White Sox Cora still chasing managerial goal

GLENDALE, Ariz. — It's been business as usual for Joey Cora this spring.

The White Sox' energetic bench coach has been covering a lot of ground at Camelback Ranch, organizing workout schedules, hitting fungoes and working with the infielders.

In a rare relaxed moment Thursday morning, Cora discussed his latest flirtation with becoming a major-league manager.

During the off-season, he appeared to be the top choice to guide the Milwaukee Brewers. The job ultimately went to Los Angeles Angels bench coach Ron Roenicke.

“It's not discouraging, not at all,” said the 45-year-old Cora, who is a native of Puerto Rico and played 11 major-league seasons with the White Sox, San Dieg Padres, Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Indians. “Thank God I can be here. I'm here with this team and I'm with Ozzie (Guillen) and Kenny (Williams) and Jerry (Reinsdorf) and all these guys. It's complimentary that people want to interview me and at least consider me, but it's not discouraging. Each time you learn something new.”

Cora has had several opportunities to learn new lessons from the experience.

The White Sox' third-base coach/bench coach since 2004 — Guillen's first year as manager — Cora interviewed for the Washington Nationals' opening in 2006. Manny Acta got the job.

The next off-season, he was strongly considered by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but they went with John Russell as manager.

In 2008, Cora was the leading candidate to return to Seattle and manage the Mariners, but that job went to Don Wakamatsu.

This past off-season, Cora nearly relocated to Milwaukee.

While insisting he's not discouraged, failing to land a managing job has taken a toll on Cora.

“I'm 0-for-4, so I don't know how much longer I can take it,” Cora said. “Sometimes it's been tough to just get the interview because when you go there, you take yourself out of the White Sox stuff mentally and physically and everything to prepare for that. And when you don't get the job, it takes a lot out of you because then you have to come back mentally to this.

“There's only a few times you can do that, I think, and do a good job. We'll see what happens. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't happen I'm extremely happy to be here. I've had a great time here with the guys.”

Would he be a good manager?

“We'll find out if I ever do manage,” Cora said. “There's no way you can tell, I don't think. You can be prepared, but I don't think you can tell if you can do it or not until you get it.”