High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Final Out: Castellanos To The Rescue!

Episode Date: August 2, 2023

Jack Fritz reacts to the Phillies' comeback win over the Marlins on Tuesday 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

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 BIB 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. Welcome on in. It is the final out, sponsored by Regency Furniture. Affordable never looks so good. Jack Fritz hanging out with you, reacting to a beautiful, great, perfect

Phil's comeback win on deadline day. We will get into everything that transpired today. A busy day for Philly's baseball and a busy, busy day all around. But ultimately, the Phils, they battle, they scratch, they claw, and they're able to come out with an important, important victory tonight down in Miami. Welcome on in. 215-592-9494. If you want to react to the game, trade deadline, all that stuff, all on the table.

And, again, we will get to it all here on the final. Now let's get to the biggest takeaway of the game. Brought to you by Morgan & Morgan. And my biggest takeaway of the game is they stole one tonight. Simply put, they stole one. Sandy Alcantara was great. It's one of those games where I'm sitting here and they're not scoring any runs. They're not really outside of early

in the game and some missed opportunities. I mean, Sandy Alcantara is one of those aces where usually one of those aces he's had a bad start to the season and recently he started to turn this whole thing around. But in a traditional sense, he's one of those starters that you better get to early because if you don't, they'll settle in and

they'll get in a roll. And that's exactly what happened tonight to Sandy Alcantara. he got on a roll and the fills were, were not putting together their best effort offensively, but he got pulled and they were able to come back late. And, you know, they did some, some good defensive things. Ranger was pretty good. He allowed a ton of base hits tonight, but like Rob Thompson just said,

only one extra base hit. He was at 58 pitches in the seventh inning, so had a good pitch count, rolled some double plays. I thought his changeup looked better tonight. I'm still concerned about range. I'm not in the camp

of, like, bang, he's back. I think Zach Wheeler's back to being think Zach Wheeler's back to being the Zach Wheeler that we've seen the last couple years. Stuff's zipping again. He's going deep into games, carrying velocity. I'm in on Zach Wheeler. Ranger, I thought tonight was a step in the right direction,

but I'm still not at the point where it's like, okay, he is 100% going to be back. So Ranger battled, kept it a close game. He goes out there, gets into some trouble, walks Jacob Stallings. They bring in Junior Marte. Junior Marte gets himself into some self-imposed trouble

and then is able to work out of it. I mean, they kind of just dodged and weaved their way around some potential trouble tonight. Gregory Soto was really good, and then Sir Anthony at the end, that was the best Sir Anthony has looked in quite a while, and definitely the best he's looked since coming back. And the big hope off of that is that he can just get this thing into a bit of a role.

But Phil stole one tonight. That's my big takeaway. I can't say the offense was unbelievable, but I can say they battled. And there is 100% an emotional lift when they pulled Sandy Alcantara from that game. I don't know how to explain it to you, but when you're in the dugout and an opposing team pulls a guy that's rolling, you could bring in Mariano Rivera. And I think you're going to feel, well, maybe Mariano Rivera is a bit of a reach,

but you get my point. You could bring in whoever, and I think you get a good kind of feel of like, okay, bang, we can win this ballgame. Unfortunately, it had to be David Robertson on the opposing end of that one tonight. He earned his end of the championship ring, though. So, shout out to D. Robin, and shout out to the streaker. I think the streaker is someone that's not going to get enough credit for this Phil's win tonight. Streaker comes off the field. It's a long one because apparently they don't have enough security guards down in Miami.

This guy's running all over the field. He eventually gets away. He gets away. And you have Dave Robertson on the mound after being all warmed up. All of a sudden has to just wait around for two minutes. Shout out to the streaker. I like to think he's a Phils fan. Not sure.

But still, got the job done tonight. And Bryce Harper in big moments, he is not where we'd like him to be from a power department standpoint. I heard Kevin Stocker mentioned this. He pulled that ball early. It was the first time I've seen him really pull a ball and look to untork on it, which I thought was an important sign and hopefully something to where he's like, all right, I can let this thing loose. I'm not going to hurt myself. And they can start getting some of that power back.

But I thought this was interesting. Bryce, again, big moment tonight. In late and close situations, which is seventh inning on and tie game down by one, down by two. And I think that's it. However, baseball reference defines late and close situations. Bryce Harper's betting 431 with a 500 slugging percentage. No, with a 500 on base percentage and a 608 slugging percentage.

