People in Red Sox organization are turning on John Henry – Felger & Mazz
On Tuesday’s Felger & Mazz radio program, the guys react to reports that people inside the Red Sox ownership are puzzled by John Henry’s lack of spending.
Sox Management on Same Page?
Parts of conversation abbreviated for clarity.
Felger: So here’s my guess, Mazz. John Henry has turned the money faucet off because he’s managing the portfolio. Henry’s in charge. He’s trying to buy a basketball team in Vegas, whatever, and all the other crap that he’s doing. He would rather fund the PGA Tour, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Liverpool.
So, it’s a portfolio, and he’s lost passion for the Sox. The Sox are just going to be a business holding. That’s his decision. Everyone else around him knows it now. And, now, this is their quiet form of rebelling.
Again, it’s known now that Tom Warner and John Henry are not on the same page. So Warner has probably let that be known somehow. There’s no more salesmanship. Sam Kennedy isn’t trying to sell us on anything. He’s telling you that there’s a budget, and the only thing we can do is win to change the narrative.
In the meantime, there are parameters. And Cora said, “Oh, yeah, not everyone can be the Los Angeles Dodgers.” And Raffy Devers, “There are things to be said, but I can’t say them.”.
I think they’re all sort of rebelling against John Henry.
Mazz: Yeah, probably. But, look, that can be a motivator. I don’t know what it can actually do to make your players better other than sharpen up their focus a little bit. Maybe they can perform a little bit better for a time. I don’t think they have the horses at the moment to be able to contend with the better teams in the league.
So, if they’re pissed, good. They should be pissed. Their fans have been pissed for four years! They’ve been a .500 club for five years. Five!
Felger: Think of that. Breslow last week said, “We all know this hasn’t transpired the way we thought it would.” He came into the organization thinking about the whole “full throttle” thing. He was either led to believe that or just believed it himself. And, last week, he actually said, “This hasn’t transpired the way that I anticipated.”
Mazz: I think some of that also relates to moves that he wanted to make. He found out about the money and realized that the farm system wasn’t as good as he thought it was. That’s just my two cents.
Felger: I think Breslow, Kennedy, and Warner are acting out a little bit towards John Henry.
Segment Audio
Ryan Beaton is a producer for 985thesportshub.com. You can follow Ryan at @ry_beaton on Twitter.
Listen to Felger and Mazz from 2-6 every Monday-Friday on 98.5 The Sports Hub, with hosts Mike Felger, Tony “Mazz” Massarotti, and Jim Murray “Big Jim”. You can listen live in the Sports Hub App and subscribe to their podcasts here. Follow @FelgerAndMazz on Twitter to keep up with the show!
Robert Kraft, Jerod Mayo, and Bill Belichick release statements on Matthew Slater's retirement
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft talks with Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 18, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
On Tuesday, longtime New England Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater A message from Matthew Slater. pic.twitter.com/diVYMtAapu
In addition to his on-field accomplishments Slater was a tone-setter off the field for the Patriots’ organization for most of his career. He was a team captain his final 13 seasons with the team, an NFLPA rep, and was involved in many of the team’s off-field initiatives.
READ MORE:
—Matthew Slater announces his retirement
—Patriots release two defensive players, including former captain
—New special teams coordinator credits Patriots as coaching inspiration
Given Slater’s meaning to the organization, it wasn’t surprising to see the tributes that poured in for him following his announcement. Many came in the form of replies on Instagram and other social media outlets, but key members of the organization, past and present, issues full statements.
Owner Robert Kraft and current head coach Jerod Mayo both released statements through the team. Meanwhile, former head coach Bill Belichick released a statement to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Here’s what they had to say…
Robert Kraft
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots and CEO of the New England Patriots Robert Kraft speak before the game at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
“Matthew Slater wasn’t just a special teams player for the Patriots. He was a special team player who helped us win three Super Bowls and made a positive impact on the many lives he touched, both on and off the field. On the field, his 10 Pro Bowl appearances will likely earn him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day alongside his father. Off the field, he will be remembered for so much more. He is a role model, not just for young players, but for everyone. He is a man of integrity and high moral character who is led by his faith and committed to his family. There is no finer person than Matthew Slater. On behalf of the New England Patriots, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Matthew, in partnership with his wife Shahrzad and the entire Slater family, for his remarkable 16-year Patriots career. Matthew’s dedication, leadership and talent have been instrumental to our success, and his impact extends far beyond the field. His character and commitment to our organization, his teammates and the game of football are unparalleled. We are all better for knowing Matthew Slater, and while we will miss his presence on the field, we look forward to celebrating his many future contributions and accomplishments. We know there will be many.”
Jerod Mayo
Dec 11, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (53) is congratulated by defensive back Matthew Slater 18) and safety James Ihedigbo (44) after intercepting a pass against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. Credit: James Lang-US PRESSWIRE
“Matthew Slater – my friend, former co-captain, three-time Super Bowl Champion, five-time first-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro-Bowler – is an all-time great. He is an incredible human being and an extraordinary father, husband, son, friend and teammate, to name just a few of the many key roles he plays for countless people who have been fortunate enough to be graced by his presence. Matthew and his lovely family, including his wife, Shahrzad, and beautiful children, Jeremiah, Hannah, Noah and Micah, are led by faith and commitment, example and action.
Matthew and I entered the NFL together in 2008, and I was fortunate to play my entire career with him. Matthew’s leadership, attitude, intelligence and dedication created a professional football career that will most definitely earn him enshrinement in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Patriots Hall of Fame.
Matthew is a winner in football, but his accomplishments far exceed the field. He is a winner in life. I know that Matthew will continue to make profound impact on so many in his community, both personally and professionally.
Matthew is my dear friend for life. I thank him for the man he is and wish him the very best in all future endeavors. I know he will be great at whatever he chooses to do next.”
Bill Belichick
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 26: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Matthew Slater #18 during Patriots Training camp at Gillette Stadium on August 26, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“Matthew Slater deserves every accolade someone could receive. He is a once in a lifetime person, and the best core special teams player in NFL history. His daily, weekly, and yearly work ethic, paved the way for his unsurpassed performance. Matthew is the finest example of what an intense competitor and human being should be. He has been a great role model for the teams players & coaches) that I have coached. Matthew is exceedingly kind, and supremely loved and respected by all his peers. I am one of many who feel incredibly blessed to be his teammate, coach, and friend.”
