ARLINGTON -- The Rangers called up second baseman Alex Cora from Triple-A Oklahoma City and designated infielder Joaquin Arias for assignment on Tuesday.

Cora, who was released by the Mets on Aug. 11, joined the Rangers for Tuesday's game against the Twins. The Rangers have 10 days to trade Arias, release him or get him through outright waivers.

Arias was hitting .276 in 50 games for Texas this season while twice going on the disabled list. But the Rangers, with both Ian Kinsler and Cristian Guzman on the DL, had lost all confidence in him as a viable option in the infield. Andres Blanco has taken over as the Rangers' regular second baseman while Kinsler and Guzman are out.

"The general thought going down the stretch is there is some value of having another guy who is playoff-tested and has a little more experience," Rangers assistant general manager Thad Levine said.

Cora has played in all or parts of 13 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Dodgers, Indians, Red Sox and Mets. He has played in 13 postseason games, including two for the Red Sox in the 2007 World Series against the Rockies. He was hitting .207 for the Mets when they released him.

The Rangers signed him to a Triple-A Oklahoma City contract last week, and he was 4-for-22 in six games before being recalled on Tuesday.
Arias was one of two players acquired from the Yankees in 2004 for shortstop Alex Rodriguez. He was once considered a premier defensive player, but he injured his shoulder three years ago in Spring Training and never fully regained his arm strength.



(mlb.com)

Alex Cora's home run in the top of the ninth inning helped the Oklahoma City RedHawks edge the Round Rock Express 5-4 on Monday night in Pacific Coast League baseball at Dell Diamond. Pedro Strop notched his 12th save in the bottom of the ninth inning. Strop allowed a single, but he struck out two.



(newsok.com)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Veteran Alex Cora and the Rangers agreed Tuesday to a minor league contract as the American League West leaders made yet another move to help their infield depth.

The move came a day after Joaquin Arias committed two fielding blunders in the eighth inning that fueled a four-run rally for Tampa Bay en route to a 6-4 victory.

Cora, who was released by the New York Mets and became a free agent last week, is expected to join Triple-A Oklahoma City today. With Ian Kinsler and Cristian Guzman on the disabled list and faith dwindling in Arias, Cora could join the Rangers within a week.

"Our guys have liked Cora for some time," general manager Jon Daniels said. "He's sure-handed, has been there in the past and has an impeccable reputation as a teammate."

Cora is a 13-year veteran who was hitting .207 in 169 at-bats when the Mets cut him loose. He has made the postseason four times and won a World Series ring in 2007 with Boston.

The Rangers could add him to the 40-man and 25-man rosters by simply parting ways with Arias, who misplayed a popup in the eighth inning and tried to turn a double play on a slow ground ball with speedy runners.

Outs on those two plays would have resulted in a scoreless inning and a potential victory for left-hander Cliff Lee.\



(dallasnews.com)

What's wrong with the Mets?

Alex Cora, who was released by the Mets last week, said he knows the reasons behind the team's second-half swoon.

"When the team gets on a roll they get very high and emotional, but when they go bad they get very low," Cora said in an interview Tuesday on WFAN.

"I think winning teams try to find that middle part where you are consistent. Like you win today, but you turn the page and you do it again tomorrow. Or you lose today and go after it real hard the next day. Until they find that point where they lose and can put it behind them, they will be inconsistent."

Inconsistency has been the operative word for the Mets, who have not won back-to-back games since June 22-23 against the Tigers. The Mets have faded to 8 ½ games behind the Braves in the NL East thanks to their struggles, which were emphasized during the team’s 2-9 west coast trip that started the second half.

"We just didn’t hit," Cora said. "You can tell it was hard for us to show up and push it. It’s not that we quit, but it was very hard to find that level of consistency that winning teams have."

Cora was released by the Mets on Friday to make room for youngster Ruben Tejada, who has taken over as the starting second baseman over Luis Castillo. Cora does not blame the Mets for his move.

"Let’s be honest, I’m hitting .207 and in sports you have to perform," Cora said. "When you hit .207 ... they obviously expected a little bit more and that comes with the territory. And they also wanted to see the young kids perform."



(nypost.com)

Former Mets 2b Alex Cora had this to say on XM Radio with Jim Bowden:

Alex Cora told us that if they are building for 2013 or 2014…they should just come out and say it and then do it.

I realize Cora was a respected voice in the Mets locker room and I am one of the first proponents of how veteran leadership is necessary on a winning ballclub. However, it’s at the point where the cost of Cora’s leadership ($2 million dollar vesting option) and the stunted development of a kid (Ruben Tejada) made his dismissal necessary. Keeping Cora around would be lying to the fan base by sending the message they believe they are in a pennant race. We all know the reality of the situation.

The Mets have held onto players for “leadership” too long in the past. A perfect example of diminished cost of leadership would be Julio Franco. There is no doubt Franco was an important voice for the 2006 Mets team. I still point to how he facilitated the “Beltran vs. the fans” curtain call the first week of that season as a turning point. Franco was also a productive bench player that year. He hit over .300 with runners in scoring position and had 15 pinch hits. The following year he was an automatic out, yet Willie Randolph continued to rely on him late in ballgames. His veteran leadership at that point wasn’t worth the on the field detriment that he had become. Eventually the Mets realized this and cut bait mid season.

I disagree with Cora’s assessment of a “youth movement” as well. Earlier today I talked about how the Yankees have sprinkled in kids the last few years and could possibly add more in 2011. The Yankees have never had a youth movement, but have been able to incorporate a Brett Gardner, Phil Hughes, David Robertson, and Joba Chamberlain into the mix over the past three seasons. In many ways the Mets are trying to do something similar with the additions of Ike Davis, Ruben Tejada, Josh Thole, and Angel Pagan.

Does subtracting Rod Barajas and Alex Cora from the mix affect chemistry? Absolutely, but the upside is only a few games because those players are not the future of the organization. Perhaps they could blame the manager for not being in the race- I suspect a competent manager would have this team about a half dozen games better- but the fact remains that we all believed this year was one of transition in the spring. I pegged them for 85 wins in and believe that’s where they ultimately will wind up.

There doesn’t have to be a “youth movement” or “veteran movement” on this team. What they need to do is give the right players an opportunity to contribute to the 25 man roster. Some will succeed, some will fail, but in the end they will wind up with supporting members that are productive and inexpensive. If they lack “leadership” during the process that is something they can address when the time is right. The Mets putting out a talented roster will do more for the fans than any empty statement.

The Mets need to focus on the talent on the field right now and worry about leadership after the fact. Right now they have a leadership void in the manager’s office that Alex Cora, Rod Barajas, Julio Franco, or even Derek Jeter can’t solve.

Click here to order Alex Cora’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nybaseballdigest.com)

PHOENIX -- Alex Cora is mad as hell and not going to take it anymore.

The veteran utilityman, miffed by the laughter inside the Mets' clubhouse after last night's 3-2 loss to the Diamondbacks, fired venom in the direction of Mike Pelfrey and reporters who were joking at the pitcher's locker.

Cora spouted an expletive in Spanish and raised his voice in the direction of Pelfrey and reporters as hede parted the clubhouse at Chase Field.

"A little respect, please!" Cora snapped. "They stuck it up our [butts]."

Jason Bay was not in the room at the time of the outburst, but later heard about it.

"We need something," Bay said. "You know what I mean?"

