Nick Fitzy Stevens

And the best thing is, happy McFarland to you as well, Brad, for the fun fact about the Cincinnati airport, it's in Kentucky.

hints of doubt with some things but i think most of the things at least for this one game were answered uh first off brad foe i just want to take something that we shared via text yesterday to the public in our appreciation of pat mcafee wearing a baseball isn't boring t-shirt yesterday on the program spreading the gospel and we welcome him to the congregation yeah you know some would look at it as a two-hour advertisement for baseball is boring

Now, about yesterday's game.

I said at the top of the show, and it's what I felt yesterday, immediately after the game, basically Red Sox Nation and the whole of MLB and baseball fans yesterday was treated to what I'm calling a recipe or a blueprint win for the 2026 Red Sox.

Great starting pitching, good bullpen, and timely hitting and just enough defense.

Like, you know, Breslow and Cora couldn't have drawn it up anymore 2026.

You know what I mean?

Brad Fo, I know it's early.

My God, it's not even April yet, but is there any reason for me to, I don't know, think that maybe Ranger Suarez is going to let us down this year or not be able to live up to that enormous contract he signed?

A name, indeed, one that we are not likely to be repeating on the frequency-modulated airwaves anytime soon.

Bradfo, I want to hear from you, since you had a bird's-eye view of his spring training efforts, speaking of trying not to make too much out of somebody's spring training in Fort Myers.

What are your reasonable expectations for Connolly early, and do you think that he's here for a while, or is this a until Ranger Suarez gets up to speed and then back to Worcester with you type of move?

What, like, if I get up, if I'm at the restaurant with you, and instead of asking you, you want me to get you another beer, I just tap my head, or you just tap your head?

Last one for me, Bradfo.

The other day, Andy and I were doing our Red Sox season preview, and we kind of doled out our hot takes.

So I'm going to give you both of ours, and you tell me which one you think would be more likely.

I know you love a good spicy hot take, especially after a Red Sox win in Cincinnati.

Okay, Andy's was Peyton Tolley replaces Aroldis Chapman as closer if Chapman falters.

Oh, wait, it gets better.

The Red Sox trade Jaron Duran for Mason Miller.