Ex-Red Sox Star Critical Of New Team During Unexpected Skid
The Boston Red Sox were faced with a difficult decision this past offseason, letting one of their best homegrown talents of the century hit free agency. Months later, neither side appears too thrilled with what has ensued.
Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts hit the free-agent market and was ready to sign the biggest contract of his life. While the Red Sox expressed interest in retaining his talents, the San Diego Padres eventually came in with an offer that Bogey couldn't refuse.
An 11-year, $280 million deal sent the former face of the Red Sox to sunny San Diego for, what would seem to be, the rest of his career.
On paper, the Padres had assembled a super team. Bogaerts would join forces with former All-Stars Juan Soto, Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Jake Cronenworth to represent one of the most intimidating lineups in Major League Baseball.
But the games aren't played on paper.
As we near the midway point of the 2023 season, the Padres have a record of 37-41, placing them out of the postseason race and in fourth place in the National League West division. They have now lost five of their last seven games and most recently dropped a series at home to the lowly Washington Nationals.
That didn't sit well with the newcomer Bogaerts.
“C’mon, man. We’re playing the Nationals,” Bogaerts told reporters Sunday at Petco Park, according to The Athletic's Dennis Lin. ”I don’t think they have playoff aspirations. I mean, they have a young team and they fight. They do fight. But I wouldn’t say anyone picked the Nationals to be in the playoffs. So, you have to beat the teams that you have to beat.”
I respect Bogey being vocal about the slow start for the Padres, even though he's one of the newest faces in that clubhouse.
This is a huge reason why they gave him such a long deal, even though he's already in his thirties. Bogaerts' leadership qualities are second to none, and when your team is underperforming this poorly, giving your teammates a kick in the butt is warranted.
However, I would be stunned if the Padres don't go on a run soon. They simply have too much talent on the roster to be a sub-.500 team for the rest of the season.
I do wonder though if any part of Bogaerts is wishing he had stayed in Boston. Money talks, but those relationships he created with the players and Red Sox fans may be hard to top.
Meanwhile, Boston has been cycling through shortstops on a seemingly weekly basis.
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