DHL Dan CCXVIII - Change Of Attitude?

Shank believes the recent re-signing of Red Sox skipper Alex Cora just might mean a different direction for the team:

Let’s hope Alex Cora’s deal is a sign that Red Sox are spending again, and other thoughts

Picked-up pieces while observing that “WAR” has yet to be chiseled on any plaque at Cooperstown …

▪ Alex Cora has agreed to manage the Red Sox through the 2027 season. Cora’s three-year, $21.75 million contract extension was announced by the team Wednesday.

This is great news for Sox fans. Also somewhat surprising. Cora, who would have been a free agent at the end of this season, had stated repeatedly that he would not negotiate once the season started.

This is why four weeks ago I told you to enjoy these final months of Cora because, “There is nothing to indicate he’ll be back next year.” (My finest prediction since “Mavericks in seven.″)

Good for Red Sox ownership to pay close to market rate for a manager who has become the face of the franchise. Former Brewers manager Craig Counsell — with a résumé shy of Cora’s — got $40 million over five years from the Cubs last winter. The Red Sox have responded by making their skipper the second-highest-paid manager in baseball history.

If this does mean the Red Sox are going to start spending again, I think we see the template already - "to pay close to market rate".