Manny Machado Reacts to Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Moving to Shortstop: ‘It’s Crazy’
The Los Angeles Dodgers have no shortage of talent on their team.
From the MVPs, Cy Young award winners, and All-Stars that have been roaming the clubhouse so far during spring training, Dodgers fans have a lot to be excited about as the quest to become baseball’s first back-to-back champions in a quarter-century begins.
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One player who is no stranger to jaw-dropping moments and unreal talent on the field is Mookie Betts.
The former MVP has been recently been in the process of moving from the outfield to L.A.’s everyday shortstop.
Betts has been working for quite some time to develop his infield talent, but 2025 will be the year where he takes the full-time leap to shortstop.
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From one Gold Glove award-winning infielder to one that has six of such awards in his outfield career, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado is perplexed at the challenge Betts is taking on.
“I don’t know why he’d want to do that,” Machado said. “I don’t know, man, it’s crazy what he’s trying to do. He’s a Gold Glover. He’s such a good outfielder. Why go play such a demanding position? It takes so much of a toll on your body.”
Manager Dave Roberts has noticed the improvement from the eight-time All-Star at his newest position upon reporting at spring training. Compared to last season when Betts tried his hand at the outfield, Roberts said that he is looking “two grades better” than last spring.
Dodgers fans are extremely lucky to have so many huge names on their roster, but a player like Betts — who’s willing to do anything to help the team — is a once in a lifetime talent.
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Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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I believe he is correct if you do not have a SS then sign one! Don’t move an allstar outfielder and try to make him into a SS! Makes zero sense. Lets Geaux Doders!!
And I don’t like what Mookie keeps saying about wanting to play SS to prove he can. I’d rather hear him say he’s always wanted to play SS loves the position and is having fun doing it.
Mookie was originally a shortstop and the Red sox moved him to the outfield. Mookie himself has stated he wants to move back to the infield. To me he has all the tools to be a great SS. We’ll see.
I think Mookie can be a really good SS given enough time but to say that he is doing it to help the team is BS. There is a reason he went back to the outfield last year, he wasn’t very good at SS and there are better options on the team already.
It’s all about the footwork and he is getting it down. His errors are from throwing…He had to learn arm slots for throwing to each base. Reps are a;; tha is needed now.
Machado talks way too much. He should be concerned about his team, and his own career, first and only.