Shohei Ohtani is hitting at the Big A
Well, here we go. Most know where I stand on the Dodgers going all in on Shohei Ohtani this winter. And, like many other times in my life, I might be totally wrong and off base. No one is perfect; we all make mistakes. In my opinion, which to the Dodgers means nothing, I think that whatever money is available come this winter, they should make multiple additions to the team, fill the obvious holes, and not drop 400 plus million over 10 years on anyone, let alone a guy who only pitches once a week and never plays the field the rest of the time, but is purely a designated hitter.
Again, in my humble, not worth spit opinion, Ohtani is not a true two-way player. A true two-way player plays a defensive position when he is not pitching. Babe Ruth was a true two-way player. And by all accounts of those who saw the Babe play, he was a very good defensive right fielder. Over his career, he had 204 assists from the outfield, most of those when he was playing right. As a pitcher, he walked almost as many as he struck out, but he had a career ERA of 2.28, and he also registered 107 complete games.
There is no question in anyone’s mind, even mine, that Ohtani is a very talented player. I just believe calling him the best in the game is going overboard. My comparison comes from music. There have been many singers and entertainers who have come down the pipe, and get the title, the best ever heaped on them. It’s a different world now. Singers today have more than one or two outlets to showcase their talents. I doubt Hank Williams ever played to 60,000 people at one time, or like those who do the Super Bowl Halftime Show on TV for millions of viewers. So many do not know, except by old records or grainy old videos, just how talented he was.
The way baseball is sold today, all the highlights are on ESPN every night or the MLB Network. You see the good, the bad, and the ugly. You also see the comedic side of the game. All we have of Ruth are some very old and grainy videos, the memories of those who actually saw him play, not many of those left, and the record books. Until 1961, Babe had the longest scoreless innings in World Series play streak. 29 2/3rds. Whitey Ford passed it, and it now stands at 33.2.
Babe still holds four MLB records, thirty-one American League records and a handful more AL records that have been tied. And it has been 88 years since he retired from the game. He also has the highest WAR of any player in MLB history by almost 20 over Barry Bonds. Sorry, Ohtani is not the second coming of Babe Ruth. He might end up with a better career pitching record than Ruth, 94-46 2.28. Ohtani is 37-19. But he will never come close to Ruth’s hitting prowess.
Fans of this era will probably not see this combination of pitching and hitting skills again. Just like fans of my era, will never see players like Mays, Mantle, Koufax, Gibson, and many others. Players today make a lot more money, are in better shape physically, and most are much better athletes than the old guys. They eat better, travel by plane, live in much better conditions, and actually do not have to work in the off-season and can work out whenever they want.
It is nearly impossible to compare eras. Babe also spent several years playing during what was known as the dead-ball era. Many of the stadiums he played in no longer exist. Many of them also had huge dimensions. Today’s ballparks are not as large. But again, Babe usually faced the same pitcher multiple times in a game. Now, there are all sorts of relief pitchers who are specialists. So, every era has had different challenges for the hitters.
Now comes the hard part. Do the Dodgers take the chance and spend hundreds of millions of dollars on one player? Many of you will have differing opinions on this. And those are what I would like to hear. I myself prefer that they spend the money on more than just one player, even if he does fill two roles. What do you think???
Ohtani pitching at the Big A
Discussion (45)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Clayton probably wins Cy Young Award if not for shoulder injury. Friedman screwed up! He should have traded for 2 Yarborough’s! It was said he might be the sneaky good steal of the trade deadline! Am I wrong in worrying about facing lefties in the playoffs? Have been a Chris Taylor fan forever, but watching him at the plate is getting to be so painful! He honestly looks like he’s swinging off a tee. Bat connect with ball , goes a long way. But bat doesn’t connect with ball very often! He needs a change of scenery next season, like Cody! Creeping up on Bravos! Does Bob Melvin survive in San Diego? I doubt it. Old Bear, total agreement on ohtani. 6 years at 50 per year? Maybe. But other wise no way. He might be the “best” player in baseball today, but I’m not sure. He pitches well and he’s a powerful hitter. That’s 2 things he does very well. Freddie might be the best hitter on the planet. He plays outstanding defense. That’s 2 things he does very well. Acunia also an unbelievable talent who is an offensive force as well as defensive stud. 2 for him. Mookie can do it all! Ohtani might play a good defensive outfield, we can’t say for certain. Not trying to say he’s not special, he his. But in overall value over the next 6 years, I want 3 very good players, not 1 ! He’s an injury away from getting some GM fired.