So getting the job done in big moments does it again tonight. And it's cool to see him just slow down in the moment because you can see it happening. You can see him just kind of calm down. And when he kind of gives away a pass early in the game, it's kind of annoying when you know that he has that capability in him. But, I mean, stars rise up in the biggest moments, and those numbers lend itself to that.

And Nick Castellanos, thank God. Like, I hope that that was a exhale, monkey off the back. Like, he was mired in, I believe, an 11 for 92 streak at the plate. I mean, that's a long, long slump and just not a lot of hard contact. And being able to hit that ball out, big moment, take the pressure off a little bit, and let's just go on a run again. I mean, Nick Cassianos is really, really good in the first half, and especially with the deadline the Phillies had today,

and we'll get into that more. They're going to need Cassianos, and I was frankly very, very concerned we were going to get a useful version of Nick Cassianos for the rest of the year. I thought tonight they made some swing changes on the day off. He looked more vertical and just looked like he was able to get some more pitches. But regardless, you know, hopefully that's something that can just springboard him into a good little Cassiano's run and get back up to like 280 and start, you know, driving the ball out of the ballpark. But man, just a big home run in a big spot.

And I thought tonight was two straight games where they've played pretty crisp baseball since the Rob Thompson players-only meeting speech. Some good defense. Obviously, the start to Garrett Stubbs' play, we'll get into that. But overall, biggest takeaway of the game is they stole a game tonight and they battled. The biggest takeaway of the game is brought to you by Morgan & Morgan, America's largest injury firm. 215-592-9494 is how you get it.

And a couple other things I want to run through before we go to the phones. Kyle Schwarber, he is not, you know, he had a single tonight. He's not really hitting the ball in the ballpark. But, but, but, but, he has walked 18 times in his last 11 games. He is getting on base a ton. He is working good at bats. And hopefully as he continues on this good streak of working good at bats, he gets pitches to launch on and he doesn't miss them.

But when you're talking about a tone setter, you're talking about a leadoff hitter, getting on base does matter. You have more ducks in the pond. And being able to lead off the ninth tonight with a long at bat after the streakers on the field and getting Jake Cave in there for a faster base runner, the more base runners you have, the more likely you are to score runs. And I talked about this last night.

If they're not going to hit the ball in the ballpark, at least if they have more runners on base, then eventually they're going to break through and score runs. And I talked about this last night. If they're not going to hit the ball in the ballpark, at least if they have more runners on base, then eventually they're going to break through and score some. So 11 walks or 18 walks in 11 games is a good run for Kyle Schwarber. And my final point here, I think a lot of people sometimes mock vibes and camaraderie and a team and, you know, fighting and how they talk about each other. I thought with Nick Cass—like, I got legitimate chills listening to Nick Cassianos in his postgame interview. I mean, this is a guy who, again, mired in a really long slump after making the All-Star team, after everything he went through last year. We all get frustrated with players. It's normal.

It's fine to get frustrated with players. But I just thought that this answer, you know, I didn't expect leader Castellanos. I didn't expect him to kind of develop into this guy. But you saw the dugout reaction to him. You saw how happy Marsh – I know they do this after every win, but they seemed extra giddy to, like, dump him with water and stuff. That clubhouse loves Nick Castellanos.

And I really – like, this is a special answer from him. Here is Nick Castellanos postgame talking to T-Mac and Rube on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Look, I know sometimes baseball doesn't go the Phillies way and everybody gets mad at us, but you're not going to find a group of guys that care more and want to win for each other than the guys that we have in this dugout. What was it?

I'm sorry. Go ahead. No, go ahead. And at the end of the day, that's the only thing I was going to say that matters the most, you know, because not every dugout is like this one. And I think that matters. When a guy who's been around for as long as Nick Castellanos has been and he says there's not many locker rooms like this one,

I take that into consideration. And it is a special locker room. And I like that they stuck together. And I like that the response from the Thompson speech was like, we deserve that rather than like eye rolls or relax, we'll figure it out. These guys care. And we talk about like the Sixers and how it seems like they don't care. This Phillies team cares, and I really liked that answer from Nick Cassiano.

