A Rare Gem in Baseball's TapestryIn the realm of baseball, the name Shohei Ohtani has become synonymous with a unique blend of hitting and pitching prowess. Julian Martinez opens the conversation by highlighting the universal fascination with Ohtani's exceptional talents. However, a somber note has recently cast a shadow on this narrative – the news of Ohtani's season-ending UCL tear, his second encounter with this type of injury. With the pitching version of Ohtani benched for the remainder of the 2023 season, discussions turn towards the implications of his absence and the future of his dual role in the sport. The Uncertain Path to Pitching RedemptionKyle Ledbetter steps into the conversation to shed light on Ohtani's potential return to pitching. He acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani's pitching future but underscores Ohtani's resolute determination to return to the mound. The debate about his future role – whether he'll regain his status as a star pitcher or transition to a reliever – takes center stage. Ledbetter references rare instances like Nathan Eovaldi and Daniel Hudson, who managed to return to form post-Tommy John surgeries. Despite the uncertainty, one fact remains clear: Ohtani's unparalleled abilities and potential are undeniably valuable. Angels' Conundrum: To Trade or Not to Trade?Turning the spotlight onto the Los Angeles Angels, Julian Martinez delves into the perplexing decision not to trade Ohtani amidst his pitching hiatus. The experts contemplate this move in the context of Ohtani's standout performance and the Angels' longstanding struggle for success. Zack Burl weighs in, acknowledging that Ohtani's rarity and historical significance make him an irreplaceable asset for the team. The discussion paints a portrait of Ohtani's unique value and the complexity of such decisions in the context of baseball's intricate ecosystem. Redefining Ohtani's Role: The Bullpen TransitionThe conversation then shifts to the possibility of Ohtani transitioning to the bullpen, where his versatility could shine. Drawing parallels with John Smoltz's dual success as both a starter and reliever, the experts explore the potential for Ohtani to excel in high-pressure roles. The allure of strategically utilizing Ohtani's unique skill set in crucial moments creates a tantalizing narrative. The notion of Ohtani as a closer gains traction, promising increased versatility and impact for whichever team he joins next. The Price Tag of Greatness: Ohtani's Market ValueThe spotlight now turns to Ohtani's impending free agency and his market value. Ledbetter contends that while the league may have tempered its initial $700 million valuation, the impending bidding war could sway the outcome dramatically. Drawing comparisons to similar cases, such as Jacob deGrom's contract despite injury concerns, the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani's future contract comes to the forefront. The conversation hinges on the intriguing dichotomy between perceived value and the final price tag. A Remarkable Journey Deserves Our AdmirationThe conversation takes a reflective turn as the experts emphasize the historical significance of Ohtani's journey. Jeff Passan's poignant piece is cited, stressing the importance of cherishing Ohtani's era-defining achievements while they are still unfolding. The experts echo this sentiment, underscoring the rarity of Ohtani's talents and the need to savor every moment of his remarkable journey. Ohtani's Unyielding Impact: Even in AdversityThe focus now shifts to Ohtani's recent feats as a hitter despite his UCL tear. His resilience and ability to elevate his team even in the face of adversity draw admiration. The experts highlight his exceptional hitting abilities and the unmistakable impact he continues to make, even without stepping onto the pitcher's mound. This chapter serves as a testament to Ohtani's unwavering dedication and the undeniable value he brings to the team. The Road Ahead: Awaiting Ohtani's Return to PitchingAs the conversation nears its conclusion, the anticipation surrounding Ohtani's eventual return to pitching takes center stage. Julian Martinez and Kyle Ledbetter project Ohtani's timeline, speculating that 2025 could mark his return to the mound. Their discussion revolves around the adjustments Ohtani might make to his playing style post-Tommy John surgery. The chapter resonates with the excitement of witnessing Ohtani's continued journey, emphasizing his resilience and adaptability. The Pursuit of Greatness: Landing Spots and BeyondThe final chapter turns the spotlight on the question of where Ohtani might end up. Speculations about potential landing spots become the focus of the conversation. The Dodgers emerge as a likely contender, given their reputation for acquiring marquee players. However, the overarching consensus is that any team with aspirations for a championship will vie for Ohtani's signature. The discussion ends with the notion that securing Ohtani's services could serve as a transformative moment for any National League team. In the end, the story of Shohei Ohtani transcends the boundaries of tradition, challenging the norms of baseball and captivating fans worldwide. The conversation among experts reflects the multifaceted nature of his journey, filled with uncertainties, milestones, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
