BOSTON — Red Sox manager Alex Cora sat down at the table Saturday afternoon, positioned himself behind the microphone, and in a matter of five seconds, the subject was thrown into his face like a 98-mph fastball:
“Will you consider playing Mookie at second?’’
Cora stared momentarily in disbelief, and immediately started laughing.
“That’s the first question for the World Series?’’ Cora said. “Wow! I don’t know man. He already played second during the season, so, there’s always a chance I guess."
Certainly, it is a huge issue for the Red Sox who open the World Series at home Tuesday playing by American League rules, but when the Series returns to the National League city for Games 3 through 5, the NL rules are in place.
That means no designated hitter.
And, just to make it perfectly clear, Cora said that JD Martinez, their regular DH, will be playing the outfield.
Cora is not about to sit Betts, the guy who hit .330 with 43 homers and a league-leading 130 RBI during the season.
He’s not inclined to bench center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr., the MVP of the American League Championship Series, either. Or left fielder Andrew Benintendi, who saved Game 4 with the spectacular diving catch on Alex Bregman.
So, someone must sit.
And the natural spot is second base, where the Red Sox have Ian Kinsler and Brock Holt playing.
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Considering that Betts is the best athlete on the team, routinely bowls 300 games, is the team’s best ping-pong player and is even an airplane pilot, why couldn’t he start at second base in the World Series?
He can do everything else.
“He’s the best player in the game,” Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland said. “He can do everything. Offense. Defense. Baserunning. His baseball IQ. You name it, and he’s better than everyone.’’
This is a guy who will win the American League MVP award, hitting .346 with 32 homers and 30 stolen bases. Now he’s ready and willing to play second base to win the World Series.
And, oh, he does have a little experience at second base.
Betts played 14 games at second base as a rookie in 2014, and even six innings this season in an emergency Aug. 4 against the New York Yankees, flawlessly handling both balls hit to him. Besides, he routinely takes groundballs at second base every day simply to help his outfield skills.
It’s unlikely he would have to play second base all three games in the NL city, particularly if they are facing a left-handed starter when Bradley likely would sit (batting .185 against lefties this season), but you can count on Betts playing second base much more than anyone envisioned. If Cora wants him at second base, who’s he to argue?
"There’s no reason me not trusting him. If he believes in me, then I should believe in myself," Betts said. "If that’s what it takes to win, I’ll do whatever.
“I’m sure I won’t be as comfortable there, but I’ll be just fine.’’
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