Now that slugging pitcher Shohei Ohtani has reached the promised land, it's time for him to make good on his promise — although the day that happens appears some way off.

Despite the velocity of his fastball in Japan and his booming batting practice missile launches in Arizona, American baseball fans are wondering when or if the hype about "Japan's Babe Ruth" will be justified in the major leagues.

Through his first three weeks in spring training and exhibition games, pitcher Ohtani has shown flashes of brilliance when able to adjust to the unfamiliar mound. But his progress with the bat has been slow.