High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Beginning to Think Dylan Covey is Not the Answer as the Phillies Fifth Starter

Episode Date: May 30, 2023

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to a 4-game split in Atlanta, preview the Mets series, and more. Presented by Miller Lite. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the High Hopes Podcast. High Hopes! It's a bunch of baseball nerds talking about the Phillies. On Odyssey and Sports Radio 94 WIP. Yo! It is another edition of the High Hopes Podcast. And I'm a little worried about this pod because I feel like the gold that you were just spinning before we started recording, I don't know how you can match it. I mean, you were just dropping dimes of wisdom just now, Jack.

And I got more wisdom for you. I hope so, because that was pretty impressive stuff. You know, the mic goes on, I worry you're, you know. Well, here's my piece of wisdom to open the podcast, okay? I can't wait. Get a fifth starter yeah i mean holy cow yeah it's just like what are we doing dylan covey covey i would have rather had britain covey frankly like i would have rather had britain covey start that game

it's just like i was infuriating it's just it was the most it was like it was the fastest i was like It was the fastest I was like Oh game's over Game's over Like usually Done God I could see them

Coming back in this game Whatever It was just atrocious And They are They are in a really tough spot Because essentially Pitching Kobe

Every fifth day Is just punting a game It's a scheduled loss Yeah So they can't do that They'll probably bring up Chris Sanchez Awesome Great I mean we'll probably bring up Chris Sanchez. Awesome.

Great. I mean, we kind of know what Chris Sanchez is. There's a month and a half until a trade deadline? Two months? Two months. Two months until a trade deadline. Essentially two months.

Like, exactly two months. Now, theoretically, you can start making trades in a month. Yeah, you would hope. Yeah. I mean, I think the Jay Bruce trade was early June.

It was earlier, yeah. And it was like, wow, what are the Mariners doing? And it's just like, Andrew Painter's probably not going to be ready until August 1st. I think Gail wrote that yesterday. Is that the date? So, fun. I'm just, I'm begging you. Just give Griff a shot.

Just give Griff a shot. Just give Griff a shot. He's not ready. The command is going to be a little bit wild. But at least give me a modicum of hope that he can go and just give me four, five innings. And just see what we got. Just see what we got. Well, I mean, the numbers are pretty wild. I mean, what's falter was 0-7.

I think they were like 1-8 in his start, something like that. I mean, obviously, lose the Covey start. They've lost the opener starts. I mean, like, literally, if you just take the fifth starter spot in the rotation and you give them wins in half the games, they're like three games over 500. And we're not freaking out right now. We're feeling so much better about this team. Like, you really can.

There are all kinds of issues we've talked about. There's many reasons they've lost games and stuff. But if you want to simplify it down and make it very simplistic, like, they have lost because they haven't had a fifth starter. Like, that's crazy. Yeah. And it just, like, on one hand, obviously hindsight being 20-20, you're like, why didn't they get more starters in here?

Oh, yeah, sure, get more starters. But at the same time, I mean, heading into the year, now you could have said that it was a mistake to put the expectations on Painter that they did. He's 19. He's 19. So, yeah, but they did sign Tom Walker. Ranger they weren't anticipating having an arm injury.

And look, Billy Fulter was okay last year. Like, not great, not whatever, but at least you felt like for a fifth starter, you can get by with Bailey Fulter. He's not going to submarine your season. Little did we know. Little did we know. And again, we said this on the radio Saturday, is that they can't just be normally bad.

Like, they can't just, hey, the fifth starter is kind of a question mark. Yeah, right. Or the defense is just like, okay. They have to be the worst ever. They have to be the worst. They have to be. It's written in the bylaws of the Philadelphia Phillies is that you have to be the worst at something. And, like, a couple years ago, center field production.

This year it was – there's actually a couple things. On base percentage out of the leadoff spot, which I think is going up in the last couple games. But before the Brave series, their on base percentage from their one and two hitters was 271, which was the fifth worst since 1961. Yeah, that's like really, really, really bad. Why do you have to be this way? And now I don't need the stats in front of me.

They haven't won a start by a fifth starter. They haven't won a bullpen game by a fifth starter spot. They have the worst fifth starter problem in the world, I'm pretty sure. I don't even need to look. I'm just going to say it. Just assuming, right? Because that's what we do is assume that they – How does it get worse?

It's just like maybe the A's, I guess. They're 11 and 45, so I'm sure their fifth stars haven't been great either. Well, technically, I think all their starters are fifth starters. They have a minus 194 run differential. Like that's – it almost seems impossible. Anyway. Yeah, so – At least we're not A's fans.

At least we're not A's fans. At least we're not A's fans. At least we're not A's fans. But yeah, it's just, there's certain things that you need for them to turn the corner. Obviously what Wheeler did over the weekend was a big sign. It was the biggest thing that happened.

I mean, I was, I felt like they won a playoff game when they won on Saturday. I was like, I was just giddy. I was like, won a playoff game when they won on Saturday. I was just giddy. I was like, we're so ****. And then I looked ahead and I was like, God, Dylan Covey's on the mound. Do I have to bleep that? You keep making me bleep stuff.

Oh, whoa, what did I say? Did I say the B word? You just said the B word. It's too easy. Even though it was like in the moment where they weren't, so you were saying you thought they were, but even still. All right. You said it.

