Blue Jays' Manager Admits Frustration with Shohei Ohtani After Dodging Questions About Walking Him for Rest of World Series
The Toronto Blue Jays' manager, John Schneider, has made it clear that he's had enough of Shohei Ohtani's dominant performance. In a post-game press conference following the Dodgers' 6-5 win in Game 3, which lasted an exhausting six hours and 39 minutes, Schneider hinted at a strategy to neutralize baseball's biggest star for the remainder of the World Series.
When asked if walking Ohtani would be the plan going forward, Schneider was blunt: "Yeah." His reasoning? After watching Ohtani baffle their pitching staff with two doubles and two home runs in his first four at-bats, Schneider decided to take a hands-off approach. By essentially surrendering to Ohtani's greatness, the Blue Jays hope to avoid further humiliation.
The Dodgers' manager, Dave Roberts, praised the Blue Jays' unconventional tactics, calling Ohtani "the best player on the planet." However, this strategy comes with a built-in problem: the loaded Dodgers lineup that follows Ohtani. Even after intentionally walking him, the Blue Jays must now face two former MVPs, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
While Schneider acknowledged the risk of being stung by a Betts or Freeman homer, he remained resolute in his approach. "There's certain times where I feel like you feel better about someone else beating you," he said. However, for now, Ohtani is their problem to solve.
In Game 4, which resumes on Tuesday in Los Angeles, the Blue Jays were at least forced to face Ohtani, albeit with a familiar outcome: an unintentional walk. But it's clear that Schneider and his team are determined to find ways to contain Ohtani, even if it means surrendering control of their pitching staff.
The question remains: will the Blue Jays' unconventional strategy pay off, or will they continue to be at the mercy of baseball's biggest star? Only time will tell.
The Toronto Blue Jays' manager, John Schneider, has made it clear that he's had enough of Shohei Ohtani's dominant performance. In a post-game press conference following the Dodgers' 6-5 win in Game 3, which lasted an exhausting six hours and 39 minutes, Schneider hinted at a strategy to neutralize baseball's biggest star for the remainder of the World Series.
When asked if walking Ohtani would be the plan going forward, Schneider was blunt: "Yeah." His reasoning? After watching Ohtani baffle their pitching staff with two doubles and two home runs in his first four at-bats, Schneider decided to take a hands-off approach. By essentially surrendering to Ohtani's greatness, the Blue Jays hope to avoid further humiliation.
The Dodgers' manager, Dave Roberts, praised the Blue Jays' unconventional tactics, calling Ohtani "the best player on the planet." However, this strategy comes with a built-in problem: the loaded Dodgers lineup that follows Ohtani. Even after intentionally walking him, the Blue Jays must now face two former MVPs, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
While Schneider acknowledged the risk of being stung by a Betts or Freeman homer, he remained resolute in his approach. "There's certain times where I feel like you feel better about someone else beating you," he said. However, for now, Ohtani is their problem to solve.
In Game 4, which resumes on Tuesday in Los Angeles, the Blue Jays were at least forced to face Ohtani, albeit with a familiar outcome: an unintentional walk. But it's clear that Schneider and his team are determined to find ways to contain Ohtani, even if it means surrendering control of their pitching staff.
The question remains: will the Blue Jays' unconventional strategy pay off, or will they continue to be at the mercy of baseball's biggest star? Only time will tell.
. I mean, sure, it might give your team a break from having to deal with his insane skills, but it's gonna open up even bigger holes in the lineup afterwards. I don't think it's about containing Ohtani or making him an easier target, it's more about trying to win games. What if they just throw some junk pitches and hope for the best? It sounds like a bunch of Hail Marys 
... probably won't work out in their favor though 
! The Blue Jays are basically saying "screw it" and walking Ohtani on purpose 
. It's a bold move, but also super high-risk. I mean, if the Dodgers' lineup is that loaded after Ohtani, what chance do the Blue Jays have? 
. It's not like they're trying to sugarcoat things or make excuses. They're just acknowledging that Ohtani is a force to be reckoned with and trying to find a way to deal with it.
. Will the Blue Jays' strategy pay off, or will they continue to get outmaneuvered by Ohtani's greatness? Only time (and some clutch hitting from Betts and Freeman 
) will tell!
I don't blame Schneider for trying to outsmart Ohtani but now they gotta deal with Betts and Freeman? That's a tough one! 
It feels like the Blue Jays are kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, they wanna stop Ohtani from being a beast on the field, but on the other hand, if they walk him, he'll just keep destroying their pitching staff. I don't know what to think anymore... 
instead of walking him all over the place. and what's up with their strategy going forward? are they gonna play a game of russian roulette where they walk ohtani every time? 
idk, maybe it'll work out, but i'm not holding my breath 
like he's being forced to sit out games because of his own greatness lol but at the same time i get where john schneider is coming from. their pitching staff has been totally exposed by ohtani and they cant keep taking it lol but its also a bit sad that ohtani is having to deal with all this pressure like he's not even playing anymore 
. But at the same time, you gotta respect the Blue Jays' willingness to just throw up their hands and say "you know what, we're done with Ohtani". It's not about being scared of him, it's about acknowledging that he's just too good.
. But if the Blue Jays can just survive one more game, maybe they can regroup and figure out a way to stop Ohtani for good. Fingers crossed they make it happen! 
And now they gotta deal with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman too? Sounds like they're setting themselves up for a long, uncomfortable series. The Dodgers are gonna have a field day... 
, but I get it from the Blue Jays' perspective 
. Their pitching staff is basically toast 
when he's on 
. The Dodgers' lineup though... ugh 
, it's like a death wish 
. Maybe the Blue Jays will figure out a way to stop him 
. Dodgers have my money though 
, let's see how this plays out!
It's like you're forced to stare into the abyss of their greatness and wonder if it's even worth trying to stop them.
The Blue Jays' approach might be unorthodox, but it's also kind of brilliant. It's like they're saying, "Okay, Ohtani can have this one." But what happens next? 
. I mean, you've got Shohei Ohtani out there killing it and your team is just sitting back waiting for him to get a hit or walk like 5 times in a row 
. One thing's for sure, this series is gonna be super entertaining to watch! 
he's just getting a free pass from the Blue Jays and Dodgers, its not like they're even trying to stop him. Its all just gonna be more drama and unnecessary tension in the game. And yeah walking Ohtani would definitely neutralize his impact... said no one ever 
It's like throwin one ace at 'em and hopin they can handle it? I get why they wanna try somethin' different, but at what point do you gotta face reality? That Ohtani's just gonna keep mashin no matter what. 
But seriously tho, John Schneider is either a genius or a total mess head. Walking Shohei Ohtani intentionally just because he's on fire is wild, but at the same time it's kinda clever. I mean, who's gonna win against that guy? 
. Plus, what about the guy behind him in the lineup? They're gonna get clobbered anyway 
. Are we too focused on "winning" at all costs, or are we willing to adapt and adjust when circumstances change? Sometimes, surrendering control can lead to unexpected breakthroughs or opportunities. So, let's take a cue from Schneider and his team – stay flexible, prioritize progress, and trust that the right solution will come along 
did u see game 3? it was like 6 hours and 39 minutes long