RADIO
20/20 Potential Makes Mookie a Player Worth Betting On
I voiced my qualms with the sleeper designation in my first article for RotoBaller. Moving into 2015, few players prove my point more than Mookie Betts. While highly-touted teammate Xander Bogaerts labored through a disappointing rookie season, Betts thrived in his debut, posting a .291/.368/.444 triple-slash line while shuffling between second base and the outfield. He helped both of my keeper league teams to league championships, and I'm quite happy to hold his rights.
But there are some questions about playing time. Even after shipping Yoenis Cespedes out of town, the Red Sox have a serious case of roster crunch. Hanley Ramirez has left field locked down. Rusney Castillo is being paid like a starter. Shane Victorino is a year removed from a down-ballot MVP season. Daniel Nava and Allen Craig are vets with a track record of success but recent struggles. Jackie Bradley, Jr. is still around. Dustin Pedroia is still the man at the keystone. And with Mike Napoli and David Ortiz, starts at first base or designated hitter will be tough to come by for anyone else.
A glut of talent is a good problem to have, especially for a team coming off a last-place finish. Ben Cherington managed to fortify a leaky starting rotation without sacrificing many key assets, but rumors continue to swirl around Cole Hamels. The Phillies are, unsurprisingly, said to covet Betts. However, manager John Farrell has suggested that Betts is Boston's "strongest candidate" to hit leadoff. So the organization clearly values him.
They should. He looks like a future star, which is why I'm not worried about whether he'll play. Players at premium defensive positions with 20/20 potential are rare, and if he can make good on that potential, Farrell will find ways to get him into the lineup. Granted, if Betts does scuffle out of the gate, it may prove tough for him to get ABs. But it's not as though none of the others jockeying for playing time are without warts. Craig is coming off a horrific season. Nava's more of a platoon bat than a starter. Castillo may suffer some growing pains in his rookie year. Victorino, Napoli and Pedroia are older vets with injury histories, and Ortiz is 39.
There's plenty of time left in the offseason to shuffle more assets around, as well. Maybe they won't trade for Hamels -- something I'd be happy to see them do, especially if Betts is involved -- but Cherington is smart and he's got the bargaining power that flexibility brings. I'd be surprised if this is the roster he brings to camp.
In Summary
Betts has demonstrated all-around ability at every level. In addition to solid pop for a guy his size, he's shown a keen eye and great contact rates. He's a quality base runner and a capable fielder at multiple positions. Oh, and he's only 22. This may be the last chance you'll have to get Betts at a bargain. Don't let it slip through your fingers.
