NEW YORK – Hall of Famer Derek Jeter advocates for any strategy, be it a bunt or a steal, to ensure Shohei Ohtani comes to the plate with runners in scoring position. Jeter believes he might employ similar tactics if he were managing the Dodgers, rather than observing the NLCS from the broadcast booth.
“They won’t simply walk Ohtani to pitch to Mookie [Betts]. It’s like choosing your poison,” Jeter noted. “At this stage in the season, I would force their decision. I’m all for it.”
And why wouldn’t they? In a season filled with bewildering statistical accomplishments, Ohtani’s latest feat stands out: he has recorded 16 hits in his last 19 at-bats with runners in scoring position, beginning with the closing days of the regular season. This achievement marks the first time a player has achieved 16 hits in a stretch of 20 at-bats in those conditions—encompassing both regular season and postseason—since Frank Howard accomplished it for the Dodgers in 1962.
However, there exists an unusual statistical quirk.
Since embarking on his inaugural postseason, Ohtani has gone 4-for-5 with a home run and two walks with runners in scoring position, and 6-for-8 with a homer and three walks when runners are on base.
Meanwhile, he stands at 0-for-19 with 10 strikeouts when there are no runners on base.
This has sparked various questions about how the Dodgers can optimize their superstar designated hitter’s performance, including whether shifting Ohtani out of the leadoff spot is a consideration.
“No, there isn’t,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts replied on Tuesday, as his team prepared at Citi Field ahead of Wednesday’s Game 3 of a tied NLCS. “It’s amusing how perspectives shift; early in the season, there was significant concern regarding Shohei’s ability to hit with runners in scoring position. Now, we’re trying to figure out how to get guys on base for him to hit. I find that a bit humorous.”
Roberts also mentioned he is open to other adjustments in the lineup, “but moving Shohei to the fourth or third spot is not an option.”
So, while lineup changes are off the table, perhaps a subtle shift in strategy could be on the table. Jeter indicated he wouldn’t fault the Dodgers for modifying their regular-season methods to maximize Ohtani’s opportunities to contribute in run-producing scenarios during the postseason, similar to their approach in Game 1 at Dodger Stadium.
Throughout the regular season, the Dodgers achieved only 10 sacrifice bunts, ranking low in the National League with just four bunt hits. Thus, it was noteworthy when, twice in the first four innings of this series, a Dodgers hitter stepped up to sacrifice while Ohtani was either on deck or in the hole. Ohtani’s night featured a 2-for-4 performance.
The Dodgers secured a commanding 9-0 victory, which included an RBI single.
In Game 2, the Mets largely contained Ohtani, but in the ninth inning, with the Dodgers trailing by four runs in a 7-3 defeat, he had one chance. Andy Pages stole second base without a challenge. Although that run was not crucial, it provided Ohtani with his first chance to bat with a runner in scoring position that afternoon. He ended up walking.
What are Ohtani’s thoughts on the Dodgers’ approach?
“No matter how they choose to pitch to me, my plan is to maintain my approach as consistently as possible and not to fixate on their strategy against me,” Ohtani communicated through interpreter Will Ireton on Tuesday at Citi Field. “Considering the lineup is not my responsibility. I aim to be as adaptable as possible, regardless of the circumstances or where I am placed in the batting order.”
Modern analytics have shifted how teams perceive “clutch” hitting, and Ohtani’s performance this season supports this notion. He is a clear frontrunner for the NL MVP Award, having joined the 50-50 club with a league-leading 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, while also achieving a top league OPS of 1.036. His 130 RBIs also topped the National League.
Conversely, his numbers with runners in scoring position were quite average for a considerable part of the season — he recorded a .219 average in such situations during his first 125 games. This prompted Roberts to contemplate a conversation with Ohtani about it.
However, a discussion turned out to be unnecessary. Ohtani belted a walk-off grand slam on August 23, joining the 40-40 club, and went on to hit .516 with six home runs in his final 31 at-bats with runners in scoring position during the rest of the regular season. This performance led all Major League hitters with at least 10 at-bats in those situations, completely reversing the narrative. Now, the Dodgers have embraced a more strategic style, reminiscent of Tommy Lasorda, opting for small ball to set the stage for Ohtani with runners on second and third.
“This is simply playoff baseball,” Roberts remarked following Tommy Edman and Gavin Lux’s decision to bunt just before Ohtani’s at-bat in Game 1. “The reality is that postseason play differs from the regular season. … Elevating a runner into scoring position adds a layer of pressure.”
Ohtani is not the first superstar to face challenges at the plate during his initial postseason. Barry Bonds struggled significantly, hitting 7-for-45 (.156) without a home run in his first two trips to the NLCS with the Pirates in 1990 and ’91. Aaron Judge also had a tough postseason debut in 2017 with the Yankees, going 9-for-48 (.188) and striking out 27 times. So far this postseason, Ohtani is 6-for-27 (.222).
