Xander Bogaerts Waves Off Padres Recent Losses, Points Out Talent of Opponents

He is happy to just compete.

Even though Xander Bogaerts has been producing at an incredible level, he doesn't like seeing the rest of his teammates get ripped in the process. He is currently leading the San Diego Padres in hits with 25, runs with 12, and home runs with four. 

And even though he is the new guy in town, he is carrying the bulk of the offensive load. One could seriously question just how bad the Padres' record would be right now if he wasn't off to such a hot start.

The point of San Diego's front office going all-in with all this slugging power was so that way if one guy had an off-night, the team wouldn't even feel it. However, the pitch clock butterflies seems to be getting the best of Manny Machado and Juan Soto right now and Fernando Tatis Jr. is still a few days away from returning.

But the Padres have lost some big games to the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves recently and fans been expecting better against two squads that are also contending. Bogaerts shared his thoughts on their recent performances.

“We’re playing some tough teams right out of the gate,” said Bogaerts, who was 2-for-4 and is batting .362 on the season. “Go on the road, Atlanta, Mets; come back and (have) Milwaukee and Atlanta. Let’s be honest, those are really good teams that also have expectations.”

(Via The San Diego-Union Tribune)

However, a good leader is also able to hold his teammates accountable and Bogaerts will have to do so if his teammates continue their dry spell.