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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 18, 2021 14:42:18 GMT -5
Eduardo Rodriguez, Boston Red Sox starter, enters 2021 spring training ‘full go’ after missing last season Updated 1:57 PM; Today 1:54 PM
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
Boston Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez threw a bullpen Wednesday, then participated in pitcher’s fielding practice Thursday during the first day of official workouts for pitchers and catchers at the JetBlue Park complex.
Rodriguez did not pitch in 2020 because of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), which he was diagnosed with after having COVID-19.
“He’s a full-go,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said about Rodriguez during a Zoom press conference Thursday. “He’s in a good spirit. He looks in great shape. He worked hard during the offseason to get to this point. Very excited to have a full season with Eddie and see what he can do. We had a taste in 2019. He put a full season two years ago and I expect the same thing. But obviously his health is the most important thing. We have to be careful in the way we treat him. But he’s a full-go. That doesn’t mean that we’re going to put restrictions on him. We’ll take care of him but I know he feels great where he’s at right now.”
Rodriguez began throwing during the fall. He was unable to participate in any physical activity while he had myocarditis.
The lefty was Boston’s top starting pitcher in 2019. He finished sixth in the American League Cy Young voting. He went 19-6 with a 3.81 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 34 starts.
Rodriguez posted frequent updates about his progress during the offseason on Instagram.
“He likes Instagram a lot,” Cora said. “And I see him working out in Miami (during the offseason) and I saw him running against J.D. (Martinez) like 10 days ago.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 18, 2021 14:44:17 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo · 2h Cora says Kiké Hernandez will move around during games and that he's a plus defender in all 3 OF spots and 2B. "That's the beauty of the team this year, being very versatile and moving people around."
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 18, 2021 14:45:26 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 1h Some questions about Kiké lineup spot recently. Cora says he's challenging him this spring and his lineup spot on opening day is going to be based on his performance. He thinks there is more there offensively for Kiké, likes when he hunts fastballs for XBH.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 18, 2021 15:52:34 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 46m Interesting how Cora talked about today about Hernandez playing 2B but perhaps at times only to start a game or finish one and playing somewhere else during the game.
Having Hernandez and Gonzalez is going to lend itself to a lot of platooning, pinch hitting, etc.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 18, 2021 17:57:55 GMT -5
Alex Cora says Boston Red Sox will have set closer in 2021; Matt Barnes, Adam Ottavino, Hirokazu Sawamura among logical candidates Updated 4:37 PM; Today 4:37 PM
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
Two years after the Red Sox’ bullpen-by-commitee approach failed the club early in the 2019 season, manager Alex Cora doesn’t intend to employ a similar strategy this year. Cora expects to name a set closer before Opening Day, though he’s not sure yet exactly which reliever that will be.
Matt Barnes and newcomers Adam Ottavino and Hirokazu Sawamura seem to be the top candidates to take the ninth for the Red Sox, though lefty Darwinzon Hernandez could make a case with a strong spring training. The club could also add another reliever via free agency or trade.
For now, Cora plans to assess his options during camp.
“I think it’s too early for that,” Cora said Thursday as pitchers and catchers held their first formal workout of spring training. “We’ve got a lot of candidates, a lot of guys in the bullpen that can get three outs in the seventh, in the eighth and in the ninth. We’ll see how it goes in spring training, have conversations with the guys and then make the decision. You guys know how I feel about the ‘ace reliever,’ bouncing guys all over the guys. It’s not fair for them, physically, and you’re asking a lot from them. I like the structured bullpen and when we have a decision or announcement, we’ll get there when we get there.”
After Craig Kimbrel departed following the 2018 season, Cora decided against naming a set closer for 2019 and decided instead to use Barnes as his high-leverage reliever, regardless of inning. That plan largely backfired, as Barnes and the team’s other top relievers were overworked in the first half of the year, leading Cora to change course midway through the season and install a more structured bullpen with Brandon Workman at closer.
When Workman was traded to the Phillies in August, Barnes took over the closer role and pitched well down the stretch, Barnes, saving nine games on the season and holding opponents to a .189 average while posting a 2.70 ERA in September. In December, Cora said that -- pending further additions -- Barnes would be the club’s closer, though it’s unclear if the additions of Ottavino and Sawamura have changed his stance.
