Xander Bogaerts was giddy while discussing his offseason preparation back in January. The 22-year-old’s enthusiasm has only grown throughout spring training.
Bogaerts, who worked out in Arizona over the winter, has said he feels stronger than ever as he prepares to enter his sophomore season with the Boston Red Sox. The hard work already has been reflected in his offensive performance this spring, and the young shortstop is confident his defense isn’t far behind.
“It might take some time,” Bogaerts told the Providence Journal on Wednesday in Fort Myers, Fla. “Rome wasn’t built in one day. Just hopefully it doesn’t take that long.”
Bogaerts’ rookie campaign was underwhelming, both offensively and defensively. His confidence wavered, and it was apparent the Red Sox signing shortstop Stephen Drew — in turn moving Bogaerts to third base — messed with the highly touted prospect’s head. After all, failure hadn’t been part of Bogaerts’ minor league career.
But Bogaerts is both hopeful and optimistic going into 2015. He’s unquestionably the team’s starting shortstop, and the Red Sox’s coaching staff is pleased with his progress leading up to Opening Day.
“It’s evident to everybody that he’s worked extremely hard,” Red Sox third base coach/infield instructor Brian Butterfield told the Providence Journal. “Anticipation is such a key ingredient. You couple the work he’s done with anticipating, and he’s going to have more range and he’s going to take away more hits.”
Bogaerts even worked with second baseman Dustin Pedroia while out in Arizona. The two still are working to improve their rapport in the middle of Boston’s infield, but there have been several encouraging signs this spring. There’s a growing sense of comfort stemming from the extra work.
“Being over there, having a firsthand look at him in the offseason, being around him for a few days was definitely beneficial,” Bogaerts said. “I feel much more comfortable, more used to it.”
The hype surrounding Bogaerts reached incredible heights last spring on the heels of the Red Sox’s 2013 World Series win. This year is a different story, though Bogaerts’ expectations are as high as ever.
Thumbnail photo via Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports Images