My bad. My bad. My bad. I need to be better with my loose use of the B-A word. So, yeah, it's just like they can't stay in it with what they're doing at the fifth starter spot right now. And, like, Chris Sanchez can come up, and he was good. He's giving you some outings. He's fine. Like, whatever.

I just, I know he's not 100% there yet, and I get it. But, like, Griff at least has a chance. Like, he has a chance. At least he's got stuff. Yeah. And if you want him to be a part of your rotation, it's important to me that in the next two months, they figure out what they have in Griff McGarry.

I know he's coming back from injury, so it's not fair to put real starter expectations on him. But he was up to 60 pitches in his last start. I would assume that means he can go 75 his next start. And then after 75 is 90. So that's pretty much a starter workload in two starts up in Redding. And I just think it's... I think with two months until the deadline, really a month and a half

they can start making trades. You have to bank on a Wheeler turnaround, a Nola turnaround, Walker getting comfortable, and Ranger. I think you have to bet on that stuff because if you don't, then you're in dire straits. But that fifth starter spot, if Griff can come up and give them a spark,

then it becomes less of a need, and you don't have to panic and go out and trade the farm for whoever. Now, I think they will do that. I think they'll give up one of Abel or McGarry to go and get one of the starters on the market, just because I think they view this as their window, and it's a smart way to do it. Absolutely. All these guys are in their prime. They're all...

This is their window. So whether you like it or not, because obviously it hurts to give a prospect. I'm a prospect hugger. We know, buddy. Trust me. You are not a prospect hugger. I'm ready to roll, buddy. When do you become less of a prospect hugger? Like 35 years above? And then you're like, why am I... Once you start thinking about your own mortality,

you're like, let's win now. Let's win now. Why am I putting my hopes and dreams on an 18-year-old in the draft? So she is a Phillies fan where it's like, you know, I mean, take them when you can get them, buddy. I know. So, like, it's such a crucial point for the franchise, and I think they realize that, that, yes, in an ideal world,

McGarry and Abel both come up and are great, and you have your future. But I think that they want to go and get like a established stud, and have the rotation, whether Nola walks or not, of Wheeler, guy you trade for,

Nola, Ranger, Taiwan, Painter eventually and it's like that's pretty damn good coupled with the offense that they have on paper and the bullpen that they have on paper so it's they have to stay in it though

because we talked about again, full disclaimer never said they should sell even though I still got tweets yesterday I can't believe you said that. I know. It was your mistake. You're like, have you thought about maybe trading NOLA?

Well, it is something that they fall out of it to consider. The problem is third wild card, they're going to be there, and it's not even really. They're only two and a half out now, and they've played mediocre baseball. Aren't they two and a half from the bottom of the National League? Dude, it's like all these teams are within six games of the wild card or something. It's nuts. And then you look at the American League East Dude, it's like all these teams are within six games of the wild card or something. It's nuts. And then you look at the American League East, where the Blue Jays are in last place in the division

and are two games above 500. And they're talking about firing the manager. They're two games above 500, and they're in last place in their division. And that'd be two straight years they fire the manager. Yeah, it would be. Yeah, that would be wild. Seems like a problem. Yeah.

So, like, I just, you know, it's... You bet it does fly in the face of your can't just fire the manager every year thing to get them going. I know. Maybe the team's going to try it. They might try it. It would also throw a fly in the ointment of managers

don't matter. Managers matter so little. It's going to be a really fascinating two months. Obviously, the guys stay in it. I think they will. I think they are playing better baseball. We would have signed up for a split in Atlanta no matter what. We did. We said it on the pod.

Once they won on Saturday, there's no way they're winning on Sunday. We were very sure they were going to win on Sunday. There was no shot. There was no shot. The Mets series looms here. They looms. And I'm just putting it out there. A little worried about the Nationals series.

Just as like, of course. The Nationals are pesky. They are pesky. This year, maybe it's because Franzen's in the booth. That's probably why. Yeah. Logical assumption. The friskiness.

That's why. They take their cues from the TV. Yeah, that's a smart way to go about it. I like to think that the Phillies take their cues from two podcasts. Okay. Yeah, that's true. If only they did. And WIP. No, but they have. If only they did. MWIP.

No, but they have a bunch of random guys. I mean, Candelario's been on fire. Lane Thomas has been crushing it. I love Lane Thomas. He's been awesome for them. Dom Smith is a Philly killer. Your guy, Joey? Oh, Manassas, yes.

Yes, who won podcast host, somehow got right that he was going to be the Max Muncy of the Phillies. Who knew? Who knew? The Phillies didn't,cy of the Phillies. Who knew? The Phillies didn't, sadly. The Phillies did not. Yes. And I saw, I think Tim Kelly wrote it yesterday.

It's like a trade option with Joey Manassas. Oh, my God. Like, wow. What a world. Jeez. But I think he's like batting over 300 with like two homers. Just no homers. No power.

Yeah. Yeah. So either way. So I think they'll stay in it. But it is. This is going to be the offseason. Or this is going to be the trade deadline. The Marsh trade was interesting.

Obviously. Ohapi. Yeah. Yeah. For sure. Moniak for Marsh. And Noah Syndergaard who's terrible. Even the Dodgers.

Yeah. What are you thinking? Is Andrew Freed cooked? Andrew Freeman? I mean, yeah. I would say so. But then they're in first place again. They just find ways to win games.