At least someone on the team is showing emotion, proving the Mets aren't a total collection of corpses.

Manager Jerry Manuel's lineup, whole for the second time this season with the additions of Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Luis Castillo, continues to sputter.

Start with Bay, who is worthy of a seat on the bench after his latest no-show performance. Bay went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a double play on a night rookie Barry Enright made the Mets look silly.

The righty, making his fourth career start, allowed one run on five hits over eight innings. Over the two games with their starting lineup intact, the Mets have scored four runs total. Good thing the D'backs (36-58) are among the laughingstocks of baseball or it could really be ugly for the Mets.

It left R.A. Dickey (6-4) to suffer a third straight defeat in which he pitched reasonably well. The knuckleballer allowed three runs on seven hits over seven innings as the Mets, who lost for the fifth time in six games to start the second half, fell 6½ games behind Atlanta in the NL East.
"I believe this lineup can get it done -- I really do," Manuel said.

Nobody in the lineup is killing the Mets more than Bay, who is batting .189 (10-for-53) in July with only two extra-base hits. His last homer came on June 28, making it 60 at-bats since he last went deep. The Mets have moved him to sixth in the batting order with Beltran's return, but he might be better off going from left field to left out.

The Mets didn't score until eighth, when Josh Thole hit his first major league homer. But Enright (2-2) got back on track and finished the inning. Angel Pagan homered leading off the ninth against D'backs closer Juan Gutierrez, but the righty then retired David Wright, Beltran and Ike Davis to earn the save.

Dickey has allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his three straight losses. The Mets have scored three runs combined in those three starts.

"It just really thought tonight was an outing where we fought tooth and nail," Dickey said. "We gave our guys a chance to win."

Enright allowed two hits and a walk in the first inning and then didn't allow another base runner until Reyes singled leading off the sixth.
The D'backs rattled Dickey in the fourth, scoring twice to grab a 3-0 lead. Chris Snyder walked with two outs before Gerardo Parra launched an RBI triple over Beltran's head. The pitcher Enright then singled home Parra.

Beltran appeared to get a bad jump on Parra's ball, but said his surgically repaired right knee wasn't a factor.

"As soon as he hit it, I thought I was going to be able to make it," Beltran said. "It just kept going and went over my head."



(nypost.com)

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Alex Cora needs to appear in just 32 more games between now and the end of the season to guarantee his $2 million option for next season. By the way, Luis Castillo will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie this weekend. …castillo will probably not be back.



(fantasysp.com)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The two men who shaped Mets infielder Alex Cora share the same name and the same blood. They are his father, Jose Manuel Cora, and his older brother, Jose Manuel Cora.

In Caguas, Puerto Rico, the town where Alex grew up, the first man was called “Macuco.” In professional baseball, the second man is called “Joey.”

Alex Cora’s father indoctrinated him into the game. “That was my passion,” Alex said. “That’s all I talked. That’s all I did.”

His brother, now the bench coach for the Chicago White Sox, provided a blueprint for Alex with his own 11-season career in the major leagues. “Obviously,” Joey said, “he can draw on the experiences that I had to make the right decisions.”

Neither will be in San Juan tonight as Cora and the Mets open a three-game series with the Florida Marlins. But their spirit, their lessons, will be inside of the 34-year-old utility man. As his skills wane — his batting average dipped to .229 after an 0-for-3 afternoon on Saturday — Cora retains value for his team on the field and in the clubhouse. The Mets sport an infield featuring a quartet of 20-somethings. Cora provides guidance.

Inside the dugout, he often consults with infield coach Chip Hale to make sure rookies Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada are positioned properly, reading signals correctly, holding runners effectively. Sometimes he sneaks away to the clubhouse video room to rewind the game tape and check on the kids. There is talk that, in time, he will follow in his brother’s footsteps again.

“He’s definitely going to manage in his future,” Hale said. “He’ll be a coach. He’ll coach, manage, whatever he wants. He’s got a wealth of knowledge.”

Those roots were planted in the mountain town of Caguas. Cora’s father, Jose Manuel, founded the Little League team there, about 30 minutes away from San Juan. He traveled the Puerto Rican winter ball circuit as a broadcaster and writer, cataloging the exploits of a league which featured stateside stars like Don Mattingly, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken. Alex often went with him, crawling the bleachers and napping in the press box.

“When they talk about us, they’re like ‘Those are Macuco’s kids,’ ” Cora said. “It’s not Joey. It’s not Alex. People keep talking about him.”

When Alex was 13, Jose Manuel died. Their father, Alex remembered, taught Joey how to switch-hit when he was in his mid-teens. Alex never got the chance. His career, he insisted last week, “would have been a lot better if he was around.”

In the aftermath of his father’s death, Alex followed Joey’s example. Joey, now 45, left Puerto Rico for Vanderbilt and become a first-round pick in 1985. Eight years later, when Alex graduated high school, Detroit drafted him. He declined signing and enrolled at the University of Miami. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the third round of the 1996 draft.

Fifteen years later, he is still here. Never an All-Star, he posted an adjusted OPS score above the league average just once (a 119 mark for the Dodgers in 2002). Since 2006, he has hit five home runs.

Yet he remains. His true value, Cora said, appears on winning squads. There, he can subjugate his ego and aid those around him. He tutored Boston teammate Dustin Pedroia for much of 2007, a season that culminated in a World Series victory.

As Alex bounced from Los Angeles to Cleveland to Boston to Citi Field, Joey climbed the coaching ranks. He managed minor-league affiliates of the Mets and the Montreal Expos. In 2004, Joey joined Ozzie Guillen’s staff in Chicago. He estimates he and his brother call each other four to five times a week.

Last week, their interests dovetailed. The Mets faced a pair of A.L. Central teams. The White Sox hosted Atlanta. They traded scouting reports. “That’s the way it works,” Joey said.

Sometimes Alex picks his brother’s brain about life after his playing career ends. Joey hears the talk about Alex one day becoming a coach. So does Alex. He believes he can still play. But he knows what lies ahead.

“I’m learning each day,” Alex Cora said. “And although my mind is here to win a championship and help this team to win games, every day I learn something new. I think that’s going to help me in the future.”

Andy McCullough may be reached at amccullough@starledger.com

MANAGEMENT MATERIAL?

A few current and former players of Puerto Rican descent may be in line for managing positions down the road:
Edwin Ramirez: Interim manager of Marlins; first Puerto Rican to ever manage in MLB history; signed by Yankees in 1980.
Alex Cora: Mets infielder; tutored Dustin Pedroia in Boston; known to soak in information.
Joey Cora: Older brother of Alex; former All-Star in Seattle; now Ozzie Guillen’s understudy with White Sox.
Mike Lowell: Starred at third base for both Marlins and Red Sox; widely respected within the game.
Jose Molina: Catcher for Blue Jays; personal catcher to A.J. Burnett in 2009; known for exceptional game-calling.



(nj.com)

Although beloved Puerto Rican slugger Carlos Beltran won't be able to make the trip to the
tiny island east of the Dominican Republic with his teammates, the three-game series between the Marlins and Mets is going to be a special homecoming for a handful of players and Puerto Rico, itself.

Alex Cora, Angel Pagan, Jesus Feliciano and Pedro Feliciano are all natives of the baseball-crazed island and their return home couldn't be more special.

