Mookie Betts is a lot of things.
He is one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ best players, and that’s saying a lot on a team that has Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Walker Buehler, among many others.
He is also an extremely talented and capable athlete, excelling in multiple disciplines such as bowling, football, and basketball in addition to baseball.
And he is also a great teammate.
When the Boston Red Sox needed to move him from second base to the outfield, he accepted and became a Gold Glover in his new position.
When the Dodgers needed help at second base, he played some games there and looked good in the process.
Now, LA needs a shortstop, and guess who will be taking over there?
Yes, Betts.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was asked about if Betts can succeed there.
It is, after all, the most demanding position on the infield.
The executive explained a simple reality: don’t bet against Betts.
“Andrew Friedman on if Mookie Betts can get it done as the Dodgers full-time shortstop: ‘I’ve learned to never bet against Mookie. I don’t know that enough appreciation is out there about Mookie. A player of that magnitude doing anything he can to help the team win,'” Dodgers reporter Doug McKain tweeted.
Andrew Friedman on if Mookie Betts can get it done as the Dodgers full-time shortstop:
"I've learned to never bet against Mookie. I don't know that enough appreciation is out there about Mookie. A player of that magnitude doing anything he can to help the team win." pic.twitter.com/kMpXnalbaI
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) March 19, 2024
Betts has the footwork, range, fluidity, instincts, and arm to play shortstop.
It’s a matter of putting it all together and being consistent.
The physical tools are there, but 2024 will be a real test for him in that regard.
One thing is certain, though: Betts will do whatever it takes to help his team win.
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