Xander Bogaerts says he's a fan of Chicharito and a giant soccer fan

Javier Hernandez is likely one of the hottest soccer gamers within the United States and his followers embody athletes from different sports activities, equivalent to shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who declared himself considered one of his largest supporters.

Throughout a chat during which Bogaerts was answering questions in regards to the environment in San Diego, the ‘X-Man’ was requested about to ship a message for the followers in Mexico, given the truth that the Padres will play the San Francisco Giants in a pair of standard season video games at Mexico Metropolis’s Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium.

“Viva Chicharito! I am a giant soccer fan, I like soccer. I used to be watching the World Cup final 12 months, so I do know so much about soccer and it is probably the greatest sports activities they’ve,” stated Bogaerts.

He follows Curacao within the Caribbean Collection

In addition to being a soccer fan, Bogey additionally retains an eye fixed on what Curacao is doing, being born in Aruba, one other of the Netherlands’ territories within the Caribbean.

“I do know Mexico misplaced to Curaao within the Caribbean Collection; I believe they misplaced 2-1. I additionally know that Curacao has stunned a whole lot of groups within the match,” Bogaerts added.

“They’re of their first match as a visitor, and that is one other factor we are able to get enthusiastic about for the World Baseball Basic, as a result of a few of these pictures we will see within the Basic.”

Tatis plans to ‘redeem himself

The laughter and smiles are beginning to return and so is fan adulation for Fernando Tatis Jr., not less than in San Diego.

Nonetheless serving an 80-game suspension after testing optimistic for a performance-enhancing drug, the celebrity was warmly obtained at FanFest on Saturday as hundreds of followers packed Petco Park for a preview of probably the most anticipated season in Padres historical past.

Tatis obtained sustained applause when he was launched earlier than a panel dialogue that additionally featured fellow all-stars Manny Machado, Juan Soto and the newly signed Bogaerts.

“I like you San Diego. … I am not leaving right here for a very long time,” Tatis advised the group, to extra applause.

This season can be a redemption tour for Tatis, considered one of baseball’s largest stars whose total 2022 season was worn out by a wrist harm after which the aforementioned suspension. He was about to return from left wrist surgical procedure when the MLB suspended him on Aug. 12. He missed the Padres’ thrilling run to the Nationwide League Championship Collection, the place they misplaced to the Philadelphia Phillies.

“I’ve missed it so much,” Tatis stated throughout a information convention earlier within the day.

“I imply, I missed a 12 months. I am not trying ahead to lacking any extra. It feels nice to be on the market once more.”