"This is a great opportunity to represent Puerto Rico and the Mets organization," Pagan told MLB.com. "I'm looking forward to it. The people in Puerto Rico are looking forward to it. It's going to be great for our country."

Although some players were able to take part in the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic played there, just three mets -- Jose Reyes, David Wright and Pedro Feliciano -- were members of the 2004 team that played the Expos in San Juan.

"All Puerto Rican people are waiting for this," Jesus Feliciano explained. "They're going to be real excited. We've got a lot of Latin players in this ballclub, plus we have big stars like David Wright, so people have been waiting for this for a long time.

"It's something that you cannot even explain," Feliciano added. "It's real great. I had the chance to play in the World Baseball Classic in Puerto Rico and it was awesome. I can't imagine wearing a big league uniform and playing in front of your friends, your family and your country."

For Cora, a 34-year-old veteran journeyman, his trip through the big leagues has come full circle.

"Not everybody can say that they played in their country in front of their fans," Cora said. "It's a dream come true."



(nesn.com)

It was a hit, as David Wright said, that changed the game. It gave the Mets a surge. It deflated the Yankees.

In the bottom of the second inning last night, Jason Bay would eventually hit his second home run of the season, and later in the night, Bay would add his third. First, however, Alex Cora delivered an enormous hit to put the game's first two runs on the board. The backup infielder smacked a two-out two-run single off CC Sabathia in the second inning, part of the Mets' big four-run frame and part of their 6-4 Subway Series victory at Citi Field.

"Big momentum changer," Wright said.



(nypost.com)

PORT ST. LUCIE — Veteran infielder Alex Cora will be the first one to admit if the statistical analysis theories are a basis for determining roles within a team, he probably is not the guy the New York Mets are looking for as an everyday shortstop.

But with Jose Reyes likely out for the start of the season because of an overactive thyroid, Cora still believes he is the right candidate for the job.

Manager Jerry Manuel agrees — in the short term. He said Thursday that Cora is the first choice to replace Reyes, then in the next breath added that is assuming his star shortstop returns before the summer months hit. Cora has more confidence in his abilities.

“There’s a few questions, I guess, defensively,” Cora said. “People are talking about age and that I’ve slowed down defensively. There is some statistical analysis out there that says I am losing my range. I will just try to work on a few things, but if that’s something I can improve, I will just keep working on it.

“It’s one of those things where if you believe in it, I guess I am not the right guy because the stats say so, but if you see me play everyday, I still think I can do it. Let’s put it this way: I have been in the big leagues for 12 years and it’s not because I hit .300.”

The 34-year-old hit .251 with 18 RBI and one home run in 82 games last season — his first with the Mets. The club liked Cora, who owns a .246 career batting average, enough to re-sign him for $2 million during the offseason, despite the fact he was coming off two surgeries to repair ligaments in both thumbs — an injury Cora played through for almost two months last year.

When news about Reyes’ health surfaced last week, general manager Omar Minaya spoke highly of 20-year-old prospect Ruben Tejada as a possibility to replace Reyes. However, Manuel said Thursday it is still to be determined whether Tejada, who has never played above Double-A, is ready to make the jump to the majors. Should the Mets include him on the opening day roster, Tejada would need to be brought along slowly, Manuel indicated.

“If you happen to take a young player you’d have to find the right spots you think the guy would have a chance to have success and after that comes confidence and after that you let him go,” Manuel said.

“I haven’t seen enough (of Tejada),” Manuel added. “I think when you get down to that last week when the pitchers are kind of on top of their game, the position players are close to being ready, that will probably give us a better feel as to whether this will benefit us one way or the other.”

Tejada, who played with the St. Lucie Mets in 2008, signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Panama in July 2006 and spent last season in Binghamton as the youngest position player at that level.

He batted .289 with five homers, 46 RBI and 19 stolen bases.

Regarded as the organization’s best defensive infielder, Tejada is an “interesting player” to Manuel, and the manager said he would still consider him an option to make the team.

“He has some tremendous instincts to play,” Manuel said. “I like him a lot.”

For now, Manuel is still hoping Reyes, who is expected to be out another 1-7 weeks, returns in time to be ready for the start of the season, though that window is quickly closing with just over two weeks left in spring training.

“I am still holding out,” Manuel said. “I am still believing he will show up here in parking lot No. 7 any day.”



(tcpalm.com)

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Jerry Manuel hasn't seen enough of infield prospect Ruben Tejada to know if he's ready for the majors. But the Mets manager knows this: If Tejada does make the Opening Day roster, he would start the season on the bench, not starting in place of Jose Reyes.

If, as expected, Reyes begins the season on the disabled list, Manuel said Thursday that Alex Cora would start at shortstop. There had been some speculation after the news of Reyes' thyroid condition last week that Tejada could start at shortstop, but Manuel said that will not be the case.

"Cora would be the guy at this time," Manuel said.

Manuel compared Tejada's situation to that of much-hyped pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia. If Mejia makes the team out of camp, Manuel said he would not be the Mets' setup man. Instead, he would start in more of a low-pressure bullpen role.



(nj.com)

I've been adamant about starting the season with Jenrry Mejia in Binghamton and Ike Davis in Buffalo, and I'm sticking to it.

You can throw Fernando Martinez into that category too.

Even if they continue to be the three most exciting players in camp.

But when it comes to promoting Ruben Tejada to fill in for Jose Reyes while he recovers from his thyroid condition, I'm willing to look the other way for a month.

The situation at shortstop is different.

Look, it would be cruel and inhumane to subject sinker-ball pitcher Mike Pelfrey (not to mention the rest of the staff) to the utterly rangeless double-play combo of Alex Cora and Luis Castillo.

There's got to be some type of correlation between angst over a grounder up the middle and the fact that Big Pelf started feverishly licking himself on the mound after Jose Reyes went down last year.

Tejada is 20... he hit .289 despite being a pup in Double-A last season. It's impressive. Still, offensively, he's going to be in over his head at the big-league level. That's OK.

His real game -- his defense and his speed on the base paths -- are big-league ready right now now and won't be damaged by a month or so at the Show.

So give me the kid for six weeks until Reyes gets back.

Then he goes back to the farm so we can find out if he's the second baseman of the future, the utility infielder of the future, something more or something less.



(blog.slive.com)

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Although fewer games remain on the Mets' Spring Training schedule than when Jose Reyes was preparing to make his return to active duty, the camp, without Reyes, now features more competition. Manager Jerry Manuel and general manager Omar Minaya like to see competition for assignments, even when it doesn't exist. But Reyes' absence and the possibility that he will not play for weeks has created a legitimate competition between veteran Alex Cora and non-roster Ruben Tejada.

One of them will be primarily in charge of keeping the shortstop position warm for Reyes, though it's likely each will play a part.

The competition starts at that top. Shortly after the announcement Thursday that Reyes' thyroid problem will render him inactive from two to eight weeks, Minaya said Cora would probably would be the primary understudy. And without saying the words, Manuel gave every indication the 20-year-old rookie with no Triple-A experience is likely to play most of the shortstop innings until Reyes' return. Hence the sense of competition.

Unmentioned in the conversation was Anderson Hernandez, out of options -- and seemingly out of a job with the Mets when the season begins. And importing another candidate to compete seems unlikely. But Minaya said the club needed no extra outfielder when Carlos Beltran underwent surgery on his knee in January. Shortly thereafter, he traded Brian Stokes for Gary Matthews Jr.

