ANAHEIM -- The Yankees were considered a favorite landing spot for Shohei Ohtani this past winter, with general manager Brian Cashman even pleading for the standout pitcher/hitter while he dangled from a Connecticut rooftop one December morning.
Despite the team's best efforts, which included a midseason trek to Japan by club officials and an extensive video package meant to sell Ohtani on the allure of New York and the Yankees, the 23-year-old ultimately decided that the Angels presented the best fit for his services.
The Yankees received a firsthand look at the player they had coveted on Friday evening, as he batted fifth and served as the designated hitter against right-hander Luis Severino.