It's 215-592-9494 is how you get in. Nick is in Chester County. He'll lead us off tonight. What's happening, Nick? Jack, this is the weirdest Phillies team I've seen in my entire life. It's not even close. I've never seen a team be able to just, like, collectively take a nap for eight innings offensively and then just wake up in the ninth and rely on good pitching

and score runs and win. But it's cool. We're all good. First of all, bad job by NBC Sports Philadelphia not showing the Stott relay. They were too busy showing that guy around third. That was the best throw I've seen Stott make, and I honestly

didn't really even know he had that in his arms. That was a rocket. I actually thought that Garrett Stubbs, I thought he sold Jacob Stallings not to slide. He kind of set him up and baited him into not sliding, and if he slides there, he's 100%

safe. Yeah, no doubt. I have one point and then I have a question I'd like your thoughts on. But my point is with Sir Anthony Dominguez, I'm not going to lie to you. He's like kind of my favorite Philly when he's right, just because I think he's so incredibly fun to watch. Philly when he's right, just because I think he's so incredibly fun to watch. And I think he has a closers mentality. And I think you sort of saw that tonight. And obviously you saw that throughout the postseason last year. And like that spot that they put him in in Pittsburgh, like that's just not what he is to me.

And I'm not sure what it is. You could probably explain it better than I could. The whole pitchers mentality and, you know, when you're what spots you're comfortable in and what spots you are it's all weird baseball players are weird but like with him I feel like I feel like he just like there's something about the ninth inning with him that I think he just like that's where he belongs I feel like and obviously like you know Kimbrough's your closer and you're not going to change that but I I just feel like that's what Sir Anthony is and if Cotham can you know try to turn him into like an eighth inning bridge guy for this year because you have Kimbrell in that spot

and you're not going to change that like I said then that'd be great but like I hope he's only 28 I think pitchers obviously you know can go a long time so I hope Sir Anthony's a Philly for a long time because he's he's just a joy to watch when he's right. Yeah, and it's interesting because I'm trying to think if they've ever just – I mean, there's been times where they've just kind of set him there and forgotten it. I mean, even when he first came up, they wanted him in that fireman role. And, I mean, even last year in the Cardinals game in game two, I mean, he does flash in definitely the fireman kind of roles and in the Cardinals game in game two he I mean he does flash in in definitely the

fireman kind of roles and in the seventh eighth um you know it's gonna be interesting what they do with them because obviously this year it's Kimbrell 100 um but yeah going forward I don't know what they do with Sir Anthony because I agree with you I think he kind of lives in those moments and then listen him him the night-night celebration on the Braves last year is definitely sticking out to me. But I think he has more value being able to pitch seventh, eighth, and then if he needs to close out a game in the ninth rather than kind of just sticking him in the ninth

and not using his value all throughout. Yeah, I see what you're saying. The question I wanted to ask you, though, and then I'll let you go off on it. The Lorenzen trade, obviously Dombrowski talked earlier today about how they're going to do the six-man rotation thing. I understand why, obviously, if you're trying to get your arms more rest. But I don't really agree with it just because like i feel like we're still in a position where we should be worried about making

the playoffs and you want your best arms out there to do that and like when the notification came in and you know with the lorenzen trade and everything i was like okay so he's the fifth starter now he's had a good year and you move Sanchez to the bullpen to be sort of like a an extra strong sort of like that kind of role which I think he could do so that was why I kind of I was I was excited about it just because I thought it would sort of um add another layer to the bullpen because I I feel like Sanchez could you know Cotham could kind of mold him into that role and I feel like he'd be effective. But the six-man rotation thing, I was just, I wasn't sure about it, and I was curious on your thoughts.

Yeah, and I appreciate the call, Nick. And I'll get further into the deadline coming up on the other side. I have some thoughts on everything that went down today, including what Nick said about going to the six-man rotation. 2-1-5-5-9-2. 94-94 is how you get in. We'll get some thoughts on the deadline, react more to this Phillies win, get to the play of the game, and all that good stuff.

Coming up next here on the Final Out. Swung on, ripped down the right field line. That's a base hit, and it's going to go all the way to the corner. Stallings doesn't run well. He's making his way into third base. Castellanos having some trouble in the corner. They're sending Stallings. Here's the throw, and he is out at the plate.

