Article: BREAKING: Rafael Devers Traded To San Francisco Giants

[Kimmi]

13 minutes ago, Hitch said:

It really feels like it. I cant see anything but a slide back under 500. Would be quite something if it goes the other way, mind you.

Not trying to make excuses for the team, but west coast trips are difficult even under the best circumstances.  Having a .500 road trip is typically considered a mild success.  I guess what I'm saying is that if the team does not continue with it's current surge on this road trip, it can't necessarily be blamed on trading Devers.

[Bellhorn04]

27 minutes ago, notin said:

I don’t know what the clubhouse was like before or will be like tomorrow, but I certainly can see a downside on this trade as it put a massive Stop sign in front of their recent surge…

All depends on the pitching.  Giolito, Buehler, Crochet, Dobbins, Bello, all just pitched excellent games.  And I'll be the first to admit I didn't see 5 good starts in a row coming. 

We only scored 15 runs in the 5 games but won them all.

[Nick]

17 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Bregman is known for offering meaningful advice that players have credited him for helping them improve. He also went and learned Spanish, so he could talk to the many Hispanic players on his team.

People make mistakes. I know I have. I'm glad those around me forgave me and allowed me to show I can change and do more good things, while still making new mistakes.

I certainly want Bregman back.

Few things to think about. Our 3 biggest arbitration players last year were Duran, Houck and Kutter. Houck and Kutter made about $7M between them and I doubt it would go up very much based on what they've done this year. Duran is an interesting case. 

Bres is all about analytics. Is Duran worth $8M in 2026 based on us being able to put up Anthony, Rafaela and Abreu in the outfield? Also think about Bregman coming back. Doesn't that necessitate Mayer moving to 2B? Or switch spots with Story? Mayer is better infielder than Campbell. Wouldn't Campbell as a right handed batter be natural to move to the outfield? Thus becoming a part time platoon for both Mayer and Abreu?

So realistically we have I think about $60M to get to the first tax line (assuming Bregman comes back).

But moving Duran should get us another pitching piece. We may part with another starting pitcher, Giolito maybe, if Houck and or Kutter returns. Or maybe one of them gets traded.

 

[Hitch]

1 minute ago, Kimmi said:

Not trying to make excuses for the team, but west coast trips are difficult even under the best circumstances.  Having a .500 road trip is typically considered a mild success.  I guess what I'm saying is that if the team does not continue with it's current surge on this road trip, it can't necessarily be blamed on trading Devers.

That's a fair point. I think if we come home around 500 for the trip that's a success. I just fear that we might come home quite a bit under it. 

The youngsters might really grasp the nettle and fly with it. But alternatively, there might be a lot of deflation. Time will tell I guess.

[moonslav59]

4 minutes ago, notin said:

I haven’t been the biggest Cora supporter either.  In fact, I think Breslow should have fired Cora and kept Devers.

I don’t like Devers’ attitude.  But I do like his bat…

I do wonder about the specifics of the whole Devers-Cora-Brez position change talks and non talks. If Brez wanted Devers to play 1B, but Cora avoided even talking to Devers about it, there is a major problem with the chain of command, and/or the expectation that orders be followed with fidelity. Not knowing what was said or asked makes it hard to judge the problem or even if there is a problem or not.

At this point, I'm not sure it matters, except to cure our curiosity, but obviously the whole Devers situation reached the breaking point with upper management and maybe Cora, too. We may never know. I doubt Cora ever says anything bad about Devers, whether he believes it or not.

My own opinion is that Cora went out of his way to defend Devers and protect him from criticism about changing positions. He may have even chosen not to ask him to play 1B out of respect for his position of not wanting to work on learning a new position in season (or ever.) I feel like Devers did not repay Cora's respect by playing hard and trying to be the best role model to all the incoming younger players he could be. He dogged it, seemed to become more of a loner than before and caused Cora more grief than he deserved, in light of his "walking on eggshells" treatment of Devers, this year.

[Kimmi]

7 minutes ago, Hitch said:

Cotillo and McAdams mentioned a while back that there were players who were not happy with Devers not taking 1st and helping the team and players who were backing Devers. I'd love to know the split on those numbers.

I would love to know that too.

There are a lot of eyes on the Red Sox right now to see how they'll respond to this, both on the field and off.

[Bellhorn04]

2 hours ago, notin said:

I don’t mind if players who don’t speak English or who are not comfortable with their English do not talk to the English-speaking media..

I get what you're saying, but it's been reported that they communicated to Devers when he signed his extension that they had some expectations of him being the face of the team.  I would assume he affirmed this to them at the time.  

[Bellhorn04]

7 minutes ago, Kimmi said:

I would love to know that too.

There are a lot of eyes on the Red Sox right now to see how they'll respond to this, both on the field and off.

