'Zero tension' Ohtani, on the other hand, SD director' might be able to do it, but I'm confident I'll get him out" I'm very nervous
Oct 05, 2024
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Ohtani said in an official interview at Dodger Stadium on the 5th (Korea time), a day before the National League (NL) Division Series against the San Diego Padres, "Nothing is nerve-wracking. It has been my dream since childhood to be able to do something in an important game, an important situation. I have more excitement and expectations than anything I have ever experienced so far."
Ohtani has never played a postseason game since entering the Major League in 2018. Although he was unanimously named AL MVP in 2021 and 2023, the Los Angeles Angels, who have been involved for six years, have never achieved a .500 winning percentage as well as postseason.
This is why he made winning the FA market as the most important selection criterion in December last year.
The most weighty game since Ohtani entered the Major League is probably the World Baseball Classic (WBC) final against the U.S. in March last year. He struck out the last batter, Mike Trout, made a save, and gave Japan the championship, and was also selected as MVP of the tournament.
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He did not take the mound this season after undergoing elbow surgery, and led his team to the West Division championship with his best performance ever as a batter. Above all, he made a new history in the Major League by posting an unprecedented 50 home runs and 50 steals, and ranked first in NL scoring (134), home run (54), RBI (130), on-base percentage (0.390), slugging percentage (0.646), OPS 1.036, Ruta (412), bWAR (9.2), and fWAR (9.1) and is likely to be unanimous.
Ohtani played 875 games in the major leagues. It is the most played record among active players who have never been on the postseason roster.
Dodgers officials are all looking forward to Ohtani's first fall baseball.
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Dodgers President Andrew Friedman said, `Ohtani is the best I've ever seen in his ability to keep everything calm around him. I'm happy to be able to see his baseball on the fall stage."Our fans have high expectations, too. It's a relief that baseball fans around the world can see this. When I met Ohtani since December last year, the thing he said the most was baseball in October. Ohtani himself said, "I'll feel different at this moment."
First baseman Freddie Freeman "He didn't subside one bit. Ohtani got more excited as he got closer to winning the district championship. We saw that when he represented Japan at the WBC. He already has a lot of experience playing on the big stage. I'm happy to see his first postseason."
Freeman, who injured his right ankle while sprinting to first base against the Colorado Rockies on the 27th of last month, is expected to be able to join the lineup normally from Game 1 of the Division Series.
Mike Shildt, head coach of the opposing team San Diego, said "I'm not one to avoid a fight. Ohtani is an unrivaled and honorable player, but I believe our players, too. That's the world of the game," he said. "There will be times when I skip Otani and face Mookie Betts, but it will depend on the situation. But I'm sure we have the ability to get Ohtani out," he said, expressing confidence.
Manager Silt plans to focus on matching left-handed agents such as Yuki Matsui, Wandy Peralta and Tanner Scott against Ohtani in bullpen management later in the game.
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jhno@sportschosun.com
