CLEVELAND – CC Sabathia, former Indian, Brewers and Yankees pitcher attended Friday’s game between the Angelino and Indians in Cleveland and enjoyed the opportunity to see Shohei Ohtani play in person.
Sabathia, who was called up to six All-Star Games and was the winner of the Cy Young Award in the American League in 2007, has been a fan of Ohtani since the Japanese rookie season in 2018, and says who is always amazed at what the two-way player does.
“When I first saw him play, I said he was the best player I had ever seen,” Sabathia said. “And people were shocked by that comment. But no one does what he does at that level. It’s amazing to see him. I see all his exits. I live on the east coast, so I have to sound an alarm, but maybe be your number one fan “.
When asked what is the most striking thing about Ohtani, who leads the Major Leagues right now with 40 homers and at the same time has a mark of 8-1 with an average net run of 279 and 120 strikeouts in 100.00 innings as a pitcher this season, Sabathia had an amazing response.
“Its speed and the high part it is,” said Sabathia of Ohtani, who also has 18 stolen bases this season. “I didn’t realize it until 2019, when I could see it [en persona]. He beat Didi [Gregorius] and arrived safely. And before that, it connected him to a 95-mile straight for now [Luis] Severino. There’s nothing I can’t do. I haven’t seen him throw live, but I’ve seen him a lot on TV, and he’s really gotten into rhythm as a pitcher. More strikes, pull more to make contact. As long as it stays healthy, we will be seeing something special for many years to come. “
Sabathia spent most of his career in the American League except for a brief stint with the Brewers, but he used to talk about everything he enjoyed beating. This is one of the reasons I enjoy watching Ohtani play so much.
“That’s why I love this guy,” Sabathia said. “He’s doing what every kid wants. Right now he’s playing in the World Series of Small Leagues, and the team’s best pitcher is a pitcher … and he hits home runs and he’s the best player. Ohtani is playing Small Leagues in the Majors. I thought I had the ability to beat, but nothing like that. “
Had Sabathia at her peak retired Ohtani on the plate? Judging by his response, despite being withdrawn, the leftist has not lost confidence.
“I definitely would have taken it out, no doubt,” Sabathia said, letting out a laugh. “Definitely. I’d throw sliders and straight at two glued seams.”