Ohtani's World Series Pitching: Dodgers GM's Strategy

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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Ohtani's World Series Pitching: Dodgers GM's Strategy and the "What Ifs"

It's a question that has haunted Dodger fans since the 2021 World Series: What if they had thrown Shohei Ohtani? The two-way superstar, known for his insane power at the plate and electric pitching, was on the roster but didn't see a single inning on the mound. Now, we can look back and dissect the Dodgers' decision.

The Dodgers' Perspective

The Dodgers' General Manager, Andrew Friedman, had a tough call to make. Ohtani was still relatively new to pitching full-time, and his workload was carefully monitored. The series was already a nail-biter, and Friedman likely worried about overworking Ohtani, potentially causing an injury. He had to think about the bigger picture: winning the World Series, not just a single game.

The "What Ifs"

Imagine Ohtani, fresh and ready, taking the mound against the Astros. The excitement would have been unreal! But that's just fantasy, and it's hard to know if it would have been a good idea. Ohtani, the pitcher, was still a work in progress. The risk of him being ineffective, or worse, getting hurt, was real.

The 2021 Series: A Closer Look

The 2021 World Series was a classic, with both teams going down to the wire. The Dodgers were a powerhouse, but the Astros were a formidable opponent. The Dodgers' pitching staff was already loaded, and Ohtani's role was primarily as a designated hitter.

Friedman likely weighed his options:

• Using Ohtani out of the bullpen: This was risky, as he wasn't used to short bursts of pitching.
• Starting Ohtani: This was even more risky, as his workload was already high.

It's a gamble either way. Friedman decided to stick with his proven starters, and the Dodgers almost pulled off the win.

Lessons Learned

The 2021 World Series was a reminder that baseball is unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans can go awry. It's also a testament to the incredible talent of Shohei Ohtani, a true one-of-a-kind player. He continues to wow the world with his incredible skills, and his future is incredibly bright.

Now that Ohtani has cemented his place as a top pitcher, it'll be interesting to see how the Dodgers approach him next time. Perhaps this year will be different!