This team is just fun to watch.
How about that Kid Yarbrough!!
No to Ohtani. Very good pitching last night.
I really want to thank you guys for all of the comments. Whenever I see over 100 responses, I know I have touched a nerve somewhere. No matter what, we are all loyal Dodger fans. Mark makes sure there are no trolls here. No matter if we agree on a certain topic or not, we all desire the same thing, a Dodger World Championship. I will not lie, this team has played a lot better than I expected especially with all the injuries to the pitching staff. Outside of losing Lux in spring and a couple of hiccups physically by Martinez, the position players have stayed relatively healthy. I mean they went out and signed Marisnick and no one misses him a bit. I am a little concerned about Deluca. He should have been activated by now and at least be playing at AAA. But I feel pretty good about the turnaround by the team and what is now a 6.5 game lead over the Gnats. Lets hope they keep it going.
Would you direct us specifically to the “many” you speak of.
Max Muncy, whom many did not want in the lineup was responsible for all the runs.
BY the way, by my count the no to Ohtani group is leading. You pro Ohtani guys need to garner more support.
If nothing else this post caused discussion. None of us are either wrong or right. Only time will tell which direction the Dodgers go. Max plays against lefty’s because Martinez is still out. There is no other option.
so again. Why does Max play against lefties?
I’ve really taken a liking to Rosario. Seems like a really good guy.
Man, did we put one over on the Guardians by getting them to take Syndergaard. By the way, he beat the Blue Jays tonight. Pitched 6 innings and gave up 1 run. Sometimes change of scenery works in both directions.
Thank god it’s almost time for Dodger baseball, all this Ohtani talk is irrelevant until after this season is over like Matt indicated about 12 hours ago. By the time he decides it will be mid to late January.
Flash: Austin Barnes has a 4-game hitting streak.
During that time he is batting .364
We need to bench Will Smith immediately and make Barnes the first string catcher.
10:10 PM ET
Rockies (45-69)
Dodgers (67-46)
SP Ty Blach L
1-1 4.85 ERA
SP Clayton Kershaw L
10-4 2.55 ERA
Betts RF
Freeman 1B
Rosario 2B
Muncy DH
Taylor LF
Hernandez 3B
Outman CF
Rojas SS
Barnes C
74° Wind 8 mph Out
CK activated Gonzalez sent to OKC.
3 hours until game time and no starting pitcher or roster moves announced yet.
Of course. Only a moron would not want Ohtani on their team 😉
A whole lot of people here have completely internalized Friedmanthink.
“Don’t over-commit to long-term contracts, especially to players at the age 30 level. You have to maintain financial flexibility. Instead, you need to look for value rather than name brand stars.”
Yeah, I totally agree with that approach, and I think Friedman has done an outstanding job of not doing dope fiend moves. The proof is in the win/loss record over the past decade, and the health of the farm system. The organization is healthy, and it’s long term outlook looks great.
Where your thinking fails is in your foolish consistency – you know, that thing about it being the hobgoblin of little minds.
If it was up to you Ohtani naysayers the Dodgers would’ve never traded for and signed Mookie. That was a really un-Friedmanlike move.
“Why do that?! AF could’ve saved money by only paying Alex Verdugo the league minimum … and he’s gonna be the next Tony Gwynn!! I know it!!”
Friedman has a process. It’s worked. It gives him financial flexibility, but with the house money that the financial flexibility gives him he’s also been willing to ditch the process and go after someone he thinks is really special. No, not people like Bryce Harper, who he was only willing to give a front loaded short term deal, but truly exceptional players – like Mookie.