I know. Like all these dudes out there. But he did sign Dylan Covey. He did. So maybe his eye is just lacking. That's probably what it is. So, you know, I think this is the year that we they do part with some of those guys. And they really try to make a big splash.

And I know that people, I think, would be surprised at what they might have to give up for some of these guys. But if you look at how they're built and you look at what their window is, this is the time for them to win. This is Bryce Harper's prime. I know that can sound a bit overreactionary to the moment, but this is your time to go for it.

It's not just Bryce Harper's prime. It's all these guys' prime. Yes, they're over the tax. They're all that. From a team-building perspective, they are as all all in as you can be on this group and maybe it's because I've just been only watching draft content all weekend long and getting myself mentally

prepared which is of course what everyone needs right now yeah super important but I just think that they're going to be able to find consistently find at least pitchers throughout the draft they've done pretty good job of that obviously we know about Painter Abel McG McGarry, but like Orion Kirkering is obviously coming along.

They've been able to find dudes that I think can, that they'll be able to supplement it if they have to move on from some of these guys. So it's a shot to Brian Barber. I'm just excited for Barber season. I'm so excited for Barber season, dude. I'm so, like, I kid you not, man. Like, I was, because I didn't really feel like watching Sopranos this weekend with Walk.

All I did, like, all I'd done the last three mornings is just all drafts all the time. Like, it is, I'm so back. I'm so back. I don't need to believe that because you're talking about you, so it's good. I was off my game. Yeah. You were. I was a little slow.

Yeah. A little slow to the draft process. But holy cow, do I need it to be July 9th. Look at you. It's just. So it's back further. It's usually June, right? No, it's July now.

It's July now. They do it with the All-Star game. Ah, that makes sense. Yes. Okay. Yes. So even more time for you to get jacked up yeah no it's gonna be a long it's gonna be a long month for me i'm just letting you know i can tell

it's gonna be a really long month it's not a surprise i can't wait it kills my again in the off season i'm happy they sign these guys yep but when it becomes draft season and i don't have a second or fifth round pick and I have the lowest cap or like slotted money, kills my soul a little bit. I know it does. But we'll find someone at 27. Don't you worry. I was worried.

We will find someone. Thanks. The we is important. We. It's good. Yes. Cannot wait. Good, good.

All right. Back to, you know, the big league ball club. Which is, I think, why people are mostly here. It's just hard to think about the big league club when the 2026 girls are coming. Trust me. Look, they're not reeling you in with their play. They're not forcing you to pay attention. Saturday did, though.

Saturday did. Let's get to the weekend and some of the things. So let's start with Wheeler because I think Wheeler was, at least for me, the number one thing from the weekend. It was the most important thing in my mind that happened this weekend. He was Zach Wheeler. Like, for the first time time this year I know the Houston start was really good but that was against the best offense they've faced 12 or 12 strikeouts eight shutout was just he was dominant what'd you see from Wheeler and like how much you know because look we had the Houston start he looked way better than he had before and then he kind

of bounced back to the you know one tough inning and this and that like how hopeful, you know, because look, we had the Houston start. He looked way better than he had before. And then he kind of bounced back to the, you know, one tough inning and this and that. Like how hopeful are you after Wheeler on Saturday? Was it one of those ones where you're like, oh, he's turned the corner? Or do you need to see it a few more times? So I think the fastballs turned the corner. I think that's been the big thing for him, even when he struggled the last little bit. I think the fastballs had that Zach Wheeler kind of zip to it, which was not the case at the beginning of the year.

So I think that's really important. I don't have the numbers on it, but it looked to me like he ditched the sweeper on Saturday and went more slider, which is what he's thrown more of in his entire career. Maybe the sweeper is just something he doesn't want to throw, which is fine. I know it's the pitch that's... I still don't know the difference between that and a slur. Yeah, yeah. I don't know. I got no idea's... I still don't know the difference between that and a slur. Yeah, yeah. I don't know.

I got no idea, pal. I don't know. I always think it's weird that there's new pitches. It's like, okay, new pitch. It's like we've got 170 years or whatever. I know, but it's kind of exciting. 150 years of... Yeah, sure.

Are you a fan of the Kodai Senga ghost fork? Sure. The ghost fork is on his head. His fastball is terrible, so they should be able to smoke his fastball. So you can't throw the fork every pitch? No, you cannot throw the ghost fork every Sure. The ghost fork is not his. His fastball is terrible, so they should be able to smoke his fastball. So you can't throw the fork every pitch? No, you cannot throw the ghost fork every pitch. But the ghost fork is something. It's a great name. It is a great name. Ghost fork is a strong name.

Yeah, so the gyro ball. Remember the gyro ball? Oh, I remember the gyro. Sure, sure. Come on, dice guy. Yeah. So I think the fastball is definitely **** good. God dang dang it i gotta stop saying it but it's such a big part of my vocab yeah it's a hard one's quicker to say we're ba yeah yeah whatever it's hard not to you know it's tough i but it caught it there it is

funny that people listening are gonna hear so many bleeps i. I know. It's actually for a show that is, you know, as we've discussed many times, we don't curse. You know, this has been debated hotly many times. But like the idea that now we're adding bleeps to the pod for a just normal word that everyone can say, it's pretty good. Yep. So the fastball has clearly turned a corner.

And I think that him generating the swings and misses he did, him having 12 strikeouts was important because against the Diamondbacks, he struck out three. Yeah, it was like, yeah. And it was one through the first five. He had two in that last inning pitch. And two in the sixth. Two in the sixth.

