High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Even Though We Recorded This Early, The Phillies Have Won Five Straight Games

Episode Date: June 8, 2023

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz discuss the Phillies recent hot stretch and predict a fifth-straight win for Thursday night. 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. The rare Jack Fritz. Thanks to, you know, not being able to see when you walk outside or breathe.

The rare mid-series. We never do this. We're in the middle of a series right now, Bob. Well, we never do it. Because I don't like doing it. I know. This is my fault. So inside baseball.

Apologize to the listeners for your it. I know. This is my fault. So inside baseball, your boy has to drive to- Apologize to the listeners for your actions. I will. I have to drive to Borgata tomorrow morning at like three in the morning to do the show. Joe's out. I'm in. So Jack was like, let's do it after the game tonight. And I said, absolutely not. You knew I said that with a smile, right?

I know you did. I know you weren't very serious, but I was like, no chance. Zero percent chance. And I got eight text messages about it, which is always my favorite. I kept going on I'm like Jack I had to get one point I sent like 3 tags

And then I'm like Jack I'm like seriously though man Like this schedule's crushing me man Like I can't do I was like breaking down Yep And I said well that's fine But we're doing it tomorrow night

Yeah I know And then that's what I need You're just messing with me Well we're here now Hey you know what Rare we get to do a pod Coming off a win So we'll take it.

Let me put it this way. Let me make this very clear for you and everyone out there listening. Good. If they lose, tonight's season's over. Like, they're not, like, they cannot lose a game where Zach Wheeler's on the mound versus some guy named Reese Olsen. Never heard of him. Legit, legit never heard of him.

Like, Nick Maton's batting four for this Tigers team. Dude, the whole lineup, it's like a bunch of guys batting two hundo. And I can't believe, and I loved Torkelson coming out. I cannot believe how bad. He was the number one pick in the draft. He was the number one pick in the draft. He's a lock to be great. He's terrible.

I mean, great name, Tork. Oh, my God. Torkelson, big power hitter. It all makes sense. So, like, let's just make this, but like I, we are operating. You don't have one guy. I'm scared of not one.

Like Javi Baez is a shell of himself. And he, the, his swing against Sir Anthony the other night was one of the funniest swings. I saw someone tweet and I apologize who it was, but it was like some version of this makes Nick Cassianos last year. Look like an all-star.

That's how bad it was. And being a, having to be a Tiger just sounds like a miserable time. It does. It really does. I think I'd rather play, well, I guess besides Oakland. The A's. But they're going to Vegas. And you get cool uniforms out there.

You're wearing the green and gold. I would say Tigers, White Sox are probably the two that I would least like to play. Yeah, White Sox, I agree with you, especially the White Sox, because you're like the littlest team in town. Yeah. No one cares about you in that town. They can move, and people will be like, eh, what? I know!

We'll be all right. Cubs are still there? All right, cool. Like Riley Green, he's hurt. I think he's pretty good. Sure. But other than that. Isn't he also the first pick in the draft?

No. He was top five. He was a high good. Sure. But other than that. Isn't he also the first pick in the draft? No. He was top five. He was a high pick. Yeah. Well, they went Torkelson, Riley Green. Oh, Casey Mize. Casey Mize was hurt. Jackson Jobe, who I like.

What's his name? Josh Jobe. Sorry, Jackson Jobe. Josh Jobe, yeah. No, Josh Jobe is the eagle. Jackson Jobe is the eagle. Josh Jobe is the eagle, for sure. Correct.

And Josh Jung is the ranger. Yes. But yeah, they just, I mean, for the amount of top five picks they have, for where they are, and the bias signing was viewed as, which was insane at the time anyway. So dumb in the moment. So yeah, they are bad. And like, I'm just kind of operating on they're going to win tonight. Yeah.

Oh yeah. They're going to win tonight. And if they don't, it's obviously terrible, and I don't care that they took two of three already and already won the series. Like, go out and sweep the Tigers. That's what I said. I said it before the series. I was like, no, we do two of three here. I need to sweep here.

Like, after what we saw, you know, prior to winning two in a row against the freaking Nationals, woohoo, like, was so bad and so upsetting that, yeah, you need to sweep the Tigers. I'm sorry, especially because you put yourself in a hole. And I know there's a long season left to go, and you made a great point, which I will not steal from you and I'll let you make, because if you're looking for some hope with the Phillies, maybe look ahead a little bit. But you've got to sweep the Tigers.

You have to. You've ruined too many games. You've lost too many games against bad teams. You have to take advantage here. You do. You do. And especially with who you have on the mound. Yes have to. You've ruined too many games. You've lost too many games against bad teams. You have to take advantage here. You do. You do. And especially with who you have on the mound. Yes, exactly. And I think there's this whole... And maybe

I'm giving people too much credit here. I just feel like they didn't watch the national start for Wheeler. He was not great, but also there was a lot of leaders and bad defense. And bad defense. especially bad defense. He just got done throwing eight shutty against the Braves in Atlanta.

I'll give him one bad start before I'm like, well, see, you had no idea what you were getting out of Wheeler. Again, making this very simple. I don't need to beat around the bush. Tonight's a win, and they swept the Tigers, and now we're on to the Dodgers, which if you want to bring this city, like, and it's actually,

it's fascinating, man. They got 36,000 there. People keep showing up. Oh, and the funny thing, too, they have shown up at home for the most part. Like, they've actually been a pretty decent opening. They're tied for the least amount of home games this year. That's what I mean.

And they're what, like a 6-6 above or something like that at home? They've just been a complete and total disaster on the road. They're like 10 under on the road. So yeah, but I am surprised with the overall record, the way they played. The people keep showing up. Especially against the Tigers. Yes! In midweek! Midweek against the Tigers. So, I just think

that, you know, the discussion in the last week and a half has been like, oh, they're going to fall apart. The season's over. They can't turn this around. There's a lot of things going wrong. And the discussion this week is obviously when they win, people feel better about the team.

That's just naturally how it's going to go. It's human nature. Pretty obvious. And I feel better about the team too. But there's definitely a part of me that's like, you got it. Go show up this weekend

and take two or three before I'm like banging the drum. We start using the B word. Yeah, the B word's nowhere closer. B word's not. Well, it's close. It's three games against the Dodgers from being. Yeah, if they win tonight and they either sweep the Dodgers

or win two of three in emphatic fashion, we will consider saying the B word on Monday. Well, that's a self-restance. Whatever it is. I mean, I've been, so full disclosure, it's been hard for me. Oh, I know. Not to use it. Really struggling here.

And I've even brought the bit onto the final out. Oh, nice. Which I'm sure resonates well with our WIP listeners. Sure. You know what? I'm talking about the B word. Who cares? And they're like, what's he talking about?

I know. That just shows who we care about the most. Exactly. What it is. Exactly. It's not the best radio, but it's something that I feel like I can't look the High Hopes listeners in the eyes if I go on final out saying the B word. So I don't want to do that.

