It's now been almost twenty days since the Yankees acquired Alex Verdugo in a (rare) transaction with the Boston Red Sox. The outfielder, who in the past has not been shy about criticizing the Yankees and their fans, finally headed to the Bronx.
Everyone forgot about him 24 hours later due to the arrival of Juan Soto, but Verdugo is indeed a member of the Yankees heading into 2024.
It took a little time, but the former bearded man finally spoke to the New York media for the first time, and during his very first press briefing, Verdugo took the opportunity to… settle scores with Alex Cora .
Obviously.
In fact, Verdugo explained that he was happy to now “play for a manager who defends his players.” He insisted on the fact that Aaron Boone is excellent at this level, and even if he didn't say it, we understand that it is intended as a clear message to Cora, with whom he did not have the best relationship.
We'll come back for maturity, in any case.
And clearly, the comments of Dugie did not pass through Boston. Jonathan Papelbon, who is not exactly known for having his tongue in his pocket, did not hesitate to pick it up via his account X.
I won't repeat the term he chose to use, but clearly, he doesn't seem to have a ton of respect for him…and he wouldn't hesitate to hit him if he had to face him on the mound.
And as if it wasn't enough to attack his former manager, Verdugo even added a layer by talking a little about the lack of aggressiveness of the Red Sox over the last two years. He felt that the club was one or two resources away from being competitive, but the management did not seek reinforcement.
He's not entirely wrong… but was it really necessary to add another layer?
If we rely on Papelbon's comments, we can suspect that Verdugo's comments did not suit the Red Sox, and clearly, I expect to see him get booed copiously when he visits at Fenway Park.
He's used to playing the role of the villain, though.
But if it can breathe new life into the rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees, which has been losing some steam in recent years, it might not be such a bad thing in the end…
