FORT MYERS, Fla. — Shane Victorino told a Philadelphia newspaper that he would love to have Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels come over in a trade with Boston. Soon a Boston talk radio show blew it out of proportion, saying Victorino wants Mookie Betts traded – to get Hamels and ensure Victorino’s playing time in the outfield.
Victorino said that’s crazy for two reasons, one being the slanderous insinuation that he would lobby for another player’s trade for his own benefit.
And two, why would Boston trade Betts, a player Victorino has compared to Andrew McCutcheon, the Pirates’ four-time All-Star and 2013 National League MVP?
Like others, Victorino has always been impressed with Betts’ hunger to get better.
“It’s his willingness to learn. To do the little things to try to improve,” Victorino said. “That’s the thing that struck me about Mookie from Day One.
“He’s not saying ‘I know it all or I’m too good because I’m this big prospect and I don’t need to learn.’ No. He always wants to get better.”
That’s not news to those who have known Betts. When he had a breakout year in the minors in 2013, Betts came into the 2014 training camp more determined.
“I just have to play,” Betts said last spring. “The important thing for me is to focus on getting better each and every day.”
Those in Portland saw that first-hand last year as the second baseman became so good he had to be moved to center field to give him a route to the big leagues (with Dustin Pedroia entrenched at second in Boston).
Betts batted .355 in 54 games with the Sea Dogs. He eventually reached the majors, batting .291 in 52 games.
So Betts has made it. But here’s what he says this spring training:
“I still have things to work on … You’re constantly working in this game.”
Last year, the question was whether Betts could adapt to Double-A. This spring they include: Will he make the major league roster? Will he bat leadoff? Can he handle center field?
Yes. Yes. And yes.
Betts, 22, is batting .472 with an .861 slugging percentage in 12 exhibition games this spring. And he’s making all the plays in center.
“After about 30 games in the outfield (in the minors), he came to (Boston),” Manager John Farrell said. “The improvements that he’s shown (this spring) and continues to show in center field suggest to me that he is more than ready to play in center field.”
There are no longer references to Betts as a converted infielder.
“I feel like center field is home,” Betts said. “I got a lot of work in. It doesn’t mean I’m fully ready … but I’m pretty comfortable out there.”
Like another player who converted from the infield – Hanley Ramirez – Betts came early to spring training to practice with first-base coach Arnie Beyeler, who works with outfielders.
“He’s worked hard at it,” Beyeler said. “He asks a ton of questions. He’s talked to everybody who has ever played out there. He does his drill work. He’s real intent. He can’t do anything but get better.”
Beyeler raves about Betts’ ability and the tools that combined with his drive can make him a standout player.
Victorino remembers when he first saw Betts play last year – while Victorino was rehabbing in Pawtucket.
“His pure athleticism … it’s exciting. It’s fun,” Victorino said. “First watching him – man this is almost identical to Andrew McCutcheon – body language, way he played the game, the way he swung the bat.”
He’s still swinging a hot bat, although Betts is the first to admit that “you can’t take too much into account” with spring training statistics.
“I know the season will be different. But I want to have the same approach, trusting what I’ve been doing.”
Boston seems intent on placing a lot of trust in him.
Trade Betts? That’s crazy talk.
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