It's a good job by you. Thank you. I'm very wary and conscious of the word at this point. So good luck, again, good luck trying to keep me down and keep me grounded if they go out and they take 2-3 this weekend against the Dodgers. And I'll be throwing the B word around like it's nothing. Well, look, Dodgers just lost two in a row to the Reds, right? Yeah, well, that's because the best prospect in baseball came up

and changed the game. Yeah, he's fun, man. Yeah. He's a big boy, too. I didn't realize how big he was. Well, he's like O'Neal Cruz except good. Oh, shots at O'Neal. O'Neal was pretty good before he got hurt. He's shorter than O'Neal, though. Well, yeah, O'Neal's like O'Neal Cruz, except good. Oh, shots at O'Neal. O'Neal was pretty good before he got hurt.

He's shorter than O'Neal, though. Well, yeah, O'Neal's like 6'7". 6'7"! But this guy's a 6'5", 200-pound shortstop. Listen, the game's changed. Let's just put it that way. So, I mean, between him and Matt McClain and Jonathan India, they got some guys.

They got some guys. They got some dudes there. And I like... And the pitchers. I mean, they got some dudes. I mean, you know. I like that the ballpark's going to fill up a little bit more out there. You know, I'm a big traditionalist when it comes to baseball.

Well, the Will Bunsen, Homer, like, that was fun last night. It was. That was fun to watch. It was a good Reds talk by us. Way too much. It is a lot of Reds talk. It does show, though. Like, all right, you boys know what they're talking about.

It was just... I just... I like seeing... Because the Reds are obviously one of the founding. The founding. Yeah. The original franchise. And their opening day parade is special. And I think their ownership is, I hate what they said last year about, well, you can leave.

Yep. Which is annoying. So I want the fans. Long history of poor Reds ownership. Yes, I would say that. Maybe the worst. The worst of all time. Yeah. Mar would say that. Like maybe the worst. Like the worst of all time. Yeah, March shot.

Top one. Awful. But you said something the other day on the morning show that I totally agreed with that I meant to bring up to you is that, and you and I

are completely aligned on this. It's why I'm rooting for the Jets this year as like one of my other teams is I like seeing tortured fan bases succeed. Thank you. They made fun of me on the morning.

I've said that on my CBS show. Thank you. I root for it. Now, I don't think that Nuggets have been Nuggets fan. No, but look, if you're a Nuggets fan your whole life, they've never won one. If that's your squad, I feel for you, man. Because that was us.

And still is us. Let's be honest, all right? I know what it's like to be a tortured fan. I feel for you. 52 years for Super Bowl. You're damn right, buddy be a tortured fan. I feel for you. 52 years for a Super Bowl. You're damn right, buddy. So, yeah, I'm with you on that. So I like seeing fans have hope again.

Me too, man. I think that just goes to show how good of guys we are. I think so too. Just good people. Just good people. You know, naturally good people. Sometimes I give off the aura that I might not be. But I would say.

You actually are. Yes. You're a good guy. Don't let anyone know nah I don't want anyone to know that but decent human being who loves his kid

yes man do you love your kid walkie it's a beautiful thing well that's what I was trying to I said this I think it was once

in a Go Birds spot it was like my final thought and I was like this is going to be a very Elliot final thought because simple and I think obvious are you calling me

as Elliot just that he's a very... Just take a little shot, Elliot. He's a simple thinker. Well, no, his final thoughts sometimes can be really ridiculous, but I was like, this isn't Elliot's final thought, but I was like, man, I just really love my kid. How do people function with how much love they...

How are you away from your kid and not thinking about him all the time? I just don't get it. Yeah, although the phase that we're going through now is anytime that I hold him, because Jill's obviously home with him all day.. I just don't get it. Yeah. Although the phase that we're going through now is anytime that I hold him because Jill's obviously home with him all day. Ah, this is a tough one. And again,

he starts crying. It's like, well, hold on, buddy. Come on, pal. I'm right here. Yeah. I get that. For only a little bit of time.

You can go back to mommy whenever. I totally get that. That's a tough spot. It's a tough spot. Well, especially me because I need people to like me. Yeah, tell me about it. I know, buddy.

I know. I can't even get the approval of my kid. What are we doing here? Who I already have layout dreams for to live vicariously through. You send videos and pictures and you love the kid. Love you

back a little bit. He's the best. Alright, I don't know how we got on. I don't know. How about the Phils? You know what else? How about Miller Lite? Shout out to Miller Lite. Presented by Miller Lite. The Miller Lite account of the week. We're going to dive into the Phils in a know what else? How about Miller Lite? Yes, always. Shout out to Miller Lite. Presented by Miller Lite. The Miller Lite Account of the Week. And we're going to dive into the Phils in a sec.

Miller Lite Account of the Week. Shout out to Appetites on Main. Oh, I love Appetites on Main. I was just about to say the same thing. It's a great spot. Today's Miller Lite Bar of the Week is Appetites on Main in Exton, where you can watch all the Phillies games with $3. Miller Lite Draft Special.

Go to AppetitesOnMain.com. Shout out to Miller Lite. We love Miller Lite. All right, let's talk some Phillies. Let's get into this. We do have two games to react to since we last spoke, and then we'll look ahead, obviously, to a big series this weekend and a clear win tonight.

I love how, and granted, you know, he did end with giving up the three-run homer to Nicky Mayne. But it is funny. I'm like, oh, Nola's look, you know, even when he's been good, he hasn't been really that good this season. And then he throws six and two-thirds, no hit. Yeah. No big deal. Thoughts? Yeah. He was, he's very good. I didn't think

he was like, it didn't feel in watching it, it felt more like the Tigers sucked than Nola was amazing. Yeah, but it's... Is that fair? But it also felt like old Nola. It felt like last year Nola, where it's like, he's just gonna go out and be good. Totally. And I don't really have to stress about him. I was surprised he allowed the home run to Maiton. I was more like... Really? Yeah, I was like... I was like, oh, Nola, where it's like he's just going to go out and be good. Totally. And I don't really have to stress about him. I was surprised he allowed the home run to Maton. I was more like.

Really? Yeah, I was like. I was like, oh, this is definitely going out right here. You just felt like it. I was like, Maton, of course. Didn't see it coming. So that's on me. Wow, that shows something.

I know. I let my guard down. Didn't see it coming. I said, I was almost kicked my feet up worthy with the fills, which is always a mistake. Big time. The interesting part. Unless they're in the playoffs in 2022 until the World Series. Yeah, and everything's fine.

The interesting part about Nola and his start. So if you look at all of his rolling numbers, so if you believe that stuff like on fan graphs and stuff, everything's kind of getting back to last year, which is a good sign if you want to believe in this team turning around and getting on a run. Because it's necessary. We've talked so many times. Rob Thompson admitted it on your show yesterday. He said it on our show. He was very blunt

about it. He was almost too blunt. He's like, yeah, he's like, we're not going anywhere without those two guys. I was like, okay. You're right. You're right. But also, calm down, Topper. Chill out. Yeah. And then he also said, well, frankly, I want Turner batting too. I know. I couldn't believe it.

Like, he is almost obnoxiously honest. And I love it. I mean, he's great. Like the other day when they were in the midst of the struggles, before they went into the tube, they asked him, like, what's going on with, you know, like, I can't remember specific whether it was like Noah Irvin. He goes, I don't know. He literally said, I don't know is an answer to a question at press conference.

