Tag Archives: Alex Cora

Positive Vibes During Spring Training in Fort Myers

Spring Training Has Started

Via USA Today

The Boston Red Sox begin Spring Training games this week. It already seems like the vibe in Spring Training is different from the last few years. The Red Sox just singed J.D. Martinez to a five year, $110 million dollar deal. Seems like everyone needed a fresh start from the manager, and Alex Cora brings the young feel to it.

There Was Tension Last Season

Via USA Today

Mookie Betts admitted that there was tension last season, saying, “I think (there was) just tension in the locker room as far as if things were down. We could have had more fun. Through the rough times, I think those are the times when we could have had a little more fun instead of being down so much.”

Xander Bogaerts also said how there was friction last year: “I mean, we all know. We all know what was going on,” I don’t think I really want to get into details. The quicker we move on is the better for all of us.”

Not One Single Leader

(Fort Myers FL, 02/19/18) The Red Sox official full squad workout, stretch during Spring Training at the Player Development Complex on Monday, February 19, 2018. Staff photo by Matt Stone

Dustin Pedroia spoke about the leadership, saying it’s not just one person, it’s everybody. It’s clear winning the division is not good enough in this city. The Red Sox need to compete with the Yankees and the Martinez signing was huge. Alex Cora isn’t speaking the gibberish that Farrell would say while talking to the media. Cora said last week if you see a pitch right down the middle swing the bat and see where it goes. Don’t take a first pitch if it looks like you can hit it. The Red Sox are a fun young team with a power hitter. It still remains to be unseen how well they will compete with the Yankees, but the Martinez singing is a great start. I like the good vibe in Red Sox Spring Training even though it’s still early. It seems like they got the right change with the manager let’s see how the team shapes up to be.

J.D. Martinez Is Not the Only Way Boston Can Return to Contention

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I will be the first person to tell you how badly the Red Sox need a bat like J.D. Martinez’s in order to make a deep run in the playoffs. This article isn’t going to back up the opinion that this team, as built, is ready to contend with NYY/WAS/LAD/HOU.

Down Year 2017

All of last season, the void that David Ortiz left in the lineup went unfilled. There was a clear home run surge in the MLB last year, and Boston was left out.

Jackie Bradley Jr. had a season that earned him a spot on Yahoo’s “most overrated players in the MLB” list. Something JBJ looks to use as motivation to get back on track this season:

🙌🏾 RT @bigleaguestew: The whole @YahooSports MLB crew voted and these are the most overrated players in baseball: https://t.co/zssB0ZdjSE pic.twitter.com/4uCaqti56k

— Jackie Bradley Jr. (@JackieBradleyJr) February 13, 2018

Xander Bogaerts was snuffed by a lingering hand injury last year. One that even he says he probably shouldn’t have played through. On regaining some pop after recovering from his hand injury, Bogaerts said, “I’m not saying I’m going out and hitting 60 like Stanton or something, but I can definitely go out there and put up the same numbers as ‘16, maybe a little bit better”. In 2016, the season Xander is referring to, he smacked 21 home runs.

Hanley Ramirez was battling a shoulder injury from right out the gate last season. In an interview, Hanley said that he plans on playing another ‘10 years’ and sees himself returning to ‘Miami Hanley’ this year.

After being an A.L. MVP candidate in 2016, Betts batted .318 with 31 HR and 113 RBI. He as well found himself slumping (by his standards) in 2017 where he batted .264 and had less home runs and RBI’s.

In the Red Sox first season without their locker room leader and best slugger in the middle of the lineup, four other key parts of their lineup found themselves in down years… Boston still managed to win 93 games.

As it stands right now, Boston is still the favorite to sign J.D. Martinez. If Boston snags J.D., and gets bounce-back seasons from at least three of the four guys listed above, they will have submitted themselves back into the World Series discussion.

Alternative to J.D. Martinez

Let’s say that Arizona ends up bringing back J.D. Martinez.

The reaction to spring training thus far has been less than enthusiastic for most Red Sox fans. People have already mailed in the season because the Bronx got Stanton.