"It's early enough that Omar and Jerry can make some decisions who we're going to go with in the lineup," Cora said Thursday. "It's early enough that we can play for [the assignment]. "I'm not Jose Reyes. But if it's the worst-case scenario, whatever it is, it's early enough that we can plan for it."

Cora, 34 and coming off a season undermined by injuries to both thumbs, is quite confident. And Tejada, in simple terms, is prepared for the challenge.

"It's baseball," Tejada said. "I am ready."

"There's a lot of talk -- 'He's 34, getting old, with no tools,'" Cora said. "I think I was playing good baseball before I got hurt. And then everybody knew about one hand, but I knew about both hands."

Cora batted .251 with 18 RBIs and one home run in 82 games (271 at-bats) last season, his first with the Mets. His contributions went well beyond on-field performance, though. He filled a vacuum at shortstop, but also in the clubhouse. He evolved into a team conscience and spokesman. The club thought enough of Cora to re-sign him for $2 million.

Manuel expressed confidence that Cora could handle the regular assignment.

"I would say [early in the season], that's very feasible that [Cora] could play," Manuel said, also noting the summer months would be an issue, but there is no indication Reyes' absence would extend into the summer.

The manager praised the younger candidate, as managers are wont to do.

"He has tremendous instincts. I like him a lot. I think it's an option," Manuel said.

"The good thing is Tejada is playing pretty well," Minaya said. "Jerry's playing him."

But how long will that last? For now, Manuel needs to see more of Tejada, who batted .289 with 46 RBIs and five home runs in 488 at-bats with the Mets' Double-A Binghamton affiliate last season. The manager already knows Cora. Manuel acknowledged Thursday he had have to see how Cora's and Tejada's skills would fit in the batting order. But with Reyes' and Beltran's offense missing, the Mets won't be well-equipped to carry the rookie's bat.



(mlb.com)

There is no Carlos Beltran. And now there is no Jose Reyes, either.

The Mets said Thursday that Reyes, their former All-Star shortstop, has a case of hyperthyroidism. He must refrain from physical activity for the next two to eight weeks. Minaya told reporters that "it doesn't look good right now" for Reyes to be ready for Opening Day.

Reyes played only 36 games last year because of a serious hamstring injury. Now this.

It's to the point now where, regardless of allegiances, you feel badly for the Mets. They simply can't get their team on the field.

Beltran was on the disabled list last year. He will open this year on the DL, too.

Reyes was on the disabled list last year. He will probably open this year on the DL, too.

Instead of Reyes and Beltran, who is recovering from knee surgery, the Mets will probably have Alex Cora and Angel Pagan in their Opening Day lineup.



(foxnews.com)

The New York Post reports that Mets SS Alex Cora, who had surgeries for torn ligaments in both thumbs this offseason, will try to slide feet first in 2010.




(fantasysp.com)

Alex Cora hadn't played since Dec. 9th when he left a winter league game with what was translated as an aggravated back. Tonight Cora returned and played 3B, going 0-3. At least in returning we know that his back is ok, there hasn't been a report since the initial injury and with him not playing it was becoming concerning that it might be something more serious, that could effect his season.



(metfever.blogspot.com)

It is easy to like the signing of Alex Cora, especially if you have any dealings with Alex Cora.

The hard part is reconciling it with the needs of the 2010 Mets.

But by signing Alex Cora to a one-year, $2 million contract for 2010, the Mets are showing willful indifference to the offensive, defensive and financial implications of the move.

Cora registered a -7.8 UZR/150 mark as a shortstop last season, along with a -9.3 UZR/150 as a second baseman. Anyone watching his limited range isn’t a bit surprised by this. It is easy to see where he got his good defensive reputation- he has terrific hands, good instincts, and was probably terrific at one point. That point, unfortunately, is in the past, and this contract only covers the future.

For taking that defensive hit, the Mets are adding a bench player who had an OPS in 2009 of… .630. He’s projected to put up a .637 by Bill James in 2010.

But so what? He’s the backup shortstop and second baseman, right?

Well, yes, but that $2 million isn’t being spent by the Yankees and their limitless resources. Keep this in mind: the 2009 Mets had to choose between Randy Wolf and Oliver Perez. Why? Well, once Perez was signed, they couldn’t afford Wolf’s one-year, $5 million deal. Or put another way, they’d already spent $2.25 million on Tim Redding, $2 million on Cora, $925K on Jeremy Reed and $600K on Cory Sullivan. All four are entirely replaceable players. Wolf, in the rotation, wouldn’t have been.

On Twitter, several of the pro-Cora voices seemed to fall back on the idea that this move wouldn’t preclude the Mets from making other moves. The problem is, there’s no evidence to support that idea- and the move itself actually keeps the Mets from fielding a backup middle infielder who is an above-average fielder, above-average hitter, or whose salary at least doesn’t keep them from adding other options where spending more than the league minimum is worth doing.



(nybaseballdigest.com)

NEW YORK -- He doesn't hit 30 home runs, catch or pitch. But Alex Cora makes the Mets a better team in ways subtle and not so subtle. So even though his agreeing to a contract with the club late Monday addresses none of the club's primary needs, it does fill a need.

Now the Mets have a sense of who will play shortstop when Jose Reyes doesn't or second base when Luis Castillo -- or his successor -- doesn't. And the home clubhouse at Citi Field will have a respected voice and a presence.

Cora, a free agent who was injured for much of last season, passed a physical and agreed to a contract that will pay him $2 million for 2010. The deal includes an option for 2011 that can vest if he reaches certain quantitative levels.

Cora is the first big league player the Mets have added to their roster since the season ended, and one they came to appreciate last season, his first with the club.

"I'm excited about coming back," Cora said on Monday. "We have a lot to prove as a team after what happened last year. As for me personally, there is unfinished business. I was hurt a great deal of the time, and I really wasn't able to perform like I know I can. I'm healthy now, and I can't wait to get to Spring Training. We all have something to prove."

Cora started 54 games at shortstop and 13 at second base, significantly more than either he or the Mets envisioned in January, when he signed a one-year contract for $2 million. Reyes' extended stay on the disabled list turned the now-34-year-old veteran into a regular. He wore down and ended his season on Aug. 12, when fatigue, the condition of both thumbs and the Mets' position in the standings said it was time.

Cora had torn ligaments in both thumbs in consecutive games in May. He was assigned to the DL on May 18, two days before Reyes played his final game.

Cora returned to active duty on June 4 and started 56 of the Mets' subsequent 63 games. He underwent surgery on Aug. 20 to repair the right thumb and on Sept. 21 to repair the left.

He batted .308 in his final 13 games and finished his first season in the National League since 2004 with a .251 batting average, 18 RBIs, 31 runs and 14 extra-base hits (one home run) in 271 at-bats.

Coste who played for the Phillies in 2006, 2007 and into last season, was claimed on waivers by the Astros on July 10. He batted .224 with 18 RBIs, 15 runs and 15 extra-base hits (two home runs) in 205 at-bats with the two teams. He is a career .272 hitter with 23 home runs and 108 RBIs in 299 games (806 at-bats).



(mlb.com)

CHICAGO -- Mets general manager Omar Minaya met with agent Scott Boras on Tuesday night to discuss parameters of possible deals for two of his clients -- Matt Holliday and Alex Cora.

