Morning sports update: Dave Dombrowski spoke about the sign-stealing controversy and Alex Cora’s future
"He made a mistake, he fessed up to it, and I think the world’s a forgiving place when you do that."
The Revolution are heading to the knockout round of the MLS is Back Tournament, securing a place in the round of 16 with a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC in a rare Tuesday morning game.
New England will play the Philadelphia Union on Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
The Red Sox were also back in action on Wednesday, albeit in an exhibition game. Boston lost to the Blue Jays 8-6 in the build-up to their season-opener on Friday against the Orioles (first pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. with Nathan Eovaldi starting).
Dave Dombrowski’s thoughts on Alex Cora, sign-stealing: Former Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, who was fired in Sept. 2019 after four years with the team, was a recent guest on MassLive’s “The Fenway Rundown” podcast, hosted by Chris Cotillo.
Among other topics, Dombrowski addressed Boston’s violations of video replay room rules which took place during his tenure, as well as the role of former manager Alex Cora.
“I do know, with the Red Sox, I never felt we had anything going on like that,” Dombrowski said of the scandal.
“You’re not down there during the game but you get a pulse of what’s taking place, in general,” Dombrowski added. “You get surprised at times. I was surprised to see that was taking place.”
Cora, who Dombrowski hired to be Red Sox manager ahead of the World Series-winning 2018 season, mutually agreed to part ways with Boston in January after an initial league investigation concluded he was the “mastermind” behind the Astros’ sign stealing scandal.
Cora, as well as Astros players, have subsequently spoken up, with the former Red Sox manager saying it was “not a two-man show,” regarding the stealing of signs.
Dombrowski backed Cora to manage again and be successful.
“I think Alex is a great baseball man, he’s a good person,” said Dombrowski. “He made a mistake, he fessed up to it and I think the world’s a forgiving place when you do that. I think he’ll be a manager in the future and an outstanding one for someone as years come by.”
Trivia: In the 2011 MLB draft, the Red Sox selected (among other players) Jackie Bradley Jr. What notable pitcher was selected first overall that year?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He won 20 games in 2019 for an American League team.
More from Boston.com:
- Marcus Smart has one thing to say: ‘Justice for Breonna Taylor’
- I tried to find reasons to be optimistic about the Red Sox
- What Bruce Arena and Revolution players had to say about the controversial non-call in tie vs. Toronto
- 4 takeaways following the Revolution’s scoreless tie with Toronto FC
- Michael Bennett announces his retirement from football
- Three Astros hit by pitches in exhibition game, much to the pleasure of some fans
- Kevin Garnett is hoping to buy the Minnesota Timberwolves
- Washington NFL team hires ex-Channel 7 reporter Julie Donaldson for radio role
- Sports Q: Who was the better Red Sox player, Jim Rice or Manny Ramirez?
- Giants manager Gabe Kapler, players kneel during anthem
- Chris Simms would ‘bet’ the Patriots had Cam Newton followed prior to free agent signing
Patriots rookie tight end Dalton Keene working out ahead of training camp
:
The Patriots reportedly pushed back their rookie reporting date, but Dalton Keene has been in Mass. for at least a week. Here he is training today with Jakob Johnson and @sidelinehustle. Also has worked with the Stidham/Hoyer/Sanu crew. (vid via @OwenM33) pic.twitter.com/LfLLnphxJ2
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) July 22, 2020
Celebrity group establishing a new Los Angeles team: A group of investors led by actress Natalie Portman, and including Uzo Aduba, Jessica Chastain, as well as former U.S. women’s national team players Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach are bringing an NWSL team to Los Angeles for the 2022 season.
The time has come to reshape expectations on & off the soccer field.
This is the place. The time is now. Welcome to the beginning. #WeAreAngelCity pic.twitter.com/M3bvsmiAfm
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) July 21, 2020
On this day: In 1997, Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux threw a complete game using just 76 pitches. Atlanta won the game 3-2 over Maddux’s former team, the Cubs.
Daily highlight: J.D. Martinez smashed a home run against the Blue Jays on Tuesday in an exhibition to give fans a reminder of how summers at Fenway Park are supposed to look (minus, of course, the presence of fans).
Feels like home with this one 🥰@RedSox | @JDMartinez28 pic.twitter.com/aLO9OwctoE
— NESN (@NESN) July 22, 2020
Trivia answer: Gerrit Cole
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com