11-24-00

When spring training began, the Los Angeles Dodgers slated Alex Cora as their starting shortstop. However, a poor spring training caused the Dodgers to demote Cora to triple-A (Albuquerque) and give Kevin Elster the starting shortstop job. By June Cora returned to the major leagues and earned the shortstop job. Although he started well offensively, he batted .238 with four home runs and sixteen RBI because he wore down as the season proceeded. Defensively Cora stabilized the infield but displayed poor range for a rookie. At 25, Cora should improve both offensively and defensively. Baring a signing, a trade, or an injury, Cora will be the Dodger shortstop.