Red Sox off-season swings, misses, and foul tips
By Rick McNair
A Foul Tip
John Farrell managed a team that had numerous key injuries to a 93-win season and division title only to be fired. Farrell did improve the 2017 team in the playoffs by winning one game versus none in 2016, but rumors of internal strife and every negative managerial move stripped clean via hindsight got the exit skids firmly greased.
More from Red Sox News
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Why Red Sox fans should be rooting for Carlos Correa’s Mets deal to go through
The Red Sox hired former team utility player Alex Cora as manager. Cora served duty as bench coach for the champion Astros, so he does have some high-end experience before having his first MLB managerial job. Note the word first. Cora will most certainly meet the same fate as Farrell and virtually every MLB manager.
But what is of note is the vetting process. Cora did have an incident – fueled by alcohol – with a team broadcaster – sound familiar? That, however, is somewhat dismissed as just a typical flare-up that happens during the season. At least it was not a public embarrassment like Petulant Price.
Cora brings a new face and a new language to the clubhouse – Spanish. A sure plus in the management circles. Cora also has given some insight into what his style will be – nothing to generate any “wow’s” from me. What Cora does not have is a team that has been supplemented with some significant upgrades. Farrell squeezed wins with a shaky crew – will Cora be able to accomplish the same?