SEATTLE -- For much of the offseason, there existed speculation about what the Red Sox planned to do with their bullpen in 2019.
The loss of free agent closer Craig Kimbrel left a big hole at the back end of the bullpen, and the Sox didn't add anyone of significance over the winter.
During spring training, manager Alex Cora playfully dodged the question, saying only that the answer would be revealed on Opening Day.
But with just 24 hours to go before the season gets underway, Cora strongly hinted that the team wouldn't have a set closer and would rely on matchups on a game-by-game basis.
"I'm not going to name a closer (in advance),'' said Cora. "I've been saying all along, (Thursday), people will see what we're going to do. I feel fine. I'm OK with it.''
However he approaches it, Cora remains confident in his group.
"Last year, going into the playoffs, going into the offseason and going into (Thursday), it's always been a question mark (for others),'' he said. "You saw what we did last year. I think stuff-wise, I've been saying all along, we've got stuff. It's up to us to find matchups we can exploit and maximize our talent. That's how we're going to do it.
"I think I do things a little different than others. I don't think there's a structure or a script that you have to follow to do certain things.''
But then, contradicting himself a bit, Cora noted that he's known since November what he plans to do.
"You've got to wait and see (Thursday),'' Cora said with a smile. "We'll do it the way we feel we're going to be successful and we'll stick with the plan.''
_____________________
________________
_____________________