Team Japan outfielder Lars Nootbaar has been very impressed by Shohei Ohtani as they prepare for their World Baseball Classic campaign to get underway.
"Something that I've never seen before," Nootbaar said. "He's a freak of nature and even a better guy, and I mean that wholeheartedly."
Ohtani crushed a pair of three-run home runs during Japan's pre-tournament game against the Hanshin Tigers on Monday night.
Nootbaar has been wowed by the way Ohtani trains and prepares himself for games.
"It's been pretty amazing to watch him go about his business and watch him go about his work," Nootbaar said, adding, "It's really impressive."
Nootbaar is the first player not born in Japan to suit up for the country in competition. The 25-year-old is eligible to play for Japan as a result of his mother's Japanese heritage.
Japan will open up tournament play with a game against China on Thursday morning.
