Ohtani Comes To America

S5 Intro: MLB The Sho Apr 06, 2022

After an unusual offseason for baseball with the lockout, Opening Day is back and Ohtani will take the mound tomorrow for his official pitching and hitting return. Kev and Jack talk about the new “Ohtani rule” that came out of the lockout, the GQ Cover story, Ohtani being the cover star for the MLB The Show ’22 video game, his Spring Training, and predictions for his numbers this year. Plus, how the Angels did in the offseason and where Ohtani’s teammates stand to start the year.

New S5 cover illustration by ひっきー(ひきちゃん) www.instagram.com/hikky.baseball

Unanimous MVP Winner! (2021 Finale) Nov 19, 2021

With the playoffs and World Series over, it's time for baseball awards. Of course, they saved the most important one until the end, but it was worth the wait... Shohei Ohtani is your UNANIMOUS 2021 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER! He’s the first to get all the top place votes since Mike Trout almost a decade ago, and only a dozen or so players to ever to do it. Jack and Kev give their instant reactions to the MVP announcement with recording right after it happened and discuss some other offseason tidbits. Plus, what free agents the Angels might want to go after both on and off the mound.

Best Season Yet, Even With Quiet 2nd Half Oct 10, 2021

The regular season is over and, as usual, the Angels did not make the playoffs or come close. While the second half of the year after the All-Star Break was quieter than the beginning for Ohtani, he still kept up the two-way play. It looks like he’ll be in line for the MVP, when those awards are given out in November (which we’ll be doing another episode for). In the meantime, Kev and Jack go over how Ohtani did for the year and what takeaways there are. Plus, the bright and dark spots of the Angels season in general. Even Ohtani’s best season yet was only so much help.

The Home Run Derby, All-Star Game, & Midseason Recap Jul 16, 2021

We’re at the break of an incredible first half for Ohtani where he’s leading the league in home runs, up there in Cy Young contention, and is giving us “Shotime” night in and night out – both on and off the mound. There’s been no bigger stage, however, then this past All-Star week. Ohtani participated in the Home Run derby, and then the next day was the leadoff hitter and starting pitcher in the All-Star game. He was the center of attention, rightfully so, and has been the overall star of the season. Jack and Kev break down his numbers so far, how they felt about the HR derby and ASG, and the current State of Shohei.

Angel In The Outfield May 18, 2021

Now a three-way player sensation with making appearances in the outfield, Shohei Ohtani has taken the start of the 2021 baseball season by storm. Both his pitching on the mound and hitting at the plate have been exceptional, and this is the window of Shotime that we’ve been waiting for since he came to the MLB in 2018. Kev and Jack discuss how it’s all unfolded so far, notable moments, his current stats, and what might be on the horizon. Plus, a brief recap on the Angels current status and letting Albert Pujols go from the team.

S4 Intro: Time To Believe? Apr 01, 2021

Opening Day is here again and the excitement has been noticeably increasing for Shohei Ohtani having a successful year as a two-way player on the mound and at the plate. After an impressive Spring Training on both ends, including some dingers, even the doubters and haters are starting to change their mind. Jack and Kev discuss the offseason, what he did in the Cactus League this March, and how it’s looking for him and the Angels heading into a full regular 162 game slate following the shortened 60 game season of last year.

60 Games of Sadness (2020 Finale) Oct 02, 2020

It was a slow and torturous rest of the season to be a fan of Ohtani, even though he was finally able to just focus only on hitting after stopping pitching for his forearm strain. It turned out not to be a good year for him on either side of the baseball. Plus, the Angels once again didn’t make the playoffs (goodbye Billy Eppler), even though they almost snuck in over the Astros at the end.

It’s going to be a long offseason.

In the meantime, if you want to hear more of Kev and Jack, you can listen to Pros and Cons:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pros-and-cons/id1450368529

And Just Like That, Back To One-Way Again Aug 08, 2020

Two weeks into the covid season, we have injury news. Ohtani is off the pitching mound for the season, although luckily he will still be able to keep hitting in games. Deja vu is real because it feels just like 2018. Jack and Kev discuss what this news means, how Ohtani’s season had been going before this happened, and what it means for the rest of the year. Plus, the biggest question of all: how does this impact the idea of Ohtani continuing to pursue being a two-way player in the future?

