LA Angels Wednesday News Crash: 3 AM Baseball

Morning Angels fans. Baseball is on right now! Have some links!

Angels News

Patrick Sandoval is the Opening Day Starter for the Angels! Must be a seniority thing?

Rengifo is hurt again. Hammy injuries suck.

Around Baseball

Dodgers vs Padres in Korea RIGHT NOW! Game started at 3 AM, so the vast, vast majority of people will wake up and see the results as WHY IS IT AT 3AM PDT?! Yes, yes, it is 7 PM in Korea, but come on, even moving it to 9PM in Korea would make it so some people WHERE THE FANS ARE, can watch it. Ughhh. Whatever, a team won, I do not know which one, stuff happened. Baseball is back!

For everyone else, Opening Day will be next Thursday, and the Starting pitchers have been mostly announced.

Sandy Man Starts

The MLB players union is in a civil war as there is a push to replace the 2nd in command. Meyer, the current 2nd in command is supported by Boras, while Marino, who oversaw the MiLB players get unionized, is getting more and more support.

Speaking of Boras, Snell is to the Giants. His big FA class all had to settle with some even still not signed yet. People are doubting him now.

Baseball Reference recalculated BWAR again. That is annoying but needed.

Anything I missed? Post below for upvotes!

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Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
1 month ago

Room mate is an interpreter.
Says she doesn’t have any access to her friends accounts.
Come to think of it, I’ve never had access to anybody’s account nor has anybody ever had access to my account (outside of marriage). This doesn’t look good for Ohtani especially if gambling on MLB comes out. So nice it happened with the Dodgers.

Last edited 1 month ago by Mikeal1st
2GA2Join
Super Member
1 month ago

Lorenzen to Rangers

FungoAle
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

On a 1-year, reasonable price but happy the Angels did not go there

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Why is that? A one year deal at a reasonable price seems perfectly suited for what the Angels are doing.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

After the established starting 5, that leaves us:

Suarez
Soriano
Plesac
Daniel
Mederos
Wantz
Rosenberg
Kochanowicz
Bachman (injured)

Man we have no depth.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Exactly. I’d take Lorenzen over that list of hot garbage that you just listed. Apart from Soriano and perhaps Bachman, there’s nothing there there.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 month ago

Maybe my predicted $700 million dollar boo hoo blue bust is happening…just in a different way.

smithy610
Super Member
1 month ago

Wow, what a freaking mess:

Initially, a spokesman for Ohtani told ESPN the slugger had transferred the funds to cover Mizuhara’s gambling debt. The spokesman presented Mizuhara to ESPN for a 90-minute interview Tuesday night, during which Mizuhara laid out his account in great detail. However, as ESPN prepared to publish the story Wednesday, the spokesman disavowed Mizuhara’s account and said Ohtani’s lawyers would issue a statement.

“In the course of responding to recent media inquiries, we discovered that Shohei has been the victim of a massive theft, and we are turning the matter over to the authorities,” read the statement from Berk Brettler LLP.

From “Ohtani processed the payments himself to the bookie because he didn’t trust Ippei enough just to give him the money, to Ohtani not knowing anything about Ippei’s problems and now he’s the victim.”

Whew, what a nightmare for MLB and their pet team.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  smithy610

I believe the first story but it makes Ohtani culpable. Of what, I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer or aware of mlb rules. But I think that story gets Ohtani in trouble.

The second one lets him off the hook but throws Ippei to the wolves.

Story one: Ippei pays a fine
Story two: Ippei goes to jail for X number of years

smithy610
Super Member
1 month ago

But the spin to “victim of massive theft” just makes it worse IMO, and opens a whole can of worms. Ippei is already out there with a story. Wouldn’t something like “Shohei is aware that his friend was in trouble, and like any good friend, he helped out a friend in need. But that’s the extent of his involvement. Shohei never gambled, nor had any gambling debts, nor had any contact with any bookie. All he did was help out a friend.”

