Alex Cora Claims He Has Nothing But Respect for Marcus Stroman Despite Earlier Comments
By Jared Kish
Red Sox manager Alex Cora has been vocal lately, after Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman quick pitched Red Sox rookie slugger Michael Chavis on Tuesday night. This led to a war of words between Stroman and Cora, but in the light of day, the skipper now says he has nothing but respect for the Toronto hurler.
"It's the same thing with with him every day. He competes a certain way and people don't like it," Cora said after Tuesday night's game. That led to Stroman clapping back, suggesting that Cora is still salty about him playing for the United States in the 2017 World Baseball Classic instead of Cora's native Puerto Rico. Stroman, whose mother is Puerto Rican, was eligible to represent either team.
Cora probably still mad I chose to play for @USABaseball over Puerto Rico. Now it makes sense. Lol ??? https://t.co/y5xvA6dGhm
— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) May 22, 2019
The Red Sox manager is now responding to the drama by insisting that he ultimately has nothing against Stroman.
Alex Cora: "I had the best time of my life with that team and he [Marcus Stroman] wasn't part of it ... I have nothing against this kid" https://t.co/mpXjItnoZm
— OMF 2-6pm on WEEI (@OMFonWEEI) May 22, 2019
Judging solely by Cora's earlier comments, he legitimately doesn't like the Blue Jays starter. To be fair, Stroman is known for being animated and getting under the skin of opposing players, as Chavis and Chris Sale witnessed last night.
In the heat of the moment, Cora was not happy about the pitcher's antics, but if he's ready to start taking the high road now, that's better for everyone.