I was preparing an opinion piece today on the role of Alex Cora on this team and the importance that it serves. However, Andy McCullough of The Star Ledger beat me to the punch this morning. He serves up a fantastic profile of Cora's baseball lineage, his role on the Mets, and his future in coaching. Those guys over at the Star Ledger continue to do some really impressive work and have always been among my favorite reads.
Inside the dugout, he often consults with infield coach Chip Hale to make sure rookies Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada are positioned properly, reading signals correctly, holding runners effectively. Sometimes he sneaks away to the clubhouse video room to rewind the game tape and check on the kids. There is talk that, in time, he will follow in his brother’s footsteps again. - Star Ledger
A lot of people considered the Alex Cora signing in the offseason to be a foolish one. I am not one of those people. First of all, there were a handful of other teams vying for his services besides the Mets. Secondly, he brings an invaluable guidance to younger players that not even coaches can bring, because he is their peer, their equal. Lastly, he's not a liability at second, in fact, he's fairly solid with the glove. He may not be great at the plate, but keep in mind it's hard to hit for a high average when you play once a week.
Also, I think a lot of people need to understand that the contract they signed him to also had a lot to do with keeping him in the organization longer. That increases the chance that when he does retire, he'll stay with the Mets in a coaching capacity. Some people will scoff at that notion, but when you get a guy who is great at developing and teaching young talent, you hold on to him at all costs. Think of how many teams throughout history have had a wealth of minor league talent but never quite saw them pan out. The Pirates are a perfect example. Despite routinely drafting low in the first round, they still aren't very good. A lot has to do with scouting, but a lot also has to do with development.
Bottom line is, I'd like to see Cora stay with the Mets for years to come, as I think he'll not only have an impact in the clubhouse and on the field, but he'll have an impact on the future stars of this team, as well.