Some of you people! Are you seriously saying that the player you’d rather target this off-season, instead of Ohtani, is …. wait for it … Travis D’Arnaud? LOL!
Travis D’Arnaud?!
“Yeah, but he’d be way cheaper than Ohtani!”
We as fans have the opportunity to watch the greatest, most unique player of a generation play for the Dodgers, and you’re saying you don’t want to see that?
“It’s not fiscally responsible!”
The Dodgers will be 137 million under the cap. They can sign Ohtani for whatever he wants, buy some more players like Travis Frikken D’Arnaud, and still have some left over do give Will Smith and Beuhler raises in a couple of years.
“Ohtani’s not that good. Back in my day when Koufax played we didn’t have any of these fancy smancy new fangled players hitting and pitching. That’s not the way baseball is supposed to be played! He doesn’t even use chewin’ tobacco! I never see him spit!”
Bunch of grumpy, old curmudgeons here. Yeah, he’ll likely get injured at some point. It’s a lot of money. It might not provide value at the end of the contract. Ok.
I think it would be a very special privilege to watch him play for the Dodgers.
LATEST NEWS
Aug. 9: RHP Walker Buehler (Tommy John surgery) faces hitters
Buehler threw a 15-20 pitch session to hitters from the Dodgers’ Arizona Complex League, clocking in at 92-93 mph at Chase Field ahead of the Dodgers’ series finale vs. the D-backs. According to manager Dave Roberts, “It went really well, much better than I expected.”
When asked if he feels his recovery process is almost complete, Buehler said, “I think there’s a bunch of checkpoints, right? So when we start throwing, and when you start throwing bullpens, and now hitters and then games, and so you can kind of take little chunks at a time, and it’s kind of what you got to do.”
Buehler added that he’ll need four or five throwing sessions to hitters before doing anything in-game. He targeted Sept. 1 as his return date but says he’ll likely still need more rehab.
“I’m pretty proud of where I am right now,” Buehler said. “I don’t think Sept. 1 is a reality, but I’m hoping sometime soon.”
Ok kids: anyone from this lovely board going to the game tonight?
I’ll be there, so as usual, I’d love to meet up with anyone else from this board and discuss Dave Roberts, Ohtani, and the Trashtros!
Whose going down when Clayton gets activated today ?
Vesia ?Caleb? Who has options left ?
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great road trip for the Dodgers!
Finished 5-1 and could have won the other game as well.
Love the professionalism and consistency of the whole team, and the leadership of the top players. The starting pitching looked much better this trip with 5 solid performances and even Gonsolin finishing 6 innings in his outing. Urias has looked great the last two starts, Miller was dominant, and Lynn is an innings eating grinder. It will be interesting how Yarbrough is used but he impressed in his first appearance.
And after a 6 week absence, we get another Kershaw Day!
* I say “NoOhtani” for all the reasons Bear said.
* I warned you about that umpiring crew led by Adrian Johnson. They didn’t disappoint. Many Gonzales was brutal and seemed to pick big pitches to display his ineptitude. And the safe call on CT3 by Paul Clemons at 2nd was humorous. He was out by 10 feet and somehow Clemons missed it in real time and we had to go to an unnecessary replay. How do you miss that?
* Miller was fun to watch and D-Train was insightful about how he’s getting opportunities to experience and learn. He has awesome ability and he has to learn how to get outs of jams. I loved the post-outing chat with Doc on the rail.
I would have loved to be a fly on the wall to listen to that conversation. I love Miller’s competitiveness and stuff. I look forward to a rotation next year that included Buehler, Miller, May and Kershaw.
* Muncy did it again in the 8th with 2 on. He got an advantage count, yet again, only to take a fat 92mph fastball center-cut and slightly elevated. WTF would he be looking for other than a fat, elevated fastball? He eventually got his favorite outcome, a walk. I would have preferred he tried to pick up an RBI or 3, by swinging the bat.
