The defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are one week into full-squad Spring Training workouts at Camelback Ranch and on Sunday get to take the field for their Cactus League opener against the Oakland Athletics.
Coming off a successful offseason in which they improved their roster, the Dodgers are considered the favorites by many to win it all again in 2021. A big reason for the team’s success last year was the addition of Mookie Betts, who was outstanding both on and off the field.
Betts immediately became a leader in the Dodgers’ clubhouse, preaching accountability from the first day of Spring Training when he added a rule that every error during workouts and games results in $20 being placed in a communal jar.
Baseball is also supposed to be fun, and Betts as well as the team’s other starting outfielders, Cody Bellinger and AJ Pollock, put on a trick-catch display during Friday’s workout at Camelback Ranch.
The Champs are putting on a clinic. pic.twitter.com/n70r5VsOcn
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 26, 2021
Betts was the only Gold Glove winner of the bunch in 2020, although the trio combines to form perhaps the best defensive outfield in baseball. All three have won a Gold Glove at some point in their respective careers.
While they were mostly having fun with the trick catches, that is one way for players to work on hand-eye coordination. Additionally, the $20 error rule was still in play, so there was some pressure involved as well.
Kangaroo court fines accumulating early
Betts revealed the fines are piling up early in camp as a result of the kangaroo court.
That doesn’t come as a huge surprise during the first week of camp while everyone works the rust off. There is no doubt that Betts will hold everyone more accountable as the spring goes on though in order to form good habits for the season.
The Dodgers may have the most talented team in baseball in 2021, but a World Series hangover is definitely something that should be on their mind to avoid a letdown.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
