Mookie Betts shuts down assertions he doesn't like Boston

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Although Mookie Betts' contract with the Red Sox expires after the 2020 season and the reigning AL MVP fully intends to test the market, Betts said on Monday that Sox fans shouldn't try to read the tea leaves. It's just part of the business, he said. 

"I’ve loved it here," Betts told Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. "I love the front office, my teammates, coaches. Everybody. It’s been nothing but amazing here. Just because you go to free agency doesn’t mean you don’t want to be somewhere. It’s just a part of the business."

On Monday, manager Alex Cora said the upcoming 14-game stretch against the Rays and Yankees may decide whether the Red Sox are buyers or sellers. Betts said that idea is "above (his) pay grade." 

Boston is coming off losing a series against the lowly Baltimore Orioles, and have experienced inconsistent play throughout the year. This year has been nothing like 2018, despite having almost the same roster. Still, Betts said he's not necessarily frustrated.

“That’s just a part of the season," Betts told MassLive. "Last year was an amazing year. Just like I may not be able to have that type of MVP season every year, well, how many teams have amazing seasons like that every year? So this year has new challenges that we have to go about and accept it."

For now, Betts' admiration for the Red Sox organization is encouraging for Sox fans who would hate to see him in a different uniform. Even more encouraging, for Betts and the Red Sox alike, would be a couple sweeps of the AL East-leading Yankees and Rays. 

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