Once the Astros opted to fire manager AJ Hinch amidst his one year suspension and the fallout from their sign stealing scandal; the writing was on the wall for Alex Cora. Twas only a matter of time for the AC to go out, I tell ya! Ironically, Cora just so happened to work under AJ Hinch as the Bench Coach for the 2017 Astros. Talk about an all-time old takes exposed for AJ Hinch, huh? Whomsttt despite this subpar joke yesterday, I don't actually want managing the Boston Red Sox. Dude seems like an arrogant prick.
So if you're like me 20 minutes ago, you're probably wonder what exactly did AC do?
"According to CNN, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said an investigation showed that Cora helped develop and execute sign-stealing schemes while working for the Houston Astros. Cora was found to be involved in efforts to try and figure out the opposing teams’ next pitches using technology like cameras and video replay rooms, which is prohibited by the MLB, Manfred said earlier this week. Cora is also accused of employing sign-stealing schemes while he was with the Red Sox in 2018, according to The Athletic. The MLB said they would investigate the allegations in the report." that quote is from this
Even though I was highly (and maybe overly) critical of his managerial style in 2019, I'm not George Steinbrenner, I didn't think it was a fireable offense. Guy just won a ring. Give him another shot to break the tie after a stinker. One awesome year, one major disappointment. As long as he didn't finish in 4th or 5th in 2020 I think he'd be okay going forward.
But after all this it's best to just wash our hands and be done with Alex like two day old leftovers (my own Rothstein-ism as that's something I've never personally experienced). I'm 100% cool with this move, although part of me loves the idea of saving "fuck it" and showing some loyalty to a man with a piece of two Red Sox World Series. But it definitely sucks. I think Cora is a good manager. I liked the guy. Appeared to be a genuinely good dude. BbbbBBbbbuuuut, if you're ever gonna peak to early; Alex Cora likely did. The Red Sox came out swinging dick bats to the tune of 119 total wins (and a wicked cool locker-room gimmick) and a World Series title. 
The ring still shines, does it not?
In 2018 Alex Cora was exactly what the Red Sox needed after back-to-back ALDS appearances where they were doormats for the eventual American League Champs. Under first year manager Alex Cora the 2018 Red Sox won 108 games in the regular season and the World Series. Life TRULY comes at you fast as the 2019 dropped 24 games off their '18 pace and not even 16 months after winning the World Series, Alex Cora is OUT of Boston. Such a PRed Sox move to let him save face with "mutual" decision. Yeah and Richard Nixon wanted to resign. To the Red Sox credit, moving on from Cora is 100% the right move in my eyes. I'm sure he's about to get some sort of suspension. There's rumors of a lifetime ban. The 2018 season was basically perfect for the Red Sox. 108 wins, no losing streak > 3 games, league MVP. The in season moves worked perfectly. Then in 2019 Cora took a coma on his laurels in Spring Training and the Red Sox started the season 3-8 against teams (although it was a West Coast road trip). As far as I am concerned they are one the best teams in baseball history. Absolutely dominated from start to finish. Obviously the affiliation with the Astros means questions of its validity will come up. From what I've heard the Red Sox did not come close to what the Astros were pulling this is more so AC is in deep shit for his involvement from 17 Stros. I have such mixed emotions about this because baseball has a storied history of shady behavior. Cheating and baseball go together better than beer and hot dogs. I almost don't have a problem with what the Astros did; it was just a little too extreme and elaborate. I think once technology is in the mix things are crossing a line. But at the same time let's not act like everybody in baseball isn't stealing signs. They just took it to next level. It would only be similar to Spygate if the Patriots actually did something other teams weren't doing. That being said you can't help but think it played a huge part in their 2017 World Series win? The Astros won their first 6 home games of the playoffs then went 2-1 at home in the World Series in 2017. I remember that ALDS because it aligned perfectly with my friend's wedding the weekend after I stopped teaching in Nashville. The Red Sox were dead before the series even started. I got off a plane during game one in the 3rd inning and it was already like 32-0. It's amazing they went back back to Fenway and almost tied it. If only that Baby Beluga inside the parker didn't lead off the inning.
Then in 2018 the Stros lost 3 straight home games against the Red Sox in the ALCS and of course were the first team to ever go 0-4 at home in the World Series just a few months ago.
As far as I am concerned the 2018 Red Sox are one the best teams in baseball history. Absolutely dominated from start to finish. Obviously the affiliation with the Astros means the questions of its validity. IMO this seems more like an Alex Cora problem than 2018 Red Sox problem. If Tek isn't the new skipper, we riot. 
P.S.
Hopefully the Red Sox can repeat this kind of history instead under Tek's ​tutelage.
The Red Sox have been so sporadically successful under this ownership group. Obviously it's been a great ride with many highs. Beats being a Padres fan, but as people they are horrible (and tend to make high-stakes mistakes that cost the fans in $11 bud lights).
Double P.S.
A.J. Hinch and Alex Cora join a surprisingly long list of managers to be out of a job (for one reasons of another) within three seasons of winning a World Series since 1960. The anti-Mike Scioscia's of the world.
Jack McKeon* (2003 Marlins) Jim Leyland (1997 Marlins) Lou Pinella (1990 Reds) Dick Howser** (1985 Royals) Dallas Green (1980 Phillies) Bob Lemon (1978 Yankees) Billy Martin (1977 Yankees) Sparky Anderson (1976 Reds) Alvin Dark (1974 A's) Dick Williams (1972-73 A's) Danny Murtaugh*** (1971 Pirates) Gil Hodges*** (1969 Mets) Mayo Smith (1968 Tigers) Hank Bauer (1966 Orioles) Johnny Keane (1964 Cardinals) Ralph Houk***** (1961-62 Yankees) *McKeon will briefly manage the Marlins again in 2011 **Dick Hoswer passed away from Brain cancer in 1987 *** Danny Murtaugh battled health issues that lead to four separate stints as Pirates Manager; right until his death in 1976 two months after his retirement. ****Gil Hodges passed away in 1972 from a heart attack ******Ralph Houk would manage the Yankees again in the late 60's after a two year absence.
1 Comment
Matt Eldridge
1/15/2020 04:40:58 pm
"Yeah and Richard Nixon wanted to resign." = GOLD. Leave a Reply. |
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