BSJ Daily Briefing 11.14.18: Cora doesn't get AL MOY; Celtics, Pats looking for answers; Tuukka returns

Good morning! 

A few random thoughts while I test out the snowblower ... ugh ...

• So, Alex Cora didn't win manager of the year. Look, no one is a bigger Cora fan than I am — Cuckoo for Cora and all — but I think this is the right call.


• Cora was the difference for this Red Sox team, but they did have the highest payroll and had won the division the previous two years.


• I think the difference Cora made this season was more of an indictment of John Farrell and Red Sox management for not letting him go earlier, than it was Cora's talents (which are immense but...).


• Brad Stevens sounds like he's finally going to make some needed changes. Give Marcus Smart a chance to start. Need some energy.


• As I said on Felger & Mazz yesterday, I think this Patriots team is in need of one of those classic Bill Belichick jolts through personnel movement. Danny Shelton and Dwayne Allen would be my top two candidates, but I wouldn't rule out bigger names. Who would come in? I don't really care, but I think this team could use a Ricky-Jean Francois grinder/vet type both at DT and TE. More character and grinder guys.


• Don't tell anyone, but I think Cordarrelle Patterson is the Patriots' best running back — just in terms of pure runner with downhill stuff, not zone — on the team.


• Tuukka Rask came back to the Bruins after taking a few days to "make things right" at home. Not sure what that means, but it doesn't sound good. Hopefully, he can get back on his game.