MLB’s current league leaders in hitting stats… OPS: Mookie Betts (1.686) SLG: Mookie Betts (1.091) OBP: Mookie Betts (.595) AVG: Mookie Betts (.485) RBI: Mookie Betts (11) HR: Mookie Betts (5) Hits: Mookie Betts (16) Walks: Mookie Betts (9) Runs: Mookie Betts (14)

What words to use to describe these numbers, astronomically out of this world come to mind. Mookie Betts is putting up video game type numbers this season mind you we are only about ten games into a lengthy season. The Dodgers are definitely a stacked team, I mean seriously stacked. Mookie Betts arguably the best player in the National League even next to Ronal Acuna, with Betts being able to play all over the diamond, Betts is the leadoff hitter, seriously a leadoff hitter that almost hit 40 HRs last year only shy by one. 2023 numbers show Mookie Betts having 39 HRs 107 RBI, 179 hits, scoring 126 runs. Betts an All-Star last year, MVP runner up and Silver Slugger winner. Spring Training stats equally impressive as to no surprise, Betts posted a .390 average a 1.017 OPS. Betts is hitting ahead of Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, obviously the runs are gonna be PLENTY again this season. Hitting has always been one of Betts’ strong suits, fielding is also up there he has 6 Gold Glove Awards out of 11 years of service, all be it playing the outfield.

Mookie has been called upon to be the everyday shortstop after playing last season in right field and starting spring training at 2B, he’s not unfamiliar to the infield, but shortstop is a lot different. Not just the shift in position is a reason Betts is so valuable, even if he moves back to 2B which he has been playing the past couple games with veteran Miguel Rojas playing SS. Mookie is a charismatic individual and true leader on the field and in the clubhouse. Talent on the field is undeniable, leadership is second to none. Betts impact on the field goes beyond stats, Mookie inspires his teammates and has been captivating fans with his exciting play and commitment to excellence. Betts shines like a Hall of Fame caliber star. Betts gives it 110% every time he puts a uniform on and hits the field.

“It’s really impressive,” and I just really respect the way that he went out there publicly and said that playing a different position isn’t going to affect the offensive performance and was never going to use the change of position as an excuse.”

Dodger’s Manager Dave Roberts

Being a Yankees fan, I remember watching Mookie dance on the field with his teammates and it made me sick, not literally. I should not be a hypocrite though, Aaron Judge and his teammates do the same thing now, I guess its just part of the “new baseball” and players having fun. Not a fan of his “dancing” but man I loved him as a contributor to baseball and a fantasy baseball player as well, and back then he was just a right fielder. Betts was still a late round first pick, at the very least fantasy managers would be chomping at the bits if he fell to the 2nd round.

Real life baseball or from a fantasy baseball perspective, one can’t deny Betts is a talented player. Are The Dodgers asking too much from Mookie? I’d think so from a fan looking in, but Mookie has thrived with the new challenge and says; “I’m showing up wanting to win ballgames.” Betts has a career .903 OPS in 955 games as a right fielder, a .987 OPS in 97 games as second baseman and a 1.368 OPS in 21 games as a shortstop, so to say he’s thriving and accepting the challenge that comes with the request to play shortstop is a huge UNDERSTATEMENT. Mookie is literally crushing the challenge and the league right now. Yes, its very early, but right now Betts is the clear cut favorite for MVP this year, there will be no runner up this year.

Let me know what you think in the comments below, or hit me up on ‘X’ @HENDO19750 or message me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HENDO.1975

Photo Credit; Yahoo Sports, The Tennessean

By : Rob Henderson