Alex Bregman reacts to Rafael Devers' comments
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Monday's Rafael Devers press conference - in which he made it abundantly clear he had no intention of not playing third base - led to plenty of Tuesday conversation.
And until some definition emerges regarding the lineup alignment involving both Devers and newly-acquired Alex Bregman that buzz is only going to continue.
That reality was put on full display thanks in part to Triston Casas' take on the entire situation.
"I think it's Raffy Devers’ position,” Casas said. “I think he's the third baseman. He's done it for a really long time now. And I think he's only getting better at that position. I think his defense is getting better every single year. We don't know what the future holds, but we know it holds Raffy Devers.
“So I think he's got to play defense. It's going to keep him athletic and he's going to hit because of him being at third base. He doesn't know any other position. He doesn't want to play any other position. And he's going to fight for it, even if it's with any of the younger guys, any new guy.”
So, what about Bregman?
“I think Bregman should play second, yeah. I think he's going to make the transition well -- I think he's athletic enough to,” Casas said. “And I think Trevor [Story] is going to play an awesome shortstop.”
Then there is the fallout Bregman does move to second base, leaving an uncertain path to the majors for top prospect Kristian Campbell. Casas had thoughts on the potential plan for Campbell - along with fellow youngsters Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony - as well.
"I think we’ve got some grown men out there right now that need to iron some things out," Casas said. "We need to show up and see what that first taste of us all together looks like. I think their time is going to come, and it could be earlier rather than later, but I think for right now, the roster is beautiful. It's organized great, and it's structured really well."
Then there were the thoughts from the player whose presence has set off the Devers discussion, Bregman.
Fortunately for the Red Sox, it appears Devers and his new teammate are getting along swimmingly, exchanging ideas in the workouts while spending time together at Alex Cora's house Monday night.
It also helps that Bregman is saying all the right things.
"I’m super excited to just be his teammate," Bregman said. "He’s a great player. I think everybody in this clubhouse is worried about winning and whatever it takes to help the team win is all I’m focused on. I’ll play wherever AC tells me to play."
He continued, "I think everybody here has the right mentality right now. Everybody here in camp is focused on getting prepared for the season and getting ready to win games. We’re working extremely hard. Everybody is getting their work done every single day and getting prepared for the season. I think we’re doing a really good job of that so far through two days now."
Devers isn't scheduled to start his on-field defensive work until Monday, with the Red Sox kicking off their spring training schedule Friday against Northeastern.