Alex Cora Signs

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I have Alex Cora signs for sale...

No, Alex Cora signs a $2 mills, 1 year dealio with the Mets, according to the Intranetz.

Yeah, that's more green than Hairston got.

Backs up Reyes and whoever plays 2B. Can't hit.

[url:1d0oavpo]http://blogs.weei.com/robbradford/2009/01/13/cora-headed-to-mets/[/url:1d0oavpo]

[Gwreck]

$2 million for this guy? Is the going rate that high for crappy bench guys? Wow.

Joey's little brother, btw.

[dgwphotography]

When I saw the headline, "Mets Reach Agreement With Cora" on my RSS reader, I thought, "Freakin' Omar - brought Joey Cora out of retirement".

I'm old.

[MFS62]

I would guess that Wigginton could have been brought back for that amount of money. He can play second (granted, probably not as well) but could also fill in at other positions, is a righty bat, and has more power than Cora.
I guess he's ok.
Meh

Later

[dgwphotography]

I would have preferred Wiggington, too, but would he have come here for a back up role...

[Guest attgig]

i don't think wiggy signs for 2mil.

but anyway, this is a crap move. omar's fading.

[seawolf17]

Blech.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Wigginton is not a realistic backup to Reyes at SS which seems to be the major goal of this acquisition.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Red Sox fans generally liked Cora. For all his shortcomings as a hitter, scores points as a nice guy and for versatility. Looks to me like a No. 3.

SoSher sez:

]Watching Alex Cora take groundballs for warmups were one of my favorite memories of working at Fenway. I'd go in, do my daily setup and then be able to go watch BP and then watch players take grounders. Cora would be serious for about 10 minutes. He'd run through his typical double play combos, throws from the catcher, etc etc. But once he got his serious reps in, I'd watch that guy do some amazing things with a baseball. Watching him throw it behind his back, on a line, from second to first was an incredible show to watch. The things he could do with a glove really were phenomenal. One of the handful of memories that I loved about that Chapel. Just beats out watching Pedroia take BP and place every ball exactly where he wanted to, and having conversations with Pesky, usually about the surgeries that his son was going through. Anyway, good luck to the genius, hopefully he'll be back someday for the Sox and be managing in some form from the bench.

[metirish]

A rather lame reason for talking Cora up , still as a back up for Reyes I'm sure he'll be fine.

[Valadius]

Ditto Seawolf.

[smg58]

Underwhelming choice, especially since we could have gotten Hairston for the same amount of money. Our bench is once again overstocked with lefthanded hitters (Reed, Anderson, Cora) who can't really hit.

That being said, his glove alone makes him an upgrade over Easley, and probably even Castillo as well. Not that I want Cora starting at second.

[Frayed Knot]

Castillo (assuming he's healthy) hits better.
What Cora gives us is that he can play SS if necessary - but if you're going to get a Castillo complement it would be better to get one who's not merely Castillo-lite.

[Benjamin Grimm]

When I read "can't hit" I was thinking Cora was another Anderson Hernandez, at least the version who played for the Mets.

But he hit .270 last year, had as many as 10 homers (back in 2004, but none last year) Had 8 doubles and 2 triples in only 152 at bats in 2008, which is like 24 and 6 over a full season. Doesn't walk a whole lot.

I mean, he's not the kind of guy we'd want starting 150 games, but for the role he'll be filling he seems decent enough. If he has to bat as a pinch-hitter or because of a double switch, he at least won't be hopeless at the plate.

$2 million for him seems a bit high, but I don't see this as a bad move.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Cora, for what it's worth, did hit last year. More specifically, and more importantly, he walked last year. Defensively, I think he gave the Sox more than Lugo or Lowrie.

[metirish]

Looking at his B-R page I see that in his career he has played a little 3B and a very little 1B most recently with the Red Sox.

As noted above her hit last season and his OBS was .371.

[Guest Edgy DC]

All I'm getting on wifey Nilda Cora is that the FBI interviewed a Nilda Cora in the aftermath of September 11.

[MFS62]

="Edgy DC":2htik5y9]All I'm getting on wifey Nilda Cora is that the FBI interviewed a Nilda Cora in the aftermath of September 11.[/quote:2htik5y9] Any bets on which NY writer is going to have an article titled "Mets sign husband of suspected terrorist" and then fill out the article with a lot of speculative claptrap? Later

Benjamin Grimm Jan 14 2009 11:11 AM

I'll guess that no such article will be written.

Vic Sage Jan 14 2009 11:46 AM

I know Bucket has been shilling for Hairston since day 1, but the truth is he'd be an unreliable bench player. For the same reason Castro is a "bad backup catcher" because he is so often unavailable, so, too, would Hairston be a much riskier signing than Cora. You know what your going to get. A good glove, versatility, not much stick, but enough for a utility infielder. Yes, Hairston is a better offensive player when healthy, but he rarely is. Look, they had to sign somebody to be the 25th man. He's it. No big deal, but at least he'll be there if you need him.