Instead, painting him as a victim after Ippei’s story is already out just smells like a whole massive coverup.

You just can’t unring the bell at this point.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  smithy610

Friend? Accomplice? Enabler? We shall see.

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Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago

Story one Ohtani also gets suspended and fined by MLB for making payments to a known illegal book maker even if it was “for a friend”

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  smithy610

The league will go out of their way to exonerate Shohei and the doyers and move on as quickly as possible. Bank on it.

smithy610
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

I can imagine it, especially after practically begging the gods and willing the Earth to make the Shohei-Dodgers marriage happen this past offseason.

Either way, glad to see the golden goose team scrambling at this point. Shohei’s “lawyers”?! Yeah right, more like Dodger lawyers shoved down his throat.

Whatever is the meaning of “Dodger” again?

Last edited 1 month ago by smithy610
Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

So we can all bet on it?

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Even Mookie Betts… Everyone can use Ippei’s account.
We just need to pay Shohei back if we lose.

Last edited 1 month ago by Twebur
Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

Classico Comment Twebs.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Yes, at -250

FungoAle
Super Member
1 month ago

Ippei would have been much better off had he bought 100,000 shares of Draft Kings stock versus making bets on the platform
.

Last edited 1 month ago by FungoAle
Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em
Know when to buy’em, know when to sell’em
….its all gambling.

Unless you’re in politics or an elite….then insider training makes it more fun, exciting and lucrative 😀

steelgolf
Super Member
1 month ago

My favorite part is the word “Loan” in the memo. 👏

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Long ago I asked my bookie if he took a check…..he laughed.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 month ago

Let’s get real here for a moment. Angels and Shohei agree to hire Ippei in 2017. Shohei insists all along that an interpreter is needed and both the Angels and Dodgers agree to pay for Ippei’s salary. Ippei becomes close to Shohei, so close in fact that Shohei says OK to his agent(s), management team and now to his wife that it’s fine that Ippei can access my bank accounts. I find this extremely difficult to believe-do you believe this?

Stay tuned for the rest of the story.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago

MLB will get to the bottom of this😀

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

I don’t trust MLB to get it done, the press will keep digging to find the true story.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 month ago

Yeah, sure. Powerful interests are going to kill this story quickly.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

If it was anybody else involved maybe, but currently Shohei is the biggest star on the planet and the press loves to bring big names down, but maybe you are right.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 month ago

Ippei is the fall guy, wether he’s guilty or not.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 month ago

Yes. Expect the story to change in the next few days. This sounds like damage control

CAoldskoll
Trusted Member
1 month ago

GP, it’s a Japanese cultural thing. You take the sword for your master, protect him from harm or shame. How laughable is it for personal assistant to steal that amount of money for gambling. Big Dodger coverup lol.

Marcotor
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  CAoldskoll

Except all the allegations point back to a time Ohtani and Ippei were in the Angels employ. Hate to interrupt our irrational Dodger hate, but Arte would have more to cover up, wouldn’t he? Plus, the Angels have more experience with hiding/denying nefarious actions.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Marcotor

Who cares about the truth… it’s more fun to hate on the Doyers.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

Absolutely!!!

max
Trusted Member
max
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

 🕵 

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

comment image

max
Trusted Member
max
1 month ago
Reply to  Marcotor

Well this is more about Blohtani than it is about the Dogs or Halos.

smithy610
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Marcotor

Also hate to interrupt the irrational Arte hate, but why would MLB want this to come out only now when their dream scenario of Shohei in blue has finally come true? Why not make it come out when Shohei was still an Angel so they can finally stick the dagger to Arte’s heart and force him out?

