The Los Angeles Dodgers got their hands on Shohei Ohtani in recent days. I think you've heard of it.
Obviously, several teams were in the running and they were mainly big market clubs. After all, even with the deferred money, it's cash cursed, $700 million…
One might think that small market teams are jealous to see that such a contract has been signed. After all, as I said, the 30 clubs couldn't afford that.
Among the clubs that couldn't afford it? The Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers' division rivals will have to contend with him for 10 years.
And that doesn't seem to scare Ken Kendrick, the club's owner. Mr. Kendrick is probably trying to make himself believe that Ohtani is not the best in baseball.
This is what Bob Nightengale reports.
Is the owner trying to convince himself that it's not the end of the world? Is he still on cloud nine about the 2023 series, when the club notably beat LA to get to the World Series?
Whatever the reason, the fact remains that the owner did not hesitate to take Ohtani down from his pedestal for two minutes.
It's good for us to face Ohtani.
Last time I looked, he's only one player out of nine. And last time I looked, he's a choice hitter.
–Ken Kendrick
He added that Ohtani is an excellent player, but he is not the second coming neither. In other words, Ohtani is not Jesus.
I'll give the DBacks owner this: In 2024, Ohtani doesn't significantly improve the Dodgers, who let JD Martinez go to make room for Nippon.
And Martinez produced over 100 points in 2023…
We can also add the fact that it is good not to hold an opponent in too high esteem, so as not to be too impressed once on the field.
That said, Ohtani will maintain his production longer than Martinez… and above all, one day, he will become an excellent pitcher again.
What I wonder about all of this is how necessary it was to poke the Dodgers with such a statement.
It may not age well for Arizona, a club which also seems to forget that the impact of the Nippon is much greater than what it brings to the field.
To be continued, therefore.
- Fernando Tatis Jr. loves playing baseball.
- 30 more years in Baltimore for the Orioles.
- Tom Murphy in San Francisco.
- Who will be next to sign?
