✹The PERENNIAL Shohei Ohtani Thread✹

[Stifle]

Before a third Wild card team, I would understand managers sitting out a player or more for meaningless games just before the playoffs. With the delay of the playoffs, IMO it’s best to play the starters to not have them rest for too long.

About 8 or so days ago, didn’t believe he would hit .300 let alone be in the running for the Batting Crown for a TC.

[Qubits]

I'll take the blame for the first at bat. I got distracted and forgot the game started already and missed it.

[ThoseBackPages]

#ThanksTopps

[SaveMeTheGum]

Arraez 0 for 2. Shohei needs to wake up!

[ThoseBackPages]

its over johnny

[Qubits]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

its over johnny

That maybe be true but we're still live for 55/55 Johnny #5.

[Trueblue]

SB #59

[Qubits]

How did that even work? Ohtani was openly motioning for Barnes to steal 3rd right before they did it lol.

[Trueblue]

Stupid balk call from yesterday denies us the joy..

[Qubits]

Originally Posted by Trueblue

Stupid balk call from yesterday denies us the joy..

Unless Outman hits a single and then Ohtani steals home. Oh wait, he can steal home now without it!

[Trueblue]

Would have loved to hit the last milestones but easily overshadowed by an unprecedented historical year.

Onto playoffs.

[ThoseBackPages]

it was a great year indeed!

[NYRE2PECT]

Plenty of time to make more popcorn for the playoff Sho!

[Qubits]

Just a ridiculously impressive season, especially when you consider he's rehabbing from elbow surgery.

It'll be so much fun seeing him in the playoffs. We got a taste of that in the WBC and it just wasn't enough.

[seanrs1]

Congratulations to Ohtani on an amazing year! He exceeded anyone's wildest dreams as to what his season would turn into. The greatest season by a DH ever, 50/50, NL MVP, playoffs. It's great being an Ohtani collector. I am glad to see prices return to near last year's peak. I have even still been buying this last week even with much higher prices. Looking forward to seeing him in the playoffs. Would love to see a Dodgers vs Yankees WS (assuming my Tigers don't make it) with Ohtani winning his first ring!

[Mister2Bits]

Got this in yesterday. Absolutely love this parallel.

[PLB9eight]

Even though he didn’t pitch is this his best season so far? Not worried about what metrics say.

[NYRE2PECT]

Originally Posted by Mister2Bits

Got this in yesterday. Absolutely love this parallel.

I liked it better when it was red and white, but yeah, that is a lovely ball card!

[Trueblue]

12.2 bWAR IN 2023 was more valuable. That's the scariest part. Can tone it down to 25-30 steals and 100 fewer ABs and still have a path to low teens in WAR, though I'm sure his innings will be limited in 2025.

[Qubits]

Originally Posted by PLB9eight

Even though he didn’t pitch is this his best season so far? Not worried about what metrics say.

I'm not sure I'd say best but it might well be the most historical season given the 50/50.

For example, I'd still rather have the Ohtani from 2023 on my team than this year's. The value from the pitching and the batting last year is higher than his value as a hitter only this season imho.

It is cool to get to see what Ohtani is capable of if he dedicates an entire season to hitting and doesn't wear his body out pitching. It gives me hope for his latter years if pitching is ever off the table.

[NYRE2PECT]

Originally Posted by Trueblue

12.2 bWAR IN 2023 was more valuable. That's the scariest part. Can tone it down to 25-30 steals and 100 fewer ABs and still have a path to low teens in WAR, though I'm sure his innings will be limited in 2025.

And just a teeny tiny bit of pitching to contact to extend the arm/innings in some games, .

[Trueblue]

Originally Posted by NYRE2PECT

And just a teeny tiny bit of pitching to contact to extend the arm/innings in some games, .

I would be shocked if his pitching approach didn't take a step forward with this club. So exciting

[Qubits]

Originally Posted by Trueblue

I would be shocked if his pitching approach didn't take a step forward with this club. So exciting

The Dodger's broadcast recently mentioned some of Ohtani's earlier issues with RISP this season was due to him trying too hard given his entire MLB career has been with a club where that might be his only chance to win the game. He worked to become more relax and learned to pass the baton when it was warranted and the results speak for themselves.

I wonder if we'll see a similar change in his pitching where he's not constantly in a situation where he might be the only offense for the game when he's on the bump. Less stress makes for a happier and higher performing Shohei?

[PLB9eight]

Originally Posted by Qubits

I'm not sure I'd say best but it might well be the most historical season given the 50/50.

For example, I'd still rather have the Ohtani from 2023 on my team than this year's. The value from the pitching and the batting last year is higher than his value as a hitter only this season imho.

It is cool to get to see what Ohtani is capable of if he dedicates an entire season to hitting and doesn't wear his body out pitching. It gives me hope for his latter years if pitching is ever off the table.

I like that. More historical actually seems like the right way to qualify it. Maybe even more memorable to a lot of fans.

[NYRE2PECT]

Originally Posted by Qubits

The Dodger's broadcast recently mentioned some of Ohtani's earlier issues with RISP this season was due to him trying too hard given his entire MLB career has been with a club where that might be his only chance to win the game. He worked to become more relax and learned to pass the baton when it was warranted and the results speak for themselves.

I wonder if we'll see a similar change in his pitching where he's not constantly in a situation where he might be the only offense for the game when he's on the bump. Less stress makes for a happier and higher performing Shohei?

Heaven knows he had to do it all with the Halos! This would be great to see.