I was like, Rob. Now, it is his country's fault that we are not playing baseball. That was a funny, he had a really funny, he's like, Canadians. Yeah, am I right? God, just please be good. He's so great. Like, he is as likable a manager as we have had. It's Doug.

It's Doug. It's like Doug. And even then, he even seems more, and like Doug had this too, but he seems even more innocent than Doug. It's like Doug. And even then, he even seems more, and like Doug had this too, and he seems even more innocent than Doug. Like Rob Thompson seems like just a Canadian, like just a sweet, nice man. Well, the funniest. Who's managing a major league baseball. The funniest was, and I just, I want him to be here for a while. Like I don't want to have to deal with every year like Fire Thompson.

Me too. I genuinely, genuinely hope he stays. But speaking of that, we were down in Clearwater, and we were at one of these Phillies parties thing, and Ike didn't know, because he's so used to seeing him in his uniform. So unassuming. Yeah. Thompson's just standing there.

Ike was talking to him for a couple minutes, and he's like, oh, hold on. He's like, hold on. You're on Thompson. Sorry, I didn't recognize you without the uniform on. And Rob's like,'s okay yeah well I will say in the uh you know let's say like 20 to 30 seconds I talk to him every other Wednesday he's so nice man like I'm like Rob things he's like oh I'm so happy to do it great to talk to you again like he's like just genuinely super nice so I'm

with you man like I'm rooting so let's talk about Topper because he has had a rough go of it for the most part this season, but I think players really let him down. Where are you at with Topper? Because there have been, for the first time, and granted, you know, prior to this four-game winning streak, literal calls on WIP, people saying, fire Topper. And that's crazy.

But where are you at with Rob? I just, you know, like last year, the problem with Girardi was the young players didn't like him. He played old players all the time and he was making

decisions that were costing the team games. And I just didn't feel like the players liked, they felt his tension. Totally.

I mean, Castellanos' comments recently just basically burned Exactly. So what I feel about this year's team is I think that they, so I think if John

Middleton came down and talked to Bryce Harper and was like, should we fire Rob Thompson is I think that they like if so I think if John Middleton came down and talked to Bryce Harper and was like would we should we fire Rob Thompson I think Bryce would say no this is on us do not fire Rob we like playing for him whereas last year I think that he wouldn't like yeah get this guy out of here he is a drag to be around as a person so I just I think that there's more I think there's definitely more players that are taking this on themselves. And with Rob Thompson, it's like sometimes we have to take a step back. He's missing a 30 and 100 guy at first base. Right before the season started, no less.

A lot of his offensive players are not playing up to their capabilities. Other than Cassiano and Harper, I guess, but no power. He also missed them on. Yeah, and no power. Which is obviously because he's still injured. Right, right. That's no power. But he also missed a month. Yeah, and no power. Which is obviously because he's still injured. Right, right. That's the point. So he has no fifth starter.

His third starter was coming back and is just getting back now. Yeah, he still has an ERA over five. His one and two have been up and down. Tyler Walker, although last four starts, two, three, five ERA, which is good. He's been, yeah. So he's fine. In the last start, we'll get to it There's just a lot of stuff here

To where it's like, I can't Last year I felt like Girardi was legitimately Costing them games The decision on Friday to put Brogdon in over Sir Anthony Was a bad decision But at the same time, Saturday he navigated a bullpen game And he put Drew Ellison

And he did change the lineup around And put Schwarber back up top And put Turner for time, Saturday, he navigated a bullpen game and he, and he put Drew Ellison and, and he did change the lineup around and put Schwarber back up top and put Turner for, so he's trying things. I don't think he's being stubborn for the sake of being, uh, for the sake of being stubborn. So I'm in on Thompson. I believe he's smart. And what I like recently that I, that, that it's, and I can't tell if the first month and a half of the season, it was more just players wanting to do their own thing i liked

it recently we're hearing more about the biomechanics found this on turner and they made a tweet they made a tweak to tylen walker's arsenal they made a tweak like so i was going to mention this on nola he threw one cut or he threw no cutters wow on on monday so like they're trying to find the right mix for these guys to get the most out of them. And it's not so much Thompson that I believe in, even though I do and I like what he does. You believe in the infrastructure.

I believe in the infrastructure. And I don't want to deter that route that they're on. The Brian Kaplan, the Caleb Cotham, the Kevin Long and the biomechanics. And I believe in the whole core of this thing, riding the ship and getting these guys all moving the right direction. Yeah. I think it's really well said.

And I totally agree with you. And look, I think, you know, I think people got, I think people went too far with the Rob Thompson thing. It's just, there's,

and I don't, there's a lot of people that hopped on during the playoff run last year. Yeah. That, that like, that, that are just like, you don't watch baseball every year.

They're not doing what they did last year. Get them out of here. Yeah, you're right. So without, you know, like looking at all the circumstances surrounding the team. So I just call it deep breaths. Just everyone, deep breaths. And I hope that now that the starters are kind of rounding into form,

line up maybe the fouls on the here with cleanup hitter Trey Turner. Of course. It's what we predicted. Just like we always thought. You know where the 237 hitter should hit with four home runs? Cleanup. Let's put him at four. Seems like a good spot for him.

And the bullpen, like, dude. It keeps being good. I'm trying. I swear I'm trying. I'm trying not to get too. because the freaking, it's all there. Well, the bullpen thing is especially unbelievable. They're getting Jose Alvarado back. But that's my point.

It's like they had their best stretch of the season without the best reliever in baseball. So Jose Alvarado, don't bring him back. Oh, overrated? Yeah, traded. Makes teammates worse. I mean, look, Craig Kimbrell, it's like I feel completely confident when he comes into the end of a game. Like, that's crazy.

I never would have expected that. I know. I know, and especially the way that he started the year. I feel super confident. Like, he came in last night and what was it, the 1-0 game? I'm like, yep. Game over. That's how I felt, though.

How crazy is that? You want to know what makes it even worse? We talk a lot about my sick brain Just saying Feels a lot like 08 Lidge Feels a lot like 08 Lidge Where it's good morning Good afternoon

Good night Craig freaking Kimbrell I can't believe we're here It's the most shocking thing that's happened all season. I sat there on Wednesday, right? Yeah. Tuesday. Tuesday.

And it was like 1-0. Kimbrel's got it. Yeah. Which I guess. It's the same way. It's like this is a little little Lidge-y like. Oh my God.

It's unbelievable. And then Ben Sir Anthony back like flat out back. And you can't convince and there hasn't been any stories about this. I don't know this. But you can't convince me that part of the reason why

Kimbrell looks like he adds more juice and everything looks like everything's plus now is part of Cotham Kaplan and what they've done with him. Of course. And he's thrown more strikes than I feel like he has in the last couple years. There's a lot of good little pieces here that they can just get this thing rolling that they can work their way.

I mean, they're three games under.500, three and a half out of the wild card. The A's just took through a three from the Pirates. I know. Unbelievable. So, yeah, it's just, I know it's the Tigers. I know it's the Nationals. Pirates, I think the A's have won back-to-back series.