This Red Sox roster is a good one. It may not be a world series contender, but it doesn’t have to be.

They are a wild card team as is, and with good years from Bogaerts/Bradley/Betts, they could potentially snag the division.

Trade Deadline

What I am getting at, is that this roster doesn’t need to add anybody right now. It can wait until the trade deadline. I once wrote an article, here, where I went over every single trade deadline that Dave Dombrowski has been in charge for, and you will see that he has never left a deadline without filling the team’s needs.

If for some reason the Red Sox miss out on Martinez, waiting until the deadline is something that can benefit them. This would give Dombrowski a chance to see the team play this year. By doing so, he can get a better feel for their needs.

Another reason that waiting for the trade deadline may be a good idea is that the impending free agency for next year is loaded. Free agency has a huge impact on the trade deadline. Teams that have players with contracts that are expiring are more willing to move them at the deadline instead of potentially losing them for almost nothing in free agency.

This list of impending free agents that could be dealt at the trade deadline include the likes of Manny Machado, Josh Donaldson, Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler, and Brian Dozier. All of these players, some for a greater price than others, could be brought in for a playoff run to help this team.

Boston Will Be Fine

Whichever way Boston ends up going, do not give up on this team yet. They managed to win 93 games in a season with a poor manager, locker room drama, and serious lineup slumps. Not to mention they had a down year from their 2016 Cy Young winner, Rick Porcello. Also, Boston lost both Steven Wright and ‘Ace’ David Price to injuries for all if not most of the season.

If J.D. Martinez ends up donning a Red Sox uniform, they will be locked and loaded from game one. If they lose out on J.D Martinez, Boston has the juice to get to the trade deadline, where Dave Dombrowski can load up for a playoff run.

Will David Price Win Back the Media and Fans?

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New Year New Price?

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JULY 28: Starting pitcher David Price #24of the Boston Red Sox is greeted by teammates in the dugout after leaving the game with a 1-0 lead after pitching eight shutout innings against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 28, 2016 in Anaheim, California. The Angels won 2-1. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

David Price is entering a new season in his $31 million dollar contract. We’ve seen little work from him. His comments last year made it was clear he didn’t like being in Boston. Price has a 3.48 ERA in his two seasons with the Red Sox. Price’s peak moment last year was getting to a scuffle with Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley. Price has four years left of his $127 million dollar contract.

David Price Trying To Win Back The Fans?

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 07: David Price #24 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the second inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 7, 2016 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Price spoke to the media yesterday saying, “I feel like it’s pretty straightforward. You know what you’re going to get [in Boston]. If you go out there and pitch well and play well, you’re going to have support, You can always make things better by pitching better. That’s what I’ve got to do. Go out there and throw the ball the way I threw the ball before I got to Boston”. He also said that he could’ve handled last season better, saying, “I could’ve handled it better last year, absolutely. But I didn’t, and I’ve moved on, I feel like I’ve always been one to lead with my actions, and I didn’t do that very well last year. I know that and understand that, and I look forward to getting back and being that faucet and not being a drain”.

Alex Cora Feels like “One of the Guys” According to Price

Via MassLive.com

Whether it was Price’s agent or Alex Cora, someone talked to him and said last year is in the past. All that matters is the future. Price is excited to have Alex Cora as the Manager saying, “I like him. He feels like one of the guys. I’ve played for a manager that’s like that with Joe Maddon in Tampa. A guy that can relate to everybody. He’s easy to talk to. I like Alex. I guess it’s to be determined whether or not manager-wise and stuff like that. But I think he’s going to be great”.

It’s still way too early to say Price will have a good year or a bad year. But this could go one of two ways. He could have a very good season and wins back fans. Adversely, it could go very bad and is out again for the year.