MFS62 Jan 14 2009 11:46 AM

Ok then. Anyone think the Cora signing was sort of a peace pipe offering from Omar to Boras to say "We can still talk. Now let's do some serious talking about Perez?" Later

smg58 Jan 14 2009 01:00 PM

No, we needed a reserve infielder who won't kill us at short if Reyes needs a day or two off, and Cora was the best remaining available player who fit that description.

metirish Jan 14 2009 01:53 PM

I thought that the Mets have no problems dealing with Boras , and he no problems with them.

Valadius Jan 14 2009 04:02 PM

If we can replace Marlon Anderson with someone better, I'll call it a wash. But I hope he's a guy we can part with if a prospect beats him out.

G-Fafif Jan 14 2009 04:25 PM

="Iubitul":20qdmhzc]When I saw the headline, "Mets Reach Agreement With Cora" on my RSS reader, I thought, "Freakin' Omar - brought Joey Cora out of retirement".[/quote:20qdmhzc] I've spent most of Alex's career thinking, "Not Joey?" Edgy DC Jan 14 2009 07:01 PM ="Valadius":2rd11ho2]If we can replace Marlon Anderson with someone better, I'll call it a wash. But I hope he's a guy we can part with if a prospect beats him out.[/quote:2rd11ho2] I hope he's a guy no prospect can beat out. Ashie62 Jan 14 2009 07:38 PM So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding. Fine additions to Citi/Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney/Madoff/Taxpayer Field I'm beginning to think Wilpon lost it all in real estate CDO's Frayed Knot Jan 14 2009 08:45 PM ="Ashie62":2o5zqj4i]So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding.[/quote:2o5zqj4i] Well, I think Rodriguez and Putz are a bit better than Cora & Redding. Also, from what I understand, the off-season still has some time to go. duan Jan 15 2009 04:11 AM the key with the mets to be sure that we get more value out of the non-core players. Last year the mets didn't have a nearly Major League Average innings sponge for the 5th starter slot. Redding should give them that, but if something better comes along the 2-3 million spent on Redding will be used as longman/spot starter. Last season we had 4 people the we'd pulled in on minor league deals start 13 games, showing the problems we had finding satisfactory depth in the rotation. This year if we sign one of Perez/Wolf/Sheets we now have Redding & Niese to be the 5th slot and provide some injury cover. If Niese takes some lumps that's ok cause it can contribute to development a la Pelfrey. The money is fine as is the one year part of the equation. duan Jan 15 2009 04:15 AM sorry also I should reference that Cora fulfils the same function. We spent way too much time with Argenis Reyes being our good fielding reserve. Cora's your man that allows you to PH for Castillo with someone else when you need a sac-fly in the 8th inning. I'm not saying we'd be thrilled if Reyes' hammy pops and Cora's the replacement but having one defensive middle IF is ok because it allows you to fill the other bench slots with guys who's got different skill sets allow platoon matchups. duan Jan 15 2009 06:33 AM does anyone think That Moises might be up for coming back in a kick ass pinch hitting odd start, DH in interleague play role. he'd be totaly savage. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 07:11 AM ="Ashie62":ojzs9ftv]So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding. Fine additions to Citi/Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney/Madoff/Taxpayer Field I'm beginning to think Wilpon lost it all in real estate CDO's[/quote:ojzs9ftv] That's twice now you elected to overlook Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz, cleon/grote whatever. Benjamin Grimm Jan 22 2009 03:48 PM Cora's signing is now official. attgig Jan 22 2009 04:17 PM sad when i'm looking for mets news, this and freddie deciding between the mets and yanks are the biggest things out there... MFS62 Jan 22 2009 04:34 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":1dsbg77z]Cora's signing is now official.[/quote:1dsbg77z] Be still my heart. Later

[Benjamin Grimm]

I'll guess that no such article will be written.

[Vic Sage]

I know Bucket has been shilling for Hairston since day 1, but the truth is he'd be an unreliable bench player. For the same reason Castro is a "bad backup catcher" because he is so often unavailable, so, too, would Hairston be a much riskier signing than Cora.

You know what your going to get. A good glove, versatility, not much stick, but enough for a utility infielder. Yes, Hairston is a better offensive player when healthy, but he rarely is.

Look, they had to sign somebody to be the 25th man. He's it. No big deal, but at least he'll be there if you need him.

[MFS62]

Ok then.
Anyone think the Cora signing was sort of a peace pipe offering from Omar to Boras to say "We can still talk. Now let's do some serious talking about Perez?"