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  CAoldskoll

It will all come out in the wash. Dodgers and MLB are going to cover this story like you say because their number one star and the Gambling Industry income will be a major screw up. But we will see.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago

I don’t think any will come out with Washington😀
He had other problems

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

 😁 

max
Trusted Member
max
1 month ago

NBA and MJ worked out a way to be suspended w/o really being suspended. Maybe he decides to go play soccer for 3 years.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  max

Or basketball with his new wife.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  CAoldskoll

Bauer
Urias
Ohtani

We are starting to look like Angels down the 5!

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 month ago

Ippei-Ippay- Heppai-He pay, oh my.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 month ago

Who Mookie Betts with is a mystery yet to be leaked by the El Segundo Times 😀 

Brent
Super Member
1 month ago

what

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Brent

Do you mean “What?” Play on words with Mookie Betts name followed by the Los Angeles Times now written and run from El Segundo.

Do you mean “What”. Oh, you didn’t hear me, I’m really soft spoken.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 month ago

I hear they’re thinking of signing Oscar Gamble

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 month ago

 😄 

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago

Kenny Rodgers “The Gambler” will be player after their 67 home wins, instead of
“I Love LA”.

FungoAle
Super Member
1 month ago

Dave and Norm Cash are the known bankers

Trout_is_my_Bestie
Member
1 month ago

I just want Shohei to be banned from baseball like Pete Rose and for the Dodgers to still be on the hook for the 700 mil. Not asking for much!

…But I’ll settle for seeing the Dodgers not win any World Series with Shohei and for him to play in shame the whole time.

…And for Mike Trout to lead the Angels to a ring instead.

FungoAle
Super Member
1 month ago

What sports did Shopei bet on? Do we know?

Trout_is_my_Bestie
Member
1 month ago
Reply to  FungoAle

I have no idea, but I am ready with my pitchfork nonetheless.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  FungoAle

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Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago

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Last edited 1 month ago by Angels2020Champs
JackFrost
Super Member
1 month ago

How much did Ippei bet on the Super Bowl ?

Hmmm…

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Baseball? Just like Pete Rose?

red floyd
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

ESPN said not baseball.

Sources close to the gambling operation told ESPN that Bowyer dealt directly with Mizuhara, who placed bets on international soccer matches and other sports — but not baseball — starting in 2021.

https://www.espn.com.au/mlb/story/_/id/39768770/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-interpreter-fired-theft

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  red floyd

Isn’t that what Pete Rose’s OG story was. Ippei said they get a class on it in ST so it MUST mean he didn’t!

He should’ve got in on the 80–1 ‘21 MVP odds.

smithy610
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  red floyd

Uh huh.

Is this why the Angels have been consistently in the 70s win the past 3 years?!

Yuk yuk.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  red floyd

Must have read all the hopeium on this site and bet the Angels to win.

Betting soccer matches when most of them end in a tie, and losing all that money? He’s a worse than I thought.

red floyd
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  FungoAle

ESPN said soccer, but no baseball.

max
Trusted Member
max
1 month ago
Reply to  red floyd

Tho, if you are a degen who gets millions in debt, should we really take that at face value?

FungoAle
Super Member
1 month ago

FREE IPPEI!

Trout_is_my_Bestie
Member
1 month ago
Reply to  FungoAle

ARREST SHOHEI!

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 month ago

this does not look good…

“ESPN added that it reviewed bank information showing Ohtani’s name on two $500,000 payments, one sent in September and the other in October, to the bookmaking operation run by Mathew Bowyer. The word “loan” was on both payments.”

if Ohtani’s name is on it, with “loan”, then how was it a massive theft? If Ippei were paying some of it back, why would he put Ohtani’s name on it. Why wouldn’t he just make a payment?

DowningDude
Legend
1 month ago

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Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Shohei suspended for his involvement?

Better put some butter on that popcorn buttercup.

JackFrost
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

Don’t you mean “bettor” put some butter on that…?

Ha ha.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Mookie Betts Bettor Put More Butter on his Buttercup

Mia
Legend
Mia
1 month ago

The more I read about this, the less sure I am of any of it. Just gotta wait for the story to develop.

