After much dissension from many Mets at the time of the signing, you would be hard pressed to find a Mets fan who is not impressed by Alex Cora. Cora, who currently has a BA of .304 and an OPS of .823, does so much more than the stats alone even indicate.
From his past two managers:
After learning that Cora would soon return to the team our fearless manager had this to say “but, also, i now realize the type of leadership he brings to the dugout… he talks to every one… he’s always on the ball, thinking, talking about the game, studying, sharing information with teammates, etc… in the clubhouse, he checks in with people, talks baseball, and encourages a smart-brand of play… it makes sense that people around the game praise this guy, yet stat-junkies dismiss him…”
Ask what Cora means to the Red Sox in 2007 Terry Francona had this to say: “It’s hard to stay prepared for games if you aren’t playing all the time, but Alex is always ready,” said Francona. “He does everything to the best of his ability. Even if it’s just fielding ground balls during batting practice he goes all out. He doesn’t do anything at half speed.”
What about the player himself? What does he feel that his value is to the team? As a role player that tries to impact the team and the clubhouse.
“WASHINGTON — The worst lineup Alex Cora said he had ever seen won three of four games late last summer. He batted eighth or ninth for a Red Sox team playing without the injured Mike Lowell, Julio Lugo, J. D. Drew and Kevin Youkilis, and with its replacement third baseman, Jed Lowrie, battling a fractured wrist.
“I don’t know how we did it,†Cora said. “At one point we had Dustin Pedroia hitting fourth. I mean, yeesh. But we didn’t care. We were just like, let’s go. Why can’t we do it? Why not us? And that’s what you do, man.â€
Excuses were not tolerated in Boston, where he won a World Series title in 2007, and he expects the same fortitude from his new teammates. Whenever the Mets’ deluge of injuries is broached, Cora changes the subject, a verbal eye roll. He is on record saying that if someone disagrees with him they “don’t belong in this clubhouse,†a remark issued in Pittsburgh on June 1, the day before he was activated from the disabled list.”
Cora has a reputation among his managers and baseball people alike. But as a fan, sometimes I lean on their impressions of a player even more. Especially once it is clear that player will no longer be on their favorite team. Here are a couple of quotes from Red Sox’s fans when the Mets signed Cora.
“Mets fans should be happy with this potential pickup. Cora is a great clubhouse guy and he can do some things in the field to help a team. While his range has slipped a bit in recent years, you can be comfortable knowing that just about anything hit within his reach will be played cleanly. He also puts together solid at bats. He can lay a bunt down and advance runners and work the pitch count. In terms of utility guys, he’s a good one to have around as long as you don’t have to lean on him for too much.”
“It’s a good sign for the Mets and as a Sox fan I hate it. Awesome utility hitter and seemed like a great guy in the clubhouse.”
“Okay player but amazing clubhouse guy. AC was an amazing leader in the clubhouse.”
Â
And the list goes on. Often for a star you hear these kinds of words when they leave. But who hears these comments about a guy that started 40 games and only got 200 AB’s?
So what has Cora done so far for the Mets? Granted I am not a big believer in clutch but there are many of you who are:
| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | TB | GDP | HBP | SH | SF | IBB | ROE | tOPS+ | sOPS+ | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 outs, RISP | 11 | Â | 13 | 10 | Â | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | .300 | .462 | .400 | .862 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | .333 | 110 | 131 |
| Late & Close | 15 | Â | 19 | 14 | Â | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | .286 | .375 | .286 | .661 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .286 | 61 | 85 |
| Tie Game | 21 | Â | 33 | 25 | Â | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 2 | .400 | .500 | .600 | 1.100 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .435 | 167 | 192 |
| Within 1 R | 22 | Â | 50 | 40 | Â | 15 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 3 | .375 | .468 | .550 | 1.018 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | .405 | 147 | 170 |
| Within 2 R | 22 | Â | 59 | 47 | Â | 16 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 3 | .340 | .436 | .489 | .926 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | .364 | 125 | 148 |
| Within 3 R | 23 | Â | 66 | 54 | Â | 18 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 5 | .333 | .419 | .481 | .901 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | .367 | 119 | 141 |
| Within 4 R | 25 | Â | 76 | 61 | Â | 20 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 6 | .328 | .417 | .459 | .876 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | .357 | 113 | 136 |
| Margin > 4 R | 6 | Â | 10 | 8 | Â | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | .125 | .300 | .125 | .425 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .143 | 4 | 20 |
Late & Close are PA in the 7th or later with the batting team tied, ahead by one, or the tying run at least on deck.