“If the season started tomorrow and we had the lead in the ninth inning and we haven’t used Matt in the seventh or eighth, I’d flip him the ball and I believe he could get us the three outs and get us to the next day,” Cora said on Dec. 17. “As of right now, the season doesn’t start tomorrow. Matt Barnes is one of the best relievers the last few years in the big leagues and I have total trust he can do the job.”
Barnes has just 15 saves in seven big-league seasons, largely working as a setup option for closers Koji Uehara, Kimbrel and Workman. Ottavino has only 19 saves in 10 big-league seasons while Sawamura, who has never pitched in the big leagues, recorded 73 saves for the Yomiuri Giants in a two-year stretch from 2015 to 2016.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 18, 2021 18:01:36 GMT -5
First day of Red Sox spring training was an emotional one for Alex Cora By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated February 18, 2021, 1 hour ago
Alex Cora felt like a first-year manager Thursday morning. It carried a different meaning, or sense of relief. Sure, it marked the official start of Red Sox spring training, but for Cora, the day tugged on the emotion of a new beginning.
It’s been more than a year since Cora and the Red Sox temporarily parted ways after details emerged regarding his involvement in the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal.
Even after serving his one-year suspension issued by Major League Baseball, Cora was uncertain whetherhe would be back in baseball, let alone with the Red Sox. But after what were described as tough and honest conversations with chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom and general manager Brian O’Halloran, Cora was invited back into the organization.
Thursday was a culmination of all the emotions — all self-inflicted — that led him back to this point.
“It was a great day,” Cora said. “I think the last few days, you start thinking about what happened, and where I was and I think about the family and the people that supported me throughout the process.
“I’ll say it again: I was out of the game for the wrong reasons, and deservedly so. I’m not going to hide it; it was an outstanding day on a personal level.”
Cora is a baseball guy. In his time away from it, he found himself still watching many games. He paid attention to trends around the majors, one being that the Red Sox seemed a step slow in 2020 while teams around them became faster and more athletic. He stayed in contact with some of the Red Sox players, even the ones that weren’t on the field contributing.
“To be completely honest with you, it’s like he never left for me,” said lefthander Chris Sale, who was sidelined all of last season after having Tommy John surgery. “I stayed in contact with him. I know what he brings to the table. Camaraderie, trust, passion. You can’t talk to him about anything and not know that he’s all in. There’s no question that he brings it on a daily basis.”
Cora is inheriting a completely different team than the one he left. There’s been turnover, a ton of it. And championship-or-bust expectations have been quelled as the team tries to build depth and replenish its farm system. However, that doesn’t change Cora’s mentality.
“We have to attack every day, the right way,” Cora said. “Nobody’s going to dictate who we are outside our walls.”
Like every manager in baseball, Cora must deal with the safety protocols that come with an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. One of his skills in building a team culture has involved in-person communication; that’s now limited. That challenge doesn’t change Cora’s mentality either.
“I’m getting good at mute and unmute on Zoom,” Cora joked. “You’ve got to find ways to do it. There’s no excuse. There are no complaints. Yeah, obstacles, of course, but if you look outside of our walls, everybody’s going through this. We are lucky to be able to work. And we are lucky to be working, playing baseball.”
Cora believes the Red Sox can contend in 2021. He thinks the club, including the pitching staff, is versatile enough, and now athletic enough to compete with the rest of the league. The challenge excites him. He’s a new manager again with virtually a new team.
He’ll ultimately be judged on the wins and losses, in addition to just how well he’ll jell with a front office that differs from the one he was under two years ago.
Thursday marked the beginning of that.
“I don’t have to explain to you guys how I feel about this game,” Cora said. “I don’t have to tell people that I love the game. I’m very passionate about it. You guys know that.
“But at the same time, it’s not about me. It’s about seeing guys and working with guys and going to the field. And when the game is over, or the practice is over, to sit at your desk and be like, ‘Whew, I gave everything today.’ And that’s how I felt.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 19, 2021 3:44:29 GMT -5
Notes: Cora on his return; 6-man rotation? February 18th, 2021 Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
For Alex Cora, the joy of returning to the job he loves and the one he missed so much last year was ever-present as Red Sox pitchers and catchers had their first formal workout on Thursday.
The manager of the 2018-19 Red Sox, Cora parted ways with the organization last year due to his involvement in the '17 Astros sign-stealing investigation and was suspended by MLB for '20.
