MLB Notebook: Unsolicited advice for Cora; growing importance of depth and education of Michael Chavis

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- One of the reasons the Red Sox hired Alex Cora – and others tried to – is his ability to communicate. As an added bonus, Cora can do so in two languages.

When he addresses the 2018 Red Sox on Monday morning prior to the team’s first full-squad workout, chances are good Cora will deliver a coherent, inspiring message. Certainly, he doesn’t need nor want my help.

But that’s never stopped me before. With that in mind, and just in case Cora is scrambling for last-minute topics, here are three things he should include in his speech:

1. Don’t forget to have fun.

This would seem like a rather obvious point for a bunch of men who are paid handsomely to play a game. But somehow, that was forgotten last year in a clubhouse that, by the players’ own admission, was often lacking in enjoyment. Sure, playing in Boston brings attendant pressures perhaps not present in other markets, but that doesn’t mean that the joy has to be sucked out of the process. You may be professionals, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go about your workday with cold-blooded detachment. You work at a ballpark, not a sterile, corporate environment. Celebrate the wins, move on from the losses, and don’t treat every setback as a season-ending defeat.

2. Find a way to play with controlled aggression.

Last year, with the team lacking in power, players ran the bases as though they were being chased by a wild animal. It can be argued that was out of desperation since the Sox couldn’t wait around for a big inning that wasn’t going to come. At times, the aggressiveness paid off, as they forced opponents into rushing throws or sloppy play. But this is the big leagues, and even though fundamentals aren’t nearly as sharp as they once were, quality teams are going to execute properly more times than not.

This year’s team should be better in the power department, with a handful of players expected to rebound. That, in combination with natural improvement for young players such as Rafael Devers, should boost the number of homers.

But even if power remains in short supply, the Sox have to be smarter on the bases. Forcing mistakes is one thing; taking yourself out of innings unnecessarily is another.

3. Turn Fenway into a home-field advantage again.

The Sox played well at home last season, winning 48 games, a total topped by only two other American League teams (New York and Houston). But Fenway didn’t have the same intimidating atmosphere of a decade ago when it was routinely loud and raucous.

Some of that, I suspect, has to do with the sheer cost of going to the ballpark. When ticket prices skyrocket, passionate fans get priced out and their seats are filled by corporate types who, by definition, lack the same zeal for the game.

Part of this problem may be solved when the Yankees arrive for their three series. New York has reached “hated rival’’ status again by virtue of their success and their imposing lineup, so a return to the good old days would seem at hand. But Fenway should rock every night, whether the opponents are from New York or Arlington, Texas.

It would help, too, if the players forged more of a bond with the fans. David Price’s refusal to acknowledge the rapturous reception he received in the ALDS was symbolic of the gulf that existed between the paying customers and the players on the field. Do what you can to erase that gap.

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There was some irony involved in the fact that, on the very same day Cora spoke of the need to have a versatile bench, the Red Sox reached an agreement with free-agent utility man Eduardo Nunez.

Cora spoke of the evolution taking place in the game, with regular position players being given more rest, especially in the middle of summer heat waves and in the second half of the season.

When baseball allowed stimulants like amphetamines several years ago, the practice of having players play 155 or more games was effectively ended. The season is too long, too draining and too demanding to expect position players to be effective day after day without occasional time off.

The likelihood of someone ever again building a consecutive games played streak like the one Cal Ripken Jr. had, in other words, is just about non-existent.

Cora understands some players will fight the suggestion they need a day out of the lineup.

“We’ll sit down individually and talk about it,’’ said Cora. “I know it’s a hard conversation because I went through it last year (as the bench coach with the Astros). But if they start buying into it, they will see the benefits of having off-days.’’

To provide “every day’’ players with rest, of course, it helps if the Red Sox have a useful and adaptable bench.

Although a quirk in the schedule will provide Boston with three days off in the first 12 days of the season – thus enabling Cora to consider carrying 11 pitchers in the first couple of weeks – he’ll eventually need the standard dozen members of the pitching staff.

That means that, with nine regulars, there’s room for just four bench players. In order to maximize their usefulness, it would help if those players could fill in competently at several positions.

Here, the Red Sox would seem to be well situated.

When Dustin Pedroia returns, Nunez – assuming all health and contractual issues are worked out – represents someone who can play third, short and second. A year ago, there was talk about getting him work at first, too, though, with his knee issue, that never came to pass.

Blake Swihart is the real Swiss Army knife here, with the ability to catch, play the corner infield spots and perhaps left field, which he played in 2016 before getting hurt.

Bryce Brentz, the projected fourth outfielder, can play left or right. The Sox probably wouldn’t have him play center unless it was an emergency, but it’s worth noting that both corner starting outfielders – Andrew Benintendi in left and Mookie Betts in right – are above-average defenders in center, so that position is well covered.

The only bench player likely to be somewhat limited is Sandy Leon, who doesn’t do anything beyond catch.

Still, the adaptability of Swihart and Nunez will be key. And until Pedroia returns, the Sox have the option of keeping Brock Holt, who can do anything except pitch and catch.

“That really helps,’’ noted Cora of their flexibility, “because then you can make roster spots knowing one of those guys is worth probably two or three players.’’

The better teams have versatile role players. Houston has Marwyn Gonzalez, who can play infield and outfield. The Cubs have Ben Zobrist, who can do the same. Even stars like Kris Bryant can play his normal third base, or contribute in the outfield. And the Dodgers can boast of Austin Barnes -- a role model for Swihart, since he can catch as well as play second and third – and Chris Taylor, who is a natural shortstop since converted to center field.

If the Red Sox are going to be an elite team, it would help to build a bench that can duplicate the versatility demonstrated by the teams and players cited above. Preserving the regular position players has become essential to a successful season, a task made far easier by having reliable role players available behind them.

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Michael Chavis is on a fact-finding mission this spring.

Considered the Red Sox’ top position player prospect in the system after a breakout 2017 that saw him hit 31 homers between High-A Salem and Double-A Portland, it’s not inconceivable the former first-round pick could make his major league debut this season. That would allow him to follow in the footsteps of Devers and Benintendi, two others who made quick jumps to the big leagues.

The likelihood of Chavis making the team out of spring training, however, is remote. He’s here to observe and learn what it means to be a major leaguer, so that when his chance comes, he’ll be ready.

“The biggest thing for me is getting the opportunity to be around these older guys and guys who have been in the big leagues,’’ said Chavis this week. “It’s a chance to pick their brains and learn from watching their day-to-day stuff and how they approach games and certain things they do during the game.

“It’s going to be a big opportunity for me, just to learn something and learn how to be in the big leagues. Obviously, it’s different than being in the minor leagues. I had some success this past year, and I’m hoping just to build off that. But the biggest thing will be just keeping my eyes and ears open and try to learn as much as possible.’’

Chavis got a head start last month when he took part in the Red Sox’ annual Rookie Development Camp, where top prospects are invited to Boston to take part in an orientation of sorts. Chavis spoke with Jackie Bradley Jr., whose own big-league debut wasn't that long ago.

“He talked to us about things to expect,’’ recalled Chavis, “and that prepared me a lot. I also had an opportunity to work out with Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies and I talked to him and got some advice. I’m looking forward to the actual games and see how things work out.’’

Chavis has found Red Sox regulars to be highly approachable, with the ability to make young players feel welcome.

“If you have any questions, they’re right there and happy to help,’’ he said. “So there’s not much of an intimidation factor. You just don’t want to mess up – not in regard to performance, but in the day-to-day stuff. You don’t want to be a problem. You want to handle yourself the right way and not go out and do stupid things. You know people are watching, and what you do reflects on the organization.’’