tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post2567838127578983143..comments2024-02-23T20:49:09.057-08:00Comments on obsessivegiantscompulsive: Oh Oh Oh Ohtani: His Magicobsessivegiantscompulsivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-88347257471683993692017-12-05T17:33:28.201-08:002017-12-05T17:33:28.201-08:00Screwed up badly and both ways, tomorrow is Wednes...Screwed up badly and both ways, tomorrow is Wednesday, 12/6, wow, need more coffee!!!obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-50087787581084737252017-12-05T17:32:33.753-08:002017-12-05T17:32:33.753-08:00Meetings schedule:
Met with Giants and Dodgers ye...Meetings schedule:<br /><br />Met with Giants and Dodgers yesterday.<br /><br />Met with Cubs, Mariners, Rangers today.<br /><br />Will meet with Angels and Padres tomorrow (Thursday 12/5).obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-81090808289500415522017-12-05T11:26:45.085-08:002017-12-05T11:26:45.085-08:00John Shea of Chronicle has exciting rumor that it ...John Shea of Chronicle has exciting rumor that it is down to Giants and Cubs (first 5 articles free for month): http://www.sfchronicle.com/giants/shea/article/Why-Giants-make-sense-for-Shohei-Ohtani-12407084.php<br /><br />Talks about how self-effacing Ohtani is, and how that aligns with the rumors about not wanting to play for teams either with Japanese players or Stars, not that he has the ego, as I wrote about, but more that he didn't want to step on others, which rings very true with what I've been reading. <br /><br />"a prevailing theme in the player’s decision-making process is he’s considering others and not just himself."<br /><br />"As part of his seemingly selfless personality, Ohtani prefers to make a decision sooner rather than later - before next week’s winter meetings, if possible - so he wouldn’t hold back a free-agent market..."obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-25002242417416906862017-12-04T21:42:56.007-08:002017-12-04T21:42:56.007-08:00Most of the articles I've read speculating on ...Most of the articles I've read speculating on where he goes never touch upon the fact that he wants to be the best that he can be. What can that team do to develop him to be the best pitcher, the best hitter?<br /><br />I see SD FO touted because they got the LA guys who pursued him in HS and has two Japanese stars as advisors (albeit just hired) plus the strength guy on the Fighters. And as I captured above, he said in interview that The people on the team is most important and he wants to play for them, so it is a factor, and they got some good pieces.<br /><br />But his main goal is being a major leaguer who is good at pitching as well as good at hitting, as well as winning a championship. He wants to maximize his gifts. Can SD show that they can do all of those? <br /><br />I think the Giants show off very well here. Particularly their history of developing pitchers, especially Bumgarner, which he knows is his meal ticket that will allow him the opportunity to develop his hitting, which will need work, given how much he strikes out, even in Japan. And there, Belt and Crawford are Exhibits A and B. As well as Meulens, thank goodness he's still with us. <br /><br />And while SD has pluses, he seems comfortable with Giants as well, as they are finalists, and the first team that gets to sell him. I think that shows his preference, at least for now. Hopefully they continue to impress him. obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-19559431861230035632017-12-04T17:36:33.112-08:002017-12-04T17:36:33.112-08:00Pavlovic wrote that the Giants are the first known...Pavlovic wrote that the Giants are the first known team to meet with Ohtani, in a meeting today with Larry Baer, Brian Sabean, Bobby Evans, Jeremy Shelley, Bruce Bochy, and reportedly also Buster Posey.<br /><br />Don't know for sure if that is good or bad, but if I were planning the meetings, I would want to meet with the guys I'm more serious/interested about, and then be comparing the other following teams to them. This gives you a general framework to compare and contrast, and assuming you were right, if other teams miss something brought up by your first choice, then you can engage in further discussion with them since you are together. But that's just me, let me know if you disagree.