Baby - Faced Bomber

Bean - Town's New Third Baseman Rafael Devers Is En Fuego

- Dave Sliepka

“Carita”

You may have seen that name on the back of his jersey during Players Weekend in September. In Spanish it translates to “little face”, or the looser translation “Baby Face.” Rafael Devers was born in the Dominican Republic in October of 1996. That’s correct, he doesn’t turn 21 until after the regular season ends, and his face proves it. Big, round cheeks surround that constant smile on his face since his call-up in late July. The Kid would be a great nickname, but that was taken all the way to the Hall of Fame by Ken Griffey Jr. So Carita will have to do.

The 2016 Red Sox Minor League Defensive Player of the Year has been making a name for himself at the plate. He is batting over .300 with more than a hit per game, a homer in every 4.5 games, and an RBI almost every-other game. This is even a better pace than at his minor league stops in Portland and Pawtucket earlier this year.

Great performance for a call-up, but bad news for those who would wish him for Rookie of The Year. While eligible in at bats, and games on the active roster, he just won’t have the totals to pass judgement. Or pass Aaron Judge numbers either.