Folks around the Angels believe Shohei Ohtani had a good chance to return had the Angels accepted the $700 million deferred deal that was being offered to the finalists (at least the Blue Jays and Giants accepted in addition to the Dodgers).
Ohtani liked the O.C., but it’s hard to know since the Angels declined the deal. Ohtani doesn’t talk in Dodgers camp except on rare occasions, and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, declined to answer questions regarding Ohtani. …
Yoshinobu Yamamato’s 8.38 spring ERA doesn’t have the Dodgers worried about the $325M pitcher. But one pitching expert said he’d be a little concerned about the simple windup (no leg kick) and lack of deception.
“If he makes a mistake,” the guru says, “he’s going to get hit.” The Dodgers believe the numbers are misleading, and a ridiculous .517 BABIP certainly indicates that as he’s been as unlucky on the mound as he was fortunate in the negotiating room. …
J.D. Martinez remains a consideration for the Mets, as well as the Angels. J.D. Davis is, too, though the Jays and Cubs make sense for him, as well. …
Rangers baseball people would like to see Jordan Montgomery re-signed, but the owner hasn’t approved yet. … The Padres and Pirates are among teams eying Tommy Pham.