Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman Thinks Mookie Betts Will Stay at Shortstop Through the Trade Deadline
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a surprising move this past offseason when they decided to move superstar Mookie Betts from the outfield to the infield, specifically second base. Many doubted if he could do it, but throughout spring training, Betts said he was more than capable.
After all, he was an infielder before being forced to move to the outfield when he was a Boston Red Sox.
However, his time at second base was short-lived, when manager Dave Roberts moved Betts from second base to shortstop and Gavin Lux from shortstop to second base. It was not an easy move as Lux was supposed to be the shortstop of the future, and Betts has not played shortstop on an everyday basis since entering the big leagues. However, so far Betts is holding his own, and the Dodgers are hopeful it will continue.
The MLB trade deadline is still a ways away, and the Dodgers could be throwing their hat in the ring when the time comes. However, a trade won’t likely take place for the shortstop position. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told reporters including Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett that he could see Betts as the the primary shortstop following the trade deadline.
“But right now I would bet on him being an above-average shortstop,” Friedman says.
Would he also be willing to bet that Betts will still be the Dodgers’ primary shortstop when August arrives?
“Yeah, I would,” he says. “With how quickly he has taken to it, the plays he’s made. The last piece is syncing up his body on various throws that are just different than what he’s done.”
—Andrew Friedman, via The Orange County Register
Friedman is confident that Betts will continue to hold his own. As for Betts, his performance at shortstop comes as no surprise. Betts expects to perform at an elite level, whether that’s at shortstop or second base moving forward.
“No, not really,” the Dodgers’ accidental shortstop says. “If there’s changes made and I have to move back to second or wherever, that’s fine. I don’t care. I just want to win. If it is permanent, I’m prepared for that too.”
“I think I’m kind of prepared for anything at this point. I’m more intentional about everything and that’s allowed me to be ready for any surprises that come.”
–Mookie Betts, via The Orange County Register
Betts is ready for whatever comes his way. If he can continue his spectacular play, the front office won’t need to make any moves.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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