The most piercing gazes will be directed at our run production. 😉

[Nick]

9 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I do wonder about the specifics of the whole Devers-Cora-Brez position change talks and non talks. If Brez wanted Devers to play 1B, but Cora avoided even talking to Devers about it, there is a major problem with the chain of command, and/or the expectation that orders be followed with fidelity. Not knowing what was said or asked makes it hard to judge the problem or even if there is a problem or not.

At this point, I'm not sure it matters, except to cure our curiosity, but obviously the whole Devers situation reached the breaking point with upper management and maybe Cora, too. We may never know. I doubt Cora ever says anything bad about Devers, whether he believes it or not.

My own opinion is that Cora went out of his way to defend Devers and protect him from criticism about changing positions. He may have even chosen not to ask him to play 1B out of respect for his position of not wanting to work on learning a new position in season (or ever.) I feel like Devers did not repay Cora's respect by playing hard and trying to be the best role model to all the incoming younger players he could be. He dogged it, seemed to become more of a loner than before and caused Cora more grief than he deserved, in light of his "walking on eggshells" treatment of Devers, this year.

I think Cora would go out of his way to shield/defend Devers as much as he could and I wouldn't disagree. I would like to think I have my players' back. I mean Devers is his baby. I think he feels the same way about Bello. You can only be hard on Bello as Cora has been if he wasn't the father figure in Bello's baseball life. He cares about Bello very much and he can be hard on him. I'd like to think Bello understands that.....I always tell my players if I'm not talking to you that's when you worry. I've given up on you.

[dgalehouse]

Alex Bregman is a very good ballplayer. I would not put him in the SuperStar or future Hall of Famer category. The Sox are paying him an awful lot of money. Fenway is ideal for him and he does seem happy here.  I don't see any other team offering a contract that would make him want to opt out of what he has. 

  

[Bellhorn04]

If Yoshida could step into the DH spot and OPS .800, that would take some more sting out of this.  Big if of course.

[moonslav59]

2 minutes ago, Nick said:

Few things to think about. Our 3 biggest arbitration players last year were Duran, Houck and Kutter. Houck and Kutter made about $7M between them and I doubt it would go up very much based on what they've done this year. Duran is an interesting case. 

Bres is all about analytics. Is Duran worth $8M in 2026 based on us being able to put up Anthony, Rafaela and Abreu in the outfield? Also think about Bregman coming back. Doesn't that necessitate Mayer moving to 2B? Or switch spots with Story? Mayer is better infielder than Campbell. Wouldn't Campbell as a right handed batter be natural to move to the outfield? Thus becoming a part time platoon for both Mayer and Abreu?

 

Duran is certainly worth $8M. On the FA market, I think Brez would pay him double or triple that, if we didn't already have an OG logjam. Hell, he's worth $14-16M as a FT DH and 4th/5th  OF'er.

I have suggested Campbell to the OF to make way for Bregman's return to 3B and Mayer moving to a FT SS or 2B position. That would certainly mean a trade, and I also think we might end up being surprised that it won't be Duran or Abreu, but Rafaela, instead. I love Rafaela, but there are a few reasons to trade him and not Duran or Abreu.

He costs more, contractually (long term.)

Campbell may best be used in CF, but I do think he could learn to play LF, over time.

Rafaela might be the one RHB in the OF, but Campbell bats RH'd, too and Rafaela's bat is so weak, the L-R hardly matters, as Duran and Abreu vs LHPs is not all that worse than Rafaela's vs L or R. Both Duran and Abreu blow Rafaela away vs RHPs, who start about 70% of all games.

Abreu plays awesome RF defense and Duran offers a great plus with his base running skills.

Rafaela would make for a great super sub, but on the expensive side as his contract cost rises in coming years.

Then, we will have Arias & Jh Garcia knocking on the door, pretty soon and maybe Romero, Bleis and Cespedes, too- some a bit farther down the road.

[dgalehouse]

Just now, Bellhorn04 said:

If Yoshida could step into the DH spot and OPS .800, that would take some more sting out of this.  Big if of course.

There are platoon possibilities for DH also. 

[Bellhorn04]

1 minute ago, dgalehouse said:

Alex Bregman is a very good ballplayer. I would not put him in the SuperStar or future Hall of Famer category. The Sox are paying him an awful lot of money. Fenway is ideal for him and he does seem happy here.  I don't see any other team offering a contract that would make him want to opt out of what he has. 

  

I think Bregman has a legit chance at the HOF if he stays reasonably healthy.

He's a good example of a guy who is rewarded by WAR, because he's such a complete player.

[moonslav59]

10 minutes ago, Kimmi said:

I would love to know that too.

There are a lot of eyes on the Red Sox right now to see how they'll respond to this, both on the field and off.

I gotta think Anthony was wondering about still being in AAA, because the DH slot was not open for him, Duran and others who might open a roster slot for him.

