Rafael Devers struggles/triumphs and the future

[moonslav59]

Exactly. Yes, DD has pretty much leveled our farm system, but on the other hand this team is on a pace to win 112 games. While we aren't likely to win that many games, by any estimation we seem to be a very good position to go deep in the playoffs. Hard to argue with the results so far.

 

It might not be hard to argue with the results in 2021, 2022 and beyond.

[Dojji]

That only even comes up if DD struggles to field a good team at those positions.

[Kimmi]

Speier put it well. How can he work on his approach? Can he do it on the fly in Boston or does he need a tour in Pawtucket. Really there is no right answer - it's about Devers. He has played his way through struggles in 2016. (granted, a lower level)

 

The good thing about Devers' slump is that is really hasn't hurt the team. As long as the team is playing well, the Sox can afford to be patient with him at the big league level. If the Sox were losing, I'd bet they would have less patience with him.

[Kimmi]

That seals it!

Send Devers down and salvage the season!

 

The numbers don't lie!

[Kimmi]

While Devers will come around, I would like to note once again for the record that Travis Shaw once again has very impressive power numbers, is leading a first place team in HR and RBI, and has a positive dWAR in Milwaukee as the everyday third basemen.

 

We let a good one get away, there.

 

It appears that we did. I was fine with letting him go after how bad he was for the Sox, but he seems to have turned it around. Good for him.

[Kimmi]

Quiroz is another thought (1.016 with Portland).

 

Notin's favorite player!

[Kimmi]

Exactly. Yes, DD has pretty much leveled our farm system, but on the other hand this team is on a pace to win 112 games. While we aren't likely to win that many games, by any estimation we seem to be a very good position to go deep in the playoffs. Hard to argue with the results so far.

 

Dombrowski did a great job for the immediate team.

 

The thing is, it's likely that while we won't watch the Yankees run away with the AL East this year, we'll be watching them do that in 2 years.

 

#thecliffisreal

[Natick to NC]

Devers needs time off bad ...Bring up Quiroz like these folks are talking about.

[vegasbob]

Exactly. Yes, DD has pretty much leveled our farm system, but on the other hand this team is on a pace to win 112 games. While we aren't likely to win that many games, by any estimation we seem to be a very good position to go deep in the playoffs. Hard to argue with the results so far.

 

You can only win the one game you are playing, you can only dominate the season you are in. Looking at 2018, the Sox and Yanks are winning through 60+- games at a very high rate in .680's win%. May or may not be sustainable by either team at those rates, and the Red Sox have been doing it with notable DL stints, absence of Pedroia, 2 regulars hitting below .200 plus Devers slump,and multiple pitching mess ups (Pomeranz and C. Smith). Only the Mariners and Brewers are at the .600 level in all MLB. (Seattle @.633 after a 5 game win streak and .607 for T. Shaw and Brew crew).

 

Enjoy what we are getting out of this roster and hope they can sustain it deep into the post season. But I think you have to win the East to have a good chance. A one game play-in pitched by Chris Sale in early October ? That's a heart attack waiting to happen. Shades of Mike Torrez and B.F. Dent in 1978.

[mvp 78]

Devers needs time off bad ...Bring up Quiroz like these folks are talking about.

 

Quiroz is on the DL

[mvp 78]

Quiroz is also really a 2b, not a good 3b.

[dustcover]

Maybe a timeout for Devers spending some time in Pawtucket to find his swing and regain some plate discipline could get him untracked. And meanwhile, Nunez who is heating up could take over at 3B on a regular basis which would further enhance the D on the left side of the infield and provide a bit more offense in the bottom third of the batting order. Holt could fill in at 2B until Pedey returns. Works for me!

[a700hitter]

Devers has been awful defensively all season long and he has been faltering offensively for an extend period. He is in the bigs for his bat. If he doesn’t hit, he is a big negative.

[Bellhorn04]

Devers was 2 for 4 last night. Why not a little optimism? I think he'll get back on track and we'll be happy they just let him work it out.

[oldtimer]

Devers was 2 for 4 last night. Why not a little optimism? I think he'll get back on track and we'll be happy they just let him work it out.

 

I think it is the best choice as we really don't have solid options. I don't consider either Holt or Nunez as everyday players there. If Devers doesn't respond by the AS break, then maybe he could be sent down to get his hitting back, but maybe it will come for him before that is necessary.

