Red Sox haven’t decided on White House visit, and more from Alex Cora and Dave Dombrowski’s exit interviews
Oct 22, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (20) speaks to the media during media day prior to game one of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Red Sox are World Series champions. They’ve had their parade. Tuesday certainly had its ups and downs. It’s OK to keep celebrating, but for the organization, the focus is now on the offseason and getting ready for 2019.
However, the most striking topic for the world champs may be one that doesn’t involve baseball at all. It’s become a hot topic for every single champion in sports now. Will the Red Sox make the traditional visit to President Donald Trump at the White House?
Manager Alex Cora told reporters that they haven’t decided on a visit, via Cora said the Red Sox haven’t decided on the White House yet. They’ll discuss it as an organization: “If we decide to go, I will use my platform the right way.”
Here are the more baseball-related topics that both Cora and president of baseball ops Dave Dombrowski touched on in their end-of-season press conferences on Thursday:
— Chris Sale is expected to be back at 100 percent for spring training and isn’t likely to need surgery for his injuries, says Dombrowski. (via Dombrowski on Sale: ‘We anticipate him coming to spring training being 100 percent ... at this point without any surgical procedures.’
— Dombrowski says it’s unlikely, but not impossible, that the Red Sox continue to carry all three catchers. At least one out of Sandy Leon, Christian Vazquez, and Blake Swihart will likely be in a different uniform in 2019. (via Dombrowski says Sox like all 3 of their catchers. ‘I’d say it’s unlikely but not impossible that you have three guys... I’m not sure where that’s going to take us at this point.’ Implies team is open-minded about where it will go with Vazquez/Swihart/Leon.
— If the Red Sox don’t re-sign Craig Kimbrel, Dombrowski sees Ryan Brasier and Matt Barnes as potential candidates. (via Dombrowski says if they don't retain Kimbrel, Barnes and Brasier are candidates they'd consider for the closer role.
— Dombrowski says the Red Sox are prepared to make qualifying offers to players, with impending free agent Kimbrel a logical choice. (via Dave Dombrowski said the Red Sox are prepared to make qualifying offers to players, but isn't at liberty to say to who until MLB announces tomorrow. Kimbrel, Eovaldi are logical candidates.
Still plenty of things to discuss on the world champions and how the roster will take shape next season and beyond. Stay tuned.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
