By Jordan Long
The Boston Red Sox are looking for a new manager. The job opened on October 11th after another disappointing American League Division Series loss. They decided to fire John Farrall. The Red Sox have been interviewing candidates for the opening. This past weekend, Houston Astros Bench Coach Alex Cora talked to the Red Sox and appears to be the front-runner. Monday, Brad Ausmus also met with the Red Sox. According to yahoosports.com, they will speak to Arizona Diamondbacks Bench Coach Ron Gardenhire.
Alex Cora has never been a manager in Major League Baseball. This season was his first as a Bench Coach. The only experience he has in Major League Baseball are his playing days. He appeared in 1,273 games throughout his 14 years in Major League Baseball as in infielder.
The problem with Cora is he is not experienced with being a Major League Baseball manager. He has some knowledge about baseball because he played the game. Cora may not be able to know when to switch players out or bring a different pitcher in when they don’t have it that day. The Red Sox need a manager who has that practice.
Ron Gardenhire and Brad Ausmus are perfect for the Red Sox job. They both are at skilled being a manager. Gardenhire was with the Minnesota Twins from 2002 to 2014. His record is 1,068-1,039 a winning percentage of .507. The Twins made the playoffs 6 times. The furthest they went was the American League Championship Series in 2002 when they were knocked off by the Anaheim Angels in 5 games. Gardenhire will turn the Red Sox into a winner. He did it before with the Twins and is hoping to have that chance with the Red Sox.
Brad Ausmus hasn’t been a manager as long as Ron Gardenhire. Ausmus was the Detroit Tigers manager for the last 4 years. The Tigers were unimpressive at 314-332. Ausmus took them to the postseason once in 2014. Unfortunately, the Tigers were swept in the American League Division Series by the Baltimore Orioles. At least he knows more about being a manager at the Major League level than Alex Cora.
If the Red Sox decide that Cora is the man for the job, they must be patient with him. He has never been in this position before and it will take him a few years to be comfortable. The Red Sox can’t fire Cora after a season or two. They must let him have at least three years to turn this team into a winner.
Who do you think should be the Manager of the Boston Red Sox?
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