<br /><br />http://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/source-giants-one-first-known-finalists-meet-shohei-ohtani<br /><br />It also reported that the Giants proposed in their original presentation that Ohtani be a top of rotation starting pitcher and part-time outfielder, getting 300-400 ABs, and that the extra days off next season would help the Giants facilitate that usage, while still giving him the rest he needs. <br /><br />According to what I read elsewhere, the Giants plan on starting him in OF in the days after his start, then 1-2 days before his start, he prepares for it. That's the only way he can get that many AB's, even with getting to bat as a pitcher. <br /><br />That's pretty aggressive, but I assume that's what he wants to hear from NL teams, of which 4 of 7 are from, how he can get to be a hitter as well as pitcher. It is similar to how they used Lincecum, most teams would have just threw him into the bullpen, and he might still be pitching if he were, but instead the Giants kept him as a starter and we got a lifetime of highlights and a couple of championships. obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-42261454438659718542017-12-04T17:18:39.513-08:002017-12-04T17:18:39.513-08:00THought I had included this already from Fangraphs...THought I had included this already from Fangraphs: https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/shohei-ohtani-has-narrowed-his-list/<br /><br />Jeff Sullivan thinks the Yankees clues signify more and more either Giants or Mariners, though you can't wrote off any of the other golden ticket teams yet either. obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-4490334035328525182017-12-04T11:42:02.919-08:002017-12-04T11:42:02.919-08:00Another ESPN column: http://www.espn.com/blog/bus...Another ESPN column: http://www.espn.com/blog/buster-olney/insider/post/_/id/17714/where-does-shohei-ohtani-want-to-go-the-mystery-of-mlbs-most-coveted-superstar<br /><br />The evaluator believes he has a good feel for the player and explained why he loves his habits and his demeanor. “He’s a good kid,” said the evaluator. “And he’s got a lot of internal confidence. He’s got some good cockiness to him.” In other words: competitive arrogance.obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-21937002522906671192017-12-04T10:08:38.220-08:002017-12-04T10:08:38.220-08:00http://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/84728...http://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/84728/now-that-shohei-ohtanis-coming-to-america-where-will-he-play<br /><br />Nice discussion about factors into his play, plus ZIPS projections/translations, which are not as good as the Clay Davenports that I reported above for pitching and hitting.<br /><br />Plus he runs down his thoughts on possible matches. Of course, the part about the Yankees is now shown to be too hyped.obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-87591174219779784762017-12-04T09:47:31.896-08:002017-12-04T09:47:31.896-08:00http://m.mlb.com/news/article/262796620/shohei-oht...<br />http://m.mlb.com/news/article/262796620/shohei-ohtani-updates-on-where-he-will-sign/?topicid=151437456<br /><br />Don't think I've shared this, but this confirms the seven teams noted above, plus Cashman noted Ohtani's preferences for West Coast and smaller markets. That would suggest that Dodgers, Angels, and Cubs are fighting an uphill battle, as they are large markets, SF too, though with the A's in the picture, they have small market characteristics too. <br /><br />The batting article below also noted SD hired Ohtani's strength coach to be part of the training staff, as well as two famous Japanese players to be part of their front office. But if they were that strong a pull, then Ohtani would not need to see all these teams. Pluses to be sure, but still a lot of other considerations.obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-21706077319074163042017-12-04T09:43:45.396-08:002017-12-04T09:43:45.396-08:00Some more interesting articles.
