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October 9, 2007
-- Infielder Alex Cora is no stranger to the Sox' ALCS opponent, the Cleveland Indians.
Cora was a member of the 2005 Indians for three months in 2005, after signing with the Tribe as a free agent the previous winter. But the quick development of shortstop Jhonny Peralta sent Cora to the bench where he was viewed as too expensive for a reserve and in July, he was shipped to the Red Sox in exchange for utility infielder Ramon Vazquez.
It remains one of the best -- if under-appreciated -- deals made by general manager Theo Epstein.
``I'm proud of what they've done,'' said Cora yesterday. ``I saw all those young players -- Victor (Martinez), Grady (Sizemore), Travis (Hafner), Jhonny...they were all growing up when I was there. It's fun to see what they've become.''
Cora harbors no bitterness about the deal that sent him to Boston.
``I thought I was going to play more,'' he said. ``But it worked out fine (coming to the Red Sox). They're a great organization, from top to bottom.''
The development of Martinez, Sizemore and others reminds Cora of the Indians in the 1990s, who developed stars such as Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez and won two A.L. pennants.
``It seems like that's the trend -- homegrown talent,'' Cora said. ``They believe in what they're doing. When (GM) Mark Shapiro got the job, he had a plan. I don't know if he was shooting for (it all to come together in) 2007, but they're here.''
Reliever Javier Lopez, who got a key out in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Angels, might see more action in the ALCS, since the Indians' lineup boasts a number of tough lefties, including Sizemore, Hafner, Kenny Lofton and Trot Nixon.
The presence of Hafner, probably the Indians' most feared middle-of-the-order threat, could result in Lopez being brought in in the middle innings to face him in a tough spot.
``He's the kind of guy who you don't want to make too many mistakes with,'' said Lopez, ``because he's got such raw power.''
Lopez came to the Sox as a lefty specialist, but actually performed better against righthanders this season. Righties hit .176 against him, while lefties hit .293.
``Just one of those things,'' shrugged Lopez. ``It may be because of my changeup.''
The Indians also have two switch-hitters -- catcher Victor Martinez and rookie second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera -- who would, of course, hit righty against Lopez.
``If they turn them around,'' said Lopez, ``I'm totally comfortable with (facing them as righties). Obviously, the focus for me is still on lefthanders, but I'l try to prepare as best I can (for everybody).''
Posted by Sean McAdam 
at 4:27 PM | Permalink
jad | October 9, 2007 9:29 PM link
SOX ARE GOING ALL THE WAY