High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Final Out: The Phillies Are The 2024 NL East Champions

Episode Date: September 24, 2024

Jack Fritz reacts to the Philadelphia Phillies winning their first division title since 2011. 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

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First Division title since 2011. Welcome on in. It's been a while. And there's gonna be a lot of stuff going on, you know, over the next couple days with a lot of content lot of content getting this thing ready to go but ultimately for the first time since since 2011 the Phillies have won the National League East you know winning in New York would have been amazing it would have been amazing

like ripping the heart out of the Mets fans would have been the dream ultimately But it wasn't meant to be it simply wasn't meant to be the Mets are a desperate team. They're a good team It's not take anything away from the Mets. It's just that that's a desperate baseball team going up there and trying to Spoil the Phillies all they had to do was just show up and at least they took one and got the magic number down to one and then they came home and They just went out there and took care of business. I in my head I was saying to myself, okay Maybe all they wanted to do was just make sure that they were home make sure that they could have a celebration at CBP They didn't want to waste that up at Citi Field and they went out tonight and they just took care of business from from pitch one

They were locked in they're ready to go and. And it's kind of games like that, that make you feel a certain level of confidence that this team can flip a switch heading into the post season. Listen, to keep this completely truthful, they to me have looked like they've been on cruise control for about two months. It's kind of felt like they've just been going through the motions. They had to turn it on there for a little bit. You know, we all remember the Schwerber home run that saved the season that they got them back going

because it was kind of teetering at that point and they were, I mean, they were, they were, they were struggling and it was going on about six weeks of like really playing bad baseball, but they dug themselves out of it they started playing better baseball they they reestablish themselves as as As one of the best teams in the National League They got to a good spot and short they had a rough last little road trip But overall we're looking at a team that from May 3rd on But overall we're looking at a team that from May 3rd on Was leading the division, I mean

Essentially essentially they went wire to wire was it from day one No, but this team just essentially went wire to wire and and there I think they're veterans These are a lot of credit. They've been in these kind of spots before. You didn't really see panic from them, which is obviously really important. You couldn't have seen panic because I think that's when things really, really, really start teetering, but they didn't panic. And like who to give credit to for maintaining that. The biggest guy that I continue to want to keep praise on is Kyle Schwaber. Kyle Schwaber, when this team has needed him,

he's been there. He's consistently been there. He's been when they needed a big home run, the Schwaber Grand Slam, when he, you know, he's the guy that a lot of the other players in the locker room kind of look up to And he just shows up he posts he hits a home run tonight was the biggest lock of the century He tried on saturday. He led that game off with a home run. This is a veteran laden team

They're a very good team and it's only step one like the biggest message Of tonight is that this is only step one. They're gonna celebrate We know they're gonna celebrate take the cubs tomorrow take the Cubs who cares? It doesn't matter I feel a little bit of a hangover lineup, but It's step one of well, I mean there's like multiple you got one the end regardless. They also can't lose sight of taking home one of those buys and the the the magic number to win that to get a buy now is two which is Great. They have the nationals this week, which is good tomorrow

I'm almost kind of chalking up as a as a loss as we go right now, but overall Overall, they're never they have it. They're strangleholding the same. They're in a really good spot when it comes into heading into the postseason now Heading in the postseason huge like with where they're currently at I think the one part that is obvious and the one part that I think scares a lot of people is the offense we know that this this offense is going to go as it stars go. And I think the if you want to look at with a glass half full, you know, this is a lot of guys who have been in these big moments

before this is a lot of guys who who have been their battle tested. Now we know how that went in game six and seven of last year's NLCS. But it's so funny. Like I'm guilty of it too. It's not like take shaming, but they were also, people's focused so much on six and seven and the chasing and the pitching around Harper and, and knowing really being able to step up before that, they were on pace to be the best offense in the history of the postseason.

Like they were doing historical stuff as long as they can just do that, as long as they can just do that, as long as they can just do that. And they're gonna have some time off, most likely, to where they don't have to rush into this thing. They can't go super, super, super cold. They have to, obviously, do the little things well. And for the last little bit here,

now they have been striking out, which is infuriating. But they have done the little things a little bit better. Johan Rojas executed a hit and run tonight and a bunt. I mean, what a crazy. I didn't know that was legal in the year 2024 in Major League Baseball. Hit and run? Going the opposite way?

