Red Sox News: Alex Cora believes he has “quality” arms in his rotation

Red Sox manager Alex Cora discusses the 2020 season and his staff.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has now bid a hasty retreat from reality, logical thought, and all expectations of the 2021 season.

"“Little by little, the front office did a good job during the season last year and [in] the offseason to add some quality arms, some intriguing arms,” Cora said on MLB Network Radio."

The Red Sox have added some quality arms. That statement is probably accurate if those arms are shaving, picking their noses, or recreating beer and chicken. My concern is what they are hired to do – pitching.

But Cora – being a decent company man – praised the front office for their accomplishments during the 2020 season. A “good” job is how the suspended for one-year manager phrased it. This right up with “Aside from that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the show?” Well, manager Cora, peruse Jason.Mastrodonato’s column in the Boston Herald on fan feedback.

"“I’m going to keep saying it all the way until April 1 [Opening Day], this puzzle is not completed.  We have to be patient,”  – Alex Cora"

The great columnist Jimmy Cannon used to occasionally write a column of what they said and what they meant. In these instances, Cora is placing his well-rehearsed lines into public view. Good for job survival and to deflect any animosity from his stable of arms. Quality arms. Intriguing arms. I wonder what Cora really thinks regarding his proposed staff?

Last season the newly signed – again – Martin Perez offered a case study of quality. Perez’s quality has been consistent throughout his nine years of “quality.” Just a glance at his statistics screams out quality. And the good job last season? Maybe Kyle Hart and Matt Hall?

According to Cora, the “puzzle is not complete.” After brushing aside Corey Kluber the Red Sox are reportedly interested in two pitchers. If the name Anibal Sanchez sounds familiar the righty was once a hotshot prospect for Boston. Sanchez went packing to Miami when George Bush was president. Now he is part of a showcase to display his skills.

The other option in showcase land is another righty Julio Teheran. In 2020, Teheran tossed a 3.4 HR/9 so quality is just a gopher ball away. Teheran’s other claim to statistical notoriety is leading the National League in hit batters in 2019.

Yes, folks, the once-proud Red Sox will leave no stone or long gone home run unturned for finding quality. Signing one or both would be like having toads on a birthday cake. If this was the game show Let’s Make A Deal this is clearly a Zonk to quote host Monty Hall. BSI’s Steven Brown covered this showcase rather well.

The Red Sox are apparently all in on Tanner Houck and Nick Pivetta being linchpins for 2021. And for intriguing we have two tossers who, well, didn’t toss in 2020. Chris Sale and Eduardo Rodriguez. High hopes for the recuperative powers of both. And, of course, Nathan Eovaldi looks impressive, but the staggering reality is Eovaldi’s tender arm is as reliable as my long gone Dodge Dart.

But, hey, Cora may be right and I and other Red Sox fans can go feast on crow. There just might be a plan? Maybe Plan 9 on Lansdowne Street? Meanwhile, Mr. Henry plays the role of Nero while his once great franchise is creeping to decline. Henry is no longer Daddy Warbucks but has reverted to Scrooge before old Ebeneezer saw the light.

Fans need something. The 2019 season was an embarrassment in player lethargy as complacency set in. Cora managed as if tossing a pitch would send a pitcher to the IL. Cora rested the troops and unfortunately, it carried on throughout the season. A 162 game paid vacation. Then things got bad.

Cora can’t be blamed for 2020 for obvious reasons. He was on administrative leave thanks to his baseball criminal past. Watching from the sidelines, Cora was pleased by the front office did a good job. Especially the part where he was rehired.?

The Red Sox the last two seasons is similar to having a child, spouse, or business associate that continually disappoints. There is no restraining order that can be issued. We simply have to accept the emotional collateral damage.