Boston Red Sox Fire Alex Cora
The Boston Red Sox and Manager Alex Cora have mutually agreed to part ways after his involvement in sign-stealing with both the 2017 and 2018 World Series Champions. Following the year-long suspension and firing of A.J. Hinch after his involvement with the 2017 Houston Astros, Commissioner Rob Manfred is yet to finish the investigation on the 2018 Red Sox, but team ownership agreed this is best for the team moving forward.
The Red Sox ownership group issued this statement late Tuesday night on the decision.
“Today we met to discuss the Commissioner’s report related to the Houston Astros investigation. Given the findings and the Commissioner’s ruling we collectively decided that it would not be possible for Alex to effectively lead the club going forward and we mutually agreed to part ways.”
Cora also commented on the situation.
“I want to thank John, Tom, Sam, the players, our coaching staff and the entire Red Sox organization. I especially want to thank my family for their love and support,” said Cora. “We agreed today that parting ways was the best thing for the organization. I do not want to be a distraction to the Red Sox as they move forward. My two years as manager were the best years of my life. It was an honor to manage these teams and help bring a World Series Championship back to Boston. I will forever be indebted to the organization and the fans who supported me as a player, a manager and in my efforts to help Puerto Rico. This is a special place. There is nothing like it in all of baseball, and I will miss it dearly.”
Involvement in Sign-Stealing Scandals
During Cora’s time in Houston as the bench coach in 2017, he took much of the blame for their shenanigans en route to a World Series title. In the Commissioner’s report for the Astros investigation, Cora was noted as the only coach involved in the “player-driven and player-executed” plan. He was also said to have devised the whole plan, and encouraged players to participate.
Cora brought similar tactics to Boston when he became the manager before the 2018 season. Although the Sox weren’t as extensive in their efforts, they still illegally used video replay after multiple warnings from Manfred.
Cora’s Time in Boston
Alex Cora finished his reign in Boston with a 192-132 record over two seasons. His first season ended in a franchise-record in wins for Boston, capped off by their ninth World Series title. 2019 didn’t have the same shine, however. Boston struggled to find consistencies in their pitching staff all season, leading to a third-place finish.
Managerial Search
Just two seasons after their most recent title, Boston will be entering 2020 with a new GM and manager. Dave Dombrowski was relieved of his duties in September. Chaim Bloom was hired as his replacement.
Boston will now begin its search for a new manager. The team’s current bench coach Ron
Roenicke could be in play. He does have prior managing experience with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2011-2015. If the team decides not to hire in house however, it makes sense that they would hire somebody young like Cora. Cora’s reputation as a player’s coach seemed to resonate with the club, unlike John Farrell, who held the job from 2013-2017.
