Shohei Ohtani's first Spring Training press conference with the Dodgers was packed with media, highlighting the significant interest in the new star who recently signed a world-record $700 million contract. After elbow surgery, Ohtani is swinging at close to 100% effort and is preparing to face live arms or velocity from a machine. He is optimistic about managing his hitting and pitching rehab, aiming to be ready to DH by Opening Day. Ohtani intends to act like a 'rookie' to adjust to the Dodgers, an approach supported by the team's organizational mentality. He plans to raise his hitting game 'a couple of levels' this season while not pitching. The Dodgers' manager, Dave Roberts, is familiar with handling high-profile players who don't speak much to the press. Ohtani is also focused on getting to know his teammates and staff, valuing introductions as part of his cultural background.
Shohei Ohtani tries to blend in with Dodgers, even if that might prove impossible https://t.co/E1zbE2U2B2
Introductions are important in Japanese culture, and they’re important to Shohei Ohtani. On Ohtani’s efforts to get to know Dodgers players and staffers: https://t.co/IaSDvy0Muv
Shohei Ohtani has arrived at his first Dodgers Spring Training after signing a world-record $700 million contract. The media scene: https://t.co/2vWPpzoJpd
"Dave Roberts was one of the guys who had to speak because Bonds really wasn't speaking" @Ken_Rosenthal says that Ohtani not speaking much to the press will not be an unusual experience for his manager. Full Interview ▶️ https://t.co/sCGT0Rcdic https://t.co/VHYYetq1CE
"I expect he's gonna do big things" @Ken_Rosenthal reports on Shohei Ohtani's comments that he could raise his hitting game "a couple of levels" in a season in which he will not be pitching at all. ▶️ https://t.co/HVmBy61uLH https://t.co/sgPuuHJxhw
As Spring Training opens for the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani says he's going to "act like I'm a rookie" while he adjusts to his new team. Plus, there's good news on his elbow rehab. DETAILS: https://t.co/QHlvCRhWVf https://t.co/A9GWgVpTNK
Shohei Ohtani is swinging at "close to 100%" and is hoping to be ready to DH by Opening Day ▶️ https://t.co/HVmBy61uLH https://t.co/vQU5mUOgZ9
"There's other superstars here!" @Scottbraun says that @Ohtani_MLB is going to be more accessible with the @Dodgers because of their organizational mentality Tune in LIVE on @YouTube! ▶️ https://t.co/HVmBy61uLH https://t.co/uZ3fQWECpP
"I don't think the Dodgers are gonna protect him the way Anaheim did" #FTLive weighs in on Shohei Ohtani speaking at @Dodgers camp - is this the beginning of a more vocal Shohei? ▶️ https://t.co/HVmBy61uLH https://t.co/rGtqatUnAL
"It's OK to be an introvert, but you still need to speak" @ErikKratz31 wants Shohei Ohtani, as the most visible player in the game, to speak to the media more now that he's with the @Dodgers ▶️ https://t.co/HVmBy61uLH https://t.co/4CHPMaskUb
Shohei Ohtani swinging 100% after elbow surgery, new Dodgers star wants to act like 'rookie' in first camp https://t.co/qTaiez5fLb
Shohei Ohtani said he is swinging with almost 100% effort now. The next step in his ramp-up will be facing live arms and/or velocity from a machine He thinks balancing his hitting and pitching rehab will be easier this year, after experiencing something similar in 2019 https://t.co/xsaHoIMEIg
Shohei Ohtani's first Spring Training press conference with the Dodgers has the media packed 🔥 (via @BNightengale) https://t.co/Hx1JaibCP4