When the Red Sox conducted a managerial search to replace Ron Roenicke this past offseason, they landed back with Cora.
• Sale on first day of camp: 'I feel great now'
And perhaps the magnitude of that didn't fully sink in for Cora until this week, when he was able to put the uniform back on.
"It was fun just to be around the guys. It was a great day," said Cora. "The last few days, you start thinking about what happened and where I was and thinking about the family and the people who supported me throughout the process. Texting them and letting them and letting them know it was Day One and them texting me back, it was pretty cool.
"I'll say it again, I was out of the game for the wrong reasons -- and deservedly so. But moving forward, I'm not going to hide it -- it was an outstanding day on a personal level and this organization is pretty solid."
While the 2020 Red Sox, besieged by injuries to the top of their rotation and trying to find their way after trading Mookie Betts, stumbled to a 24-36 record, Cora plans on overseeing the resurgence of his team.
• Sox Spring Training FAQs, important dates
"We can contend in 2021," Cora said. "This is a good baseball team. It's a team that's very versatile, dynamic with a bunch of good athletes -- not only on the position player side, but on the pitching staff-wise. You've got sinkers and sliders and cutters and curveballs and fastballs up and fastballs down, changeups. We're not one dimensional. We have a good pitching staff. I'm very excited about what the organization has done since I got here in November."
E-Rod on track One of the best sights for Cora upon his return? The presence of Eduardo Rodriguez, who is a full go this spring after missing all of 2020 due to COVID-19 and myocarditis. Due to his heart condition, Rodriguez wasn't even allowed to do daily exercise until last season ended.
"Eddie threw a bullpen [session] yesterday," Cora said. "He actually did a good job in PFPs. There's no excuses there. Eddie's a full go. He's is in good spirits. You know, he looks in great shape. He worked hard during the offseason to get to this point and we're very excited to have a full season of Eddie and see what he can do."
That said, Cora and the training staff will make sure Rodriguez doesn't over-exert himself too soon.
"We have to be careful, the way we treat him," said Cora. "Though he's a full go, that doesn't mean that. You know we're going to put restrictions on him. We'll take care of him, but I know he feels great where he's at right now."
Challenging Enrique One of the things Cora is best known for as a manager is challenging his players to be more than they've been in the past.
An early project for Cora in 2021 is free-agent acquisition Enrique Hernández. While Cora raved about Hernández's defense, and said that some of his defensive metrics at second base were the best in MLB last season, he is looking for more offense out of him.
"As a hitter, I still believe there's something more there," said Cora. "We've been talking a little bit the last few weeks about how I'm going to use him, what I expect and challenge him to do certain things -- and we'll do that in Spring Training. And I do believe that what we do [with him in the lineup] on April 1, he's going to dictate that.
"I believe he can hunt fastballs and he can hit them for extra-base hits. And he's going to let me know with his performance where are we going to hit him, and where we go lineup-wise."
• Spring Training information | Spring Training schedule
Six man rotation? There could be more six-man rotations in MLB this season due to most starting pitchers making only 12 or so starts in the shortened 2020 campaign. Cora is keeping his options open on that for now.
"This is a topic that's going to come up. It's been a topic in the offseason, it will be a topic during Spring Training and obviously during the season," Cora said. "There's a lot of smart people -- smarter people than me -- that deal with stuff like this. I sounded like [Terry Francona] there, right?
"You talk to [trainer] Brad [Pearson], you talk to the sports science people and you decide what's going to be the plan. Right now, our plan is to get these guys get on track and little by little, and we'll make decisions. Let's see how they react the first few weeks.
"Let's see how Eduardo reacts to his bullpen [sessions] here and his live BPs, and we'll make decisions. I think those decisions are a lot easier this year compared probably to last year with the organization because we're deeper."
If the Red Sox do open with six starters, it could create a chance for prospect Tanner Houck, who dazzled in his first three MLB starts last September, to start the season in the Majors.
Cora open on closer With Spring Training just getting underway, Cora isn't ready to commit to a closer yet. Matt Barnes did the job for the final month of 2020, after Brandon Workman was traded to the Phillies. Adam Ottavino and Hirokazu Sawamura both have some experience pitching the ninth inning, though not a lot. And there are plenty of people who think that power lefty Darwinzon Hernandez has the stuff to close in the Majors.