Spring Training Is Here, Begins Wednesday

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Baseball in the Air…

(Boston, MA 04/03/17) Fans fill Yawkey Way before the Boston Red Sox opening day game at Fenway Park in Boston on Monday, April 3, 2017. Staff photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki

Spring Training is here and begins this week. Players will make their way to Fort Myers soon. The quiet offseason for the Red Sox has been frustrating. But we’ve been distracted with the other sports teams in Boston to really pay attention. The Red Sox have been in the back corner hiding this offseason while the other three teams are on the spotlight.

Spring Training Begins This Week

(101117 Boston, MA) Dave Dombrowski, Red Sox President of Baseball Operations, talks about firing manager John Farrell during a press conference at Fenway Park on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Staff Photo by Nancy Lane

The Red Sox can’t hide for long, and will be the only team playing in a few months. The mindset of Dave Dombrowski now getting a power bat is staggering. Will the Red Sox sign J.D. Martinez? Who really knows, but to compete with the power hitting Yankees a power bat would be helpful. Questions arise with this team going into Spring Training. How will David Price pitch? How will Chris Sale do? Will Rick Porcello return to Cy Young form?

Red Sox Only Did One Thing This Offseason

Via MassLive.com

Let’s put it this way: hiring Alex Cora was the best offseason move they did so far. During the Winter Meetings they were completely silent and the whole month of January was a complete bore fest with the Red Sox. Pitchers and catchers report Tuesday with a first full team workout on Wednesday. Rumors last week said Martinez was fed up with the Red Sox taking so long but those seem to be false. Last year J.D. Martinez hit 45 home runs 104 RBI’s and batting average of .303.

Alex Cora on Managing the Red Sox

Via Boston Herald

Cora said when he was hired that, “Boston is a challenge, but for me, it’s not, I understand they live baseball 24/7. I come from a country [Puerto Rico] that does that, and with my family, it’s the same. This is a good baseball team, a team that, as you all know, have won back-to-back division titles but at the end of the day, this city, everybody wants to win a world championship.”

Why Alex Cora May Be the Best Offeason Pickup

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Let’s face it, this past offseason was as boring as watching David Ortiz run a forty-yard dash. The only exciting moment was J.D. Martinez signing with Boston for a $110 million deal. With the offseason concluded and the Red Sox underway with the season, we arrive at the question: “Who was the best pickup this offseason?” Well, believe it or not it’s Alex Cora. Not Mitch Moreland, not Keith Moreland, or Matt Moreland, but their new manager Alex Cora.

Dave Dombrowski’s goals this past offseason were to hire a new skip and to add power to the lineup. He achieved those two goals, one in which was hiring Alex Cora. As we all know, this is Cora’s first stint as a manager, coming off a World Series title with the Houston Astros this past season. Being one of the youngest managers in Red Sox history, connecting with the young talent the Sox have made Cora an ideal fit. Cora has also had stints as teammates of Dustin Pedroia and briefly Mitch Moreland while with Texas (which everyone forgets). Cora finished his career with a .243 batting average, cranking only 35 homers and driving in 286 RBI’s. Don’t forget folks, he was part of our World Series title team back in 2007, so he knows what it takes to win both on the filed and in the dugout.

Entering this season I was excited. Cora brings youth and great baseball know-how to a team that can make some noise this season. The Red Sox are off to a hot start, winning eight of their first nine games. Their only loss occurred on Opening Day. His goal as a manager is to just be himself. Mainly, he wants to build a close relationship with his players. Find out what’s going on with each players lives both on and off the field. He believes a close, positive relationship with his players will lead to success and so far, it’s working.

There seems to be only positive news and results coming from Boston since the start of Spring Training. This team has become more fun to watch and it seems they’ve become more intertwined as a team. No, it’s not because they’re playing Fortnite in the clubhouse every day. It’s because of Alex Cora, and the good vibes he brings to the ball field each and every day.

Winter Weekend: The Special Surprises

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Winter Weekend 2018 was one for the books. The event was full of surprises for both the fans and the team. Here is a look at the incredible weekend:

Town Hall Review

Winter Weekend all started with an introduction of the 2018 team. From the shock of Andrew Benintendi’s new hair to new manager Alex Cora, everyone was smiling and cheering. Seven thousand people filled the theatre to catch a glimpse of what the players who will call Fenway their home this year. The players left and out came the owners, managers, and also a few special guests.

