US – Thursday, March 18
The Word
Bullock gets ‘Blind Side’d by alleged affair
It seemed too crazy to be true — America’s sweetheart Sandra Bullock fell for Jesse James, a heavily tattooed former bodyguard for Slayer turned custom motorcycle maker who was once married to a porn star.
 
Sports
No. 12 seeds always early upset threats
The notion that No. 12 seeds consistently beat No. 5 seeds isn’t a mere theory perpetuated by an upset-hungry public. The oddsmakers are aware of the history as well.
 
New York
New York City a toxic playground
The 1.8-mile Gowanus Canal’s legacy of noxious pollutants from the manufactured gas plants, oil refineries, tanneries and other industries was acknowledged with a federal Superfund designation this month, but it’s just one of many toxic sites across the city, large and small.
 
My Travel
The key to Kyoto
Kyoto’s temples and Geisha culture are legendary, but this city is no slouch when it comes to mixing in a large slice of contemporary, too.
 
Boston Sports
Cooke-ing up a B’s grudge match
When the Bruins and Penguins face off tonight at the Garden, it will be more than a chance for the Bruins to hang on to the final playoff spot in the East.
 
New York
City blocks this week: Mott Street between Spring and Prince streets
On one of Manhattan’s trendiest blocks, a quaint Catholic school is set to close its doors forever this summer.
 
Boston Sports
Dice-K on road to return?
The groin. The shoulder. The back. The neck.
 
Updated 21:38, March the 30th, 2008
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Alex Cora is entering his third season as the Red Sox’ utility infielder. Alex Cora is entering his third season as the Red Sox’ utility infielder. 
Photo: GETTY IMAGES
 

Cora provides stability at utility

MLB. A good, dependable utility guy is very difficult to find in baseball, but Red Sox infielder Alex Cora is among the best.

The cerebral Cora, who many within the Sox organization predict will be a big-league manager when his playing days have come to a conclusion, is in his third full season backing up at all infield positions for the Olde Towne Team.

The native of Puerto Rico proved invaluable last season, as he split games with Dustin Pedroia early in the year and allowed the rookie to take extra time to ease into his full-time job.

The utility role is one in which Cora has been at peace — a peace of mind that reached an even higher level when he watched other utility players scrounging around and looking for major-league work when spring training began last month.

“They told me from the get-go that they know what I’m capable of, but this is what you’re going to do here,” said Cora, who hit .246 with three home runs and 18 RBI last season despite sporadic playing time. “I’m very glad that they signed to a two-year deal [prior to the 2007 season], especially because of what happened to a lot of utility guys this winter.

“Obviously, when you’re a utility guy, then your time gets cut short and rhythm gets away from you, but I can still contribute and I’m very happy to be here,” added Cora, who for the first time in 11 years didn’t play winter ball in Puerto Rico when the league disbanded following the 2007 season.

Cora is heavily depended upon for his versatility and heady infield play while on the diamond, but he — along with catcher Jason Varitek and third baseman Mike Lowell — has also filled out a strong, veteran leadership presence within the clubhouse.

Many of the lessons learned while growing up on the playing fields of Puerto Rico with a baseball family have served him well.

“The most important thing is to go out and respect the game,” Cora said. “It’s what I learned as a young kid from my father and my brother (former big leaguer Joey Cora) growing up. If you respect the game, then people are going to respect you — run hard, do the right things, don’t try to be somebody or something you’re not.”

 
 
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