Alex Cora joins, addresses Crochet debacle, Ken Rosenthal beef
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In this episode of WEEI Afternoons, hosts Andy Hart and Kitsie Stevens discuss the Boston Red Sox's early-season struggles, focusing on Garrett Crochet's unexpected poor performance and the broader concerns about the team's pitching, defense, and offensive consistency. They analyze the team's 6-10 record, questioning whether hot starts from players like Wilson Contreras and Willio Abreu are sustainable and highlighting defensive lapses in the outfield and at shortstop. The conversation shifts to a pivotal interview with Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who addresses Crochet’s rough outing, attributing it to command issues rather than injury or pressure, while emphasizing the team’s resilience and belief in his ability to bounce back. Cora also defends the team’s strategy of fast-tracking young players like Roman Anthony, acknowledging the challenges of player development in today’s condensed schedule, and dismisses any clubhouse tension over pay disparities. He expresses confidence in the rotation, particularly Sonny Gray, Brian Bayo, and Rich Suarez, and discusses lineup adjustments based on opponent matchups. The episode concludes with a discussion on the evolving nature of player development and the pressures of modern baseball.
Garrett Crochet’s poor start was due to command issues, not physical decline, and Cora remains confident in his ability to rebound.
The Red Sox’s early-season struggles stem from inconsistent offense, defensive lapses, and overreliance on pitching, not just one bad game.
Young players like Roman Anthony are being developed at the major league level due to changes in the game’s structure and player development timelines.
Cora emphasizes team cohesion and avoids internal comparisons, noting that players don’t know each other’s salaries and focus solely on performance.
The team’s strategy of using multiple young arms and rotating lineups is intentional, based on opponent matchups and bullpen availability.
Red Sox Early Season Concerns: Performance, Defense, and Offense
“If the other guys get hot, is that going to be negatively balanced out with some of these guys that are actually hitting pretty well now? Returning to reality and the net difference isn't a huge gain.”
Garrett Crochet’s Struggles and the Pressure of High Expectations
“That's like the baseline for him and living up to that could be a challenge. I would say right now I might be a five and a half to a six out of 10 concerned with crochet.”
Alex Cora’s Interview: Defense, Development, and Clubhouse Culture
“I never lived it as a player. I have never lived it as a manager. I remember if you go back to, I think it was 2002, 2003, I was with the Dodgers. Remember Darren Dreifert? ... That dynamic of why he's making more than me, that never happens here.”
Closing Thoughts: Lineup Adjustments and Future Outlook
The hosts reflect on Cora’s comments about lineup flexibility, the role of young players, and the team’s evolving identity. They conclude with optimism, noting recent offensive improvements and confidence in the rotation’s consistency.
“I never lived it as a player. I have never lived it as a manager. I remember if you go back to, I think it was 2002, 2003, I was with the Dodgers. Remember Darren Dreifert? ... That dynamic of why he's making more than me, that never happens here.”
“That's like the baseline for him and living up to that could be a challenge. I would say right now I might be a five and a half to a six out of 10 concerned with crochet.”
“If the other guys get hot, is that going to be negatively balanced out with some of these guys that are actually hitting pretty well now? Returning to reality and the net difference isn't a huge gain.”
Hosts
Guest
Garrett Crochet
person
Alex Cora
person
Wilson Contreras
person
Roman Anthony
person
Trevor Story
person
Willio Abreu
person
Sonny Gray
person
Brian Bayo
person
Rich Suarez
person
Ken Rosenthal
person
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