Red Sox Nation held back nothing when it came to bringing up the situation with J.D Martinez to Dave Dombrowski. In response he made sure to voice that winter is not over and that there are still over one hundred free agents available.

“You have to remember as a club, the number of good players that are on this team.”

-Dave Dombrowski

Town Hall Surprises

Dombrowski expressed the fact that the Red Sox are already a strong team that can excel this season. Afterward David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez made a dazzling entrance.

Then my time to ask a question came. I became close with Tom Caron over the past year and he had a surprise up his sleeve. He shared with the theatre that I was a cancer survivor and recently had surgery, along with the fact that I was a die-hard Sox fan. Next thing I knew, I was called up onto the stage and was immediately wrapped in Big Papi’s arms. After that I proceeded to hug Alex Cora, Pedro Martinez, Sam Kennedy, Dave Dombrowski, and Tom Werner. They all shared their congratulations and best wishes. The rest of the night carried on with the two comedic special guests to light up Town Hall.

Saturday: Surprises, Autographs, and Fun

Everyone that was present at Town Hall quickly learned about my story along with my Twitter handle. So did Andrew Benintendi, my favorite player on the team. A member of the front office gave my family and I a special pass to meet Benintendi later on that afternoon. The morning first started out with meeting Brock Holt and Luis Tiant. One half of the Flow Bros and a legend. The day then proceeded with an interview on NESN about my experience at Town Hall. The ballroom was full of activities for young and old fans. They were having a blast with current and former players attending the event received interviews from Tom Caron.

Benintendi Time

The time for one of the biggest surprises of the weekend quickly approached. We were up next to meet Andrew Benintendi and Ben Taylor. I walked up to him and he smiled while I introduced myself and told him I was the cancer survivor from Town Hall. While I was in the middle of asking if he could sign my jersey he dashed around the table to give me a huge hug. I was in complete shock, and so was my family. Andrew quickly pulled out his phone and asked for a picture. As some may know, in 2013 Benintendi’s mother battled breast cancer, so he was very aware of my situation. Throughout that time everyone yelled, “It’s Benny biceps. She did it. She met him”. It felt like I was dreaming during the whole experience. To this day I’m still in shock because it felt so unreal.

Ortiz and Pedro Are at It Again

David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez are always a hit at Town Hall. In similar fashion they stole the show again during each of their panels. The two sat on stage and cracked each other up. They are truly best friends and it also shows. Finally, we ended the day with “The Teammates for Life” panel, which featured David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, and Pedro Martinez. They discussed the bond they have created through the organization. It was absolutely hilarious. They shared stories and laughed for an hour.

Unfortunately the evening came to an end to mark the conclusion of Winter Weekend 2018. It’s safe to say that Sox Nation are now excited for the season to begin.

Photo and Video Credits

Red Sox Organization

NESN

John Farrell Opens Up About Being Fired

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John Farrell on MLB Network

John Farrell exits as Red Sox manager.

John Farrell was fired and Alex Cora was named the new Red Sox manager. On Wednesday’s Hot Stove Show on MLB Network, Farrell opened up about his firing. He admitted that it was hard for him to accept the firing after the success he had:

“In some ways, yes, because I felt we as a team, as an organization, as a coaching staff, we were proud of the number of accomplishments that we had there. Including as you saw in 2013 and back-to-back championships in the AL East the last couple of years”.

Farrell Respects The Firing

Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell speaks during a news conference, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, before his team’s workout as they prepare for Sunday’s Game 3 of baseball’s American League Division Series against the Houston Astros in Boston. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)

Farrell had a record of 432-378 in the regular season with the Red Sox. He also talked about how everything has a shelf life:

“But hey, every situation has a shelf life and a change was made. I respect the change that did take place.”

Farrell gave credit to Alex Cora and that championships matter in this city, not just winning the division.

