First things first, I am going to be real and state that the odds of Shohei Ohtani pitching at some point this season for the Dodgers are pretty much a guarantee. Another bit of not-so-shocking news, however, is that his pitching debut has been pushed back yet again. I know being careful with your superstar player is important, but it raises the question of whether he should even worry about pitching at all this season.
One could argue that the team is not paying him that much money to be the DH, as his pitching prowess factored into the equation at the time of his signing. Shohei is also a good pitcher, so when he is on the mound, you like your chances that day. Pitching is what wins you championships come October, and while the team has a stacked rotation and pitchers lying in the depths, you can never have too much pitching come October. Even if you were not alive to watch Sandy Koufax take the mound, and I fall into that category, I have seen him play thanks to videos; however, I never got to see him live or in person to play the game. From stories, it was a can’t-miss experience when Koufax was on the mound. Fernandomania took over, and it was another can’t-miss moment to be at Dodger Stadium to watch history take hold. The same can be said for Ohtani. There is something special about seeing a pitcher of their caliber on the mound and working their craft. There is beauty in baseball, and pitching is a huge part of that.
Now it’s time for the counterargument: If Ohtani is on the mound, what will happen to his offensive numbers, or worse, what if he gets injured again? As for the offensive numbers, I think it’s safe to believe that if he were pitching last year, his 50/50 season would likely not have happened. His power will always be there, so he could have dropped fifty bombs, but if he was pitching, I do not think his legs would have allowed him to steal 50 bags. If he were pitching, he may not have even attempted to steal that many and err on the side of caution. His offensive output for the team can not be understated. Ohtani hits like a superstar and has tremendous power, and I would put Shohei up against anybody in the majors, including Aaron Judge. Stars in this lineup can hit and hit dang well, such as Freeman, Betts, Hernandez, Smith, and the newest slugger, Tommy Edman. Having Ohtani in the lineup daily with his blend of power and speed is unique and provides can’t-miss moments every time he steps into the batter’s box. If you need a drink of water or go to the bathroom while Ohtani is coming up, chances are you will wait and hold it.
A good obstacle to have is the dilemma of whether Shohei should pitch or not. This is where it can get fun, as readers of LADR, I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. I am on the bandwagon that he should do both, but I can see why he should and shouldn’t. Not every day can you watch your pitcher shut down the opposition while supplying his offense and going deep twice a game. With Ohtani, you can have that experience, and it’s unique, as 29 other teams in baseball wish they could lay claim to that as well. We know that when the Dodgers face the Rangers tomorrow night, our superstar will be the DH, and we will all be on the edge of our seats waiting to see what magic Shotime can deliver next. See everyone tomorrow night when once again it’s time for Dodger baseball.
Clay Gregory
Growing up and living in Oklahoma I fell in love with the game of baseball from an early age from playing T ball through High School. I have always had an admiration for the Boys in Blue with how the Dodger Way is the right way to play the game. Tommy Lasorda is my favorite manager of all time and my all-time favorite players are Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Sandy Koufax, Pedro Guerrero, Mike Piazza and Clayton Kershaw. I am enamored with Dodgers history from the Brooklyn days when they were Dem Bums to the days of Fernandomania to Mannywood and beyond. Vin Scully will always be the best announcer the game has ever seen and it will always be time for Dodger baseball. I am married to the love of my life Melissa who gave me the inspiration to actually take on this crazy idea of writing about the Dodgers and without her support I would not be able to do what I love. My cousin Zach Chase and uncle John Chase for being a Dodger encyclopedia and sharing their knowledge with me. I will bring my perspective and love for the team to readers and I will most likely have spelling errors from time to time but I promise ill do my best on it. I want to bring you a unique perspective on your favorite team and also throw some humor along the way. I love to talk about baseball with anybody who will listen and I look forward to the Dodgers going back-to-back in their quest for another World Series Championship. Dodger Blue through and through.
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