"I think it's too early for that," said Cora. "We have a lot of candidates, a lot of guys in the bullpen that can get three outs in the seventh, eighth and ninth. We'll see how it goes in Spring Training. We'll have conversations with the guys and then we'll make a decision. You guys know how I feel about the ace reliever, and bouncing guys all over the place. It's not fair for them physically. You're asking a lot from them. So I like the structured bullpen. But when we have to make a decision, an announcement, we'll get there when we get there."
Waiver pickup The Red Sox made a move on Thursday, claiming righty John Schreiber off waivers from the Tigers. To make room for Schriber on the 40-man roster, Boston placed lefty ace Chris Sale on the 60-day injured list. Sale is on the mend from Tommy John surgery and isn't expected to pitch until June or July at the earliest.
The 26-year-old Schreiber has made 28 career relief appearances for the Tigers from 2019-20, going 2-1 with a 6.28 ERA. A 15th-round pick by Detriot in the '16 Draft, Schreiber is 16-15 with a 1.99 ERA in 147 Minor League relief appearances.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 19, 2021 4:07:48 GMT -5
First day of Red Sox spring training was an emotional one for Alex Cora By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated February 18, 2021, 4:51 p.m.
Alex Cora felt like a first-year manager Thursday morning. It carried a different meaning, or sense of relief. Sure, it marked the official start of Red Sox spring training, but for Cora, the day tugged on the emotion of a new beginning.
It’s been more than a year since Cora and the Red Sox temporarily parted ways after details emerged regarding his involvement in the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal.
Even after serving his one-year suspension issued by Major League Baseball, Cora was uncertain whetherhe would be back in baseball, let alone with the Red Sox. But after what were described as tough and honest conversations with chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom and general manager Brian O’Halloran, Cora was invited back into the organization.
Thursday was a culmination of all the emotions — all self-inflicted — that led him back to this point.
“It was a great day,” Cora said. “I think the last few days, you start thinking about what happened, and where I was and I think about the family and the people that supported me throughout the process.
“I’ll say it again: I was out of the game for the wrong reasons, and deservedly so. I’m not going to hide it; it was an outstanding day on a personal level.”
Cora is a baseball guy. In his time away from it, he found himself still watching many games. He paid attention to trends around the majors, one being that the Red Sox seemed a step slow in 2020 while teams around them became faster and more athletic. He stayed in contact with some of the Red Sox players, even the ones that weren’t on the field contributing.
“To be completely honest with you, it’s like he never left for me,” said lefthander Chris Sale, who was sidelined all of last season after having Tommy John surgery. “I stayed in contact with him. I know what he brings to the table. Camaraderie, trust, passion. You can’t talk to him about anything and not know that he’s all in. There’s no question that he brings it on a daily basis.”
Cora is inheriting a completely different team than the one he left. There’s been turnover, a ton of it. And championship-or-bust expectations have been quelled as the team tries to build depth and replenish its farm system. However, that doesn’t change Cora’s mentality.
“We have to attack every day, the right way,” Cora said. “Nobody’s going to dictate who we are outside our walls.”
Like every manager in baseball, Cora must deal with the safety protocols that come with an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. One of his skills in building a team culture has involved in-person communication; that’s now limited. That challenge doesn’t change Cora’s mentality either.
“I’m getting good at mute and unmute on Zoom,” Cora joked. “You’ve got to find ways to do it. There’s no excuse. There are no complaints. Yeah, obstacles, of course, but if you look outside of our walls, everybody’s going through this. We are lucky to be able to work. And we are lucky to be working, playing baseball.”
Cora believes the Red Sox can contend in 2021. He thinks the club, including the pitching staff, is versatile enough, and now athletic enough to compete with the rest of the league. The challenge excites him. He’s a new manager again with virtually a new team.
He’ll ultimately be judged on the wins and losses, in addition to just how well he’ll jell with a front office that differs from the one he was under two years ago.
Thursday marked the beginning of that.
“I don’t have to explain to you guys how I feel about this game,” Cora said. “I don’t have to tell people that I love the game. I’m very passionate about it. You guys know that.
“But at the same time, it’s not about me. It’s about seeing guys and working with guys and going to the field. And when the game is over, or the practice is over, to sit at your desk and be like, ‘Whew, I gave everything today.’ And that’s how I felt.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 19, 2021 4:09:37 GMT -5
Red Sox notebook Alex Cora hopes Kiké Hernández’s proven versatility with Dodgers will boost the Red Sox By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated February 18, 2021, 7:16 p.m.
