By any statistical measure — as well as the eye test — the Red Sox were a poor defensive team in 2023. Beyond the number of errors committed, the team too often failed to convert balls in play into outs.
For the Red Sox to fare better in 2024, they’ll need to tighten things up defensively and Trevor Story — inarguably, the best defender on the team last year — believes that can be done.
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“It’s no secret we struggled defensively last year and I think, as the shortstop, I take a lot of pride in our defense as a whole, but obviously, (especially) in the infield,’’ Story said on the latest episode of the Fenway Rundown. “And we made it a point throughout the offseason to touch base with each other and we’ve set goals that we would be a Top 10, or a Top 5 defense. And I think it’s something real that we can do.”
Some improvement will have to come from Rafael Devers at third base, who was prone to fielding slumps, with errors sometimes committed in bunches.
“With Raffie, he’s a guy that’s so talented and I think little details can go a long way for him,’’ Story said. “He’s very in tune with those and we talk about them often. No one wants to be better than him at third base. (The inconsistency) is similar to hitting; we have to have short memories in this game because a lot of times, it’s not gonna go good for you. So as long as he is prepared and he feels like ‘Mentally, I’m there for each pitch,’ and then an error happens, you can live with that.
“But, for me, I think, it’s the one that kind of catches you by surprise or you weren’t ready on time — those are the ones that kind of eat at you a little bit and can kind of pile up.”
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To Story’s left will be rookie Vaughn Grissom, who came up as a shortstop, but will be learning second base on the fly.
“He’s a super athletic kid,” said Story. “I think he’s got a chance to be really good. He’s dealing with little health issues (with his left hamstring) right now. But I’m looking forward to just getting out there and getting familiar and we’ve already done a little bit of that, back in Texas (when Story hosted Red Sox infielders in January). When I moved to play second for that (2022) year, it was just being athletic, not trying to overthink it and make the play and move on.
“You don’t have to be super technical about it. Obviously, there’s fundamentals to it, but, use your strength and for him, his athleticism (will help).”
