The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to use Mookie Betts 32, an all-around hitter with $365 million about 498.6 billion won, as a right fielder again. According to MLB.com and Dear Slatik on the 10th and 11th, General Manager Brandon Gomes and Manager Dave Roberts agreed.
Betts fractured the back of his left hand in a home game against the Kansas City Royals on June 17. He was hit by a pitch thrown by the pitcher. Two months have passed, and his return is imminent. When he returns, he plans to focus on hitting by playing the familiar outfield defense, not shortstop.
In this season, Betts recorded a batting average of 0.304 with 10 homers, 40 RBIs, 50 runs and an on-base percentage of 0.405 with a batting average of 0.488 OPS of 0.893. Since his debut in 2014, he has been a multiplayer field, alternating between outfield and second base. He was good at defense no matter where he was located. 파워볼사이트
The Dodgers has used Betts as its second baseman since last year. As Gavin Lux's defense became unstable at exhibition games this season, it declared that it would use Betts as its shortstop. He played shortstop until he was actually injured on the back of his hand. However, even though he is an all-around fielder, shortstop is very difficult. It was difficult to display the level of defense capability that professional shortstop would expect.
The Dodgers brought in Tommy Edman, Ahmed Rosario and Nick Ahmed from the trade market that ended in late July. After Betts was taken out, starting with Miguel Rojas, they have taken turns playing shortstop. There is no reason for Betts to take over shortstop after his return.
In addition, the Dodgers are less aggressive in the bottom line and outfielders this year. Kevin Kiermaier was recruited just before the trade market closed, but ultimately it is meaningful for Betts to stay in the right field. Betts also supports and follows the club's decision. He agreed without a word when he sent himself to shortstop, and I remember watching him sweat profusely during the Seoul Series in March, even though most of his colleagues returned to their accommodation.
Betts told The Athletic on Wednesday, "The challenge is fun and I accept it. I made the decision based on mutual agreement. I can do it. I want to win. I don't know if the best solution is to play shortstop. Ultimately, I think we go to the place where we feel many people will reach. I just want to win. I really don't care."
Meanwhile, attention is focusing on whether the Dodgers will strengthen its shortstop position after this season. Currently, most of the shortstop agents are defensive or veteran. If the Dodgers is a rich team, chances are high that it will prefer a young FA shortstop equipped with air defense. This could naturally lead to the future of Kim Ha-sung San Diego Padres, who will become an FA at the end of this season.