The Alex Cora Managerial Decision Thread

[Kimmi]

But it didn't end up being a "poor decision" though.

 

That's fine. I won't argue with that.

[mvp 78]

They did win the game, but

Under your own logic, that doesn’t mean that it was the right decision. You are being being inconsistent if you are taking the position that a bad outcome doesn’t indicate a bad decision but a good outcome correlates with a good decision.

 

i think our boys bailed out Cora’s very poor pitching decisions in that game.

 

That's not true at all. My logic is that a decision is either good or bad. Baseball can be LOL random so the results don't render the decision bad or good. It's the decision in and of itself that makes it good or bad.

 

Cora needed to save the bullpen. He left Porcello in there. It was a good decision.

[a700hitter]

That's not true at all. My logic is that a decision is either good or bad. Baseball can be LOL random so the results don't render the decision bad or good. It's the decision in and of itself that makes it good or bad.

 

Cora needed to save the bullpen. He left Porcello in there. It was a good decision.

Okay, I think it was a very poor decision regardless if the outcome of the game. The ASB was right around the corner. I didn’t see the danger of burning out the pen, especially when playing at home and they could send a cab to Pawtucket for a fresh arm for the weekend.

[Kimmi]

That's not true at all. My logic is that a decision is either good or bad. Baseball can be LOL random so the results don't render the decision bad or good. It's the decision in and of itself that makes it good or bad.

 

Cora needed to save the bullpen. He left Porcello in there. It was a good decision.

 

That goes for GMs building a team too, no? A team is either good or bad. Baseball can be LOL random so the results don't render the team bad or good. It's the team in and of itself that makes it good or bad.

[Maxbialystock]

That's not true at all. My logic is that a decision is either good or bad. Baseball can be LOL random so the results don't render the decision bad or good. It's the decision in and of itself that makes it good or bad.

 

Cora needed to save the bullpen. He left Porcello in there. It was a good decision.

 

I do think results of a decision should count, but in this case I thought he should have left Porcello in even though he gave up 8 runs and the Sox lost. I also thought he was dead wrong to leave Wright in to give up 10 runs in a game the Sox won.

[oldtimer]

That's not true at all. My logic is that a decision is either good or bad. Baseball can be LOL random so the results don't render the decision bad or good. It's the decision in and of itself that makes it good or bad.

 

Cora needed to save the bullpen. He left Porcello in there. It was a good decision.

 

i remember from the game that Porcello was getting hammered and couldn't find the strike zone. Cora left him in until the game was in great jeopardy and then had to go to the BP anyway. I don't see how his decision in that case can be supported. It was highly questionable and the results were bad.

[Kimmi]

I do think results of a decision should count, but in this case I thought he should have left Porcello in even though he gave up 8 runs and the Sox lost. I also thought he was dead wrong to leave Wright in to give up 10 runs in a game the Sox won.

 

It's often (usually) very difficult and unfair to attribute a player's performance or results to the manager. Ultimately, regardless of what Cora decides, the player has to execute. If he doesn't, that's not Cora's fault.

 

I understand that part of the manager's job is to put the right player into any given situation. I trust Cora's judgment in that regard.

[a700hitter]

It's often (usually) very difficult and unfair to attribute a player's performance or results to the manager. Ultimately, regardless of what Cora decides, the player has to execute. If he doesn't, that's not Cora's fault.

 

I understand that part of the manager's job is to put the right player into any given situation. I trust Cora's judgment in that regard.

Except that you give the manager the largest credit for the increase in this uwar’s Team offense.

[Kimmi]

Except that you give the manager the largest credit for the increase in this uwar’s Team offense.

 

Actually, I probably give the largest credit to health/regression, but I think Cora is a large part of that.

 

And my credit to Cora has to do with off field management, not in game strategy.

[a700hitter]

Actually, I probably give the largest credit to health/regression, but I think Cora is a large part of that.

 

And my credit to Cora has to do with off field management, not in game strategy.

And keeping in mind that Cora couldn’t hit and was not a power hitter.

[Kimmi]

And keeping in mind that Cora couldn’t hit and was not a power hitter.

 

I'm not sure what that has to do with anything.

[a700hitter]

I'm not sure what that has to do with anything.

It (Cora's knowledge of hitting) is relevant in the discussion of Cora's effect on the improvement of the team hitting.

