Dodgers’ Mookie Betts is Done Talking About Last Year’s World Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers have never won back-to-back World Series titles. There hasn’t even been a team to win consecutive titles since the New York Yankees won three in a row from 1998-00.
While the ultimate goal of the season is to be the last team standing, Mookie Betts is done talking about last year’s World Series.
“We can’t keep thinking about being champions again,” Mookie Betts said. “We haven’t even played Game 1. We have to take care of spring training and then when Game 1 comes, then Game 1 comes. But we can’t keep talking about the World Series.
“We didn’t win last year because we were talking about the World Series every day. I think we won last year because we talked about the task at hand.”
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Despite their immense talent, the Dodgers still face plenty of uncertainty. Their rotation is filled with injury and workload concerns, and their roster is among the oldest in the league.
Manager Dave Roberts is in the final year of his contract, though an extension is expected before spring training ends.
Meanwhile, the team is transitioning Betts — a six-time Gold Glove right fielder — into a full-time shortstop as he approaches his age-32 season. Betts spent the offseason refining his mechanics with first base coach Chris Woodward and Miguel Rojas, adjusting his arm angle to better fit his new role.
Betts moved to the infield during spring training last season but was expecting to play second base. After Gavin Lux struggled to make the throw across the diamond, the two switched.
Now, he is preparing with 35 days before Opening Day rather than 14.
“You can’t race to the finish line,” Betts said. “We know where the finish line is and you take your time getting there. Do it right. Do it once. If you do it right, you only have to do it once.”
What sets Betts apart from other athletes around the league is the fact that he is at camp early working on his craft and his teammates have taken notice.
“He’s natural,” Max Muncy said of Betts. “He’s the best athlete I’ve ever seen.”
“I think he’s way more comfortable with the things he’s doing at short,” Rojas said. “He just needs to get more reps.”
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Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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