Angels News: Multiple Experts Name Shohei Ohtani as Must-See TV
The Los Angeles Angels don't have one, but two superstar, Hall of Fame talents on their team, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Both are extraordinary ball players, but one has been shining brighter: Ohtani.
His ability to pitch and hit at the level he's been doing is something most people haven't witnessed. Ohtani is the best player in the league, and he's arguably top five as a pitcher and top three at worst as a batter.
Angel games have become a must-see when Shohei is on the hill or whenever he appears in the batter's box. You never know what you'll get, and the MLB insiders at ESPN realize that as they put him on the shortlist of the most exciting players to witness of the 2023 season.
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan says there's no doubting Ohtani's greatness.
Ohtani's exploits by now are so clear that we almost take them for granted. Do yourself a favor and don't be that person. Savor Ohtani's at-bats as they warrant. He is big and powerful and laced with muscles that fire off exit velocities bested only by Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Put those four in a footrace and Ohtani will dust the field, with his off-the-charts physical ability playing outside the batter's box, too. Saying Ohtani is exciting is like saying water is wet. Some truths are immutable.
Not only did Shohei make the list of batters we can't miss, but he also made the list of pitchers we must see when they grace the mound. Alden Gonzalez of ESPN had this to say about Ohtani on the mound.
The fastball-splitter combination used to be Ohtani's bread and butter, but the slider -- often called a sweeper -- has developed into arguably his best pitch, top among the six or so he throws. Keep in mind that when Ohtani was finally able to take on a two-way role full time in 2021, he had compiled less than 80 innings over the previous four years. He's still developing as a pitcher. And it's so much fun to watch his growth in action.
Shohei is a star among stars, and we're lucky to have him on our side. Don't take him for granted, Angel fans; we might never see this type of talent in our lifetimes again.