AP File Photo: Japan’s starter Shohei Otani pitches against South Korea during the first inning of their semifinal game at the Premier12 world baseball tournament at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. A person familiar with the decision says Major League Baseball owners on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, have approved a new posting agreement with their Japanese counterparts in a move that allows bidding to start for coveted pitcher and outfielder Shohei Ohtani. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made. (AP Photo/Toru Takahashi

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

The 23 year old Japanese phenom, a right handed pitcher with over 100 imp velocity as well as a left handed hitter with legitimate home run power has signed with the Los Angeles Angels. He was the most coveted Free Agent this off-season and right after he was posted all 30 Major League teams showed interest His agent Nez Balelo send the following statement. “He sees this as the best environment to develop and reach the next level and attain his career goals. More than ever, I believe this is not only a special talent but a man of special character, and like everyone else I’m excited to see him in Major League Baseball.”

The Angels statement: “We are honored Shohei Ohtani has decided to join the Angels organization. We felt a unique connectivity with him throughout the process and are excited he will become an Angel. This is a special time for Angels fans, the Ohtani family, and Nez Balelo and the team at Creative Artists Agency.”

By going to the Los Angeles Angels Othani is on a big market team that shares the Southern California baseball landscape with the Los Angeles Dodgers (teams play 35 miles apart). The seven (7) teams that were finalist for the young 2-way player: Angels, Dodgers, Rangers, Giants, Padres, Cubs and Mariners. The Angels are expected to use the remaining $3.135 million of their International bonus pool to sign Othani, and then the Angels will pay an additional $20 million posting fee, to the Nippon-Ham Fighters.

Ohtani will join Garrett Richards at the top of the Angels’ starting rotation, which will now be anchored by the two hard-throwing right-handers. The Angels are also expected to insert Ohtani into their lineup as a part-time designated hitter, giving the Halos a left-handed power bat to complement Mike Trout and Justin Upton. Albert Pujols is spending the off-season improving his conditioning, is now expected to play more first base in 2018, this will create more at bats for the young Japanese star.

Most “experts”expected the Mariners or the Padres or maybe the Rangers to land Ohtani but obviously Othani (who made the final decision)believes the Angels was the organization for him.

Othani who is slated to be a starter has the rare talent that he can hit for himself, with power, in a league where pitchers usually do not have that opportunity. We can say the LA Angels staged a coup and they have now a player that is bascially “two for the price of one”

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish TV voice for the Angels and does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com