[SoxnCycles]

Devers was 2 for 4 last night. Why not a little optimism? I think he'll get back on track and we'll be happy they just let him work it out.

 

Yup, as Kimmi pointed out, the team is still rolling and they've got games with mediocre/bad teams for the next week or so.

He deserves to work out his problems until at least the end of the month.

[cp176]

One thing that has kind of gone under the radar is that lately he has been fielding his position pretty well. He has made 11 errors to date I think. When was his last one? He is our third baseman. I think that he will be just fine.

[mvp 78]

One thing that has kind of gone under the radar is that lately he has been fielding his position pretty well. He has made 11 errors to date I think. When was his last one? He is our third baseman. I think that he will be just fine.

 

He's athletic as hell and just needs to keep working on his throws. He's going to end up being a very good defender eventually.

[cp176]

He's athletic as hell and just needs to keep working on his throws. He's going to end up being a very good defender eventually.

 

I absolutely agree. Having him at third and hitting where he hits, is a plus for us going forward not a problem. Just gives some folks something to talk about.

[a700hitter]

One thing that has kind of gone under the radar is that lately he has been fielding his position pretty well. He has made 11 errors to date I think. When was his last one? He is our third baseman. I think that he will be just fine.

No errors last night, but he was so slow charging a ground ball by VMart that he almost beat the play, and he must be too 5 slowest runners. He also should have had the ball down the line that turned into a triple. I am hoping that it is only a learning curve and that there will be steady improvement toward proficiency. Sometimes though he just looks to lack first step quickness needed at 3B. Sometimes he can make the spectacular play going to his left, but I am yet to see a spectacular play on a ball down the line.

[Maxbialystock]

I absolutely agree. Having him at third and hitting where he hits, is a plus for us going forward not a problem. Just gives some folks something to talk about.

 

Could not agree more with you and mvp78. We gotta have something to gripe about. Devers is definitely a work in progress, but the potential is obvious, Cora sends him out there every day, and the Sox keep winning.

[jad]

Just let him learn. The hysterical quest for the ideal 3rd baseman over the past years as I recall led to names such as Todd Frazier, whom many spoke of as the next Brooks Freaking Robinson. Still hitting his customary .220 at about 10x the cost of Devers.

[mvp 78]

Could not agree more with you and mvp78. We gotta have something to gripe about. Devers is definitely a work in progress, but the potential is obvious, Cora sends him out there every day, and the Sox keep winning.

 

That's how the TS world goes round these days.

[a700hitter]

Could not agree more with you and mvp78. We gotta have something to gripe about. Devers is definitely a work in progress, but the potential is obvious, Cora sends him out there every day, and the Sox keep winning.

I am not griping just discussing my observations. We are not talking about Pablo the Walking Doughnut. That was something to complain about.

[Maxbialystock]

I am not griping just discussing my observations. We are not talking about Pablo the Walking Doughnut. That was something to complain about.

 

Meh. I happen to gripe quite a bit myself. See my posts on Pomeranz, also on Hanley, Wright, JBJ, Nunez, Holt, and Porcello. Maybe more. And I did all of that this season when the Sox have been going great guns.

[Maxbialystock]

That's how the TS world goes round these days.

 

As I just told A700hitter, I have done my share of griping this year (of all years when things have gone so well).

[Hugh2]

I'm not sure Devers has anything to learn in the minors. Best way to learn how to hit MLB pitching is to face MLB pitching, he already passed the minors and he needs how to learn to adjust to the league adjusting to him.

 

Sticking with him can pay some dividends, and as long as the team is winning I think it makes that decision a lot easier. If he's smashing the ball come August just remember these days. Hopefully he can turn it around because he's a potential middle of the order bat.

[OH FOY]

The jump Devers made in 1 year is incredible. Basically playing Double AA, play a few games in Triple AAA, then go to the Majors. Just the Competition between these Leagues is mind boggling. You have to have patience. It's a stinkin learning Process. All I can see at this moment is he is pressing, trying to do too much. He's is basically a Junior in College, everything probably is moving fast for him at the moment. Understandable.

More games, more practice, more game situations, it will slow down for him. Relax, kid is going to be OK.

[Bellhorn04]

Yeah, he really is a kid.

[mvp 78]

He'd be the youngest position player in Salem right now.