Gavin Lux was supposed to be the Los Angeles Dodgers’ shortstop of the future.
However, injuries and constant issues throwing the ball have forced the organization to move on from the idea.
Who did they choose to take over at shortstop going forward?
Against all odds, they went with Mookie Betts.
Betts, originally a second baseman when he came through the ranks with the Boston Red Sox in 2014, was converted to an outfielder that year.
He went on to win Gold Gloves for his defensive prowess back there.
Then, last year, circumstances forced manager Dave Roberts to use him as a second baseman in 70 games.
Now, fate again forces the Dodgers to make a change.
Current analyst and former major leaguer A.J. Pierzynski is not a fan of what the Dodgers are doing with Betts.
“‘This is not the answer.’ @aj_pierzynskiFT is NOT on board with moving @mookiebetts to shortstop permanently,” Foul Territory tweeted.
“This is not the answer”@aj_pierzynskiFT is NOT on board with moving @mookiebetts to shortstop permanently
https://t.co/xvK3rEhoIR pic.twitter.com/Uo6IhwCJUw
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 11, 2024
Pierzynski anticipates that having a guy “who has just played a handful of games there (at shortstop) in his career” could be a problem.
He might have a point in this case: Betts has 16 games at shortstop in his whole MLB career, and they all came last year.
Betts is a supremely talented athlete who can theoretically perform anywhere he wants, but shortstop is the most demanding infield position and the team, without knowing, could be setting himself up to fail there.
Still, it’s too early to jump to conclusions.
However, if the Dodgers want to make sure Betts is fresh and healthy come playoff time, making him the everyday shortstop might not be the way to go.
The post Former Player Speaks Out Against Recent Mookie Betts Move appeared first on The Cold Wire.