Naoko Takemaru (UNLV photo)LAS VEGAS — The faculty and students of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Asian and Asian American Studies Program released the following statement.

Several reports indicated that Ohtanis representatives had insisted on absolute secrecy over any discussions.A formal announcement from the Dodgers had not been issued by Monday afternoon.

Ohtani took a huge pay cut to move to MLB as a 23-year-old rather than waiting to make the jump at 25 when he could have raked in many times his Japan salary.Expectations for the former are going to be high now.when then-manager Joe Madden let Ohtani bat every day.

the Dodgers have combined a solid player development program with liberal spending to churn out 10 National League West titles over the past 11 years without any help from Ohtani.(MIKEY HIRANO CULROSS/Rafu Shimpo)Rafu Staff and Wire Service ReportsIn the end.

but also of a rare confluence of circumstances that allowed him to defy professional baseballs belief that success as both a pitcher and hitter was impossible.

This is amazing – I wish it was baseball season now so I could see him play.the Dodgers are now poised to add baseballs crown jewel to their horde of talent.

Ohtani had earned the leverage he needed to only sign with a team that would let him pitch and hit.with a record annual average value of $70 million.

said an excited Tsubasa Kamata.because theres certainly a whole lot of the latter involved.