Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Suggests Mookie Betts Won’t Be Moving Down in the Lineup
Earlier this spring, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts floated the idea of moving Mookie Betts down in LA's lineup. Betts, who spent a majority of last season's as LA's leadoff hitter, clubbed seven leadoff home runs on his way to a career-high 35 long balls last season.
However, Roberts wanted to do his due diligence with the lineup, and see if there was potentially a way they could be even better.
This week, though, Roberts seemed to come down to earth. When speaking to the media, he was asked about that scenario of moving Betts down in the lineup. This time, he didn't really see it happening (per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register).
"I think it’s fair to look and see are there different ways to make your lineup more productive," Roberts said. "But it still goes back to – what’s the other option? Right now, I just don’t see it happening."
As far as the other option, Roberts did note that Gavin Lux would have been a candidate to be in the leadoff spot against righties — but that obviously can't happen anymore.
This spring, while Betts has been playing with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, lefty outfielder Jason Heyward has spent a ton of time in the leadoff spot. However, when the season rolls around, if he's in the lineup, I can't imagine him being anywhere above the seven or eight spot.
So, it does appear that Betts is going to remain the Dodgers' leadoff hitter this season, no matter who's on the mound. And that is far from a bad thing.
Betts is currently tied for 12th on the MLB's all-time leadoff home run list with 35, tied with Barry Bonds. If he's the team's leadoff hitter all year long, he's sure to keep moving up that list.
