Should They or Shouldn't They: The Great Ohtani Debate
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…
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
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Discussion (113)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Whose going down when Clayton gets activated today ?
Vesia ?Caleb? Who has options left ?
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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!
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.”
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.
Of course. Only a moron would not want Ohtani on their team 😉
3 hours until game time and no starting pitcher or roster moves announced yet.
CK activated Gonzalez sent to OKC.
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
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.
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.
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.
so again. Why does Max play against lefties?
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.
BY the way, by my count the no to Ohtani group is leading. You pro Ohtani guys need to garner more support.
Max Muncy, whom many did not want in the lineup was responsible for all the runs.
Would you direct us specifically to the “many” you speak of.
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.
No to Ohtani. Very good pitching last night.
This team is just fun to watch.
How about that Kid Yarbrough!!
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.