The Boston Red Sox' front office didn't offer many straightforward answers about their decision to part ways with Alex Cora.
But how do their players feel about losing their manager after just two seasons?
While most have been quiet since the Red Sox split with Cora on Tuesday, pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and catcher Christian Vazquez used Instagram to share their thoughts.
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Here's Rodriguez, who referred to Cora as a "brother" and a "friend" in an Instagram post Wednesday:
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And here's Vazquez, who thanked Cora for aiding relief efforts in their native Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria:
Infielder Michael Chavis also became the first Red Sox player to address Cora's dismissal on the record at a Portland Sea Dogs event Wednesday night.
"I had a small time with Alex, but in that small period that we had together, I can't say enough about his character," Chavis said. "He's a very good dude. He did a lot to help me as a player, especially at second base.
"He was a phenomenal second baseman and shortstop, so he somewhat took me under his wing and went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable, so I'm very thankful for that."
There's an obvious theme here: Cora was very well-liked by his players. Cheating scandals aside -- MLB is still investigating Cora's role in Boston's 2018 sign-stealing operation -- the 44-year-old galvanized Boston's clubhouse after John Farrell's departure to help the team win a record 108 games in 2018.
Cora also put the Red Sox in a very difficult spot by leaving them without a manager less than a month before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. But you likely won't hear players say any negative words about their former manager.
