Lou Merloni pleads with fans to enjoy wins when they come
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Lou Merloni joins WEEI Afternoons from Fenway Park to express frustration with Red Sox fans' tendency to panic after early-season struggles, urging them to enjoy wins when they come. He highlights concerns about Garrett Crochet's declining sweeper pitch and overall performance, suggesting it may be due to workload or mechanical issues. Merloni also critiques the team's identity as a 'small ball' squad, arguing that the current roster lacks the personnel to execute such a style effectively, especially with poor on-base percentage and underutilized challenges. Despite early struggles, he remains optimistic about young players like Roman Anthony and Caleb Durbin, noting positive signs such as improved walks and better pitch recognition. He emphasizes the need for patience, especially with rookies, and calls for the team to focus on fundamentals and leverage in high-leverage moments. The segment ends on a hopeful note, celebrating small improvements and urging fans to stay engaged and positive.
Celebrate wins when they come—don’t panic after early-season losses.
Garrett Crochet’s sweeper has regressed significantly; it’s now a liability rather than an out pitch.
The Red Sox lack the personnel to consistently execute a 'small ball' strategy, especially in on-base percentage and situational hitting.
Young players like Roman Anthony and Caleb Durbin are showing promise through walks and better pitch selection.
The team is underutilizing challenge reviews—hesitation in using them costs them leverage and momentum.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Opening: Celebrate the Win
“Bro, you've won nine games. Can we just enjoy it and let's just kind of go 24 hours later to see how the game goes?”
Garrett Crochet’s Struggles and the Sweeper Pitch
“His sweeper last year was the best pitch in baseball, the best sweeper in baseball. Number one. This year, it's 178 out of 179. They're slugging over 900 this year. Last year it was 200.”
Small Ball Identity and Team Personnel
Merloni challenges the notion that the Red Sox are built for small ball, arguing they lack the contact hitters, bunters, and base stealers needed to succeed in that style.
Young Players and the Pressure of Expectations
Merloni discusses the unrealistic expectations placed on rookies like Roman Anthony, urging patience and suggesting that time in the minors could help them adjust to the major league level.
Underutilized Challenge Reviews
“Minnesota has 65 challenges and 37 overturned. Other teams are using it. Other teams are gaining the advantage on it. You're not.”
“His sweeper last year was the best pitch in baseball, the best sweeper in baseball. Number one. This year, it's 178 out of 179. They're slugging over 900 this year. Last year it was 200.”
“Bro, you've won nine games. Can we just enjoy it and let's just kind of go 24 hours later to see how the game goes?”
“You need to hit home runs in the postseason to win. And that was the consensus. That's all around baseball.”
Hosts
Guest
Red Sox
other
Lou Merloni
person
Garrett Crochet
person
Roman Anthony
person
Yankees
other
Caleb Durbin
person
WBC
other
Yoshida
person
Minnesota Twins
other
Story
person
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