BOSTON — Mookie Betts knows Year 2 will present even more challenges.
Betts burst onto the scene in 2014, emerging as a bright spot amid an otherwise dismal season for the Red Sox. The 22-year-old isn’t resting on his laurels, though. Sustaining success at the major league level is a tall order.
“There’s going to be more adjustments,” Betts said Friday at the Red Sox Rookie Development Program at Harvard Stadium. “I know pitchers are going to pitch (me) differently. I’m sure I have to change some things that I need to go back to. I feel like spring training, that’s what it’s for: To work on those things.”
Betts’ participation in this year’s rookie program was unique in that he not only has major league experience, he also has achieved success at the highest level, albeit in a short stint. But while the former fifth-round pick solidified himself as a potential leadoff option for the Red Sox, there’s still room for improvement as he prepares for the 2015 season.
“There were absolutely big positives on the field from what Mookie showed us last year with that transition,” Red Sox director of player development Ben Crockett said. “But I think, as we all know, the initial period, sometimes teams see something and then when they see it again, there are going to be adjustments made.
“A combination of things,” Crockett continued on the benefit of Betts’ participation. “Also him having some perspective on it now, being able to look back on what went well, what I did well, what things I could have improved upon and how to prepare for those adjustments that are going to be made against him.”
Betts’ 2014 campaign was a whirlwind. He started the season as a second baseman at Double-A and soon became a staple in the Red Sox’s major league outfield. It’s a testament to Betts’ hard work and natural abilities, neither of which he’s taking for granted with Boston having a surplus of outfielders in tow.
“I’m sure for some people it’s hard not to ask. But for me, I know that I can’t focus on what they’re doing,” Betts said Friday of the Red Sox’s crowded outfield situation. “I know they’re getting their work in and working hard, so I know I need to work hard and get ready for what’s to come. I can’t control if I’m playing or not. I just know that I can come in ready.”
Betts figures to be in the Red Sox’s starting outfield this season alongside Rusney Castillo and Hanley Ramirez. But nothing is definitive regarding his exact role with outfielders Shane Victorino, Daniel Nava, Allen Craig, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Brock Holt also vying for playing time. As such, Betts’ only hope is that he’ll wiggle his way into the Red Sox’s lineup someway, somehow.
“They have to take care of what they need to take care of, which is the Red Sox,” Betts said. “They’re going to put the winning nine out there. If I’m not a part of it, that’s fine, I’ll be ready in a pinch to go. And if I am (part of it), then that’s great as well.”
Betts sure was ready in a pinch last season. Why should things change now?
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
