Dodgers reporter flips out over Mookie Betts’ comments on Jacob deGrom

Though the Los Angeles Dodgers-New York Mets series is almost a week in the past at this point, any narrative concerning both of these teams won’t go away until one of them is eliminated from the postseason. These are two of the best squads in all of MLB.

The Mets won the regular season series 4-3 after their two triumphs last week, one of which was a game started by the dominant Jacob deGrom. The Mets’ righty drew praise from Mookie Betts after that 2-1 Dodgers loss, with Betts claiming deGrom might be the “best to ever pitch.”

Is he right? Does anybody even care if he is or not? Apparently people do! Dodgers reporter Dave Vassegh, the famous guy who flew down the Brewers slide at American Family Field and broke his wrist and ribs, was not happy with Betts and made it clear after last Wednesday’s affair vs New York.

Vassegh popped on his usual slot on AM 570 LA Sports for his “Dodger Talk” show, went off on Betts for the commentary, and had some bold words himself!

Mets fans typically think deGrom is the best pitcher to ever step foot on a baseball diamond, but others may not feel that way since he’s only made 204 career starts and has pitched in a grand total of four postseason games since debuting in 2014. Count Vassegh as one of the folk in the latter group.

Dodgers reporter David Vassegh wasn’t happy with Mookie Betts praising Jacob deGrom

“Come on, Mookie! Is this where you’re trying to blow up his ego and then all of a sudden you’re gonna crush him in October? I mean, are you kidding me, Mookie Betts? Jacob deGrom is not the greatest ever. Jacob deGrom isn’t even the greatest ever of your generation. Will you stop it, Mookie? I mean, it is so obvious what he — I mean, I hope what he was trying to do, the rope-a-dope, where he’s telling this guy, ‘Man, you are so good. You are so awesome. But we’re gonna beat you … in October.’ This is unbelievable. Hey, by the way, Mookie, to be the greatest of all time, you actually have to pitch more than 14 times in a year.”

Lots to unpack here! Mookie, who’s widely known as a genuine guy, was simply complimenting a pitcher and one of his peers for an astute performance. Additionally, as one of the best hitters of his generation, don’t you think Mookie’s take on who might be the best ever actually holds weight? He’s seen a ton of game’s best since his debut in 2014 as well.

But Vassegh couldn’t handle that. deGrom isn’t even the best pitcher of his generation despite …. allowing one or no runs in 100 of those 204 career starts (which is the most in MLB history). To dismiss deGrom as one of the most dominant in the last 20 years feels irresponsible. He might be the best! Just because he doesn’t have a long enough track record doesn’t exclude him from the discussion.

Also, to think Mookie had some sort of ulterior motive to get in deGrom’s head prior to the postseason is absolutely silly. Does that sound like Mookie to you?

The Dodgers are a team that takes care of business and plays with respect/sportsmanship. It’s that simple. The Mets are a scary playoff opponent, yes, but complimenting them isn’t going to give New York any sort of edge, nor is it disingenuous to tip your cap to one of the best in the game … regardless how often he’s on the field.

Mookie Betts’ Jacob deGrom praise shows why Dodgers can’t overlook Mets

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts believes Jacob deGrom is the best to ever do it. He and the Mets stand in LA's way.