Rafael Devers

[tiger8mush]

Originally Posted by jayshum

Ken Rosenthal has the following column about Devers and the Red Sox asking him to play first base:
...
The Sox paid Devers to hit. Let him hit. And figure out the rest.

They're asking the highest paid player on the team to play the least demanding position on the team. Transitioning from 3B to 1B isn't asking a lot from a 28 yr old. They aren't asking him to suit up as catcher or move to the OF.

If Big Papi could play 1B occasionally, no reason Devers can't.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by tiger8mush

They're asking the highest paid player on the team to play the least demanding position on the team. Transitioning from 3B to 1B isn't asking a lot from a 28 yr old. They aren't asking him to suit up as catcher or move to the OF.

If Big Papi could play 1B occasionally, no reason Devers can't.

It's one thing to work on a new position in spring training. It's a lot different to try to learn a new position at the major league level with no prior experience there on a team that wants to win games. Also, from looking at Devers defensive numbers at third base, he doesn't appear to be a gifted defender to start with. Even if it is the "least demanding position" on the field, it's not as simple as it sounds as indicated by the quotes in the article from the Red Sox manager, Alex Cora.

[tiger8mush]

Originally Posted by jayshum

It's one thing to work on a new position in spring training. It's a lot different to try to learn a new position at the major league level with no prior experience there on a team that wants to win games. Also, from looking at Devers defensive numbers at third base, he doesn't appear to be a gifted defender to start with. Even if it is the "least demanding position" on the field, it's not as simple as it sounds as indicated by the quotes in the article from the Red Sox manager, Alex Cora.

I assume all of the position players take daily defensive reps at their position before games, and additional defensive reps on non-game days. Does DH Devers take reps at 3B in case of a Bregman injury? Or is he DH-only the entire season?

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by tiger8mush

I assume all of the position players take daily defensive reps at their position before games, and additional defensive reps on non-game days. Does DH Devers take reps at 3B in case of a Bregman injury? Or is he DH-only the entire season?

I have no idea if Devers still takes any fielding practice. One of his quotes said they told him to put away his glove, so maybe not.

[John1941]

Originally Posted by jayshum

It's one thing to work on a new position in spring training. It's a lot different to try to learn a new position at the major league level with no prior experience there on a team that wants to win games. Also, from looking at Devers defensive numbers at third base, he doesn't appear to be a gifted defender to start with. Even if it is the "least demanding position" on the field, it's not as simple as it sounds as indicated by the quotes in the article from the Red Sox manager, Alex Cora.

Agree. Even if first base is the easiest fielding position, that doesn't mean it's easy - you're still fielding a key big league position. I'm sure Devers could learn to play 1b given adequate time - but to expect him to learn on the job is asking a lot, and he's no defensive wizard.

I'm a great believer in teams not trying to ask too much of their players. If you ask a player to do more than they're capable of, you can seriously mess them up.

[bk400]

If I were Devers, I'd be flattered that the Red Sox think that I'm a good enough baseball player / athlete to play first base, in spite of my lack of experience. It's a new position, but the guy was a starting 3B for a long time. I cannot imagine that it is that difficult for a long time, starting major league third baseman to figure out the positional nuances of a first baseman. These guys have been playing baseball their whole lives.

Will he be a Gold Glover at 1B? Probably not. Will he make more errors than the average 1B in the major leagues for a period of time? Probably.

But I bet the Red Sox figured that he could evolve into a long term first baseman, since he's not exactly a picture of athleticism and mobility (and appears to be getting fatter). But, he's going to be a big, $315mm baby about it and go all Gen Z at work. (No offense.)

[D. Bergin]

Seems to be doing pretty ok now LOL 😂

Leading the majors in Ribbies with a .960+ OPS and .410+ OBP

[bk400]

He is indeed. Kudos to the Red Sox management for handling the issue well.

The $315mm baby. Shout out to Hilary Swank.

[bk400]

Devers traded to the Giants.