admin“I will definitely take the place so that no one can surpass the shortstop.”
Zander Bogarts (31, San Diego Padres) is determined to defend his starting shortstop. Before this season, Bogarts successfully signed a large free agent contract with San Diego for 11 years and 280 million dollars (approximately 365.6 billion won). Although San Diego already has top-notch shortstops in the major leagues, Fernando Tatis Jr. (24) and Kim Ha-seong (28), they also embraced Bogatz to strengthen their offense.
Position traffic control has already been completed. San Diego laid out the basic framework of the infield with third baseman Manny Machado (31), shortstop Bogatz, second baseman Kim Ha-seong, and first baseman Jake Cronenworth (29). Tatis Jr. will play in right field when he returns from suspension (taking prohibited drugs) at the end of April.
However, the reason why Bogatz is not relieved is because of the defense. The American sports media ‘The Athletic’ said on the 24th (Korean time), ‘Some rate Bogatz as the third best shortstop in San Diego. Ha-seong Kim was nominated for the Gold Glove final in the National League shortstop category last year, and Tatis Jr. boasted the strongest shoulder among major league fielders with the least error in the National League in 2021.
“Bogaerts won the Silver Slugger five times and earned a reputation as the best hitter among shortstops, but two years ago he was known as the weakest defensive fielder. Bogarts was only second-to-last among big-league shortstops in 2021 with a -11 OAA (a defensive metric that shows how many more outages than the league average),’ he added.
The nightmare of 2021 became the driving force for Bogatz to hit the FA jackpot this year. During the 2018 All-Star break, Bogarts worked with the Boston Red Sox coaches to strengthen the defense. He made fielding drills with the pitching machine a daily routine. This gave Bogatz the confidence to catch any ball. Since then, he’s been aggressive at handling ground balls, raising his OAA to 5 in 2022.
San Diego manager Bob Melvin said, “Bogaerts has no fear of handling the ball and his handling is fantastic. He is not afraid to step forward or step back and handle the ball. He is confident on defense now. This year, I think we will have the same defensive performance as last year.” 온라인카지노
Bogaerts is aiming to keep the shortstop title until the end of his 11-year contract. Because it is a crisis right now from next year. If Machado, the third baseman, decides to opt out for the next offseason, one should also consider the picture of Bogatz being pushed to the third base position. At this time, the analysis of the media is that the most threatening being is Kim Ha-seong.
“Bogaerts will be at an age where many shortstops will decline defensively next year,” The Athletic said. If Machado leaves the team, 2024 could put Bogatz in a situation where he has to switch positions. Bogatz is well aware of this fact. Now, Kim Ha-seong has moved to second base, but he is currently the most outstanding center infielder. Tatis Jr. may also try to return to the main position after a year, and Jackson Merrill, the best shortstop prospect, will not turn 20 until April.
Kim Ha-seong was not conscious of this situation and said, “Bogatz is a great player. Seeing his play and preparation method up close, I can understand why he plays for so much money. There are so many things to learn from him. Because he is a colleague with such a player. I’m happy,” he said.