So that was interesting to me. And then the other interesting thing to me, and I wonder why this is happening, because it's so un-modern baseball-like, the fact that he stuck with Tom Walker on Friday night. Oh, my goodness. It's been shocking. And Wheeler, he let him go in, which is, oh, what a crazy concept.

I mean, look, he needs to. This bullpen has been very beaten down over the first two months of the season. But I'm surprised. And we've talked about it a bit as it's happened here and there. And look, I mean, do you think the World Series played a role? I mean, do you think he looks back at that and says, maybe I'm a little more careful when I started giving more of a chance to pitch? I think it's a bullpen thing more than anything.

But it is, you know, look, that was the number one decision that he made last year that went wrong, and, you know, he's trusting his guys more this year. It's interesting. Yeah, well, and so my thing with Thompson is that I think he's a smart baseball man, and I like him, but I think that at some points he does just, he gets too wrapped up in the numbers, you know? And I the numbers. And I think he's a smart enough baseball guy, just trust your eyes. And if Zach Wheeler's on a roll, just let him go be Zach Wheeler. You don't have that every game.

You don't need to go and rush and get the bullpen in there. Trust your studs. And ultimately, they'll trust you more if you give them a longer leash. So it's weird. And I know it shouldn't be weird because it's how we've watched the game our entire lives. But I was like, oh, my God, Yates is a starter? Whoa. Is this allowed?

It's allowed. So, yeah, I think Wheeler has definitely been turning a corner. And I thought that Saturday was kind of like the bleep it, I'm arrived. All right, flip side of the coin, because we went into the series saying, hey, future potential $200 million guy. Yeah, go do your job. The biggest win of the season, going into Atlanta for the first time all year, the biggest game of the year, whatever you want to say.

We're like, this is it. This is why you get $200 million if you get it. It was. Your thoughts. You don't think so? No. You don't think he did it on Thursday? I don't think he lived up to the moment.

I'll say. I don't think so, no. Yeah. It was vintage. Yeah. It was as classic Aaron Nola as you get. It was like so on brand with that guy. Yep.

So, you know, the shame of it is that, you know, the fastball velocity has been ticking back up. I think the command's been a little bit better. Seems like something with him at truest. I mean, his ERA heading into the game was 4-2. Obviously, it's got to be in the 4-5s now, I would think. Just doesn't pitch well there. Like, it's got to be in the 4-5s now, I would think. Just doesn't pitch well there. It's not a place where he goes and totally thrives.

It's funny because at home against the Braves, he's very good. Yeah. But in Atlanta, it's just not a good place for him. So I'm not going to kill him too much because I think the start against the Cubs is really good. It was. It was just like, there it is. And that's a game that you look back on with the Kobe start that they should have won, obviously. And they battled.

They went down. They fought back. It felt like a playoff game. And the women gave it away. It felt like a playoff game. It did. So that was fun to experience again. It was awesome.

It was also like, I've seen that before. I've seen that loss at Truist Park a million times. It was vintage. So I'm not going to kill him. I think he's more turned a positive turn here, and I think he'll bounce back against the Mets this week. So I'm not too down on him. It was obviously annoying.

They should have taken three or four, but I think the bigger takeaway from that night, and really the at-bats most of the series, is that they are putting together more competitive at-bats. They're not just giving a lot of them away. And Saturday obviously was a tight game, but still I thought they did some good things. A couple of bases loaded situations that didn't go their way.

Sunday night just got out of hand. It was over in the first bottom of the first. But I mean, even the Marshy home run. Yeah, and Schwarber hit one, and Schwarber almost had two. Two and two. Yeah. And had they kept that game close, I'm sure they would have been more locked in late. I agree.

But Thursday and Friday, I just thought their at-bats were really high quality. And that's one of the biggest things that I need to see more of, is this whole, like, oh my gosh, like the chasing and the first pitch swinging. Like, can someone go up there with a plan of attack? I mean, holy cow. It's been atrocious. So there's little things that are looking and moving this thing in the right direction. Yeah.

Look, I was more, I came out of the weekend feeling better rather than worse about the Phillies going in. Except for the fifth starter spot. Except for the fifth starter spot. And that is a massive issue. I will say, though, with the bats, and I did agree there were better bats, but look, and we've talked about it, and you said before, obviously they need their top four starters to be better

and be more consistent. Obviously, Ranger hasn't been good at all yet since he's been back. But ultimately, until they make a trade for a fifth starter, the offense has to do more. I mean, these guys have to win some games. They have to kind of carry this team a little bit at times, and we have not seen that. We have not seen the offense really kind of put this team on their back

for a two-week stretch and just go out and put up a bunch of runs night after night. We have yet to see the offense find its group. Well, and that's what carried them in the heyday. Yeah. I mean, 08-09, it's not like, I mean, we know how 09 handles was. Yeah.

And it was, like, they would have, like, a 20, I feel like whenever they went to St. Louis, it was like, oh, here comes, like, 20 plus runs, and Ryan Howard's going to go nuclear and be awesome. But, yeah, that is something that carried them a lot during the heyday was obviously a high powered offense that can go out and just kind of win them some ballgames. They've been far too inconsistent. It's been a lot of strikeouts, and especially for an offense as loaded as they are on paper.