Holliday, who ended the season with the Cardinals, is one of the premier outfielders on the free-agent market and is expected to receive various lucrative offers. Cora, a utility middle infielder, played for the Mets this past season and can be re-signed by Minaya during the 15-day exclusivity period, which ends at midnight on Nov. 19.

"We have to look at everything, whether it's through trades, our free agents or somebody else's free agents," Minaya said after the two days of the General Managers' Meetings ended following a morning session on Wednesday. "We wanted to talk about their interest level and our interest level. Sometimes you get an idea what they're looking for."

The Mets suffered through a 92-loss, injury-plagued 2009 season, and Minaya is trying to avoid a repeat performance by rebuilding the team as quickly as possible.

To that end, Minaya said earlier in the week that the Mets will be very aggressive in the free-agent market this winter with the top priorities being a slugger for the middle of the lineup and more starting pitching.

Cora, 34, spent two stints on the disabled list and batted .251 in only 82 games.



(mlb.com)

Four 2009 Mets have filed for free agency in the two days after the World Series. Carlos Delgado and Brian Schneider filed on day one.  Alex Cora and Ramon Martinez filed on day two. Of those four, Cora is the only one possibly returning.



(newyorkblips.com)

According to Adam Rubin of the Daily News, the Mets are likely to re-sign Alex Cora to be their back-up middle infielder.

Cora, who had season-ending surgery on both of his thumbs, hit .251 with a .320 OBP in 82 games for the Mets this season.

He didn’t have a sensational season, but, i believe he is the type of player who fans are unable to judge, because his true value may be in the clubhouse, and on the bench, not on the field… so, i can handle him being re-signed…

The thing is, omar, please, do not pull a Marlon Anderson, or a Julio Franco, and box yourself in to a corner by giving him an unnecessary, two-year deal, because you felt you had to overpay to keep him… he’s valuable, but he’s not that valuable…

Cora hit .417 in 16 plate appearances as a pinch hitter this season, while batting .243 in the 67 games that he started.



(metsblog.com)

Alex Cora is fulfilling a familiar role as a member of the New York Mets.

Back when he was part of the 2007 World Champion Red Sox, the veteran shortstop served as a mentor for Dustin Pedroia. The rookie second baseman was struggling monumentally in the early going  -- and his .172 batting average through May 1 proved it -- but he turned it around, due in large part to Cora's sage advice.

Cora has been on the disabled list since Aug. 18 with torn thumb ligaments, but that doesn't mean his purpose is diminished. It's just different, and Mike Pelfrey is a prime benefactor.

Cora spent Friday night's game talking things out in the dugout with the struggling starter, much to the joy of the Mets. According to the team's Web site, Pelfrey tends to need encouragement from teammates to stay focused.
"Sometimes, when Mike gets in trouble, he forgets who he is and how good he is," Cora told Mets.com. "I read the guy's qutoes. When a guy says, 'I stink, and, 'I feel sorry for my teammates,' I figure he's not being as positive as he needs to be."

Pelfrey -- who is currently 9-10 with a 5.03 ERA -- will take the hill against Chicago on Sunday, hoping to turn things around after giving up six hits and seven runs in four innings on Tuesday.

"He has so much going for him," Cora told the Web site. "I told him he's got five more starts, and he's good enough to win all five. That puts him at 14 wins. A lot of guys in this league want to win 14 games. 'Ninety-five [mph] with movement. Just throw pitches and get outs. You don't need to worry about strikeouts; get outs. Pitch to contact. Keep your pitches down and get to seven innings. This quality start thing [six innings and three or fewer runs allowed] isn't what you want. Go seven. Beat somebody.' I think he was listening."



(nesn.com)

Versatile infielder Alex Cora had surgery on his right thumb and showed up at Citi Field wearing a cast. Cora plans to have surgery on his left thumb in about four weeks, but had the right hand operated on first so he could begin throwing.



(espn.com)

Alex Cora will undergo season-ending surgery to repair torn ligaments in his both of his thumbs.

Cora had forgone surgery on his right thumb in May and opted to serve in a limited role instead, but now he decided he couldn't play through it anymore. Cora will have surgery performed on his right thumb by club doctor Andrew Weiland, wait five weeks, and then get surgery on his damaged left thumb. He'll likely be put on the DL soon.

(rotoworld.com)

WASHINGTON - Alex Cora's right thumb, which is expected to require surgery after the season to repair a torn ligament, kept him out of the lineup for Wednesday night's series finale against the Nationals.

Cora tweaked the thumb Tuesday while bracing himself as a throw from Jeff Francoeur came in from right field, Jerry Manuel said. The manager indicated that he saw Cora wince while swinging during his final at-bat in that game.

Angel Berroa made his first start as a Met last night, replacing Cora at shortstop. He went 0-for-3. Former Rockie Cory Sullivan also started for the first time with his new team, in left field, and went 0-for-4.

Cora has started 42 games at shortstop this season, seven more than Jose Reyes, and has begun to wilt in the everyday role while dealing with the hand issue. He's hitting .211 in 35 games since June 11.



(nydailyneww.com)

The Mets haven't been winning and Alex Cora hasn't been hitting, but that is no reason for him to go after Erin Andrews this way.

ESPN's beauty was hit in the chin by a Cora foul line drive in the fourth inning of last night's Mets-Dodgers game. Andrews was taken to the hospital a few innings later and it turned out the ball only caused a bruise.



(nypost.com)

MILWAUKEE -- Manager Jerry Manuel continued to tinker with the Mets' lineup Tuesday, as he desperately seeks to get more production out of the team's inept offense.

Shortstop Alex Cora will lead off against the Brewers, Fernando Tatis will bat second and start at second base and Nick Evans will start at first base and bat sixth.

Manuel put Argenis Reyes in the leadoff spot Monday, but he was unlikely to be back there Tuesday after going 0 for 5 and seeing only 12 pitches. Daniel Murphy and Luis Castillo have also led off in recent games.

Here is the full Mets lineup:
Cora, ss Tatis, 2b Wright, 3b Sheffield, lf Church, rf Evans, 1b Martinez, cf Santos, c Santana, sp



(nj.com)

Alex Cora has returned from three games at Triple-A Buffalo. He can't be activated from the DL until Tuesday, so it's likely the Mets will wait to put Angel Pagan on the DL until then.

UPDATE: Cora said he's felt no ill effects from the torn ligament in his right thumb while playing two games at shortstop and one at DH. He noted he can't make it any worse since it's completely torn.

He reiterated he'll need surgery after the season. Cora is wearing a splint both at the plate and in the field, but added that he doesn't think he particularly needs it. He insisted he's not trying to rush back because of the spate of injuries.

“To win a World Series championship, and I’ve been there before, you need more than 25 guys,” Cora said. “Whoever is making excuses because guys are hurt or whatever, they don’t belong in this clubhouse. You need everybody. Whoever comes up we’re expecting them to contribute.”

(nydailynews.com)

Alex Cora expects to begin a three-game rehab assignment tomorrow with Triple-A Buffalo. The tune-up, which will include a game apiece at second base, DH and shortstop, will more clearly determine whether he's capable of being activated from the disabled list when he's eligible on Tuesday in Pittsburgh. Cora hopes to avoid surgery on a torn ligament in his right thumb until after the season.

