Despite relocating on the opposite end of the country, Xander Bogaerts still finds himself in a similar position as his old Red Sox teammates. Both Boston and San Diego are starting May with a 15-14 record and a few spots removed from the top of their divisions. However, the Padres’ up-and-down play isn’t the result of any issue on Bogaerts’ part.
“If we’re saying the whole package, yes” the ex-Red Sox SS told Rob Bradford on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast when asked if he’s a better player right now than he’s ever been. “Because experience, man, I’m telling you, it goes a long way.
“I’m not putting myself in the same sentence as David (Ortiz), but I just remember David toward the end of his career, when we’d watch video, he wouldn’t watch video because he knew what (opposing pitchers) were going to do. … His awareness and his knowing of what they wanted to do was off the charts. I’m not saying mine is the same, but with experience, you kind of get that.”
Xander Bogaerts talks being better than ever
Bogaerts can be modest all he wants, but he’s been electric for San Diego so far.
His .914 OPS is the second-highest he’s logged before May in a year that he’s logged at least 100 plate appearances through April 30. Same goes for his .303 average.
What’s more impressive: Bogaerts' six home runs before May 1 is the highest total he’s ever posted to open the season. On top of that, his 14.4% strikeout rate is the lowest mark he’s logged in the same time frame.
Imagine that? What would it be like to have a shortstop who can hit for power and average without striking out much?