Kiké Hernández is a proven clubhouse leader. His large personality made him a fixture in the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse despite his talents falling well short of some of his peers. He’s a proven utility guy, offering teams more flexibility.
What Hernández hasn’t proven yet is the ability to be an everyday player.
Heading into spring training, the Sox have a glaring hole at second base — just as they did last season when Jose Peraza sputtered all the way to the team’s alternate training site. It would make sense this season, that Hernández, one of the league’s best defenders at second base, would fill that role. But, according to manager Alex Cora, it’s not a given that Hernández will.
“We’ll see what happens there, lineup-wise,” Cora said. “I’m going to challenge him, and he’s going to let me know with his performance, where we are going to hit him, and where we go lineup-wise.”
Cora, who’s known Hernández since he was a kid in Puerto Rico, lauded Hernández’s knack for playing multiple positions. His plus skills don’t just play up the middle of the diamond but in the outfield, too, where Hernández is also an asset.
Cora added that, even at 29 years old and a .240 career batting average, Hernández has room for growth with the bat. Cora is confident Hernández can get better at hunting fastballs and tap into a bit more power, which, it is hoped, will lead to more extra-base hits.
Hernández’s experience with the Dodgers, an organization that prides itself on the disciplined approach of its hitters,should make for a smooth transition to what the Red Sox and Cora want him to do. Nevertheless, the glove will be more of a boost than his offense, in large part because the Sox’ defense was putrid last year, committing the third-most errors in the league with 45 in a pandemic-shortened 60-game season.
“If everything goes well, on a nightly basis, he’ll play second at one point during the game,” Cora said. “If he starts in the outfield, probably, he’ll end up playing second base, because defensively, and the numbers show it, he’s the best defender at second base. We sucked defensively [in 2020]. So we have to be better defensively as a unit and he’s going to bring that to the equation every single day.”
Rodriguez a full-go
After Eduardo Rodriguez waged an uphill battle with COVID-19, which resulted in his subsequent diagnosis of myocarditis and his absence for the entire 2020 season, Cora said Rodriguez was a full-go.
“He’s in a good spirit,” said Cora about Rodriguez, who threw a bullpen Wednesday. “You know, he looks in great shape. He worked hard during the offseason, you know, to get to this point. And, you know, very excited to have a full season [from] Eddie and and see what he can do. We had a taste in 2019.”
Though he remains sidelined as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, Chris Sale said Rodriguez, someone he’s helped mentor in the past, was one of the pitchers he was excited to be around.
“He sent me some videos of him working out in the offseason,” Sale said. “He looks good. He looks ready.”
In 2019, Rodriguez registered a 3.81 ERA and struck out 213 batters in 203⅓ innings of work. He was a workhorse for the Red Sox, a team depleted by injuries to two frontline starters — namely Sale and David Price.
But considering the fact Rodriguez is coming off a health scare, Cora noted the team will be cautious with the lefthander.
“We’ll take care of him,” Cora said. “But I know he feels great where he’s at right now.” Sox claim RHP Schreiber, place Sale on 60-day IL
The Red Sox claimed righthander John Schreiber off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. To make room, Sale was placed on the 60-day injured list. Schreiber, 26, was selected by the Tigers in the 15th round of the 2016 draft and made his debut with the club in 2019. In 28⅔ innings career innings (all in relief), Schreiber has a 6.28 ERA . . . Position players aren’t due to report until next week but there were some early arrivals around JetBlue Park, including Alex Verdugo, Hernández, Bobby Dalbec, prospect Jeter Downs, Rafael Devers and Marcus Wilson . . . Meanwhile, reliever Ryan Brasier (personal reasons) did not report. Reliever Hirokazu Sawamura and catcher Jhonny Pereda have yet to report as they sort out visa issues . . . The WooSox will open their season with six games on the road against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Pa.) RailRiders April 6-11. The Portland Sea Dogs, the club’s Double A affiliate, will open their season with a six-game homestand May 4 against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine. The Greenville (S.C.) Drive, the club’s High A affiliate, and the Salem (Va.) Red Sox will open their respective seasons May 4. The Drive will host the Bowling Green Hot Rods while Salem will open with a six-game series at the Delmarva Shorebirds.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 19, 2021 4:15:36 GMT -5
Mastrodonato: Alex Cora brings much-needed energy back to the Red Sox Chris Sale called Cora ‘the captain’ on Day 1 of spring training
By Jason Mastrodonato | jason.mastrodonato@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald PUBLISHED: February 18, 2021 at 5:45 a.m. | UPDATED: February 18, 2021 at 6:26 p.m.
