This is the online version of our daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Subscribe to get irreverent and incisive sports stories, delivered to your mailbox every morning. Here’s Charles Curtis.
Shohei Ohtani is having another unbelievable season as a pitcher and a hitter — he just completed a 10-strikeout and two home run game IN ONE NIGHT! He’s among the league leaders in a bunch of categories! HOW IS HE DOING ALL THAT?
We’ve gotten to the point where the Los Angeles Angels are actually good. It’s time — for now — to stop talking about Ohtani trades.
So: Let’s talk about getting Ohtani paid. Now. Like, right now. I’ve advocated for a billion-dollar contract and I stand by that. But whatever the Angels are thinking about Ohtani and negotiating this winter and playing the free agency game … just stop it.
Pay the man. Whatever he wants.
Because he’s worth it and more. He’s only 28 years old, and although some of his skills either at the plate or on the mound may diminish through the length of that next contract, you have to paid him now if you think you can contend in the next few years (which reminds me: It would be swell to see Mike Trout make it back to the postseason too!). Imagine Ohtani stepping up in Game 1 of the World Series and pitching six innings of shutout ball while hitting a couple of dingers.
That’s worth all the money. And heck, maybe paying him now gets you whatever discount you can get before he hits the open market after — perhaps — a second AL MVP award.
Do it now, Angels front office.
Quick Hits: A 2024 NBA mock draft … A no-look throw in baseball … and more.
— It’s not too early to start talking the 2024 NBA Draft, where Bronny James may be available. Here’s Bryan Kalbrosky’s first mock of next year’s class.
— This Bo Naylor no-look throw to get an out was stunning.
— Here’s every Wes Anderson movie, ranked.
