HR 4 - Frustration mounting for Alex Cora + the Red Sox...already | Rob Bradford joins the show
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The WEEI Afternoons team opens with lighthearted banter about Easter confusion and a humorous call-in segment, before diving into the Boston Red Sox's dismal 1-5 start to the 2026 season. Hosts Andy Hart, Nick Fitzy Stevens, and Ted Johnson express growing frustration with the team’s poor performance, highlighting offensive struggles, defensive lapses, and a concerning strikeout rate. They analyze key issues such as Alex Cora’s management, roster construction under Chaim Bloom, and the absence of a veteran leader like Alex Bregman. The conversation shifts to specific concerns: Garrett Crochet’s subpar outing possibly impacted by the last-minute change in catchers (Carlson Baez instead of Narvaez), lineup inefficiencies (especially Roman Anthony’s leadoff role), and underperformance from key offseason acquisitions like Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez. Rob Bradford joins the show to reinforce that while the early season is still short, the Red Sox’s lack of cohesion, leadership, and consistency raises serious red flags. Despite some optimism around Willi Abreu and Conley Early, the overall sentiment is one of cautious concern. The hosts conclude with hope for a turnaround at home in Fenway Park, where the team will begin a six-game homestand against the Padres.
The Red Sox’s 1-5 start is raising alarms despite the short sample size, with concerns about offense, defense, and pitching consistency.
Alex Cora faces mounting pressure, but the root issues may lie in roster construction and the lack of veteran leadership.
Garrett Crochet’s poor performance may have been impacted by the last-minute switch in catchers, highlighting the importance of pitcher-catcher chemistry.
Roman Anthony’s leadoff role is being questioned, despite his past success, due to a lack of RBIs and high strikeout rate.
The team’s inability to score early—being outscored 12-3 in the first three innings—reflects deeper systemic issues.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Easter Confusion & Show Intro
The hosts open with a humorous anecdote about misremembering Easter and making a reservation for the wrong weekend, followed by a lighthearted exchange about the Celtics' recent win and the Red Sox's struggles.
Red Sox's 1-5 Start: A Cause for Concern?
“It's not like you can hit them one through nine to that point.”
Cora, Bloom, and the Leadership Void
“The only one I feel like I can feel like I know what I'm getting every time he goes out is Crochet.”
Garrett Crochet’s Struggles & the Catcher Change
“I don't think athletes like changes, Ted, especially starting pitchers where that's a routine, right? Very precise routine getting ready for it.”
Lineup Inefficiencies & Leadership Gaps
The hosts question Roman Anthony’s leadoff role, the lack of clutch hitting, and the absence of a veteran leader like Alex Bregman. They discuss how the team’s youth and inexperience may be showing under pressure.
“The only one I feel like I can feel like I know what I'm getting every time he goes out is Crochet.”
“The only one I feel like I can feel like I know what I'm getting every time he goes out is Crochet.”
“You have to figure out what you have, who you have, and what they're going to do.”
Hosts
Guest
Boston Red Sox
other
Alex Cora
person
Roman Anthony
person
Garrett Crochet
person
Celtics
other
Rob Bradford
person
Alex Bregman
person
Chaim Bloom
person
Caleb Durbin
person
Sonny Gray
person
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