Quote:
Originally Posted by bk400
Call me a cynic, but I think they will let him pitch so long as his performance continues the marketing bonanza for the Dodgers. The $700 million (future value) contract is looking like a great investment for the Dodgers. I don't think you get the same amount of buzz if you turn Ohtani into a right fielder and sign, say, Roki Sasaki!
With respect to Ohtani playing in the field, he has experience as an outfielder in Japan, and he has taken reps in the outfield with the Angels prior to the Ohtani rule coming into effect. More relevantly, I find it hard to see how someone that fast, strong and athletic -- with such documented commitment and work ethic (in contrast to, say, a CJ Abrams) -- not becoming at least a league-average corner outfielder over an off-season of targeted work.
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Yes, it's impossible that he couldn't at minimum be an average left fielder.
To Peter's point though, if they don't want to let him pitch because of injury risk, they certainly wouldn't let him play left or right field. He gives solid production on the mound, but little value in the outfield.