I do think that this, I feel like Bryce is about to go on one of those kind of runs. And I think that's what they need as a spark. Okay, well Bryce is back. Let's just rally around him. And I thought you saw that a couple times down in Atlanta over the weekend. Well, that's why I felt that

was so frustrating on Thursday. It's that Homer. It's like, yes. That's a moment right there. There's also a moment last year in atlanta and then they brought it you're right that was the nick nelson it's like it was the exact same right really good point it was the exact same situation and the nice part about the offense right now is that i think stott stotty is getting back to feeling more comfortable i don't think you need that that was more in a context i

didn't say he is oh Oh, that's fine. No, I mean, the word is a word that can be used in sentences. Yes. You know, it's just not in a particular context. Correct. But I think Bryson Stott has looked more comfortable. Trey Turner feels like he has turned

a little bit of a corner here. Harper's been great. Castellanos, like, every time I'm like, oh, no, he's starting to chase again he'll like rip a ball off the wall yeah and he'll hold

like you can see him wanting to swing at a pitch and then he stops himself oh Nicky Nicky Nicky check swing I'm so proud of you

he's been really good though need some homers some power but he is you know at least putting the bat on the ball consistently he's tied for the most doubles in the NL right now

yeah he's been great he had a triple. I know. It's unbelievable. I know. I wish I had bet on that. Imagine that. That could have been the cycle day.

It could have been. Can you imagine if Castellanos was the guy who finally did it? I would be happy. Of course you would. I'd be happy. You'd be happy if it's anybody. Well, if it's Dylan Covey, I probably wouldn't be happy if he hit the cycle. If Dylan Covey got a bat.

Who would I not? Is there a Philly that you... Well, because it's Dylan Covey, I probably wouldn't be happy if he hit the cycle. If Dylan Covey got a bat. Who would I not? Is there a Philly that you... Well, because it's obviously against David Bell, but is there one where you wouldn't be that excited about it? Back in the day or on this team? No, no, no. This team. We already got the one back in the day.

It happened. No, I know. But then I started thinking about Wes Helms, and I was like, if Wes Helms did it, I also would have been upset. I think that's fair. Yeah. I think that's fair. I have a personal vendetta against Philly's third baseman.

They're all my least favorite. David Bell's my least favorite. Wes Helms is my least favorite. I love Pedro Feliz. Who didn't? Polanco I was a fan of. I hated Ashy. Mike Alfranco. See, my problem is that I thought about Mike Alfranco against the Yankees for like four years.

And just held on to that. And what killed me is I really thought he was the next Beltre. He was not. Believe it or not, no. He was a power-hitting third baseman with great defense. And I was like, oh, we got our own stud. But yes, a personal vendetta against Philly's third baseman is what I... Who was the other one?

Oh, well, either way. It was in the West Helms time. The post-Rolland. Anyway, I totally forget where I was going. I don't remember. Castellanos? Castellanos. Okay, so yeah.

So Schwarber, I think he's actually looked good recently. It's May 30th, so we're all right. It's May 30th. And I mean, I was in's May 30th, and I was going to say the last eight days. He's doing a lot. Better bets. JT, I don't know. I never really worry about JT. It's just like there's some times where he goes to these periods

where it feels like he's always up in a spot with bases loaded. And it's just like at this point, he's not coming through with it. I just feel it in my bones so whatever they'll keep hitting him six it's fine Boehm I think is

now the hamstring injury we'll see what happens yeah concerning it is a little bit concerning just cause again with this team but then we're gonna play

Sosa Clemens well that's what I mean like this team is is down to those guys you know like we have

we have used up all our extra health so to speak you know all the guys. You know, like, we have used up all our extra health, so to speak. You know, all the guys that you, you know, like, again, that's why losing Reese, we talked about, it's like, yeah, they can piece it together, and maybe Derek Hall and this can, like, be an amalgamation of Reese, but, like, you're down to the next guys. It's like every guy gets hurt, then you keep going down.

At a certain point, you're like, Cody Clemens is playing every single day! You know, that's when you get into a problem. So, yeah, they can't afford corner infield every single day. That's when you get into a problem. They can't afford corner infield injuries right now. That's for sure. Now there is both Luke Voigt and Jesus Aguilar were released on the same day. Luke Voigt, no homers this year.

So that's not a great sign. Maybe not working out for Luke Voigt. Aguilar is at least crushing lefties. Always does. I don't know. If they lose, boom, maybe. They might have to. Yeah, I agree. And then Marsh

is clearly... The chiropractor that fixed his bleep is clearly helped this team out a lot. I mean, he's back to like, he's hitting the baseball hard again. Yeah. Which is good to see.

And, you know, he is clearly on his way. Romerov strider? I mean, that was great. Yeah, he's good. He's good. So there's a lot of good pieces here besides the fifth starter. Yeah, which is a disaster. Okay, actually, I'm going to ask you a question in one second,

then we're going to take it back. First, real quick. Yes. They're back. Thank goodness. Who? Shout out to Miller Lite. Of course, pod presented by Miller Lite.

Do we have to bleep that? No. No, no, no. This is acceptable in this case. We're talking about Miller Lite, not the Phillies. Miller Lite, it's okay because they come through

when we say things. Okay. You know, like, if we say Miller Lite's back, guess what? Miller Lite's actually back. And it's not like, oh, you know, the Phillies are bleep. They're not actually bleep. You know, like if we say Miller Lite's back, guess what? Miller Lite's actually back. And it's not like, oh, you know, the Phillies are bleep.