“Coming out of five years in which there might have been the most scrutiny on a team. On an individual player or a manager, and that’s Boston. But that’s also what draws people to those places,” he said. “The expectation is high and the ability to win is there every single year. If that’s not in your DNA, if that’s not what you aspire to do. To win then maybe those places aren’t for you.”

Farrell Gives Advice to Alex Cora and Aaron Boone

He also talked about the scrutiny that Alex Cora now faces as the manager of the Red Sox. His advice also reached out to Aaron Boone, who is the manager of the Yankees.

“They need to understand it’s the seat in which they sit in, it’s not them individually and personally. Things are going to get thrown their way just because of the job that you have.”

Farrell also said he’s talked to other teams but will take some down time. A year ago today the Red Sox singed Chris Sale. A year later they have a new manager and are looking for a power hitter.

Alex Cora Excited To Be Back

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Manager Alex Cora Is In Boston

Alex Cora was introduced yesterday at Fenway Park. My takeaway from that press conference was him saying Boston won’t be a challenge for him.

“Boston, for a lot of people, is a challenge. For me, it’s not, I don’t think experience is going to be an obstacle for me. I think I’m prepared.”

I think it’s a good look for this team with a lot of young talent. The Red Sox hired Tony Larussa to as a resource for Cora, if needed. Questions remain if Cora was Dave Dombrowski’s choice, or some believe ownership may have stepped in. Either way, this market is a tough place to manage. The Red Sox have a winning reputation, and division titles don’t mean anything. It’s all about world championships. This whole city is all about championships, from the Red Sox to the Patriots.

Alex Goes Down Memory Lane

Cora played with Dustin Pedroia back in 2007. He made his debut for the Red Sox in July of 2005. The Red Sox won the World series in 2007. He said yesterday, Boston talks baseball 24/7 and that’s what he grew up with. Cora was saying that experience as a manager didn’t really matter when he was a players coach and a bench coach. He watched how the game was played, and managed throughout his career as a player, and as a bench coach.

Alex Is Coming Off A World Series Win

Houston Astros bench coach Alex Cora sits in the dugout during media day for baseball’s World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Cora just won a World Series with the Houston Astros. What an accomplishment that was, after everything Texas has been through. He talked about forming the relationships with the players now, so when they get down to Fort Myers, he has an idea of who the players are and what they want to get out of next season in 2018.

On To 2018…

Cora is all about moving forward in talking about David Price.

“For me, it’s unfair to talk about what happened last year. It’s in the past. I’m here to move forward This guy is very important for me. Whatever I can do to help him out, I’m going to be there for him. And at the same time, whatever I can do for him to be successful, I have to be there for him. The whole clubhouse thing, we’ll be fine. You guys know how I dealt with Manny with all the situations. We tried to bring this thing together. We’re going to be fine.”

He Sounds Confident

He sounds confident, and that’s good. Let’s see how this team looks in February for Spring Training. Until then, they need to find another power hitter.

A look at the new Red Sox Coaching Staff

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The New Sox Coaching Staff starts fresh

The Red Sox coaching staff has been filling up quickly with the 2017 officially coming to an end. Most of the incoming staff has ties to the organization in some way. Here are the new faces:

Alex Cora

Get to know him and start loving him Sox Nation. You’re looking at the new manager for the Red Sox. Not only is he qualified for the job, given his recent success as the bench coach for the Astros, but during his baseball career, he also played for the Sox. Furthermore, Cora is aware of the strong bond between the sports teams and the fans in Boston. He knows what it is like to play a game at America’s ballpark. Cora was part of one of the most well known teams of Boston, the 2007 team. Sox Nation is looking to Alex Cora to create his 2018 coaching staff.

Dana LeVangie

He’s one on the few names you may recognize, he just finished his fifth season as the Red Sox bullpen coach. LeVangie will now be the pitching coach for the 2018 season. It is known that the Sox bullpen has had its ups and downs, and Dana has been witness to it. Hopefully, with the new set of coaches, there will be a more cohesive relationship between the bullpen and starting pitchers. I believe with the right support, LeVangie will continue to bring a strong bullpen in Boston.

