Other than the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, the talk of Spring Training at Camelback Ranch has been Mookie Betts and David Price after the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired the two stars in a trade with the Boston Red Sox.
Betts was the headliner of the deal as the four-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove Award winner, three-time Silver Slugger and 2018 American League MVP is arguably the best all-around player in the world not named Mike Trout.
Cody Bellinger is also in the conversation for that honor, and they are now on the same team, playing in the same outfield to form perhaps the best duo in baseball.
A lot like Bellinger, Betts is a humble superstar who doesn’t like to talk about himself. He did so begrudgingly though, explaining to fans what they can expect from him on the field, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“I think over time I’ve gotten a little more consistent. I definitely have matured and understood what I need as far as Spring Training and then as far as the season goes, I’ve understood the ups and downs. With that being said, my abilities have kind of been able to get better because of the maturity.
“I try and do everything I can with what God has blessed me with. It’s kind of hard to explain. I don’t have a lot of power but I can hit a couple home runs. I don’t have a strong arm but I can get it there accurately. It seems like I’m kind of middle of the road with everything but I’m just really consistent at it.”
The accolades speak for themselves with Betts, who also brings a winning mentality to the Dodgers’ clubhouse after winning the 2018 World Series with the Red Sox.
In addition to being on a winning team with championship aspirations, Betts also has the added motivation of playing for a new lucrative contract as he is set to hit free agency next winter. The hope in the Dodgers organization is his stay will be longer than just this season.
As far as 2020 is concerned, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has already revealed that Betts will be the team’s everyday right fielder and leadoff man, setting the table at the top of a very formidable lineup.
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