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Alex Cora discussed Red Sox priorities ahead of MLB trade deadline
"We’re not perfect, but there’s not a perfect team in the American League.”
Alex Cora’s thoughts on the trade deadline: The MLB trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday (July 31). With the Red Sox currently clinging to the final American League wild card spot, the team fits the profile of a potential deadline buyer.
Boston manager Alex Cora highlighted the area that Red Sox leadership could look to address via trade.
“We’re still comfortable with the guys we have here and the guys we have in the minor leagues,” Cora told reporters prior to the game, per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. “But we are always looking for pitching, trying to improve that area. We’ll see what happens.”
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The Red Sox are currently 10th in Major League Baseball in team ERA (3.79). Cora noted that this puts his team in a slightly more advantageous position compared with past years.
“This year is a little bit different, because our pitching staff is really good,” he said. “The bullpen is solid. So far, we’re healthy. Last year, we were limping into the trade deadline. Obviously, we try to make a few moves here and there, but it wasn’t adding. It was kind of substituting for guys who were banged up. This year, we’re full force in the bullpen.”
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“We’ll see what happens, but I think overall, we’re capable with the team that we have to make a run and make it to October. But as always, we have to improve certain areas. If it’s the minor leagues, a trade, we’ll see which route we take. We’re not perfect, but there’s not a perfect team in the American League.”
Trivia: In 2018, prior to the team’s last World Series run, the Red Sox acquired two players in July prior to the trade deadline. One was pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. Can you remember the other deadline acquisition?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: A two-time Gold Glove winner, this second baseman played for the Rangers and Tigers (as well as a brief stint with the Angels) prior to be dealt to Boston.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox lost to the Twins 5-4 on Monday.
The two teams play again this evening in Minnesota at 7:40 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
- Twins top Red Sox, 5-4, on 2-run single in 9th by Brooks Lee
- Christian Gonzalez leaves practice early with an injury, and other takeaways from Day 5 of training camp
- Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has died after battling cancer
- Fenway Park concessions workers are back on the job, but negotiations continue
- Why Mike Vrabel compared Hunter Henry to a former All-Pro defensive back
- Mike Vrabel recalled getting into a training camp fight as a rookie in 1997
- Former Celtic Marcus Morris arrested on fraud charge; agent claims ‘marker with a casino’
- ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky ‘obsessed’ with Patriots rookies, sees potentially ‘impactful’ early success
Some Patriots training camp analysis: Christopher Price and Danielle DuBois of The Boston Globe discussed the Patriots’ current training camp situation.
On this day: In 1997, Mariners outfielder Jay Buhner made one of the greatest catches in the history of Fenway Park, leaping over the wall and into the bullpen to rob a Scott Hatteberg home run.
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Despite the memorable grab from Buhner — and despite the presence of Randy Johnson on the mound for Seattle — the Red Sox won the contest 4-0 behind a complete game gem from Tim Wakefield (and a home run from Mo Vaughn).
Daily highlight: Marshall Lipsey made a diving grab for the Keene Swamp Bats (of the New England Collegiate Baseball League) during an 11-4 win over the North Adams SteepleCats on Monday.
Trivia answer: Ian Kinsler
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