Sox will interview Houston’s Cora
The Houston Astros took a 2-0 lead on the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series yesterday.
And today, Astros bench coach will be shifting his focus to the Red Sox’ managerial vacancy.
Former Sox infielder Alex Cora is expected to be interviewed by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, who relieved John Farrell of his duties last week, when the Astros travel to New York on an ALCS off day. Cora played for the Red Sox from 200508 and won a World Series title in ’07.
It may seem strange to be interviewing candidates who are still coaching in the postseason, but the veteran Red Sox boss said it’s standard procedure.
“I have done this in the past, and it is not that unusual,” Dombrowski told the Herald in an email.
Getting the interview done during the playoffs is also helpful for the organization, in this case the Astros, that could be losing somebody to a promotion with another club. This way, Houston could begin filling its vacancy as soon as possible.
“Normally, you do it so the process does not extend way past the World Series, which can be late for some organizations in regards to getting started for next season,” Dombrowski wrote. “Technically, although not in stone, you only have a limited time to interview your candidates since the permission (time) frame does not extend forever.”
Cora is expected to be in the running for multiple managerial openings. The Astros’ first-year bench coach has managed in winter ball in Puerto Rico.