For some, being a six-time Gold Glove award winner in one position may be enough.
When it comes to Mookie Betts, being an elite defensive outfielder can only be further enhanced by also being an elite defensive infielder.
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It is difficult to bet against the star player in any situation. When Betts made the full-time move from right field to shortstop, a move essentially unprecedented in modern baseball, few thought he would approach Gold Glove-level status.
Betts had minimal experience at shortstop and played there out of necessity. Additionally, the shortstop spot is generally considered the most difficult spot to play on the diamond.
People scoffed at the idea that Betts could approach Gold Glove status at shortstop. Well…all these skeptics can come to terms with the reality that Betts, along with teammate Miguel Rojas, were named as Gold Glove finalists on Wednesday.
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Before the Game 3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, manager Dave Roberts spoke about how special the transition has been for Betts as a selfless teammate and an elite shortstop.
“I think the only person on this planet who believed Mookie Betts would be in this conversation was Mookie Betts. And it’s just something that’s never been done,” Roberts said. “I can’t even do it – it’s unbelievable. Obviously I can’t say he’s in this position, where last year the confidence wasn’t there playing shortstop and kicking him out to right field to help our ball club, to wonder if it was the right decision to cut him short, to now be a Gold Glove finalist and be so reliable.”
“And I think he’s very entitled to win a Gold Glove. So to add a little bit to his hardware. It’s pretty amazing. Hats off to Mookie.”
Roberts then lashed out at Rojas, the veteran infielder who has been a starter and reserve for this team for the past two seasons.
‘And also [Rojas] is a finalist. And I think Miggy Ro should definitely get this Gold Glove award. His ability to catch the ball with certainty in any position makes for spectacular plays.
“I think they both deserve it, yes.”
Photo credit: Jonathan Hu-Imagn images
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