Cora continues to climb managerial ranks after latest feat

This story was excerpted from Ian Browne’s Red Sox Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

BOSTON -- When Alex Cora calmed the masses in Red Sox Nation by signing a three-year contract extension last month, he wasn’t just putting down roots for his family and the players who enjoy playing for him so much.

With his increased commitment to Boston, Cora has positioned himself to become one of the most accomplished managers in Red Sox history.

On Monday night in Kansas City, Cora notched career victory No. 500 as a manager, all with Boston.

Sometimes, a round number is just a round number. But this one was more when you put it into historical context.

The only manager in Red Sox history to reach 500 victories quicker than the 921 games Cora did it in was Terry Francona, who got his 500th win with the Sox in a mere 862 games.

Most people consider Francona to be the best manager in Red Sox history, backed by a 744-552 record with the club and two World Series championships (2004, ’07).

Just like Francona, Cora won a World Series title in his first year managing the Red Sox. In Cora’s case, it was his first year managing anyone.

With a couple or more postseason runs and another title, Cora could be right up there with his former manager Francona as the best in Sox history.

A big similarity Cora has with Francona is the combination of being a strong strategist who also connects exceedingly well with his players. In Cora’s case, he can make those connections in English and Spanish.

While Cora managed a wagon of a team in 2018 that won 108 games and went 11-3 in the postseason, it is obvious he is thoroughly enjoying his current team, which is built around youth. Backed by Cora’s energy and passion, the Red Sox are making a run for a postseason berth that nobody outside of the Boston clubhouse predicted in Spring Training.

“We made a huge decision as a family a few weeks ago,” Cora said of staying in Boston. “That was the No. 1 reason, was the family, but working with these guys on a daily basis is amazing. They push me to be better. I still feel goosebumps and get anxious throughout games, just like the first day in Tampa. And like I said [to the team], I hope they feel like I fight with them every at-bat, every pitch, every play, because that's how I feel.”

After taking two out of three in a big series in Kansas City, the Red Sox trail the Royals by 1 1/2 games for the third AL Wild Card spot, but the clubs are tied in the loss column. Not only that, but the Sox won the season series, 4-2, against the Royals. This means if the two teams tie for the final Wild Card spot, Boston would be in the playoffs and Kansas City would go home. The Sox are also on the heels of the Twins, trailing Minnesota by two games for the second Wild Card spot. Boston trails the Yankees and Orioles by six games in the American League East.