Former Red Sox First Baseman Defends Alex Cora Amid Struggles

The Boston Red Sox are sitting 9 1/2 games back in the American League East following a month in which they won 11 of 28 games. Throughout the skid, they lost eight games by one run, causing some to point fingers at manager Alex Cora.

One of Cora’s former teammates, Kevin Millar, gave his thoughts on Cora’s management via the Play Tessie podcast.

“He’s a dude. Guys love playing for him.” Millar said. “It’s us. If I hang an 0-2 curveball and give up a three-run home run, that’s not on Alex Cora.”

While Millar never played for a Cora-managed team, the two spent the second half of 2005 sharing the right side of the infield after the Red Sox traded for their now-manager.

While the players are ultimately the ones who decide games, Cora is the one steering the ship. Some critics will argue he’s been quick to go to the bullpen, leaving them short-handed later in games, particularly in extra innings. Cora has already acknowledged his team’s weaknesses, signaling the intent to improve in those areas.

Defense has also been an issue. The team currently leads the league in errors, and that doesn’t include mental mistakes. The loss of third baseman Alex Bregman forced the team to turn to rookie Marcelo Mayer. Mayer is a promising young player, but doesn’t provide the same level of veteran leadership in the infield that Bregman possessed.

Minor details win close games. When a pitcher gets ahead of a hitter 0-2, letting them off the hook is a dagger. Currently, the Red Sox 1.63 FIP after 0-2 counts is the worst in baseball. It’s hard to place blame on the manager for pitchers failing to execute in two-strike counts.

Cora will have to have his team ready on Friday for the first meeting between the Red Sox and the New York Yankees.