“It’s difficult for me to gauge whether I’m performing at the same level as the players you mentioned,” he responded to a question on Tuesday. “This is my first postseason experience, so I can’t rely on past experiences or reflections. However, what I do understand is that we are competing against strong teams, often with their top pitchers. Therefore, accumulating base hits and achieving results isn’t as straightforward as one might hope.”
“That said, my emphasis is on the idea that ‘whatever transpired in the last game is behind us.’ My attention is sharply directed towards the upcoming game. This is something I might ponder later, once everything has come to a close.”
Strategic Adjustments: How the Dodgers Aim to Maximize Shohei Ohtani’s Impact in the NLCS
Understanding Shohei Ohtani’s Unique Skill Set
Shohei Ohtani is not just a baseball player; he’s an anomaly in the sport. His ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter makes him a valuable asset for any team. As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for the National League Championship Series (NLCS), strategic adjustments will be essential in maximizing Ohtani’s unique impact on the field. Here’s how the Dodgers plan to make the most of Ohtani’s skills.
Key Tactical Adjustments
To harness Ohtani’s capabilities, the Dodgers will need to implement several tactical adjustments:
- Positioning Ohtani in the Batting Order: Placing Ohtani in the heart of the order will ensure he gets maximum at-bats and opportunities to drive in runs.
- Utilizing Ohtani as a Dual Threat: Strategically alternating between his pitching and hitting will keep the opposing team on their toes.
- Defensive Alignments: Adjusting defensive alignments based on Ohtani’s pitching style can minimize scoring opportunities for the opposing team.
Benefits of Maximizing Ohtani’s Impact
Implementing these strategies can yield several benefits for the Dodgers:
- Enhanced Run Production: With Ohtani in the lineup, the Dodgers can expect increased run production, leading to higher chances of winning games.
- Strategic Pitching Matchups: Ohtani’s pitching prowess can create favorable matchups against the opponent’s hitters, giving the Dodgers an edge.
- Increased Fan Engagement: The spectacle of Ohtani performing at both ends of the game draws more fans and creates a vibrant atmosphere.
Case Studies: Previous Teams’ Success with Two-Way Players
Teams that have successfully utilized two-way players in the past can provide insights into how the Dodgers can optimize Ohtani’s role:
| Player | Team | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Babe Ruth | Boston Red Sox | Transformed from pitcher to outfielder, leading the league in home runs. |
| Rick Ankiel | St. Louis Cardinals | Transitioned from pitcher to outfielder, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. |
| Michael Lorenzen | Los Angeles Angels | Demonstrated effectiveness by contributing both on the mound and at the plate. |
Practical Tips for Optimizing Ohtani’s Role
Here are some practical tips for the Dodgers to optimize Shohei Ohtani’s role in the NLCS:
1. Monitor Pitch Counts
To prevent overuse, the Dodgers should closely monitor Ohtani’s pitch counts when he takes the mound. This ensures he remains effective and minimizes injury risks.
2. Create a Flexible Roster
By having a flexible roster, the Dodgers can adjust their lineup and pitching rotation based on Ohtani’s performance and fatigue levels. This adaptability can help maximize his contributions.
3. Analyze Opponent Weaknesses
Using data analytics to identify the opponent’s weaknesses can allow the Dodgers to place Ohtani in situations where he can excel, whether that be through favorable pitching matchups or advantageous batting scenarios.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Coaches and Players
Understanding the importance of Ohtani’s dual skills, Dodgers’ coaches and players have expressed excitement about his potential impact. Here are some insights:
- Dodgers Manager: “Having a player like Ohtani changes our game plan completely. His ability to affect the game in multiple ways is something we’ve rarely seen.”
- Teammate Perspective: “Ohtani’s energy is contagious. It elevates everyone’s performance and morale. We all want to step up our game when he’s on the field.”
Maximizing Ohtani’s Batting Performance
To ensure Ohtani’s bat makes the biggest impact, the Dodgers should consider the following strategies:
1. Tailored Training Sessions
Implementing specialized batting practice and drills tailored to Ohtani’s strengths can help him refine his skills further, increasing his offensive output.
2. Focus on Matchup-Based Hitting
Utilizing video analysis to prepare Ohtani for specific pitchers he will face can enhance his approach at the plate, resulting in better performance.
3. Mental Preparation
Working with sports psychologists to maintain Ohtani’s focus and confidence will be crucial, especially in high-pressure playoff situations.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The Dodgers are in a unique position to leverage Shohei Ohtani’s talents during the NLCS. Through strategic adjustments in his role and the team’s overall game plan, they can maximize his impact on the field. By embracing Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities, the Dodgers aim to enhance their chances of securing victories and advancing in the postseason.
