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Alex Cora, the manager of the World Series
champions, said Wednesday the team's plan for a closer would be
evident in the coming days.
"I'm not going to name a closer. I've been saying it all along,"
Cora told reporters in advance of the opening game against the
Mariners. "I don't think there's a structure or a script you
have to follow. (Thursday) people will see what we're going to
do. I feel fine. I'm OK with it."
Chris Sale will start Thursday's game. That much was known. Cora
revealed the rest of his opening day lineup, with Andrew
Benintendi leading off in left field, followed by right fielder
Mookie Betts and third baseman Rafael Devers.
Designated hitter J.D. Martinez was the cleanup hitter, followed
by shortstop Xander Bogaerts and first baseman Mitch Moreland.
Eduardo Nunez at second base, Jackie Bradley Jr. in center and
Christian Vazquez at catcher round out the lineup.
Craig Kimbrel was the Red Sox' closer last year, saving 42
games, but left via free agency. He remains available on the
open market.
Cora sounds as if he will be creative with the back end of his
bullpen, as opposed to defining roles to start the season.
"People get caught up on the whole usage and high-leverage, and
not getting locked in with a closer," Cora said. "Every game is
different. Every out is different. A high-leverage situation for
me might be different than for you. That's the beauty of the
game."
--Field Level Media
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