Mookie Betts of the LA Dodgers did not hide his disappointment over Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor leaving the team.
'Dodgers Nation' reported on the 24th (Korea time), 'The Dodgers clubhouse has undergone significant changes due to the sudden departure of Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor,' noting, 'Although the two players were not frequently used this season, their presence was substantial in terms of team atmosphere and organization.'
According to the media, Betts recalled in an interview with the 'Orange County Register,' 'Barnes always brought a cheerful atmosphere and played a role in uniting the team. He was someone who kept things steady, even in quiet times.'
He added, 'Even when everyone was sitting quietly, Barnes naturally brought the team members into conversation and led the atmosphere.'
Regarding Taylor, he stated, 'Although he spoke less than Barnes, he was always the most dedicated player in training,' adding, 'Especially during hitting practice, he set a good example for the younger players.'
Betts emphasized, 'I don’t know who will take over that role in the future, but Taylor was truly an excellent role model,' noting, 'Now it’s time for us to recreate our team identity.'
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers baseball operations president, stated about the departure of the two veterans, 'Emotionally, it was a very difficult decision, but from a club operations standpoint, it was an inevitable choice.'
'Dodgers Nation' mentioned, 'The Dodgers are currently engaged in fierce competition in the division, and all players are being asked to deliver their best performance,' adding, 'However, it can’t be denied that the departures of Barnes and Taylor have had some impact on the clubhouse atmosphere.'
It also stated, 'While it is clear that performance is the most important factor in winning teams, team chemistry is also a key element that cannot be overlooked,' concluding, 'Moving forward, the Dodgers will be tested on the true meaning of that “chemistry.”'
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