High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Dear Major League Baseball, Do Not Let The Phillies Beat The Marlins

Episode Date: October 2, 2023

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to the Phillies winning their 90th game and preview the upcoming postseason run that starts tomorrow against the Miami Marlins. 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

All-star closer, Kenley Jansen, we have a question. What's the best podcast of all time? Baseball Isn't Boring, baby. I'm Rob Bradford, and every single day I'm sitting down with the biggest names to show you this great game is the greatest game. It's my podcast. It's my passion. It's a cause I started more than two years ago and is now the most prolific national daily baseball pod there is.

Another fact, so jump aboard the B.I.B. Express. Follow and listen to Baseball Isn't Boring, presented by Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. Oh, it is another edition of the High Oaks podcast. We freaking made it, Fritzy. We made it. We kind of fast-forwarded through September, like kicked our feet up, like no big deal.

90-win ball club, Jack Fritz. Was that allowed? I didn't know it was allowed. They did it. They won 90 anyway. We got a home playoff series in the wild card round. How you doing, pal? Well, I never thought I'd see 90 wins again. I know that's

kind of like a sad place to be in. Honestly, making the World Series was less surprising than the Phillies winning a 90 win ball club again. So it's gonna be back. I mean, 90 wins just mean so much. Because it's a sign of a real baseball game. You're right. You know, you say 90 win club So it's going to be back. I mean, like 90 wins just means so much. Yeah, I feel it. Because it's a sign of a real baseball team. Yes, you're right.

You know, you say 90 win club, it's like, alright, they're not bad at baseball. And that's all we really want. Well, it's not Mickey. I don't want to be a Mickey team. You know, I want to be a real team. That's right. And yeah, and they got it on the last day. It was like, I mean, obviously barely watched.

I know. Like I took a, I mean, obviously barely watched. I know. Like, I took a, I tried my best to do like a mental reset weekend. I can tell. I texted you when Michael Plassmeyer was getting roughed up, and you were out. You weren't in. I was like, oh, no, that Schwarber single, because we've talked a lot about how we had hoped

that he would hit more home runs than singles. And I'm like, oh, that Schwarber single and you're like what happened it's like this is great Jack good just kick my feet up just because I know what this week's going to be like and I know yeah especially once we see it by the way the funniest thing going right now is your obsession with the

Kevin James gif I love it so much or the meme whatever it's so funny and by far my favorite one was the seltzer when he saw the Start Times one. Like, that was exactly right. Like, yes, that was me being like, really? I know. Thank you.

Because I thought it was going to be four or five. I know. Well, inside baseball, I come in here yesterday to record a pod with Elliot. You're in studio doing the post-game show, and you're like, I think it's going to be four o'clock games, buddy. And I'm like, yeah! And, like, as soon as I finish the pod, it's like, hey, guess what?

Sucks for you. Nothing makes me happier than bringing you down. You're very good at it. Anything I can do to build you up and then tear you down is what I try to do. But it was funny with the Phil's weekend because I felt like, and this is not gatekeeping.

Just want to put that disclaimer out there. We've had issues. There's been accusations in the past. We would never. But I felt like how I feel like most people watch the Phillies. Not most people. I would say like, not our listeners, obviously, but I was like, this sounds like a lot of people

follow the team. This is easy. What a carefree way to follow a baseball team. This isn't bad at all. Just to show up at the end of September, see if they're in the playoffs. And then when October 2nd runs around, tell me everything. Throw that red jersey on and get crazy, man. Give me all your takes. I love that.

I love that. We had a guy call in the morning show and be like, listen, man. They're not going to win without small ball. It's like, we're there. That wasn't a caller. That was Seth Joyner. Oh, Seth said it too. We actually had a caller say it and Seth say it. Yes. Well, Seth Joyner says it. I feel like, you know, maybe you should lay some buns down.

I know. If Seth is looking at you and saying, play small ball, it's like, okay, Seth. Yeah, I guess we'll get some buns down. Whatever you need, man. Yeah. Did anyone inform him that the Braves have two sacrifice bunts this year? I know, I know. They're a pretty good baseball team. I know, the Braves just came within almost set the record for runs. They tied

the record for home runs in the season. I just want to check in because I hear all the time from people who look to discredit the Phillies. They say, well, can they win without hitting the long ball? I just want to check in. Are the Braves, can they because they're the best

Woba whatever since the 1927 Yankees. Is there any concern about that with them? That's a great point, man. You only hear it with the Braves. All they do is hit home runs. They hit the most ever. What if that dries up? What a bunch of losers. Can't hit home runs in October. That's the way baseball

works. Better get some bunts down. Can you imagine a Cunha bunting in a big spot? No, I cannot. I want to see it. I would love to see what a Ronald Kunya bunt looks like. He swings the bat so hard. He would have to jam it in the bony bunts.

I feel like he couldn't just lay the bunt. I feel like he would bunt it and it would still go to the shortstop. Like a bloop single. Definitely a key just lay the bunt. I feel like he would bunt it and it would still go to shortstop. Yeah, it's like a bloop single on a bunt. And definitely a key spot against the Phillies. Of course. Like whatever, it could be as back-breaking as possible. Listen, I'm doing my best, buddy.

I'm really trying to not overlook the Marlins. I know you. So, okay. I'm with you. Trying. So, I'm not doing it. I'm just not doing it. I'm trying not to look past the Marlins, but I'm not going it. I'm just not doing it. I'm trying not to look

past the mons, but like, I'm not gonna be scared of the Marlins. I refuse to be scared of the freaking Marlins. I'm not gonna do it. I know that I should be. I've been here the last decade. I know. I feel it. I see those uniforms and I get like a chill in my body. I understand that.

I can't do it. I can't look at our roster and their roster in our stadium and say they're going to beat us. I can't live in that world, Jack. I can't. And neither can this podcast because I don't think there will be one. No. Losing a home playoff series to the Marlins

would be the single worst sports thing to ever happen. Like the single worst. You can have the the ryan howard achilles moment like you can you can have ronde barber you can have super bowl this last year yeah well they'll be all right um like you can have the uh the your don home run yeah you could have the uh what the heck was the guy's name patrick cangle yes you could have the, what the heck was the guy's name? Patrick Cain goal. Yes. You could have the union loss last year. Oh, look at you.

Whatever. Giving Elliott a little solid there. It was nice. There would be no more catastrophic event in my entire life than a team with Jake Berger batting third. I know. And Josh Bell, because of course, right? Of course.

Why wouldn't Josh Bell be on the Marlins? I did kind of, he was on the Padres last year. But it was like a different, because he was kind of? Of course. Why wouldn't Josh Bell be on the Marlins? I did kind of. He was on the Padres last year. But it was like a different. He was kind of a part-time player for the Padres. Like, we're getting the full-on Josh Bell experience. It'll be a good test. Because, you know, obviously we grew up with the conines of the world.