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The San Francisco Giants have embarked on an intriguing journey this baseball season, surprising fans and pundits alike with their performance. Despite facing recent slumps, the team continues to battle for a playoff spot, raising questions about their potential and their path forward. In this article, we'll delve into the Giants' unexpected success, their offensive struggles, the impact of young players, and the challenging decisions facing the front office. As the Giants push for a playoff berth, their story serves as a testament to the unpredictability of baseball and the importance of strategic decisions in navigating a competitive league The Giants' Surprising SuccessThe 2023 baseball season has been full of surprises, and the San Francisco Giants are at the center of it all. Heading into the year, few would have predicted that the Giants would be competing for a playoff spot, let alone surpassing the Padres in the standings. The National League has witnessed dominant performances from teams like the Braves and the Dodgers, yet the Giants have managed to hold a wildcard position, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. While they've faced setbacks, such as an 11-game deficit to the Dodgers, the Giants' place in the playoffs race is a testament to their ability to remain competitive despite being labeled underdogs. The team's ability to capitalize on middle-tier players, focusing on value in the margins rather than exorbitant contracts for star players, has allowed them to create a balanced roster capable of holding its own against formidable opponents. Offensive Struggles and Team DynamicsDespite their overall success, the Giants have faced a significant challenge in the form of offensive struggles. Recent statistics reveal the team's struggles, with rankings at the bottom in runs per game, batting average, on-base percentage, and average with runners in scoring position. Key contributors have found themselves in slumps, leaving the team to rely on inconsistent performances from its roster. As the Giants navigate these struggles, they face the critical question of how to rejuvenate their offense. Players like Wilmer Flores have stood out as consistent contributors, but relying on a single bat isn't a sustainable strategy. The team's young players, such as Thairo Estrada and Patrick Bailey, have shown promise but have also faced challenges in maintaining consistent performance. The Impact of Young PlayersThe Giants' roster includes a mix of veteran players and young talent, creating both opportunities and dilemmas. While some young players have delivered impressive performances, others have struggled to find their footing. This situation raises the question of whether the team should prioritize the development of young prospects or lean towards more experienced players to secure a playoff berth. Players like Heliot Ramos and Marco Luciano represent the Giants' hopes for the future. However, the pressure to win now and secure a playoff spot can complicate the decision-making process. With the playoffs in sight, the team must strike a balance between fostering young talent and relying on proven veterans to deliver in crucial moments. Front Office Decisions and Future ProspectsFarhan Zaidi, at the helm of the Giants' front office, faces a challenging task in navigating the team's direction. The successes and missteps in player acquisitions and trades have shaped the Giants' current roster. While Zaidi's strategy of focusing on middle-class players has yielded positive results, the team's offensive struggles call for bolder decisions. As the season progresses, the Giants must evaluate whether to let young players play through their struggles or pursue potential trades to bolster their chances. The upcoming offseason could see significant changes, as the front office balances long-term prospects with the immediate goal of reaching the playoffs. The San Francisco Giants' journey through the 2023 baseball season is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport. Their surprising success, offensive struggles, and decisions surrounding young players highlight the complexity of managing a competitive team. The front office's choices will shape the Giants' path moving forward, with the potential for both short-term playoff success and long-term sustainability. As fans eagerly anticipate the team's fate, one thing is clear: the Giants' story is a reminder that in baseball, anything can happen, and the right choices can make all the difference.
