Since 1901: A Boston Baseball Podcast · DraftKings

Since 1901: A Boston Baseball Podcast Episode 34 | Alex Cora is back for the Long Run

·13 min·1 clip

Emerson and Steve kick off with a jam-packed episode, hinting at a surprise about Cora's extension that came out of left field.

This episode of Since 1901: A Boston Baseball Podcast features hosts Emerson Lazia and Steve Buchanan analyzing the Boston Red Sox. The hosts react to the surprising news of manager Alex Cora receiving a contract extension. They focus on the immediate implications of this deal for the team's strategy ahead of the MLB trade deadline. The hosts note Cora had previously stated he did not want to discuss an extension during the season. Lazia expected this would force the team's hand to make significant moves at the upcoming deadline. Buchanan admits he was shocked by the news, describing it as coming "out of left field." He reveals he had recently speculated about other realistic teams Cora could manage next. Both hosts express strong personal approval for Cora remaining as manager. Buchanan argues the extension likely signals the front office will now be active in acquiring players before the deadline. The conversation centers on how the timing of the announcement alters the team's leverage and perceived intentions. A key insight is the hosts' belief that Cora lost a major bargaining chip by signing early. Lazia specifically hoped Cora would use his unresolved contract to pressure the team into deadline action. The surprise stems from the deal contradicting Cora's own stated spring training preference. Buchanan's perspective shifted from predicting Cora's departure to analyzing his continued role. The underlying assumption is that management would not extend Cora without demonstrating a commitment to winning now. The discussion treats the extension as a pivotal event that changes the calculus for the team's next moves. The tone is energetic, conversational, and filled with fan-centric speculation. The style is informal, featuring rapid-fire dialogue and personal reactions to breaking news. Die-hard Red Sox fans following offseason and deadline maneuvering would love this episode. Listeners seeking deep statistical analysis or interviews might find the episode too brief and reactionary.

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