HR 1 - Not a good showing for the Sox' Ace
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “HR 1 - Not a good showing for the Sox' Ace” inside PodZeus.
The WEEI Afternoons episode dives into two major storylines following a disastrous start by Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, who allowed 11 runs in just 1.2 innings against the Twins, marking the worst start of his career. Hosts Andy Hart, Nick Fitzy Stevens, and Ted Johnson dissect the meltdown, questioning manager Alex Cora's decision to leave Crochet in the game despite the unraveling performance. They explore potential causes including fatigue, spring training preparation, pitch tipping, and a possible psychological edge the Twins may have gained from prior matchups. The conversation shifts to a separate controversy involving Cora’s strong reaction—calling it 'effing BS'—to a comment by Ken Rosenthal about long-term player extensions, which sparked social media backlash. The hosts debate whether Cora’s anger stemmed from internal frustration over team dynamics, the pressure of managing a high-stakes roster, or a personal reaction to perceived criticism of the Red Sox's player development philosophy. Both narratives paint a picture of a team struggling with performance, management, and optics early in the season.
Garrett Crochet's 1.2-inning, 11-run start was the worst of his career and likely eliminated him from Cy Young contention early.
Alex Cora's emotional reaction to a Rosenthal comment about long-term contracts may reflect deeper frustration with team dynamics and ownership philosophy.
The Red Sox pitching staff appears unprepared, with multiple starters showing signs of fatigue or mechanical issues early in the season.
Spring training readiness is in question, with key players like Trevor Story and Caleb Durbin struggling defensively and offensively.
There are growing concerns about pitch tipping and Twins-specific advantages, possibly due to prior spring training matchups.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
The Crochet Meltdown: Worst Start of His Career
“This is the worst start of his career. No hyperbole. No strikeouts. He's never done that before other than like a four-pitch range shortened outing. The runs allowed, all of that. This is the worst start of his career.”
Cora's Reaction to Rosenthal: A Controversy Explained
“I think it's effing BS, only he said it, for there to be a controversy, to be honest with you.”
Spring Training Failures and Team Readiness
The discussion turns to the Red Sox's apparent lack of preparation, with multiple players—Crochet, Story, Durbin, and Contreras—struggling early. The hosts question whether the team prioritized fun over development during spring training.
Pitching Staff Woes: Fatigue, Tipping, or Something Else?
The hosts analyze a troubling trend: three of Boston’s top left-handed pitchers (Crochet, Valdez, Scooble) have struggled against the Twins in a short span. They consider pitch tipping, fatigue, or even a psychological edge as possible causes.
Cora’s Leadership and the Weight of Expectations
The hosts reflect on Cora’s emotional response and whether it reveals a more vulnerable, frustrated side beneath his polished public persona. They question if he’s under pressure from ownership, the media, or his own high standards.
“I think it's effing BS, only he said it, for there to be a controversy, to be honest with you.”
“This is the worst start of his career. No hyperbole. No strikeouts. He's never done that before other than like a four-pitch range shortened outing. The runs allowed, all of that. This is the worst start of his career.”
“You're not going to have the guy that you're depending on to win at least one-fifth of your baseball games this year go 12 and nine or miss a stint because like what if he's got arm fatigue?”
Hosts
Guest
Boston Red Sox
other
Red Sox
other
Garrett Crochet
person
Alex Cora
person
Twins
other
Ken Rosenthal
person
Trevor Story
person
WEEI Afternoons
media
Caleb Durbin
person
Ted Johnson
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
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “HR 1 - Not a good showing for the Sox' Ace” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime