Franchy Cordero was officially introduced to the Fenway Park crowd Saturday, getting the start in left field while hitting eighth.
But for Alex Cora, an impression has already been made.
Prior to the Red Sox' second game of the season, their manager took time to reflect on what he has seen from the centerpiece of the Sox' trade of Andrew Benintendi.
"He can play tight end for the Patriots if they need him," Cora said of the 6-foot-3, 225-pound outfielder. "Great athlete, man. Great athlete. Hard worker. Not surprisingly because of the feedback we got from Kansas City and the Padres, too, sometimes you’ve got to slow him down as far as the work – in the outfield, in the cage and all that. Very quiet kid who is willing to learn. It seems like he’s making strides to what we envision as far as controlling the strike zone, having a better rhythm, as far as what he does at the plate. The other day, it’s one thing to hit in Fort Myers and another to hit here at Fenway and see the ball travel to left field, he saw it. Hopefully that’s the hitter we’re gonna get, somebody who can drive the ball to left field and whenever they hang something in the strike zone, hopefully he can pull it for power. He’s been great so far. In the training room, in the weight room, he’s following our lead. He knows there’s some question marks about his health and all that. He’s putting the work. He’s putting the work and he’s in a good spot right now."
Cordero, who got off to a slow start in spring training due to COVID-19 protocols, finished his Grapefruit League with five hits and one walk in 18 plate appearances, striking out seven times.
For more on Cordero and the path he took to the Red Sox, click here.
