Mookie Betts is off to one of the hottest starts in MLB history as he has seemingly impacted the Los Angeles Dodgers in a huge way every night.
Through eight games, Betts is hitting .485/.595/1.091 with five home runs, 11 RBI, 14 runs scored, a 323 wRC+ and .702 wOBA.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spent 10 years as a player, nine seasons as a manager, and five years as a coach for a total of 24 years worth of experience at the Major League level.
But even he has never seen anything like what Betts is doing to start the year.
“Wow, I think it’s right at the top,” Roberts said. “I think the first names that come to mind for me are Barry (Bonds) and (Mike) Trout. But neither one of those guys can do what Mookie does as far as the versatility, defensively.
“And so I think the Mookie is at the top for me, it’s just really, really impressive”
On top of his offensive performance, Betts is learning a new position, playing shortstop every day for the first time in his career.
Roberts doesn’t believe there’s any correlation between Betts playing the infield and his offense, but gave him credit for being able to do both at a high level.
“I think that’s an easy ‘yes’ answer, but I stand by the fact that defense is defense, he’s putting a lot of work in, which he always has, but now it’s more specific to shortstop. And then offense is offense.
“It’s just a credit to him as a ballplayer and person.”
Betts hasn’t just been playing shortstop, he’s playing it at an elite level. Through nine games this year, he ranks in the 91st percentile of outs above average, and he leads MLB with three defensive runs saved.
Betts also leads MLB in several offensive categories. And on top of that all, he reached 1,500 career hits.
“It’s hard to come up with new descriptors,” Roberts said. “He’s playing out of this world. He’s playing shortstop and getting better every day, he’s hitting good pitches, he’s sparking us, he’s doing everything we need.
“Big hits, getting on base when needed. And we’re going to get Shohei going too. So to win games like we’re winning right now, and he hasn’t been untracked, that’s a good thing for the Dodgers.”
Gavin Lux gives daily praise to Mookie Betts
Gavin Lux has also taken note of Betts’ hot start, not just at the plate, but on the defensive side of the ball as well, and has given him praise every day.
“Oh man. It’s special,” Lux said. “Every time he comes in, I feel like I just tell him, ‘You’re the GOAT, bro.’ I feel like you can’t get him out. Even when you do get him out, it’s a hard-hit ball or he’s taking his walks. Really impressive.
“And playing really good shortstop at the same time, something he hasn’t done in a long time. I don’t think it’s a surprise to anybody, but what he’s doing, you get on the top step and watch.”
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