For some, being a six-time Gold Glove award winner at one position may be enough.
When it comes to Mookie Betts, being an elite outfielder defensively could only be enhanced further by also being an elite defensive infielder.
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It’s tough to bet against the star player in any situation. When Betts made the full-time move from right field to shortstop, a move essentially unprecedented in modern baseball, few thought he’d approach Gold Glove-level status.
Betts had minimal experience at shortstop, and had been playing there previously out of necessity. Additionally, the shortstop spot is widely perceived to be the most difficult of anywhere to play on the diamond.
People scoffed at the idea Betts could approach Gold Glove status at shortstop. Well…all of those skeptics can sit with the reality that Betts, along with teammate Miguel Rojas, were named as Gold Glove finalists on Wednesday.
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Prior to the Game 3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, manager Dave Roberts spoke about how special the transition has been for Betts being a selfless teammate as well as an elite shortstop.
“I think the only person on this planet that believed that Mookie Betts would be in this conversation was Mookie Betts. And it’s just something that has never been done,” Roberts said. “I can’t even — it’s incredible. Obviously I’m at a loss for words that he’s in this position, where last year the confidence wasn’t there playing shortstop and kicking him out to right field to help our ballclub, to wondering if it was the right decision to put him at short, to now being a Gold Glove finalist, being so trustworthy.
“And I feel he’s very, very warranted in winning a Gold Glove. So to kind of add to his hardware. It’s pretty amazing. Hats off to Mookie.”
Roberts then riffed on Rojas — the veteran infielder who’s been asked to play all over the diamond for this team the last two seasons as both a starter and a reserve.
“And also [Rojas] is a finalist. And I think Miggy Ro undoubtedly should get this Gold Glove award. His ability to catch the ball at any position, sure-handed, the spectacular plays.
“I think they both deserve it, yeah.”
Photo Credit: Jonathan Hu-Imagn Images
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