Ryan Church (hamstring) and Jose Reyes (calf), who both landed on the disabled list on Tuesday, expect to head to the Mets' complex in Port St. Lucie today and Sunday, respectively.

(nydailynews.com)

Alex Cora (thumb) is expecting to delay surgery on the torn ligament his thumb until after the season and plans to return from the DL when eligible on June 2.

Cora says he can only be a part-time player due to the injury, which is perfect because that's exactly what he is. The reserve infielder isn't worth using in NL-only leagues.

(rotoworld.com)

Alex Cora plans to return from the disabled list on June 2 when he's eligible after serving 15 days, and expects to wait until after the season to undergo surgery, he tells the Daily News.

Cora devised a splint for his right thumb and tested it throwing Tuesday from 70 feet and it was passable. He doesn't think he could be an everyday player with the injury, but he can play with the torn right thumb ligament on a part-time basis, he suggested.

He batted without wearing the splint.

(nydailynews.com)

Bart Hubbuch, of the New York Post, reports New York Mets SS Alex Cora (thumb) has been advised to wear a splint on his hand for the next 10 days.



(fantasysp.com)

LOS ANGELES -- On a day the Mets learned they would be without Carlos Delgado for an extended period of time, they suffered yet another loss.

The club placed infielder Alex Cora on the 15-day disabled list with a torn ligament in his right thumb, recalling Ramon Martinez to take his roster spot and start at shortstop for Monday's series opener against the Dodgers. Regular shortstop Jose Reyes remains unavailable with tendinitis in his right calf.

Cora, who thought he had merely sprained his thumb sliding into second base in the first inning of Sunday's game, attempted to take batting and fielding practice Monday afternoon at Dodger Stadium. But he was unable to throw, and tests revealed that he had suffered a torn ligament in the thumb.

Martinez, 36, played in seven games last season for the Mets, producing four hits in 16 at-bats.

(mlb.com)

The right side of the Mets' infield is likely to be manned by understudies. Fernando Tatis is likely to be the first baseman, as he was Monday night. It was his 12th career assignment at first. And, Manuel said, Alex Cora is likely to play second base, as he did Monday after Luis Castillo was removed from the game because of muscle spasms in the right side of his back.

(newyorkmets.mlb.com)

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Former Hurricanes Ryan Braun (USA), Alex Cora (Puerto Rico) and Carlos Gutierrez (Puerto Rico) have been selected to play in next month's World Baseball Classic. Cora, a shortstop at Miami from 1994-96, is one of six infielders on Puerto Rico's roster, while Gutierrez, UM's closer last season, is one of 14 pitchers on the squad. Braun, an All-Star last year with the Milwaukee Brewers, is one of four outfielders on Team USA.

Final rosters of the 16 participating countries were announced late Tuesday, a little more than a week before the second annual tournament begins on March 5.

Cora, a recent signee with the New York Mets, is an 11-year Major League Baseball veteran with 688 career hits in his big league career. Gutierrez, a first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2008, went 3-1 with a 2.10 ERA with the Class A Advanced Fort Myers Miracle last season. Braun, the National League's 2007 Rookie of the Year, hit .285 with 37 homers and 106 RBI this past season.

Team Puerto Rico, along with fellow Pool D members Dominican Republic, Netherlands and Panama, will play its first round games at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico. If Team Puerto Rico is able to reach the second round of the Classic, Cora and Gutierrez will play in South Florida at Dolphin Stadium from March 14-19.

Other first-round games of the WBC are slated for Tokyo Dome (March 5-8), Toronto's Rogers Centre (March 8-12) and Foro Sol Stadium in Mexico City (March 8-12).

In addition to Dolphin Stadium, San Diego's PETCO Park will serve as the other second round venue.

Dodger Stadium will host the semifinals and finals from March 21-23. PETCO was home to the semis and finals in 2006, when Japan defeated Cuba to take home the first Classic championship.

All 39 games are slated to be televised this year by ESPN and MLB Network -- 16 on the Network, which also adds a nightly half-hour wrap-up show of the day's events.

(hurricanesports.com)

NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Cora and the New York Mets finalized a $2 million, one-year contract Thursday, giving the team a backup infielder who also could displace Luis Castillo at second base.

"You win championships with a 25-man roster," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. "Alex Cora has been an integral part of teams that have been to the postseason in four of the last five years."

Cora hit .270 last season in 75 games and 152 at-bats for the Boston Red Sox. He had 38 starts at shortstop and three at second.

"I'm excited to join the Mets," Cora said in a statement released by the team. "We have a talented roster. I'm committed to do everything I can in any role to win."

Cora could earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses: $250,000 for each of 110, 120, 130 and 140 games started.

With the start of spring training less than a month away, David Wright was at Citi Field on Thursday, working out in the batting cages across the hall from the clubhouse at the new ballpark.

(ap.com)

Free agent Alex Cora has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Mets.

Cora kept waiting around to see if the Red Sox would trade Julio Lugo and open up a spot for him, but it looks like Boston will go with Lugo as its utilityman. Cora is a decent enough choice for the Mets as a replacement for Damion Easley.

(rotoworld.com)

According to WEEI's Rob Bradford, the Mets are targeting free agent Alex Cora to be their utility man for '09. Cora played shortstop and a little bit of second base for the Red Sox this year.



(mlbtraderumors.com)

Terry Francona believes Alex Cora will make a quality manager one day -- if Cora chooses to go that route -- but the veteran utility infielder still has some innings to play before he calls it a career.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Cora could be a low-cost solution at shortstop for the Tigers. Cora has not played more than 100 games since 2004 with the Dodgers, so it's possible Detroit signs him, retains part-time infielder Ramon Santiago and takes the shortstop-by-committee approach.

A more likely scenario is the Red Sox bring back Cora. The 33-year-old has played in Boston since 2005 (when the Red Sox acquired in July him from the Indians for Ramon Vazquez), knows the game and won't break the bank. He just wrapped up a two-year, $4 million deal.

(nesn.com)

Alex Cora filed for free agency today. The Red Sox now have 15 days to exclusively negotiate with Cora. If they don’t come to an agreement in the 15 days, the Red Sox lose the exclusive right and he is free negotiate with the other teams.

Cora has stated a desire to return to the Red Sox in 2009 while it’s unlikely the Red Sox will re-sign Kotsay, Byrd, Schilling and Timlin.

(soxanddawgs.com)

Mark Gonzales, of The Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago White Sox could pursue Boston Red Sox 2B Alex Cora if 2B Juan Uribe does not return for the 2009 season.



(kffl.com)

BOSTON — If they had their choice, Sean Casey and Alex Cora both would like to play for the Red Sox again next season.

Those two, both free agents, were among the few players in the team clubhouse yesterday afternoon after the 5 a.m. arrival from Tampa.

“I love it here,” Cora said. “It’s something we’ve got to look at. … We’ll go through the right channels and see what happens.”

Cora, a favorite of manager Terry Francona and a potential manager-in-waiting, might not have control. If Julio Lugo returns, Cora could be out, since Jed Lowrie has established himself. If the Sox decide to deal Lugo, it likely would help Cora’s chances.

(projo.com)

BOSTON -- For Monday's Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, Red Sox manager Terry Francona went with his third different lineup.

The new wrinkle this time was veteran Alex Cora getting the call at shortstop in place of rookie Jed Lowrie.

Francona felt that the left-handed-hitting Cora was a better option than the switch-hitting Lowrie, who went 0-for-6 in the first two games.