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| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | TB | GDP | HBP | SH | SF | IBB | ROE | BAbip | tOPS+ | sOPS+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Lvrge | 14 | Â | 18 | 13 | Â | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | .308 | .400 | .385 | .785 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .333 | 91 | 108 |
| Medium Lvrge | 15 | Â | 30 | 24 | Â | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | .375 | .448 | .458 | .907 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .409 | 120 | 144 |
| Low Lvrge | 19 | Â | 38 | 32 | Â | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 3 | .250 | .368 | .406 | .775 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .276 | 88 | 110 |
Based on these stats Cora does best when the team needs him the most. By any definition that IS clutch. Add to that a few more stats:
In Losses: .357 BA .996 OPS
As a Sub: .417 BA 1.045 OPS
With 2 strikes: .316 BA .802 OPS
With RISP: .308 BA .829 OPS
With a runner on 3rd 2 Out: .333 BA .929 OPS
Mets record when Cora gets at least 4 AB’s 9-5.
Cora has also been on base or had an RBI in every game he has started this season.
So not much for stats? Try this final stat
Against the Phillies: .357 BA, 1.009 OPS.
Maybe Cora should be hushing the Phillies because on the field that is exactly what he IS doing.
83 comments
tkfj
6/10/2009-2:35pm at 2:35 pm (UTC -4)
Wow, some of those stats. Maybe clutch does exist.
dirtysanchez
6/10/2009-2:37pm at 2:37 pm (UTC -4)
Wow! great piece real. I had no idea he was so impactful. He sounds like he will be a coach one day. I just hope he imparts some wisdom on our guys and i hope he is interested in playing here next year. Definatly an under the radar sign by omar but has definatly paid off.
QnsNative718
6/10/2009-2:43pm at 2:43 pm (UTC -4)
Great stuff, real. Still tho, he’s best suited for the bench, but given the circumstances he’s in there every day. I hope he doesnt burn out.
There's Always '09
6/10/2009-2:48pm at 2:48 pm (UTC -4)
I wouldn’t sign Cora as my everyday shortstop or 2nd baseman either…but come on. What else do you want from the guy? I think a straight platoon with Castillo will be in order when Reyes returns.
QnsNative718
6/10/2009-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed about the split.
trs86
6/10/2009-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
The is no doubt that for a winner he should not be starting. However, he is an important piece that winners need on the team for sure. He could have pulled an Eckencrappy and went out to SD to start when he stunk, instead he wants to be on a winner.
QnsNative718
6/10/2009-2:57pm at 2:57 pm (UTC -4)
$2M doesnt hurt either. lol
trs86
6/10/2009-3:03pm at 3:03 pm (UTC -4)
True.
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-2:54pm at 2:54 pm (UTC -4)
Is Stubhub a sponsor?
trs86
6/10/2009-2:56pm at 2:56 pm (UTC -4)
yeah, gotta pay for the site somehow. LOL. We get 7% of sales through the link.
Sorry.
dirtysanchez
6/10/2009-2:59pm at 2:59 pm (UTC -4)
lol why are you sorry for…we are big tymers now…lets shut down the comment section for kicks lol j/k ;p
Kingman 26
6/10/2009-3:09pm at 3:09 pm (UTC -4)
HAHA!!!
There's Always '09
6/10/2009-3:01pm at 3:01 pm (UTC -4)
Hey that’s not bad, because when I buy tickets on there…well here is my latest invoice:
Tickets: 2 x $23
Convenience Fee: 2 x $10
Junk Fee: 2 x $5
FCC Fee: 2 x $25
Bang you over the head fee: 2 x $23
Print at home fee: 2 x $7
Cost me $159 for $46 worth of tickets. Some racket those ticket selling agents run.
trs86
6/10/2009-3:03pm at 3:03 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, but if they have us by the balls might as well get something in return.
