In over 100 years, baseball had never seen anything like Shohei Ohtani’s unanimous AL MVP season.

Ohtani is excited to create more history with the arrival of the new season for his Los Angeles Angels.

Ohtani spoke Tuesday through an interpreter at the Angels spring training complex, saying that “I feel like it’s not possible to be doing the same things as last year” and that he can’t have the same stats this year. “I must improve and continue to improve, so that’s my plan.”

In 2021, Ohtani’s stats were incredible: A 9-2 record, a 3.18 ERA, 156 strikeouts in 130 innings of work, and a.965 op with 46 homers.

Ohtani is still not satisfied despite the most spectacular two-way season since Babe Ruth’s heyday.

Ohtani stated that there is still room for improvement in skills. “But, physically, I feel stronger than last year so I believe we are on a good track.”

Ohtani is determined to improve in all areas and hopes that this will lead to more success for the franchise, which hasn’t had a winning year since 2003 when he moved here. Although he hasn’t made significant changes to his offseason training program as he did last season, he feels that the things he has been doing is still effective.

Ohtani stated that “nothing is going to change” for anyone who has had a good year. “I believe that the key to success is to have it for many years to come.” My team is in a great place as long as they can achieve that.

Joe Maddon, Angels manager, sees an area in which Ohtani could expand his game. He has no complaints about last year.

Maddon stated, “It’s difficult to imagine him doing more this year than last year.” “I’ll take another performance, maybe adding a few more innings as a pitcher. He’s a completely different animal. He is a decent man who happens to be a great baseball player.”

Ohtani had 23 starts in the Angels’ six man rotation last season. That number is unlikely to increase by more than a few starts. Los Angeles added Noah Syndergaard to its offseason starting lineup, but Ohtani is still expected to be a great pitcher.

Ohtani hopes this year to improve his control, especially early in the season. Although Maddon hasn’t confirmed it, it seems like he will be the Angels’ first day starter on April 7, but he is expected to do so.

Ohtani stated that although there is a part in me that wants to open the season, it is not what I am really thinking about. “I don’t care if I’m pitching or hitting on opening day. I just want to get off the right start.”

Maddon met Tuesday morning with Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara, an interpreter, to renew their relationship. Maddon feels he has a system in place for Ohtani, Mizuhara and he plans to continue the constant dialogue this season. He will pay particular attention to Ohtani’s legs as any weakness could result in overcompensation elsewhere.

The biggest problem in Ohtani’s offseason was likely to have been the lockout by baseball owners. Mizuhara, an Angels staff member, had to resign or he wouldn’t have been able stay in daily contact as a team employee with Ohtani.

Mizuhara was born in Japan and attended high school in Los Angeles. He has been Ohtani’s right-hand man ever since their time with the Nippon-Ham Fighters. After the lockout was over, Mizuhara was immediately rehired by the Angels.

Ohtani’s future with the Angels in the long-term is uncertain. Although he is still under team control until next season, he doesn’t seem interested in discussing potential contract extensions during that season.

Ohtani stated that there is a “really good vibe” in the clubhouse. “All the new guys look like great guys. This team is a great place to be. I believe we have a great chance at making it to the postseason if we all stay healthy.

Ohtani will likely be a major reason the Angels end their seven year playoff drought. Ohtani also hopes to make a bigger contribution: The Angels are eager for baseball to alter the rules to allow Ohtani to continue playing as a designated hitter even after he is removed as a pitcher.

Maddon stated, “I hope it happens.” “And the American League West hopes it doesn’t, if I could guess.”