And people forget, Cody Ross was also in Marlins. And he was in the Holiday Perfect Game Game. And one of the more underrated players of all time in my opinion Jorge Cantu but Jorge Cantu

I love Jorge Cantu he's not a Phillies killer but like we know Conan right we know Josh Bell is a Phillies killer now he's in a Marlins uniform

like that's nightmare fuel frankly it's not great it's not great at all I do not love the thought of Josh Bell in a playoff series again it's like

as sick as that is even though we went it's like sure bring Corbin Carroll here It's not great at all. I do not love the thought of Josh Bell in a playoff series against us. As sick as that is, it's like, sure, bring Corbin Carroll here. That's fine. Josh Bell? No, thank you. Please. Yeah. Please, no more.

Makes sense. The one thing that I do feel very confident in is obviously the Marlins have not played here with what this is going to be like. No doubt. They've never seen anything like this. Correct. Like, literally. Literally, though. Maybe if they've played for other...

I mean, no one's seen anything like this, but I mean, those guys play in front of a morgue in Florida. Like, they've never seen anything like this. Right. And how I feel early is I'm actually more worried about losing to Braxton Garrett than I am Jesus Lozada. So am I. Braxton Garrett's been really good the last month of season two.

He's annoying. He's that kind of guy. We talked about this with Justin Steele. How Justin Steele's the perfect guy to shut down the Phillies. Boom. Braxton Garrett is 92. He's funky. He's a little Jaime Garcia-esque.

And Jaime Garcia, the Phillies, never able to hit him. Lozada, to me, reminds me of Matt Garza. When Matt Garza tried to pitch here in 08. Oh, yeah. Where it's like, stuff's really good. Jesus Lozardo. We love Jesus Lozardo. He's our guy.

We bet on him to win the friggin' Cy Young this year. Isn't that a good full circle moment? Really? Dude, let me tell you. The fact that Jesus Lozardo is starting this game, this first game, is definitely not lost on me. The like, holy crap, I can't believe Jesus Lizardo started a playoff game against us. A Fritz guy. Hey, just part of a championship fantasy baseball team for me, no less.

Nice. I'm very happy for you. Thank you. It was one of the great teams I've had in a long time. It deserved a title. It doesn't get talked about enough. I would have been really upset if I had not won the title. Yay me. Yay you, per usual. It's a prelude. I'm telling the Phillies, get on get talked about enough. I would have been really upset if I had not won the title. Yay me. Yay you.

Per usual. It's a prelude. I'm telling the Phillies, get on my back. Watch what I just did. Watch what my team just did. Get on their back. 8-2, 8-2 in the playoffs. No big deal.

Just, you know, up my back and do what I did. And don't do what I did. I know. Which is lose a freaking tiebreaker, even though I had the regular season matchup win. But for some reason, we changed the rule four years ago and decided to go by regular season win total even though we're head-to-head league. So who's to say? It was crushing.

It was crushing. That sucks. It was crushing. Anyway, I would have been a three-time champ. Anyway, so yeah, so like, Lozardo, it seems like the classic, classic four innings can't handle pitching here. Jump on him.

Like, they're going to jump on him. I'm with you. I really do feel confident. I agree with you. I looked at it and it was like Braxton Garrett scares the hell out of me, man. I do think it comes down to game three. I really do. I think it comes down to game three.

And I swear to God, and this is just a PSA, I love the Phillies. We love the Phillies. Our listeners love the Phillies. I do not think this is going to happen. But there's been too much of like, I don't know, maybe Taiwan starts that game for me, which is like. Who's saying that? Well, like all weekend, it's like, well, you know, there's been a little too much of the Taiwan.

Dude, Taiwan shouldn't even be on the postseason roster. I agree. I'm just saying in no way. Did you see how his ERA finished in the first inning for the season? Did you see that? Is it over eight? 7.04 was his ERA for the first inning. For a year, for the entire year, he04 was his ERA for the first thing this year. For a year. For the entire

year, he had a 7 ERA. Now, I will say, do they have his ERA after allowing four runs? No, it's probably Sterling. Well, he's the best pitcher in baseball. He's never allowed a run. Unhittable. He's unhittable after allowing four. It won't happen. Rob Thompson's too good. Yeah, I know.

It would be the ultimate. If they use win total and for the amount they score in Simon Walker starts as a reason to start Simon Walker, I will refuse to go to the ballpark. They won't. That would be hilarious. I'm not going, guys.

They won't. I believe they won't. It is funny. Speaking of bids, just the fact that it's the Marlins here. Of course it is. It's all coming together. I would let Vinny Velasquez throw out the first pitch. Just to put 19-11 to bed. Exercise the demons.

I would put Vinny game one. I would go Brandon Workman game two. I don't even know who else. I guess we could bring back Wes Helms. Heath Embry. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just the worst. Worst. There's nothing worse. I don't even know who else I guess we could bring back Wes Helms Heath Embry Yeah Just the worst Worst

There's nothing worse There was Now they were good against them this year Now Pache also like Aided them with that big home run Down there Where I didn't feel like the Marlins

And after they won that game Those next two It's like they clearly were checked out They were like We won that game That was the one that mattered And it was two games Two days before the All-Star break

So you give them a bit of a pass there I didn't feel the They got the games not down there. I would actually I might pick the Marlins to be nice. There would be no chance. There would be no chance. Concede. Don't even show up. I don't think I would watch.

If the Phillies played a playoff series in Miami, I do not think I'd be able to watch. A lock loss. There's nothing they could do. I don't care if the Casano's home run happened. Although I will say, I don't know what his role is with the team now.

Feed me David Robertson. Oh, buddy. Feed me what he's going to be like at that ballpark. Either way. The one thing about the Marlins, and again, I haven't really felt the Marlins' angst this year. I thought they actually slayed that dragon last year when they went down there and took 2-3 before the All-Star break. And they were just normal against them going forward.

And Hazel Sagalar is no longer there, which makes me feel better. And Miguel Rojas and all these guys. If Miguel Rojas were on the Marlins right now, I would feel worse about it. I would. It's crazy, but I would. Really? No, probably not. No, Ross were on the Marlins right now, I would feel worse about it. I would. It's crazy, but I would. Really? No, probably not. I understand the point. You get my point. It is just so sickening.

It's like Josh Bell is not a Marlins Phillies killer. He's just a Phillies killer. All those guys that we hated down there, it doesn't feel like those guys are there. No, it doesn't. And Jake Berger, I don't have enough history with of back-breaking hits. I would feel that. You know what I mean? Iger, I don't have enough history with of back-breaking hits. I mean, Sterling Marte was still there. Yeah, exactly.

I would feel that. You know what I mean? Like, I guess, I mean, Sanchez, the guy that hit the ball 450 feet off of Sir Anthony's, is one that does come out. They did lose two or three to this team, like, not that long ago. You've already gotten in there. You got there. And look, I like the idea that, I mean, like, you were, like, nervous about Braxton Garrett.

At least we got Nola going up against him, right? Yeah, our guy. I don't think it's... They're going to win. They're going to win, man. I'm not worried about that. I know that from a fear perspective, the Marlins scare us more. The Diamondbacks are better than the Marlins.

