With the unprecedented punishment that MLB handed to now-former Astros manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow on Monday, many Red Sox fans are expecting a similar punishment for Alex Cora.
Cora, the bench coach for the Astros in 2017, could face the same penalty that was given to Hinch: a one-year suspension. Major League Baseball released a nine-page report on the Astros’ cheating scandal and Cora was named 11 times. Cora was specifically accused of being involved in the development of the banging theme and utilizing the replay review room to decode and transmit signs.
Should the Red Sox fire Cora, who could they replace him with?
1. Jason Varitek
Although Varitek has not had any experience in a coaching role, he knows the Red Sox organization like the back of his hand. Spending his entire career with the Red Sox and most recently a Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations, Varitek is an obvious candidate. Varitek has previously stated that he would like to one day manage and that time may be now should the Sox come calling.
2. Ron Roenicke
Currently serving as the bench coach for the Sox, Roenicke is probably the safest choice to go with. Ron has over 20 years of coaching experience. Roenicke led the Brewers to 96 wins in his rookie season as manager and came in second for Manager of the Year voting in 2011. Roenicke expressed interest as early as 2018 in returning to managing.
While the fate of Alex Cora is still undecided, Sox fans are in for an interesting ride. Firing or suspending Cora could result in a fire sale as the front office may potentially view this as the perfect time to reset.