⚾️ Mets' Bold Move: Scherzer for Acuna Trade Analysis! Did They Score Big? 🏆 Join us in a deep dive into the exhilarating world of MLB trades as we dissect the New York Mets' high-stakes decision to trade Max Scherzer for Texas Rangers' top prospect, Luisangel Acuna. In this video, we'll leave no bases uncovered as we explore whether the Mets hit a home run or swung and missed in this headline-making trade. From analyzing Scherzer's veteran prowess on the mound to evaluating Acuna's potential to be a game-changing talent, we'll weigh the pros and cons that led to this monumental exchange. Our discussion goes beyond the numbers, delving into the strategic considerations, long-term impact, and potential ripple effects for both teams. Whether you're a die-hard Mets fan, a baseball enthusiast, or just intrigued by the chess match of MLB trades, this video is your ultimate guide. Join the conversation, share your insights, and let's uncover whether the Mets' gamble will pay off in the grand scheme of the game. Subscribe now to stay ahead of the curve on the latest MLB trades, player acquisitions, and the strategies that shape the future of America's favorite pastime. Don't miss out on this thrilling analysis that unravels the intricate dynamics behind the Scherzer-Acuna trade and what it means for the New York Mets. ⚾️🎥
Julian Martinez: [00:00:05] All right. We're going to start things off by talking about the team that puts the L in MLB history, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, a team that has not won a single game since the MLB trade deadline. When they decided not to trade Shohei Ohtani instead to be buyers. The trade for Lucas Giolito, Randall Grichuk and C.J. Cron. And yet here we are. Is this the biggest disaster of a team not selling at the deadline in MLB history? [00:00:34][29.0]
Kyle Ledbetter: [00:00:35] In MLB history? Okay, that's an interesting one. I can't think of a close second right now, but again, that's there's a lot of MLB history to work through. I remember. Gosh, I want to say it was the Cardinals in 2015 who traded at the deadline and then ended up falling back to a wild card spot. Maybe I'm thinking of the wrong year, but I mean, there's a couple of bad ones in there. The Angels. This is what I said when the trade deadline happened. Okay. There are four really good teams in the American League right now. We talked a little bit about this in a previous video talking about the Max Scherzer trade. It is Tampa Bay, it is Baltimore, it is Houston and Texas. All are four very good teams. All four have not separated themselves from the pack this year. Texas and Houston are basically just doing a Spider-Man meme of each other. Those teams are basically constructed exactly the same way. And so those four teams all made the exact same trade at the trade deadline. They all traded for a number two starter. Every single team the Orioles traded for Jack Flaherty, Tampa traded for Aaron Civale, Texas traded for Max Scherzer, Houston traded for Justin Verlander. All made the exact same trade, none of them separating themselves from the pack, but they're hoping they will when the playoffs are all around. And the Angels wanted to be that fifth team. They wanted to be that fifth team to get in the game because they traded for a number two starter in Lucas Giolito. They traded for three hitters in their lineup and it has all crapped out. But the thing I said at the trade deadline is if the Angels do make the playoffs because at the time they were only three games out of the wildcard, if they make the playoffs, they will have just as good of a chance as any of those teams because it means that from June onward the Angels will have played as good of baseball as each of those three teams. And since I said that they have gone 0-5 and are now, I believe, six games out of the American League wildcard. So yeah, they have crapped the bed. And Shohei Ohtani is literally crying on the bench at the sight of what the angels have become. [00:02:32][117.6] Julian Martinez: [00:02:33] You are correct. As of today, the angels are six games out of the wildcard. Now I think we all kind of recognize it was a ballsy decision by them either way to keep him, to not move him, not to try and get some sort of value for Shohei Ohtani. And I think what makes this one a tough non trade in hindsight is knowing even if you would have got similar value because you're never going to get similar value to what Shohei Ohtani is. I mean, let's face it, like the amount of war this guy puts in alone just based off his ability to hit and pitch. It's something that any other MLB player just can't even match. However, you would have got something you at least got a team's first, second, third prospect potentially, even if it's just a rental. There was a lot of desperate teams at the deadline that would have tried to make this work at the Angels would have