They're more talented than the Marlins. We should be happy. I know that no one is. We should be happy we got the Marlins. I know that crazy but we should i agree i agree sort of i don't think you've ever said anything that you don't believe in more in your life right there i just i don't think it's gonna it's not gonna be a rollover series i think this is gonna be tight i think division series they play us all the time they're not gonna be and they're not gonna be afraid which is which is what worries me i agree now the one thing to the point that they might

that can rattle them is the ballpark. Like, they have not played in a... Look, we had that... Well, they were in Pittsburgh this weekend. Good point. You're right. And they did have the Mets fiasco. That's true. Good point. I mean, seriously, though, like, Thompson

talked about the four hours of hell thing, and we agree that was a Braves, some of them Braves, I'm sure, but, like, the Marlins have not stepped into something like this. It's not like it's a team of veterans. It's not like a team of guys who played in a bunch of postseason games. Like, I do think that that is at least something. And, look, it might not rattle them, but at least it does have the potential to rattle. Yeah.

Well, the big thing that worries me is, like, Solaire going nuclear. Dude, he's the number one player. By the way. He does. He's a World Series MVP, Solaire going nuclear. Dude, he's the number one player. By the way. He does. He's a World Series MVP, Solaire. So, yes, he actually has a career. Solaire and Schwarber being the two leadoff hitters in this game is a win for modern baseball fans. It's just awesome.

He is even over Josh Bell. Solaire is the player on the ones I'm most scared of. And I'll inherently always be afraid of Uli Gurriel. Yeah, and obviously our guy Luis Reis, who entered coming to the series. Yeah. I mean, he's been their best player this season. He's hurt, you know, might not play. Yeah.

Something. Do you know who had more, I believe it was more total bases than Luis Reis? More appearances on base this year. I guess that's total bases. Schwarber? Schwarber. That's awesome. God, I guess that's total base Schwarber that's awesome god I love that that's so awesome I don't know if surprise was it like 700 yeah it's so good it's a win

it's a win for everyone but yeah it's just like it's like this should not if the Phillies Marlins there's no history right and you're heading into a playoff series and it's like alright so this is their lineup Solaire Bell Jake Berger Jazz Chisholm and you're heading into a playoff series. And it's like, all right. So this is their lineup. Solaire, Bell, Jake Berger,

Jazz Chisholm. Who is a really good player. Give him Jazz. Brian De La Cruz, Jesus Sanchez, John Birdie, who I know I'm going to hate. Dude, I... If there's a lock of the century is we're going to hate John Birdie.

I already do. I already have to hate him. I am so expecting John Birdie to know it. He's going to have a big stolen base. He are going to hate John Birdie. I already do. I already have to hate him. I am so expecting John Birdie to annoy. He's going to have a big stolen base. He's going to make a play. Like, he's going to be so annoying. No, I don't. Is Wendell, I mean, another PSAC guy?

Joey Wendell? Is he? Oh, Joey Wendell. Yeah, yeah, I knew about that. I thought you were talking about Birdie. Really? It'd be tough to see, you know, back-to-back years of a. I know.

I don't like that. I don't like that aspect of it. All right. Enough PSAC guys coming up against us. Garrett Hampson, whatever. Former Colorado Rocky Garrett Hampson. And the one that I know, if he gets a hit this series as a disaster, is Jacob Stallings. But he always, for some reason, gets home runs off us.

He annoys me. He is literally equivalent to a pitcher hitting. Yeah. And for some reason, he gets back breaking heads against the Phillies. It's a horrible baseball name. Like, all about it. I hate everything about that guy. That lineup is trash. I'm sorry.

Like, that is a trash. We're talking about a team that has five guys with 20-plus homers this year. We're talking about Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. Like, this team can't lose to the Marlins. You said You said it before, forgetting the pain and all that. Obviously, we feel it. The painfulness of losing the Mons wouldn't just be like, oh my god, we lost the Mons. It would be an embarrassment. This Phillies team, and anything that happened in a three-game series,

I get it. They're so much more talented. The Phillies are so much more talented. Yes, they are. Now, my big concern about the series, in all seriousness, obviously besides the Marlins. The lefties. There's so many lefties. So many lefties. There's so many lefties.

I mean, look, they're starting two in the first two games alone, much less the bullpen dudes they throw out there. And they picked up Matt Moore for no reason. Yeah, just because. Of course. Just why not? Why not? You know, last time we saw Matt Moore, we know what happened.

I know. Harper took him deep. 300. But like Steven Okert, Puck, Matt Moore. Tanner Scott. Tanner Scott's nuts. Well, he's their best reliever. That dude's good.

Yeah. He's like legit good. So I just, I don't, like I'm confident. I'm excited. I can't wait. It's just the, whenever. It's the Marlins. Whenever people get overconfident.

That's a Philly thing, of course. And again, it is the Marlins. Like people get overconfident. That's a Philly thing, of course. And again, it is the Marlins. That is just part of it. We said it going in. We're like, as dumb as it is of all these teams, all the teams that were in it, the Reds, the Cubs, everyone, we're like, it's not the Marlins. And I can't believe it ended up being the Marlins.

I can. Of course it's the Marlins. We should have known. Season full of bets. We should have known. It's going to end up with this. All right. So specifics with the roster as we end. Let's talk about baseball. We should have known Season full of bits We should have known It's going to end up with this Alright So

Specifics with the roster As we end Let's talk about baseball Not the question I was expecting to ask But I'm going off The last thing you said Is Wes Wilson

On your playoff roster? Yes That was a big miss by you Yes Wes Wilson is on my playoff They need a right hand at bat You almost have to Yeah

Who would thunk it? I mean they sent Rodolfo Castro all the way down. So, listen. I'm not giving up on Rodolfo. Yeah. If you squint, you saw both of them. I don't think he got a hit. Did he?

I think he had one hit. Squint? No. I don't know if he had a hit. I think he had like three at bats. Well, he never had a well-struck hit. I'll put it that way. That's for sure.

Yeah. Wes Wilson has to be. Because they need a right-handed bat. I agree with you. They can at least like... Especially because Pache has been struggling heading into the playoffs, too.

Yeah, Pache has. Like, I... You're probably leaving him on there just because of the defense, but I don't know if they... And again, I think you just need right-handed bats. Well, and you need them

for against AJ Puck in a big spot. Yeah, it's true. In a big spot. But, yeah, it just... I think Weston Wilson has to be up there. And the other ones are Ryan Kirkering, you know? And... He has to be on think weston wilson has to be up there um and the other ones are ryan

kirkering you know and he has to be on it i think he has to be i just wonder what role they're going to put him in like i obviously love a ryan kirkering i think this but i think he's pitched two innings in the majors in a big spot in the playoffs like that's a risky move obviously yes i'm just he's gonna have some growing pains because you start to see it over the weekend like he keeps on the slider over and over again. And eventually someone's just going to go down there and golf it. I've already, again, sicko brain, but I have a hundred percent had a vision of Jorge Soler going down and hitting it like 700 feet.

