Playing nine innings while assuming the Red Sox will win more than 24 games next year …
1. The Red Sox’ decision to re-hire Alex Cora as manager 10 months after parting ways due to his role in the 2017 Astros’ sign-stealing scheme (and minor infractions in Boston) was not a complete no-brainer because of the baggage he carries from that scandal. There is a significant segment of fans who will always imagine a scarlet C – “cheater” – on his jersey, and he’s going to have to wear that for the rest of his career.