We here at Win For Teddy will be assessing each player’s season, giving them a grade for their year’s work.  We will start with the infielders and work our way through the lineup. Please share your thoughts and grades in the comments as well.

In 2011, Alex Cora was brought onto the Nationals to give them more depth.  With the face of the franchise Ryan Zimmerman already playing third base, Cora came to the organization knowing he was going to be taking a backup roll to the All-Star.  That was fine with him, as he spent most of his career bouncing back and forth between the MLB and AAA ball (funny how the Nats always seem to give those guys a permanent MLB home).

However, that all changed early in the season when Zimmerman needed surgery on his abdomen.  Cora was called upon to fill his shoes, pretty big shoes to fill coming from an ex-Golden Glove and Silver Slugger winner.  But Cora stood tall, and the team was actually able to grab some traction during the two months Zimmerman was out.

Cora only played in 91 games, but he served his purpose well as a sub.  He was fairly consistent at the plate, achieving a steady .224 average with 6 RBI.

Nothing special, but Cora was helpful and successful in his limited role with the team.  He is a free agent, and the Nats may want to save some money to re-sign the kids rather than bring him back.  Still, it would be considered an okay season for Cora.

Grade: B-