Best of WEEI Interviews: Is Tatum all the way back?

The episode of WEEI Afternoons opens with a deep examination of Jason Tatum's remarkable recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon, with Chris Mannix from Sports Illustrated praising his elite defensive and offensive performances in March, signaling that Tatum is nearly back to full form. The Celtics are positioned as the clear Eastern Conference favorite, bolstered by strong team depth and leadership, though concerns linger over Jalen Brown's recent underwhelming play, attributed more to fatigue and workload than injury. The discussion then shifts to the Boston Red Sox, whose 1-5 start has sparked criticism over managerial decisions under Alex Cora, particularly the underutilization of key players like Masataka Yoshida and Rafaela, and the lack of a reliable backup plan when top hitters falter. Despite a deep roster, offensive struggles and poor lineup adjustments have fueled frustration, with speculation about moving Jaron Duran to leadoff and Roman Anthony to third—though skepticism remains about their effectiveness without broader team support. The episode features a live interview with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy, who discusses the state’s $10 million investment in World Cup watch parties to boost tourism, defends the public audit of the legislature (approved by 72% of voters), and addresses housing affordability through a $25,000 down payment assistance program. She also weighs in on recent gun law changes, emphasizing the need to balance Second Amendment rights with public safety. The tone lightens in the final segment with satirical banter about political absurdities, including a fictional Roman Emperor dinner at Mastro's, while previewing upcoming sports events—Sonny Gray’s start for the Red Sox, the Celtics’ game in Milwaukee, and the Bruins’ loss to the Panthers. Humor and personal anecdotes, including jokes about 'triple-baked' hosts, keep the energy high, blending sports analysis with political satire and fan engagement.