* Kelly is so weird. He came in with a 2 run lead and his first pitch was a 100 with run. Do that! He then threw 5 consecutive sliders to walk Marte. I don’t get Smith with that sequence either. Trust the fastball! He did and blew away Gurriel with 3 heaters and K’ed Walker. Remember when he threw like 24 consecutive sliders a a game? He throws a “knuckle-busting heater” yet he wants to trick em.
* How about Freddie’s stretch on Rojas’ nice play in the 9th? Big man can do the splits.
* I’ve been to Chase Field quite a bit and I have fun there. I take the light-rail and get off in front of the stadium where there are some fun watering holes 20 feet away. I like the ballpark when it’s cool enough to open the roof and the panels so it doesn’t feel like they’re playing in a hangar. But it is the most distracting place to watch a game on TV. I try to ignore the background behind home plate but it’s so distracting, my eyes just go there. It is so busy. Those ground level seats behind the screen are in constant flux and worse is the wide isle just a shade to the first base side. It’s like I-5 or the 10. There’s a constant steam of traffic up and down that isle, as it is the access to the bar and the rest rooms. While other stadiums have a backdrop of seated fans, Chase has a super highway of activity that I find distracting.
I agree with most of what Bear has said on Ohtani. However, where we part ways is on the historic nature of Ohtani’s performance. I don’t believe I have ever seen a better player with my own eyes. He can simply do everything. And given his athleticism, I don’t doubt for a second that he could play the outfield. As long as he’s pitching that isn’t going to happen. There is now way you risk his arm to any additional stress on his non pitching days. But if, at some point, he ends up just being a position player I have little doubt he could play the field. He just that good of an athlete.
Where we agree is on the financial risk. I have said for ages that the only way Ohtani ends up a Dodger is if he is dead set on playing for the team. The Dodgers will not be competitive for his services from a contract point of view. A lot of Dodger fans are completely delusional when it comes to this. “Dodgers have all true money in the world, they’ll pay him whatever he wants”. I see that on Twitter every day. The Dodgers do have the money. But they also know that throwing it around recklessly doesn’t win baseball games. Ask the Mets and the Padres. The Dodgers will approach Ohtani the same way they approach every free agent. They’ll offer a deal that makes sense to them and it will be up to Ohtani if he takes it. He likely won’t. And the Dodgers will move on.
One thing I do hear over and over again is the incorrect assertion that Ohtani will bring in a lot of international money. The Angels have signed lucrative deals for in stadium advertising. That is true. But teams only get revenue from their own markets. TV, advertising ect. International revenue is controlled by MLB. They have a subsidiary that hold the rights to both National and International revenue. That money goes into a big pool which is shared by all the teams equally. The Angels don’t get the revenue for games that air in Japan. That goes to the league as a whole. So yes, he would bring in additional revenue to any team that signs him, but it’s not as much as many fans believe.
Okay, I can make the arguments either way.
Start with the Dodgers signing Ohtani, but with an eye toward the brand and creating additional revenue streams.
So what do we know about how much the Angels benefit financially from having Ohtani on the team.
Well, they don’t say much, other than if they traded Ohtani at the deadline they would lose approximately $20 million between then and the remainder of the season. That’s a significant amount of revenue. We do know the Angels have 16 sponsorships, not to mention streaming deals tied to Ohtani. Big overseas market. Then there are additional ticket sales, merchandising and other associated revenues. It has been estimated the revenues the Angels gain is in the 10s of millions.
While the Dodgers brand is significant the organization never misses an opportunity to expand their world wide brand.
Branding and the revenues you generate is a complicated subject, but obviously, depending on a team’s goals, it is part of the equation.
When the organization group spent two billion to acquire the Dodgers, it had obviously more to do about something more they saw than just buying a baseball team. The owners saw an opportunity to create something special. Granted, they had to be in a market like Los Angeles to do it.
Now the two billion looks like a bargain. But back then,the new owners looked a tad crazy, paying twice what the team was worth, even if the team was the Dodgers. The Dodgers are a revenue generating machine.
So if the Ohtani deal happens, what do the Dodgers see that you don’t.