http://m.mlb.com/...Some more interesting articles.<br /><br />http://m.mlb.com/news/article/262722294/national-league-has-case-for-shohei-ohtani/?topicid=151437456<br /><br />This one analyzes how many PA's he can look forward to. Just because AL has DH does not mean the team will DH him, so while he can get a lot of PA there, in the NL, with the PH being used more often, he would have a lot of opportunity to hit as well (basically what I covered above about how he can get PA in NL, but this one also noted downside of AL, if team decides against Ohtani, he gets no PA.<br /><br />http://m.mlb.com/news/article/222251432/shohei-ohtani-limited-to-dh-to-start-2017/<br /><br />This one is pre-season article on Ohtani that describes how he is utilized in NPB. Also, his manager talks about his skill set, and he feels that his hitting is ahead of his pitching, as he's still more a thrower than a pitcher, meaning that he has a lot to learn on the pitching side, while he's more a natural hitter. That, to me, is a sign of a Giants advantage, they are known as teachers of pitchers to be pitchers and not throwers. He also noted that Ohtani approaches batters like if he's batting, what would he hate to see. <br /><br />Also, if he's ahead on hitting, he might actually be able to pull this off!obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-73999409601391320152017-12-04T09:30:21.803-08:002017-12-04T09:30:21.803-08:00Reds and Indians are also out now. From other sou...Reds and Indians are also out now. From other sources, looks like these seven are the only ones but we'll see. Down to seven left to report on.obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-29824741582955727782017-12-04T05:56:34.129-08:002017-12-04T05:56:34.129-08:00Cards, Marlins, and Braves also out.
Given Rays...Cards, Marlins, and Braves also out. <br /><br />Given Rays have only two way player and willingness to allow him, that is not the overwhelming factor in his decision now. It appears that West Coast is the factor, per reports, especially since Padres are included, though A's were dropped already ( knew they would, due to sewage problems at park and unwillingness to spend to win, plus issues winning). <br /><br />Forgot to mention that downgrade of Dodgers were foretold in his spring interview where he said that Dodgers, Giants, Rangers strong pursuit previously would not make them favorites because there may have been turnover at the team. They definitely have new crew front office.obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-79746764825999520162017-12-03T22:32:09.414-08:002017-12-03T22:32:09.414-08:00The more I think about it, the more I think the Gi...The more I think about it, the more I think the Giants handling of pitchers will appeal to Ohtani. Whereas most teams have succumbed to the the Baseball Prospectus-ization of baseball, where pitchers are treated with kid gloves by the number, the Giants are one of the few openly old school handlers of pitchers: communication, see how they are feeling, work with them to maximize their health. Instead of saying, "you reach X # of whatever, so you stop" the Giants let the pitcher play, monitoring their health and attitude, and probably, today, using modern Pitch/FX analysis to see if their pitching is declining in spite of what they are saying, in creating a holistic view of the pitcher. <br /><br />Thus they should be more willing to let the pitcher pursue his twin goals, have analyzed what he needs to work on to achieve both goals, have a plan in place to help him, have a plan in place to help assimilate/transition him. Plus, they have been looking for flexible players for a long time now, and have shown how willing they are to be flexible, giving Posey ample time at 1B to get his bat into the lineup, which is similar to the situation with Ohtani, only he would be getting his AB in LF. That would cost Span AB's in LF, but I have a feeling the Giants are going to trade him with money to clear a roster spot, if we get Ohtani, and Ohtani will semi-share LF with Pence as he learns to hit in the majors.<br /><br />I think it is coming down between the Mariners, Rangers, and Giants. I think Maeda on the Dodgers is why they are not the favorites, and why I think they are ultimately out, given how they used Hill during the playoffs, heck, all their starting pitchers. It has worked out for them so far, but having so many pitchers who could be DLed at any moment, or who all could be healthy, will lead to pitchers being unhappy. <br /><br />Mariners because of history, Ichiro, past Japanese ownership, long list of Japanese players, but no well known SP.<br /><br />Rangers because his buddy Darvish pitched there, their history of Japanese players, their strong pursuit throughout his career.<br /><br />Padres are in, I believe because two Japanese players he admire are execs on the team, and I think he may have done it to give them face, respect. But who knows when they will be competitive again.