Mookie sticks to baseball
FORT MYERS — Mookie Betts is no longer interested in talking about a long-term contract extension with the Red Sox. Maybe next year.
For the second straight year, the Red Sox and Betts could not come to an agreement on a salary for one season, much less an extension.
Last year, he had no leverage as a pre-arbitration player, but refused to agree to terms because he thought it was an unfair salary. The Red Sox had to renew his contract without his approval, and Betts — second in 2016 American League MVP voting — ended up making $950,000.
This year, he asked for $10.5 million, a near-record for firsttime arbitration-eligible players. The Red Sox countered with $7.5 million; Betts won the case before a third-party arbiter to settle the disagreement.
“Yeah, I’m happy with it,” he said yesterday. “That’s just the business of it, of this game. I think I’m just going to worry about 2018 right now and just kind of focus on that and bringing back a World Series this year.”
Betts was present for the arbitration hearing alongside his agents and Red Sox front office members, but said it wasn’t contentious. He still feels good about his relationship with the club.
“Just seeing that side of it is pretty interesting. I like those type of things, kind of see how people debate,” he said. “There were no hard feelings, nothing wrong. I love these guys. Nothing changed. I’m just going to continue to go out and play and have my same relationship that I always have.”
Betts has two more years of arbitration eligibility before he can become a free agent. He said now that the season was starting he wouldn’t be interested in discussing his contract and would rather focus on playing baseball, but would be open to it next year.
The 25-year-old is coming off his second straight All-Star and Gold Glove season. While still an elite player in 2017, his production dropped in most categories.
“There’s a lot I can do better,” he said. “Obviously being more consistent at the plate. Defense is going to be defense. I’m going to work hard and do what I can there, but right now just kind of focusing on being consistent and being productive at the plate.”
New manager Alex Cora has made it clear he’d like to use Betts in the leadoff spot. John Farrell began the 2017 season with Betts hitting third; Farrell moved Betts back to leadoff for some of the season, but Betts finished the year in the middle of the order.
“I’ve hit leadoff my whole life,” Betts said. “I don’t think it’s anything different than what I’ve always done. I think the difference was when I was back in the middle of the order. That was the different part for me. But going back to leadoff is kind of like going back home. I kind of go and do my thing.”
Devers develops
Coming off an impressive rookie season at the plate, Rafael Devers projects to add power as the starting third baseman. Cora thinks Devers can also be a force on the defensive side, where he occasionally struggled last year.
Cora compared him to Adrian Beltre, who had 29 errors in his first full season at the hot corner in 1999, but now owns five Gold Gloves and is considered one of the best to ever play the position.
“I’m not saying Rafael Devers is Adrian Beltre, but the way he moves his feet, his arm, he’s good,” Cora said. “He’s going to have the ups and downs, but we’re going to get him into a routine. We’re going to put him in spots that we feel that the ball is going to be hit, and we’re going to talk to him about getting into a rhythm. You have a great arm. You have to take time, get your feet and throw the ball.”
Loose threads
Hanley Ramirez didn’t play first base in spring training last year because of shoulder concerns, but should be ready to play defense when players are due to report on Monday, Cora said. …
Chris Sale left the team early yesterday to attend his grandfather’s funeral. …
Tyler Thornburg remains questionable for Opening Day, but Cora said he was impressed with the way Thornburg threw from flat ground this week.