What are we doing? Anyway, so the offense, it's 100% the biggest concern heading into the postseason. but everything else is right there It's right there. It's it's it they can frickin do it man. They can do it They have the starting rotation the fact that no look at that again tonight I mean death taxes and and playoff can't clenching Nola. He is he is Money in those situations. I don't know what it is in regular season clenching moments The guys at one point like three e ra he's great Zach Wheeler dominant last night in in New York the starter Chris Sanchez

Phenomenal like Chris Sanchez has taken another step forward and I don't want them to Treat how they've treated like Ranger the last couple post seasons where they didn't trust them really go super super deep in The games like Chris Sanchez is here Chris Sanchez is a good pitcher and Ranger. Yeah a bit of a toss-up but when you have Sanchez and you got Nola and you got an absolute horse in Zach Wheeler to go with the best bullpen they've ever had heading into each of the last three runs and I mean if you want

To go back and the oh8 bullpen was very very good it was the best but but this bullpen has five guys I think you feel pretty confident about about throwing out there they are in a good spot can the offense just not do the BS for for two weeks for three weeks whatever a month like don't do BS, because if they do the BS, we know how this is gonna end. But they are in a good frickin' spot. Again, they look like they were cooked. They look like they were just gonna roll over.

And whether it was the team meeting, whether it was Schwaber, whether these guys just remembering how good they were, whether it was them just breaking through, they were able to find some gumption, pull themselves out of it and right the ship. There is some concern, but I think, you know, I don't want how, I mean, even the Met series and the Brewer series, it feels like every little thing that has gone semi- not perfectly. It's like, Oh, well, they're they're cooked. They're like, this team essentially just went from May 3 to the end of the year. In first

place, they are going to win the division most likely by five or more games, they're going to hold off the Mets who have been the best team in baseball since London. Was it perfect? No, but for the first time since 2011, we get to say that we are National League division champs and that's not something that I think people really had on their radar heading of the season. I think people thought they could, but I don't think it was like, this is what I expect. And they went out there and they got the job done like they got the job done

It's not the it's not the the ultimate goal But the biggest difference is that the Phillies are now viewed as okay. The Phillies are one of the best teams in the national league They're not just this fluke team that gets hot and and rides that momentum of Citizens Bank Park heading to the postseason They're legitimately a really really good team. They're a really really damn good team. So I've been a proponent of going for the two seed, you know I did that the reaction to that was of course strong because you know, god forbid that you have a thought That's not what everyone thinks You know you the one seed ultimately if you get the one seed great

It shows that you were the best team in baseball that year At least in the regular season. I just don't really care You know, like I just I we've seen the one seeds not get the job done and no one's like, oh my god But remember when they had the most wins in the regular season. No one cares. It's all about winning the ultimate prize and I Personally believe that the the easier path Yes, he'd be giving up home field all throughout the playoffs if the Dodgers happen to maintain Or if the Dodgers happen to end up as the one seed short But I'd be willing to give that up if it meant I'm getting Brewers and Mets

Obviously the Phillies are not gonna like try to tank games to go for the two seed Like I don't think that's something that has ever ended well for any professional organization Like I'm not calling for that but in a perfect world for me Ending up as the two is the is the best scenario you get either the Brewers of the Mets and yes the Mets have a Ton of momentum going their way their way but at the same time, like, I look at the rotation, I look at a large portion of the lineup, I look at the bullpen, and yes, they have momentum, and yes, the stupid Jose Iglesias OMG song

reminds me so much of the Nationals in 2019 and the Gerardo Parra Baby shark thing but This mess team does not have Scherzer Strasburg Patrick Corbin at their peaks. It's it's Severino Manaya. Maybe David Peterson Like I just I can't have that like totally keep me up and I in the Brewers. Bros are good. They're 100% good but I also like Their starters in the heading with both season aren't gonna be great bullpen's fantastic lineup better than they've had in years past But if I was putting odds on who I think that I would like to place to face The Brewers and Mets over at Diamondbacks and Padres. I have no interest in facing the Padres

I think the Padres are a really good team. They've got a dynamite back end of the bullpen. They have some stars They have some pitching staff that is coming together at the right time. They they're on a ridiculous base as well They're a really good baseball team and the Diamondbacks No, I don't want to do it. I don't want to do it at all I don't want to do it at all But listen, we will cross that bridge when we get there when we get there. Well They're gonna have some time off most likely. Does that make me nervous? Of course, it makes me nervous everything around this time of the year makes me nervous like and listen

I if you ever listen to me and and if you're listening to this, I'm sure that you have like I am the most I that you have, like I am the most, I feel like it's like a roller coaster to me. And then how I feel is strictly dependent upon if they win or lose. And it's been a roller coaster kind of season. It was not the easiest. It was incredibly frustrating. And it's been incredibly frustrating

for about two and a half months. First two and a half months, easiest time of my life. It was a kick my feet up, we're gonna win the division. This is a little too easy. got a little bumpy there, but like I'm never spent everything. I need them to get this done. So bad. We need them to get this done We all need them to get son Not to get ahead of myself, but but just imagine like like Bryce Harper

World Series champ Schwab erber, World Series champ. Rob Thompson, World Series champ. Us again, World Series champ. John Middleton, like the first time he's viewed as like the owner of the team, spending a boatload of money. Like it's right in front of them. It's right in front of them.

