Rafael Devers has appeared in two games as a new member of the San Francisco Giants and is already making his presence felt with a double and an RBI. Although he has not yet hit a home run for his new team, Devers faces the challenge of adjusting to a new ballpark after spending much of his career elsewhere. To aid in this transition, he is turning to Giants icon Barry Bonds for guidance.
Attempting to Connect with a Baseball Legend for Guidance
Devers wants to learn from Bonds, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. Bonds spent 15 seasons in San Francisco, hitting 586 home runs and maintaining a .312 batting average while dominating the game. According to reporter Chris Cotillo, Devers has yet to establish a direct connection with Bonds but plans to build rapport gradually.
I haven’t had the courage to talk to him,
Devers admitted.
I’m going to work on it slowly so that I become very comfortable with him and he becomes very comfortable with me.
—Rafael Devers
Adapting to the Unique Challenges of Oracle Park
The transition from Fenway Park to Oracle Park presents significant adjustments, especially for a hitter like Devers. Fenway is known for its tall left field wall, which has been favorable for Devers’ doubles, but Oracle’s dimensions contrast sharply. While right field near the line at Oracle is short, the wall’s height and its outward angle quickly increase the distance needed to homer, requiring a different approach.
Oracle Park is notoriously difficult for left-handed hitters to rack up home runs. According to Statcast’s Park factors, it ranks as the second toughest venue for lefties in this regard, only behind Kauffman Stadium, home of the Royals.
Looking Ahead: Devers’ Potential Impact with Bonds’ Mentorship
With Barry Bonds’ mentorship, Rafael Devers aims to unlock power and consistency at Oracle Park, mastering its unique features and ultimately sending more balls into McCovey Cove. The veteran’s expert advice could prove crucial as Devers adapts his hitting style to thrive in his new home stadium and contribute significantly to the Giants’ offense moving forward.