been a little bit more open to the possibility. Like we've seen a lot of trades come together in the 11th Hour and the Angels, I think it was like two days before the deadline actually made the statement that they weren't going to trade him. So they put their foot down on the no trading pretty quickly. And with that door closed, like other MLB teams just said. Okay, well, I guess we have to pivot to our second or third trade options since Shohei is not available like a team like the Yankees just decided to stay quiet at the deadline because they felt like there wasn't any premier bats, which Shohei would have been. He would have been that premiere bat in addition to being at least a team's third starter at worst. [00:04:04][90.6] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:04:04] I mean, he was an all star starting pitcher this year. So I mean, the problem, his health with his pitching, right? He has a blister on his hand or he has an elbow issue. It's not that his abilities, it's just his ability to stay healthy while pitching. And to your point about the trade and the Angels deciding a full week before the trade deadline, because remember, the trade deadline was on Tuesday, August 1st. They traded for Lucas Giolito. I want to say like Monday, July 25th, like they were a full week ahead of the pack in terms of making the trade deadline deal and pulling Shohei Ohtani off the market. So my thought on that was that I was kind of seeing it both ways, like I could defend the Angels going all in and trying to actually buy for one strong Shohei Ohtani tenure with the Angels. This is the first time they've been buyers since Ohtani has been on the team. So I could defend that and I could also defend trading him away. [00:04:56][52.0] Julian Martinez: [00:04:57] I did see the growing sentiment that Shohei Ohtani may be open to the possibility of resigning with the Angels. So I get. Kind of that them wanting to show that they're trying to do something over there by getting pieces again, Cron, Grichuk and Giolito respectively, then being buyers at the deadline to make one final push to say, Hey, Shohei, we think we can get you to win here. But this is the opposite effect. This is like, okay, we're going to make all these trades and we're going to be worse after the deadline. Like, 0-6 like, I'm not surprised a lot by what the angels do because again, we saw another fantastic performance by Shohei the other day where he has a stolen base, reaches base four times, hits his 40th home run of the season, and they still lose that game because their closer gives up a grand slam in the ninth inning. That's kind of stuff that's very par for the course when I think about the Los Angeles Angels. However, like I do sympathize with them being in the unenviable position of having to trade away potentially the greatest player of all time. You think about, like what we think about Boston. Like when they had to trade away Babe Ruth, right? People still talk about the curse of the Bambino to this day. That's kind of like the position they found themselves in. However, when you consider you have to get something, if he just walks and, especially if he just goes down the street to go play with the Dodgers, then you of course, the Moreno's already don't have a great reputation, but you get got nothing for Shohei Ohtani and you didn't make the playoffs once in his tenure. Again, I've mentioned it before, baseball hell. This just feels way worse than even like the pirates. [00:06:31][94.5] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:06:32] Yeah, I don't think losing out on your I think they traded their number seven. Their number ten. A couple other smaller prospects to try and buy at the deadline. I don't think that's going to be the difference between the angels turning a corner versus where they are now. Look, they're going to suck when Ohtani leaves. They suck when Ohtani was there. So they're going to suck when Ohtani leaves. That's just that's that's part of the equation for the angels. So I guess I understand that part of it. But you're absolutely right about the trade part. And I'm not the biggest fan of Jared Carrabba's, but he made a great point, which is basically like the team that you trade Shohei Ohtani to is likely the team that he will go into the Hall of Fame with their logo on his hat. Right. So that's a really difficult position to find yourself in if your entire reputation as a general manager is going to be based on this one trade, it's going to be this one moment and what you do with this player. And while I understand that they would have liked to have had a couple top prospects in trading, Ohtani and hell, they even dipped into their already not great farm system and got rid of a couple players to trade for two years of giolito and one month of C.J. Cron. That looks like it's not going to matter anymore because they're going to