Garrett Stubbs with a catch and tag. Stallings says he's safe. We'll see what the replay shows. For the moment, it's still 1-0. Yes, and that is our Mike's Amazing Play of the Game. Presented by Mike's Amazing, the official mayo, mustard, and vegetable oil of the Phils. What a play. And for a game that ended up being as tight as it was and needing to come back and steal a game.

Like, sure, Castellanos could have still hit a home run. But obviously, when it's 1-1 and there's not that pressure of trying to tie the game there, you have no idea how the night turns out. So the fact that they were able to get that relay done, Bryson Stott, you know, with the absolute hose, right on the money. And I mentioned this in the last segment, but I thought Garrett Stubbs baited Jacob Stallings into not sliding. And he was trying to play like, ah, we're not going to get you.

And then he just kind of, you know, sneak attacked him. And he was able to play like ah we're not gonna get you and then he just kind of uh you know sneak attacked him and he was able to to get it done there so uh good defensive fundamentals from the phils there again the rob thompson speech now i know bryce made a bad play early and boom i mean i i've seen yuli goriel run that fast and forever. So I guess I'll give Bum a little bit of a pass there. But besides that, I mean, it seems like the Thompson team meeting after the Sunday game in Pittsburgh, it's paying some

dividends here. They look more crisp. They look more locked in. And being able to steal a game like that on the road and give you a chance to win a series tomorrow is big. 26th comeback win for the Phils this year. 26th. It shows you the fight in that locker room,

and it shows you the makeup of this team. Now, we'll get back to the phones here in one second. 215-592-9494. Obviously, and this is the final ad sponsored by Regency Furniture. Affordable never looks so good. The trade deadline happened today. And on one hand, yeah, I'm definitely disappointed. I thought it was obviously an opportunity to add in some fringe pieces,

have like a Braves 2021 kind of deadline. And they end up really just getting a Josh Harrison replacement and Rodolfo Castro with some upside. I like some of the stuff he does, but he's more like a Christian Pache kind of project that has some cool upside, but I don't know how much of a difference maker he's going to be. Hopefully he's better than Josh Harrison and Michael Lorenzen.

Nick mentioned last segment about the six-man rotation. I understand what he's saying from the standpoint of if this is coming down the wire, making sure that your best starters are taking the mound. I agree. But I think for this time, and what makes this circumstance unique, is the reality is,

August and the next upcoming series, it's an easy schedule. And if you can use August with the 19 home games and the easier schedule to spread out Nola, Wheeler, whoever you think needs that extra rest, they can always shorten it again if you need those guys to pitch more and you want your better guys on the mound. Like Aaron Nola on five days rest has like a 318 ERA, I believe. And on five days rest, he's in the fours.

Or on four days rest, he's in the fours. So I understand the concern of like, but I think this is only going to be temporary, and they can always tighten it up if need be. But I think for the time being, and yes, I know they don't have a playoff spot locked in right now, but if they can just get these guys some rest and manage their innings and just spread it out a little bit, I do think that it can, I think it will pay dividends here. But I thought the message was very, very clear from Dave Dombrowski and this Phillies front office, and that was,

you guys got to show up and play, especially the stars on offense. And Noah's a little part of this, but it comes down to the the stars on offense turning this around there is no one that they were going to acquire today that was going to be any better outside of like a juan soto trade that was going to be better than than the guys to have at the top of this lineup on paper if they don't perform they're not going anywhere anyway. So even if you get an Adam Duvall, or a T. Oscar Hernandez, who strikes out a ton and whatever, it doesn't really matter if you get what you've gotten in the last 93 plate appearances from Castellanos. If you don't get some pop from Bryce, if Schwarber doesn't get it going a little bit from

the average department, if Turner doesn't turn it around, if JT can't figure out this season, if those guys don't get going, then who cares if Adam Duvall's here? Who cares if some of these pieces are here? It has to be those guys. And if they get quality play from them, then today doesn't really matter. It would have been nice to have an extra piece. But if those guys aren't going to be the guys, then it doesn't matter. So, am I a little bit disappointed? Sure.

But they've got enough here. Those guys just have to show up or else we know how the season is going to end. 215-592-9494. And the one thing in addition to that, I'm intrigued with what the outfield defense alignment thing is with Rojas, Marsh, Cave, and Pache. We'll see when Pache comes back what they do. But, I mean, having Marsh in left field, it changes a lot. You know, and Thompson mentioned it postgame how, I guess, like, metrics-wise when he's in left field, he's probably the best defensive left fielder in the game.

