cora back

[Soxfan1]

Free agent Alex Cora has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal to remain with the Red Sox.

 

Sure, it won't be for a lot of money, but we're almost always against multiyear deals for utilitymen, and with the way Cora finished last season, it seems like an especially poor idea to give him one. Maybe he truly is one of the game's smartest players, but that translated into a .193/.238/.259 line in 135 at-bats after the All-Star break. This looks like another sign that, despite doing a lousy job last season, manager Terry Francona is gaining more influence within the front office.

 

roto

[rician blast]

This is all very exciting...can't ya feel the balance of Power in the AL east tip in the Sox direction?

[scaffolds]

The signing of Cora means a few things,for one it means that more than likely Loretta isn't going to be resigned, it means thn more likely Pedroia is going to be the starting second baseman and that the resigning of Cora will be the back up plan in case he strugles with the bat like he did at the of last season. The signing of Cora is a good move as long its mainly to be the back up second baseman and not to play as many games at SS as he did last season, at SS Cora lack the range and arm for the position.

 

With the resigning of Cora, Timlin and Wakefield means that the Sox's move this fall has been good, but not great, however the grade will drop if Nixon gets resigned and worst if Kapler is brought back.

[Soxfan1]

Lugo or Gonzo, toss up. weak offense/GG defense or vice versa?

[Cityofchampions33]

well, we got Lowell to back him up so I say offense, though I do love Gonzo

[Soxfan1]

Does that matter? Look at Rent. Mueller was not a bad defensive thrid basemen and Renteria made a couple of errors.

[scaffolds]

Resigning Alex Gonzalez isn't a brainer, Julio has a better and may have more speed,but his defense isn't anywhere close to Gonzalez.

[example1]

Lugo is the SS I want on this team (all things considered and given that no others are really available).

[ksushi]

Cora provides great depth. Anyone who claims this as bad signing didn't watch the sox last season. A smart, sure handed vet off the bench is huge. I'm psyched.

[a700hitter]

Cora provides great depth. Anyone who claims this as bad signing didn't watch the sox last season. A smart' date=' sure handed vet off the bench is huge. I'm psyched.[/quote']They had better get a big hitter for 1B or 3B or they will have a two-man offense again.

[ksushi]

Well, cora isn't going to start. His bat doesn't matter, if anything he provides offense because if someone like Gonzo gets up in a big spot, we can pull him in favor of a bat and have a very apt replacement waiting for him in Cora late in the game.

[a700hitter]

Well' date=' cora isn't going to start. His bat doesn't matter, if anything he provides offense because if someone like Gonzo gets up in a big spot, we can pull him in favor of a bat and have a very apt replacement waiting for him in Cora late in the game.[/quote']I realize that he is a backup, but if the starters are Gonzo, Pedroia, Lowell and Youk, they will have a 2-man offense again.

[kreinbihl34]

That's why I have a feeling the Sox are exploring first basemen opitions. Dunn for Cinci or even Big Tex seems possible. Dunn would be the much easier one to get with a package of Hansen/Delcarmen, Youk, and Hinske/Murphy. This gives Cinci a cheap first basemen since they want to shed pay-roll. A good young arm and a player that COULD take over CF when Griffey leaves. It would possibly take more, I don't know. Dunn is on the outs in Cinci as I read in the newspapers (I live in Ohio). They don't like his defense in LF, which is horrible. With the Sox he can move to first base. This also allows us to keep Gonzo weak bat in the line up. The only thing this offense now hinges on is can Crisp and DP get on base. If they can our offense is great. People might hate Dunn because of the K's but he reminds me of another player I watched a lot growing up i.e. Jim Thome. He'll hit the hell out of a ball, walk a few times, get a lazy single, and strike out alot. But with Lowell behind him I think we can take the chance. Tex is just a pimp dream.

[BSN07]

Dunn would be the much easier one to get with a package of Hansen/Delcarmen, Youk, and Hinske/Murphy. Damn that's anwful lot for for Dunn. Besides he strikes out too much for the sox. Tex be great but hes gonna be big money next year or the year after. I'd rather send less prospects to St. Louis and get Duncan. He's a natural 1st basemen, He's a decent left handed hitter, and he shouldn't be too hi of a price. I love Youk, but if he's gonna remain at first we've got to find a bat besides Papi and Manny.

