Shohei Ohtani's World Series Pitching: Dodgers GM's Plans
The 2023 World Series is just around the corner, and all eyes are on Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar, a true unicorn in baseball, is set to become a free agent after the season, and every team, including the Dodgers, is dreaming of adding him to their roster. But what about Ohtani's pitching role in the World Series? That's a question the Dodgers GM, Andrew Friedman, is likely pondering right now.
What are Friedman's options?
There are a few things Friedman needs to consider. First, Ohtani is, of course, a dominant hitter. He's likely going to be in the lineup every day, especially in a high-pressure series like the World Series.
Second, Ohtani's pitching role with the Angels has been a bit inconsistent this season. They've tried to manage his workload, which is understandable considering his unique talents. However, it begs the question: how many innings can he realistically pitch in a seven-game series?
Friedman's dilemma:
If the Dodgers somehow manage to land Ohtani, Friedman will need to find a delicate balance. He needs to make sure Ohtani is well-rested and able to perform at his best both at the plate and on the mound.
One option would be to use Ohtani as a "closer" or "situational reliever" in the late innings, which would limit his workload and allow him to focus on his hitting during the early innings. Another option would be to use him as a "bulk" reliever, pitching a few innings at a time.
The dream scenario:
The perfect scenario for the Dodgers would be to have Ohtani pitching every other day, allowing him to hit on his off days. However, that's a lot to ask of a player who's already carrying a heavy workload.
Regardless of how Friedman ultimately decides to use Ohtani, one thing is for sure: he'll be a valuable asset in any role. Ohtani's presence on the mound alone would be enough to intimidate any opposing batter. And his ability to hit and pitch at a high level makes him a truly unique talent.
The impact on the World Series:
If Ohtani does join the Dodgers, it would be a game-changer. His versatility would give Friedman a strategic advantage, and the impact on the World Series would be immense. Fans, commentators, and teams across the league would be glued to their screens, witnessing the impact of this once-in-a-generation talent.
Whether it's a late-inning save or a dominant start, Shohei Ohtani's World Series performance will be one for the ages. The Dodgers, and baseball fans everywhere, are eagerly waiting to see how the story unfolds.