DowningDude
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Mia

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Mia
Legend
Mia
1 month ago
Reply to  DowningDude

That’s what we do best!

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  DowningDude

“That is an awful idea…”

DowningDude
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

“Yes, it’s terrible, this idea”

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Thanks. I need to rewatch that one, it’s been a while.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Mia

Well if MLB knew about this last year, I’ll feel better, nothing to see here.

Just like I felt better when MLB told us all the details about the Ass’tros “Trash Can Banging Scandal” that nobody paid a real price for.

Trust MLB😀😀😀😀

Rumors about the Doyers involved with some cheating of their own.

steelgolf
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

MLB needs to protect Shohei, he is a money and marketing asset, especially bringing in all of the Japanese markets.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Nailed it. This story will die quickly, along with the truth in all likelihood.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago

MLB will cover this up.

smithy610
Super Member
1 month ago

“Loan” probably means that Ippei owes Shohei that money so he wouldn’t forget to pay him back.

Instead of just giving Ippei the money directly so the trail doesnt come back to him, Shohei made the payment directly to the bookie himself because he didnt trust Ippei with the money because he’ll just gamble it away.

Wow

DowningDude
Legend
1 month ago

I BLAME ERIC KAY

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  DowningDude

And Tim Mead and Brian “Bubba” Harkins….. And of course Arte.

red floyd
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

We’re letting Andrew off the hook?

steelgolf
Super Member
1 month ago

My guess is, Shohei finds a position for Ippei behind the scenes, but not at any Dodger facilities.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

For taking the rap?

steelgolf
Super Member
1 month ago

Let’s just say it will be a “personal services” contract.

DowningDude
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

The conspiracy angle is quite interesting. I like.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

After 10 years?

Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

Well he wont get any compensation for 10 years thats Fo Sho

steelgolf
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Shohei makes plenty of money every year just from endorsements. He doesn’t even need to touch his baseball salary.

max
Trusted Member
max
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Plus he’ll probably pick up a huge endorser deal from DraftKings

smithy610
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

If he still wants to keep Ippei close to the vest even after all this, that probably means he’s more involved in what Ippei is doing than he’s letting on.

Last edited 1 month ago by smithy610
Pineapple12
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

The only time Shohei will be speaking to Ippei in the future will be in court lmao.

Unless of course, Sho is the degenerate gambler.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Well, one thing we found out pretty much right after leaving the Angels, Shohei speaks pretty good english…..he needs an interpreter about as much as the Angels need another 72 win season.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago

I’ll take who called in the Bomb threat for $1000 Alex.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have proceeded with their MLB season opener in South Korea after a bomb threat against Shohei Ohtani and others

https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-padres-opener-to-proceed-in-south-korea-after-bomb-threat-against-shohei-ohtani-per-reports-044810398.html

Last edited 1 month ago by Twebur
RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

Who is the Mookie Betts?

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

That’s a classic!

It’s a great gambling site…..just did my March Madness bracket there.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

Hey man, I’m a recovering addict to life and any letters you type in any language are just super triggering to my funny bone so if you could just like do more of them…

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Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  RexFregosi

Ohtani’s new interpreter

smithy610
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

Who is the illegal bookmaker?

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  smithy610

I’m sorry that is wrong….

Shohei’s mother is the correct answer

JackFrost
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

I smell obfuscation.

I bet the “bomb threat” was fabricated to distract the media from the Ippei/Shohei story.

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  JackFrost

deja vu again

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago

nice, it took one game in dodger blue to turn the place into a big circus
comment image

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago

Will Mr. Pete Rose please call your office….Will Mr. Pete Rose please call your office….
Thank you.

RexFregosi
Super Member
Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Ha!

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

MLB knew about this in 2023 too i’d guess, sounds like everyone knew except the press got it today

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Remember when… gambling was a scourge on society way back when?