They're not actually bleep. You know what I'm saying? Whereas Miller Lite is actually back. And the Miller Lite account of the week is back. Oh, look at this. Thrilling stuff this week. The Blue Dog Pub. Today's Miller Lite bar of the week is the Blue Dog Pub in Lansdale,

where you can watch all Phillies games with a $2.99 Miller Lite draft special. It's a great deal. Just go to bluedogpub.com. Shout out to Blue Dog Pub. Shout out to Miller Lite. We love it. The Miller Lite Bar of the Week is back. We're thrilled about it.

And, of course, we're thrilled about Miller Lite, who never lets us down, unlike the Phillies, who, you know, often. Let us down. Sometimes. Yeah. It's been known to happen. Well, not last year. No, that's true.

You're right. You're right. That one year was really special. You know who didn't let me down? Walker. I met him. What a little guy, man. He is a little guy.

He's adorable. We had fun. We hung out in Westchester on Saturday after the show. A couple little families just walking around. It was like the American dream right there. Yeah, it was a beautiful day. It was adorable. By the way, May is flying up, my favorite month.

May is strong. May is heating up right now. Yeah, May is heat. You're right. May back? Literally and figuratively. I don't know if it left. Do you know when May left?

I was never a huge May guy. I think I took May for granted. Well, not anymore. Not anymore. Yeah. I not anymore Every morning is like 55 Which is perfect 50 to 80 every day The lows and highs I mean this is what

Living in San Diego must feel like I mean similar Philadelphia San Diego As close as we'll get Is Philadelphia the new San Diego Probably not I've become a big fan of May San Diego? It's the right idea. Yeah, sure. This is as close as we'll get. Is Philadelphia the new San Diego? Probably. Probably not. No. But yeah, so like, it's just, I've become a big fan of May.

Yeah. Might be working in my top five months. I like the, ooh, top five there. I know, big top five months. I think it goes, I think my top five months are obviously September. Of course. October. Mm-hmm.

I put March in there. Because your birthday's there. I get it. Of course. October. I put March in there. Because your birthday is there. I get it. Of course. May. And then like December? It's a good list. Yeah, it could be December.

There's so much time off. Yeah. Holidays. Football. Yeah. I like this. Yeah. Okay. I think that's my top five.

It's a pretty good list right there. It's this strong. I like that list. Good luck. Good luck knocking off one of those. Yeah. I think it's unassailable. Yeah. June's pretty good. June's pretty good. May. April's my top five. It's a pretty good list right there. It's this strong. I like that list. Good luck. Good luck knocking off one of those. Yeah. I think it's unassailable. Yeah.

June's pretty good. June's pretty good. May. April's also all right, but I feel like it always rains a lot. And it's still a little cold. Yeah. It's a cold April. It's March, but you know.

Yeah, but there's also the Hope Springs Eternal. Tournament is fun. Tourney. Yep. Spring training baseball. That's true. Spring training baseball. But April has, you know, first month of baseball, which is great too.

It is. It is. But also the lead up to baseball is also just different. It's true. Yeah. It's true. Spring training baseball. But April has, you know, first month of baseball, which is great, too. It is. It is. But also, the lead up to baseball is also just different. It's true. Yeah. It's true. Spring training, getting to go down there. It's true. That's true. Good luck. Alright. So, shout out to Blue Dog Pub. Shout out to Miller Lite. Take back. Coming up in one sec. Question on the

Fizz Starter thing, because we were just talking about it one more time. It is the one issue. Do you expect the... And I know there's a lot of like um moving parts of this and teams being willing and prices and all that but do you expect let for trade deadline purposes let's say the end of july if it's july 25th whatever do you expect them to wait till the end of july to make a trade uh no i think they'll make a trade as soon as they can nice like i just think as soon as there's a deal that they can make that's like not completely taken advantage of, they'll do it.

Yeah, I think that's what... Because I think they're desperate. And they should. They should. They know that this is their time as well. So, yeah, I think that when they can, they will. The Jay Bruce trade was early June. I don't think they'll be able to do that.

And I guess it comes down to the one thing that's interesting about that is, like, what is your cutoff point for the talent you're bringing back that might take you out of a possible trade at the end of July? You know what I mean? Like, say it again. So, like, what is interesting is, who like what's the cutoff point for the level of talent you are trading for now that could possibly take you out of going after a stud ah i get you i think it all depends on what you have to give up right it's all about your resources

you have to give out yeah you know and what's what's tough about this trade deadline is that like last year even though they tried to say they were untouchable, everyone knew they were going to trade Ben Brown and Logan Ohm. Oh, yeah, buddy. Like, it was like, cute attempt, right? Like, cute that you're not, that they're untouchable. Why? Yeah. So, but they don't really have that this year.

Yeah. They don't have the. They've got the three high-end guys, and then it's like a big gap. And all of their prospects that I think people believe in are just young and not household names yeah so it's it's it's gonna be interesting i don't know if they can pull off the ben brown for david robert robertson trade this year because i don't know if they have that kind of guy i think it's just going to be a big swing by having to use one of the the young prospects so uh yeah it's gonna be and you know i i can't i kind of can't wait oh my god i'm so excited.

