Actions always speak louder than words.
Rafael Devers arrived in San Francisco seemingly ready to be a team player and try his hand at first base, but the ex-Red Sox third baseman has apparently not fulfilled that promise, apparently skipping out on a first base workout with a former Giants star.
“They don’t yet know what is gonna happen with the player. I was there the second day. Will Clark was there to work on ground balls with him at first base, and Raffy didn’t show up,” Red Sox play-by-play announcer Will Flemming said Monday on WEEI. “So, that’s the person that these guys have been dealing with for a long time.”
Clark, a six-time All-Star and Gold Glove first baseman with San Francisco in his playing days, gave his version of the story earlier in the week on his “Deuces Wild” podcast.
“Friday, Saturday, Sunday, he did not come out early, at all. Period, not all. In fact, he didn’t even hit on the field,” Clark said. “Everybody’s like, ‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry, Will. I’m so sorry.’”
It appears to be a continuation of the frustrating situation that played out for Devers in Boston this season, as the slugger was asked to give up his spot at the hot corner for newly acquired Alex Bregman and take on designated hitter duties.
“Third base is my position,’’ Devers said at Red Sox spring training in February. “That’s what I’ve played. I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear what my desires were, and yeah, whatever happens from here, I don’t know.”
When Boston later lost first baseman Triston Casas to injury, the team floated the idea of Devers playing first, which he quickly shut down, setting the stage for the blockbuster trade to the San Francisco in June.
Devers has played 20 games for the Giants, all as a designated hitter, adding two home runs and nine RBIs.
He’ll have to pick up the glove sooner or later — Clark is planning to make sure of it.
“But Rafael Devers, the next time I’m in San Francisco, your ass will be on the field at first base, just letting you know that,” Clark said. “Even if I gotta go grab you by the f–king back of the neck and drag your ass out there, you will be at first base.”