Gedman: Devers a natural at plate
Paw Sox hitting coach impressed with Devers’ approach, quick hands
PAWTUCKET – Small sample sizes have long been the enemy of the baseball community. With that in mind, Rich Gedman’s in-game look at Rafael Devers in a Paw Sox uniform lasted a mere nine games and 35 at-bats.
What did the .400 batting average that Devers posted in Triple-A tell Gedman? That the 20-year-old has an approach that plays and is effective – regardless of the level.
“He had a really good middle-of-the-field approach. Without revealing too much, it allows him to see the ball longer. That in turn allows him to recognize pitches a lot better,” Gedman said. “His hands are very quick, but it goes back to seeing and recognizing pitches and swinging at strikes.”
It didn’t take Gedman long to agree with the scouting report on Devers from Double-A Portland. What Gedman relayed to Red Sox hitting coach Chili Davis and assistant hitting coach Victor Rodriguez was pretty much spot-on with the assessment the Sea Dogs sent to McCoy Stadium.
“The approach he has allows all those other things to fall into place without having to think about things too much,” Gedman said. “He’s not a guy who has to pull the ball. If it happens, it happens. He doesn’t try to force the issue.”
Other than friendly reminders, Gedman stood back and let Devers do his thing. There was no need to correct or complicate a situation that on the surface was far from broken.
“Just remind him to stay with what’s made him successful,” was what Gedman would tell Devers, “but if you need to make an adjustment, it goes back to your base. He did not bite on the breaking ball or fish for the high fastball.”
Asked if Devers was the type of ballplayer who is fanatical when it comes to getting to the ballpark early for extra hitting, Gedman said the youngster has routine that suits him.
“He was quality, not quantity. He has his drills that he did. He knows what he’s looking for and that’s it,” Gedman said. “He just played. He wasn’t doing something to impress you. He played the game.”
Devers wasn’t with the Paw Sox for very long. To Gedman, plenty could be gleaned from a phenomenon that was akin to a quick-hitting storm passing through town.
“He really did a nice job in a short period of time of being true to himself,” Gedman said. “When he stays within his approach and swings at pitches in the strike zone, he’s unbe- lievable. The neat part was that he didn’t make it complicated,” Gedman said.
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On the same day, the Red Sox elevated Sam Kennedy to CEO of club and Fenway Sports Group, which has an ownership stake in the PawSox, he was asked at Fenway Park about the Pawtucket- to- Worcester rumors and whether Pawtucket-based ballpark remains a viable option.
"I know the hope is to stay in Rhode Island and stay in Pawtucket and it sounds like the mayor of Pawtucket is committed to making that happen," Kennedy told MassLive.com. "So now it's up to Larry (Lucchino, PawSox chairman) and (Pawtucket mayor Don Grebien) and the city and state to make the deal. Red Sox would like to like to see them stay in Rhode Island, it's such a great fan base."
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EXTRA BASES: The first pitch of Wednesday’s game was thrown at 8:30 as the Paw Sox and the Chiefs waited through a one-hour, 25-minute rain delay. … Pawtucket was looking to snap a three-game losing skid against a Syracuse outfit that entering play was 315 against the Paw Sox this season. … Joe Kelly’s rehab appearance on Wednesday was expected to last one inning with a maximum of 20 pitches. On Boston’s disabled list with a left hamstring strain, Kelly wouldn’t be called upon in the middle of an inning. Per manager Kevin Boles, the hardthrowing righthander would start an inning. … Wednesday’s lineup did feature a last-minute substitution as outfielder Anuery Tavarez was scratched for reasons unknown. Tavarez was scheduled to hit leadoff and play right field. He’s now missed three of the past four games. … Brian Johnson (left shoulder inflammation) tossed a bullpen session. The lefthander remains on track to come off the disabled list to start Saturday’s game in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. … Lefty reliever Robby Scott was in the Paw Sox clubhouse but still needs to be added to the roster. That could happen as soon as Wednesday. … For the second straight game, the Paw Sox featured a roster that included 15 position players. … Blake Swihart (left ankle inflammation) ran the bases in Fort Myers, Fla. on Wednesday. If he checks out fine, he could serve as the designated hitter for the Red Sox’ Gulf Coast affiliate on Thursday. … With 45 stolen bases, Pawtucket ranks third from the bottom in the International League. “We’ve got to pick our spots, but we’ve got to make sure the matchup is right,” Boles said. “We want guys to take chances.” … The series (and the homestand) with the Chiefs wraps up Thursday with a noontime contest. Shawn Haviland (6-6, 3.88) starts for Pawtucket.