And the eye test bears it out. I mean, he gets on everything. In center field, he misjudges some fly balls, but in the corners, it seems like he can get to everything. He's very comfortable coming in, and it's been a revelation. And Rojas in center field, it's awesome.

When Pache is healthy, he's incredible in center field, too. I think K is a pretty good defensive player. We saw the catch he made last week, but he also has a hose out there. So the outfield defense and just kind of putting some faith in those guys, I don't blame Dave Dombrowski. Is Adam Duvall, Teoscar Hernandez, whoever, worth displacing and sending back Johan Rojas and putting Marsh back in center field every day and kind of maybe messing up some of the mojo they have right now. I'm not sure it is.

So on paper, definitely disappointed, but I get it. I totally get what Dave Dombrowski did today. And I think Lorenzen provides a lot of value from stretching out the rotation, but also if he falters a little bit or they have their playoff rotation set and he's not a part of it, I think he can become a weapon out of the bullpen.

I really do. I think he's someone that the stuff should uptake a little bit in the bullpen, and he has that ability to do both. So overall, I'm pretty positive on the deadline. I don't think it was a terrible day. It's on the stars. It's as simple as that. Dave Dombrowski's putting faith in those guys,

and if they don't make the playoffs or they don't go on a run here, I think we'll know who it's mostly on. Rob is in Winco. What's happening, Rob? Hey, Jack. How you doing tonight? Good, man. What's up? Hey, I just had a quick thought about the Phillies trade with Lorenzen, and I'll make my thought hang up and listen. I know Detroit is obviously selling.

Just think we might have gotten a little more from Detroit. You know, Billy Chappell just threw a perfect game against the Yankees. He's been a great trade candidate. Okay. Appreciate the call. Blake is in Jacksonville. What's happening, Blake? Hey.

So, I was just thinking today today with the trade deadline being over, you know there is a right fielder. There's a power bat that plays right field, left field, even plays a little first base. We love guys named Trey that underperformed. What do you feel about Trey Mancini on a waiver wire? It's not a terrible idea. He's been a pretty good power guy the last couple

years. If you're just looking for a cheap right-handed pop that could put one out of the ballpark, I don't think it's a bad idea at all. I think that it's something I definitely consider.

I don't know what they do roster-wise because I think they have to make another choice tomorrow. With Castro coming up, they have to send someone down. So the roster is getting a little bit tight here. But he's definitely a name to watch for. I mean, they didn't trade any pieces for right-handed pop. I still think it's a need. Like, Castro doesn't really fit that totally.

And Mancini's got a guy that's done it for a little bit here. So I like that idea, Blake. Yeah, thank you. And I just also wanted to say, back a few weeks ago, I talked to you when I went to the Phillies game against the Padres, the first game of the doubleheader, and I was like, do something. You know, when JT gets up and he doesn't hit into a double play, I'm saying do something. Don't do something. When JT gets up and he doesn't hit into a double play, I'm saying do something.

Don't do that. And what did I say with Castellanos today? With Castellanos today, I was like, you have been swinging outside the strike zone forever. Just look in the strike zone. 0-2. Guess what he does? I seriously just need to talk more in baseball games.

I'm convinced. Yeah, I think that's the key takeaway from the day for sure. What do you got on the trade deadline, Blake? So the trade deadline, I mean, Rodolfo Castro, he's interesting. I mean, obviously he's a little scatterbrained. He likes to put his cell phone in his pocket a little too much. I know. Michael Lorenzen is interesting.

If you ever need a pinch hitter in the 13th inning, which never exists nowadays with the runner on second, but if you need a pinch hitter in the 13th inning, he can mash. And also he might just be, like in terms of my own opinion, he might start a playoff game in terms of his numbers right now. He, in his last three starts, he's pitched sevenoff game in terms of his his numbers right now he um in his last three starts he he uh he's pitched seven innings and two of them uh he's got seven strikeouts and two of them he had five in the other uh he's he's really consistent he's been really consistent this

year and honestly in terms of numbers he has except for Christopher Sanchez the best ERA on the Phillies right now yeah and and and I appreciate the call, Blake, as always. He, in the month of July, like post-trade deadline, his ERA heading into the All-Star game, which, again, he was the Tigers representative, and his ERA was over four. Post-All-Star game, he has had four starts, and three of them he's had a scoreless outing. His last one he allowed three earned.