And if they get to the first round, Ronald Cunha does that all the time. Like that's like a classic Cunha move. It's Cunha. It's Riley. All those guys. We'll get there. It's Nia. It's Riley.

All those guys. We'll get there. But I just, and he throws a slider instead of the fastball, which says to me that his fastball doesn't grade out very well. It's flat, but it's 99, so maybe hitters can kind of pick it up more. It's just, I like that he got into the tough situations. He got in first and second, won out, and was able to strike his way out of it, which is a good sign.

I think mentally he is able to handle it he did he seems pretty unflappable i've been pretty and again the playoffs are a different beast obviously but i've been for a kid pitching his first experience especially a kid who was in a earlier this season low a low a like he he does not he does not look as at any point as nervous or as like um you know it doesn't look like he gets uncomfortable out there, which is really, really good. I just would like to see what it would look like if he went more fastball first. Fastball to set up the slider.

Because I think eventually if Major League Hitters see a slider over and over and over again, they're going to square it up and do some damage. And we saw that a little bit over the weekend with the Mets. They went down and just kind of ripped it into left. Now, he didn't allow it. He allowed it wrong, but it was unearned. But still, that was just something I kind of took away from the weekend.

I was like, I think this stuff's really good. I think he's going to be a really good reliever here. Year one is still like... Yeah, it's year one with like a bullet. It's not even... He didn't pitch in the majors all year. It's like beginning of year one, essentially, as a major league player. Yeah.

Like, I would – this might be my famous last words, but I still trust Sir Anthony more than him. Wow. Wow. I mean, I get that. I mean, he's pitching big spots for it, but – He's also starting to show signs of life. All right.

So, you're Rob Thompson. Yes. What a treat. What's your – like, I'm sure it's going to be a lot to do with matchups. But as a general plan, you're going in, who are the guys you trust most? Who's pitching your biggest spots?

Who do you trust the most going into the playoffs if you're Thompson? Obviously Alvarado. Who else? Strom. I like Strom. You know I want to say it. I can see it on your face. You know I want to say it. I can see it on your face. You know I want to say it. You don't want to say it.

I'm buying a little Gregory Soto. I'm just saying. So the lefties. We trust the lefties. I'm buying a little stock. Yeah. I'm buying a little stock. So on a scale of 10 on Sir Anthony, I'm about a five.

Okay. I mean, I would have been like a three before. But it's trending more towards a 10 than one. Big spots. We'll see. Kimbrel, I just, they're going to put him in there because of postseason stuff. So I will say we asked Topper about it on the morning show, and he did. He was very honest. He said, we were like, is Craig Kimble your closer to the playoffs?

He's like, no. Yeah. He said, I'm going to mix and match. Like, he'll get work there, but is he going to be the ninth inning guy? He's like, no. Yeah. You know, he said, I'm going to mix and match. Like, like he'll get work there, but is he going to be the ninth inning guy? He's like, no. So I thought that was at least good to hear in that they're not just gonna be like, well, Craig's are closer. Ha ha ha. You know, like that's good. Yeah. Well, it was a more definitive answer than the Taiwan stuff. I know. Which is again, enough. Don't even think about it. Like we can't, we can't do this. Like there's not, not okay. If it, I'm not, I'm not even doing it. I

just, I don't want to put it out there. I can't. There's no freaking way that they do that. But don't do it. I actually like I know the Mets suck. I just feel like the bullpens actually if you look at the numbers, I know the numbers don't tell you everything and the eye

test hasn't totally backed this up, but I mean ERA wise, they're the fourth best bullpen ERA in baseball since August 1st. Wow. I wouldn't have expected that. Because it felt way worse than that. But I think some guys are starting to pitch much better, which I like. Which you see. Like, it does, I mean, like we talk, Alvarado looks

so much better. Alvarado being this back. This version of Alvarado is a total game changer. Yep. Like a total game changer heading into the playoffs because you're getting a back-end option back there who essentially rode to Game 6 of the World Series last year who basically had, what, a month and a half off? He's been unfortunately injured twice.

And before getting hurt the first time was the best reliever in baseball for a month. Like, the best. And he looks back to me in that version, you're seeing more strikes. You're seeing him get back to the 1-2-3-you're-out kind of thing. So I just... The bullpen went through a down period there where the starters weren't going very deep in games, and they clearly got overworked.

Oh, and I came up with it and didn't bring up Jeff Hoffman. Like, Jeff Hoffman. I just... I'm excited to see what he looks like in the playoffs because I think if he's what we've seen in the last two months, you're getting a weapon, like a weapon-weapon from Jeff Jeff Hoffman but I just think that all the guys the last week and a half two weeks have really turned a corner of like okay now it's go time they went through the stretch stars weren't going deep they're being overworked um you know they went sick like when they went

six man the one thing that obviously coincided with that is you had to pitch your relievers way more. So it felt like we're seeing Strom every day. We're seeing Hoffman every day. We're seeing Stranthony every day. We're seeing these guys. So they got a little overworked. And it feels like this last month they've done a much better job

of managing those guys' innings so that when this time comes they can hit the ground running. And I like that they pitched a lot over the weekend. Not a lot, but enough. And it's a classic argument of rest versus rust. And I think they did a good job this weekend of balancing those two. Like Bryce played a lot, which I think is smart. Forever played.

Because Bryce is a field guy. So like sitting in for three days does nothing. Like he's fine. He's a machine. He's Superman. Does not need much time off. So, you know, I think they did a good job of not just sitting everyone and expecting, bang, you know, Tuesday to kind of turn it on and go.

Especially with the doubleheader on Saturday. Like, that really throws your plans and how you're planning on playing over three days heading into a three-game series early the next week. Like, that is, especially with pitching, that's why you saw them do all the roster, you know, gymnastics and bringing up Nick Nelson and bringing up Plassmeyer. Shout out to Nick Nelson, by the way. Yeah.

Welcome to the season. He earned his NL championship ring this year. up Plassmeyer. A shout out to Nick Nelson, by the way. Yeah. Welcome to the season. He earned his NL championship ring this year. Michael Plassmeyer, less so. Less so. They still ran him out there as long as they could. Hey, let him throw some innings. And look, Taiwan did give him innings. I know. I know. He went seven innings.

And then he retired what, eight straight after allowing four? He's doing better. Yeah. It's unbelievable. Yeah, just tell me, hey man eight straight after allowing four? Just no one better. Yeah. It's unbelievable. Just tell him. Yeah, just tell him, hey, man, you're down 4-0. You're down 4-0.

And everyone's mad again. So go out there. Yeah. Everyone's tweeting about how bad you are in the first three weeks. And then he goes and checks his phone. Sends out an apology. Thanks for picking me up, guys. And he gets to work.

