Ohtani’s version of what the Angels need more of

The Japanese phenomenon did it. Not only that, but at 27, he emulated his idol (Suzuki) and also earned a MVP. It was one of the best seasons ever seen for a position player and pitcher.

With his lumber, he hit 46 home runs, 26 doubles and eight triples, driving in 100 runs and scoring another 103. He also stole 26 bases. All this in 155 games.

On the mound, he registered a 9-2 record with an effectiveness of 3.18 and 156 strikeouts. The Japanese player consolidated his position as baseball’s greatest attraction. But only one thing was missing: the postseason.

It’s not his fault… The Angels have been a losing team since almost forever. Their last playoff appearance was in 2014, the only one in the last 12 seasons. They have played in October only 10 times in 61 tournaments, winning the World Series in 2002.

But, at present, the story seems to be different. The Angels are in second place in the American League West division at 26-17, a game and a half behind the leaders Houston Astros (27-15).

With Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon healthy, there is a good chance for the Angels to make the playoffs. But considering the presence of Trout and Rendon, among others, like Taylor Ward in the lineup, which is more pressing for the Angels: a more dominant Ohtani as a pitcher or last year’s slugger?

Let’s analyze both versions and come to a conclusion.

Ohtani the pitcher
The Japanese native has four consecutive starts pitching at least five innings and an ERA of 2 or less, tied for the second-longest streak of his career (six in a row in 2021).

He is also 3-2 with a 2.82 ERA in seven games pitched, fanning 53 batters. Aside from his speedy straight line, Ohtani’s best pitch has always been the splitter. But the difference this year has been the improvement in his slider.

At times the spin on the ball is so much, it looks like a frisbee. Opponents hit a poor .167 on Ohtani’s slider and 60 percent of the time, he fans batters with that pitch, adds ESPN Stats & Info.

The Angels currently have the third-best ERA in the American League at 3.37, trailing only the Astros and New York Yankees. If they keep up this pace, the playoffs await.

And of course, there is no longer any doubt that Ohtani is one of the best pitchers in all of the American League. And in this era of pitchers, it is better to count on one than to discard him. That’s why the Japanese should keep pitching as long as he can. It’s what sets him apart from the rest.

Prior to Sunday’s game, the batting average across the majors was .236, the lowest in history.

Ohtani the hitter
Have you ever heard Ohtani’s power at-bat? Go online and look up the double he hit off the Green Monster against the Red Sox in May. By the way, he fanned 11 batters that day.

This season, Ohtani is hitting .259 with nine home runs, 28 RBIs, 30 runs scored and six swipes.

In this tournament, Ohtani has served mainly as first, third and fourth hitter. His .315 slugging percentage allows manager Joe Maddon to use him depending on the circumstances.

His power, contact, or rather, the famous five tools, are indispensable for the team.

On Sunday, Ohtani hit his sixth home run as a first baseman, a 443-footer, his longest HR this season. In fact, he’s already racked up 13 home runs against the Oakland Athletics, tied for the most against any team (Rangers).

Conclusion
Simple, both. Ohtani should remain a two-way ballplayer for as long as he can. That’s what one ultimately pays a ticket to see the Angels for. Not for Trout, undoubtedly one of the best in baseball history.

Ohtani isn’t Babe Ruth, he’s better. El Bambino kept pitching and hitting at the same time for at most two years and then opted to be a slugger for the rest of his career.

The Japanese is currently in the second year of his contract of precisely two seasons and $8.5 million, in one of the most remarkable bargains in baseball history.

At 27, Ohtani avoided arbitration last year. His next extension could be the largest in MLB, surpassing his own teammate Trout ($360M) and neighbor and rival Mookie Betts ($365M).

A genius is one who is able to see the idea in the phenomenon. Ohtani’s versatility has made today’s kids dream of winning a Cy Young, and an MVP as well. After all, can you do both at the highest level…? right? So Ohtani proves to us.