Cora on status: 'Not talking about contracts during the season'

BOSTON -- More than a third of the way through what could be his final season managing the Red Sox, Alex Cora was asked prior to Friday night’s game against the Tigers if he’s been offered a new contract.

“We’re not talking about contracts during the season,” Cora said.

Cora said this matter-of-factly and without a hint of tension, expressing comfort in letting his situation play out in the offseason, when his current contract expires.

“Out of respect to the organization and the players, and the season, we're not going to talk about contracts,” said Cora. “We’ll play it out and then whatever is decided is decided.”

The Red Sox entered play on Friday with a 28-29 record, 3 1/2 games back in the American League Wild Card standings.

“From my end, like I said before, I can’t be selfish,” Cora said. “I cannot be selfish in this situation. We finished last [in the AL East] the last two years and we're playing under .500 baseball. My situation will be taken care of in the future, whatever the organization decides or whatever I decide to do. “

Cora has a new boss this season in chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, and has been pleased with the evolution of that partnership.

“We both know we're growing as a partnership,” Cora said. “And it's been really good, but at the same time, the future is the future.”

There are two ways to look at the season the Red Sox have had so far.

You could say the club has weathered season-ending injuries to Trevor Story, Lucas Giolito and Garrett Whitlock in addition to long-term absences of key bats Triston Casas and Masataka Yoshida and held their own.

Or you could note they are tied with the Dodgers for third in the Majors in ERA and haven’t capitalized enough on that in the form of wins.

Red Sox president/CEO Sam Kennedy expressed in a radio interview earlier this week that the club had overachieved. Cora said that he spoke with Kennedy on Friday and that their relationship is strong.

“We haven’t played well in certain aspects of the game, but there's a lot of positives going on,” said Cora. “I was joking with him that 6 a.m. [radios interviews] are tough. ‘You should do the 2:30 show and maybe you’ll say something else.’

“But I talked to him. We’re good. First of all, there's nothing going on between us. He’s my guy. He’s been great for the organization. And second, we’re a .500 team, or an under-.500 team.”

That said, Cora has enjoyed managing a roster that is younger than any Red Sox team in recent years. With that youth has come more athleticism.

Cora feels more youthful himself after losing 30 pounds in the offseason and helping his partner Angelica Feliciano train for the Boston Marathon. Now in his sixth season managing the Red Sox, Cora is able to put things in better perspective and not dwell on each loss.

“A lot better,” said Cora. “’I’ve grown as an individual, as a family man and as a manager. You’ve just got to take your punches and learn from them. Last year was a grind in every aspect and this year, it feels a lot different. I don't know if it's the healthy life and doing the things that I'm doing, which I think has contributed.”

Cora noted that he ran from his home to the ballpark on Friday rather than drive as an example.

Will Cora test managerial free agency or try to strike a new deal with the Red Sox first?

“My intent is to manage today, and then keep helping this team to be better,” Cora said. “I think we have something good going on as far as developing players, and it’s a challenge right now, of course, with all the injuries, but I feel really good where I'm at. I feel really good where I'm at in my personal life, which is the most important thing. I love the Red Sox, but the Cora/Feliciana team is my number one team, and we're good where we’re at.”