Love him or hate him, having forgiven him of his past offenses or still holding a grudge, Alex Cora is bringing energy back to the Red Sox.
There was little question he was what they needed after a 2020 season in which they didn’t just finish in last place with their worst winning percentage (.400) since 1965, but they did so while playing slow, uninspired and often lethargic baseball for almost three months.
Thursday afternoon, after the Red Sox’ first official pitchers and catchers workout of 2021, Cora made it clear he wasn’t interested in excuses for the Sox’ poor performance last year. He wants results.
“We can contend in 2021,” Cora said in his first public remarks of spring training. “This is a good baseball team. It’s a team that’s very versatile, dynamic, a bunch of good athletes … I’m very happy with the players we have, and what (Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom) and the group is doing to keep getting better, which is exciting.”
While there was a hint of acknowledgement from Cora that the Red Sox are, in fact, building for the future, Cora sounded and looked more like the motivated manager he was in 2018 than the one he was a year later, when the Sox let their foot off the gas in spring training and looked flat all year while winning just 84 games.
Serving a one-year suspension for helping the ’17 Astros cheat gave Cora perspective, too.
“Honestly, it was the same feeling I had in 2018 coming here,” he said. “I don’t want to say when I drove in here in ’19 that I was tired coming to the ballpark. I was excited, obviously. But I’m telling you, it’s a different feeling.”
The cheating will always be on his record. But Cora said he’s not going to manage any differently because of it.
“I’m going to do it the same way I’ve done it in ’18 and ’19,” he said. “Confident, with conviction and trying to put these guys in situations to be successful. This is the way I know how to do it, this is what I do and let’s see where it takes us.”
Among Cora’s observations from Day 1: He thinks newly acquired Kiké Hernandez, a World Series winner with the Dodgers, is a better hitter than he’s shown and can be the engine of the 2021 Red Sox; Eduardo Rodriguez is full go after his bout with myocarditis; Tanner Houck is a physically imposing presence but will have to earn his rotation spot; and the entire team needs to play faster than it played in 2020.
“And if we have any doubts how we’re going to attack days, just listen to that press conference of (Dustin Pedroia) a few days ago and our mentality will be the same one,” Cora said. “I’ll make sure we put it on the speakers here so everybody listens to Pedey. I thought that was one of the best press conferences from a retired player. He was amazing. That’s one of the messages. When you guys get a chance to come here, maybe you’ll see one of his quotes on the walls.”
Pedroia’s message could be boiled down to this: Do whatever it takes to win.
“I’m most proud of the environment and culture we all helped build there, and the expectations,” Pedroia said last week. “I know the fan base and everything, it demands a lot. But as a player you want to hold each other accountable that every year your goal is to win the World Series. That is what I’m most proud of. There wasn’t a single season that I showed up to Fort Myers that I didn’t think our team couldn’t win the World Series and I’m proud of that.”
It’s that mental toughness that Chris Sale said he thinks Cora will instill in the group.
“Just being tough again, on and off the field, mentally and physically,” Sale said. “I think that we have a young team, our pitching staff has gone through a transformation. Just keeping the same philosophies of going out there and pitching with conviction and having some heart.
“We have some very talented guys. I was just out there right before I came here and I was watching some bullpens. We have some guys. We have the arsenal. So, it’s just about putting it together and doing it collectively as a group.”
Even after a mostly quiet winter in which the Sox’ division rival Yankees and Blue Jays spent loads of money to enhance their rosters, the Red Sox think they can compete because of their skipper.
Cora brings “camaraderie, trust, passion — you guys know, and I think the fans know, and the players obviously know,” Sale said. “You can’t talk to him about anything and not know that he’s all-in. There’s no question he brings it on a daily basis. He wants to win. Everything he does is to better either himself, the coaching staff, the team or the organization. Being able to have that trust in the captain, he’s the guy that’s running the show.
