Dave Roberts Gives Grade to Mookie Betts’ Shortstop Play for Dodgers
When the Los Angeles Dodgers moved Mookie Betts to shortstop, it was supposed to be a temporary move. But it appears that manager Dave Roberts is content with the, now, permanent move.
“Right now, where he’s at, I certainly think he’s playing an above-average shortstop. I think the metrics will agree with that.”
— Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
He added that he would no longer consider using Miguel Rojas as a ‘defensive closer,’ putting him in games late at shortstop and moving Betts to second.
“I’d grade him (Betts) out a solid B+ for me. And it’s hard to imagine me even saying that right now, given that he started not playing the position. So it’s really, really impressive. And it’s only going to get better.”
— Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
Betts has only made four errors, all on throws, and it will be hard for the Dodgers to find any type of upgrade available at the trade deadline. Plus, the position switch has ignited his offensive game. He was the National League Most Valuable Player runner-up playing second base and right field in 2023 — this year he looks like a runaway favorite for the NL MVP playing an entirely brand new position full-time.
“I’m trying to wrap my head around any comparable, as far as on the hitting side, the (defensive) side. I haven’t seen it. You’re talking about a complete position change. And to play it at a high level at that position, I just haven’t seen it.”
— Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
Photo Credit: Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
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