It takes one to know one, they say.
Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani expressed admiration for Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts for his ability to play multiple roles for his team.
Ohtani knows what he is talking about as he himself can play both hitter and pitcher at an excellent level, earning him accolades like Unicorn and Shotime.
"Not just today but just watching guys overall, I feel like Mookie Betts really impresses me," Ohtani told reports after the 2023 All-Star Game through an interpreter.
"He's so versatile. He can play the outfield, play the middle infield. I think he's very, very talented."
Being a hitter and pitcher at the same time is, of course, a different level compared to what Betts is doing right now.
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The seven-time All-Star has been working as an outfielder, one of the best in that position, but he has transitioned to second base and shortstop and playing them at a high level.
It is more amazing to know, too, that Betts started with the Boston Red Sox through the minor league as a fifth-round pick and worked his way up.
Now, he is up there with generational talent like Ohtani.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sees similarities with Ohtani
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts thought Betts playing multiple positions is valuable to the team, just like how Ohtani is for the Angels.
"He's much better than I expected," he said. "I knew that he could play second base. I didn't realize he could handle short the way he has. And, obviously, Shohei is the runaway MVP in baseball, but to have a guy that can play two middle infield spots, hit leadoff and be productive, what the value [is] for him for our ball club shouldn't be lost."
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