Palpable Pressure: Ron Howard on “Fight For Glory,” Growing Up a Dodgers Fan; First Impressions from Dodgers-Cubs in Tokyo
Mar 18, 2025
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Jesse Rogers, an ESPN baseball reporter, shares fascinating insights from the opening game between the Dodgers and Cubs in Tokyo, expressing excitement about standout performances. Ron Howard, the acclaimed director and lifelong Dodgers fan, discusses his documentary 'Fight for Glory,' reflecting on Freddie Freeman's incredible journey and his passionate childhood memories of listening to Dodgers games. Gaby Sanchez provides a sneak peek into the Marlins' rebuilding strategy, highlighting promising young talents and the team's future.
The Dodgers showcased their strong bullpen and overall team depth during their season-opening victory over the Cubs in Tokyo.
Ron Howard emphasizes the emotional connection of baseball through his childhood experiences as a Dodgers fan and his new project 'Fight for Glory.'
The Cubs face mounting pressure to improve their competitive standing in the NL Central despite concerns over their pitching rotation and young players' performances.
Deep dives
Dodgers and Cubs Opening Game Highlights
The opening game of the 2025 MLB season featured the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, with Shohei Otani making history by getting the first hit of the season. Despite the early lead by the Cubs, the Dodgers rallied back, showcasing their strong bullpen that retired 16 consecutive batters, reflecting their depth even in the absence of key players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. The Dodgers' pitching performance, particularly by Yoshi Yamamoto, led them to a victory, demonstrating their potential for a dominant season. Analysts highlighted this game as an indication of the Dodgers' overall team strength and their status as reigning champions, setting up expectations for the season ahead.
Cubs' Potential and Pressure for 2025
As the Cubs begin their season, they face palpable pressure to perform better in the competitive NL Central division, especially given their increased offseason activity. Analysts pointed out that while the Cubs made improvements, concerns linger about their pitching rotation and bullpen reliability. The team aims to finally solidify its position, needing a collective effort to rise above their division rivals, namely the Brewers and the Reds. Observers noted that the Cubs' success hinges on the timely performances of their young players, especially against stronger teams like the Dodgers.
Key Injury Updates and Rumors
Several teams, including the Blue Jays and Padres, are navigating injury challenges as the season commences, with players like Max Scherzer and Hugh Darvish facing setbacks. Scherzer's ongoing thumb issue raises concerns about his ability to contribute effectively early in the season, while Darvish is experiencing fatigue that limits his participation. Additionally, the Cubs reported Royce Lewis's moderate hamstring strain, which could impact their lineup. These injuries create ripple effects throughout team strategies and depth as they look to start the season strong, complicating playoff aspirations.
Dodgers' Well-Rounded Team Potential
Discussions emerged about whether the Dodgers could arguably be the most complete team seen in Major League Baseball in the past couple of decades, reminiscent of historic powerhouse teams. Analysts praised not only their incredible batting lineup but also their robust pitching depth, highlighting the new additions to their bullpen. The franchise’s ability to consistently succeed even when stars are sidelined speaks to their organizational strength. As they gear up for a competitive season, the Dodgers are poised to continue their legacy, with high expectations of returning to the World Series.
Expectations for the Miami Marlins
In their rebuilding phase, the Miami Marlins seek to align their strategy for the 2025 MLB season amid challenges and competition in the National League East. Led by a young core and bolstered by players like Sandy Alcantara, who is determined to excel despite past injuries, the Marlins are focused on nurturing their talent. Their recent moves suggest a commitment to improving team dynamics even as they face significant hurdles, and observers anticipate a cautious rise in wins this season. The overall success of their strategy hinges on the health and performance of both their pitching staff and emerging hitters.
Jesse Rogers and Buster talk about the first game of the MLB season and offer their first impressions of the Dodgers and Cubs. Plus, Spencer Strider wows in his Spring Training return, who popped for Jesse as he traveled around camps and the AL East appears wide open. Then, Ron Howard stops by to talk about his new project “Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series” on Apple TV+, Freddie Freeman’s honesty, the fragile line between loss and triumph, where he was when Freeman hit the walk off grand slam in Game 1, listening to Dodger games on a transistor radio, meeting Vin Scully, and his favorite players. Later, Steve Berthiaume previews the Diamondbacks and Gaby Sanchez previews the Marlins.