No doubt Cora is doing a great job of keeping ALL the guys involved, motivated, & happy.
BUT, I have a feeling this is a year that has come together with a lot of nice addition, subtraction, and kids growing up.
Perhaps the BIGGEST impact added is JDM? Sure, he's quantifiable in stats, but I think he's added so much more value than just his talent and stats. He seems to love to teach, & the kids seem eager to listen. Being around true greatness makes others want to do better. They see the work it takes, and that rubs off.
Sale rubs off on the whole pitching rotation.
Mookie's rise rubs off on all the young guys.
Subtracting Hanley was also key. It let's other guys like Mooreland know that THEY too are key to the team success.
Guys are growing up. Beni is breaking out. X-Bo is locking down on D, & adding POP.
Subtracting JF & adding Cora is also KEY. It adds a young manager who can relate to ALL these guys.
YES! Cora is KEY to this team's run, but without the other keys, this team still struggles to grow up.