[ksushi]

I realize that he is a backup' date=' but if the starters are Gonzo, Pedroia, Lowell and Youk, they will have a 2-man offense again.[/quote']

 

Not every move is going to add huge impact. This is a depth move. It isn't the kind of move intended to vastly improve the team, its a great option off the bench.

[Texas_Red_Sox_Fan]

Bring back Graffanino then go after pitching and trade for Michael Young

[elsrbueno]

That's why I have a feeling the Sox are exploring first basemen opitions. Dunn for Cinci or even Big Tex seems possible. Dunn would be the much easier one to get with a package of Hansen/Delcarmen' date=' Youk, and Hinske/Murphy. This gives Cinci a cheap first basemen since they want to shed pay-roll. A good young arm and a player that COULD take over CF when Griffey leaves. It would possibly take more, I don't know. Dunn is on the outs in Cinci as I read in the newspapers (I live in Ohio). They don't like his defense in LF, which is horrible. With the Sox he can move to first base. This also allows us to keep Gonzo weak bat in the line up. The only thing this offense now hinges on is can Crisp and DP get on base. If they can our offense is great. People might hate Dunn because of the K's but he reminds me of another player I watched a lot growing up i.e. Jim Thome. He'll hit the hell out of a ball, walk a few times, get a lazy single, and strike out alot. But with Lowell behind him I think we can take the chance. Tex is just a pimp dream.[/quote']

 

I love your basic idea. Dunn's a bigtime power bat who at 27 years old is entering his prime and is in a bit of a down year (compared to the previous 2). He's not a big average guy, but if you consider that his BABIP for the last 2 years was .281 and .272 he should improve on that. Plus, if you ask me his OBP makes up for his average and his power is very good (assuming he returns to the .550ish slugging pct). He should be able to take to first base as well so I don't see that as an issue.

 

One thing that I noticed is that Adam Dunn doesn't hit a ton of balls to the opposite field so he might not benefit as much as other lefthanders from the Monster (cheap doubles and homers) and considering that his power numbers could decline considering it's not as easy to hit a homerun to right in Fenway as it is in Cincinnati. This guy looks like a DEAD pull hitter.

 

On that note I think you're price is a little steep. Youkilis' .815 OPS was only slightly lower than Dunn's .851, and his ability to get on base and play a more premium position ( 3B ) gives him value. I'd think Murphy and Youkilis would get it done and if it doesn't I'd look elsewhere.

 

Another thought on that is that Cincy already has Edwin Encarnacion at third base, and Youkilis' value may be highest sending him to a team that plans to shift him back across the diamond-- to me he has more value and makes more sense offensively as a third baseman.

 

The more I think about it the less sold I am on Dunn, but Youk+ for an offensive improvement at first base is a great idea IMO.

[Cityofchampions33]

The FO should also keep in mind not to go overboard on geiving away defense for offense, because then we're back to pre-July 31st in 04.

[seabeachfred]

 

I read something similar on Dirt Dogs soxfan. Was it you by any chance? Anyone who is celebrating the return of Cora for two more years must be a glutten for cheap thrills. This is the same guy who fell off a cliff when pressed into regular service last year, his average going from 300 down to the 230's in two shakes of a monkey's ass. We all know Francona loves this guy, but, then again, we all know about Francona's brain malfuntions. As long as Cora stays in a utility role we might be ok, but anything resembling a regular job means our team is headed for a very bad scene. :blink: :blink:

[Cityofchampions33]

I think he's a good bench player, I wish eh ahd a bit more speed, but no one ever said or thought he was going to start anytime soon.

[scaffolds]

Seabeach; The problem with Cora was that he was over played part of it was because of injuries, the other part was because Francona doesn't know when to play or not over use players with limeted ability, that is one of Franconas issues among many.

 

That Idea of Dunn at first base and Youkilis at third base doesn't work, because the defense at both corner position will be weaker than last year. In addition the Reds are going to trade Dunn.