I'm excited to see what he does. I've watched Michael Lorenzen for a while. I've never been blown away. He's always had pretty good stuff. But at the same time, I thought when they got Syndergaard last year, he was cooked, and I think he was. I was not a fan of watching Noah Syndergaard pitch at all. So at least there's real upside for Lorenzen here.

And I think it's worth a shot. And then Dave Dombrowski targeted him in the offseason, and he's able to get him here. So I think Dombrowski has kind of earned our trust from that standpoint. Brian is in Churchill. What's happening, Brian? Hey, what's up, Jack? How you doing?

I'm doing great, buddy. The Phils are playing pretty good baseball right now. Yes, absolutely. Yeah, that little speech the other night, it seems like it has worked at least some. And to your point, the players have responded and said, yeah, we kind of deserved it. We need to play better, which was true you know, we kind of deserved it. And, you know, we need to play better, which was true. So yeah, and that's, and that's perfectly fine. You know, and sometimes the manager has to do that kind of stuff. Absolutely. Absolutely. So yeah, man, it was such a, such a busy day. Oh my gosh. With,

in regards to the game, man, you're right. That throw from Stott was a thing of beauty. Oh my gosh. I mean, that was, you know, play of the game without a doubt. You know, without a doubt. So, and, you know, I'm one. You know, I love Kyle. You know, I'm one that's on the side of getting annoyed with him being in the leadoff spot. But that was a huge walk, especially after, you know, that one pitch was low and definitely not a strike. I mean, my gosh.

I mean, how do you call that a strike, the ump? Well, they're umpires, and I feel like this year more than ever they're just missing those borderline calls. Now, just get rid of the box on the screen. I don't think we'd have as much freakouts if the box wasn't on the screen, but nevertheless, it's not going anywhere. For all the Schwarber crap that's out there and people don't like, I'm like, he, in the last little stretch here, has really started to put together quality at bats.

Like, I was getting frustrated when it was like, you're swinging first pitch, you're not being competitive. You know, the first pitch home runs are nice, but part of the value of Schwarber was always his pitches seen per plate appearances along with the walks along with the home runs and it's good to see him finally working counts again and I think even the biggest Schwarber detractors would admit that I completely agree he's he's definitely been you know hopefully it starts reflecting in his average you know soon

but no i totally agree his at-bats have been way better than they they were earlier in the season without a doubt without a doubt so and then you know bryce obviously you know such a such a huge head without you know when when uh alex struck out it was like oh gosh here we go but man uh what a huge head and then of course castidy with, it was good at the end. The interesting part is that even Boehm worked really good at bat there. No, you're right. He actually did have a great at bat.

Yes, he did. And that's been so refreshing in the two-hole. Given that we've seen Turner there most of the year, and then Cassidy on us before, having a guy that can actually work a count on the two-hole rather than when Schwarber swings first pitch, and then this number two hitter swings first pitch. And it's like, oh, here's Bryce. It finally looks normal, the top of the lineup.

Agreed. Yeah, because for a while there, it was kind of demoralizing. You're like, what the heck is going on? You know, so, yeah, I mean, Cassie, obviously, with the huge hit. And, yeah, in regards to the trade deadline, I wasn't honestly expecting a whole lot today. And I'm with you. You know, I think Lorenzen's a solid –

and I can't say I know a ton about the guy, but I think it's a solid pickup reading about it. You know, and to your point is the big guy's got a hit. It's that simple. Simple as that, Brian. I appreciate the call. It's as simple as that. Obviously,

a sexy move does well on the radio and does well on social media and gets people fired up, but it's not like everyone who trades their biggest assets away wins the World Series every year. Phil's won the World Series in 08, trading for Joe Blanton. They knocked out

CeCe Zabathie in the first round. The Braves in 2021, they make fringe upgrades, and they all kind of produce. But for this Phillies team, it's been the most talked about thing heading into the deadline. They're only going to go as far as their stars take them. It's on them. And if they're not up for it,

then it's going to be an early exit, regardless of who they traded for today. 2-1-5, 5-9-2, 94-94 is how you get in. On the other side, we will look ahead to tomorrow. Before handing things off to Jody Mack, it's Jack Fritz here on the Final Out. Hey, fantasy football owners. The road to winning your fantasy football championship starts now. I'm Matt Harmon from Reception Perception.