Lowrie has been a far more effective hitter against lefties, so Francona thought the matchup with Tampa Bay righty Matt Garza favored Cora.

In Game 2 of the AL Division Series, Francona made the same maneuver against Angels righty Ervin Santana.

"The power righty seems like it's been more of a fit for Alex," Francona said. "I anticipate Jed being right back in there [Tuesday]. Again, sometimes you have different ways of being a good team. Sometimes you throw out the same nine, sometimes you don't."

Lowrie has been Boston's primary shortstop since Julio Lugo tore his left quad just before the All-Star break. Francona wasn't worried at all about Lowrie's confidence.

"I think Jed is smart enough to always [look at the big picture]," Francona said. "I think we're just trying to do what's best for the ballclub. But we will always make sure Jed knows that, so when he goes out to take his grounders today, he [knows] he's not being punished. We're just putting the best team out there that we can."

In 152 at-bats this season, Cora hit .275 with nine RBIs.

(mlb.com)

I didn't even know until recently that I was nearing my 1,000th career game. I've always been the type of player who takes things day-by-day, but I guess those days add up after a while.

When I first broke into the big leagues, I was very proud of that accomplishment because it's so hard to get to this level. As time went along, I just followed that day-by-day mantra. Baseball at this level is such a competitive grind that you can't afford to look too far ahead.

Initially, my focus was just to survive in the big leagues for another day, another week, another season. Now I'm closing in on 10 years.
When you start reaching milestones, you come to really appreciate all of the hard times and all of the struggles. You still have to get after it each and every day, but I also know it's important to enjoy the moment.

Reaching a longevity milestone shows a little about who you are, I think. It's a testament to your skills and to what you've accomplished, of course. But it also says something about how you go about your business.

When I look back after I retire -- hopefully that will be about 20 years from now as I track down records set by Julio Franco and Jesse Orosco -- I'll look back and reflect on all of the good times and all of the bad times.

Eventually, whatever the final number of games played is, I will consider myself most fortunate because I have a World Series ring. Not every player can say that, and that championship is the thing I'm most proud of.

I'm also proud of the versatility that I bring to a club. That's been an important factor in my career. I broke in with the Dodgers as an everyday player, more or less. They decided to let me go in 2004, and since then, I've been in more of a utility role. My ability to play different positions has helped.

My brother, Joey, played in more than 1,000 games (1,119), but reaching and surpassing his total wouldn't really mean anything. It's not like I'm competitive with him. I don't see Joey as a baseball player. Instead, I see him as my brother. I'm here because of him.

If I do get close to his number, he'll be very, very proud. It won't be a case of him saying, "Alex beat me." It would be something we would both take pride in.

Alex Cora is closing in on his 1,000th regular season games at the Major League level. He's been to the postseason three times, including the Red Sox's World Series-winning club last season. His older brother Joey is currently a coach with the White Sox.

(mlbplayers.com)

It wasn’t the lineup card Alex Cora [stats] was hoping to see. But one thing the Red Sox [team stats] utility infielder has become good at during his four seasons with the team is bracing for any circumstance.

Cora left Fenway Park [map] on Friday night knowing that just because of Julio Lugo [stats]’s injured left quadriceps, sliding into the starting spot at shortstop was anything but a certainty. It was a reality he was forced to face sooner than anticipated, with rookie Jed Lowrie getting the starting nod for the first game of what figures to be 4-6 weeks of the Sox being without Lugo.

“There is always that itch,” Cora said of his desire to play on an everyday basis. “I love what we do here and the way Tito (Francona) treats me. But sometimes we don’t hear what we have to hear, and you have to respect that.”

Francona explained right now there won’t be any firm plan of attack when it comes to utilizing the switch-hitting Lowrie and Cora.

The 32-year-old Cora figures to be in the starting lineup today, considering he owns a .407 career batting average against Baltimore starter Daniel Cabrera. But without the starting nod last night, Cora’s only chance at back-to-back starts came in the Sox series in Minnesota and Baltimore when he was inserted in the starting lineup four straight games, from May 11-14.

“Every time you send A.C. out there, you know what you’re getting,” Francona said. “You hit the ball to him, he catches it, he knows where to go and it’s reassuring. Part of our responsibility is to play him enough where he can be sharp, and we struggle through that sometimes, but this won’t be a time when it’s hard for him because he’ll play enough.”

Cora’s primary responsibility since returning from an early-season elbow injury has been to serve as a defensive replacement for Lugo. Including a late-innings appearance last night, he has now played in 35 games, 15 as the starter.

As he heads into what could be his best opportunity at carving out more playing time, Cora admitted that between his injury, and sporadic appearances in what is the final year of a two-year deal, this has been nothing like he has experienced in the past.

“It’s been more of a challenge,” Cora said. “First of all it was physically, going on the DL for the first time. Second of all, the two guys in front of me (Lugo and second baseman Dustin Pedroia [stats]) have been doing a great job, and it’s been kind of hard getting at-bats. The role is hard anyway, but it’s been tougher this year.”

With Lowrie having similar success from both sides of the plate during his time with Triple-A Pawtucket, hitting .277 from the left and .250 from the right, the immediate future might not lend itself to a straight platoon between the rookie and the left-handed-hitting Cora.

But with the memory of his two straight seasons as a starter with the Dodgers (2003-04) still fresh, Cora is angling to start walking down that same sort of path once again.

“This is what you prepare yourself for,” he said. “You’re not hoping for injuries, but if it happens you can’t let something like this deviate the team from what you want to accomplish. That is why you come and work early, for situations like this. We’ll see how it plays out.”

(bostonherald.com)

On a night where fielding took center stage, it only made sense that one of the most noteworthy developments revolved around the Red Sox [team stats]’ defensive plan of attack.

In the ninth inning of the first game in what turned into the Sox’ doubleheader sweep of the Brewers, Alex Cora [stats] came on as a defensive replacement for Julio Lugo [stats]. It is a strategy that evidently won’t be a one-time thing.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona spoke with both Cora and Lugo about the possibility of using Cora as a late-inning defensive replacement at shortstop.

“I’m ready for it,” said Cora, who started and played the entire second game. “You want to be the one making plays when it counts. Obviously, coming into a game, a close game, you want to be making a play. It’s something you have to ready for and the ball will find you.”

The strategy paid off immediately when Cora made a sensational grab on a popup in shallow left field in the ninth inning by Prince Fielder. The shortstop caught the ball basket-style with his back to the plate.

This will be the second time in Cora’s career he filled the role as late-inning defensive replacement. In 2002 with the Dodgers, he shared playing time at shortstop with Cesar Izturis, with either coming in for second baseman Mark Grudzielanek for defense.

Lugo leads all major league shortstops with 11 errors, three more than Florida’s Hanley Ramirez. His fielding percentage stands at .917, lowest among starters at his position.

The Sox’ starting shortstop did collect a hit while scoring a run in the first game, with his batting average standing at .283.

Cora did make an error in the second game, his first of the season, failing to come up with an in-between hop on a Billy Hall grounder in the seventh inning of the Sox’ 7-6 victory.

It would be one of three errors for the Sox in a game that set a new high for most errors by two teams in a single game (seven) this season.

According to a few players, not helping matters was the wear and tear the Fenway Park [map] field endured from a full day of doubleheader baseball.