Later

[smg58]

No, we needed a reserve infielder who won't kill us at short if Reyes needs a day or two off, and Cora was the best remaining available player who fit that description.

[metirish]

I thought that the Mets have no problems dealing with Boras , and he no problems with them.

[Valadius]

If we can replace Marlon Anderson with someone better, I'll call it a wash. But I hope he's a guy we can part with if a prospect beats him out.

[G-Fafif]

="Iubitul":20qdmhzc]When I saw the headline, "Mets Reach Agreement With Cora" on my RSS reader, I thought, "Freakin' Omar - brought Joey Cora out of retirement".[/quote:20qdmhzc] I've spent most of Alex's career thinking, "Not Joey?"

Edgy DC Jan 14 2009 07:01 PM

="Valadius":2rd11ho2]If we can replace Marlon Anderson with someone better, I'll call it a wash. But I hope he's a guy we can part with if a prospect beats him out.[/quote:2rd11ho2] I hope he's a guy no prospect can beat out. Ashie62 Jan 14 2009 07:38 PM So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding. Fine additions to Citi/Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney/Madoff/Taxpayer Field I'm beginning to think Wilpon lost it all in real estate CDO's Frayed Knot Jan 14 2009 08:45 PM ="Ashie62":2o5zqj4i]So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding.[/quote:2o5zqj4i] Well, I think Rodriguez and Putz are a bit better than Cora & Redding. Also, from what I understand, the off-season still has some time to go. duan Jan 15 2009 04:11 AM the key with the mets to be sure that we get more value out of the non-core players. Last year the mets didn't have a nearly Major League Average innings sponge for the 5th starter slot. Redding should give them that, but if something better comes along the 2-3 million spent on Redding will be used as longman/spot starter. Last season we had 4 people the we'd pulled in on minor league deals start 13 games, showing the problems we had finding satisfactory depth in the rotation. This year if we sign one of Perez/Wolf/Sheets we now have Redding & Niese to be the 5th slot and provide some injury cover. If Niese takes some lumps that's ok cause it can contribute to development a la Pelfrey. The money is fine as is the one year part of the equation. duan Jan 15 2009 04:15 AM sorry also I should reference that Cora fulfils the same function. We spent way too much time with Argenis Reyes being our good fielding reserve. Cora's your man that allows you to PH for Castillo with someone else when you need a sac-fly in the 8th inning. I'm not saying we'd be thrilled if Reyes' hammy pops and Cora's the replacement but having one defensive middle IF is ok because it allows you to fill the other bench slots with guys who's got different skill sets allow platoon matchups. duan Jan 15 2009 06:33 AM does anyone think That Moises might be up for coming back in a kick ass pinch hitting odd start, DH in interleague play role. he'd be totaly savage. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 07:11 AM ="Ashie62":ojzs9ftv]So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding. Fine additions to Citi/Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney/Madoff/Taxpayer Field I'm beginning to think Wilpon lost it all in real estate CDO's[/quote:ojzs9ftv] That's twice now you elected to overlook Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz, cleon/grote whatever. Benjamin Grimm Jan 22 2009 03:48 PM Cora's signing is now official. attgig Jan 22 2009 04:17 PM sad when i'm looking for mets news, this and freddie deciding between the mets and yanks are the biggest things out there... MFS62 Jan 22 2009 04:34 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":1dsbg77z]Cora's signing is now official.[/quote:1dsbg77z] Be still my heart. Later

[Guest Edgy DC]

="Valadius":2rd11ho2]If we can replace Marlon Anderson with someone better, I'll call it a wash. But I hope he's a guy we can part with if a prospect beats him out.[/quote:2rd11ho2] I hope he's a guy no prospect can beat out.

Ashie62 Jan 14 2009 07:38 PM

So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding. Fine additions to Citi/Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney/Madoff/Taxpayer Field I'm beginning to think Wilpon lost it all in real estate CDO's

