X Leaves the Spot for San Diego: 11 years, $280M

[nighthob]

I think I was the one that launched the tempered expectations on Mayer. And Bogaerts is definitely a decent comp because the defensive differences will probably equal out the offensive ones (I don't know that Mayer ever has an OPS+ 130 season, but he also has better range than Bogie).

 

[Rovin Romine]

Which circles back to wondering why was there a need to sign Story to a 6/140 deal when they had to make a decision on X a year later *and* there were other holes to fill?

Because Xander had been average-at-best value at defense for 7 years, including the 2021 season? Because they thought Xander might opt out and would want to be paid as a SS?

Because Story was available at a good price at the end of the 2021 season? Because Story also agreed to start at 2B, which gave them options? And hedged against two big outcomes, like Xander or Devers going into FA?

 

[moondog80]

Which circles back to wondering why was there a need to sign Story to a 6/140 deal when they had to make a decision on X a year later *and* there were other holes to fill?

I've never been able to square "limited resources" with "let's pay 6/140 for a guy coming from Colorado and is the same age of our current SS who we apparently don't want to pay for his 31-35 year old seasons".

I’m not justifying every move they ever made, just saying that it makes sense to factor in farm system depth when deciding how to spend $$.

And yes, I think it’s pretty clear that Story was an opportunistic hedge against Xander leaving. For better or for worse.

 

[8slim]

I’m not justifying every move they ever made, just saying that it makes sense to factor in farm system depth when deciding how to spend $$.

And yes, I think it’s pretty clear that Story was an opportunistic hedge against Xander leaving. For better or for worse.

For sure. Like I said earlier, not trying to be contentious.

 

[moondog80]

For sure. Like I said earlier, not trying to be contentious.

Understood. Right back at ya.

 

[chawson]

"Why the Padres may ask Xander Bogaerts to move positions in 2024" (The Athletic)

https://theathletic.com/4979660/2023/10/20/padres-xander-bogaerts-position-change/

But team officials have talked among themselves about the possibility of asking Bogaerts to move to the right side of the infield — an eventual scenario that was discussed as early as last offseason, when the Padres were still courting the four-time All-Star. His debut in San Diego included mixed metrics; Bogaerts tallied three outs above average but also minus-four defensive runs saved. Statcast rated his arm strength among shortstops in the bottom 24th percentile.

Bogaerts acknowledged it had been a more grueling season than most. Although he did not mention it, the top-heavy nature of the roster likely contributed to some second-half fatigue. Bogaerts started each of the Padres’ first 31 games before receiving his first full game off; his previous high to begin a season was 17 consecutive starts, in 2014. He finished the season with his most innings in the field since 2019.

Bogaerts, if he must move to the right side of the infield, would prefer second base over first base. But some in the organization believe the best defensive setup would have Machado at third, Kim at shortstop, Cronenworth at second and Bogaerts at first.