“It was pretty rough,” said second baseman Dustin Pedroia [stats] of the field. “That ball to AC was a do-or-die play. That was a tough play. It was bad. That was the worse it has been all year.”

(news.bostonherald.com)

Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - The Red Sox activated infielder Alex Cora off the 15-day disabled list prior to Sunday's 9-8 loss to the Twins.

Cora, who had been out since April 9 with a sore right elbow, had three hits and started at shortstop Sunday night, making him 6-for-7 in four games this season.

In a corresponding move, the Red Sox optioned infielder Jed Lowrie to Triple-A Pawtucket.

(sportsnetwork.com)

DETROIT -- So far, so good for the rehabbing Red Sox duo at Triple-A Pawtucket.

First baseman Sean Casey and utility infielder Alex Cora have begun their Minor League rehabilitation assignments as they return from injury, and the initial reports show no problems and solid production.

"They both look like they're doing real good," manager Terry Francona said before Thursday night's game against the Tigers at Comerica Park.

If their rehabs continue to go well, both players could rejoin the Red Sox roster for this weekend's series at Minnesota.

That's assuming the weather holds up for Pawtucket's game against Norwich on Friday night, as the forecast calls for heavy rain throughout the day. A rainout could delay Casey and Cora's return, but only by a day or two.

The team has not decided how it will make room for both players on the roster. It's assumed that infielder Jed Lowrie is one player on the way down to Pawtucket, and the other spot will be decided when the time comes.

Cora, who started his rehab on Wednesday night, is recovering from a sprained right elbow. In his first game with Pawtucket, he went 2-for-4 with a couple of singles to left and scored a run while playing seven innings at second base. Then, in Thursday's game, he went 1-for-4, starting at second again, though he was originally slated to DH.

"We were going to DH him, but he didn't get very many fielding chances [on Wednesday night], so he played second again," Francona said. "He'll play short [on Friday]."

Cora has appeared in three games with Boston this season, going 3-for-3 with a walk. Casey has played in 17 games and owns a .346 average with eight RBIs.

(mlb.com)

Alex Cora was turning double plays in practice at second base yesterday. He'll go to shortstop today. The Sox think Cora is just about ready to come off the disabled list, but they're considering whether a rehab assignment is necessary.



(boston.com)

Alex Cora has begun a throwing program but is still at least a week away from returning.





(fenwaywest.blogspot.com)

Alex Cora, meanwhile, still is about a week away from even being cleared to start throwing again. Cora has a right elbow strain. He took batting practice on the field this afternoon. Francona said the team will re-evaluate the utility infielder next Monday or Tuesday, after their road series this weekend against Tampa Bay.

(beloblog.com)

BOSTON -- Considering his value over the past two seasons as the club's most versatile infielder, the Red Sox are not taking any chances with Alex Cora's right elbow.

Boston is shutting down the infielder and keeping him from throwing a baseball following an MRI on Thursday.

"We've already spoken with [doctors] and trainers," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "In layman's language, we're going to slow him down until he's completely pain-free, whether that's three days, seven days, 10 days, that's up to how he feels. Then we'll get him back to baseball."

"I think we've got to shut it down for a little bit and map a plan," Cora said. "That's why we have to meet with everybody. Map out a plan and go from there."

As for the MRI, it was Cora's second one in as many weeks since he went on the disabled list on April 10 with a sprained right elbow.

"There was nothing seen in the MRI that is alarming," Francona said. "It confirmed what our trainers thought and our doctors thought. But we do want him to stop the throwing until he's pain-free. They do certain movements -- certain actions where they can replicate that pain -- and they want that to go away before he does baseball activities."

"The first one didn't work out too good, so I had to do it again [on Thursday]," Cora explained.

Cora has managed to keep his sense of humor while rehabbing the elbow, which he injured while making a throw across to first base while taking ground balls prior to the April 10 game against the Tigers.

"It feels the same," Cora said. "The only movement with the arm was with the [TV] remote, watching these clowns play, watching Sean Casey, a professional athlete with no balance."

But that doesn't mean Cora isn't frustrated watching from the bench, unable to contribute.

"I don't know how big a deal," Cora said of the severity of his injury. "I thought it was something that was a few days and now it looks like weeks now. It's been a week already, and it's going to take another week."

(mlb.com)

Boston, MA (Sportsbooks) - The Red Sox placed infielder Alex Cora on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a right elbow sprain.
The move is retroactive to April 10.

Cora is a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a walk for the Sox this season, with his lone start coming at shortstop April 2 in Oakland. His last appearance came as a pinch-hitter on April 9 against Detroit.

To fill the roster spot, the club has purchased the contract of infielder Joe Thurston from Triple-A Pawtucket. Thurston is expected to be with the team for tonight's game against the Yankees in the Bronx.

(mlb.com)

The Red Sox are considering placing Alex Cora on the disabled list because of his sore elbow.
Cora was supposed to be ready to play by now, but manager Terry Francona said today that he still could be a week away. If Cora lands on the DL, the Red Sox could recall Brandon Moss. If they wanted another outfielder instead, they'd pick either Joe Thurston or Keith Ginter.

(rotoworld.com)

Alex Cora hurt his arm while throwing before Thursday's game and was sent for an examination. The Red Sox can't afford to be two infielders down with Mike Lowell already hurt, so even if it's a day-to-day problem for Cora, he could go on the DL. Jed Lowrie would be the obvious choice as a replacement.

(rotoworld.com)

FORT MYERS - Ask Alex Cora [stats] what he remembers most about playing baseball in Japan, and he won’t take you down the usual road of culture shock, language barriers and the many hours it took to make the trip.

Not right away. First, the Red Sox [team stats] utility infielder will talk to you about batting practice.

Cora was on a team of major league All-Stars - “See, I really was an All-Star,” he likes to say - for an eight-game series against Japanese All-Stars in November 2004. When he arrived at the ballpark for the first game, he was shocked to see that the Japanese take batting practice with two players hitting at the same time. Click here to continue reading...

Different players have different values to a team. The value of Alex Cora has been an immense. You'll never see his name among the league leaders in the stat categories. But, Red Sox fans know you need a guy like him to get through a 162 game season. 

Cora begins his 4th season with the Red Sox. He's one of those guys who might go unnoticed in most cities, but not in Boston. Not is a city as baseball crazy as Boston.Cora thrives in that intensity.

" I love it. I think if you're going to do what I do it is the perfect place to do it. I would love to play every day in Boston because I know they can appreciate more of my game but the days I play out there they give you a standing ovation for a ground ball to second with a man on second. So, they understand the game and expect that out of you and it's a great place for me. " Click here to continue reading...

Tom D'Angelo spoke to Red Sox infielder Alex Cora, who has the longest at-bat on record in the majors and played in the two longest nine-inning games.

The 18-pitch at bat against Matt Clement in 2004 when you were with the Dodgers, did you ever think, when is this going to end?

I was so locked into that at-bat I wasn't really thinking about anything else. Nothing really mattered.

You fouled off 14 straight; what kind of pitches were you seeing?

Everybody gives me the credit but for Matty to throw so many strikes in a row he had to be doing something right, too. It was just a battle between two guys trying to get a result.

And that result was you hitting a home run. How satisfying was that?

It was a special for a lot of people but I was just happy to do something for my team. It was a 2-1 game at that point and Wilson Alvarez was throwing a great game and Matty, too.