<br /><br />Angels have been chronically under achieving for a long time. They have the best player in baseball with Trout, and nothing. But not any Japanese presence previously, lots of Japanese population there (many towns with 10% Japanese! <br /> I was surprised!) so he can put his stamp firmly here and there should be enclaves of Japanese culture that he could tap into.<br /><br />Cubs, have to think all that young talent that will keep them competitive for years plus their analytics, which Ohtani might want to tap to have a longer career. But not that much Japanese there, though Epstein has a lot of experience with acclimating Japanese players from his time at Boston.obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-80277589250126304932017-12-03T22:02:56.476-08:002017-12-03T22:02:56.476-08:00Exciting news that Giants are in and will meet wit...Exciting news that Giants are in and will meet with Ohtani this week.<br /><br />Almost as exciting that while Dodgers are invited, one tweet noted that they while they probably are in, they are not necessarily seen as the favorites.obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-78170330337539401292017-12-03T22:00:12.562-08:002017-12-03T22:00:12.562-08:00http://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/report-gia...http://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/report-giants-are-finalists-two-way-star-shohei-ohtani<br /><br />I've compiled names of teams that have been announced as in: Giants, Mariners, Padres, Dodgers, Angels, Cubs, Rangers. <br /><br />Teams definitely out: D-backs, A's, Thhhe Yankeees, Mets, Brewers, Pirates, Twins, Red Sox, White Sox, Blue Jays, Nationals.<br /><br />That's seven teams in, eleven definitely out, leaving 12 more teams to find out about.obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-30966569780820819122017-12-03T16:58:26.867-08:002017-12-03T16:58:26.867-08:00According to Passan, Giants are among finalists, Y...According to Passan, Giants are among finalists, Yankees are out! <br /><br />https://twitter.com/jeffpassan/status/937458753171009537obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23735245.post-50396602478588694802017-12-03T01:32:52.631-08:002017-12-03T01:32:52.631-08:00I've seen some commentary say that Seattle and...I've seen some commentary say that Seattle and the West would be favored for being close to Japan. While that would be nice for him, he's not coming over to be close to Japan, he wants to fulfill his dreams, which involves playing baseball as both a pitcher and hitter in the MLB. <br /><br />That's why he declined the Dodger's offer out of high school, which would have been the most direct way to the majors for him, and chose Nippon Ham Fighters instead, not because he was staying home (and being treated way better than he would have been in the minors), but because the Fighters agreed to let him bat as well as pitch, and gave him a plan towards making his dreams come true. I think staying home was a bonus, but his goal was to pitch (which seems to be his best strength, as well as what he likes better) AND to hit in the MLB. The Fighters gave him that opportunity, and as much as the Dodgers, Giants, and Rangers showed interest, none of them, apparently offered to allow him to do that (though that won't count against them, no other MLB team did either).<br /><br />If any East Coast team can convince him that their team will help him achieve his dreams better than the submission of the other teams, and win his heart, he will chose them. I think this will trump all other considerations, even the rumored "no Japanese Star" preference. <br /><br />I think it's a combination of pitch/bat proposal, plan on how he can work towards improving his pitching and hitting, milestones he would need to reach to show progress towards his goal of pitching and playing a regular position, showing how advanced your training and medical staff is at keeping players healthy, and a good history (demonstrating your expertise) of developing players. <br /><br />But all things being equal, that's when other factors will come to the fore, particularly being the big Japanese Star on the team. He wants to put his stamp on MLB history, his stamp on Japanese ballplayer history, and that should give hope to the teams that has not had a big Japanese star in its history, current or past. <br /><br />So I think the Giants chances are enhanced by their recent history of letting Bumgarner wear his batting helmet and show off his hitting, their expertise with pitching (which is his best strength, after all; he has been humble in public saying that he knows he needs to learn and improve more to do both in the majors, but seems to understand that pitching is his strength, at least for entry into the majors), their development of Brandon Belt (who was not much of a power hitting prospect when he was drafted), and their lack of current Japanese stars while at least having some history with Japanese players, as well as strong (relatively) local Japanese community, something most MLB teams will not be able to tout. obsessivegiantscompulsivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11362706004246875823noreply@blogger.com