Alex Cora Out to Prove You Wrong
By Mike Silva ~ March 29th, 2010. Filed under: Mike Silva, New York Mets.
Alex Cora might be the most debated backup infielder that ever has donned a big league uniform. All winter we heard the media, fans, and blogosphere complain about the 2 year contract Omar Minaya gave Cora. Most point out how the Mets could have signed someone like Felipe Lopez for half the price, but Alex Cora wants everyone to know he is out to prove us all wrong.
During an in game interview with SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt, Cora talked about how he believes he can still play every day in the big leagues. He went on say he heard the criticisms from the media and wants to prove everyone wrong. From a health standpoint he believes the surgery on both thumbs should allow him to hit better and get “on top of the ball” this year.
Cora seems to be showing a bit better glove in the brief time I have watched him this spring. If used properly I think he can be valuable asset to this ballclub off the bench and in the locker room.
Cora made an interesting point saying how the World Baseball Classic prevented the Mets from bonding as a team last spring. The quote that “Dustin Pedroia was his closest teammate because they texted each other all season” is very telling. I was told by a Mets minor leaguer that Brian Schneider lamented the lack of chemistry on last year’s club during his extended spring rehab.
Clearly the Mets have some question marks, but if this team can get their clubhouse back to how it was in 2006, they may be able to overcome their shortcomings just like that group.
March 29th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
I have no issue with Cora being on this team …. I like his grit and believe his value goes beyond the field.
However, given how frugal and cost-conscience this organization has become, I do believe that a $2M expenditure with a vesting option was somewhat extreme. Frankly, I could care less since it’s not my money but when salary costs are used as a reason for not dumping someone or for not signing someone, this contract does not really make sense.
Who exactly were the Mets bidding against when they closed this deal with him anyway?