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-3:06pm at 3:06 pm (UTC -4)
LOL.. that’s kinda close to what I paid too. But they take you more when you try to sell tickets.
Anyways, the economy being what it is, you can find some real good deals on Stubhub these days. I was able to buy $225 tickets for $115 (including all the fees). And this was a Saturday afternoon game!! (Against the Marlins). Unfortunately I couldn’t go so I sold the tickets back on Stubhub for $150 per ticket (net)!! Gotta love the market economy!
trs86
6/10/2009-3:29pm at 3:29 pm (UTC -4)
And now you do it through that link and we make money
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
I will remember that next time!
There's Always '09
6/10/2009-3:57pm at 3:57 pm (UTC -4)
Nope. I have stubhub saved to my favorites
Kingman 26
6/10/2009-3:08pm at 3:08 pm (UTC -4)
Apology NOT needed! I for one tremendously appreciate what you have done and continue to do, and totally understand the need for revenue.
Please continue the outstanding work…
mrose
6/10/2009-3:12pm at 3:12 pm (UTC -4)
glad people aren’t flipping out about our ad
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-3:21pm at 3:21 pm (UTC -4)
Not at all! We want more Ads!!! Where’s Spongetech.com?? Where’s FinallyFast.com??
rustyjr
6/10/2009-3:46pm at 3:46 pm (UTC -4)
do we get paid ?? j/k lol
trs86
6/10/2009-3:59pm at 3:59 pm (UTC -4)
With the sheer joy of watching your product grow.
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
lol … gotcha
Kingman 26
6/10/2009-3:12pm at 3:12 pm (UTC -4)
This is another great post, and I thought Cora was a great bench singing at the time. I am glad he has played so well, and thanks for the outstanding profile TRS.
His older brother was a very similar guy for the 90s Mariners. Joey had a few good years as a starter, but always meant more for his teams than the numbers showed.
Their Dad must have been a fine coach in the backyard.
trs86
6/10/2009-3:30pm at 3:30 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, his brother is a coach for the White Sox right?
rustyjr
6/10/2009-3:47pm at 3:47 pm (UTC -4)
thankfully alex isnt here lol remember he hated the cora signing
trs86
6/10/2009-3:50pm at 3:50 pm (UTC -4)
I was hoping he would be so I could rub some Cora love on him.
rustyjr
6/10/2009-3:54pm at 3:54 pm (UTC -4)
lol but he woulda brought the dreaded “core ” with him
dirtysanchez
6/10/2009-3:59pm at 3:59 pm (UTC -4)
lolll that core crap wouldnt fly here lol
trs86
6/10/2009-4:00pm at 4:00 pm (UTC -4)
Like I said, who needs the Core, we got Cora. LOL
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
lmfao btw the idiot fatcessa is stirring the crap again
trs86
6/10/2009-4:03pm at 4:03 pm (UTC -4)
what now?
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:05pm at 4:05 pm (UTC -4)
johans comments about swinging away and not buntintg – a stupis caller said he wasnt a fan of johan cuz he upstaged the manager – he proceded to play the clip of what johan said then went on a self gratifing rant about how he should be fined and he should never show up the manager
There's Always '09
6/10/2009-4:28pm at 4:28 pm (UTC -4)
Someone should call up and tell him the Yanks should watch how the Mets played the Red Sox a few weeks ago with a depleted lineup.
Yanks will always struggle against good pitching. I tell all my friends this. Home run hitters will lost most of the time to good pitchers. They will also be notoriously hot and cold. Sox have good pitching and that could be the difference in the division race. Although I expect Tampa to get in on it as well.
dirtysanchez
6/10/2009-3:23pm at 3:23 pm (UTC -4)
strausberg to only sign for 17.5 mil per mlbtr and jim calis…pretty big drop off from 50 mil i would say ;p
when will boras stop looking like such a douche…
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-3:26pm at 3:26 pm (UTC -4)
I thought Boras was a douche.. but then he’s better than our Bud.
stickguy
6/10/2009-3:35pm at 3:35 pm (UTC -4)
What’s he gonna do if the Nats say 11 million, final, take it or leave it? Pass, and go play indy ball for nothing, and try again next year? He would be insane to pass up that much money, thinking he could get more next year (or, I guess, listening to Borass).