Unbelievable. Who let the A's get hot? I've been saying that for years. Yeah, their run differential is only like minus 195 now. It's amazing. It's not too bad. By the way, speaking of run differential, need the Phils to figure it out.

How much does that kill you? Well, it's like negative 45. They're one of the worst in the National League run differentials. And when they only win 1-0, it goes to 44. Which is crazy, too, because they have had a couple big wins this year, too. Like, they had the 15-3 one or whatever, 16-3. I know they've had a couple big losses, too, but still. I know.

It's rough. It is rough. So I'd prefer if they got that back. Get some big wins. Yeah. I don't want to head into the playoffs with a negative run. Yeah, we care about it. We shouldn't, but we do.

Well, because it does. Ultimately matter. It does kind of symbolize what type of team you are. We shouldn't, but we do. Well, because it does ultimately matter. It does kind of symbolize what type of team you are. Yes. Ultimately on a basic level, it all averages

out. All right, let's get to Taiwan because easily, in my opinion, I know he's had a couple good ones, but I thought the besties look as a Philly.

I mean, that splitter was, you know, that was awesome. Like, that was a devastating pitch and the velocity looked good. It's my favorite pitch

in baseball. It was devastating. It was a devastating pitch. And then on top good. It's my favorite pitch in baseball. It was devastating. It was a devastating pitch. And then on top of that, you know, it didn't look like he was, like, in pain every pitch he threw, too, which was a positive. Your thoughts on Tywin the other night? Well, so I guess they made some tweaks in the bullpen,

in his last bullpen after the Mets start, which is good. And I guess that they wanted to get him in more of a rhythm on the mound so that he was not feeling as stiff. And, I mean, he went from averaging like 92 on his fastball in the Mets start to back up to like 95. Yeah, it was 94-95. Which was surprising. So if they can get that, I mean, obviously, who knows with Taiwan at this point

if they can get that every start. But I will say, I mean, a 2-3-5 ERA in four starts is not nothing. every start but i will say i mean a two three five era and four stars is not nothing so you know it's not it might be nothing but it's not not nothing sure so you know so he was throwing harder which i think is important because i just think that when you have the splitter it needs to be off of at like 90 plus like 93 plus it's. It's just more of a devastating pitch rather than an okay pitch. And he felt like he was throwing everything with more intent.

He felt way more confident. He was filling up the zone more and more, mixing some good cutters. So they made a tweak. They figured something out. And just hopefully he can get on a little bit of a run here and we're not having to look at Zac Eflin's ERA every single time. 297, by the way. I having to look at Zach Eflin's ERA every, every single time.

297 by the way. I will say owning Zach Eflin in both my fantasy leagues. Yep. Thanks Jack Fritz for that. Yep. Thank the Rays. Thank the Rays. He's been great.

Yeah. He has been a joy to own. And of course he's going to stay healthy. He's already missed time this year. Yeah. Like a 297 ERA. He's like nine and two or whatever it is. Yeah.

Yep. So, uh, but it was good. He was, he was, he was throwing a lot of strikes. He was throwing hard. He's throwing missed time this year He's like 9-2 or whatever it is But it was good He was throwing a lot of strikes He was throwing hard He was throwing with intent And the splitter just looked nastier When it's off of 95 Than when it's off of 91 And you don't have to throw it all the time

You need to have that threat He needs to have the threat of the fastball So it was good It's the Tigers He has the Dodgers this weekend And that's the whole thing with this It's fun, it's good We It's the Tigers. He has the Dodgers this weekend. Well, exactly right. And that's the whole thing with this where it's like the Nationals, the Tigers. It's fun.

It's good. We need to win baseball games. But especially with the way the season's been, I mean, we talked about it last time, but in fact, they've had what? They've had two six-game losing streaks, a five-game losing streak, a four-game losing streak. That's the concern is that right around the corner, especially with the better teams picking up.

We'll get to your thing in a sec. Trey Turner. Best game is a Philly four for five with a couple of dongs. The second homer. When he smoked the ball on his last at-bat. Yeah, he did. And look, the second homer, that was a real home run right there. You don't see many.

Second deck that side of the park almost ever. We had Ruben. We had Ruben Amaro in the next day, and he said that's one of the farthest balls I've ever seen at the left field at Citizen Bank Park. Well. And he's seen a lot of games at Citizen Bank Park. Well, Worth is the one that I felt like got there a couple times. Yeah. And we've seen, like, Stanton.

Well, not. Back when he was Mike. Our players. Our guys. Like, we've seen some guys hit there. Not, like, Stanton against, like, David Buchanan. Do you remember some of those shots? Oh, my God, dude. Oh, just tanked. Destroyed. Like, we're talking about our guys. Like, we've seen some guys hit there. Not, like, stand against, like, David Buchanan. Do you remember some of those shots? Oh, my God, dude.

Oh, just tanked. Destroyed. Like, literal. Just, like, unbelievable. I was at one of those games. I think he hit two in the game. And, like, I, honestly, I don't ever remember being at a game where a ball got out faster. Where I was just like, whoa.

How did that, like, that was, okay. Yeah. It's like a half a second. It's like, all right. It's in center, like, center field bleachers. Like, Schwarber in San Diego. Yeah, exactly like that. You're exactly right. Yeah. Like, that's what it felt like a half a second. It's like, all right, it's in centerfield bleachers. Like Schwarber in San Diego. Yeah, exactly like that. You're exactly right.

Yeah, that's what it felt like, that feeling. Yeah. So it's very rare that we see balls hit that far. It's that part of the sport. He's so small. It's unbelievable, yeah. He's wiry. He's a little guy.

He's a little guy. So that was worth it. It was worth in the second deck. And that's impressive. And the biomechanics change and all that, because you alluded to that before with the pitching, and that's apparently what happened. Kevin Long found something in there, went to the biomechanics.

No, I thought the biomechanics came to Kevin Long. So not, I wasn't sure which way it went. Well, I think Kevin Long was like, can you guys look at him? That's what happened, because we had Rob Thompson talk about it on the show, and that's what he said. He said that Kevin Long went to the biomechanics guy and said, hey, can you take a look at this? They found something, and boom, like that.

Is it that simple? Like, is it that simple? Is it just that Trey Turner was wrong mechanically? Is that possible? Yes, 100%. It's 100%. It's the only thing that, like, makes sense. It's not the freaking contract. It's not the... It's not the... It's not your

bull crap about they're humans. They are humans. I'm just kidding. Don't forget it. I'm just kidding. You believe in that. I do. But Believe in it like they might not actually be. They might not be. They might not be. And they could be robots. They could be AI. That's right. They all could be AI out there. Hey, soon enough.

I know. Soon enough we're not even going to host a High Hopes podcast. No, it'll be our voices over all the years.'ll they'll mimic it and say what we they think we would say oh you know the first honestly it's probably not gonna be that bad you know the first thing the ai generated thing is me saying who let the phil's get hot now if they start bleeping out the b word then it's like wow it's like wow you guys shout out to ai all right you know what take over the world no no Put an end to it, please. I'm over it.

I will say, a little over it, too. Yeah, well, I'm over it. So there are real positives that can come out of it. Like health stuff. Don't take over the world. Don't give him control of important stuff. Hey, new codes, let's not put that in AI's hands.