Frayed Knot Jan 14 2009 08:45 PM

="Ashie62":2o5zqj4i]So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding.[/quote:2o5zqj4i] Well, I think Rodriguez and Putz are a bit better than Cora & Redding. Also, from what I understand, the off-season still has some time to go. duan Jan 15 2009 04:11 AM the key with the mets to be sure that we get more value out of the non-core players. Last year the mets didn't have a nearly Major League Average innings sponge for the 5th starter slot. Redding should give them that, but if something better comes along the 2-3 million spent on Redding will be used as longman/spot starter. Last season we had 4 people the we'd pulled in on minor league deals start 13 games, showing the problems we had finding satisfactory depth in the rotation. This year if we sign one of Perez/Wolf/Sheets we now have Redding & Niese to be the 5th slot and provide some injury cover. If Niese takes some lumps that's ok cause it can contribute to development a la Pelfrey. The money is fine as is the one year part of the equation. duan Jan 15 2009 04:15 AM sorry also I should reference that Cora fulfils the same function. We spent way too much time with Argenis Reyes being our good fielding reserve. Cora's your man that allows you to PH for Castillo with someone else when you need a sac-fly in the 8th inning. I'm not saying we'd be thrilled if Reyes' hammy pops and Cora's the replacement but having one defensive middle IF is ok because it allows you to fill the other bench slots with guys who's got different skill sets allow platoon matchups. duan Jan 15 2009 06:33 AM does anyone think That Moises might be up for coming back in a kick ass pinch hitting odd start, DH in interleague play role. he'd be totaly savage. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 07:11 AM ="Ashie62":ojzs9ftv]So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding. Fine additions to Citi/Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney/Madoff/Taxpayer Field I'm beginning to think Wilpon lost it all in real estate CDO's[/quote:ojzs9ftv] That's twice now you elected to overlook Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz, cleon/grote whatever. Benjamin Grimm Jan 22 2009 03:48 PM Cora's signing is now official. attgig Jan 22 2009 04:17 PM sad when i'm looking for mets news, this and freddie deciding between the mets and yanks are the biggest things out there... MFS62 Jan 22 2009 04:34 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":1dsbg77z]Cora's signing is now official.[/quote:1dsbg77z] Be still my heart. Later

[ashie62]

So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding.

Fine additions to Citi/Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney/Madoff/Taxpayer Field

I'm beginning to think Wilpon lost it all in real estate CDO's

[Frayed Knot]

="Ashie62":2o5zqj4i]So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding.[/quote:2o5zqj4i] Well, I think Rodriguez and Putz are a bit better than Cora & Redding. Also, from what I understand, the off-season still has some time to go.

duan Jan 15 2009 04:11 AM the key with the mets

to be sure that we get more value out of the non-core players. Last year the mets didn't have a nearly Major League Average innings sponge for the 5th starter slot. Redding should give them that, but if something better comes along the 2-3 million spent on Redding will be used as longman/spot starter. Last season we had 4 people the we'd pulled in on minor league deals start 13 games, showing the problems we had finding satisfactory depth in the rotation. This year if we sign one of Perez/Wolf/Sheets we now have Redding & Niese to be the 5th slot and provide some injury cover. If Niese takes some lumps that's ok cause it can contribute to development a la Pelfrey. The money is fine as is the one year part of the equation.

duan Jan 15 2009 04:15 AM

sorry also I should reference that Cora fulfils the same function. We spent way too much time with Argenis Reyes being our good fielding reserve. Cora's your man that allows you to PH for Castillo with someone else when you need a sac-fly in the 8th inning. I'm not saying we'd be thrilled if Reyes' hammy pops and Cora's the replacement but having one defensive middle IF is ok because it allows you to fill the other bench slots with guys who's got different skill sets allow platoon matchups.

duan Jan 15 2009 06:33 AM does anyone think

That Moises might be up for coming back in a kick ass pinch hitting odd start, DH in interleague play role. he'd be totaly savage.

Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 07:11 AM

="Ashie62":ojzs9ftv]So lets so..the best we can do is Alex Cora & Tim Redding. Fine additions to Citi/Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney/Madoff/Taxpayer Field I'm beginning to think Wilpon lost it all in real estate CDO's[/quote:ojzs9ftv] That's twice now you elected to overlook Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz, cleon/grote whatever. Benjamin Grimm Jan 22 2009 03:48 PM Cora's signing is now official. attgig Jan 22 2009 04:17 PM sad when i'm looking for mets news, this and freddie deciding between the mets and yanks are the biggest things out there... MFS62 Jan 22 2009 04:34 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":1dsbg77z]Cora's signing is now official.[/quote:1dsbg77z] Be still my heart. Later

[duan]

to be sure that we get more value out of the non-core players.
Last year the mets didn't have a nearly Major League Average innings sponge for the 5th starter slot. Redding should give them that, but if something better comes along the 2-3 million spent on Redding will be used as longman/spot starter.

Last season we had 4 people the we'd pulled in on minor league deals start 13 games, showing the problems we had finding satisfactory depth in the rotation. This year if we sign one of Perez/Wolf/Sheets we now have Redding & Niese to be the 5th slot and provide some injury cover. If Niese takes some lumps that's ok cause it can contribute to development a la Pelfrey.

The money is fine as is the one year part of the equation.

[duan]

sorry also I should reference that Cora fulfils the same function. We spent way too much time with Argenis Reyes being our good fielding reserve.
Cora's your man that allows you to PH for Castillo with someone else when you need a sac-fly in the 8th inning. I'm not saying we'd be thrilled if Reyes' hammy pops and Cora's the replacement but having one defensive middle IF is ok because it allows you to fill the other bench slots with guys who's got different skill sets allow platoon matchups.