MESA, Ariz. _ Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon had some advice Saturday for Team Japan before they travel to Dodger Stadium for the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.
"Make sure they have a Dodger Dog," Maddon told a Japanese reporter before the Cubs played Japan in an exhibition game at Sloan Park. "Make sure they start off with a Dodger Dog. That's the first thing they do, get a Dodger hot dog. They're one of the best ever. They're really long and delicious.
"After that, enjoy the moment. It's a great venue playing at Dodger Stadium. When I got there the first time with the Angels, it was fabulous, the history of that ballpark.
My advice to groups or teams, even my guys, when you're going there for the first time, make sure you slow it down and enjoy the moments. It's beautiful."
Maddon reminisced about playing Japanese teams dating back to the 1980s at Gene Autry Park in Mesa when his instructional league teams would play the Tokyo Giants and manager Yutaka Sudo, who has been an annual visitor to the Cubs' camp since Maddon took over.
"I've always been a fan of the way they played the game," Maddon said. "They're fundamentally sound. I've always been impressed with their pitchers' abilities to keep the ball down in the strike zone.
"Their catchers are tough. They block the ball well and throw well. Their hitting is different. They all seem to be cut from the same cloth when it comes to hitting."
Team Japan will play The Netherlands in a WBC semifinal Monday at Dodger Stadium.