Then there is the straight baseball side. Do the Dodgers need Ohtani to win the NL West. No, they do not. Will he be the
difference maker in the Dodgers winning a World Series. Maybe, maybe not.
From a pure baseball point, you can certainly make the argument that a team, as others have done here, could spend all that money better by spreading it around and filling a variety of needs with quality players.
If this is just about baseball and winning, I would probably say that approach makes more sense.
But if it’s about the other, the bigger picture, it might make a lot sense to grab Ohtani.
I’m sure the Dodgers already have estimates about what that means financially and what that might mean to future revenue streams.
Oh and we should give Bear the credit he deserves. Lorenzen would have been a pretty good pick-up.
My take on the Ohtani debate:
If you can get him for 10 years for 400 million you do it.
IMHO a no brainer on and off the field.
You would still have enough money to bring in a guy like Chapman to play 3b, sign Clayton to another 1 year deal if he wants plus bring in a guy like Snell.
We arej a projected 137 million below the luxury tax when this season in the books so there will be enough money for Ohtani and other considerations.
I am perfectly fine with Vargas and Busch in LF and 2b.
Betts , rf
Freddie, 1b
Smtih, c
Ohtani, DH
Chapman, 3b
Vargas, LF
Outman, cf
Lux, ss
Busch, 2b
That is a great lineup.
Ohtani, Clayton, Walker, Miller, Snell = great rotation.
Move May to closer when he comes back and with him and Phillpps you have two lockdown guys who both can close out games.
Do it , AF !
BTW, horrific one sided umpiring behind the plate yet again yesterday. Bobby Miller alone was probably squeeze half a dozen times on that same inside pitch the D-Backs got called for strikes.
Oh, and what a job by Caleb in the 7th two clean up the 2nd and 3rd with none out situations. That was clutch.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!
Lorenzen is guy we could have gotten. He was traded for almost nothing
d’Arnaud signed a 1 year extension for 2024.
I totally agree with the majority that going all out for a tiny would be a mistake likely. However, the one thing I disagree with is the people who say that if he was ever injured so that he couldn’t pitch you’d have a super expensive DH. Everything I’ve heard said he is close to a gold glove caliber outfielder and he could certainly play first base once Freddy is no longer there. Just saying.
Wednesday scores
Tacoma 6, Oklahoma City 4
Amarillo 7, Tulsa 4
Great Lakes 5, West Michigan 1
Inland Empire 7, Rancho Cucamonga 4
Thursday schedule
4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Hyun-il Choi) vs. West Michigan (Troy Melton)
5:05 p.m.: Tulsa (River Ryan) vs. Amarillo (Yu-Min Lin)
6:30 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Christian Romero) vs. Inland Empire (Leonard Garcia)
7:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (TBD; Emmet Sheehan?) at Tacoma (Darren McCaughan)
Michael Busch continued to run roughshod over the Pacific Coast League.
Busch homered twice on Wednesday night in Tacoma, giving him 15 home runs in 33 games since getting optioned down to Oklahoma City.
Say NO to OH!
Too much $$$, too many years……adds stress….I learned this from the Trevor Bauer signing. I know, I know, Oh is not Trevor Bauer.
I watched part of Lorenzen’s no-hitter last night. It was late in the game, so it looked to me like the Nationals were just trying to break up the no-hitter and were swinging at pitches even close to the zone. He ended up with over 120 pitches on the night. The Phillies are using a six-man rotation and have several off days coming up, so he will have plenty of rest before his next start. Lorenzen is a free agent this winter along with Snell, Montgomery and Flaherty. I also watch the first four innings of the Loons game. Maddux Bruns threw 78 pitches and got into the 5th inning. Dodgers picked up ground on all three of their closest competitors. Ohtani shut down the Giants. And the Padres as the song says, are slip-sliding away. I like Mark’s idea of getting d’Arnaud as a free agent. They had him for about a week before he finally ended up with Atlanta. But what do they do with Barnes? Signed through next season with an option for 25. And the pitchers love the guy.
Bear, this is a very rationale take.
