Angels manager does not think Shohei Ohtani exceeded expectations

Comments made by Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia about star Shohei Ohtani on Friday may seem like a slight on first glance, but they actually say the complete opposite.

ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported on Friday that Scioscia was asked whether Ohtani has exceeded expectations this season — his first in MLB. Scioscia said no.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia was asked whether Shohei Ohtani, who sports a .930 OPS and a 3.31 ERA, has exceeded the expectations for him as a rookie. "I wouldn't say he has exceeded anything. He's capable of doing everything we've seen him do on the field."

— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) September 29, 2018

Some can view the remark as Scioscia not giving Ohtani enough credit for what he’s accomplished as a rookie. However, the more likely explanation is that the Angels thought so highly of Ohtani that they did not place any limits on what he could do.

Ohtani went 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA as a pitcher. He’s batting .283 with a .930 OPS as a hitter and has been the best hitter on the team after Mike Trout. Based on how he looked as a batter in spring training, his results at the plate this season have been a surprise to many. But the greatest compliment to his ability may be saying that there are no expectations for him because the possibilities of what he can achieve are limitless.