Cleveland Indians: Albert Belle downloads on Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout

Fresh off the All-Star game, Former Cleveland Indians slugger and five-time All-Star Albert Belle weighed in on MLB mega-star Shohei Ohtani, in addition to continuing to deliver punches to the game of another Anaheim all-timer, Mike Trout.

Belle’s views on Trout have been covered here, but it was interesting to see him asked about Ohtani, who’s become the biggest thing in baseball.

In classic Belle fashion, he took Ohtani down a peg, offering a different opinion from the gushing hyperbole fans have listed to over the past three days.

Belle appeared on ESPN Cleveland, via TheLandonDemand.com (subscription required).

"“How many years in the league and he’s finally done something, the first three months of the year? So, I mean, it’s impressive, but like I said, he’s hitting .270…he’s got 100 some strikeouts, but the thing about him, is he’s carrying the team and the Angels have been doing better."

Belle going old school, again.

Belle gives Shohei Ohtani some credit

Shohei Ohtani, who is in his fourth season, is batting .279 with 33 homers. He leads the league in slugging percentage (.698) and has struck out 98 times. Belle, one of the premier sluggers of the 1990s, struck out over 100 times just twice in his 10-year career, fanning 128 times in 1992 and 105 in 1997.

Belle did offer Ohtani some credit, noting how the Angels are playing better with Ohtani, while the game’s best all-around player, Trout, is still on the IL with a calf injury.

Bell continued…

"“So, where is Trout? Is he barbecuing on jersey shore, still nursing a calf contusion? Here’s the funny thing. I’ve asked friends and other players.  I’ve played baseball, football, basketball, ran track. I’ve never seen anybody hurt a calf.”"

Belle circled back to Shohei Ohtani, giving him credit, acknowledging it might’ve taken the superstar some time to adjust to American baseball.

That said, Belle pointed out that many-a-player has enjoyed a nice few months, only to fall apart heading down the stretch.

"“I will give him credit for what he’s doing. But let’s see how he finishes up,” Belle said."

When Belle appears on the air, he always makes for must-listen radio because he’s guy who has opinion and isn’t afraid to go against the grain.

It’s interesting Belle, who lives in Arizona, still checks in on his former city because he wasn’t known for having a warm reception with the media when he was in uniform.

From my view, Belle was the best slugger on those teams in the 1990s. Jim Thome ended up being the Hall of Famer, but Belle was certainly on a track to Cooperstown until an injury prematurely ended his career.

I know this: If you needed one guy to deliver the big hit, who you pick? Ask Hall of Famer Lee Smith what he thinks.