Shohei Ohtani may have won the American League's Most Valuable Player Award. He tossed seven strong innings against the visiting Seattle Mariners team, who are still trying to qualify for the playoffs.
However, his Los Angeles Angels lost for the 82nd consecutive time in 2021. This solidified something else: a sixth consecutive losing year in Anaheim, California.
All four of them have been with Ohtani as the team's manager. The last one occurred during what is arguably the greatest season of baseball history. Ohtani, who is ineligible to free agency after the 2023 season, was asked if the Angels would like him to remain with them long-term.
Ohtani, speaking through an interpreter, said that he really liked the team and added that he hadn't spoken to the organization about a possible extension. I love the fans and the atmosphere, but I most importantly want to win. This is the most important thing to me. It's that simple.
Ohtani's remarks came one day after Mike Trout, who was sidelined since May with a calf injury, spoke out in urgency about his desire to increase the roster. He said, "This offseason will be big." We have lots of money to spend. Joe Maddon, Angels manager, expressed similar frustration earlier in the week.
Maddon stated to reporters that "this can't go on," before Wednesday's game. "We cannot annually be in such a position. This organization is far better than that. We deserve better. It is up to us to earn it."
The Angels received very little production in 2021 from high-priced Trout and Justin Upton -- not to mention Albert Pujols who was released just before May -- but quality pitching remains a problem.
At least Ohtani made substantial contributions on both sides. He threw seven innings against the Mariners and struck out 10 batters. His ERA was 3.18. His strikeout total is 156. On offense, Ohtani is hitting.258/.371/.595 and has 45 home runs. He also stole 24 bases. His 7.9 FanGraphs win rate is higher than replacement.
Despite their extraordinary contributions, the Angels are ranked 17th in runs per games and 22nd in ERA.
Ohtani stated that "if nothing changes on the team," it would be difficult to be in the playoffs.
The Angels will take Pujols' contract out of the books in this offseason. However, they will pay Trout, Rendon, and Upton $99.45 million each in 2022. Upton will be in his final year of his contract. The Angels need a shortstop. But, most importantly, everyone in the sport has said that they must improve their bullpen and add two starting pitchers to compete.
The free-agent starting pitchers available soon include Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw, Robbie Ray, Noah Syndergaard, Robbie Ray, Robbie Ray, Robbie Ray, Robbie Ray, Robbie Ray, Robbie Ray, and Noah Syndergaard. Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh could also be available for the Angels, although the young outfielders have had a difficult time in the major leagues.
The Angels were one the most successful baseball franchises in 2000s. However, they have only made the playoffs once in the past 12 years despite Trout being the best player for the vast majority.
Ohtani expressed disappointment at missing the postseason. "I always look forward the playoff race at its end and trying to discuss the playoffs with the teammates. It's always something I think about, so it's been disappointing.
