 2014. Interview with Hawks chairman and all-time Japan home run king Sadaharu Oh.
Buffaloes stick together during pennant race. Aug. 13, 2014 Feature on Orix’s surprising run in 2014 pennant race.
Yamada begins flexing muscles for Swallows. July 23, 2014. Feature on Swallows second baseman Tetsuto Yamada’s breakout season.
NPB, union welcome back returning big leaguers. July 16, 2014. Why did Japan’s players union welcome back big league tours after shunning them for eight years?