The Boston Red Sox could conceivably be looking for a new manager. A brief look at three players – past and present – as possible options to succeed Alex Cora.
The Red Sox are mired in a scandal that is certainly not Watergate, but still, the tarnish is on the emblem. The sign-stealing is just one aspect in a series of organizational pratfalls that will require the management to respond to at least give the veneer that the litter box is being cleaned.
Boston is unique in managerial destinations and needs both a game ability and a kevlar uniform to withstand the usual onslaught and drama. Some players can’t play in Boston is an oft-heard refrain and it applies to managers.
It’s never too early to speculate on the possible demise of Alex Cora as Red Sox manager. The demise may take two specific possibilities: The first is a suspension with the second being the Red Sox take any baseball penalties regarding sign-stealing as cause to terminate Cora’s rather short tenure as manager. Just who steps in?
Baseball has changed with the manager’s experience before taking the helm. Cora was a player who retired to the broadcast booth. An opening as a bench coach led to a seat in the corner of the dugout with Boston. Back-to-back World Series for Cora.
Point being, long years of minor league servitude is no longer a prerequisite to a manager. Just who within the organization could be next?