Do you think that after allowing four runs, he goes to the clubhouse, checks his phone, sees how mad everyone is, and then is like, all right, I got you. Probably. Bang, here we go. Honestly, it's as logical an explanation as anything else is. It's your Game 3 starter. Yeah.

Okay, let's get to that. Let's get to that. Who's the Game 3 starter? Honestly, not your Rob Toms. We know what we've talked enough about what we would do, you know, and the whole thing. We know what we've talked enough about what we would do, you know, and the whole thing like. Hey, fantasy football owners,

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Follow and listen to Reception Perception on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you think's going to happen? Honestly. Joe, all kidding aside, who, like, you said it. You're nervous about Game 2. You think it's going to go 3. So game three going to happen

in your mind. Who will be the starter for game three for the Philadelphia? Well, it depends if the caveat is does Ranger pitch in the first two games? Of course. Out of the bullpen. It's an important question. Because I think that's what happens. If they need him. But what's so weird is that, what I don't get about that is that this isn't last year.

You have great bullpen arms. Unless Noli gets roughed up and you need him to go multiple innings, even then that's why you would have a Taiwan on the roster or whatever. Maybe, I don't know. Right. So for me, it's Ranger. But if he pitches one of the first two games, it's obviously Christopher Sanchez.

It better be. And it might be Chris Sanchez over Ranger. Dude, if we're just going on who has earned a playoff start, it's Christopher Sanchez, period, full stop. Like, he's earned it over Nola, even. I mean, like, Christopher Sanchez has been their second-best starter this season. End of sentence. And maybe that's why they pitched him out of the bullpen this weekend,

was like, we're going to pitch Ranger game three, so maybe they had this idea of Ranger pitching out of the bullpen, but it's actually going to be Chris Sanchez. Yeah. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. I mean, you have three lefty options.

Do you need? I mean, you just said it. The guy you maybe trust the most right now are your three lefties. Soto is still a work in progress. Soto is a question mark. He's got stuff, man. Of course he's got stuff. And he's starting to strike guys out.

And he's got a little confidence. Big Gregory Soto guy. But, yeah, I just, the mental gymnastics, I feel like they're playing with the Chris Sanchez thing. It's one of the more befuddling things I've seen them do. The guy's good. Just throw him out there. He's good.

He's fine. Let him go pitch. Just because he's better than you thought he'd be doesn't mean that he's not better than you thought he'd be. It doesn't mean he's going to fall apart. Just admit that you won the Curtis Meade trade. Yeah, well, clearly. And let him pitch a playoff game.

Let's go. So, and he's just, I just, I'm not worried about him, like, Just admit that you won the Curtis Meade trade and let him pitch a playoff game. I'm not worried about him all of a sudden being not too big for the moment or whatever. No, it doesn't seem like he's – he seems super calm, super chill. He seems very, very calm. I think it's going to be – I think it's going to be Ranger, but a part of me does wonder if Chris Sanchez, that idea of putting him in the bullpen wasn't so much about Tyler Walker as it was about Ranger and what they think they can get out of Chris Sanchez.

But again, I don't know why they need to pitch Chris Sanchez out of the bullpen when you have the amount of lefty options they have. So it's weird, but at least this year, they have way more dudes. So many dudes, man. I was thinking that as you were going through all the bullpen options, when you're like, basically like Saranthony, it's like, Opie gets better. He's like the sixth option of those guys in terms of who you try.

Like, it's like, what? Dude, Orion Kirkering's the last guy in the bullpen. Yes. And Orion Kirkering has a chance. He could be an impact reliever. Yeah. I mean, the stuff-wise, it goes anywhere in the pen, you know? Just, again, and this is a message to Major League Baseball.

This is a message to the fan base. Don't let the Phils get through the wild card round. Because if they get through the wild card round, they're going back to the World Series. Yes! Like, don't, like, I'm just, knock them out early. Like, if you don't want another Red October run coming, you don't want Philadelphia getting cocky again,

like, just kill us early, okay? Because as this thing goes along, first off, they'll start feeling it again, which I like. The pitching's better. The lineup, Trey Turner's here now. The real Trey Turner, by the way. Like, don't let the Phils get past the wild card round because they're going to beat the Braves.

Like, I'm so, again, I've said this to you. I don't know if Iils get past the wildcard round because they're going to beat the Braves. Again, I've said this to you. I don't know if I said it on the podcast. I'm more worried about losing the Marlins wildcard round than I am losing to the Braves. You've not said it on the pod. I have so much confidence in beating the Braves in a playoff match. I love it. It's awesome.

I think we're in their head. I think the loser nonsense that Strider throws out there. Oh, my God. That might be the dumbest thing any athlete has ever said. You have fans. It makes no sense. Even if it was sarcastic. Yeah. It was still not a win. It was just dumb. And then

the whole like we're doing simulation games. I know. You're doing that for Miami? Yeah. You're doing that for going to Arizona? We know why you're doing that. We know why you're doing that. That's exactly right. Brian Snicker coming out saying I don't want to play this team. It you're doing that. Yeah, you're right. We know why you're doing that. Yeah, that's exactly right. Brian Snicker coming out saying, I don't want to play this team.

Yep. You know, like I... It's in their heads. There's no other way around it. I love that. I love that. It's like, again, I never grew up

in the 90s Cowboys thing, but this is what met Philly's Braves. Yep. It feels, it has that feel to it. Back-to-back years playing in the postseason.

Last year, we beat them. They win the World Series the year before. The year before, yep them. They win the World Series the year before. Like, both fan bases, insane. I just, again, just don't let the Phils win. Don't let them do that

because they're going to go beat the Braves. And then, like, I'm just, this Dodgers team I'm not scared of all the Dodgers. That's how I feel about the way you're like we're beating the Braves. That's the way I feel about the Dodgers if we play the Dodgers. Honestly, I think there's a decent chance it's not the Dodgers. I could see the D-backs or the Brewers beating the Dodgers. I wouldn't bet on it because those two teams, I don't love either of those two teams.

But the Dodgers don't scare me at all. Losing a postseason series to the Brewers would also do similar things. That would be, yeah. Excluding to the Marlins. We wouldn't lose the Brewers. I'm not scared of the Brewers would also do similar things. That would be, yeah. Excluding to the Marlins. We wouldn't lose the Brewers. I'm not scared of the Brewers. Okay. Who are you more afraid of in a playoff series?

Possibly. Freddie Freeman or Josh Bell. Freddie Freeman or Josh Bell. I'll still give it to Freddie, but it's close. It's close. Yeah, it's fair. It's a fair question. And the nice part about this year and how it could shake out for the Phils is, again,

don't let them win the first round. Who's the good team in the AL? That. The Orioles. Dude. But I'm with you. That's my point. That's my point.

I'm with you. The Orioles are the best team. I mean, probably the Astros, if we're being honest. Of course. Probably the Astros. The Astros will be in the World Series. There's no doubt. It'll be the Astros.

It's probably that. But they're not. They're not. Like last year, they're a worse team than they were last year. Dude, the Astros did not lose a playoff game until game one of the World Series. They were a 106-win team last year. They went 92 this year. It's a great Astros team.

