When the Red Sox acquired Jose Iglesias, the immediate thoughts for those who had followed the shortstop was that this was a step in the right direction when it came to fixing the team's defensive woes.
It had been eight years, but plays like the one he made in the 2013 American League Championship Series still defined Iglesias in many corners of baseball.
But 2021 has not been kind to Iglesias when it comes to the defensive side of things. Remarkably, Iglesias has the worst rate when it comes to Defensive Runs Saved (minus-22) of any position player in baseball.
It was a reminder that was offered during the infielder's introductory meeting with the media a Fenway Park Tuesday afternoon.
Question: "You're one of the best defensive shortstops that any of us have ever seen. This year your defensive numbers are actually really bad. What is the explanation?"
Answer: "It's fair. It's fine. The numbers are not there. Not to find excuses, but energy has a lot to do with it. For me, I'm not concerned at all. Zero concerned about my defense or my stats on defense. It's something I definitely have to improve number-wise. But I know it's all about energy for me."
When asked to clarify if "energy" was in relation to playing in front of bigger crowds and such, Iglesias added, "Not necessarily. Just be in the moment. Feel connected and play for something. I like to play for something."
He added, "I guess it's for everybody. It's not easy, but it helps. And playing for an organization like this, putting on a uniform like this, getting to play with players like I have in this organization, it's a big responsibility for me to represent such a great organization. I don't take it for granted. I work very hard each and every day to get better. Every time I go up there it's a unique situation I'm very happy to be part of."
Iglesias figures to serve as the primary fill-in for Xander Bogaerts until the starter comes back from his COVID quarantine. But the 31-year-old also figures to get time at second base, a position he hasn't previously manned in the big leagues. In fact, Iglesias hasn't played another spot in the majors since manning third base with the Red Sox eight years ago.
"It's special," he said of his return. "I'm very to be back where I call home. The organization that got me to where I'm at today. I'm just here to help the team any way I can. Just take it one day at a time and continue to enjoy."