Brian Bannister

Bannister was brought in a few years ago by the Sox, and is now looking to complete his first full season as the assistant pitching coach. His family screams baseball, with his father, two brothers, and uncle playing in the Majors. Bannister was hired as a scout in 2015, and is familiar with the new players on the team. He has seen numerous pitchers come and go throughout his time with the Sox.

Tim Hyers

Hyers is entering his first year as Boston’s hitting coach. He has an extensive background. He has spent the past two years as assistant hitting coach with the Dodgers, in addition to spending seven seasons with the Sox. Not only has Hyers coached Major League teams, but he has also coached in the Minors as well. He played for the Padres, Tigers and the Marlins, as a first baseman and outfielder from 1994-1999.

Victor Rodriguez

He is entering his sixth season as assistant hitting coach for the Sox organization. Boston has led in runs (3113), and doubles (1282), since Rodriguez has been a part of the team. Rodriguez had his start with coaching back in 1995, with the triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. Victor was signed by Baltimore in 1977, at age 15, and proceeded to play for the Orioles, Padres, Cardinals, Phillies, Marlins and the Red Sox, until the end of his playing career in 1995.

Tom Goodwin

Goodwin is here to start his first season as first base coach for the Boston Red Sox. Tim Goodwin was a base running coordinator for the Red Sox organization in the minors, from 2008-2011. He played 14 seasons, from 1991-2004, with the Dodgers, Royals, Rangers, Rockies, Giants and Cubs. Goodwin has been to the World Series, in the top for number of stolen bases, and was on an Olympic gold medal team during his career.

Ron Roenicke

Roenicke is a name that I personally am excited to see as a part of the Sox organization. Ron Roenicke is looking to start his first season as the Red Sox third base coach. Roenicke has had experience both being a manager, and a base coach. He coached the 2012 NL All Star team, and has managed minor league teams. He spent 8 seasons playing in the majors with the Dodgers, Mariners, Padres, Giants, Phillies and the Reds (1981-1988). Roenicke should be a positive addition to the 2018 coaching staff.

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Bullpen Needs Additions In 2018 Season

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Bullpen Needs New Starting Pitchers

The Red Sox were rebuilding their bullpen during the 2017 season, but with a new coaching staff for 2018, another update may be needed.

E-Rod Now in Recovery

Eduardo Rodriguez recently had surgery, and is now in the recovery process. He will not be able to start until May or June, at the earliest. Even then, he may only be pitching out of the bullpen. Rodriguez struggled with his knee throughout the season, and was eventually placed on the 10-day DL. After his return, it was obvious Rodriguez was going to need to look at surgical options during the offseason. With Rodriguez out for spring training, the Red Sox will need to look into another starting pitcher for the 2018 season.

Is Price The New Secret Weapon?

After David Price returned from the DL, it took time to work him back into the pitching rotation. The coaching staff decided he wouldn’t start, but rather would play when necessary. Price was quick to show his injury not only made him stronger, but he was also back to earn his spot in the rotation. He proved his value in late middle relief. He thrives off run support, and a strong offense behind him. With Price pitching as middle relief, things are looking up for the bullpen.

Porcello Not As Strong As 2016

It was clear to Red Sox Nation that something about Rick Porcello was different this season. He didn’t play like the Cy Young winner he was for the 2016 season. After watching Porcello play, he didn’t seem injured. It appeared as though he was not practicing, or looking for any way to improve. Porcello needs to work on his pitching throughout the offseason if he wants to stay in the starting rotation for 2018.

Doug Fister- A Giant Question Mark

Doug Fister was a question mark all season. No one knew if he would have a great game, or a terrible one. With Alex Cora coming in, he will want the starting rotation to be reliable. Fister showed progress throughout the 2017 season. He carried an ERA of 4.88 for 2017, which was the highest ERA of his career. This could be a red flag to the new pitching staff when deciding if they will re-sign him for 2018.