It's a great Astros team. This is a good Astros team. I agree. Like this is a Phillies team who got off to a slow start, but have been one of the best teams in baseball since June 2nd. I honestly think the three best teams in baseball are in the National League. I think the Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies are the three best teams in baseball right now. Yeah. Yeah.

Although, there's actually a couple of fun matchups, right? So, I mean, you want to talk about getting a tad ahead of yourself. Just a tad. Phil's Jays. Oh, can you imagine? Phil's Rays. Phil's Rays. Phil's O's.

Which would be awesome. Which would be fun. All three. It's actually pretty wild, yeah. Phil's Astros. Oh, my God. This is wild. Yes.

We just need the Yankees and then it's all of them. I know this is going to sound dumb, like I should know this. Did the Mariners make the playoffs? They did not. Really? Yeah, they did. After all the J.P. Crawford stuff? Yeah Mariners make the playoffs? They did not. Really? Yeah, they did. After all the J.P. Cropper stuff? Yeah, after all the stuff.

They did not. Mariners missed out. Again. Well, how about the Astros stealing the division from the Rangers on the last day? The Rangers blew it. Listen, when I say I disconnected from baseball this weekend. I can tell. The fact that you didn't know the Mariners and didn't make the playoffs,

you are totally checking. Totally disconnected from the playoffs. They played Sunday with no stakes. They were out by Sunday. That's a shame. I liked them. I root for the Mariners more than those other teams. There's a lot of fun stuff going on, for sure.

The Phillies are in such a good position. As long as they just don't do the thing these next three games yep like just go beat the god forsaken marlins yep just go beat them you're better like just go beat don't let them come in here and like steal a game and all of a sudden they got confidence because like that you want to know what the ballpark was like i I'm very with you. The ballpark last year was a magical, unbelievable, like everyone can't wait to feel that again. You want to know what it's like when the Buccaneers take the lead in 2002 and what a Cardinals game in 2011,

like what a tight Citizens Bank Park feels like? Not the most fun place in the world. Nope. And it's all still there. Like, last year it was amazing because we just kept winning and all that stuff. But, like, let's put it this way. Down 1-0 with Aaron Nola on the mound, the first thing that doesn't go our way, it's going to be tight.

It's going to be awkward in there. Like, it's not going to be a freaking party, man. It's not going to be a party. It's not. I mean. Until they do something to make it a party. But, like, that advantage that we're talking about, that whole thing where it's like the Marlins ain't never seen anything like

that, like the Marlins can mitigate that pretty quickly. Yes, and they it's a lot like when they went into Wrigley in 0-3. I mean, Wrigley. Yes, it's a great competition. I mean, Wrigley was also on fire and was like, we're going back to the World Series. Like, this fan base is in such an interesting spot

where it's like, last year was so magical. And we just have been waiting to feel that again. You go right back to it. It's like, oh, that's what it is. Well, dude, that's what I felt when they clinched. I was like, the last six, like, nine months of my life happened. Totally.

Like, I feel like I was right back into last October. About the same exact way, dude. It was like, all right, let's do this. Then I won. I got just one thing. Uh-oh. I love, I just, I don't like trying to do the dancing on my own thing again. Yeah.

Like I, now maybe it's just the anthem or the playoffs for this run and it's like every year. This whole squad. So maybe there's a chance of that. Yeah. I just feel like trying to recreate magic is hard. I agree. And so I just, i love the song it brings back so many memories amazing yeah but it's to try to do that again worries me like i'd rather

make the share song i agree do you believe oh my god it's like imagine the ballpark it'd be great good yeah great so um there's the one thing that gave me a little bit of cause or pause um but yeah it's just like when they clinched i'm seeing the 13 more topper and i'm like dude feels the exact same thing i'm like i dude i felt like i was listening to the same speech that he gave last year it's like the same speech yeah yeah dude and and it's jt 13 more and i guess he's the guy now he's the guy yeah said jt how many more you know um but the one thing that did make me i know we're like all over the place in this podcast but i'm sorry.

It's all right. Phillies are in the playoffs. I have so many thoughts. We've not gotten to do many Phillies in the playoffs pods in the history of our podcast here. So, you know, it's a little leeway. Only one. Exactly. It's our second one. So we're learning.

But the one thing that I was proud of this team for down the stretch was I definitely had this fear early September where it was like they're going to get in, but they're doing get in but they're doing that nonsense where they just think they can get in and then flip the switch and bang like it's gonna be just like last year I thought when they went to St. Louis I saw it and when they went down to Atlanta I saw it of them in the process of switching the flip on and and and it's like no we're here and it's time to go and we're here. And it's time to go. And we're not going to do this back-in nonsense. We're just going to go

be a good team. They won seven straight. They won seven straight. And it's just like you saw them shift, I think, into playoff mode. And I'm glad that they did that

rather than like, eh, kick our feet up. We're going to get in. Mathematically, we'll be there. The probabilities. They didn't. I mean, they won a bunch of games until that last series. Which is what we wanted them to get in, like, mathematically, we'll be there. The probabilities. They didn't. I mean, like, they won a bunch of games until that last series.

Which is what we wanted them to do. Like, until the weekend where the whole thing was, like, the weekend was messed up anyway. Yeah, they started Michael Plassmeyer. Yes, exactly. But, like, how do you know that? They had won, like, seven straight. They had won, like, 10 of 12.

It was the exact opposite of what we expected. It was awesome. It was great. Yeah. And I think that shows that they do have the ability, when it's time to lock in, let's lock in. And look, Nola's done it. I mean, Nola's been really good. I know.

Last few innings. Like, the exact thing. Like, he's, like, just tantalizing enough to be like, are we going to trust him? Come on, Aaron. Come on, eh? Man, I can't believe it's tomorrow. I'm so excited. I'm, like, I'm so excited for tomorrow man like i

i spent the and look we joke and the eight o'clock times like that sucks but like once the game starts you'll be i don't care i don't care like i will be tired i don't care it's all good like i it's to your point and maybe that is a bit of a worry but like i'm just ready to be back i'm ready to be back where i was last year like that was the coolest month of my freaking life like that was the being in those in that in Citizens Bank Park for those games last year, I said it last year, is the coolest sporting experience of my lifetime. The coolest building I've ever been in in my life was that run.

Obviously, the Harper-Homer, the pinnacle of it. But I've never experienced anything like that in my life. I've been waiting all year to get back there. I can't wait. I'm so ready. But you're right. There is... It's got to go good. Yeah, it's got to go up. It can flip.

We were outside 125 last year? 125, yeah. We'll be in the same area. It's right near where that... Yeah, but trust us. We are doing the exact... The exact same thing. Dancing on my own. Same spot. Post game. And check us Dancing on my own. Same spot. Post game.

