Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Learning Shortstop From Miguel Rojas
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a new shortstop: Mookie Betts. Betts will now take care of the shortstop duties moving forward, a move that was deemed necessary due to Gavin Lux’s struggles.
Lux will move to second base after several hiccups at shortstop during spring training. The page has now flipped, and Betts will be responsible for taking care of one of the most important defensive positions.
Although the 31-year-old came into the league as an infielder, it’s been a while since he has had everyday experience there. So, Betts has turned to veteran infielder and defensive maestro Miguel Rojas.
“He’s one of the best in the game. Having him give me all the knowledge that he has is awesome,” Betts said of Rojas. “He’s really kind of going a little too fast. But I’d rather him be on me and stay on me and make sure I’m doing it right than not at all.”
—Mookie Betts, via SportsNet LA
Betts is a natural athlete and should be able to fit in seamlessly. Still, his teammates and coaching staff need to believe in him, which they do 100 percent.
“I think the most important thing I’ve learned is that I can do it,” Betts said. “I can do it. I really believe I can do it. I trust I can do it. The coaches believe in me. We’re putting in all the work. I think just that positive mindset will take me a long way.”
—Mookie Betts, via SportsNet LA
Rojas is among the best players you can learn from. In the last few seasons, he has been among the leaders or co-leaders in Defensive Runs Saved at shortstop. Last season, at 34 years old, Rojas ranked fifth in Defensive Runs Saved.
Betts is learning from one of the best. Although he’s among the best defenders in the league, all his accolades and accomplishments have come in the outfield. It will be a whole new ball game in the infield, but if anyone is ready, it is the six-time Gold Glove winner.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Ok, this won’t get printed, but here goes. With the Dodgers doing what they have done and deferring all the salary, why don’t they just ante up some prospects and one of their failed 2B men and short stops and just trade for a first class shortstop. No offense to Mookie, but shortstop is one position you can’t go messing around with. Or are the Dodgers waiting for a “bargain”, a decent shortstop recovering from a major injury, and take the cheap route? Just pony up and get someone who is a top ten or whatever shortstop. Hasn’t anyone noticed that going the cheap route blows up on the Dodgers far too often. And this is the Dodgers going all in to win some World Series? I’ve seen this stuff blow up too many times in the past. I’m not a doubting Thomas, just trying to be realistic.
I’ve been a fan since I was 12, waaaay back in 1966. I am not bragging, just have seen a few things. I wish the club nothing but the best.