FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Former Nova Southeastern University baseball standout, Miles Mikolas, has taken his talents overseas after spending the last three years with the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers. Mikolas joins a storied ball club, the Yomiuri Giants, referred to as the "New York Yankees of Japan."

NSUSharks.com caught up with Mikolas at the beginning of his journey, asking him a few questions on what he expects and how the opportunity came about.
 
What are your thoughts on this opportunity to play in Japan?
 
The opportunity to play in Japan was a sudden one to say the least and it came about very unexpectedly during my honeymoon.  It is a fantastic opportunity as well to get to experience a different culture and travel the world doing what I love.  The things that I will be able to learn over here and take back to the states may be great for my pitching in the future. Baseball is a game where you are always learning and getting a chance to see how they go about their business here is a once and a lifetime opportunity.
 
What are your expectations going into the season?
 
My expectations going into the season are mixed.  I know they do things a little different over here so I expect to be surprised from time to time.  However it is still baseball and I know that the caliber of this league is second only to the MLB.  That being said I expect to adapt to the subtle differences in the game in short order and expect to be successful.
 
Have you spoken with any players that have played in the Japanese League? What have they told you about their experience?
 
I actually did have a chance to talk to some guys who have played in Japan during my last stint with the Rangers, Yu Darvish and Colby Lewis have both played.  I had talked to them about playing here during the season (before I even had a inkling that I would come play here). In talking to them and others, many of the players that come here like it very much, as long they are open to the experience.  If you try to be to "American" it usually does not work well.  I have heard that the baseball here is of very high caliber.
 
Mikolas is one of four former Sharks playing professional baseball, joining the likes of J.D. Martinez, Mike Fiers and Carlos Asuaje.



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