Gameday: 2/26 Angels @ Padres - Ohtani makes hitting debut

[bloodbrother]

 

[Chuck]

Awesome!

Question? Are you more excited to have seen him pitch or hit for the first time?

[totdprods]

Looks like Barria will be pitching today too. 

Also excited to see Middleton and Campos on the mound. If Campos actually stays healthy, he could wind up on the radar quickly.

[bloodbrother]

For me, it's him pitching, because I see that being his ultimate role with the team and the role that provides the most upside/potential for him. I like the power in his bat, but I don't think he'll bring good BA/OBP to go with it.

[Chuck]

9 minutes ago, bloodbrother said:

I like the power in his bat, but I don't think he'll bring good BA/OBP to go with it.

Remember, his past two seasons in Japan (age 21 & 22) he hit over .300 with an OBP over .400.

 

[bloodbrother]

Very high K rates though(25-27%), in a much lesser league. I envision the hitting aspect of his game will go by the wayside within the first few seasons here and he'll focus on solely being a pitcher. Maybe he can pinch hit here or there, but I think he loses regular DH AB's.

[nando714]

Just don’t get injured 

[fan_since79]

5 minutes ago, bloodbrother said:

Very high K rates though(25-27%), in a much lesser league. I envision the hitting aspect of his game will go by the wayside within the first few seasons here and he'll focus on solely being a pitcher. Maybe he can pinch hit here or there, but I think he loses regular DH AB's.

He'll be getting more DH at-bats by default if Albert's production falls off a cliff.

[John Taylor]

I'm intrigued to watch him hit, I'm also glad I'm off work today so I can watch the game. I feel like the expectations for him are insane. Bill Plaschke was already calling him a flop after 1 inning, and I feel like people kept forgetting that its spring training, and he is adjusting to a new league. I temper my expectations for him until he gets his bearings. Lets not forget Mike Trout batted .220 in his first 123 at-bats (even though he was only 19, and Ohtani is 23).

[Ace-Of-Diamonds]

2 hours ago, bloodbrother said:

For me, it's him pitching, because I see that being his ultimate role with the team and the role that provides the most upside/potential for him. I like the power in his bat, but I don't think he'll bring good BA/OBP to go with it.

He had both high BA and OBP in Japan, but against lesser pitching than he is bound to see here.

[Ace-Of-Diamonds]

1 hour ago, fan_since79 said:

He'll be getting more DH at-bats by default if Albert's production falls off a cliff.

He'll get less if Albert can't play 1B regularly. He could get more if Albert gets injured. It all depends on Albert to how many AB he gets.

[Ace-Of-Diamonds]

32 minutes ago, John Taylor said:

Bill Plaschke was already calling him a flop after 1 inning, and I feel like people kept forgetting that its spring training, and he is adjusting to a new league.

I was reading the message boards of teams before and after Ohtani decided to play in Anaheim. Most were excited to sign him, the Yankees were so sure they would get him. Once they were eliminated, they were saying well I'm glad we didn't get him. On the Mariner's board a few posters were saying things like Japanese players never live up to the hype. Before they pitch over here they're expecting a perennial Cy Young candidate, but never do. And once the stem injection story broke they all acted like they dodged a bullet. Just sour grapes, if we can't have him then he won't be good anyway. LOL

[Blarg]

David Fletcher in the three hole is the greatest trolling of lineup order is meaningless.

[laagamer]

3 hours ago, bloodbrother said:

Very high K rates though(25-27%), in a much lesser league. I envision the hitting aspect of his game will go by the wayside within the first few seasons here and he'll focus on solely being a pitcher. Maybe he can pinch hit here or there, but I think he loses regular DH AB's.

Seriously. Combine this with the fact that nobody does both. Nobody.

I mean I'm hoping I'm wrong...

[daygloman]

Go Halos!

[Glen]

Hopefully we can get through the first inning without giving up a run today.

[eligrba4ever]

Go Angels!!!  Go Tyler!!!

[Angel Oracle]

2 hours ago, John Taylor said:

I'm intrigued to watch him hit, I'm also glad I'm off work today so I can watch the game. I feel like the expectations for him are insane. Bill Plaschke was already calling him a flop after 1 inning, and I feel like people kept forgetting that its spring training, and he is adjusting to a new league. I temper my expectations for him until he gets his bearings. Lets not forget Mike Trout batted .220 in his first 123 at-bats (even though he was only 19, and Ohtani is 23).

Plaschke just likes to hear himself talk.

[bloodbrother]

Ohtani, OBP machine

[Make Angels Great Again]

Works 6 pitches for a walk!

Nice job!

[krAbs]

Ohtani showing surprisingly good plate discipline. A few of those balls were close, considering he had two strikes on him.

[Make Angels Great Again]

Just now, bloodbrother said:

Ohtani, OBP machine

 

Rocking a 1.000 OBP, he's obviously the GOAT.

[Make Angels Great Again]

Lyles is also like the worst pitcher in history, so there's that.

[Chuck]

He impressed me laying off a good breaking curveball down two strikes and the ball four that he could have easily swung at and been tied up. 

[Make Angels Great Again]

Cowart rocking that GG level D.