“We’re going to have some hurdles this year with COVID and stuff, but there’s no doubt we’re going to find a way to make this thing great.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 19, 2021 4:17:46 GMT -5
Alex Cora says Boston Red Sox will have set closer in 2021; Matt Barnes, Adam Ottavino, Hirokazu Sawamura among logical candidates Updated Feb 18, 2021; Posted Feb 18, 2021
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
Two years after the Red Sox’ bullpen-by-commitee approach failed the club early in the 2019 season, manager Alex Cora doesn’t intend to employ a similar strategy this year. Cora expects to name a set closer before Opening Day, though he’s not sure yet exactly which reliever that will be.
Matt Barnes and newcomers Adam Ottavino and Hirokazu Sawamura seem to be the top candidates to take the ninth for the Red Sox, though lefty Darwinzon Hernandez could make a case with a strong spring training. The club could also add another reliever via free agency or trade.
For now, Cora plans to assess his options during camp.
“I think it’s too early for that,” Cora said Thursday as pitchers and catchers held their first formal workout of spring training. “We’ve got a lot of candidates, a lot of guys in the bullpen that can get three outs in the seventh, in the eighth and in the ninth. We’ll see how it goes in spring training, have conversations with the guys and then make the decision. You guys know how I feel about the ‘ace reliever,’ bouncing guys all over the guys. It’s not fair for them, physically, and you’re asking a lot from them. I like the structured bullpen and when we have a decision or announcement, we’ll get there when we get there.”
After Craig Kimbrel departed following the 2018 season, Cora decided against naming a set closer for 2019 and decided instead to use Barnes as his high-leverage reliever, regardless of inning. That plan largely backfired, as Barnes and the team’s other top relievers were overworked in the first half of the year, leading Cora to change course midway through the season and install a more structured bullpen with Brandon Workman at closer.
When Workman was traded to the Phillies in August, Barnes took over the closer role and pitched well down the stretch, Barnes, saving nine games on the season and holding opponents to a .189 average while posting a 2.70 ERA in September. In December, Cora said that -- pending further additions -- Barnes would be the club’s closer, though it’s unclear if the additions of Ottavino and Sawamura have changed his stance.
“If the season started tomorrow and we had the lead in the ninth inning and we haven’t used Matt in the seventh or eighth, I’d flip him the ball and I believe he could get us the three outs and get us to the next day,” Cora said on Dec. 17. “As of right now, the season doesn’t start tomorrow. Matt Barnes is one of the best relievers the last few years in the big leagues and I have total trust he can do the job.”
Barnes has just 15 saves in seven big-league seasons, largely working as a setup option for closers Koji Uehara, Kimbrel and Workman. Ottavino has only 19 saves in 10 big-league seasons while Sawamura, who has never pitched in the big leagues, recorded 73 saves for the Yomiuri Giants in a two-year stretch from 2015 to 2016.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 19, 2021 4:19:07 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox notebook: Ryan Brasier, Hirokazu Sawamura absent from camp; Alex Cora won’t rule out 6-man rotation Updated Feb 19, 2021; Posted Feb 18, 2021
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
Day 1 of Red Sox spring training has come and gone, with Chris Sale having given the first public update in months on his Tommy John rehab and manager Alex Cora expressing how excited he was to be back in Fort Myers after a year away from the team. Here are some other notes that came out of Fenway South on Thursday:
Brasier, Sawamura among pitchers missing from camp; Plawecki the only intake screening issue
Two of Boston’s key relievers were not in camp Thursday, with Ryan Brasier (personal reasons) and recent signee Hirokazu Sawamura (visa issues) yet to arrive in Fort Myers. Minor-league catcher Jhonny Pereda (visa issues) is also absent, but Cora expects all three players to arrive in the coming days.
Cora said that every player who has arrived in camp to this point passed the COVID-19 intake screening process with the exception of catcher Kevin Plawecki, who was placed on the COVID-19 related injured list Wednesday. It’s unclear if Plawecki tested positive for the virus or had close contact with someone who did.
Plawecki doesn’t count against the 40-man roster while on the COVID-19 related IL and can be activated as soon as he clears league protocols. Cora was pleased with the solid results during the screening.
“We’re good. As far as the protocols and the intakes and all that, you guys know about Kevin, but besides that, it has been good,” Cora said. “Credit to the players and credit to everyone that’s here that has done everything possible to stay safe. That was a good result. But obviously, we’re living this day by day. We’ll celebrate every day we’re successful with this, and in situations like Kevin’s, we just have to be patient. We know he’ll be with us at one point and we’ll take the time we have to take to get ready.”