I'd like to see Dombrowski now. He's been here for a couple years. Farm systems starting to percolate a little bit. You know, what can he go do to put this team in championship contention again? Yeah, I'm right there with you. I'm excited about it. And then on top of that, just the fact that, not just like, yeah, they need a fifth starter, but the sooner the better, right?

Like, you know, know look this is going to be a tight playoff race for those wild cards i think they're fine but there's a lot of teams that are in it right now like get as many games with your new fifth starter as you can you know what i mean like get as many extra starts from that pitcher and then less from the the hodgepodge of guys they've had to use like it matters. But until then, bring up Griff. Just bring up Griff. Bring up Griff, see what he's got, and maybe he spreads a Shrider. How's that? How's that for

a nice light comp at the end of the day? No pressure, Griff. No pressure. Just come up and be the next Doc Gooden. I know. He is... It's so frustrating. Although, I mean, Marshy took him deep. Sure. Let's go with that. Yeah. Yeah, we'll see. We'll see. I know he is it's so frustrating although I mean Marshy took him deep sure let's go with that

yeah yeah we'll see we'll see he's small and throws hard I like that yeah he's gonna fall apart yeah he's good

how's that for a spin yeah it's good how's that for spun it well yeah no problem man that's what I do well you do it great buddy yep

how many Cy Youngs does he win before he falls apart I'm just wondering do I need to say that he's back? Yeah. Will Spencer Strider

ever leave? I guess is the other question. I guess the playoffs start. Remember that? Yeah, I guess he left for a little bit.

A little bit. More the manager's fault, but you know, we'll take it. We got to be pitching a hurt Spencer Strider in the playoffs. It's not the smartest

idea. No. Okay, good. I want to make sure that we're all on top of that. Alright, what do you got? What do I got? That's a good question. I don't really have much besides do you think that Dylan Covey gets a ring

when they win the World Series? Yeah, I mean, it's not about thinking. It's about the way this works. Yeah, he does. Can they not, though? Ask Adam Eaton. Can they not, though? Ask Adam Eaton. Can he not get one? Yeah, Adam. If you don't contribute at all and actually hurt a team,

do you think you still should get a ring? Well, at least Adam Eaton did win a game for that team, right? It's true. I mean, Dylan Covey, they didn't win the game. Dylan Covey gave him six strong in his last inning. Yeah, but they lost. I know. But they lost.

I know. This seems like a big flaw in your argument. Hey, buddy. I didn't know you were such a big Dylan Covey gave him six strong in his last inning. Yeah, but they lost. I know. But they lost. I know. This seems like a big flaw in your argument. Hey, buddy. I didn't know you were such a big Dylan Covey guy. Look, if it were up to me, Dylan Covey would not get a ring. All right? If that makes you feel any better. If I'm in charge, who gets the rings?

Who's more deserving of getting a ring? Dylan Covey or Britton Covey if the Phillies made the pennant? Oh, Britton, obviously. Yeah, obviously. Obviously. How could they do without that guy? Yeah, totally. And shout out to Roots Cafe.

Oh, yeah, dude. Oh, we had the best time. Shout out to Roots Cafe. Dan was awesome. We had the best time there. And he gave me some hot sauce to take home. It was phenomenal. I checked it out.

Big hot sauce guy. I think it was the Delco hot sauce. Phenomenal stuff. Big hot sauce guy. Yeah, I'm a buffalo sauce guy. Of course you are. I can't do real hot sauce. Phenomenal stuff. Big hot sauce guy. Yeah. I'm a buffalo sauce guy. Of course you are. I can't do real hot sauce.

Oh, buddy. You are missing out. In my mouth. I love it. I like buffalo sauce. That's about my cutoff. I also don't get crazy with the wings. Really? No, I just like the plain old mild wing.

Of course you do. And I prefer boneless. Oh, cool. Way less work. They're not wings. the plain old mild wing. Of course you do. And I prefer boneless. Way less work. They're not wings. That's not a wing. It's a chicken finger. Yes, I'm aware. Okay.

As long as you accept that, that's fine. They're very good. It's just a different thing. It's not a wing. It's just a different food. It is, but it's a less work. It is less work. I strongly prefer actual wings, but I get your point.

It is less work. Just take it, dunk it. Not surprised by that. No, anything. I don't want to work my food. Letting people into, you know, who Jack Fritz is. Yes. I enjoy.

Taking us deep. I enjoy the boneless wing. And then, obviously, I can't get out of here without a little bit of draft. Oh, my God. Just a little bit of draft. Yeah, I'm sure. Yeah. Good.

That was a tiny take back You've kind of been I just don't know A little drop in the ball With the take back I don't have much Maybe I Well that's why I'm usually like

Alright this is the right time To send a take back Because it's been like 20 minutes of take back And it's like Oh I got nothing It's like Okay

What happened A little disappointing I'm just saying We keep it real here right Yeah We're not going to lie To the High Ops listeners Kimbrough got number 400

In Atlanta I was Like I'm happy reel here, right? Yeah. We're not gonna lie to the High Ops listeners. Kimbrough got number 400 in Atlanta. I was, like, I'm happy he got it. Just felt like he was trying to make a big deal out of I don't know, it was it was, this is where I set up like it was a final out of a World Series.

