Three Red Sox players past and present who could manage the team
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?
DUSTIN PEDROIA
Dustin Pedroia is going to be paid $25 million for the next two seasons even if he doesn’t play. Take advantage of the fiscal possibility and if Pedroia recovers sufficiently to play you could have a rare treat from another era – a player-manager.
Pedroia was well on the way to a possible Hall of Fame career until the last two seasons became an injury-riddled nightmare for Petey, fans, and the team. When an engine loses a sparkplug it misfires and as far as the lineup, losing a career .300 hitter hurts. So does losing a perennial Gold Glove defensive player.
Sports often have the term “role model” applied to a player – ether is a negative, positive, or neutral context. Pedroia is patient zero in extracting the most out of his physical and mental skills and that certainly can influence others – especially younger players. Just taking ground balls on his knees which attempting to rehab shows either intensity or craziness. Probably both.
Pedroia knows the game and is one who has honed his baseball adulthood with Terry Francona. Personality-wise, Pedroia appears to have a tinge of Bobby Valentine, Dick Williams, and Francona. Observant, dedicated, intense, can all apply. I do have considerable concerns around the Manny Machado affair. Pedroia may be far better suited as a bench coach for a season or two.
CHANCES – Fair
JASON VARITEK
When you are a catcher it gives you special insight into the game, especially pitching. Jason Varitek was respected enough to be the team captain and will forever be idolized – at least locally – for placing his catcher’s mitt into the snout of Alex Rodriguez. Varitek may present a level of physical intimidation that John Farrell supposedly had.
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Varitek as a player brought the two skills often associated with successful catchers – leadership and physical skills. Those are transferable into the manager’s clubhouse office as both a tutor and as a team leader. Varitek, the player was one of the best ever to strap on the “tools of ignorance” in Boston.
Catchers are observant since it is an integral part of the job description especially in relation to the fragile psyche of pitchers. I once heard a coach state that managing pitchers are like herding cats. Veritek certainly formed that symbiotic relationship with pitchers that were so necessary for success.
Since his retirement, Varitek has assumed a figurehead role within the organization as a “special assistant” – whatever that is remains a mystery to those of us, not in the management loop at Fenway Park. Maybe that role did encompass more than fetching coffee for the GM? I also wonder about where ‘Tek was with the frivolity of beer and chicken? Another bench coach’s first option?
CHANCES – Good
DAVID ORTIZ
Star players often crash and burn when given a managerial role and that could happen to David Ortiz except Ortiz was not a star player. Now before you gather the tar and feathers, Ortiz was a throwaway from the Twins and on the bench in Boston. A break like what happened with Tom Brady of the Patriots and the rest is history.
Ortiz can certainly relate to the roster-filler players as well as he could to the stars that shine. Ortiz has experienced both in his baseball journey. This is one star that could make the transition to orchestrate a team based on his hardscrabble beginnings both in Dominica and in the professional ranks.
Ortiz has the knowledge, the fans, the media, and most certainly the players. He also has no filters as we all know and could handle the vociferous media with anyone. If you want a manager that could fumigate any possible organizational stench it would be Papi. Not to mention a rare item with a manager as an attraction.
Next. Red Sox sign-stealing is being blown out of proportion. dark
Ortiz is only on the periphery of the Red Sox but considered a valued member of the organization. The downside would be why in the world would he take it? Sometimes a challenge is needed and being the manager of the Red Sox is certainly in that category. The plus for the organization is replacing one Hispanic with another – no possible blowback in our ultra-sensitive times.
CHANCES – Excellent