Betts emerging as a Red Sox leader

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In the off-season, Red Sox management expressed hope that, in Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts, the team had not only two future stars, but also, two leaders.

In the case of Betts, at least, that hope seems well-placed.

Last week, Betts began plans to organize a team dinner at a Fort Myers restaurant. The dinner took place Thursday night, and the vast majority of players attended.

The gesture didn't go unnoticed.

"They said most of [the players] were there,'' said Dombrowski. "I'm sure some of them had some other things themselves to do because by the time he [asked them] last week, some of them already had commitments. But yeah, he took the whole team out.''

It's unclear whether Betts picked up the tab, or merely organized the event.

But either way, it showed a willingness on the part of Betts to take a bigger role within the clubhouse.

That's not an easy thing to do on a roster populated by three-time World Series champion David Ortiz and de facto captain Dustin Pedroia.

Some might see that as overly brash or presumptious. But Betts is confident in his place.

"He's willing to step and take charge at a young age, which is great," Dombrowski said. "You don't see a lot of guys that are 23 years of age do that. I can't tell you if I've ever had anybody like that in my career. I've had veterans do it. But I don't know that I've ever had a 23-year-old feel comfortable to do that.

"He doesn't do it in a fashion where he's trying to be boastful or push himself. It's just a natural thing for him and it's great to see. I think we're very fortunate to have him in our organization at the age he is."

Manager John Farrell and Ortiz have also singled out Betts for his willingness to ask questions and eagerness to learn.

Betts is clearly eager to follow Ortiz and Pedroia in the leadership department, putting himself in position when Ortiz retires and Pedroia ages.

"Now may not be the time,'' said Betts, "but I’m learning each and every day how they do it. Maybe one day I’ll put that into action.”

Or, maybe he already has.