Join me and James Coe as we take a deep dive into the position that's going to make or break your fantasy roster. Wide receivers. We analyze route running, target share, and all the metrics that matter, giving you the insights you need to draft the best wide receivers. As you prep for your draft, let us give you the coverage you need. Follow and listen to Reception Perception on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. He looks at second, the 0-2. Swung on, hit deep, left field.

De La Cruz out of room. It's gone. It's gone. Nick Castellanos crushes it to straightaway left. And the Phillies have a ninth-inning lead. It's 3-1 on an 0-2 pitch. Castellanos has given the Phillies the lead, and what a swing. That's a playoff call from Scott Franski for sure.

That's a playoff call. Big game Franski on the call down in Lone Depot Park. Tonight is the Phil's win. And Castellanos, screw it. I'm making him my player of the game, which is brought to you by South Jersey Gas, committed to providing safe, reliable, affordable natural gas. Make the switch at southjerseygas.com.

I'll make him the player of the game. Hopefully this is the positivity that he needs to get going here and get back on track because if he gets going, everything's fine. They survived last year with the Castellanos down here because other stars were showing up, but you can't have 2022 Castellanos and 2023 Trey Turner in the same lineup both just kind of dragging you down at some points. But like we mentioned last segment i mean

bohm needs to stay the two whatever castellanos can heat up turner well maybe if turner heats up like heats up heats up we can put him back there but having a professional and not that castellanos and turner aren't professional hitters but having like a guy that'll work accounts and go the opposite way and and just is not striking out all the time, they need that kind of stability at that two spot. And it's just, it's felt more comfortable the last couple, last two nights with Boehm there. And hopefully he can stick and just ride this whole thing out.

Even though he struck out in the ninth, I thought he worked good at bat. And that stuff matters. The second spot of the lineup, it is an important, important piece of a lineup, and the two-spot was just sinking them for so much of the year. Welcome on back. It's Jeff Ritz hanging out with you here on the Final Out, which is sponsored by Regency Furniture,

affordable, never looks so good, reacting to a big Phil's win down in Miami, one that, frankly, they stole, and thank God they pulled Sandy Alconch from that game because how do you go out there for the ninth? I'm not sure we're reacting to a Phil's win tonight. Ryan is in Allentown. What's happening, Ryan?

Richie, two nights in a row, buddy. Come on. What are we doing here? Well, as soon as I get back in the final outshare, it feels like everything kind of calms down. For as important as Boehm is in the two-hole and Ranger having a pretty good performance tonight, I mean, the final out

getting back on track is equally as important. It has to be. It has to be. Dude, I just couldn't believe Robertson didn't just bury Slider four feet off the plate and cast the wave out of there. Yeah, I mean, it was probably one of the more hung pitches. So, it mean, it was probably one of the more hung pitches.

So, it's funny, because usually managers lie postgame. Like, Rob Thompson is coming out and being like, yeah, I mean, Robertson hung that pitch. I've just never really seen or heard a manager just be like, yeah, he hung it. So, I mean, it was, I mean, and thank God he didn't miss it. Yeah, dude, and I'm generally, like, as negative of a Phillies fan as you are.

Hold on, I'm not a negative. I mean, come on, come on. But, dude, I just had a feeling as soon as Alcantara didn't come out there on the ninth, I was like, something cool's going to happen here. Something cool's going to happen here. And then, yeah, the most hung pitch ever, and he did not miss it at all.

No, he didn't even come close. I hope it's something he can build off of, because if he can, then that's essentially a trade deadline. 11 for his last 93, I believe, Nick Cassianos was. That is just dreadful.

Yeah, I know. I hope he can use that, get something going here. Yeah, totally. And I appreciate the can use that. Get something going here. Yeah, totally. And I appreciate the call, Ryan. You know what's funny is I just, like, I'm not, I swear, I am probably the most positive Phillies fan in the world. It's just like the three hours or two hours when a game is on, that is where the negativity comes out because I just anticipate the wrong thing happening at all times.

