The Boston Red Sox are heading into a series with the Atlanta Braves on Friday at a low point, with a losing record and following a sweep.
The team had high expectations of ending its playoff droughts after making several win-now acquisitions over the winter, including Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler and Alex Bregman.
Instead, their early season has been marked by injuries, clubhouse drama and defensive miscues. And while there is plenty of blame to go around, a lot of fans are pointing at manager Alex Cora as a primary contributor.
“The walls have been closing in on Cora,” Dan Shaughnessy wrote for The Boston Globe. “Fans are not happy with him.”
Cora signed a three-year, $21 million extension with the Red Sox last summer, suggesting the team is committed to him even through some significant struggles so far this season. But when asked by Shaughnessy whether he has any concerns about being fired as the season spirals out of control, Cora acknowledged it could happen.
“It’s like what the great Ozzie Guillen said — ‘When you sign on that line, there’s always a chance,’” Cora responded.
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Cora also explained that he expects the outcomes to improve as the roster grows accustomed to some new roles amid injuries and rookie promotions. But after he backed off a potential move to first base for franchise star Rafael Devers, Shaughnessy questioned whether Cora feels enough urgency to win since agreeing to his extension.
“Cora says he’s not managing any differently since he got his security,” he wrote. “He says the contract didn’t change him. Not sure I buy it.”
As the calendar flips to June, the Red Sox can no longer hope things will work themselves out after an early slump. The team is clearly underperforming and, at some point, blame could rest with the manager.
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