Way to much risk that he won’t be as phenomanal in a wood bat, pro-level player league. And of course, he could always get hurt.
How often do these hot shots actually get more money the 2nd year (especially factoring in they lose a year of service time)?
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-3:41pm at 3:41 pm (UTC -4)
Nats pitching rotation is not that bad next year (or in 2011).
udontmesswthejohan
6/10/2009-3:44pm at 3:44 pm (UTC -4)
That’s what JD Drew did if I recall correctly. I’m surprised it came down to 17 mm I felt Boras threw out the 50mm number knowing they would meet somwhere in the middle like 25-30mm. If this is true though, good for the Nats.
stickguy
6/10/2009-4:07pm at 4:07 pm (UTC -4)
But he wasn’t being offered a record setting bonus already (or #1 pick money when he wasn’t the #1 pick). Plus I don’t think he wanted any part of Philly.
And I really don’t recall if he got extra $$ the 2nd year, but he might have (offset by starting his career a year later I guess).
Bigger risk for a pitcher too IMO.
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:08pm at 4:08 pm (UTC -4)
boras is a ass
CaseStreet
6/10/2009-3:28pm at 3:28 pm (UTC -4)
Cora had a huge hit up the middle yesterday. Sorry, Easley.
So, w/ the new sponsorship are we getting some T-Shirts?
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-3:39pm at 3:39 pm (UTC -4)
This should be in the previous topic, but Hamels doesn’t have that great of a number against the Mets. Last year, he was 0-2 with 6 ERA 17H in 12IP. So this team knows how to get to Hamels.
Pelf against the Phillies last year, 3 starts 1-1 4.24 ERA 19H in 17 IP.
This is not a bad match up at all.
rustyjr
6/10/2009-3:48pm at 3:48 pm (UTC -4)
lets just hope we hit him hard – early and often
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-3:54pm at 3:54 pm (UTC -4)
yes. i’d rather face their bullpen.
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:00pm at 4:00 pm (UTC -4)
agreed bring on condrey again !! lol
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-4:12pm at 4:12 pm (UTC -4)
YES!
rustyjr
6/10/2009-3:45pm at 3:45 pm (UTC -4)
hey guys lets breathe a sigh of relief
as per mlbtr
Alex Speier of WEEI.com reports that the Mets are not interested in acquiring Julio Lugo. The Jose Reyes injury leaves them “in dire straits” according to Speier’s source, but they are not “desperate” enough to go after Lugo. He’s available on the trade market, but has $15MM remaining on his contract between this year and 2010.
The Red Sox have shortstop issues of their own, and are considering making a deal. They’re playing Lugo and Nick Green as they await Jed Lowrie’s return from a wrist injury.
trs86
6/10/2009-3:50pm at 3:50 pm (UTC -4)
That should have been any easy one.
rustyjr
6/10/2009-3:55pm at 3:55 pm (UTC -4)
yeah but ill take my chance with valdez and cora – or bring up malo – why spend 15 mil on him – fred and jeff will be less likely to spend money next year if we aquire him
trs86
6/10/2009-3:56pm at 3:56 pm (UTC -4)
What would we even do with him next year?
There's Always '09
6/10/2009-4:00pm at 4:00 pm (UTC -4)
What’s sad is that they are playing Lugo and waiting for Jed Lowrie (the savior) to return.
Here’s to hoping Lugo can hold down the fort. All about damage control.
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:01pm at 4:01 pm (UTC -4)
agreed
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-3:57pm at 3:57 pm (UTC -4)
We have Cora. Why do we need Lugo?
trs86
6/10/2009-4:00pm at 4:00 pm (UTC -4)
Great question.