It's a thought. But with Turner, back to baseball just a just a quick detour in ai now we're back no one's more on top of ai stuff than you and i we're very educated on this yeah like really i've read a lot of academic papers on this yep done a lot of research yep my conclusion is bad anyway um but trey turner like, apparently they fixed his coil. Coil. Coil. That's it. Coil's the word.

Big coil guy. I know. But you know what's funny is with him, I see it. Like, it totally makes sense. Like, it's all about that coil that he has when he, like, loads up and comes across the It reminds me of Bichette. Like, watching Bo Bichette hit, he's very coily. Could he play like Bo Bichette?

That'd be sweet. Dude. I love Bo Bichette. I know. Dude's awesome. I love Bo Bichette. Like, watching Bo Bichette hit, he's very coily. Could he play like Bo Bichette? That'd be sweet. Dude, I love Bo Bichette. I know, he's awesome. I love Bo Bichette. But either way, like, it looks like the coil, everything just looks more powerful. And he looks more crouched,

which I think is helping get his legs involved. I can't break down hitting. No. But the coil does matter when it comes to generating power. And he does look more crouched, there's no question.

100% looks more crouched. And even in the game, even the game Tuesday night, which was obviously The coil does matter when it comes to generating power. And he does look more crouched. There's no question. 100% looks more crouched. And even in the game Tuesday night, which was obviously the wind was just blowing. He should have had a home run then. Dude, so first of all, they should have had like five. Like the Harper one, like that was, are you kidding me? Also, quick detour on Bryce. You don't need to go punch stuff if you're right on. I know.

I was like, bro, that was like five inches from being a home run. Like relax, all right? Throwing your helmet, punching the wall. Like, that's how people get hurt, Bryce. But he is hurt. Another great point. That's my point. You haven't.

It could be anybody don't do that. On Monday night, you were shaking out your elbow, and I was already writing the obituary on the season. Yeah, that's a great point by you. Like, you are freaking hurt, man. Be smart. I know you went into Colorado and started that fight. Like, I didn't like that either. You're right. This is a really good point by you. You have freaking hurt, man. Be smart. I know you went into Colorado and started that fight. I didn't like that either.

You're right. This is a really good point by you. You have a tear in your elbow. You still wear a freaking huge brace when you run the bases, bro. Don't punch the wall, Bryce. I love you. Calm down. I appreciate

how much the dude cares. I really do, but very with you. Just be a little smarter. Yeah, be smarter. Dude, by the way, his bass running is so funny to me. Oh, it's so, it's just, he doesn't give,

he gives no bleeps. He just is like, I'm going. Yeah. You know Tom's sitting there like, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. If it's like, dude, you'll hit it like,

everyone in the world is like, all right, that's a single. Everyone on the planet, and he's getting thrown out second. They're like, wait, what happened, Bryce? It's like every time, man. It's like, take a freaking single, man. You just want the slugging percentage up always.

I don't know what it is. He's got to get that slugging up. I think he's intense, man. That's my big take on Bryce. And I love it. That's part of the reason he's throwing his helmet against the wall and punching the wall. We take it, right?

Oh, yeah. I'd rather the he's throwing his helmet against the wall and punching the wall. We take it, right? Oh, yeah. I'd rather the dumb base running and the punching the wall for the competitive psycho that he is. Yes. But even the double against the Padres in the playoffs, I was kind of like, is he going to get there? Dude, every time I am. And he rarely does.

Honestly, it's like one out of eight times he gets the double. It's like, dude. Yeah. It's only okay when a run score is like, all right, at least we got the run up. At least we got the run up. Like the other night. Yep.

But, yeah, but Turner, like, he looks really good. He just looks good. Like, I'm not worried about Trey Turner anymore. Like, frankly, I know that a lot of people will be like, oh, he could go back into the swoon. I think that's over. I think for the next three months, four months of the season, however long it lasts, we're going to see the real Trey Turner.

And the fact that you get Trey Turner, I mean, it's like getting... Should we bleep that? Is that okay? Oh, no, no, no, no. I think it's too matter-of-fact. So I think we need to bleep it. I'm going to bleep it.

But the fact that... I think we're going to see the good version of Trey Turner for the next couple months. And I think that's just such a game changer. What a massive game changer. Because he was bad. I mean, him in the two hole, it was like... It was just like... It was disheartening.

Dude, he had like a... His OBP was under 300. Trey freaking Turner. I know. You know? I mean... What else can you say? And especially if they do stick with this lineup.

And I don't know if they will. I mean, Cassie Anderson got hit everywhere at this point. So for what it's worth, Thompson on with us yesterday, it sounded like he did not want to stay with this lineup. Like the way he talked about it, he was like, yeah, it's working now. He's like, it was something to the effect of like, hopefully we'll get it back. It was on the Turner question when he said it right off the second. He was, like, talking about the lineup working now,

but Cassie's been hitting there. He's like, hopefully we'll get it back to where it should be or something like that was what he said. So I think in his head he's not planning on this, but obviously if they keep hitting, you know. Whatever it takes. Whatever it takes. So, but in a perfect world,

if you can get him back to two being Trey Turner, and then you go Schwarber, Turner, Harper, Castellanos. JT, I think, looks great right now. Way better. Way better. And they apparently fixed that Saturday in Washington. You start to see the makings of this offense becoming the force that we thought we were getting this entire season.

I don't really have this fear that Trey Turner is going to go back into being the bad version of himself. I think for the next, for the rest of the season, we're going to see the good, good, good, very good Trey Turner, and it's just going to help them a ton. Oh, my God. It's such a mess. I mean, you're talking about getting one of the best players in baseball

playing one of the best players in baseball for your team. You always make that, oh, trade deadline acquisition. You get a healthy player back. This is like getting one of the best players in baseball back your team. We always make that, oh, trade deadline acquisition. You get a healthy player back. This is like getting one of the best players in baseball back. It's huge. It's huge. Anything else on the offense hitting you? I mean, Cassianos just keeps crushing, man.

So, you know, a lot of people are starting to talk about all-star. I mean, like right now, Cassianos is the Phillies all-star. Like he's the guy who's making the all-star game. And what did I say when the Phillies season, they lost game six of the World Series? I said, Nick, Cassianos

is going to be an all-star next year. You did. Right in the, as soon as, you're right. Never a doubt. Look at you. Never a doubt. Finally got one right,

even though no one remembers it. The problem was that everyone was on board by that. Like, I remember they did like a poll in the midday show or whatever. It was like, do you expect a bounce back season from Cassianos? It was like 80-something percent said yes.

And I was like, wait, when? And we were all right. But I just didn't expect that. Yep, which is good to see. I'm proud of everyone. Me too, buddy. Me too. Proud of everyone.

Yeah, I mean, Stott down in the lineup, it's kind of, he's almost like the second leadoff hitter now. It's almost like Stott, Marsh, whatever they do there. I don't love two lefties in that portion in the lineup, it's kind of, he's almost like the second leadoff hitter now. It's almost like Stott, Marsh, whatever they do there. I don't love two lefties in that portion of the lineup. I'd rather find someone that can break him up. But, you know, I think he should be fine wherever he is in the lineup. But regardless. God, it is.