Also, as usual, an Angels update with their chances of making the playoffs at the moment.

Shoutout to Trout Daddy on the new baby!

For anyone interested, here's also a link to our other podcast 'Pros and Cons' where we talk about a mix of topics -
(Apple) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pros-and-cons/id1450368529
(Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/show/4jRPV5hB2WpajBq1reEU1c?si=gZRVQZ6XTHGMP_75aHAe1g

S3 Intro: Going Into The Covid Season, Return of Two-Way Shohei, Angels Get Maddon and Rendon Jul 23, 2020

After the longest offseason of all time, baseball is finally back! With the global pandemic of coronavirus, it’s going to be a strange limited season of 60 games. Ohtani is coming off left knee surgery from last September, and has also been finishing rehabbing from Tommy John surgery from Fall 2018. So while last year he didn’t pitch because of the TJ, he will be back to his two-way player status this year.

In this return episode to kick off Ohtani’s third season playing in America, hosts Kev and Jack look at what’s to come. What might this season be like for him? And how will the Angels do after hiring a new legendary manager (Joe Maddon) or signing a superstar third baseman (Anthony Rendon)? Do they have a chance in this limited season?

Sophomore Year Recap (2019 Finale) Oct 03, 2019

Ohtani's season ended a couple weeks ago, but the Angels just wrapped up their regular season (with no playoffs ahead of them). We talk about some minor updates about the knee surgery Ohtani had a couple weeks ago and then take a step back to look at how his sophomore season went overall in 2019 as a one-way player. Then we do a speed round of the Angels overall season, the freshly announced firing of manager Brad Ausmus after only one year (and rumors of Joe Maddon being hired in his place), as well as our suggestions for upcoming free agents that Billy Eppler should pursue in the offseason to fill spots they need. We'll be back in Spring Training 2020! You can also click below for Pros and Cons, our other (non-baseball) podcast, which we'll still be doing in the offseason: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pros-and-cons/id1450368529

The Unexpected Knee Surgery Sep 13, 2019

There was breaking news on Thursday, out of nowhere, that Ohtani was going to have season-ending knee surgery the next day on Friday (we were as shocked to hear as you are). With no indication of this throughout the year, this was an unfortunate way to end the year. But we look at why it actually may not be the worst situation and the positive side of his recovery to come leading up to next season. Additionally, we give an update on the Angels season (officially out of wild card race, other injuries, Mike Trout to likely be MVP, and Tyler Skaggs further aftermath). We'll have one more episode after the baseball regular season finishes at the end of the month to recap Ohtani's 2019 overall, so stay tuned for that.

Midseason Update + R.I.P. Tyler Skaggs Jul 13, 2019

The All-Star break happened this week. After a few days off, today marks the 2nd half of the season beginning. We talk about how Ohtani's done so far since coming back in early May, hitting for the cycle, getting a dinger on his 25th birthday, MLB not even offering him an invite to participate in the Home Run Derby this year, and more. Also, we talk about the latest updates with the Angels and look at the tragic passing of Angels pitcher, Tyler Skaggs, who died on July 1st at 27 years young and was a key part of their team and helped Ohtani with his transition to the U.S.

The Kikuchi Matchup: 1st Round Goes To Shohei Jun 10, 2019

In a historic first MLB matchup in America between Yusei Kikuchi and Shohei Ohtani, two young baseball stars from Japan from the same region and high school, the two faced off for the first time in an MLB game. Being that Ohtani is only hitting this year, it was strictly a pitcher (Kikuchi) vs. hitter (Ohtani) matchup. The bats won the battle by a landslide, as did the Angels overall. They destroyed Kikuchi. We talk about the details of the game, as well as Ohtani's first month back after returning to playing following getting Tommy John surgery in the offseason. Plus, how the Angels have been doing so far in their first couple months.

Ohtani's Return! Sophomore Season Begins May 10, 2019

THE BOY IS BACK! Finally, Ohtani was activated to play again this week. We talk about what that means, how he did in his first series back, predictions for this season from here on, how the Angels are doing, and other Shohei related news.

