Red Sox Worry: Rafael Devers' Impact; Speculation about Pope's Allegiance to White Sox or Cubs, Explored Further
Ranting about Devers' Stubbornness
Rafael Devers, buddy, it's time for a wake-up call.
This offseason, the Boston Red Sox finally decided to build a championship team with deep pockets and some big-name acquisitions to fill critical gaps in their roster. The season hasn't been a walk in the park, but one is causing more headaches than it should.
Enter a certain Mr. Devers.
The major hurdle Boston faced was convincing this guy that giving up third base duties to Alex Bregman and transitioning into a DH role was beneficial. Frankly, it gave me a panic attack, worrying that the Sox's first good team in years would implode before it even began.
Thankfully, things worked out, and I could breathe easy...for a while.
Sure, they've been okay (even managing to lose three games to the Chicago White Sox, grumble). But Devers' drama is back, and this time, it's worse.
After the Red Sox-Rangers game on Thursday, Devers was asked if he'd consider playing first base—a position the Sox really need help with. You won't believe his response—he flat-out refused.
Come on, Raffy!
With a salary of $27 million a season for the next nine years (starting now), he's making a fortune simply coming to the plate four times a game to try to get a hit and then heading back to the bench. Why on earth act like a brat about playing first base?
Enough with the attitude, man!
I want this Red Sox team to succeed, and I am positive that it can return to October and do some damage. But Devers' oversized ego threatens to sabotage that dream. We need him — minus the drama.
The New Pope's Mysterious MLB Allegiances
Is Pope Leo XIV, the Chicago-native who recently was elected Pope, a die-hard Chicago White Sox or Cubs fan? The debate has been settled, but not in the way you might think.
One thing we do know is that he will be the new Pope of the Catholic Church, and he is the first American-born man to be chosen for the position.
Chicago baseball teams clamored to claim his allegiance for their own, but the mystery remains: Is he a White Sox or Cubs fan?
Initially, ABC reported that he was a Cubs fan, but an interview with Chicago's WGN News revealed that his brother John emphatically denied claims that he was a Northside team supporter. ABC even admitted their mistake—once again, just like in any other MLB season, right?
Frankly, the White Sox could use some divine intervention at this point, given their dismal performance in the recent happenings on the field. Perhaps the new Pope could help turn things around?
Let's hope so.
"Heavenly Father, please grant us your presence at today's mass, and let the White Sox stop being a source of embarrassment to us loyal fans. We need you."
A Fan's Miraculous Recovery
The fan who fell 20 feet from a wall at PNC Park, Kavan Markwood, continues to recover from his traumatic fall.
Despite suffering a brain injury, a broken spine, broken ribs, and lung damage, Markwood remains hopeful, although in significant pain. He joked with TribLive.com that he'd "put ice on it" when asked about his injuries.
I wish Markwood all the best, and here's to a full recovery. He seems like a truly great guy.
Quick Bits from the MLB
- A legendary Yankees fan managed an incredible catch with his toddler daughter on his shoulders.
- Cedanne Rafaela, the Red Sox's center fielder, made a critical play in the 9th inning against the Texas Rangers this week.
- Comedian Zoltan Kaszas gave a hilarious and insightful analysis of why baseball should regain its position as America's favorite pastime.
- Despite the Sox's first baseman Rafael Devers' initial reluctance to consider the position, his solid hitting skills could make a case for him to pick up the role, helping the team in its critical need for improvements.
- In a surprising twist, Devers, known for his huge salary, might find himself playing first base more often, where he could perhaps demonstrate a new level of commitment to the team.
- Maybe, after seeing Devers' refusal to play first base and the team's struggles, Simmons will create an MLB highlights segment featuring some spectacular plays by lesser-known Sox players, bypassing the drama and focusing on the game itself.
- As the new Pope, Leo XIV, born in Chicago, remains tight-lipped about his baseball team allegiances, fans everywhere are hoping that he will offer a miraculous turnaround for their respective teams, whether it's the White Sox or the Cubs.
- With the baseball season in full swing and rumors of Devers potentially surrendering his third base position for the sake of the team, the MLB world awaits to see if he can rise above the drama and help the Red Sox secure a spot in the playoffs.