Toro and Romy were probably happy they got their chance to play and prove they deserve to continue playing.

[Bellhorn04]

Just now, dgalehouse said:

There are platoon possibilities for DH also. 

True. Either Refsnyder or Gonzo are perfect for that.

[Nick]

5 minutes ago, dgalehouse said:

Alex Bregman is a very good ballplayer. I would not put him in the SuperStar or future Hall of Famer category. The Sox are paying him an awful lot of money. Fenway is ideal for him and he does seem happy here.  I don't see any other team offering a contract that would make him want to opt out of what he has. 

  

Very good sir....that's how I feel. Certain parks enhance one's production and Fenway does that for many players.

I actually think both San Diego and San Francisco are tough hitters ball parks. (I've done no research on this)

[Jasonbay44]

17 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Pitching is the key.  The Yankees series demonstrated that.

Sure. But removing the guy from your lineup who leads the team in RBI, OBP, OPS, runs and home runs while acquiring 0 hitters who will help you this season isn’t a great winning strategy. 

[moonslav59]

4 minutes ago, Nick said:

I think Cora would go out of his way to shield/defend Devers as much as he could and I wouldn't disagree. I would like to think I have my players' back. I mean Devers is his baby. I think he feels the same way about Bello. You can only be hard on Bello as Cora has been if he wasn't the father figure in Bello's baseball life. 

I think most managers attempt to do this to various degrees and success.

I can see how a manager might sour, if he's repaid by said player loafing or dogging it.

[dannycater]

3 hours ago, Bellhorn04 said:

I suggest you calm down and cool it with the insults.  I'm just expressing my opinion, and there are others who feel the same as I do.  

I don't think he was being personal with you. Just my opinion. 

[Jasonbay44]

22 minutes ago, Hitch said:

This is the worry. I do trust that they now think the team is set for a while (in terms of the youth graduating and us being in a place to go for it) and that they will spend to add to this. Whether they get it right is a whole other matter. 

I mean I hope so, but hope hasn’t gotten us a whole lot the past few years 

[moonslav59]

2 minutes ago, dgalehouse said:

There are platoon possibilities for DH also. 

I have to think Refsnyder will DH vs LHPs, so Anthony can play RF vs LHPs, instead of sitting out- not growing and learning on the fly.

I might DH Duran vs most RHPs, so Anthony can play LF near FT. Maybe Anthony will DH a few games, himself.

Once Bregman returns, we could see some infielders cycling through the DH role, especially if Story, Mayer & Campbell have been hitting well between now and Breg's return.

If everyone is healthy and hitting well, we could still have a logjam, but it will be less pronounced with the DH slot open for overfill. (Then, there is Yoshida's return to consider.)

[FredLynn]

7 minutes ago, Jasonbay44 said:

Sure. But removing the guy from your lineup who leads the team in RBI, OBP, OPS, runs and home runs while acquiring 0 hitters who will help you this season isn’t a great winning strategy. 

No doubt this is a move to strengthen the team for the future.

So its "just wait 'till next year".

Again

[Kimmi]

14 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

The most piercing gazes will be directed at our run production. 😉

No doubt, though it's been sketchy a points throughout the season.

[Kimmi]

12 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I gotta think Anthony was wondering about still being in AAA, because the DH slot was not open for him, Duran and others who might open a roster slot for him.

Toro and Romy were probably happy they got their chance to play and prove they deserve to continue playing.

Losing Devers does open up some more roster flexibility.

[dgalehouse]

One thing for sure; as is customary with all former Red Sox players, we will now enter the Rafael Devers box score watch. Folks will be checking every night to see how Devers did. Then, they will report the results , be they good or bad, to us in an effort to either justify or condemn the trade. 

[moonslav59]

2 minutes ago, dgalehouse said:

One thing for sure; as is customary with all former Red Sox players, we will now enter the Rafael Devers box score watch. Folks will be checking every night to see how Devers did. Then, they will report the results , be they good or bad, to us in an effort to either justify or condemn the trade. 

The results will be good for many years to come, IMO.

[Nick]

13 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

The results will be good for many years to come, IMO.

I'm really going to be confused. Am I now rooting for the Dodgers, the Giants and the Padres and hate the Sox? lol

[dannycater]

My only problem with Devers was that he refused to speak English in interviews...I think he should have and should still learn the English language as so many others in all sports have done to better communicate with the mainstream media in the U.S. But other than that, I appreciated his career as a Sox and his talent and hitting. He was a part of the 18 Sox champs and I'm sad to see him go.

[Nick]

This one is for Moon.

Noah Song pitched 2 innings for Portland last night. 0 runs, 1 hit and 3 K's. He's 29 now. Maybe someone will write a song about him when he finally gets to the majors. Talk about never giving up.