In any media environment, particularly within sports, the role of translators comes with an insurmountable challenge. They aim to convey all the points made by players but typically have to do so concisely due to contemporary media demands.
I’m starting this piece with that caveat to state that if any of Rafael Devers’ remarks today, when he was questioned about potentially switching to first base, are being misinterpreted or have gotten lost in translation, responsibility for that does not lie with the original statements.
Red Sox
Rather than being due to the translation team, this is merely an unfortunate aspect inherent to the profession as it stands today.
All of that being said, one particular 20-second clip has been circulating on Twitter, with the implication from many that Rafael Devers’ translator did not correctly convey the meaning of Devers’ words. This is not necessarily the case, and this clip is often being spread without a lot of context.
Here’s precisely what Devers stated in that segment (both in English and Spanish).
Firstly, after what happened with Casas, they came at me. I know I’m a player, but I can’t play every position just like everyone else doesn’t adapt to one specific role either. If I were to play first base, you should know that I wouldn’t be able to jump right into it.
So when it comes to Casas, he approached me, and I realize that I am indeed versatile, yet I cannot take on every role. I lack the ability to adjust my game to fit into various positions as seamlessly as some other players do. Should I step onto the field initially, everyone should understand that I will not be playing immediately.
In the context of that clip, people were largely overreacting on Twitter and spreading some inadequately translated responses. But, the context after that clip — and in the clarifying questions asked afterward — does show that Devers is clearly annoyed.
Continuation of quote:
But their decision wasn’t good; they came towards me, and I’m not sure why now. They themselves removed me from my position and told us we would say that I threw away my glove, that I wouldn’t play that position anymore, which makes no sense for them to ask me to go back.
But that doesn’t seem like a wise choice to me; honestly, I’m unsure why it happened at this time. Should they remove me from my role… where I wouldn’t be playing my usual position anymore—it would be absurd to expect me to take up another one.
This reveals Devers’ emotions regarding the decision and his first response, indicating that he is genuinely irritated. However, his frustration doesn’t stem from being assigned various tasks by management; rather, it comes from the situation where after agreeing to take on a new role for two months, management is now pushing for another change.
Later, he explained that from his point of view, Alex Cora wasn’t involved in making this particular decision. He had discussed the changes solely with the management team, likely referring to Craig Breslow. His annoyance stemmed from the fact that Breslow used to be a baseball player himself, so he should understand how challenging it is for an athlete to switch positions. The speaker believes that changing roles isn’t something one can easily demand, as playing baseball differs significantly from sports like basketball.
Haz tu trabajo, busca otro jugador, entrégate al mercado; pienso que esta será la mejor decisión para aprender a desempeñarte en un nuevo rol… Sí, porque ellos carecen de palabra ya que cambiaron mi posición y aún así me brindaron su confianza asegurando que eso no volvería a ocurrir, pero resulta que tampoco cumplen sus promesas.
They have to fulfill their responsibilities, which involves finding another player. So, they will enter the transfer market, and I believe this would be the wisest choice as it allows them to adapt to their new roles. Indeed, since they did not honor their commitments—having asked me to switch positions after assuring me it wouldn’t happen again—they failed to stick to their promises.
Essentially, the front office needs to handle their responsibilities, and he will manage his own.
He called things ugly multiple times, but it seemed to be more in the context of it would probably look ugly if he played first, not that it would be ugly for him to take on the role or switch up again.
He concluded the interview by mentioning his stubborn streak and indicated that he likely won’t alter his stance on the matter, particularly since he has already made one switch during the current season.
Absolutely, he is irritated about this situation; moving up isn’t what he wants either. However, he has mentioned that deciding whether they should advance rests with the management team rather than being an issue for the athletes to resolve themselves.
He concluded the interview with a somewhat veiled criticism toward Breslow, saying, “The next thing you know, someone might get injured in the outfield, and they’ll want me to play out there,” yet he emphasized that his relations within the locker room and with the team’s leadership remain positive. He also expressed contentment with his current position and responsibilities.
This is how I aim to clarify details and ensure accurate information circulates, though you’re welcome to interpret this interview however you see fit.