[jacksonianmarch]

Cora provides great depth. Anyone who claims this as bad signing didn't watch the sox last season. A smart' date=' sure handed vet off the bench is huge. I'm psyched.[/quote']

 

I completely disagree. This is going to eat a roster spot for 2 years, for a backup. And for a guy who couldnt hit his weight, and couldnt OPS double his weight after the AS break (which is when he got the majority of his PT). Infield utility guy is a spot that could easily be filled by a player who has good hands and also has good speed. A guy like Machado (who just signed in Washington) is a good instance of a player whose future was blocked by a guy who couldnt break the Mendoza line. If the sox had a supersub a la Joe McEwing who could hit you .250 have a few HRs and play all IF positions plus the OF, then he is worth it. But a guy like Cora, who to be honest with you is a poor SS and a stellar 2b defensively, is only blocking the way for a young kid to work his way on, who may actually be the basestealing threat that the sox have been missing off the bench since Dave Roberts left.

[jacksonianmarch]

Seabeach; The problem with Cora was that he was over played part of it was because of injuries, the other part was because Francona doesn't know when to play or not over use players with limeted ability, that is one of Franconas issues among many.

 

That Idea of Dunn at first base and Youkilis at third base doesn't work, because the defense at both corner position will be weaker than last year. In addition the Reds are going to trade Dunn.

 

the sox had the best defense in the league last yr. How did they fare again? Defense is severely overrated if you cannot pitch and only 2 guys on your team can hit.

[arbitrary]

How does his defense compare to Lugo's? Could he be a Backup to pediora at all?

 

He could be a late inning replacement if they do sign Lugo and want better defense with a lead. But I'm unsure how their SS defense compares.

[seabeachfred]

Seabeach; The problem with Cora was that he was over played part of it was because of injuries, the other part was because Francona doesn't know when to play or not over use players with limeted ability, that is one of Franconas issues among many.

 

That Idea of Dunn at first base and Youkilis at third base doesn't work, because the defense at both corner position will be weaker than last year. In addition the Reds are going to trade Dunn.

 

Scaff, you are right about Francona on that one. Look, I do like what Cora brings to the table. The guy is smart and heady and an excellent bunter. He cannot, however, play as a regular any more and has no speed to speak of. As long as he is used right he should be ok. I just believed there were better utility players out there.

[Cityofchampions33]

Tito ahs to elarn to use his relievers and utility players at the right tiems, the last couple of seasons, he seems to be playing favorites with his players (Timlin, Cora) and putting them in no matetr the situation.

[seabeachfred]

I completely disagree. This is going to eat a roster spot for 2 years' date=' for a backup. And for a guy who couldnt hit his weight, and couldnt OPS double his weight after the AS break (which is when he got the majority of his PT). Infield utility guy is a spot that could easily be filled by a player who has good hands and also has good speed. A guy like Machado (who just signed in Washington) is a good instance of a player whose future was blocked by a guy who couldnt break the Mendoza line. If the sox had a supersub a la Joe McEwing who could hit you .250 have a few HRs and play all IF positions plus the OF, then he is worth it. But a guy like Cora, who to be honest with you is a poor SS and a stellar 2b defensively, is only blocking the way for a young kid to work his way on, who may actually be the basestealing threat that the sox have been missing off the bench since Dave Roberts left.[/quote']

 

Jackson, if it comes down to Cora taking Pedroia's place in the starting lineup Francona should be fired on the spot and the phones ringing off the hook in the FO. I think a guy like McEwing woujld have been a much better choice since the guy can hit with a little power and can play all over. It seems to me that the front office is either saving their money for some big free agent pickups or they are telling us they are going to give us more of the same next year. Francona likes the guy, no doubt about that, but when two teams get rid of a player that to me is a red flag. Cora's signing is no cause for joy.

[corngordon]

I agree that Cora's stats were less than sparkling, though I think he's a good utility guy to have around. The bottom line is that if he is relied on for a significant amount of playing time due to other injuries (like Gonzalez last year), we're in trouble. He will weaken the lineup, which will spell trouble, especially since the AL is so strong these days.

[a700hitter]

Players like Cora are a dime a dozen. The Sox should be going after Soriano and they have Pedroia to be the infield utility guy. Instead they will be handing Pedroia the starting job, and he couldn't hit .200 in 90 ABs. That's two light hitting infielders. Youk is average. Gonzo is below average, and Lowell is not a major force. I am hoping for more of an infield shakeup than Lugo.

[Soxfan1]

Cora is nowhere close to an everyday player, but as a backup infielder, you ain't going to get better. I saw one of his games and he made 2 webgems. This is obliviously a depth move and is exactly what we should be doing at this point of the season.