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By Joey Copponi
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Boston Red Sox made headlines Monday as franchise cornerstone and longtime third baseman Rafael Devers spoke to the media rather candidly. The 28-year-old repeatedly told reporters that he plans to play third base and would not entertain the idea of being the team's designated hitter.
After the Red Sox acquired Alex Bregman last week, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and Red Sox manager Alex Cora spoke to Devers about transitioning to DH, a conversation which reportedly left the four-time All Star feeling blindsided. Tuesday, one of Boston's emerging stars weighed in on the issue in a press conference.
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"I think it's Raffy Devers' position. I think he's the third baseman," Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas told reporters, per video posted by 98.5 The Sports Hub's Tyler Milliken. "I think he's only getting better at that position. I think his defense is getting better every single year. We don't know what the future holds, but we know it holds Raffy Devers."
Casas has a long history of being outspoken, with his eccentric personality sometimes garnering as much publicity as his slugging ability. The 25-year-old did not mince words when it came to his opinion of his teammate.
"I think he's the best third baseman in the league. I wouldn't take anybody over him," Casas went on to say. "I think Bregman should play second (base)."
It is worth mentioning that since entering the majors in 2017, Rafael Devers ranks 103rd out of 103 third basemen in terms of Defensive Runs Saved with minus-62 (minimum 750 innings), racking up minus-9 DRS last season.
The decision ultimately does not fall on Casas, or Devers, or anyone on the Red Sox roster. Cora will have a tough decision to make and will have to weigh what gives the Red Sox the best chance of winning, while also listening to his players and not upsetting core members of a team that is set to have its best season in years.
More MLB: Red Sox Star 'Adamantly Against' Moving Positions After Alex Bregman Signs
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