[Dojji]

Meh, Cora's lack of power wasn't a lack of hitting technique. He never had a lot of meat on his bones. His hitting technique was actually textbook, a lot of big swinging power hitters could learn a few things about how to work the count and hit to all fields.

[oldtimer]

Meh, Cora's lack of power wasn't a lack of hitting technique. He never had a lot of meat on his bones. His hitting technique was actually textbook, a lot of big swinging power hitters could learn a few things about how to work the count and hit to all fields.

 

Cora's technique didn't have to be good to see that letting 2 strikes build up on balls down the middle without offering didn't make sense. Many on the board realized the same thing, but several of the guys, especially Bogaerts seemed determined to take a lot of good pitches. That has changed this year as opposing pitchers know they may get a swing on the first pitch. From what has been said, Cora also asked Bogaerts to try to pull the ball more often and to use his size and strength to get a higher slugginng percentage. Not much has been said about the effect on the rest of the hitters, but Cora recently made a comment about JBJ finally joining the team, meaning changing his hitting technique. You have to wonder why Farrell didn't do more about obvious hitting issues?

[Kimmi]

It (Cora's knowledge of hitting) is relevant in the discussion of Cora's effect on the improvement of the team hitting.

 

Personally, I think that people who were not necessarily the best players can be great coaches/managers.

 

Aside from that, I'm not talking about Cora fixing or tweaking the mechanics of any of the batters, but rather changing their approach at the plate.

[Kimmi]

Cora's technique didn't have to be good to see that letting 2 strikes build up on balls down the middle without offering didn't make sense. Many on the board realized the same thing, but several of the guys, especially Bogaerts seemed determined to take a lot of good pitches. That has changed this year as opposing pitchers know they may get a swing on the first pitch. From what has been said, Cora also asked Bogaerts to try to pull the ball more often and to use his size and strength to get a higher slugginng percentage. Not much has been said about the effect on the rest of the hitters, but Cora recently made a comment about JBJ finally joining the team, meaning changing his hitting technique. You have to wonder why Farrell didn't do more about obvious hitting issues?

 

Well said Oldtimer.

[SoxnCycles]

Personally, I think that people who were not necessarily the best players can be great coaches/managers.

 

Aside from that, I'm not talking about Cora fixing or tweaking the mechanics of any of the batters, but rather changing their approach at the plate.

 

Yup, I would think the Cora's input on hiring a hitting coach and the overall team approach to hitting is what he should get credit for.

[Kimmi]

Yup, I would think the Cora's input on hiring a hitting coach and the overall team approach to hitting is what he should get credit for.

 

Exactly. He stated very early that he wanted to see more aggressiveness. I don't remember the exact numbers now, but it was amazing how many middle-middle pitches our hitters took, and if I recall correctly, Mookie and Xander were at or near the top of the chart.

 

It's a completely different story this year.

[SoxnCycles]

Exactly. He stated very early that he wanted to see more aggressiveness. I don't remember the exact numbers now, but it was amazing how many middle-middle pitches our hitters took, and if I recall correctly, Mookie and Xander were at or near the top of the chart.

 

It's a completely different story this year.

 

I believe it.

Nothing wrong with working a pitch count, but they took it to extremes last year.

[moonslav59]

I believe it.

Nothing wrong with working a pitch count, but they took it to extremes last year.

 

Well, that strategy worked well for many years, until teams started beefing up their middle relief corps.

[Bellhorn04]

Well, that strategy worked well for many years, until teams started beefing up their middle relief corps.

 

Was it the middle relief or the game planning of throwing more first-pitch strikes?

 

Our offense was excellent in 2016. I don't think middle relief suddenly got better in 2017.

[moonslav59]

Was it the middle relief or the game planning of throwing more first-pitch strikes?

 

Our offense was excellent in 2016. I don't think middle relief suddenly got better in 2017.

 

We've been taking more pitches for over a decade. Pitchers have been throwing more first pitch strikes for about as long.

 

The middle relief pitching has been improving for several years, so no, it was not overnight.

 

Pitches per PA:

 

3.91 in 2018

3.97 in 2017

3.94 (2016)

3.95 (2015)

4.05 (2014)

4.01 (2013)

3.89 (2012)

3.95 (2011)

4.02 (2010)

 

3.94 in 2007

 

3.93 in 2004

 

 

 

 

[vegasbob]

Regardless of the final outcome in the rain delay (cancellation ??) in Baltimore, it was a major error by Cora to 1. let Pomeranz start the 5th inning, and then 2. leave him in after the lead off walk. The rain was getting worse, and slow throw Drew was not going to speed things up. If it is a loss , after the HR comeback by Swihart/Betts, then it is fully on Cora.

