Tag Archives: Dave Dombrowski

Alex Cora Agrees to New Deal with Boston Red Sox

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Alex Cora is getting a much-deserved pay raise…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican Major League Baseball manager, the Boston Red Sox‘s first-year manager, has agreed to a new deal with the team that includes a one-year extension through the 2021 season and, most likely, a significant raise. Terms have not been announced.

Alex Cora

Cora was one of the lowest-paid skippers in the MLB last season on his way to winning a franchise-record 108 games and the World Series.

“We have consistently been impressed by Alex at every turn,” said Red Sox chairman Tom Werner. “His knowledge of the game, ability to connect with our players, and his incredible instincts and decisiveness led us to an historic championship season. We know we are in good hands, and could not be more pleased to know he will be with us for the foreseeable future.”

“Alex did a tremendous job for our club all year long and we wanted to reward him for his efforts after an amazing season,” president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “We are extremely happy that he will be with us and leading our club on the field.”

Last season, Cora made $800,000, tied with the Braves’ Brian Snitker and the Mariners’ Scott Servais for the lowest salary among managers to start the season.

Snitker won Manager of the Year in the National League, and Cora finished second in voting for the American League award.

“Since day one, John and Linda Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon, Sam Kennedy, and Dave Dombrowski have been incredibly supportive of me and my family, and for that I am extremely grateful,” Cora said. “For me, 2018 was not only historic, but it was special as well, both on and off the field. We have a great appreciation for our accomplishments this past year, but now our focus moves forward to the season ahead and defending our World Series title.”

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon, San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy and Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who retired following the season, all made $6 million last season.

Cora became only the second Puerto Rican-born manager in major league history, joining Edwin Rodriguez, who managed the Florida Marlins for parts of the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Cora was the fifth major league manager to win a World Series in his first season, joining Bob Brenly (2001, Arizona Diamondbacks), Ralph Houk (1961, New York Yankees), Eddie Dyer (1946, St. Louis Cardinals) and Bucky Harris (1924, Washington Senators).

Avila Agrees to One-Year Deal with the Chicago White Sox

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Alex Avila is ready to Sox it to ‘em…

The 28-year-old Cuban American professional baseball play, nicknamed “The Titanium Catcher” for the perception among baseball fans that he’s unusually likely to be hit by foul tips, has agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.

Alex Avila

Avila was limited to 67 games with the Detroit Tigers this past season with a bone bruise in his left knee, batting .191 with four home runs and 13 RBIs.

He was an All-Star as recently as 2011, when he also won a Silver Slugger award. He also finished 12th in the American League MVP voting that season.

This past season, White Sox catchers combined to finish ninth in the AL in batting average (.230), 11th in OBP (.293) and 10th in slugging percentage (.376).

“Alex has a tremendous reputation as a leader in the clubhouse,” White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said.

“Obviously he knows the division quite well and provides a nice balance from an offensive standpoint given the left-handed bat and his ability to get on base and provide some power against right-handed pitching.”

The signing forms a reunion of sorts between Avila and White Sox closer David Robertson, who were teammates in 2006 at the University of Alabama. Avila was selected by the Tigers in the fifth round of the 2008 draft and made his major league debut in 2009.

In 683 games over seven seasons, all with the Tigers, Avila has batted .242 with a .345 on-base percentage and a .397 slugging percentage. In 2011, while helping the Tigers to the postseason, he batted .295 with 33 doubles, 19 home runs, 82 RBIs and a .506 slugging percentage.

Avila’s father, Al Avila, is the general manager of the Tigers, having replaced Dave Dombrowski in August.

Veras Traded to the Detroit Tigers

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The Detriot Tigers have discovered their next closer… And, his name is José Veras.

The Tigers acquired the 32-year-old Dominican relief pitcher on Monday from the Houston Astros in exchange for minor league outfielder Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later.

Jose Veras

Veras is 0-4 with a 2.93 ERA this season, and the 32-year-old right-hander has struck out 44 in 43 innings with only 14 walks.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski says the team is pleased to add an experienced arm to the bullpen.

Detroit entered the season with a lot of uncertainty at the closer spot, and although Joaquin Benoit has pitched well in the role in recent games, the AL Central-leading Tigers needed bullpen depth.

Aside from Benoit and Drew Smyly, none of their other relievers have been all that effective on a consistent basis.

In his Major League Baseball career, Veras has played for the New York Yankees, the Cleveland Indians, the Florida Marlins, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Astros.