Just as you're talking about the lineup, and we see him in the dugout the other night and stuff. Like, Reese in that lineup changes everything. It's just such a difference maker. I know. lineup and you know we see him in the dugout the other night and stuff like reason that line changes everything like oh like it's just such a difference maker i know i'm glad he's back around me too it was really nice to see him that i'd love the beard all that stuff it looks good and now that the now he's off crutches i'm sure he'd be around way more i do wonder he probably won't but i wonder if they'll bring him on road trips i doubt it i doubt it yeah but i mean look if he says i want to go they might i guess he has to do like pt and all that stuff here i mean he could do it on the road it's probably easier the place he always doesn't know what do you think

joe brought this up on the air today to camera i thought it was an interesting point because we talked a lot about whether we think he'll be back after the season obviously free agent at the end of the season um kind of the idea that because originally we're like oh the injury hurts his value and it does like i think he will make less on the open market than he would have had he not gotten hurt but regardless i don't think it'll be a massive difference but it'll matter but joe pointing out that like kind of him being out has shown really how valuable he was to the release so like what do you make of that in terms of of the off season for hoskins yeah i i can't tell i i i thought when he got hurt it

was gonna make him I thought there's a better chance he's gonna come back oh yeah because I thought it'd be like our one year prove a deal that you're healthy and this and that and go back whatever yeah and I still feel that way and the one thing that I think is interesting is how much like Rob Thompson was like I love having that guy around I know and it seems like all those guys I love having that guy around and ultimately I, I think that stuff matters. Totally. I mean, we've seen the void in leadership a lot early this season, and especially when it's like to

a man in the clubhouse, when everyone's just especially, we talked about a lot when he went down, you know, we talked about, you know, it's going to hurt the lineup and, you know, maybe they're going to get an approximation of it, but losing that guy in that clubhouse is what's going to matter most, and I think we've seen that. It has mattered.

And I think that Reese just provides more value to the Phillies than he does on most teams. Because he's from here. Not from here, but he came up through the farm system. He's part of it. He's part of the fabric of this group of guys. Reese Hoskins is a Philly. Yeah.

He's a Philly. No, you're right. But at the same time, Burrell was a Philly. Sure. So that's why it's tough. It's literally the exact same time, Burrell was a Philly. Sure. So that's why it's tough. It's literally the exact same thing as Burrell. So it's only slightly different in that when Burrell was here, there were other dudes like Jimmy who'd been here

and were considered leader and stuff, where like Reese, it was just him. It was him and Nola, but Nola's a pitcher, and Nola's Nola, quiet. Reese was the only guy who was part of that, you know, from before and bridging the gap. And like,

so I do think that in a lot of ways, he's even more Mr. Phil, but I agree with the company's even more than bro. In a lot of ways. And bro got one last off the year before they moved on. And then when the world series that year, that's a good point.

That's an important point for one. Interesting one. All right. Money like money is a factor in this, but let's say for what's expected. Let's say Aaron Noel's not getting $200 million. Let's say it's $150 or whatever. Something like Carlos Rodon money, whatever. A fair contract for his services.

Let's say Hoskins is $4 for $50 or something. Maybe a little high. I don't know. It's hard to read his market right now. $4 for $60, whatever. Something like that. You could only do one. Who are you re-signing?

I am re-signing Nola. I am too. And it sucks because my heart is obviously Reese. I love that guy way more. I want him here. But I think it would happen. He's just more value. And I like Painter.

I like the young guys coming. But having Nola. Who we think will age pretty well with the, you know, velocity is not the most important thing and all that type of stuff. But I thought, had Reese not gotten hurt, that this was going to be his last year. I don't think that anymore. Yeah.

And I think that he has definitely helped his value to the Phillies with being out. And I don't think that they thought that when he got hurt. I 100% agree with you. So as of now, June 8th, it seems like if you had to bet, you would bet that Hoskins is a Philly Knicks. Yes. But what I can't tell with the Reese thing,

is it multi-year or a one-year prove-it deal? And what does he want? Well, yeah, exactly. What does he want? That's a really interesting point because you would think, oh, of course he wants a multi-year deal. But the question is, if it's a four for 30 or four for 40, wouldn't you rather just play for one year,

make 10 mil, 12 mil, and then go and make a lot more. It's a really interesting point. And the nice part about what has happened with Boehm is like, it's funny. You don't, you just don't really worry about him at third base anymore at all.

Like he's fine. It's wild. He's not like unbelievable. He's actually been like quite solid at first. That play in Atlanta was, I mean, two years ago, Alec Baum's not making that play. Zero percent. And he's actually been a really, like,

as someone who really didn't do a ton at first base, like, has really handled himself pretty well there. Yeah. Have not missed Reese's first base defense. No. At all. Which, I mean, Cody Clemens is light years better. Not that he's amazing or anything, but he's just better.

Well. But again, you know. Bring him back another DH. But, you know, he's just better. But again, you know... Bring him back another DH. But you know what's funny, though, is, you know, I'll take a few defensive errors to have Rhys Hoskins back in this lineup. 100%. I think we might have overrated the importance of that.

Obviously, because they have it in big spots a lot. But yeah, I would like Rhys back. I would, too. And to your point, I think it's not just the Phillies, it's us, his fans. I have appreciated him more since he's been hurt. I realize his value more. And the thing with Reese is I don't know who's replacing him. So if he walks, I'm sure there's other first basemen out there.

I haven't looked at this year's free agent class. Again, with Boehm, it's like he looks pretty good over there, but holy cow, like hit the ball. No power. Hit the ball in the ballpark. Your first baseman can't hit 10 home runs or 12 home runs. Like that can't happen. And if you move, but then obviously,

then if you move Boehm off of third, who's playing third? Yep. Matt Chapman's a free agent. Yeah. But Matt Chapman's. I like Matt Chapman. I think Matt Chapman's going to make more money than he probably should based on the season he's having so far this year.

Although, he's got to figure it out for my fantasy team. He was on fire. I'm well aware. Of course you are. No, look. I'm right there with you. If you had asked me before, I would have been like, be nice to have Reese back, but not that big a deal.

Now I'm like, I need him been like, eh, you know, be nice to have a Reese bag, but not that big a deal. Like, now I'm like, oh, they kind of need a bag. Especially the beard, too. Oh, you get bearded Reese? Beard's amazing. Like, let's be honest. Like, usually when people do, they're like, oh, look at the beard, or oh, look at the hair. Like, usually I'm like, come on, guys.

Like, enough. This is stupid. I was like, yeah, dude, look at the beard. Well, it's better than, remember his stache? Yeah. The stache is bad. And the curly hair was not great., dude. Look at the beard. Well, it's better than, remember his stache? Yeah. The stache is bad. And the curly hair was not great. Staches are generally bad.

Yeah. It's hard to pull off. Very few people can pull off the stache. Correct. But yeah, it's just, yeah. And I think the Phillies, I think Dombrowski is a smart guy when it comes to team chemistry. I think he realizes. He's talked about that a lot.

