Ohtani CARDS are Mostly UNDERVALUED

[bk400]

Regardless of what Ohtani does going forward on the field, his most enduring legacy will likely be to change what Americans and Japanese think is possible with respect to baseball athletes. He's changed the paradigm.

I hope to see a lot of Ohtani wannabes come through the youth / HS / minor league ranks.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by bk400

Regardless of what Ohtani does going forward on the field, his most enduring legacy will likely be to change what Americans and Japanese think is possible with respect to baseball athletes. He's changed the paradigm.

I hope to see a lot of Ohtani wannabes come through the youth / HS / minor league ranks.

Keep an eye out for Roki Sasaki as the next big thing coming from Japan. Who knows what will happen but he has been something else for his age.

[Exhibitman]

One further bit of statistical perspective: Only three players (minimum 500 plate appearances) have finished a season with an OPS+ above 230: Barry Bonds (2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004), Babe Ruth (1920, 1921 and 1923) and Ted Williams (1941 and 1957). Ohtani currently sits at 175.

Oh, and Greg is right. on both points: "[1] He's probably the most recognizable name of any active baseball player in the world, is considered the best player the last few years by anyone who isn't a Yankees fan, outsells pretty much every other veteran player and the player he is most often compared to is the one and only Babe Ruth. How can he possibly be undervalued? [2] He doesn't need to get more pumped up hype to make money off his cards."

[Lorewalker]

I am not into the modern stuff and therefore not an expert but his cards are not in short supply in any grade (and if they were it would be a manufactured rarity) and therefore not seeing that the cards are undervalued. I suppose as he continues to dominate in MLB, the prices will rise but not sure there is a single person alive who is not aware of his stature in baseball.

Personally I would still take a Williams, Aaron, Mays, etc rookie over an Ohtani.

[molenick]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

One further bit of statistical perspective: Only three players (minimum 500 plate appearances) have finished a season with an OPS+ above 230: Barry Bonds (2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004), Babe Ruth (1920, 1921 and 1923) and Ted Williams (1941 and 1957). Ohtani currently sits at 175. "

Coincidentally, Judge's OPS+ was 230 before the start of today's game. I can't comment on card prices or quality of autographs, but I am glad to be able to witness two amazing seasons taking place in the same year.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Ohtani is amazing but before anyone starts comparing him to Ruth or waxes too poetic about his place in the pantheon, keep in mind his batting WAR is 26 and his pitching WAR is 15 for a total of 41.

Judge's WAR, just hitting, is over 50.

Deep breath. He has a long ways to go yet.

[bk400]

Well, I'm not convinced that aggregating Ohtani's hitting and pitching WAR to date is the best way to evaluate his place in modern baseball history.

Ohtani is analogous to a track and field athlete who wins the gold medal in both the 100 meter dash and the javelin in the 2028 Olympics. You only have to do that once to be in the Olympic pantheon.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by bk400

Well, I'm not convinced that aggregating Ohtani's hitting and pitching WAR to date is the best way to evaluate his place in modern baseball history.

Ohtani is analogous to a track and field athlete who wins the gold medal in both the 100 meter dash and the javelin in the 2028 Olympics. You only have to do that once to be in the Olympic pantheon.

I agree it's amazing, but isn't the ultimate question in baseball, what's his value?

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Ohtani is amazing but before anyone starts comparing him to Ruth or waxes too poetic about his place in the pantheon, keep in mind his batting WAR is 26 and his pitching WAR is 15 for a total of 41.

Judge's WAR, just hitting, is over 50.

Deep breath. He has a long ways to go yet.

Ohtanis value to a franchise is worth more than the sum of the parts.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Snowman

Ohtanis value to a franchise is worth more than the sum of the parts.

Why? Surely it isn't because he creates one extra roster spot. How much value does the last player on a team add?