However, I think it’s important to bring up this Andrew Friedman quote, “If you’re always rational about every free agent, you will finish third on every free agent.”
Friedman has also shown a propensity for being very aggressive with superstars.
There’s too much fire for the Dodgers to just sit idle, and the opportunity is too perfect. From a pitching, hitting and market expanding standpoint.
We have been talking about a lack of starting pitching for the Dodgers. It is surprising how many options they have for 2024:
VETERANS:
Buehler-Is he ok?
Kershaw- Is he still here?
Lynn- Is he still here?
GONE:
May- Gone to the bullpen
Gonsolin- Gone to the bullpen or just gone
Urias- Just gone
WHERE OUR ROTATION COMES FROM:
Miller
Sheehan
Grove
Stone
Pepiot
Knack
Yarbrough
Looks to me like we have a lot of options for next year without any additional help form the minors.
Muncy and Martinez are both one dimensional players in a different way. Martinez can’t play the field and Muncy can’t hit right handed pitching. Muncy has the 3rd most AB’s versus Lt. handed pitching on the Dodgers behind Betts and Freeman. A difference between the two is Martinez is a free agent after the season while the Dodgers hold a ten million club option on Muncy, this contract includes incentives. I don’t think the Dodgers get Martinez back for $10 million. I still strongly believe that next season should be a transition year for Smith, he can catch and DH but he needs to start getting reps either at 3rd or Left Field, if I were king it would be third. As far as positional players I feel the Dodgers biggest need is a catcher to play at least half of the games when Smith is playing elsewhere, preferably one already in the organization. Vargas needs to play second or the Dodgers need to cut bait (Betts looks better there everyday.) I’d keep Vargas, he’s gong to be above average MLB player. It’s time for Busch, again bring him up or cut bait, use him in a trade to get a catcher or whoever. For me, Busch starts at 3rd. Lux at short with Rojas as the utility man, he’s signed for next season and an option for 25.
Positional players: Smith-Feduccia-Freeman-Vargas-Lux-Rojas-Busch-DuLuca-Outman-Betts. This leaves three spots that management gets cheap veteran players whom the Dodgers can “fix.” I’d love to keep Muncy but not at $10 million.
Pitching: Hopefully Kershaw, Buehler, Gonsolin he is signed through next season, Lynn he has a 18 Million dollar option for 24, Miller. Yabrough, haven’t seen enough to have an opinion, Sheehan Stone, Grove Knack. All of these guys would be on the 40 man but not necessarily on the 26 man roster. May, Phillips Graterol, Ferguson, Braiser. Hopefully mangement can bring in a couple of bullpen arms especially left handed pitchers.
This squad can win the division. I’m sure there would be some tinkering around the trade deadline because of some of the younger players not being ready. This gets us under all tax penalties, gives valuable experience to our next wave but with a strong veteran presence.
Lets talk about that in the off season.
Lets focus on THIS team. This is a really good team.
Im enjoying the ride….
Just a note on how today’s players are much fitter and in better shape. I remember Ted Kluszewski, who played in 1950s for the Reds, as a big ,strong muscular guy. His arms so muscular that he couldn’t wear an undershirt. If you look at his picture he looks almost ‘puny’ (well not quite) , but still not so intimidating. Same for wrestler Killer Kowalski. Same idea.
So players have to be rated on who they played against, not on modern players. Same for every sport.
Bring Cody back.
Get a real 3rd baseman, Chapman or Aeranado. ( I believe St. Louis will complete their reload over the winter)
Betts
Freeman
Smith
Bellinger
Aeranado
Muncy dh
Outman
Vargas
Lux
Develop pitching, don’t buy it.
Ohtani is a marketing cash machine! This may not be Friedman call! The powers that be may want that gushing flow of revenue he brings, this might be more than an onfield baseball decision. Me. No way! Improve at 3rd &maybe an outfielder and bullpen improved. Nice win last night, please play better at home against the Rockies! Pads 14 out in the loss column! With a good series against Rockies dodgers could have second best record in baseball Sunday evening!
