LOS ANGELES -- Mookie Betts might just be the only one who saw this coming.

In his first full season at shortstop, Betts is a Gold Glove finalist . He came into this season having won six Gold Gloves in right field, and here he is, up for the top defensive honor at a position where he has spent countless hours honing his craft.

He alone understands the grueling work that has gone into becoming a big league shortstop. Another piece of hardware would be nice, sure. But he already has all the validation he needs.

"I know I could do it. I believed in myself. I always have belief in myself," Betts said. "But I genuinely don’t care."

As blasé as Betts may sound, his coaches, teammates and even opponents are amazed enough to make up the difference.

"I never had a season with that many de

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