Rafael Devers

[John1941]

Originally Posted by jayshum

It's one thing to work on a new position in spring training. It's a lot different to try to learn a new position at the major league level with no prior experience there on a team that wants to win games. Also, from looking at Devers defensive numbers at third base, he doesn't appear to be a gifted defender to start with. Even if it is the "least demanding position" on the field, it's not as simple as it sounds as indicated by the quotes in the article from the Red Sox manager, Alex Cora.

Agree. Even if first base is the easiest fielding position, that doesn't mean it's easy - you're still fielding a key big league position. I'm sure Devers could learn to play 1b given adequate time - but to expect him to learn on the job is asking a lot, and he's no defensive wizard.

I'm a great believer in teams not trying to ask too much of their players. If you ask a player to do more than they're capable of, you can seriously mess them up.