S2 Intro: Recap for Offseason, Winning Rookie Of The Year Award, and Current Status of Injury Mar 27, 2019

We're back for a special offseason recap as Spring Training ends and Opening Day is here with the baseball season officially at its start for 2019. This episode breaks down Ohtani winning Rookie Of The Year, the current status of his arm following his Tommy John surgery and his workouts, Angels news with pickups and the big Mike Trout contract, and the retirement of Ohtani's idol Ichiro Suzuki. (To note: Ohtani is scheduled to come back in May, so we will plan to return when he does)

Babe Ruth (2018 Finale) Oct 22, 2018

Exactly 100 years ago in 1918, Babe Ruth gave his case for a two-way player. Now, a century later, Shohei Ohtani challenged that. We discuss comparisons between the two players and the two periods of baseball, including their close stat lines and random overall connections. (This is our finale for Season 1, Ohtani's Rookie Year, and we will return in March 2019 for Spring Training of next season)

R.O.Y Debate vs. Andujar Oct 15, 2018

As Yankees fans ourselves, but also Ohtani supporters, we get into a debate with each other about who should win the 2018 Rookie Of The Year award. Should it be Ohtani or the Yankees own Miguel Andujar? We each take sides and make our cases for who should take the crown.

A Year of Ohtani Oct 08, 2018

Recap of the entire rookie season for Ohtani, going back all the way to when the news first broke a year ago of his decision to come to America at the end of 2017. We go through the key events and dates throughout, and what it meant to the bigger picture. Additionally, we mention some newly learned insight from the man himself on his reflections of the year.

Farewell, Mike Scioscia Oct 01, 2018

Regular season comes to a big conclusion - Ohtani confirms he's getting Tommy John surgery immediately after this last week of games, Mike Scioscia announces he won't be returning as manager for the Angels next year (after 19 years), the discovery is made of Ohtani's spanish singing skills (Despacito!), he talks his final thoughts on the season, and we recap this week's series games against the Texas Rangers and Oakland A's. (P.S. - More episodes in coming weeks with a recap of the season overall and our Rookie Of The Year debate)

September Slumpin' Sep 24, 2018

Rough and terrible week for both Ohtani and the Angels. Not anything to do with more injuries to Ohtani, but he's in a hitting slump right now and the team (aside from Mike Trout) is not playing well - including their worst loss of all time. We also discuss Ichiro's new ideas for Ohtani to try for his career, the $150K rookie card auction buy, and in general the road trip games against the Oakland A's and Houston Astros.

At Home In Orange County Sep 17, 2018

We went to a game this week against the Seattle Mariners so we discussed that, Trout and Ohtani having back-to-back dingers, winning the AL Player Of The Week award, his interview with MLB Network, joining Babe Ruth on another record with his 20th home run, Troutani vs. Uptani nicknames, his translator Ippei Mizuhara, and the other series earlier this week against the Texas Rangers.

More Dingers, Tommy John Sep 10, 2018

The dreaded surgery recommendation comes in for Ohtani to get the infamous Tommy John operation on his arm. We break down what it means for both his pitching (not back until at least 2020) and batting (could be hitting all next season!). We also discuss Ohtani firing back at the plate while he continues to DH for the rest of the season, especially on the day of hearing the news, and the series games this week against the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox.

Pitching In The Spotlight Sep 03, 2018

A big controversial week as Ohtani makes his pitching return against the Houston Astros, defending World Series champions and current AL West division leaders, in a nationally televised ESPN game. Kev and Jack discuss their opinions on the Angels bringing him back at this time, how the pitching start went, and what we can take away from it. We also talk about the season-ending surgery of Albert Pujols and what that means for Ohtani and the DH hitting role, as well as the series against the Colorado Rockies that started the week.

The Breakfast Club Aug 27, 2018

Facing real hitters in simulation games, Players Weekend ("Showtime"), Trout returns to the team, 80's night at Angels Stadium, Maldonado reunion, Justin Verlander matchup, conflict with batters getting hit, and the overall series games against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros.

Weekend Rodeo in Texas Aug 20, 2018

More bullpen pitching sessions this week, a major dinger, helping out as a pinch hitter, fun with teammates (handshakes, learning languages, LLWS, Dele Alli challenge), and the series games against the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers.

