Hot Stove Lunch: Cora successfully turns the page on 2018; Yankees nearing deal with Happ

LAS VEGAS -- There's a reason no MLB team has successfully defended its title in almost 20 years -- it's difficult to do.

Lots of things can get in the way -- injuries, egos, complacency among them.

But one thing about the 2019 Red Sox -- if they don't repeat as champions, it won't be because their manager lacks drive and motivation.



Here it is, mid-December, and Alex Cora is already highly engaged. He's talking about flipping Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi at the top of the batting order, because while Betts was highly successful in the leadoff spot a year ago, well, that was last year. And next year is next year.

Cora is also already plotting out how to best protect his pitchers in the early part of the year, going so far as to pencil in a sixth starter in the second week of the season in Oakland to give the veteran starters an extra day of rest in April.

Cora was asked when he was able to turn the page on the 2018 season and begin looking ahead and said that process was complete by early November, when he attended Boston's annual organizational meetings. Already, there was work to be done for 2019.

Again, this is no guarantee that Cora is going to accomplish what many, many managers have tried and failed to do. But it is evidence that Cora isn't going to get caught being unprepared, or sentimentally attached to last season.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST

It looks like J.A. Happ will be returning to the Yankees.

The Orioles have their new manager.

The Rays plans for a new ballpark are gone and they're back to square one.

In a surprise, the Blue Jays released Troy Tulowitzki 

AL CENTRAL

Two former Indians relievers are drawing a lot of interest.

White Sox manager Rick Renteria understands there's more work to do

It seems only a matter of time before the Tigers deal off Nicholas Castellanos

The Royals haven't given up on Bubba Starling.

AL WEST 

Count Joey Gallo as someone who would like to see the shift banned.

The Angels' farm system is getting better.

Could Troy Tulowitzki help out the A's?

The Astros are showing interest in Michael Brantley.

NATIONAL LEAGUE 

Joe Maddon is trying to figure out how to better reach his young players.