So, I was thinking, ‘Let’s do one or two more monster cards from 2023 before we put that year to rest. One card from the most recent set that sets itself out is Mookie Betts for a couple different reasons.
2023 Mookie Betts
- Led MLB in WAR
- 2nd in MVP voting
- 107 rbis from leadoff spot
Dodger Betts was second in the majors in offensive WAR for those following that stat. Not only that, he led all players in WAR meaning he brings his glove to the game. Mookie rapped 80 extra bases in 2023 with 39 of them leaving the yard. He hit .307 with a nifty .408 OBP.
Betts has speed and along with that can steal a base when needed. He stole 14 bases over the course of the 2023 season.
| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Totals | 152 | 151 | 693 | 584 | 126 | 179 | 40 | 1 | 39 | 107 | 14 | 96 | 107 | .307 | .408 | .579 |
The first thing I noticed about Betts’ card is his defensive versatility. He plays second, outfield and short. Looking at his numbers, he played a significant amount at each and APBA rated him appropriately at second (2B-8) and right (OF-3).
So he’s got that going for him.
But Mookie’s card can hit too. He has power numbers 1-1-6-6 which should replicate his 40 doubles and 39 homeruns.
You’ll see a 44-8 on Betts’ card and that’s a bit disconcerting for someone batting .307. Keep in mind that he does have a 15-10 and a 25-10 which are automatic hits against any pitcher with bases empty and runner on first. On top of that, Mookie has four 14s which is significant.
My quick and dirty math shows this card will hit around .306 so I figure APBA did pretty well. I think Mookie will do fine with this card.
Betts’ Bits
- 2023 Betts has a 41-28. No 24s for him.
- He has a 53-15 to help replicate his 8 HBP in 2023.
- Betts has four 13s, an overall decent contact card for this kind of slugging
By the way, APBA league managers love players like Betts who can play multiple positions (and play them well). They allow league teams a lot of flexibility
To give you some perspective, my guy this year was Rougned Odor.
How many of you leaguers with Betts are going to lead him off? For very offensive teams, he may good choice.
