HR 3 - Crochet's optimistic outlook to his subpar start | How the Patriots handled Vrabel's scandal

The WEEI Afternoons episode dives into two major sports stories: the Boston Red Sox's struggling offensive performance and the ongoing Mike Vrabel scandal involving the New England Patriots. Hosts Andy Hart, Nick Fitzy Stevens, and Ted Johnson express deep frustration with the Red Sox's lineup, describing it as a 'hodgepodge' lacking star power, offensive identity, and consistency. They critique manager Alex Cora’s frequent lineup changes and highlight Garrett Crochet’s troubling start to the season—despite a promising return with increased velocity and strikeouts, he remains unable to finish six innings and has seen his once-dominant sweeper pitch deteriorate. The hosts debate whether the pitching coach is failing to diagnose mechanical issues, particularly a drop in arm angle, and question why such clear problems aren’t being addressed. On the Patriots front, the discussion turns to how the team and its leadership attempted to suppress the Mike Vrabel scandal through crisis communications, including efforts to prevent publication by the New York Post. The hosts speculate on the lack of media access during the NFL Draft and whether Vrabel’s silence will fuel further speculation. The episode closes with lighter segments on bizarre sports sounds, including a deer calling championship and a Mickey Mouse impersonator at a minor league game.