Dodgers: LA Outfielder Doesn’t Doubt Mookie Betts Ability at Second Base
The Dodgers’ outfield remains suspect at the moment. Outside of superstar Mookie Betts in right field, the other two outfield positions remain a question mark. Spring training is the perfect time to figure that out, and the contestants are making a solid case.
Jason Heyward, who is signed on a minor league deal, is playing spectacularly. James Outman, one of the Dodgers’ top prospects, is killing it in Arizona, and another player who has spent some time with the Dodgers organization, Trayce Thompson, is among the favorites to be the Opening Day starter.
The battle for the outfield has been a fun watch; however, that will be hauled as Thompson will represent Team Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.
Thompson is training with the Great Britain club and caught up with MLB reporter Alanna Rizzo on “High Heat.” The two discussed the WBC, the Dodgers’ expectations, and Mookie Betts.
Thompson told Rizzo that he wouldn’t be surprised if Betts soon made his way into second base and balled out in that position.
“I wouldn’t doubt in his [Mookie Betts] future if he ended up moving to second base, I wouldn’t doubt that he would win a Gold Glove or be one of the best defensive second basemen’s in the league just because he’s that skilled and determined.”
Betts was initially drafted as a second baseman by the Boston Red Sox in the 2011 MLB draft. And if it wasn’t for Red Sox All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia, we could be talking about Mookie as one of the best second basemen of all time.
There has been a ton of video of Betts taking grounders in the infield with the Dodgers and Team USA. he was even taking grounders at shortstop because why not?
The 30-year-old is one of the best athletes in sports; he could run routes, put you in a poster, hit dingers and make web gems in the outfield, and bowl a 300. There is no doubt Betts could play any position he wants; however, it could be sometime before he becomes a common fixture in the infield for the Boys in Blue.
In the meantime, I think he’s doing just fine in right field.
