Japan beats MLB All-Stars 4-1 to win series 5-1

@kurumazaka--poor analogy. The Yomiuri Giants, who lost their game to this odds and sods MLB squad, would be the AAA team. The Samurai are the cream of Japan's baseball system--as they represent the country at the Olympics, WBC, and any other international test that comes along, they are carefully recruited and robustly supported. Just because a national team can play near the level of a small market MLB team does not make the NPB teams they represent automatically MLB caliber. The Samurai are selected from 12 teams, not 30, so there is a 2.5 times better chance of players who already play together being on the Samurai. A stronger team dynamic because all are the same nationality and speak the same first language, unlike the individualistic and international MLB. In the end, this was sold as an "All Star Team" for the purpose of selling tickets. A small minority have been voted to an actual MLB All Star game.

Bases loaded, one out, and the Japanese pitcher stuck out the next two batters. That is worth the price of admission right there.

Sounds like some really good players are coming up through the ranks in Japan.

It's obviously exhibition

Teams don't pitch their starters more than a few innings, and they want all the players to get into the game regardless of the outcome