If “alignment” was the buzzword of the Red Sox president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s post-trade videoconference on Monday night, then Rafael Devers’ media availability on Friday was Don’t turn around; you’re not headed in that direction.
In his new home dugout at Oracle Park, San Francisco’s new slugger spoke to reporters (along by a translator) hours before his first game against the team he had played for since he was sixteen. Throughout the 12-minute press conference, Devers insisted he didn’t want to discuss the past, even going so far as to include it in his responses to over half a dozen questions.
When questioned if the move was what he wanted, he underlined that it was in the past and stated he wasn’t surprised by it. I have no influence over those choices, and I’m putting them behind me for the time being.
When questioned if there was anything that might have been done to mend the broken relationship, he gave a similar response.
Devers stated, “I really don’t want to talk about it.” I want to focus on what is ahead for myself.
The deliberate uncoupling of Devers and the Red Sox last Sunday has been the subject of much discussion. There are two parties to blame: Devers for his actions in front of the media and behind the scenes with the front office, and the Red Sox for not being upfront with him prior to signing third baseman Alex Bregman.
Devers made references to his dissatisfaction with the Red Sox’s treatment of him on Friday. Specifically, when Triston Casas sustained his season-ending injury on May 2, they ordered him to learn first base after switching him from third base to designated hitter during spring training. He said, “Yes,” when asked if he would have agreed to study first base if the Red Sox had brought it up during the first position-change discussion during spring training.
“I think I feel like I have earned some respect, and I would say that I put some good numbers over at Boston,” Devers said. And I would have played first base if they had asked me at the start of spring training.
Devers returned to his original remark when asked if he felt insulted by the Red Sox in general.
He said, “What happened, happened.” I don’t want to discuss the past, as I already stated. All I want to focus on are my new friends and squad.
Because Thursday was a day off for the Red Sox, he also got to see some of his old teammates.
“Seeing them so soon is a little odd,” Devers remarked. We’re pals. Regardless of what transpired, they remain my pals.
Though he had kept his remarks upbeat, he had not spoken to Alex Cora, who had managed him for six of his eight major league seasons.
I have nothing positive or negative to say about Alex. He remarked, “I just want to put everything behind me.” I shall greet him. I mean, I have nothing against him; we’re buddies. We’re pals.
Reports that Devers was irritated when rookie Kristian Campbell started learning first base were also briefly addressed. (On Friday, Campbell denied the reports to reporters in Triple-A Worcester.)
Devers stated, “I didn’t say anything like that.” I really don’t want to discuss it; I simply want to focus on my future plans.
One of the main reasons the Red Sox traded Devers was his reluctance to pick up a new position in the middle of the season. He then started working out at first base for the Giants on Tuesday after declaring during his introductory press conference in San Francisco that he would play wherever the team desired. (During this weekend’s matchup, the Giants do not intend to start him.)
It’s not a position that you’re going to learn how to play overnight, Devers said, alluding to the notorious clubhouse fracas when he talked about the Red Sox approaching him about changing positions. “I’m feeling comfortable,” he said.
Devers claimed that after a tough week and a few busy days, he felt completely at home in his new environment. He claimed that he hadn’t felt this pleased about his career in a long time, but he wouldn’t go into further detail.
He said, “I don’t know how to explain it.” I’ve been content. I’m at ease.
Have regrets? No, apparently. When Devers was with the Red Sox, he did things his way and declared he would not alter a thing, to paraphrase Frank Sinatra.
Devers had a message for Red Sox Nation, despite his apparent insistence on ending his Boston chapter.
“Every time I took the field, I gave it my all,” he added. I would like to express my gratitude to the fans who helped me along the way.
