Mookie Betts has proven constantly that he’s an unselfish team-first player willing to do anything for his ballclub.
When the Los Angeles Dodgers broached the subject of moving Betts to the middle infield, the Nashville native — who has coincidentally won six Gold Glove awards as an outfielder — was more than happy to make the move.
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The growing pains were understandable considering Betts had not played in the middle infield for years at that point. However, Betts has gotten to the point where he’s objectively one of the best fielding shortstops in the National League.
With the team needing an outfielder, some believed Betts could slide back to right field in order to move Teoscar Hernandez to left field, and thus complete the starting outfield alignment (along with Andy Pages).
However, manager Dave Roberts spoke about Betts and his future with the ballclub at the current Winter Meetings. It was revealed by Roberts that Betts will stick at shortstop for the foreseeable future.
“Yes, Mookie Betts back at [shortstop]. He was right there in that Gold Glove race. Really proud of Mookie what he did at shortstop. Even the last play in the World Series…he worked on that play a lot. On the run, fielded, runner bearing down on you, to then throw it on the run and then throw a strike to Freddie [Freeman]. That’s a little snippet of his growth.”
It’s not surprising to hear that Betts will be back patrolling the position. He’s arguably the captain of the defense regardless of being in the infield or the outfield. A true perfectionist that works tirelessly at his craft, Betts deserves all the credit in developing into one of the better fielders at his position.
From the natural athleticism to the coordination and headiness on the diamond, it will not be surprising in the least if Betts ends up winning a Gold Glove at shortstop within the next few seasons.
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Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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