Alex Cora

2013

There was no outlook written for Alex Cora.

2012

Cora spent the 2011 season as the Nationals' backup infielder. He is known more for his glove, but at 36, his range is starting to decrease. Cora is essentially a singles hitter, as his .051 ISO demonstrates, and he has not hit a home run since 2009. He has indicated that he intends to play in 2012 though many have speculated he could get a minor league managing job immediately. If another team signs him late in the offseason, expect a similar line with 150 plate appearances off the bench.

2010

Cora played through torn ligaments in both thumbs, requiring surgery on each at the end of the season. When on the field, he saw more than expected time at both middle infield positions, backing up Luis Castillo at second but seeing a majority of his action at shortstop due to the injury to Jose Reyes. Cora signed a one-year deal with a vesting option to remain with the Mets and will fill a similar role as a bench player.

2009

Cora was once again a low-cost serviceable utility man for Boston in 2008 and has become a free agent. No team will give him a full time job, but he's an ideal backup, who can fill in at second, short and third. The Tigers have some interest in him with the idea pairing him with the similarly-skilled Ramon Santiago at short.

2008

It's hard to believe that some were clamoring for Cora to start in place of Dustin Pedroia early in the season when the future Rookie of the Year was struggling in April. Cora, who delivered a couple of game-winning hits during those halcyon days of April, is a nice fill-in at second base and shortstop, but will only get 200 at-bats as a spot starter for Boston.

2007

Cora signed a two-year deal in the offseason with the knowledge that he will be the team's utility infielder, and he's fine with that. Cora is a smart ballplayer who's got "future manager" written all over him. If Dustin Pedroia isn't ready to claim the second base job full time, Cora could get a few more at-bats than expected in 2007, but he'll have very little value in fantasy leagues.

2006

Cora is presently the leading candidate to be the Red Sox starting shortstop, but we'd be surprised if that's how the team enters the season. He'll be Boston's versatile infield backup.

2005

Cora put together a decent season for the Dodgers in 2004. His strong defense makes him valuable to the a pitching staff but does little for fantasy leaguers. He likely reached his offensive peak last season, meaning there is little to like from a fantasy perspective.

2004

Cora's outstanding defense contributed to the low ERAs of the pitching staff but unfortunately that was offset by his poor year with the stick. He needs to be given a role as a defensive replacement to minimize the damage he can do at the plate (to his own team).

2003

Coming off a nice piece of hitting in 2002, splitting time with Izturis (.291/.371/.434). Always displayed a good glove but was too much of a free swinger. Expect his strong 2002 to earn him more time.