Maybe this possible Shohei scandal will soften society’s view on legal gambling even more..and the Indian Casinos will allow on site sports betting/sports books, with free drinks.

I’ll take Baltimore -205 on opening night, and the under on Sandoval’s over/under innings pitched at 4.1.

DowningDude
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Twebur

I’d wager that you’re wrong about legal gambling

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

What did Shohei know and when did he know it?

The story has it happening in 2023 and his name was making bets with an illegal bookmaker. If our ex-DH was AAAA player, he’d probably be suspended now by MLB.

But he knew nothing, so there ‘s nothing to see here. Move along.

Last edited 1 month ago by RexFregosi
Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

I saw Eppei on the grassy knoll… you know the one out in centerfield, right next to the stupid rock-pile-water-fixture? The one right next to the stupid yellow lined wall in right field? You know, the grassy knoll where all the visiting teams hit home run bombs off our scrub pitchers?

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 month ago

I love Ohtani, but man, I’m not gonna miss the media circus that comes with him.

As a recovering gambling addict myself — YIKES.

smithy610
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

This. He wanted the attention, now he got it, fairly or not.

Roy Hobbs
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Very glad you’re recovering. Stick with it pineapple

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

My kids goldfish died, I have a hangnail and my first gray pube might be coming in… can I get some of those internets good vibez too?!?

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 month ago

You are a weird dude lol. I should be paying you for the amount of rent I take up in your head.

I cant imagine inserting myself in an online conversation that has nothing to do with me, only to act like a jackass for attention.

You got me to finally respond to you, congrats 🥳🥳🥳 !

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

I think it’s swapped my guy. Was replying to RH. You mention your misdeeds quite often. Have you ever been on a team? Does everyone ‘get along’? If you let it be known something irks you and don’t let it be known how easily offended you are or have a caveat why do you post those things? In this gambling case I can see why youve posted it (again). I can’t imagine being so insecure I post about my threeesome, divorce, addiction(s) to a bunch of strangers. I’ve offered positive and smart ass replies to your posts and you always seem to take offense. Yesterday you were crying about “taking strays”.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 month ago

I’m sorry to break the news to you dawg, you are an asshole.

If you think it’s insecurity that drives me to post about my addiction, more power to you. In actuality, this is an outlet for me to speak in what I’d hope would be a safe space because the only people who know I struggle with gambling are my immediate family, best friend, and support group. JJ has been outspoken about his addiction since the HH days, as well as a few others, and it’s cathartic for me to share small details about my journey.

You got me tho! I’m a big insecure attention seeking baby.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Don’t let him bug you

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Did you just say safe space?

Yes, people do post about life here. That is fine. It’s also fine to have a smart Åss opinion of those things. Humor can be a good outlet too, try it! If you’re expecting to get coddled here, that’s great! You’re not the only one to name call here and I don’t take offense to it. It speaks more to you than it does to me. I’ve never personally attacked anyone here. The ‘worst’ I’ve done is use someone’s own posts/admitted life experiences (which don’t have to be true, this is online!) to make a smart ass point about holding athletes to different standards than the common human. We are all the same, but maybe you’re right you’re so much better than me.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago

Here dude. This will help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u39KI2m2DiU

Angels2020Champs
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

🤣🤣🤣

What about my other issues?!? I just used a sharpie until I can get to a store!

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

Greatly appreciate that, thank you RH!

With a gambling epidemic soon to be on our hands (if it isnt here already), I consider myself lucky to have hit rock bottom and began the process in picking up the pieces.

Ippei better seek help ASAP, assuming he doesn’t end up in jail, because Sho ain’t bailing his ass out again.

Last edited 1 month ago by Pineapple12
WallyChuckChili
Legend
1 month ago

Now my Ippei card is worthless.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago

And now we need to worry about our long lost friend “Shohei Super fan K’ something” …hope he comes back and posts the 16 pages of transcripts from the Japanese media. press conferences.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 month ago

or maybe the value just tripled!

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