But yeah, I guess if you look at my Twitter account, it's mostly bits. But yeah, I guess if you're a new follower, I get it. But overall, I'm a pretty positive Phil Spann. I'll say that. I love this baseball team. It's just like living and dying with every game and being

just beside myself when they lose. I guess it can take a toll on you. Paul is in Bluebell. What's happening, Paul? Hey, Jack. How you doing? Good, man. What do you got? Good. Just two questions for you tonight. So, great game.

You know, big fan of Nick Castellanos. I look back, the defense he played last year in the World Series run, making the all-star game this year. After the play tonight, too, is there a greater Nick in Philadelphia sports history? Or is he the best one out there? Not that I can think of. I mean, he came up with big moments in big postseason games. I can't think of another Nick that has ever done that.

I mean, it's a name that we've struggled to find true success with, and it's good to see we finally have the right Nick in Philadelphia. Thank you. Couldn't agree more. Glad we're on the same side here. But one more question for you tonight. Not sure if you saw the Iron Pigs game tonight, but our boy Scott Kingery came through with a big grand slam. Any chance you think they bring him up here after the trade deadline

to fill a bench spot? Yeah, it's interesting, Paul, and I appreciate the call. Kingery is not on the 40-man, so they'd have to release someone from that to add Kingery to it. But, I mean, he's certainly been more interesting this year than in years past. I guess a part of me is

hesitant, obviously, because he's Scott Kingery, but also I've seen Derek Hall come up from AAA, I've seen Jake Cave come up from AAA, and they just kind of look overmatched. Although Cave is looking better recently. I wouldn't think so, but maybe if Castro proves he can't stick here down the stretch,

maybe they would do that. Gene Segura was released. He's traded to the Guardians and then going to be released. I think that would kind of spell the end for Mundo, but listen, if they bring back Gene Segura, I would definitely not be upset. I love Gene Segura. And if he is a bench right-handed bat now, that seems like a win. I know he's been brutal.

But it's so funny watching the Marlins game so far this year. And it seems like he's always just over in the Phillies dugout, just conversing with Phillies players, all into it. So, yeah, I mean, maybe Kingery. He had the grand slam tonight up in AAA. But I think they're going to give Castro a shot there, and it's going to be Castro and Sosa down the stretch here. Let's look at it tomorrow.

Zach Wheeler on the mound versus Braxton Garrett. Real quick on Zach. I thought he was really good over the weekend in Pittsburgh. He would have gotten through that last inning if not for a quick five-minute downpour. I think he gets through seven there. He had a one-two count with two

outs in the seven, so I think he gets through that. Stuffers is jumping again. I thought against the Guardians was his best start of the season, and he translated that over to Pittsburgh. So I feel like especially with the Marlins' trades, they traded away some offensive pieces. Josh Bell probably in the lineup tomorrow.

But I think Zach Wheeler is well back on his way to being the Zach Wheeler that we had seen in the last couple years for sure. So Zach Wheeler on the mound tomorrow in Miami. A chance to take three of four. And, again, for a place that has kind of haunted them, the Phillies slowly, slowly turning the tide down at Lone Depot. The Christian Pache home run earlier this year. They stole that game tonight.

They won last night. I know they lost two of three before the All-Star break. They won last night. I know they lost two of three before the All-Star break, but it feels like less of a dreading kind of going to Miami and more of like, okay, just go down there and don't totally screw this whole thing up. So, again, a chance to take three or four tomorrow, heading into the day game on Thursday,

which we'll see the debut of Michael Lorenzen. Braxton Garrett opposes Zach Wheeler. He was really good to begin the season, but a 5.92 ERA in June. However, six shutout versus the Tigers, his last timeout. So he's been really good this year. Maybe a little blip in the radar. Should be a pretty good matchup tomorrow down in Miami. 6.40 start.

Marks and Reese, we will lead you into the game. And then I'll be back for postgame reacting to it all here on the final lap. That's going to do it for me tonight. Jody Mack will continue taking your calls all throughout tonight reacting to the trade deadline and the comeback win down

in Miami. Nick Earnshaw produced the program tonight and did a great, great job as always. That's going to do it for me. It's Jack Fritz. Tomorrow night, back reacting to hopefully the Phillies taking 3-4 down in Miami. Have a good rest of your night here on Sports Radio 94 WIP.