Betts has finite energy. Playing a more demanding position almost always results in somewhat poorer hitting. Sometimes the result is minor, and can't be separated from background noise, but sometimes it's huge. Basically, moving him to a much tougher position is a gamble.
I've known this for a long time and thought it was common knowledge. Look it up. Historically, one of the lowest HR averages per position is SS and 2nd base. Most big time HR hitters are outfielders by a long stretch. I decided to do a little research before when this question was asked and it is really obvious. I think it might even be in this thread.
Which is why I'd prefer they keep Mookie in the outfield. He's an all star hitter who should be a 30+HR/100+RBI/.300+BA playing in right field. I'd hate to see that decline.
Typically, the theory is power from the corner outfielders and corner infielders. Defense and speed from the guys up the middle. Catcher could provide some power but whatever the case, the production drops by September because of wear and tear. I'm sure Jorge Posada would have been a perennial 30 homer guy had he played first base. There have been shortstops, second baseman and centerfielders who have bucked that trend though. Ernie Banks averaged 38 homers from 1954-1960 as a SS winning the MVP twice.
Yeah. I can see both angles but Mookie also makes so many great plays in RF that I would still want to keep that defense there along with the better bat.
True. And from age 30 to 35 at first base (6 years) he hit 150 homers (25 / yr).
