Alex Cora is no stranger to the Sox’ ALCS opponent, the Cleveland Indians. He was a member of the 2005 Indians for three months after signing with the Tribe as a free agent the previous winter. But the quick development of shortstop Jhonny Peralta sent Cora to the bench, where he was viewed as too expensive for a reserve. In July of that season, he was shipped to the Red Sox for utility infielder Ramon Vazquez. It remains one of the best — if under-appreciated — deals made by general manager Theo Epstein.

Cora has kept his eye on his former team in the two-plus years he’s been gone.

“I’m proud of what they’ve done,” said Cora yesterday. “I saw all those young players — Victor (Martinez), Grady (Sizemore), Travis (Hafner), Jhonny — they were all growing up when I was there. It’s fun to see what they’ve become.”

The development of Martinez, Sizemore and others reminds Cora of the Indians of the 1990s, who developed stars such as Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez, and won two A.L. pennants. "It seems like that's the trend — homegrown talent," Cora said. "They believe in what they're doing. When (GM) Mark Shapiro got the job, he had a plan. I don't know if he was shooting for (it all to come together in 2007), but they're here.

-SEAN McADAM