⚾ Ohtani Playing In New York Best For Baseball

Coming to New York is a win for both Shohei Ohtani and the sport, Deesha Thosar opines. [View in browser]( [FOX SPORTS INSIDER WITH MARTIN ROGERS] In today’s FOX Sports Insider with guest writer Deesha Thosar: Shohei Ohtani is possibly baseball's biggest star and New York is where he would shine brightest … The Dolphins could make noise next season, but where will they go with their first selection in the draft? … and more! NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani hardly ever takes batting practice on the field. He’s usually too busy before games, taking care of his arm and going through various other protocols that are critical to the two-way wonder staying healthy. But on Tuesday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, the Japanese icon popped out of the dugout and onto the field. While the swarm of on-field fans and reporters grew around him, Ohtani proceeded to put on a show, including hitting a couple of long homers over the batter's eye in center field. Maybe, on the verge of free agency, Ohtani was sending a message. Maybe he was trying to intimidate his opponent. Maybe, as he noted afterward, he was just getting a sense of the ball flight. Whatever the reason, the utter mayhem Ohtani caused just by appearing on the field was indicative of his star power — and that light only shines brighter in a city like New York. "It’s a beautiful field. Passionate fans," Ohtani said of Yankee Stadium through an interpreter. "I always look forward to playing here. It’s really fun playing here." Ohtani will enter free agency after this season, when he is expected to command a record-shattering contract in the neighborhood of $500 million. It is more important than ever that the Angels ace and slugger stays healthy and repeats his MVP-caliber performance from the past two years. Each and every contending team will throw its hat in the ring for the Japanese phenom. But it would be better for Major League Baseball if Ohtani’s nine-pitch mix, 0.86 ERA and .300/.382/.533 slash line were being showcased by a marquee franchise — specifically, New York's Yankees or Mets. "You get that exposure when you’re in New York that you don’t necessarily get anywhere else," said Angels reliever Aaron Loup, who’s played for six teams, including the Mets. "That’s always a good thing. But being in L.A. and other places is not as hectic at times. Definitely more low-key. But again, I think that goes along with winning. The more you win, the more attention you draw." Ohtani’s influence can be understood by watching the deep crowd formed around the Angels’ bus on Monday afternoon at Fenway Park. The number of people standing on Jersey Street went back as far as the eye could see. And all those people were just waiting for a glimpse of baseball's unicorn. That’s greatness personified. Like it or not, those massive crowds are more likely to form for big-market teams like the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets. For the rest of the story, [click here.]( [STORY IMAGE 1] [IN OTHER WORDS] - The Dolphins don't pick until No. 51 this year, but that doesn't mean they can't find a future starter in the second round. Henry McKenna runs down some [players who could interest them](. - With just six selections in all, including only three in the top 146 picks, the Titans have to make the most of [their top choice]( writes Ben Arthur. - Toronto is raking yet has room to improve, Philadelphia is in danger, and the Cubs look like real playoff contenders. Jordan Shusterman examines [what we learned]( across baseball in Week 3. - From Jorge Mateo to Pablo López to Aroldis Chapman, Rowan Kavner breaks down [10 of the most fascinating starts]( to the 2023 MLB season. For the latest news and updates, [click here.]( [VIEWER'S GUIDE] Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET) The Celtics head on the road looking to take full control of the series when they face the Hawks in Atlanta. Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks (ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET) Jalen Brunson and the Knicks return home to battle Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers looking to earn their second win of the series. Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves (ESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET) Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves look to bounce back from their last loss when they take on Jamal Murray and the Nuggets in Minnesota. Phoenix Suns at LA Clippers (Saturday, TNT, 3:30 p.m. ET) The Suns look to take full control and push the Clippers to the brink of elimination when they battle in Los Angeles. Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay Rays (Saturday, FOX, 4:05 p.m. ET) The red-hot Rays look to defend home field when they welcome the White Sox to Tropicana Field. Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers (Saturday, ESPN, 10 p.m. ET) LeBron James and the Lakers return home looking to take back the series lead against the Grizzlies. Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors (Sunday, ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET) Stephen Curry and the Warriors take the floor looking to even the series when they collide with De’Aaron Fox and the Kings. New York Mets at San Francisco Giants (Sunday, ESPN, 7 p.m. ET) The Giants play host to one of the favorites to win the World Series when the Mets visit Oracle Park. For all of today's games and scores, [click here](. [BET OF THE DAY] Odds provided by [FOX Bet]( Jalen Carter Under pick No. 6.5 (+115) From FOX Sports Wagering Expert: Chris Fallica Carter reportedly has his share of concerns, but there’s zero doubt he’s an immediate impact player. If the Texans are going to take a defensive player, he could go as high as No. 2. Arizona could take him at three, Seattle could take him at five or Detroit could take him at six and pair him with last year’s No. 1 pick Aidan Hutchinson on what could be a pretty scary defensive line in a wide-open division. With so many questions on the quarterbacks and an apparent lack of teams looking to trade up for one of them, it likely means Carter goes very early. We're getting plus money on a guy worthy of being the top overall pick based on his play. For the latest betting odds, [click here](. 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