We are... And check us out on WIP. I'm going to hop on with Jack and do Final Out and that'll be our post game pods, which is great. Also, if you want, I'm leading everyone into the game. So six to seven. Oh, really? Then I'll do that too. Absolutely. Oh, you want to come down? Sure. Okay, cool. I'll at least hop on with you. I'll be down there. Yeah, you can hang out.

We're just going to be talking fills for an hour and a half leading into the game. I'll be there. I mean, I'm going to the games. I'll probably go early, so I'll pop in. All right. It'll be great. So, yeah. So, Fritz at six with Seltzer.

Six to seven. Let's go! Leading off at seven. Oh, my God. I'm so excited. I can't wait for this. I can't freaking wait for fills, baby. You know what I can't wait for?

What? Trey Turner taking Lizardo deep in the first tomorrow. Let's go. Trey Turner taking Lizardo. Yeah, yeah. Crosses on plate, looks up at the corner, 125, points up. So thank you, Jack. There you go.

Right there. I see you, buddy. Thank you. Thank you. You made this happen. The fans made it happen. Yes! That's why you're the best yeah it's not about me

never is not about me the fans made it up not the you know the long feature article like with just quotes and quotes of jack fritz waxing you know poetic it's not about you what's not about me. The only thing I made about me was the Bloomsburg stuff. No, I know. I did not. I'm joking. It was very funny.

I did not think that that's what that was. I did not know. It was a Jack Fritz feature story in the Philippian Choir. Yeah. Shout out to Matt Breen. Shout out to Matt Breen. Love Breeny. Love Breen.

Didn't think that's how that was gonna go I was like wow and then by the end it turned into my story and it's like well wasn't this a trade so it's cool I love it man it makes me smile I just

I have this mistake of like it just turns into like whatever like as soon as i pick up the phone it's like everything's you know we're just talking you know and everything's in the article i was like wow good thing i didn't say anything i shouldn't know yeah like seltzer is such a liability god if i could just get away from this guy do the podcast so that would really be great exactly what was the question exactly exactly um so, if you haven't checked it out. Check it out.

Our guy. It's awesome. And a cool picture, too. I thought the picture was actually really good. Yeah. And this is going to sound like I'm making this about me. That never happens. Never happens.

I did buy the paper this morning. I think that's fair. Which, by the way. I think that's okay. By the way. They didn't know That was still there I was gonna ask I have no idea

What a paper costs now None $2.95 What? $2.95 Are you kidding me dude? I guess they have to pay Because it's like

Going Dude like Paper's 50 cents When I was growing up And I'm old You know But like 75 cents

Like wow Yeah Wow I guess you gotta pay for that Jack Fitz feature. Exactly right. Exactly right. It's worth the money. Wasn't in the paper.

Oh, no. So it looks like I'm going to have to buy it tomorrow. Your loot. Yeah. Or maybe it was yesterday's. I don't know. We'll find it. Oh, because it brought me back to like, I used to buy the local paper whenever I, when

like, you know, I pitched or whatever and just see what the article was. So yeah, it's a good little throwback. I love it. It's good to have some, you know, I pitched or whatever and just do what the article was. So yeah, it's a good little throwback. I love it. It was good to have some, you know, ink. Yeah.

Cause you do that nonsense where you think reading a Kindle is equivalent to reading a book. It's the best thing in the world. So I didn't, I was usually, I was with like everyone. Oh, I need the book and all that.

And Emily was like, dude, you're being an idiot. Just try a Kindle out. I tried it out. I was like, I can't believe I ever, this is so much better. It doesn't count. Yeah. It doesn't count as reading a book. an idiot. Just try a Kindle out. I tried it out. I was like, I can't believe I ever. This is so much better.

It doesn't count. Yeah, it doesn't count as reading a book because I read it on a Kindle. It's a great take. Killing me here. I also just think it kills your eyeballs. Reading kills your eyes. At least when it's dark. So reading's bad?

Well, at least when it's dark, I actually have light behind the screen. I have to wear stupid light glasses or something to read. You think about that? Do you read in bed? I didn't think so. I do. I don't read. I don't know if it shocks you, but I don't read. Do not. I read in bed every night.

When I go to bed, even if it's super late, I read for five minutes and go to bed. What are you reading? Fiction. I'm reading books. What are you reading right now? There was a movie made. It's called Girl on the Train. It's like a mystery thriller type book. I i've been i just read a sci-fi trilogy by hugh howie called the omnibus trilogy hugh howie roseman yeah i read that wow i just finished reading the red

rising book which is amazing little red rising yes that's exactly right yes i'm happy for you nailed it happy for you i hope you enjoy you I hope you enjoy some Reading's good Alright Maybe it's good For the brain Jack Maybe try it sometime Alright So here's my problem

Yes I got no issue Going to bed I know So like I'm not thinking And Jill gets so mad too Because Jill's like You know

Thinking all the time Yeah I'm always thinking You're not thinking all the time No Not just stuff going on All the time Believe it or not Non-stop in your head

Believe it or not Not much going on up there time. Believe it or not. Non-stop in your head. Believe it or not, not much going on up there. Very jealous of you. Just visions of guys hitting home runs in Citizen Bank Park in the playoffs. You know what I was thinking about last night? Boom. That's all you think about. It's like the only image in your head.

Turns right off. What a lovely, lovely existence you must have. All right. Take back. I feel like we got to everything here. No, there's more. Oh, good. I think.

Actually, I forget what I wrote in here. Oh. Is there going to be a more, again, full disclosure, don't let the Phils be the Marlins. Because I'm just saying, there's no way in freaking this earth that the Phillies are losing the World Series if Reese Hoskins gets an at-bat.

Oh. Like, if he gets an at-bat at Citizens Bank Park, that freaking place is going to melt, dude. It might break. The stadium might fall apart. I think that has a chance to be an all-time, all-time Philly moment is reese hoskins getting it back okay so that's it i agree with you i think it has a chance to literally be one of

the coolest moments very cool in the history of the city with sports should he is it smart to use a postseason roster spot on reese hoskins well it doesn't have to be postseason roster spot okay a world series excuse me yes of course i to be postseason roster spot. Okay, a World Series, excuse me, a World Series. Because he can't change after a round. Yes, of course. I mean, a World Series roster spot on a guy who can only pinch it for you.

So. Like, he's not going to DH. You're not going to use him as your DH over Schwarber or Harper, depending on what you're doing that day. And he can't play the field. So, like, you know.

Hey. Look, amazing moment. I'm with you, but is it smart? So, cute logic. Have you thought about vibes? It's a great point. I mean, what matters but is it smart? So, cute logic. Have you thought about vibes? It's a great point. What matters more? No, no, no. So in all seriousness,

if my choice is Weston Wilson or Reese Hoskins in the World Series, I'll choose Reese Hoskins. Okay. Listen, Schwarber did it in 2016. He was pretty good in the World Series. The other thing, if he ends up being really good, is they could put Schwarber

back in left. And then you have Reese as the DH. And just go mash you. Dude, Schwarber has not been that bad defensively recently. He's been better recently. Like, ever since he started DHing,

it feels like he plays a better left field than he plays a better left field. Oh, his legs are fresh. Yeah, fresh legs. Yeah, fresh legs. Did he end the year with more? Motors around like Babe Ruth.

