3/31/26 Full Show - Breslow's Sox additions are struggling to start the season | Alex Cora joins the show
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The WEEI Afternoons show delivers a comprehensive breakdown of the Boston Red Sox's rocky 1-3 start to the 2026 season, with hosts Andy Hart, Nick Fitzy Stevens, Ted Johnson, and Dan Ball expressing growing concern over the underperformance of high-profile offseason additions like Caleb Durbin, Ranger Suarez, Wilson Contreras, and Sonny Gray. The discussion centers on a lack of power hitting, inconsistent pitching from the rotation, and a lineup-wide slump, culminating in Durbin being benched after a 0-for-14 start—a move that sparked debate about roster confidence and management decisions. Despite the criticism, manager Alex Cora remains calm and patient, emphasizing the long 162-game season and praising the development of young arms like Garrett Crochet and Marcelo Meyer. The segment also touches on Jalen Brown’s troubling return from Achilles injury, with his poor performance after Jason Tatum’s return raising questions about physical and psychological strain. Meanwhile, the Patriots’ offseason strategy is scrutinized, with Mike Vrabel’s championship-focused rhetoric clashing with the team’s reluctance to commit financially to players like Christian Gonzalez, prompting calls for actions to match words. The show ends on a cautiously optimistic note, referencing Cora’s previous 'wait 30 games' philosophy and suggesting a single win could shift momentum to .500, while also celebrating young Sidney Hart’s lacrosse success and previewing upcoming coverage.
The Red Sox’s 1-3 start is fueled by underperformance from key offseason acquisitions, prompting roster changes and managerial scrutiny.
Alex Cora maintains a patient, long-term outlook, emphasizing the 162-game season and the development of young talent despite early struggles.
Jalen Brown’s post-injury return has been marred by poor performance, raising concerns about health and psychological pressure after Tatum’s return.
The Patriots’ championship ambitions are questioned due to inconsistent financial commitment, particularly regarding Christian Gonzalez’s contract.
A consistent running game is seen as essential to improving the Patriots’ offensive efficiency and reducing reliance on the passing attack.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Red Sox’s 1-3 Start Sparks Concern
“This reminds me a little bit, though, of the Celtics conversation we had last week... But what about all the other guys too? You know, what about all the other complementary players?”
Celtics’ Jalen Brown Struggles Post-Injury
The focus shifts to the Celtics, where Jalen Brown’s return from an Achilles injury is met with concern after a poor performance in Atlanta. Despite a near-triple-double, Brown shot just 9-of-29 and had six turnovers. The hosts debate whether he’s pressing, still injured, or simply having an off night, with the injury report’s credibility questioned. The lack of depth and a confusing starting lineup further undermine confidence.
Alex Cora on the Red Sox’s Early Struggles
“It's four games. So it's just part of the season. I think, you know, when you struggle is a 20-game sample size, 25-game sample size.”
Patriots' Championship Mindset vs. Financial Reality
“Championships is the goal. He almost kind of said he can have his opinion, but our goals are higher here.”
Cora’s Lineup Shuffle and Player Development
“He came in early, did some work, Durbin. He'll be ready to start tomorrow.”
“If you don't pay the best players, all that talking that Vrabel does for culture means nothing to the players if you don't back it up with good contracts.”
“Championships is the goal. He almost kind of said he can have his opinion, but our goals are higher here.”
“It's four games. So it's just part of the season. I think, you know, when you struggle is a 20-game sample size, 25-game sample size.”
Hosts
Guest
Red Sox
other
Alex Cora
person
Jalen Brown
person
Patriots
organization
Mike Vrabel
person
Christian Gonzalez
person
Caleb Durbin
person
Ranger Suarez
person
Jason Tatum
person
Robert Kraft
person
Trying to find the bright spots with this 1-3 Red Sox team
WEEI Afternoons • 21m • 3/31/2026
Alex Cora joins the show, brushes off early season struggles
WEEI Afternoons • 15m • 3/31/2026
Three Point Stance - Not your dad's Patriots
WEEI Afternoons • 21m • 3/31/2026
How big is the disconnect between Kraft and Vrabel?
WEEI Afternoons • 19m • 3/31/2026
Is the release of Josh Dobbs a good thing for Drake Maye?
WEEI Afternoons • 10m • 3/31/2026
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