Newcomers Ottavino, Richards among Day 1 bullpens
Cora said 20 pitchers threw bullpens Thursday, including newcomers Adam Ottavino and Garrett Richards as well as Tanner Houck and Matt Barnes. Pitchers, including Chris Sale, took part in fielding practice on back fields as well.
Cora praised new bench coach Will Venable for planning the first day of camp.
“It was just a regular Day 1,” Cora said. “Twenty bullpens. Two groups of pitchers’ fielding practice. We did a good job. Will Venable is becoming the MVP of the organization already. It’s only one day, but he set up the schedule and moved people to the right places. With everything we have to go through, the guidelines and the protocols, so far Will Venable is the MVP of the Boston Red Sox.”
Six-man rotation an option?
Asked about the possibility of employing a six-man starting rotation to begin the season, Cora played coy. But the manager didn’t rule it out, saying that Boston’s personnel would ultimately decide how they lined things up out of the gate.
“This is a topic that is going to come up,” Cora said. “It has been a topic in the offseason, it’ll be a topic in spring training and obviously, during the season. There’s a lot of smarter people than me who deal with stuff like this.”
The Red Sox are projected to have Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, Martin Perez and Richards in their rotation, with Nick Pivetta, Houck and Matt Andriese serving as candidates for a rotation spot. Cora plans on huddling up with the coaching staff, sports science department and team trainers before he decides whether to go with a non-traditional starting group.
“Right now, our plan is to get these guys on track and little by little, we’ll make decisions,” he said. “Let’s see how they react the first few weeks.”
Cora is impressed with the group of 40+ pitchers the Red Sox have assembled for camp.
“We’re deeper. We’ve got some capable guys that, they’re not going to be with the big-league club, but (will be around) just in case something happens,” Cora said. “If something happens in spring training, we do feel we can do capable guys that can jump into the rotation or the bullpen and do their jobs.”
Other notes
Cora wouldn’t get into much detail on the pending signing of Marwin Gonzalez, who will take a physical this week to make his deal with the Red Sox official. Cora did say Gonzalez is a talented and versatile player and added that the fact he’s a switch-hitter is a bonus... Asked if the Red Sox had gotten faster and more athletic this winter, Cora singled out outfielder Franchy Cordero and utility man Kiké Hernandez as difference makers in that regard... Cora said he has been impressed with the early showings from the pitching staff. “We’ve got a bunch of big guys, like 6′3″, 6′4″ strong guys,” he said. “That caught my attention.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 19, 2021 12:26:20 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 1h Eduardo Rodriguez, on Zoom from Ft. Myers, says he has prepared himself for pitching a full season after missing 2020 with COVID-19.
"Don't sleep on us," Eduardo Rodriguez says.
Chris Sale said something similar yesterday.
Alex Cora sure to embrace the underdog theme with this team.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 19, 2021 12:29:08 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 1h Eduardo Rodriguez joins us on Zoom. #RedSox
Rodriguez said he was told to rest for three months after being diagnosed with myocarditis. Since being cleared he's been working out getting ready to report this week. #RedSox
Rodriguez -- 'I feel 100 percent. I'm going to have a regular spring training.'
Said he expects to throw another bullpen Saturday, then possibly live BP. #RedSox
Rodriguez -- 'Thank God I have my family, my wife and my kids. They were there with me all the time. They were pushing me.' #RedSox
Rodriguez on beating COVID -- 'Just wear your mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance.'
'I was feeling really bad back in those days. I was feeling really, really bad.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 19, 2021 12:30:09 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 1h Rodriguez -- 'My goal is to go out there every five days, no matter what day it is.'
'I feel like Opening Day is just the first day of the season.'
'If they give me the opportunity to be the Opening Day starter this year, I'm going to take it as an honor.' #RedSox
Rodriguez -- 'I don't feel like a veteran right now. I just say I'm older on the team.' #RedSox
Rodriguez on contending in 2021 -- 'I've been out there the last two days. I've been looking at the pitchers we have. We're look really good. We're going to show everybody when the lights come on.' #RedSox
Rodriguez on free agency after 2021 -- 'I just thank God for having the opportunity to pitch again. I'm not thinking about any of that right now.' #RedSox
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