Sure hope they take it easy with Walker Buehler this year. If it was up to me he wouldn’t pitch at all until 2024. No need to rush him.
As far as Ohtani goes, I think he will end up in SF, Seattle or SD. Be nice to have but it’s not a move AF makes in my opinion. He already has 3 players making huge salaries(Kershaw, Betts, Freeman).
Bear –
Great article! While I don’t always agree, I want to thank you and the overwhelming majority of LADT posters for their insights on Dodger baseball. I look forward to starting my day with the substantive and entertaining discussion on my favorite topic – baseball!
There are several other LADT posters I read daily – DukeNot Snider, philjones, Dodgerpatch, Jayne Cobb, Mark “the straw that stirs the drink” Timmons, and others who are continuing my baseball education at 77 years old!
Yesterday’s thoughtful discussion of the following topics – Ohtani vs. other free agent options; Gaterol’s lack of movement on his fastball; and even a discussion on the immortal Vin Scully – is a classic example. Not only did I read some thoughts to ponder, I started my day with a few chuckles at the clever way they were expressed!
Thanks to LADT for regularly providing such a wonderful experience!
I can see a five year offer at around $42 AAV but not much more. Would love to have Ohtani in Dodger Blue but it will
Be the Giants who go the $50 AAV route as evidenced by them being in on Judge and Correira.
Miller pitched great last night and if he continues he will get a post season start or two. Trienen growing 97 MPH in BP. Can he be a post season addition?
I can see AF making an offer to Ohtani along the lines of that he did with Bryce Harper. Ohtani will turn it down. AF’s plan A will be to sign several players and get under the CBA agreement as well as let the youngsters play.
What Michael and Mark ssid.
NOhtani
(Sorry Matt & DNS)
Too much money and too much risk for Ohtoni on the downside of his career years.Use the 50 million for 3 or 4 players. Some team will regret signing him long term. The Dodgers certainty don’t need the revenue he will generate.
I am in your camp, Bear. While Ohtani may be the best player in baseball, he is 30 years old, and it is naive to think he will not break down again. You said $$400 Million for ten years, but I think he is going to get $500 Million if he wants ten years. The Giants or the Mets will pay that. Maybe he only wants to play until he is 38. I could see him seeking (and getting) an eight-year/$400 Million deal. That’s $50 Mil a year. That’s 20% of the Dodgers team salary allotted to one player. Andrew Friedman is not that stupid.
Yes, the Dodgers will sell some more jerseys and ads, but the Dodger Brand is one of the strongest brands in the world. They do not need Ohtani to brand them. So many of you say he is two players. OK, what happens when he gets injured? You lose two players and yet you only have one spot.
He will get injured. That’s not the question. The only question is, how long? We have seen it with JDM as he is facing his second stint on the IL. That is what happens to players in their mid-30s!
I would rather have three or four other free agents than Ohtani. Duke asked who the other day, and I did not have time to respond, but I would try and sign Travis d’Arnaud for about $10 Million a year for three years. I would then split the DH with Will Smith and Max Muncy, with Will catching about 60 to 80 games a year and d’Arnaud catching the rest. Travis is not a superstar, but the Dodgers already have Mookie, Freddie, and Will. They need complementary players.
Next, I would sign Matt Chapman. I think $20 Milllion for 5 years would get it.Thast leaves me $20 million to get a pitcher like Blake Snell.
The Dodgers would absolutely be a better team with this lineup than with Ohtani:
1. Betts RF
2. Freeman 1B
3. Smith C/DH
4. Chapman 3B
5. d’Arnaud C
6. Outman CF
7. Busch 2B
8. Vargas LF
9. Rojas SS
Muncy slots at #5 when a RH is pitching.
Blake Snell is in the rotation. Same $$$$ – Better Return! Safer return.
You have to get the youngsters in. This year was the transition year. Next year, two have to step in. I like watching Shohei, but people (including the stupid media) who say the he is in the Dodger’s plans do not understand how Andrew Friedman will mitigate the risks and not have all his eggs in one basket. Watch and learn!