Alex Cora goes from "don't worry" to "not great" in 48 hours

The WEEI Afternoons podcast dissects the Boston Red Sox's disastrous 1-5 start to the 2026 season, contrasting Alex Cora's initial 'don't worry' attitude after four games with his visibly anxious tone just 40 hours later, now admitting the team's play has been 'not great.' The hosts analyze a cascade of failures—poor hitting, weak pitching, defensive lapses, and a dysfunctional use of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system—while highlighting deeper concerns about team culture, leadership, and the absence of 'vibes' or emotional energy. They question whether the Red Sox lack a natural leader to rally around, with players like Jaron Duran, Williur Abreu, and Wilson Contreras discussed as potential candidates, but ultimately conclude the team is emotionally flat and directionless. The conversation draws parallels to other Boston sports teams like the Celtics and Patriots, where strong team chemistry and 'vibes' have driven success, suggesting that intangibles may be just as critical as talent. The hosts also critique the team's front office decisions, particularly the Bregman signing, and suggest Cora is struggling to lead a team devoid of star power and charisma.