Andrew Friedman Says Goal is To Make Dodgers a Destination Spot at Shohei Ohtani Press Conference
Shohei Ohtani is officially a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. No, you aren’t dreaming it.
Ohtani was formally introduced on Thursday afternoon at Dodger Stadium in front of what looked like a sellout media crowd. The Ohtani effect was very real at Dodger Stadium, but it was well worth the wait to hear from the biggest show in baseball.
Before Ohtani took the podium, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman spoke to give his thoughts on landing Ohtani. He said that he wants to make the Dodgers a destination spot around the league.
“Our goal is for the Dodgers to be a destination spot around the league.”
Per Andrew Friedman
With Ohtani’s deferrals in his contract, the Dodgers will have some extra money to spend to build the best possible team they can create. Ohtani agreed to defer all but $2 million of his annual salary, giving back to the team.
The Dodgers are already a destination spot for players, but at the same time, Ohtani is a game-changer. Players may want to come to L.A., just to play alongside Ohtani.
He is the biggest star in the game today, and as long as he is on the team, L.A. will be a true contender. Ohtani gives the Dodgers real star power, both on and off the field.
Southern California itself is a destination spot, but the Dodgers are one of the premier organizations in all of baseball. It’s Sho Time in Los Angeles, and the fun is just getting started.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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I’ve been a Dodgers more years than both Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts have been alive and contract aside, I, in no way, believe in this signing. I think it is the worse signing in baseball history. Ohtani won’t fill this contract. I know many Dodgers fan will disagree with me but I think this will be a ‘Cancer’ contract. There are signs that are already there. Not the least of which when Ohtani not once in the press conference acknowledged his manager. There is going to be tension mark my words. While I give Roberts’ some responsibility in the playoff failures, he’s not the sole reason they failed. Lots of blame to pass around.
And answer this question, if Ohtani is so great then why didn’t the Angels make the playoff at least òne season he was there? Sorry, I don’t buy into the hype.