 

The fact that Pomeranz showed no special ability against a bad team was regrettable but anticipated. Keep looking for an answer to the back end of the rotation DD. Damn, Alex that potential loss was not necessary. Too much belief in your own guys, trying to build their confidence. One look at Pom hanging his head in the dugout afte being pulled tells you plenty of his mental state. he looked beaten. All that was unnecessary , Alex C.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

Regardless of the final outcome in the rain delay (cancellation ??) in Baltimore, it was a major error by Cora to 1. let Pomeranz start the 5th inning, and then 2. leave him in after the lead off walk. The rain was getting worse, and slow throw Drew was not going to speed things up. If it is a loss , after the HR comeback by Swihart/Betts, then it is fully on Cora.

 

The fact that Pomeranz showed no special ability against a bad team was regrettable but anticipated. Keep looking for an answer to the back end of the rotation DD. Damn, Alex that potential loss was not necessary. Too much belief in your own guys, trying to build their confidence. One look at Pom hanging his head in the dugout afte being pulled tells you plenty of his mental state. he looked beaten. All that was unnecessary , Alex C.

 

I'm OK with Cora's decision to send Pomeranz back out there in the 5th. Cora needs to figure out what Pomeranz is and if he can help them in the rotation this year. Pomeranz blew it, of course. While I don't disagree with Cora's decision, I will strongly disagree with the decision to give Pomeranz another start. For me, he has earned a demotion to the bullpen. He hasn't pitched well this year in the majors or minors. His stuff is subpar.

[Jasonbay44]

Regardless of the final outcome in the rain delay (cancellation ??) in Baltimore, it was a major error by Cora to 1. let Pomeranz start the 5th inning, and then 2. leave him in after the lead off walk. The rain was getting worse, and slow throw Drew was not going to speed things up. If it is a loss , after the HR comeback by Swihart/Betts, then it is fully on Cora.

 

The fact that Pomeranz showed no special ability against a bad team was regrettable but anticipated. Keep looking for an answer to the back end of the rotation DD. Damn, Alex that potential loss was not necessary. Too much belief in your own guys, trying to build their confidence. One look at Pom hanging his head in the dugout afte being pulled tells you plenty of his mental state. he looked beaten. All that was unnecessary , Alex C.

 

I don't mind him starting the inning, but after he walked Caleb f***ing Joseph, he needed to be pulled.

[oldtimer]

I don't mind him starting the inning, but after he walked Caleb f***ing Joseph, he needed to be pulled.

 

Yes, it was questionable to leave Pom in since his stuff was not that good and his command was only fair. It was a decision that might have been impacted by the condition of his BP. As bad as Pom was Kelly's struggles just compounded the issue. Kelly is still throwing hard but his command is also not good.

[Maxbialystock]

Regardless of the final outcome in the rain delay (cancellation ??) in Baltimore, it was a major error by Cora to 1. let Pomeranz start the 5th inning, and then 2. leave him in after the lead off walk. The rain was getting worse, and slow throw Drew was not going to speed things up. If it is a loss , after the HR comeback by Swihart/Betts, then it is fully on Cora.

 

The fact that Pomeranz showed no special ability against a bad team was regrettable but anticipated. Keep looking for an answer to the back end of the rotation DD. Damn, Alex that potential loss was not necessary. Too much belief in your own guys, trying to build their confidence. One look at Pom hanging his head in the dugout afte being pulled tells you plenty of his mental state. he looked beaten. All that was unnecessary , Alex C.

 

I think you're being heavy-handed, especially when Kelly was if anything worse than Pom.

[Kimmi]

I don't mind him starting the inning, but after he walked Caleb f***ing Joseph, he needed to be pulled.

 

This is my feeling as well.

 

That said, I still think Cora's decision to leave Pom in can be justified.

[Kimmi]

I think you're being heavy-handed, especially when Kelly was if anything worse than Pom.

 

I am wondering why Cora didn't bring Velazquez in for a couple of innings instead of going with Kelly.

[Maxbialystock]

I am wondering why Cora didn't bring Velazquez in for a couple of innings instead of going with Kelly.

 

A fair question.