On Thursday’s “Wake Up Barstool” show, the founder of the sports media company revealed he’s decided to bet on every Red Sox game this season.
So far, Boston is letting him down, winning just one of its first six games.
Portnoy, an avowed Boston sports fan, went on an impassioned, four-minute rant, ripping the Red Sox and owner John Henry, accusing him of not “trying to win” and instead settling for mediocrity. Portnoy added that the team is “ruining” his life.
“Watching every pitch is miserable. It’s ruining my life,” Portnoy said. “And a major part of it is John Henry, the ownership of the Red Sox.
“Somewhere along the way, the Red Sox and this ownership group stopped trying to win. Content with being average to decent,” he added. “This team is just to make money, not to win championships.”
In the offseason, third baseman Alex Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million deal with the Cubs, and the Red Sox brought in Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin to fill his void at third.
Durbin is 0-for-18 thus far, which Portnoy alluded to, asking why young outfielder Roman Anthony was given a day off instead of a struggling Durbin during Wednesday’s loss to the Astros.
“Alex Bregman was here for a cup of coffee, and we got nobody at third base to replace him,” said Portnoy said Henry should sell the Red Sox. “Bregman, by all accounts, wanted to stay in Boston, they didn’t pay him.”
Portnoy also ripped the organization for not being willing to pay star players, citing the trade of Mookie Betts in 2020 and letting Xander Bogaerts walk in free agency in 2022 as examples. Most recently, he mentioned Alex Bregman’s situation, who could’ve returned to Boston if it were open to dishing out some money.
“They won’t pay for players. And it shows, and there’s gotta be some way to hold an owner like John Henry accountable when it’s clear this is now just another commodity for him,” he added.
The Red Sox’s pitching has left a lot to be desired through the start of the year. AP Since Boston won its Opening Day matchup against the Reds 3-0, it has lost five straight games to drop to 1-5. In their second series, the Red Sox were swept by the Astros, falling 8-1, 9-2 and 6-4.
Offensively, none of Boston’s everyday players have gotten into much of a rhythm besides Wilyer Abreu, who’s hitting .417 in 24 at-bats. But no other player with over 20 at-bats is hitting above .230.
On the mound, even Garrett Crochet hasn’t been his usual lights-out self, but he does carry a 3.27 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. But Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez and Bryan Bello all have ERAs north of 6.00 in one start each.
The Red Sox will look to get back on track with a six-game homestand against the Padres and Brewers — both of which made the postseason last year.
