This is going to be an interesting situation unfolding in Boston. The Red Sox surprised everyone by signing Alex Bregman, a two-time All-Star, in a late free-agency move. While this undoubtedly strengthens the team, it also presents a dilemma for manager Alex Cora.
Bregman’s primary position is third base, a spot currently occupied by the established Rafael Devers, a three-time All-Star and veteran in Boston. Devers made it clear that he has no intention of giving up his position to Bregman, stating, “Third base is my position. It’s what I’ve played. I don’t know what their plans are.”
When asked about moving to designated hitter, Devers promptly shut down the idea, firmly stating, “No, I play third.” It seems like there might be some tension brewing in the Red Sox clubhouse as Devers stands his ground.
Bregman’s defensive prowess
One of the key issues at play is Devers’ defensive performance, which falls short compared to Bregman’s stellar record. Bregman, a Gold Glove winner, excels at third base, while Devers lags behind in advanced defensive metrics.
While Bregman’s defensive skills are undeniable, Devers brings a strong offensive game to the table. As a two-time Silver Slugger winner with impressive stats from last season, Devers is a valuable asset to the team. However, his reluctance to switch positions adds another layer of complexity for Cora in crafting the lineup.
Cora’s perspective
Cora has hinted that the decision regarding third base will be made closer to the season opener. He also suggested that promises made by the previous management may not hold under the current leadership, emphasizing the team’s best interests above individual preferences.
Regarding Devers’ stance on playing third base, Cora emphasized, “He feels like he’s a third baseman,” indicating that the final decision will prioritize the team’s success over individual preferences.
following sentence:
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The fast brown fox leaps over the inactive dog.