Dodgers Veteran Has Never Seen a Player More Dedicated Than Mookie Betts to Getting Better
Dodgers star Mookie Betts is a self-made outfielder. He was originally drafted as an infielder, but converted to a new position because the middle infield in Boston was occupied by Xander Bogaerts and Dustin Pedroia.
Since his debut as a right fielder, Betts has won six Gold Gloves. Since March, he’s been dedicated to being the best shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I’ve never seen a guy, my whole entire career, that is more dedicated to getting better every single day through work than him,” Miguel Rojas said of Betts.
Via The Athletic
Rojas’ presence has been instrumental for Betts during his defensive transition. Hours before normal infield drills, Betts will stand with Rojas and take ground ball after ground ball from infield coach Dino Ebel. After several reps, they will take a break and recap the series of balls he just fielded. The list of questions Betts wants answered is a long one and includes the following: How did he hit that angle? Where was his glove positioned? How much time did he have to make that throw? Should he have reset his feet, or cut it loose? What about his feet?
After the questions are answered, he returns to his position for another round.
“He’s a beast,” Ebel said, “obsessive of wanting to be the best.”
Via The Athletic
On occasion, Rojas will present Betts with a set of video clips and they will break down the plays together — not all clips of Betts, either. Rojas is genuinely trying to help his teammate be the best shortstop he can be.
The change hasn’t been easy but Betts has accepted the challenge head-on. He’s learning quickly.
“The whole thing is hard,” Betts said. “There’s no shortcuts around it. There’s nothing easy about it, by any means.”
Via The Athletic
Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!