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:03pm at 4:03 pm (UTC -4)
i think it was just speculation on speirs account
There's Always '09
6/10/2009-4:06pm at 4:06 pm (UTC -4)
Bill Spiers?
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:07pm at 4:07 pm (UTC -4)
no alex of weei radio – massachussets
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-4:13pm at 4:13 pm (UTC -4)
They’re just idiots over there. I lived in Boston for couple years and all they do is scream at each other. Kinda like Philly radio stations.
But then we have Fatcessa….. hm….
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:16pm at 4:16 pm (UTC -4)
i’d like to trade fatty for him lol
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:06pm at 4:06 pm (UTC -4)
we got fathead also?? who’s buying rounds ? trs or dirty?? lol
dirtysanchez
6/10/2009-4:10pm at 4:10 pm (UTC -4)
lol ill buy first rounds…after that i am not responsible for my actions lol
mrose
6/10/2009-4:14pm at 4:14 pm (UTC -4)
what kinda rounds we talkin about here
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:16pm at 4:16 pm (UTC -4)
beer , wild turkey black tooth grins i hope lol
mrose
6/10/2009-4:17pm at 4:17 pm (UTC -4)
well, i’m fully recovered from a weekend full of aguardiente w/ the soon to be family in law..bring it on
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:20pm at 4:20 pm (UTC -4)
thats right mrose – ill be away so congrats in advance
mrose
6/10/2009-4:26pm at 4:26 pm (UTC -4)
i think you might be confusing me with fongy… i’m not getting married until Nov 7th..
strategically placed after a possible game 7 of the series
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:39pm at 4:39 pm (UTC -4)
Oops my bad
mrbill
6/10/2009-4:40pm at 4:40 pm (UTC -4)
Aguardiente nectar or cristal?
dirtysanchez
6/10/2009-4:42pm at 4:42 pm (UTC -4)
lol
@ bill-lol they are both pretty tough
@ rose-nice doin there bud! Just dont let the future ms. rose see this lol
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-4:49pm at 4:49 pm (UTC -4)
LOL. That’s a true Mets fan!! You just gotta hope it none of the WS gets rained out. I think I just jinxed that….
Anyways. One phrase of advise “You are right honey, I’ll never do it again”…
CaseStreet
6/10/2009-4:25pm at 4:25 pm (UTC -4)
aguardiente? ouch
congrats and good luck…marriage changes everything
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:40pm at 4:40 pm (UTC -4)
Very true
mrose
6/10/2009-4:54pm at 4:54 pm (UTC -4)
yes, my fiance is Colombian.. every party or holiday, we go through many bottles…this was her mom’s 50th and I wish I knew how much i drank, but as a whole, I think the party went through 5 bottles?
then I had to get up the next morning and go to church at the church we chose in miami for the wedding. Met the deacon for the 1st time while I reaked of alcohol..nice
mrose
6/10/2009-4:13pm at 4:13 pm (UTC -4)
everyone check out http://www.nleastchatter.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11&p=344#p344
Mr North Jersey has outdone himself
dirtysanchez
6/10/2009-4:17pm at 4:17 pm (UTC -4)
Wow…he is really good at this lol great job as usual Mr. North
mrose
6/10/2009-4:18pm at 4:18 pm (UTC -4)
those right there..are freaking t-shirts in the making
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:19pm at 4:19 pm (UTC -4)
do the writing staff get freebees? lol and lets not forget some of our t-shirt slogans
dirtysanchez
6/10/2009-4:28pm at 4:28 pm (UTC -4)
lol…buy your tickets at stubhub ;p lol j/k
DNDJohan aka kistics
6/10/2009-4:23pm at 4:23 pm (UTC -4)
That’s hot! I’ll buy that t-shirt. Anything with Johan?
CaseStreet
6/10/2009-4:30pm at 4:30 pm (UTC -4)
He’s a man!
rustyjr
6/10/2009-4:42pm at 4:42 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah baby !!! – how’s about superimposing johans head on Austin powers body with the I’m a man baby slogan under it LOL