Catching up with Kristian Campbell
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Alex Bregman could have eased into his new existence. Nope.
On that Friday when Bregman was formally introduced as a member of the Red Sox via an 8:30 a.m. press conference, the team's top three prospects - Kristian Campbell, Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer - decided to gather for a quick meal in the cafeteria.
Steak. Chicken. Rice. And ... Bregman.
The new Sox infielder walked over, sat down and started what would be an hour conversation with the three prospects.
"I wouldn’t say it took me by surprise, but it was definitely appreciated," Mayer recounted. "The guy just signed for $120 million and you don’t expect him to sit down and talk to three minor leaguers like that. We had a great talk. He already loves being here and he is super-excited about the future. It’s great seeing that caliber of player sit down and talk shop with us."
"I didn’t know what to expect because I had never met him before," Campbell added. "But he definitely exceeded expectations."
"He wants to win and he just wanted to make that known, kind of getting us on board and seeing where we were at," Anthony said. "Continue to push us and motivate us to get that. He wants to play with us, so it’s pretty motivating."
The talk ranged from preparation to approach to mindset. The trio of young players were transfixed, soaking in his player they had grown up watching and now were sharing a locker room with.
It had been just a few hours, but the Bregman Effect had taken root.
In the seven days the infielder has officially been a member of Red Sox, moments and impact like the one experienced by Campbell, Mayer and Anthony haven't been hard to find.
The promised presence of the 30-year-old has been noticed on the field, off the field and multiple gab sessions in the hitting cages. It is a dynamic that has become one of the more noticeable differences from last year to this one.
"What has been most impressive about his immediate interactions is that he has jumped right in and steered a lot of conversations to approach and things we’re looking for in Live BP. Turning it up and making it as game-like as we can. He has done a really good job of helping kick-start a lot of those conversations," said Red Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse. "Guys like that will feel more comfortable, but for him to come right in and start chopping it up has been great for us.
"He has this way about him that is confidence. He’s great. He’s willing to share. He likes to learn. He likes to ask questions. The confidence in walking up to guys on Day 1 and asking about their approach and what they’re looking for … I had always heard what a baseball rat he is, but you can tell he really appreciates all that aspect of the game."
As was the case when Justin Turner arrived two seasons ago, Bregman's influence isn't born from speeches or proclamations. It is one felt by simple organic baseball talk, along with the difference-making on-field actions, as well.
Examining fielding techniques with Rafael Devers. Talking turning double plays with Vaughn Grissom. Game-planning for live batting practice sessions with the rest of the Red Sox' lineup.
It was promised. And, so far, it has been delivered.
"It’s definitely different," said outfielder Rob Refsnyder, who joins Bregman, Masa Yoshida and Trevor Story has the only 40-man roster position players in their 30's. "A player like Alex, it’s incredible. He brings so much on the field, but off the field, as well. He really cares about everybody, how they’re doing, how they can improve, and how he can improve. There is ongoing conversations every day about pitch shapes, scouting reports. Every day it’s great.
"It’s what winning teams and cultures are all about. A lot of baseball conversations. He’s such an accomplished player and he cares about getting better and he cares about how other guys can get better. He has already shown to be a great leader. I really enjoy being around him. He has fit in so well. I feel very fortunate to be able to learn from his this year."