
Koji Watanabe / Getty Images
The M’s got skunked for the second time in as many games against NPB teams, this time a 9-3 loss to the legendary Yomiuri Giants. Ichiro went hitless, though he did drive in a third-inning run while grounding out (above).
Otherwise, Ichiro’s return to Japan is causing a sensation — here’s an MLB.com article, including a video interview with Amy Franz of Ichi-Meter fame…

In case you were wondering, that’s a Boeing patch on his sleeve, and a Gloops decal on his helmet, both only to be worn during the M’s games in Japan (at least I hope). Looks like they also have an Opening Series commemorative patch on the side of their caps…

Reuters
More obvious is the giant Tokyo Dome ad of Ichiro pitching Kirin. That photo is actually from Sunday’s game, along with this one — I love seeing uniforms from two totally different leagues competing on the same field…

Toshifumi Kitamura / Getty Images
After tomorrow’s day off, the M’s open the 2012 season versus Oakland at 3:10 a.m. Wednesday.