The Red Sox "have been in contact with former manager Alex Cora multiple times" since last Tuesday, when his year-long suspension ended, according to sources cited by Alex Speier of the BOSTON GLOBE. Cora's suspension was the result of an MLB investigation into sign-stealing by the '17 Astros. It is "unknown how Cora’s candidacy is viewed by the Red Sox," as he remains "extremely popular with many members of the organization at the ownership, front office, and player levels" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/31). MLB Network's Jon Heyman on Twitter reported, "Sources suggest these are the likely finalists for the Red Sox managing job: Sam Fuld, James Rowson, Don Kelly, Carlos Mendoza and Alex Cora." But Barstool Sports' Jared Carrabis replied: "The actual list: 1. Alex Cora." Similarly, FanGraphs' Jay Jaffe tweeted, "Alex Cora and four guys they're pretending to consider as alternatives" (TWITTER.com, 11/1).
MONEY COULD BE COMING IN: In Boston, Sean McAdam asked, "Know which other big market team might be among the very few with the capability to take advantage of a depressed market? ... How about your Boston Red Sox?" An MLB source, noting the team’s rumored merger with RedBall Acquisition Corp., said, "They're about to become part of a $8.3 billion company (the projected value of parent company Fenway Sports Group should the merger take place). You do the math." McAdam noted in a "decidedly buyer's market, when nearly everyone else is retreating," the infusion "couldn't come at a more opportune time" (BOSTON SPORTS JOURNAL, 10/31).
