Joe Maddon coached Angels from 2020 to midseason
Former manager Joe Maddon, who directed the Angels from 2020 to the middle of this season, talked about pitcher Shohei Ohtani. He called the dual-wielding player “the easiest person to work with,” and revealed that the outfielder was “Gold Glove-class. That’s how talented he is.”
“How did you manage a talented player like Shohei?” asked Ben Verlander, the host and analyst of “Fox Sports,” who appeared on the podcast program “Flippin’ Butts Podcast.” Former Director Maddon asked. “Of all the people I’ve worked with, (Ohtani) is the easiest person to work with. It is said that there were voices of doubts about the appointment in the two-sword style at first.
Still, “In spring training 2021, Perry and I told Ohtani, ‘There are no rules. You and I are going to talk every day.’ , We talked every day. If you needed a rest, I gave it to you, and if you were able to go, I let you go.”
“The only thing he said to me was, ‘I’m worried if my legs get tired.’ If you don’t want to play a game before or after the pitching day, let me know.’ But he was ready, and when he came out he wanted to run, he wanted to steal. is the existence of
He also revealed a high level of defense. Although he mainly participates as a pitcher and designated hitter, “I can protect the outfield without any problems. When Trout couldn’t defend the outfield (due to injury), I let Shohei guard the outfield and appointed Trout as the designated hitter. I wanted to. He (Ohtani) can do it, and at a high level. The way he catches balls in batting practice is like a gold glove. He’s so talented.”
(Full-Count editorial department)