Look, we all say things we regret. But as we await the return of Trevor Story, it’s not about what Story said – or what he admitted. It’s about the action.

Or, perhaps, the inaction.

Signed by the Red Sox to a six-year, $140 million after the lockout that preceded the 2022 season, Story joined the Red Sox last spring. He did so while agreeing to play second base for his first season in Boston, making his intentions quite clear when the Red Sox introduced him to the masses during the preseason.

“At the end of the day, what it came down to, as I’ve been saying my whole career, it’s about winning,” Story told reporters in March 2022. “I felt that this was a really good fit for me to play second this year on this team, on the Red Sox, and that’s really what it came down to.”

This year. On this team. Presumably, that meant the 2022 Red Sox and only the 2022 Red Sox.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 17: Trevor Story #10 of the Boston Red Sox throws to first base during the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park on June 17, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)

Consider: during a Q&A with reporters over the weekend, when the sides discuss Trevor Story’s return, Story was asked when it became clear that he would be the Red Sox’ shortstop in the wake of Xander B0ogaerts’ departure via free agency. If the answer doesn’t concern you, it should.

“It’s been an ongoing discussion, you know, because obviously there’s a possibility of coming back to play second at an earlier time, but I think, you know … I was very, I guess, expressive [about] in where I wanted to play and where I think I can still play at a high level. That’s what it came down and we were all on the same page there. So yeah, it was pretty simple.”

Before we go any further, here’s the audio of that actual exchange:

• Now, a couple of things here: first, for someone who claims that his decision to come to Boston was all about the winning, Story clearly has a strong preference about where he plays. I was very, I guess, expressive [about] in where I wanted to play and where I think I can still play at a high level. This season, the Red Sox have had arguably the worst defensive middle infield in baseball – and that’s not an exaggeration. For all the hand-wringing over the Red Sox’ play at shortstop, where the Sox rank 24th and 27th in key, advanced metrics (DRS and DEF, according to Fangraphs), their second base defense has actually been worse. (At the same position, in the same metrics, the Sox’ rank a major-league worst 30th and 27th.) The point is that Story could have helped the Sox more at second than at first, and he alleges that he and the Sox were “all on the same page there.”

• With regard to that additional detail, forgive us if we raise an eyebrow. And depending on when the Sox agreed (or didn’t) with Story as to where he might play in 2023, let’s consider something else.

  

  ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 06: Xander Bogaerts #2 and Trevor Story #10 of the Boston Red Sox react after the third out against the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 06, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

  And, let’s go back to Story’s original press conference, when he agreed to play second base “this year on this team.” If he and the Sox had agreement way back then that the move to second base would be temporary – and they probably did – then it casts further scrutiny on the Sox for alleging they wanted to keep Bogaerts after the season. In fact, Sox officials have said that Bogaerts’ departure was only sealed when he got an 11-year, $280 million offer from the San Diego Padres, which certainly seems like a complete crock.

• In the end, think about that. Bogaerts’ fate was sealed long, long ago, no matter what the Red Sox say. And then, given the opportunity to help the 2023 team earlier rather than later, Story declined. Now the Sox have dropped straight to Story’s former team – the pathetic Colorado Rockies – while the Red Sox sit in last place of the American League East (again) while appearing to unravel from the inside.

  And yet, from players wearing the uniform to ownership and the front office, the Sox keep telling us they want to win.

  Right.

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