Best Of Red Sox on WEEI: From Embarrassing to Respectable

The WEEI Afternoons podcast reflects on a turning point for the Boston Red Sox, who went from an embarrassingly 0-8 start to a respectable 4-8 record after winning two of three games against the Milwaukee Brewers. The hosts credit a combination of strong pitching from Sonny Gray and Garrett Crochet, timely hitting, and a crucial managerial shift by Alex Cora, who finally adjusted the lineup after weeks of stagnation. While acknowledging the team’s ongoing struggles—particularly in hitting and outfield defense—the hosts express cautious optimism, noting that the Red Sox are no longer the worst team in baseball and have begun to build momentum. A major point of discussion centers on Roman Anthony’s disastrous throwing arm, which has become a viral liability, prompting calls for him to be moved to designated hitter. The conversation also turns to ownership, with hosts criticizing John Henry and Fenway Sports Group for prioritizing revenue and entertainment over competitive passion, likening the team to a 'business' or 'entertainment factory' rather than a beloved franchise. Despite the team’s poor record, the packed Fenway Park on bobblehead night underscores the enduring cultural power of the brand, even as fans grow restless. The episode balances celebration of small wins with sharp critique of deeper structural issues: poor offseason moves (especially the Durbin and Oviedo signings), lack of offensive firepower, and a GM (Breslow) who is seen as overly risk-averse compared to past leaders like Haim Bloom. The hosts debate whether the Red Sox are truly turning around or just experiencing a brief uptick. They conclude that while the team has shown signs of life—especially in pitching and Cora’s newfound managerial urgency—true success will require more than just good starts and emotional leadership. The Red Sox remain a work in progress, but the shift from 'embarrassing' to 'respectable' is a meaningful psychological milestone.