Red Sox: Rafael Devers is a ‘bad man’ and just getting more dangerous

As nauseating as it was for Boston Red Sox fans to see Xander Bogaerts in a San Diego Padres uniform, it had to be even more infuriating to envision what the lineup would look like   if the team paid both boogey and Rafael Devers.

In a 6-1 victory over Bogaerts and the Padres at Petco Park, the former Red Sox shortstop watched firsthand as Devers put on a show with two homers and 4 RBI to help the Sox take one against their old pal and teammate.

While James Paxton getting it done on the mound and limiting that potent Padres batting order, Devers showed just how dangerous he is at the plate by getting the best of Blake Snell.

Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers puts on a show in Petco Park

In the top of the second, it was a solo shot and then in the third, Devers blasted this three-run shot that had the Red Sox rolling and San Diego:

The 435-foot blast was exactly what Bogaerts was hoping his old teammate who he labeled “a dangerous guy” wouldn’t do in this series, but seeing him grow and take on the star role of the Red Sox is something the X man knows Devers is ready for.  Before the game, he complimented the player the Sox slugger is becoming.

"“It is [his team],” Bogaerts said prior to the game, via MLB.com.  “And I think he’s the perfect guy, perfect person for that.  He’s very dangerous when he’s up there, and obviously we know his defense is getting better every year and he wants to improve.  But his bat will make you pay big time.”"

Snell certainly knows that as well as pitching staffs around the MLB.  Leading the team with 13 homers, Devers hasn’t completely put it all together, but when he is hot, his bat can carry the lineup and simply win a game with one swing of a bat or in this case two swings of the bat.

While Bogaerts was all praise, Devers’ teammate appreciated the blast of offense.  Paxton, who pitched solid and got the win lauded the all-around talent of the Red Sox All-Star.

"“He’s awesome.  His swing is just amazing,” Paxton said following the game.  “He’s so good on offense and does a great job at third base, too, he’s just an all-around, fantastic player.  Fun to watch.”"

What has also been fun to watch is this team continue to win games and stay over .500.  In fact, take away a couple of sweeps at the hands of teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals and a 25-20 record would be even better.

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That doesn’t mean there aren’t flaws on the team, but it does show how much better a team can be with a dangerous hitter like Devers.  Eventually, however, they will need to surround him with more consistent support.  Along with the 13 homers, Devers has 44 RBIs which is also impressive given there aren’t any other feared hitters in the lineup.

Simply, Rafael Devers is a “bad man” in the words of Bogaerts and a player, when comfortable at the plate can carry this team along way or at least keep them interesting.