Aaron Decide talks about Shohei Ohtani
ANAHEIM — Aaron Decide obtained first-hand expertise with Shohei Ohtani at Angel Stadium this week, sparking conversations amongst teammates who marveled on the Angels’ famous person’s pitch mechanics. It wouldn’t be shocking if the American League file for residence runs in a single season is challenged this season.
Decide had owned the mark since Oct. 4, when he hit his 62nd residence run to interrupt the 61-year mark set by the Yankees’ Roger Morris. Ohtani has a spot on the prime of the record, in keeping with Decide.
“Information are about to be damaged,” Decide stated Wednesday. “That is only a file. If he goes there and scores 63 or extra, the sport might be thrilling. Let’s see what occurs”.
Ohtani closed with 35 homers on Wednesday, the newest of which was hit by the Yankees’ Michael King on Monday. Ohtani is hitting .429 (12-for-28) with 4 residence runs and eight RBIs over his previous seven outings, and has been purple sizzling of late.
“Unbelievable. Enjoyable to observe,” the choose agreed. “When he performs towards us, I don’t wish to see what he’s doing in particular person, however it’s enjoyable to activate the TV and see him pitch eight innings, strike out 10 and hit two residence runs in a single recreation.
“I’m enthusiastic about what he’s achieved up to now and I’m trying ahead to seeing what else he does after we get out of right here.”
It needs to be famous that Decide was on an identical velocity to 2022 when he crashed into the correct discipline wall at Dodger Stadium on June 3. Decide ran the bases for the primary time since that damage on Wednesday, taking batting apply within the discipline and performing some mild defensive work.
Though Decide’s numbers are frozen at 19 homers in 49 video games — notably, he nonetheless leads his crew in homers and RBI (40) — he’d like one other probability to hit 62 or higher in future seasons.
“I’ve obtained a number of years left on this recreation,” Decide stated. “If he breaks it, it provides me one other probability to exit and attempt to do one thing particular. However proper now I’m not too targeted on that. I all the time want him properly and I’m all the time excited to see what he can obtain, however now I’m not too involved concerning the achievement.
Ohtani appears to have dealt with the rising consideration with ease and may benefit from following Decide’s lead. Final season, Decide’s foremost focus was serving to the Yankees win video games, whether or not it was batting or pitching. The strain of the homer file chase didn’t hit him till he hit 50.
“The toughest factor for me was after I was 62,” Decide stated. “I’ve by no means began a recreation so quiet and everybody standing. It was surprising to me as a result of I got here to play a baseball recreation and never fear a few file. I simply needed to go on the market and assist my crew win.”
“I began a recreation towards Pittsburgh and Boston with a double and it virtually appeared just like the followers have been upset. I perceive they wish to see historical past, so I believe it’s a troublesome factor for me to attempt to give attention to. We’ve obtained yet another recreation to play.”
One facet of Ohtani’s recreation that Decide likes to take credit score for isn’t his taking pictures capability.
“I like how he works his decrease physique,” Decide admitted. “Like him I attempted to faucet a bit with my foot. The opposite day I used to be speaking [Anthony] I got here again throughout the recreation and stated, ‘I need my kick to be like his.’ I haven’t handed but. I’ve two extra years left.
“He’s doing job; He will get after the ball and has authority on all sides of the sector. When he involves the disc, proper now, you don’t wish to catch him.”
