GG outfielder becomes full-time shortstop! LAD 480 billion investment, not a waste

The Los Angeles Dodgers do not seem to waste any of the 365 million dollars (approximately 484.7 billion won) they invested in Mookie Betts (31) three years ago. As soon as he arrived, he won the World Series for the first time in 32 years with MVP-level hitting and Gold Glove outfield defense.

The Los Angeles Dodgers won 6-2 against the Chicago Cubs in the 2023 Major League Baseball away game held at Wigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA on the 21st (Korean time).

This was the day Betts joined after leaving the team for two days due to the birth of her second child. At the same time, it was also the first time he played shortstop after 1131 games since his 2014 major league debut.

Even though it was a game for the first time in a long time, he showed a dazzling presence. Betts, who entered the plate in place of starting shortstop Luke Williams in the top of the 7th inning, hit a right-handed hit. He remained on the field and made his debut as a shortstop, and in the bottom of the 8th inning, he caught Patrick Wisdom’s grounder on first and second base, stepped directly on second base, and threw it to first base, completing a double play. It was an important scene that kept the score tied at 2-2, and using this defense as a stepping stone, the LA Dodgers won a thrilling victory with James Outman’s come-from-behind run in the top of the 9th inning.

It is a blessing for the LA Dodgers. Betts was named shortstop when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 5th round of the 2011 draft, but since 2012 Low Single A, he has only played second base or outfield in professional games.

In Boston, he won the American League MVP and World Series in 2018, and won four outfield Gold Gloves and three Silver Sluggers, rising to the top as the best player. Even after that, since he won two outfield Gold Gloves, there seemed to be no opportunity to play shortstop except for occasional second baseman jobs.

However, the twisted and twisted situation of the shortstop of the Los Angeles Dodgers this season created the conditions for him to play as a shortstop. Shortstop Gavin Lux, the starting pitcher, was out for the season in an exhibition game, and Miguel Rojas, who was quickly brought in by trade, is showing sluggish batting performance due to a groin injury. All-around multi-man Chris Taylor also withdrew due to a side injury.

In the worst situation, the card that LA Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pulled out was ‘shortstop Betts’. He was good at second base last year (seven games), albeit with occasional appearances, and believed in always playing infield defense in training. Manager Roberts said, “Betts is a player who can play anywhere on the field,” and after returning from maternity leave, he revealed his intention to use him as a shortstop, and that belief returned to the best results.

After the game, manager Roberts said,안전놀이터 “I want to give Betts a lot of credit tonight. He flew in and came in during the game and played well in a position he’s never played in the majors. It really helped us. ” he praised. At the same time, he hinted at the possibility of a full-time shortstop, saying, “At least the next few weeks, I can use Betts as a shortstop.”

Betts was equally encouraged. “It was really fun. I was drafted at shortstop, but I haven’t played since 2011. It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I don’t care where I play, but playing shortstop is so much fun.”