miss the playoffs. But going through all of that isn't going to be the difference between turning a corner a year faster, a year slower, like the Angels are fundamentally going to have to reset everything if they're going to try and build this thing back up because you can't even make it with Ohtani. What's going to happen when you subtract Ohtani from the team? [00:08:03][91.2] Julian Martinez: [00:08:04] You have to think that they had a positive report from like Mike Trout come before the deadline, like they thought that they were going to get him back a lot sooner than he's actually going to come back, because that's the only thing I can think that could really justify them being so overzealous and being buyers at the deadline relative to even other teams. You know, like if you look at who made the most moves at the deadline, like the Angels are actually up there at the top making buying decisions. [00:08:27][23.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:08:28] They bought the same way that Tampa and Houston and Texas bought at the deadline. That's basically what they did. They're like, we are as close to winning a championship as these teams. Therefore, we're going to make trades like we are one of these teams. [00:08:40][11.6] Julian Martinez: [00:08:41] And I almost feel like it's going to be poetic justice that you mentioned trading away your eighth prospect in the system. Watch. They're going to go on to have fantastic careers. I'm just going to call it right now. [00:08:49][8.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:08:49] Yeah, I'm looking at you. Ky Bush You're going to be a future superstar for the White Sox. Ky Bush. [00:08:54][4.6] Julian Martinez: [00:08:54] It just going to be getting out of that angel system, getting out of that Angels farm system and suddenly they're going to be studs. It just amazes me how a team can be so inept at talent evaluation. The fact that like their minor league system for the most part has never really helped their organization again. Aside from Mike Trout. [00:09:11][16.4] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:09:12] They hit one player, even Joe Adell, Who is this top prospect that everyone's saying, Oh, he's going to come in and be an impact player, Even he's bounced between triple-A in the majors for the past few years. So I don't know that part. In terms of the six game losing streak, like I went back and looked at the schedule, there's no shame in losing two games to the Atlanta Braves. It happens. They're the best team in baseball. They might win 110 games. It's getting swept by the Mariners that it really sucks like y'all got mariners. But the Mariners who suck. [00:09:42][30.0] Julian Martinez: [00:09:43] That suck and were trading away at the deadline, they want to be traded away. Their closer at the deadline. [00:09:48][5.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:09:49] And I'm looking at their upcoming schedule. They play three at home against the Giants, which, you know, they're a playoff team, 60 wins. The Giants are currently in the playoffs, three at Houston, three at Texas, three at home against Tampa Bay A. Three at home against Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds. [00:10:07][17.7] Julian Martinez: [00:10:07] So what you're saying. So what you're saying here, because obviously there are a six games out of the wildcard. They're done. They're cooked. [00:10:14][6.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:14] They're going to need a couple. [00:10:15][1.0] Julian Martinez: [00:10:16] Other. [00:10:16][0.0] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:16] Guys in there. [00:10:17][0.7] Julian Martinez: [00:10:18] That's a gantlet right there. You mentioning the schedule like because I've heard a couple of like, schedule heads talk about it, too. It is one of the toughest, actually, the MLB schedules upcoming this next month. [00:10:27][9.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:10:27] Yeah. They are in a place where they need a sweep against Houston or at least two out of three. They're going to need to take two out of three against Texas. They're going to need to take two out of three against Tampa. Like they're in a position where these are the teams you wanted to compete against in the playoffs. Right. Houston, Texas, Tampa. And they do play Baltimore later on in September. Those are the four teams you're chasing in the American League. Those are the four teams that have a chance of making it to the World Series. You're going to have to beat those teams just to even have a puncher's chance, because looking at the standings, this is the other thing that's difficult to think about when you're thinking about trying to catch teams by, say, five games or six games. The teams that they have to jump right now are Toronto, Seattle, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. They