Rafael Devers

[bk400]

https://nypost.com/2025/05/08/sports...e-for-red-sox/

I have some skepticism when reading New York tabloid coverage of the Red Sox, but still. Maybe Rafael Devers should ask Mookie Betts how many positions he's played in helping the Dodgers win a couple of rings. He should also ask himself how many MVP awards he's won and whether or not he is on a $300 million contract.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by bk400

https://nypost.com/2025/05/08/sports...e-for-red-sox/

I have some skepticism when reading New York tabloid coverage of the Red Sox, but still. Maybe Rafael Devers should ask Mookie Betts how many positions he's played in helping the Dodgers win a couple of rings. He should also ask himself how many MVP awards he's won and whether or not he is on a $300 million contract.

Trying to learn to play a new position in the middle of the season at the major league level is probably not the easiest thing to do so I can understand Devers not being thrilled with the idea if he's never played first base before.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Devers.... Just play where it helps the team the most, dude! If Bryce Harper can play first base (a position he still doesn't play well even after years of doing it), surely Devers can. A semi-competent 3B can easily learn 1B, no?

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by BobbyStrawberry

Devers.... Just play where it helps the team the most, dude! If Bryce Harper can play first base (a position he still doesn't play well even after years of doing it), surely Devers can. A semi-competent 3B can easily learn 1B, no?

Harper started playing first base in 2023 and was a Gold Glove finalist in the NL in 2024 so not sure what you're talking about. I don't know how good a fielder Devers was at third, but as I said before, trying to learn a new position at the major leagues level isn't easy. Harper worked on it while DHing during his comeback from elbow surgery. Devers would have to start doing it with little opportunity to learn the position.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by jayshum

Harper started playing first base in 2023 and was a Gold Glove finalist in the NL in 2024 so not sure what you're talking about. I don't know how good a fielder Devers was at third, but as I said before, trying to learn a new position at the major leagues level isn't easy. Harper worked on it while DHing during his comeback from elbow surgery. Devers would have to start doing it with little opportunity to learn the position.

What is it that you don't understand from what I wrote? Harper is not a very good first baseman, despite having played there for multiple years now. If you watch him play you will see this. GG finalist lists aren't really persuasive to me when I've seen him play tons of games.

I refuse to believe that Devers couldn't learn a passable (Harper level) first base in a couple of weeks - he's already been an infielder his entire career

ALSO: I should add that I am extremely biased about the whole thing because I want them to call up Roman Anthony. Free up that DH spot and let the kid play in the bigs!

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by BobbyStrawberry

What is it that you don't understand from what I wrote? Harper is not a very good first baseman, despite having played there for multiple years now. If you watch him play you will see this. GG finalist lists aren't really persuasive to me when I've seen him play tons of games.

I refuse to believe that Devers couldn't learn a passable (Harper level) first base in a couple of weeks - he's already been an infielder his entire career

I've probably watched every game that Harper had played at first base. He's one of the better fielding first basemen in the league. You may disagree, but I think you're in the minority with your opinion.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by jayshum

I've probably watched every game that Harper had played at first base. He's one of the better fielding first basemen in the league. You may disagree, but I think you're in the minority with your opinion.

Fielding in terms of individually handling balls that come his way? I could certainly see him being in the top 50%. Where I have seen him often make mistakes is on throws, plays involving the pitcher, etc

+... I'm not sure if you're a Phillies fan, but I'm not trying to hate on Harper here - he's one of my favorite hitters to watch, and he's an example of what I think Devers SHOULD do