I know. Mario Navarro got over 600, alright? Like, relax. I know it's only eight guys and it's, you know, whatever. Like, nice job. It's an impressive accomplishment. But like, yes, he did not just win

the freaking World Series. All right? He gets 400 saves. Yeah. Although I will say, the video of Schwarber giving it like the toast to Greg Emberl,

now ultimately they lost on Sunday, but I had visions of that leading, that turns around the season. We're kings of trying to find things to turn around the season, because even the obvious ones don't seem to do it. Although last year we were kind of right. We were. The firing of Girardi was going to turn around the season. But the Kyle Schwarber, the speech, and it's just like, that's kind of why he's here.

And hopefully this June thing is coming. But the average obviously annoys people, and I get it. But he's walking a lot. His on-base is like 320 or whatever it is. It's somewhere in that range, right? And when you're batting 167. It's hard. Yeah.

You're really getting on-base. Having an on-base percentage. I think it's 330. I think It's hard. Yeah. You two are really getting on base. Having an on-base percentage. Like, I think it's 330. I think it's somewhere in there. I haven't looked in a

couple days, but I know it's somewhere in that range. So if he was batting 220. Imagine batting 220 on like a 400 on base percentage.

Yeah. What a monster. I love this. It's a great take. Well, at least he's getting on base and he's hitting home runs. And look, more than

anything for this specific team, let me tell you, a guy who hits home runs, way more important than a guy who's going to bat 300. Like, they need power. This team has no power. Like, so little power compared to what we expected. So, I mean, Schwarber is super valuable for this team.

And again, a walk's the same thing as a hit. Dude, so I keep fighting to camera about this because he keeps, you know, going. Like, he was like, he's not that good last year. I'm like, he won a silver slugger award. Okay? Like, I know that he batted 212. He led the National League in home runs. Do you understand how valuable that is?

Like, do you understand, especially in today's game, or at least prior to this season, where, like, the cumulative average across the league is lower. It's not the old days anymore. Anyway. Anyway. Anyway. It's fair. Like, anymore. Anyway. Anyway. Anyway. It's fair.

He's fine. He's fine. He's the least of our problems. All right. Although there are times where it's like mixing a single. You know what? You know what it is. It's like, bro, don't say before the season you're going to start hitting like, oh, shift.

I'm going to take advantage of that. Put the ball in play. Don't lie to us. It's fine. I don't care. Do your thing. But don't be like, oh, get ready. Spr going to take advantage of that. Put the ball in play. Don't lie to us. It's fine. I don't care. Do your thing. But don't be like, oh, get ready. Spraying it all over the field this year.

No, you're not. You're just hitting home runs to right field. That's it. Going to be a big doubles guy. Yeah. And I think this is, I'm just calling my shot right now. I think this is the start that Ranger. Oh! We get the real Rangers for us. I like this!

Yeah, we're getting the real Rangers for us tonight. Okay, good. I just want to prepare everyone. Good. He's going to be

good tonight. Spring training over, season starting. Yep. Kodai Sanga versus Ranger tonight, which will be fun. The Ghost Fork,

watch out for that. Yep. Noah Carrasco tomorrow. Love this. So you're just like going off the schedule now. It's good.

I like this. I want to preview the Mets series, James. It's a good series, man series it's a big series going on so you know and just trying to taiwan facing his former team revenge spot thursday big one revenge spot against max uh cook scherzer yep so you know listen go up there i don't do you hate do you hate do you hate the mets of the braves more mets so i hate the players more yeah that's i i just historically i hate the Mets or the Braves more? Mets. I hate the players more than the Mets. Historically, I hate the Mets more, which is funny because the Braves were way better

when I was growing up, obviously. I don't know. I hate the Mets. It's Nemo. It's Alonzo. I just know so many Mets fans. They're so annoying and all that. I think it's just I have a connection to it more.

But look, we should hate the Braves more. The Braves are absolutely a better organization, a better team. They're much more of a challenge for the Phillies on a year-to-year basis for like the last 40 years

or whatever. So yeah, I think we probably should hate the Braves more. 30 years. But big counterpoint to that, Pete Alonso. Yeah, dude. I can't stand,

he's been awesome. I know. All he's doing is just I think he's on pace for 61 homers. He's got like 18 homers or something. 19. Is it 19 now? God. He's on pace for 61? God, I can't stand him. He's been awesome. I know. All he's doing is just... I think he's on pace for 61 homers. He's got like 18 homers or something. 19. Is it 19 now? God.

He's on pace for 61? God, I can't stand that guy. I know. I hate him. I know. He's just such a loser. Yeah. Massive loser.

So we'll get that for the next three days. I like it. Do you want to do your draft thing? No, I already did it. Look at you. I love it. No, I'm excited. I think at the early call, I think they're going to take a prep shortstop. Okay. Good. We need bats. Look at you. No, I'm excited. I think the early

call, I think they're going to take a prep shortstop. Okay. Good. We need bats. It is time to take a bat.

Time to take a bat. Unless Hurston Waldrop's there. What a name, Hurston. Hurston. I like it. All right. We'll be back later

in this week. Unless they get swept in New York. We all know how this works. Don't expect us to be there Thursday at four o'clock.

If they get swept in New York, it's not going to happen. When the expect us to be there Thursday at 4 o'clock if they get swept in New York. It's not going to happen. When the vibes are down, we're not here. It's just analytics, man. We just follow the analytics. Alright, you got any final thoughts? You never have final thoughts. I didn't even know where to ask you. Fills. Fills. What a great final thought.

Nailed it. Alright, we'll be back later. He's read some Celtic. We'll see you next time.