Again, I didn't pay attention. Did he end the year with more home runs than singles? No, I didn't pay attention to this weekend. Did he end the year with more home runs than singles? No, he didn't. Damn it! Yeah, it was close. More important than Ronald Acuna's 40 and 70. No, I mean 41 and 73 was very finished. Pretty good. It's okay. Not a bad season. That's pretty good. But yeah, so Reese,

I just, I need that to happen. Look, I'm joking around with the, like, because it is a decision they have to make and see what he can actually do, but I am with you. If you think that Reese Hoskins can get up to the plate in a World Series game and say this is Bank Park, I actually do think it's worth it for the vibes. I really do. I mean, first of all, a huge emotional lift for the team.

It's the vibes. I'm with you. And, yeah, it's just like, man, there's so many. Like, this year, closing out with a World Series. It's a perfect bow on top. I know every other fan base probably says that, but it's just such a perfect bow on top. It's really to the point where I think that if it's a fun run,

like last year on the way to winning and there's moments and stuff, I think it has a chance to be the greatest season in the history of Philadelphia sports if they win the World Series. I'm not kidding. I'm serious. I know you are. I'm dead serious. I think with everything that's to be the greatest season in the history of Philadelphia sports if they win the World. I'm not kidding. I think I'm serious. I know you are. I'm dead serious. I think with everything that's happened this year, with all the stuff and the love affair with the fans and the Trey Turner moment and Harper calling out WIP and shouting out Chuck

from Mount Airy and like the love, the love. And after what happened last year to go back this year and actually go win it with this group, like, I think it would be the best sports story in the history of Philadelphia. I really do. That's how I feel. It's beautiful. I can see that. You know me.

I'm an emotional guy. I think that way. That's my kind of thing. I really do. And I didn't want to jump over you because I envision that when they do win the World Series, they cut that. And instead of Elliott. What did Elliott say?

If Elliott said it, I'm sure. Elliott's going to redo it. And then he's going to be in the video yearbook. Do they even know high hopes exist at the video yearbook? That's what I want to know. I mean, you know, you would think maybe a bone was thrown. No one creates more pub for the video yearbook than this podcast. That's a fact.

Does anyone else even talk about the video yearbook anywhere but us? I mean, I'm just saying. A couple important things from over the weekend. Marsh, I thought, that home run yesterday. I thought that was big. Because he'd been struggling. And Bone getting a 20 made me very, very happy. It was neat, too.

It was the first time in franchise history they had that many guys with three or more. Dude, have you seen the comparisons of this team versus the OA team? Oh, it's wild. It's like exact... It's like sickening close. It's like creepy close.

It's actually like, what? It's like down the board. Especially the offensive numbers. The offensive numbers are like the same. It's crazy. But Stott heating up, I thought was really, that's major. He has to be back to being Bryson Stott. And I thought they did a good job of managing him over the weekend as well.

And the final thing, before we get out of here, and obviously hope we see you all at the ballpark tomorrow. Oh, we will be there. Come find us. Like, we will be there. And this is the only place that I'm able to talk about this because no one else cares, and I know that you don't care. But it's like, so watching the U.S. team at the Ryder Cup this weekend

in Europe, it literally felt like I was watching the Phillies versus the Braves. I did not expect this at all. I hate Jon Rahm. I hate all these guys that are just killers, man. People need to know, you are a huge Ryder Cup

guy. It's one of your favorite things. It's my favorite. I just need a little context here because we're literally talking about the Phillies and all of a sudden you're like,'s one of your favorite things it's my favorite little context here because we're literally talking about the phillies and all of a sudden you're like i got to talk right because because people there might be people listening like wait that was a hard turn is yeah well that's what we do i know we don't set people up for anything letting people know you really do love the rider cup this is not like totally i love no well so well yeah so i love the rider cup like ever since the ever since 08 with with phil mickelson and anthony kim like i think it's the i think outside of major sports,

it's my favorite sporting event in the world. I know. That's what I'm saying. Real, pure passion. You really love it. That's my thing. And yeah, so the 2012 Miracle in Medina where the Europeans chased down

the biggest choke job in Ryder Cup history. Hunter Mahan duffing in the 2010 Ryder Cup for no reason. I do that, Hunter. You don't do that. And they haven't won on European soil since 1993. It's a long

thing. But I hadn't felt that level of just annoyance. Animosity. Since philly's brace you know what i mean like i just you're ready for it you're ready to be back like they're sinking 40 footers and like they kicked our ass yeah well they had a chance and then whatever um there was they're about they were about to almost sweep the the last six matches, but Ricky hit one in the water. Anyway, I was just like,

they're killers. 2025, Bethpage Black, we're going to kill the Europeans, and I can't wait for it. Sure, that was where I was expecting that to go. I'm sure Dave Shaw appreciates this conversation. Shout out to Dave Shaw. He's coming over.

It's going to be awesome. We're not talking about the Ryder Cup, me and Dave. I don't know if he cares about the Ryder Cup. He probably doesn't. He's coming over. Yes, yes. It's going to be awesome. We're not talking about the Ryder Cup, me and Dave. No. I don't know if he cares about the Ryder Cup. Probably doesn't. He's a baseball guy. I know. But it's like Rory, killer.

John Romp, killer. Victor Hovland, killer. It's like Acuna Albies and Riley. It's exactly the same. Olsen, I guess. Yeah. Olsen's pretty good. I know. I hate to admit it, but dude's pretty good.

Who do I hate to admit more, Olsen or Riley? Riley is your all-timer. All-timer. But I actually think Olsen, like for Riley, at first it was real, and then it became a bit you couldn't deny how good he was. I think with Olsen, like until this year, you really didn't think he was good. Well, I didn't. I know, I know.

I also, I just don't put him in the Braves, like, hatred category. Yeah. Because he hasn't had enough back-breaking hits against us. Like, you've got to go through some pain, you know, to really be a Brave. I mean, we beat him last year. Like, the one time, like, we really played him in big games, we beat Matt Olsen. I know. I mean, did he hit a home run down there in game two?

I don't think so. Maybe he did. I don't remember it, though. No, he's a different player this year. Yeah, he was unreal. Pretty good. 54 homers, 137 RBI Yeah he was unreal. Pretty good. 54 homers 137 RBI or whatever it

was. Pretty good. So yeah tomorrow Tuesday Phil's playoffs back. Let's go. All right. We got to do

another pod. Check us out on the the ringer Philly special pod. We're going to join you like right now. Yes. Three minutes ago

four minutes ago. But check us out on that and then tomorrow if you're at the ballpark come say hi if not check us on WIP after And then tomorrow, if you're at the ballpark, come say hi. If not, check us on WIP after. The pot will be in the

feed. And obviously, don't let the Phils beat the Marlins. Don't let the Phils beat the Marlins. He's for it himself, sir.