"I take a lot of pride in it because at the start of the season I wasn't sure I would end the season there, I thought there may have to be adjustment at some point because from lack of trust or whatever. I'm just proud of myself for making it all the way through the year and actually achieving a goal that I kind of set out to do, and that's being a Major League shortstop, and say I did it and I'm good at it."
""When I started playing short and I didn't have to think about it. I could just go out there and play," Betts said. "And now when I go out and play shortstop, it's like I'm going out to right field. I don't even think about it.""
""When the ball comes, have fun," he said."
Mookie Betts completed his first full season at shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers after transitioning from the outfield in Spring Training. His offensive numbers declined overall, though performance improved during the final two months and he earned National League Player of the Week from Sept. 8-14. Defensive play remained strong throughout the season, and Betts expressed pride in sustaining the position for a full year. He credited Miguel Rojas, Chris Woodward and friend Ryan Goins for defensive guidance. Betts said gaining reps allowed him to play more freely and confidently, adopting a mindset of having fun when the ball arrives. The offensive drop stemmed from mental adjustments rather than physical fatigue.
Read at Dodger Blue
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