You know, the Schwarber comments, all that matters. And for what it's worth on Boehm, when Rob Thompson was on with us yesterday, he said Boehm's looking really good and, you know, it's not going to be a long term. Well, hopefully the biomechanics can get him to hit the ball in the ballpark. Lift up. You know, we were very anti-launch angle, you know. Maybe a little launch angle action for you, buddy. Just lift the ball.

Just lift the ball. Just lift the ball. Just lift the ball. All right. Take back, including giving a little hope, a little positivity, Phillies fans. You texted me this yesterday. It was a great point. I went and looked. I'm like, oh, my goodness.

If you're worried about the current state of the Phillies and barring them just completely falling off a cliff, let's say they're 500 heading into this month, which is August of 2023. They have 19 home games in August. And here are the series. They go at Miami. We'll see. Yeah. Then they are home versus the Royals.

Yes, please. By the way, Royals, second worst team in baseball. And are already trying to sell off pieces. They're home versus the Nationals for four. By the way, Royals' second-worst team in baseball. And are already trying to sell off pieces. They are home versus the Nationals for four. By the way, real quick on the Royals. People keep tweeting me like, would you trade for Granke? There's no way Granke wants to pitch here. No, he doesn't.

He has been better this year than I thought. I wasn't paying attention. I was looking at his stats the other day. I was like, wow, Zach Granke. Yeah. Zach Granke, there's a 0% chance he'll accept a trade. No way. All he wants to do is finish his career in Kansas City

they signed him for that reason they were not even trying to compete they're like Zach Greinke is a great royal we're bringing him

home to finish his career here no chance that's it so four against the Nationals at home three against

the Twins at home at Toronto for only two at Washington for three home versus the Giants for three

home versus the Cardinals at that point. Who might be out of it by then, the way this is going. We'll see. And then three versus the LA Angels. I mean, that's phenomenal stuff right there. That is what we're talking about.

Oh, Mike Trout. Yeah, and Mickey. Oh, more important. Mickey. Yes, the true great outfielder on that team. Yes, great. All right, so the take back. What do you think about Marsh's mellows? Loved it.

Okay. I thought it was great. I think it's okay. I thought it was very fun. What was your problem with him? So, I don't, like, I actually really, the more I think about it, I have no problems with it. No problems with it? No.

I just, I guess it's just fine. It's fine. Why? It's not like heyday we love the fan groups marshes what else you do with marsh like a marsh like have them dressed in like algae or something in green that'd be funny just like i'll show marsh is marsh yep marsh is all like green different like animals i like this yeah okay we did better marsh is marsh i don't know it's fine it's look it's not the best ever but you know

not as good as the caveman would have been you know but i agree the caveman would be my plato's the cave yeah just as plato which again i still have no idea what you're talking about you really don't know the cave you've never heard of the cave no it really no idea it's like one of the the most famous stories of all time. It's philosophy. It's about the cave, and you can't see the outside of the cave. How does it relate to the Phillies? J. Cave. Okay.

No, I know, but are we looking through the cave to see the light at the end of the tunnel? Kind of. Everything's eventually going to be okay. Is the reality here real? What's outside the cave? Is there something outside the cave? Okay, so the reality here is that they play the Nationals and they play the Tigers. I'm probably doing a very bad job.

I haven't read the cave in a long time. At least I've heard of the cave by Plato and read it at one point. It's a bad job by Plato. Plato is not Pluto. No. Right. Just want to make sure I cleared that one up. I'm sure everyone listening appreciated that.

So, Alvarado, I think is going to be. Do you know who Plato was? Have you heard the name Plato? Plato was a philosopher. Did you just say that because I talked to Alvarado? Because you said a philosophy.

Where is he from? Italy. Or is that Galileo? It's Galileo. He was also not a philosopher. Where's Plato from? Greece. Ancient Greece.

Okay. Yeah. Like Socrates, brito aristotle all those famous right philosophers right not doing it for you have you heard of any of those i have heard of socrates burrito oh god i have heard of aristotle good right yeah but that's about it. That's it. Okay. I took one philosophy. Philosophy? Sure. I think that's what it's called. Yeah.

What's Freud? Well, Freud philosophy too. So it's philosophy. Yeah, sure. Yeah. Never a doubt. Dreams. Id.

No. You said you'd learn about Freud. Yeah. Once. Pavlov's dogs. Sure. I know about Pav. Yeah, once. Pavlov's dogs? Sure, I know about Pavlov. You know what Pavlov is? Pavlov is a dog.

No, Pavlov is a scientist. Right. Speaking of scientists. You know Pavlovian response and all that? None of that? Doesn't do it for me. I'm enjoying this part. No interest.

If it's not a baseball, I just don't really care, frankly. Speaking of scientists and philosophies and Socrates, how in the world did Jose Avarado allow two earned at AA? That's a great question. Yeah, why don't you hypothesize that for me? That's true. Hypothesize, yes. How is that possible, given what we've seen him do to Major League at a really good point?

It didn't happen if anyone didn't see it. Exactly, correct, even though it was in Reading. So, yeah, Alvarado will be back on Friday, and it's just so nice that Kimbrel has developed into 08 Lidge right in front of our eyes because you can just put Alvarado back in as 6th, 7th, 8th, shut that down, or if he can't, Serenity. This is what I think that Dave Dombrowski and Thompson always dreamed of, and frankly, this is what I think Girardi dreamed of,

is having a guy in the 9th that can just do it. Yeah. So that you can have the three rotating guys and they can come in and shut down games whenever. So I cannot wait for Jose to be back. There is no, the Phillies are on a cute little run here. Let me just say this. My favorite team in the system is the Clearwater Threshers.

They are unbelievable, dude. They steal like 100 bags a game. I mean, Amarion Boyd, he stole like five bases the other night. Justin Crawford, who I never doubted as a draft pick. Never once. Never once. He's batting over 300 right now. He's stealing bases at an insane clip.

They throw hard. They pitch great. It's our own Corbin Carroll. I freaking hope so. I love Corbin Carroll. great. Is there a Corbin Carroll? I freaking I hope so. I love Corbin Carroll. Me too. I love Corbin Carroll. He's so much fun, dude. That dude flies, man. Yes. Yes.

He is left-handed Victorino all the time. With a little more power. With a little more power. Yeah. He's a better player. He's a left-handed better version of Shane Victorino. Also, William Bergola is now on Threshers, who is elite when it comes to bats ball skills. I'm excited to see him develop.

Love that. Put the ball in play. Get a bat on it. Put the ball in play. Hit and run. Bring the hit and run back. Starling Cobb made his professional debut. Oh, what a big day.

Hit a double. Hit a double. Can't wait. Him and Bergola and Kyle. Oh, those are great. My favorites. This is how I hope that it's best. Correct.

Yeah. So I know this is going to sound shocking because I want to trade for him over the offseason. I have no real interest in trading for Shane Bieber. Really? No real interest. So I'm very concerned about Shane. As a Shane Bieber fantasy owner, let me tell you, not striking guys out this year.

55 strikeouts in 88 innings. Yeah, I know, buddy. Trust me. 81 hits in 80 innings. Not great. Not great. And I love Shane Bieber. I have loved Shane Bieber, without a doubt.

