Alex Cora would tell you his success as a first-year manager of the Boston Red Sox was built on the talent and work of the players. What the players would say is Cora connected with them because of his reflexive honesty. He is direct, and when he says he's going to do something, he'll do it.
The Red Sox haven't played nearly so well in Cora's second year as manager, and it probably surprised none of his players there is no erosion of his truth-telling. Either the team must play better in the days leading up to the trade deadline, Cora told reporters in so many words Monday, or the front office will do whatever club executives believe is necessary. Whether Boston plays well or poorly, there will be consequences.
