Gameday Thread: World Baseball Classic Championship - Japan vs USA

[Biergott]

Crazy if true and is a testament to Ohtani’s pitching last night.  That slider was wicked

[Blarg]

36 minutes ago, Lou said:

It's a shitty stat. 

 

9 minutes ago, Stradling said:

Also, it is poorly named

[T.G.]

There's only one "Clutch..."

 

[Duren, Duren]

Really interesting tournament for Trout and Ohtani. Who would have imagined their confrontation would have so much drama!

But going forward, how will this affect their mindsets as the seasonal grind gets going soon.

Both were in high profile important games with worldwide prestige and attention. Getting back to the Angels requires a change of focus. Will they be more motivated to experience the major league equivalent of making the playoffs? Trout especially experienced an adrenaline high unlike most of his Angels career. And Ohtani now enters his last last contract year after reaffirming his stature on the world stage. 

I think there is a realistic possibility of a letdown. But alternatively they could come into the season hungry to build on what they've just been through. And Ohtani has the extra contractual factor as motivation while Trout should be hungry to play in meaningful games again.

[Blarg]

Focusing on two of a 26 man roster is short sighted. Regardless of their season the rest of the roster has to raise their games to match for the Angels to see a postseason. Both Trout and Ohtani could be co-MVPs but it requires a team to win.