News: Alex Cora close to Returning
Alex Cora is 3 for 15 in three rehab games with Triple-A Buffalo.
Jerry Manuel suggested to reporters yesterday that Cora will likely return from the disabled list on Tuesday or Wednesday.
… getting cora back is important… apparently, i was not giving him enough credit… for starters, he stabilizes the bench, being able to fill in for Luis Castillo and Jose Reyes… but, also, i now realize the type of leadership he brings to the dugout… he talks to every one… he’s always on the ball, thinking, talking about the game, studying, sharing information with teammates, etc… in the clubhouse, he checks in with people, talks baseball, and encourages a smart-brand of play… it makes sense that people around the game praise this guy, yet stat-junkies dismiss him…
Last week, SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt relayed an anecdote on air that he learned from Cora, who explained to Burkhardt that the turning point to the team’s season, so far, may have been the rain out in Philadelphia on May 3. That day, the team was able to just sit, talk baseball, eat dinner together, and, for the first time all season, they got to truly know one another, and, according to Cora, this made the team seemingly closer.
For what it’s worth, the Mets are 18–8 since the rain out in Philadelphia.
Cora had been hitting .333 with a .435 OBP in 26 games for the Mets, prior to being put on the disabled list with thumb injury.