have to jump all of those teams in order to get there. So, yeah, they might be six games back, but they're also five teams back of making it to the playoffs in the American League. So I think that the Angels are in trouble. But if they do make the playoffs, they will be one of the World Series favorites because it means that they will get the sixth seed. They get to play whichever crappy team makes it out of the American League Central, and then they will be on the hottest stretch of any team in baseball. That will get them a matchup against the Baltimore Orioles in the divisional series. But yeah, they're probably done. I don't think they're going to be able to beat Houston, Texas and Tampa Bay. Eight out of nine times. I just I don't think that's going to happen for the Angels. If if anything of the last ten years of angels. Baseball is an indicator, it's probably not going to happen. [00:12:09][101.2] Julian Martinez: [00:12:09] Okay. So, you know, we came at this from the playoff angle from the World Series contender angle. Let's talk about it just from the pure historical angle of Shohei Ohtani season. So I also will understand from the Angels decision to not trade from the aspect that you really want him to potentially hit 60 home runs, not for your team. So that's one aspect I can kind of understand because a bare minimum, if Angels fans can't get excited about making a playoff push for the next two months, then at least maybe they can get excited about Shohei potentially setting the AL home run record. Obviously, he's not going to touch Bonds, but he's still 23 away from passing Aaron Judge, what he did just literally a year ago, I guess at least, is that something to look forward to? Potentially. [00:12:57][47.7] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:12:58] Of course. But Angels fans are used to not having teams that are competing for the playoffs. They're used to having giant statistical records be the marker. If I'm counting correctly, I believe in this stretch of what is it now, this is the ninth year in a row. The Angels aren't going to make the playoffs because 2014 was the last time they made it. I believe in nine years they're going to have five American League MVP's because Trout won three and Ohtani is going to win his second this year. That's five of the nine American League MVP's are going to be playing for their team, which that's really exciting. It's fun to watch. I would buy tickets to go watch the Angels play baseball. Yeah, just make it make sense. Interesting. [00:13:37][38.7] Julian Martinez: [00:13:38] Make it make sense, Kyle. [00:13:39][1.1] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:13:40] Yeah. I mean, look, this is what I'm excited about. If I'm buying a ticket to watch the Angels play baseball, I might get a Shohei Ohtani start. But even if I don't get an Ohtani start, I'm going to get to watch him bat four or five times. And you know what else I'm going to get to see? The Tampa Bay Rays. They're really good at baseball. They might make the World Series. I can go watch them play for like $20 because no one's buying tickets to those games in Anaheim. [00:14:02][22.3] Julian Martinez: [00:14:04] And it's funny, you mentioned Tampa. I feel as though, like just when you compare the two teams, Shohei, the singular entity that has Shohei is way more star power than the entire Tampa Bay Rays roster. [00:14:14][10.5] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:14:15] I don't know, man. Randy Arozarena is a star with a Capital S man. Like that. [00:14:20][4.8] Julian Martinez: [00:14:20] I feel. [00:14:20][0.3] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:14:21] Is swag. That dude is an all star. [00:14:22][1.6] Julian Martinez: [00:14:23] He's a If I had to look up the statistics on Jersey sales, I would just say like, what is Shohei Ohtani like total Jersey sales compared to the entire Tampa Bay Rays roster? [00:14:32][8.9] Kyle Ledbetter: [00:14:32] That is a fair point. I think the at the very least, the top three players on the Tampa Bay Rays, because like Wander, Franco has a relatively popular jersey. So I hear so wander Franco, Randy Arozarena and then pick your third Tampa Bay Rays. I don't know who would be third in that group, but yeah, if you combine those guys, I bet you they're still going to finish behind Shohei Ohtani. [00:14:53][20.7] Julian Martinez: [00:14:56] All right, guys. Well, the Shohei Ohtani story continues to go on in Anaheim for at least a couple more months. Was this a horrible, no good, bad decision by angels ownership in the front office? We'd like to hear your thoughts in the comments section. We would like in the video subscribe to the channel balls on all our social media is from Juju and Kyle. Stay safe, happy and healthy. We will see you next time. [00:14:56][0.0] [867.3] |
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