BREAKING NEWS: Dave Martinez Praised Shohei Ohtani for a Good Game But Gave a 7-Word Comment About Ohtani’s Teammates: “If They Only Relied on Him, They Would…”
In a candid post-game interview that has sparked a flurry of reactions, Washington Nationals’ manager Dave Martinez praised Shohei Ohtani for his standout performance but also issued a striking, seven-word comment about the Los Angeles Angels’ reliance on their superstar. Ohtani, who has been the centerpiece of the Angels’ lineup for years, delivered yet another impressive performance, but Martinez’s pointed words about the team’s broader dynamic have left many questioning the Angels’ approach.
During the post-game discussion, Martinez, who has seen firsthand the impact Ohtani can have on a game, offered high praise for the two-way star. “Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-lifetime player,” Martinez said. “He’s not only one of the best pitchers in the game but also one of the most dangerous hitters. He has the ability to completely change the course of a game, and you can see why he’s considered one of the best talents the sport has ever seen.”
Ohtani’s all-around talent was evident as he dominated on the mound and at the plate, showing why he’s frequently compared to some of the game’s greatest. The Angels’ ace pitcher and slugger went deep in the game with a couple of hits, showcasing his power and versatility. Martinez acknowledged his performance, calling Ohtani’s contributions “incredible.”
But after highlighting Ohtani’s individual brilliance, Martinez shifted focus to the Angels’ overall approach, providing a stark reminder of the team’s struggles. “If they only relied on him, they would fall short,” Martinez remarked, his words hanging heavily in the air. “Ohtani’s amazing, no question. But baseball is a team sport. You can’t build a championship contender around one guy, no matter how good he is.”
Martinez’s comment speaks volumes about the current state of the Angels’ roster, which has often been criticized for its inability to surround Ohtani with enough talent to contend for the postseason. Despite Ohtani’s otherworldly abilities, the Angels have repeatedly fallen short of expectations, with the franchise failing to make the playoffs in recent years.
Martinez’s words reflect a common sentiment shared by many analysts and fans alike — while Ohtani is undeniably a game-changer, baseball is ultimately a team sport, and the success of any franchise depends on more than just one player. Without sufficient support from other key contributors, even a superstar like Ohtani can only do so much.
The Angels, despite having other talented players such as Mike Trout, have struggled to find consistent success in recent seasons. Their inability to build a complete team around their stars has kept them from reaching the upper echelons of the league. While Ohtani continues to put on a show, the team’s lack of depth and cohesiveness has limited their potential, making them one of the most disappointing franchises in recent years.
Martinez’s comment resonated with many across the baseball world, particularly those who have watched the Angels’ ups and downs over the years. The team’s continued reliance on Ohtani to carry them has often resulted in uneven results, especially when Ohtani is unable to consistently pitch or hit at his extraordinary levels.
As Ohtani’s future with the Angels remains uncertain, many are wondering what the next step will be for both the player and the franchise. Ohtani’s immense value as both a pitcher and hitter has made him one of the most coveted players in the league, and it’s likely that other teams will try to lure him away with the promise of a more competitive environment.
Martinez’s words highlight a key issue for the Angels: without surrounding Ohtani with more talent and depth, they may continue to fall short of their ultimate goals. While Ohtani’s individual brilliance is undeniable, it’s clear that baseball is a team sport, and the Angels’ championship aspirations may remain out of reach unless they can build a more complete roster around their superstar.
For now, Ohtani remains one of the most electrifying players in baseball, and his individual achievements continue to make headlines. But as Martinez’s pointed comment shows, Ohtani’s success alone may not be enough to carry the Angels to the ultimate prize. The team will need to make some significant changes if they hope to finally contend for a World Series title — and it may be up to Ohtani himself to decide whether or not he wants to be part of that journey.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Angels to see if they can finally surround Ohtani with the talent he needs to succeed. Will they heed the warning that Martinez has issued and build a more complete team? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain — the pressure is on the Angels to make the most of their superstar before it’s too late.