Few franchises can identity with the everyday spotlight and pressure to win a World Series, but the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers are among them. Their paths crossed this offseason, just as they did in August of 2012.
The blockbuster trade this time around centered on the Dodgers acquiring Mookie Betts and David Price in exchange for Jeter Downs, Alex Verdugo and Connor Wong. The deal was initially agreed to as a three-team trade, but the Red Sox and Minnesota Twins failed to overcome an impasse.
Determined to acquire the impact talent they coveted throughout the winter, the Dodgers facilitated separate trades with the Red Sox and Twins. The deals were finalized just before pitchers and catchers reported to Camelback Ranch for the start of Spring Training.
The Dodgers held an introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium with a large contingent of media in attendance. However, Price said that group and what he was met with after facing batters for the first time in camp, paled in comparison to what the left-hander and Betts experienced in Boston, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports:
“It’s such a big difference from Boston to here,” says Price, who makes his Los Angeles Dodgers spring-training debut Monday. “Really, it’s night and day.”
“That was a big day for me, a very big day,” Price says, recounting the details. “I came in, got undressed, showered, came back to my locker, and stood there for 10 or 15 minutes. There were maybe two or three [reporters] hanging out, talking to other guys, and nobody came over to talk to be about my day. I couldn’t believe it.
“It was like after me and Mookie had our introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium, we walk off the field when it was all done, and Mookie says, ‘That’s it? Is this a joke?'”
Although the Dodgers, Red Sox and New York Yankees face similar World Series expectations, media coverage and scrutiny on the East Coast has long been perceived as being more harsh than what’s found in Los Angeles.
As for matters in the clubhouse, Betts and Price have both earned rave reviews from Dodgers president of baseball operations, manager Dave Roberts and their new teammates alike for assimilating well.
Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson also shared a glowing message on social media after hosting a dinner for Betts, Price and their families.
Both players fitting in and being comfortable in L.A. should further aid the Dodgers as they look to win their first World Series since 1988.
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