Throwing With The Towel Aug 14, 2018

We talk about Ohtani's drill of throwing towels (for pitching), his important bullpen session over the weekend, hitting a HR for Trout's birthday, and the Angels series matchups against the Detroit Tigers and Oakland A's.

Cleveland Is The City Aug 06, 2018

First on-the-road home runs for Ohtani in a career-best game against his favorite team, the latest stats comparing to Babe Ruth, losing Ian Kinsler but keeping Scioscia, the $100K Ohtani rookie card, and the Angels games against the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Indians.

Angels Making Changes Jul 30, 2018

Maldonado traded to the Astros (Ohtani's bestie & catcher), Arcia comes to the majors and becomes a quick dangerous friend, new info on how Simmons and Ohtani bonded while injured, the back and forth on the DH spot with Pujols, Ohtani being moved up in the lineup, and Vladimir Guerrero enters the Hall of Fame. Plus this week's games against the Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners (yes, the Mariners again).

Pitching Arm Update Jul 23, 2018

Cleared to start throwing again! :-) We talk the positive new updates on Ohtani's pitching arm, when to expect him to pitch in actual games, and what it all means going forward. Plus Ohtani's All-Star Week away from D.C's festivities, his level of fashion game according to Mike Trout, and the weekend series against the Houston Astros.

Two-Way Bobblehead Jul 16, 2018

Second week hitting again (after coming off DL), games with Mariners and Dodgers, the unusual double Ohtani bobblehead, and our initial thoughts on the upcoming All Star week.

24th Birthday, Hitting Again Jul 09, 2018

Ohtani finally comes back from the DL to hit again (no pitching yet), right in time for the July 4th holiday and Ohtani's 24th birthday on July 5th. Also he has a "Japanese Kirk Gibson" moment against the Dodgers.

Relationship With The Press Jul 02, 2018

First we give an injury update (Ohtani cleared to hit!) and then we talk about his relationship with The Press, in particular the massive amount of Japanese reporters covering him this season.

Differences: Japan / USA Baseball Jun 25, 2018

The ways that Japan's NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) is both similar and different to America's MLB (Major League Baseball) in rules and styles of play. Additionally, an update on the status of Ohtani's injury evaluation.

Mike Trout & Ohtani BFF's Jun 18, 2018

Best friends duo of Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, as well as why The Sandlot has to be Ohtani's favorite movie. (Currently Ohtani is still on the DL through the end of June)

Three Weeks On The DL Jun 11, 2018

Ohtani gets placed on the DL for 3 weeks with a Grade 2 UCL sprain injury. We talk about what that means for Ohtani, for the Angels, and for baseball. Including the Tommy John surgery possibility, All Star voting, Rookie Of The Year battle, and the Angels race for the second AL wild card spot with the Mariners.

First Comes Spanish Jun 04, 2018

News from the Angels team of Ohtani's knowledge of the Spanish language moving quicker than English, our theory of his possible new obsession coming up with 'Friends' re-runs, the discussion of Ohtani officially being listed as a DH on the 2018 All Star ballot, and how the week of games went vs the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. (Week of Monday 5/28/18 to Sunday 6/3/18)

Yankees, Tanaka Matchup, Gleyber Torres May 28, 2018

We discuss this week's big matchup vs. the Yankees and what Ohtani has in common with two Yankees players - fellow Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (who he was originally going to pitch against, but instead hit against) and fellow Rookie of the Year candidate Gleyber Torres. Also, we discuss the potentially-true story of Ohtani going to Drake's studio while the Angels were playing the Toronto Blue Jays.

Should Shohei: Play In The HR Derby? May 21, 2018

Ohtani's week against the Astros and Rays, whether he should play in the Home Run Derby or not (if given the chance), and our ideal scenario for when he pitches against the Yankees this upcoming week.

Mile High City May 14, 2018

Ohtani plays in his first NL stadium and gets his first pinch hit against the Rockies in Coors Field, has a great start with 11 strikeouts at home against the Twins, and gets a big compliment from one of the league's big trash talkers.

Ichiro vs. Ohtani (Almost) May 07, 2018

We talk about the Ichiro matchup vs Ohtani that the world was so close to seeing, their similarities as Japanese superstar players coming to the U.S, the connection with Ohtani's teammate Albert Pujols, and more of Ohtani's week returning after his mild ankle injury from the week prior.