And I just, if they're going to, because it's more about they're going to have to give up a lot to get him. Well, especially with the Indians. Or, excuse me, the Guardians. Like, the Guardians are not trading Shane Bieber unless they get what they want for Shane Bieber.

And guess what? The Guardians are really good at understanding prospects, developing prospects, all that stuff. Pinching prospects. Pinching prospects particularly. But even still,

I mean, they still have, like, they just trade them away. But I mean, they've built guys. I mean, Jose and Francisco and they've got dudes. They've needed an outfielder for like six years I mean, they've built guys. I mean, Jose and Francisco. They've got dudes. They've needed an outfielder for like six years. Well, they've spent zero dollars. Like, it's hard when you just don't care anymore about spending money.

I'm just saying that they've not gotten the outfielder. Not as well. Either way, the point is, you know, trade with dumb teams, not with smart teams, if possible. Correct. Like the White Sox. Yes. And go get Dylan Cease. Yes.

Or even Lance Lynn. Like, whatever. Maybe. Lucas Giolito? Lynn, like whatever. Maybe. Lucas Giolito? Michael Kopech? Sure. I can't believe you're saying trade for Michael Kopech. Like all the times, we don't curse on this, but you bleeped all over that guy.

Just took a giant bleep all over him. Well, now he needs to be a Phil. Although Nebraska traded him away. It's true. He did. Yeah. Chris Sale traded him. Well, now he needs to be a Phil. Although, the Brass could trade him away. It's true. He did. Yeah. Chris Salchuk. Bring him back.

Yeah. Dude, every time I watch the White Sox, it's like, how are you bad? I know. It's unbelievable. Like, just dudes everywhere. Eloy. Yeah. Luis Robert. Robert.

Robert. It turns out. Like, they're just so talented. Yeah. It's so bad. Every year. It's pretty wild. Every year.

Yeah. So, like, Shane Bieber, like, I think it's going to cost you a ton to trade for him. I think his stuff is declining. If I'm going to give up all the prospect costs to go get someone, I'd rather explore Dylan Cease and hope to go get him or maybe give up a little bit less for

Kopech and just take a shot on the upside there. We'll definitely give up less for Kopech. Yes. Gialito, the only thing about G Alito, I just never trust him. I never trust him. He's been good. I know he's been good. I never trust him. And he would cost a lot too.

But he's expiring. Oh, is he? I didn't realize he was expiring. Oh, well, then maybe it wouldn't cost him. That's interesting. Yeah. So we'll see there. Like using the NBA term there.

Expiring contract. All right. Now we don't have to figure out, do I have to make the salaries match? I like that. How does an expiring contract all right now we don't have to like figure out do i have to make the salaries match i like that how does an expiring contract make more value oh my gosh it drives me nuts so yeah bieber again like i think obviously they traded for him i'd be excited but it's like i just don't know if he's the guy yeah look he is he better than their fifth starter now you betcha he definitely makes the phillies better if they get him. But yeah, I think what it would cost to get him is probably not worth it.

Yes. And then my final thing. Welcome to the Philadelphia Phillies. Stan Middleman. Hey! We got a middle tenant and a middleman. Doesn't it just... This is impersonal. It sounds fake.

It sounds like a fake name. Oh yeah. Stan Middleman. Stanley Middleman? Yeah. Stan Middleman does not sound like a real person. Not sounds real. So until there's a press conference with him standing there as Stan Middleman.

Oh, I like this. He's a fake owner. I like it. I don't think he's real. This is great. Stan Middleman. We're going from Middleton, Middleman, middling franchise. Just kidding.

No. Just kidding. Just kidding. Let's be honest. A horrible franchise if we're being real. Hold on. Not anymore. For a long time, they were bad.

Middling is a real compliment to the Phillies historically. But not anymore. Not anymore. Not real. Not anymore. For a long time they were bad. Middling is a real compliment to the Phillies historically. But not anymore. Not anymore. So the nice part about this 400 million plus Oh look at you! You think it's Shohei! You got 500 ready? Honestly,

Shohei's obviously probably not going to happen. But just the fact that now the complex in Clearwater becomes better. It never hurts when you add a little more money to the equation. Correct. No doubt. So they have more money. Guy's a billionaire.

Bring in billionaires. I support that as a fan of this team. And I like that. I like that. So Middleton, who is just on fire with the quotes. I mean, the quotes are just out of control. He's saying how, like, I needed someone that was not going to be worried about making money. We didn't need to be worried about winning.

That's the only, like, the one quote, and he's used it before, but he keeps, like, Oh, he found his sweet spot with it. Because it's so good. Why on a sports team if not to win? Like, it's like, yes, bro. Well. Yes. Which I feel like we were trying to tell him for a while.

Oh, you know, we were here. So, it's okay. It's okay. We were here. It's okay. Everyone can learn. I'm excited. I don't know what he knows, but the fact that they have another billionaire, I'll take it. Me too. I'll take that. All the billionaires we can get.

Stan Middleman, welcome to the Philz. We are... It's not a real person, dude. I'm telling you. Stan Middleman, welcome to the Philz. It sounds like a generic businessman. It does sound ridiculous. Stan Middleman, welcome to the Middle East. It sounds like a generic businessman. It does sound ridiculous. It just sounds like if you're writing a sitcom,

and it's like rewriting Office Space. Stanley C. Middleman, that's a great name. Good job, buddy. Yeah, let's use that. He's like the boss. It's a good call. Yeah. I totally agree with you.

He sounds like a sitcom guy. Yeah, he does. But now he's a Philly. He really does. Now he's our guy. And now he's one of the five most important people. No, we love him. Can't get enough. Yeah.

So yeah, that is, we are now, are you ready? Uh-huh. A month. Oh, buddy. Draft count. A month from the draft. Is it the- No, it's July 9th.

Oh. So not a month. You lied. A month-ish. A month-ish to the draft, baby. Can't wait. I cannot wait. I can't wait for you.

Yes. You've been doing that recently. Yeah. For me, you're excited. I love that for you. Thank you. Which is the most condescending phrase. I love that for you.

Emily always says it to Zoe. And so, she'll say something like, oh, I'm really excited about this thing. And I'm going to be like, I love that for you. And it's like so clearly like just like. One day Zoe's going to. I love that for you. Not for me. Not for me. But for you. One day Zoe's going to. I love that for you. Not for me.

Not for me. But for you. One day Zoe's going to remember that though. Meh. And she's going to say, well. I love that for you. Yeah. And throw it back in her face.

Yeah, exactly. Right. That would be great. Exactly right. What a moment. Yes. So they already won tonight. We don't have to worry about it.

They're going to win. Yeah, we're good. They're going to win. And they're going to be on a five game winning streak heading into the Dodgers. And then eight games. We'll be talking on Sunday after a sweep of the Dodgers. I'll be throwing the B-word around like it's nothing. Well, if they sweep the Dodgers, get ready for a freaking B-word pod.

Because we'll B-word it up. B-word it all over the place. All right. This is great. Hopefully a B-word pod coming. Until then, he's Fritz. We'll see you next time. He's Fritz.