Tonight was step one. Tonight was great. We celebrate tonight. We're happy with tonight. Stubby, go wild, kid. Go wild. Like it's over. It's done with.

You guys are national league East Jams. A big, big accomplishment for a team that has not done that in a damn long time. But it's just step one. It's just step one. Hopes are high. I think we feel pretty good. I think we're going to be bleeping bricks until we see how this offense looks.

The second they start chasing, the second they start striking out, it's going to be freak out city. But I think the biggest difference between this year's team and last year's team is one, more and more postseason experience. Two, I think both the bullpen and the starting staff are in better spots adding into it with even a little bit more upside because again, Ranger could. Ranger has struggled in September is the last two years and then they've gotten in and he's turned in to play off Ranger.

So I haven't like totally given up hope on Ranger figuring it out and bouncing back and and being pretty good in the postseason. But regardless, he's the four Rob Thompson, have a decision maker to me the biggest talking point of the next week and a half, it seems like this Chris Sanchez go game two and you give the only game three. That's it. That's going to be on the table. I'm giving the ball to Chris Sanchez at home because he's frickin unbelievable at home, but they're in a really good spot. Step one, it's done. You won the NL East, gonna end up with 95 plus wins. That's a damn good season, but we all know doesn't mean anything unless it

ends in the ultimate prize. So I I gotta go and get set for final out Quickly reaction here. We're gonna combine both this and the final I'm sure the final lab my thoughts are gonna be more succinct Than the total beginning of this podcast when we're excited sometimes hard talk should be completely honest Sometimes like you're just so fired up that it's Formulating senses is is not the easiest thing in the entire world. But man, they're national league East Jams and it's just step one. So thanks for hanging out.

This is going to do it for this portion of High Hopes, but I'm going to go do final out. Then we're going to splice these two things together and it's going to be euphoric state before Seltzer and I are gonna record a full-on podcast full-on podcast tomorrow morning as we continue to react National League East champs thanks for hanging out go listen to the final out so we're gonna continue geek out 215592 94 94 if you want to get in but thanks for hanging out and I will talk to you tomorrow on a full-length full-length high hopes podcast summers here and you can to get in. But thanks for hanging out and we'll talk to you tomorrow on a full length, full length high hopes podcast. Summers here and you can now get almost anything you need for your

sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. What do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get a chicken parmesan delivered. A cabana? That's a no, but a banana? That's a yes. A nice tan? Sorry, no, but a box fan? Happily yes. A day of sunshine? No. A box of fine wines? Yes. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by Regency app for details. 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 gonna make or break

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In team history the Phillies have won the National League East and they've done it for the first time in 13 years Feels like red October welcome on in it is the final out sponsored by Regency furniture affordable never looks so good. Jack Fritz hanging out with you on this joyous, joyous Monday night as the Phillies, after leading from May 3rd on, essentially, they essentially just went wire to wire and brought home their first division title since I was a senior in high school and I'm sure a lot of you know a lot of people out there doing the whole the last time they wanted a division I was this year's old

we were in different lifetimes that's how long it's been since this team has won a National League East what an accomplishment and it's truly truly just step one it's just step one let's get to the game wrap up sponsored by Crevice providing professional CNC machine cleaning services waste coolant removal and scrap metal systems designed for efficiency and lights out manufacturing crevice.online or crevice.com 21-9494. Let's revel in this thing as the Fills get the job done. And it did not happen in New York. It did not go as I think we all hoped,

that they were going to split up in New York. They were going to kind of rip the heart out of the New York Mets. They weren't going to be able to celebrate up there. But you know what? And I know this is hindsight being 2020, and it's easy to say, yeah, of course, you didn't want them to do it up there. But you know what, and I know this is hindsight being 2020 and it's easy to say, yeah, of course you didn't want them to do it up there. It's something, there's something

special about clinching at home. And you can't convince me that last year when the Phillies lost the National Leagues and they watched the Braves celebrate on their field and you all remember the iconic photo of Nick Casiano's looking out at that and I believe using it as fuel for the postseason. You can't convince me that they didn't use that as fuel last year and we didn't need to give this Mets team any more fuel to be completely honest. I'm a little worried about the Mets. They have a lot of the the classic

signs of a team that can go on and run in October. We will get more into some concerns of them going forward, but still, that team has some aura about them. And being able to come home, sure, you want to ultimately split up there. Last night was annoying. The offense has been annoying. But being able to clinch in the way they did where they essentially just showed up when a ball game took care of business

It still felt like a big deal and that was one of my bigger concerns Like is this still gonna feel like it's some kind of a big deal is the the division title? Like kind of magic to to be able to get it done has any any of it softened? And I don't think so. Winning tonight, seeing how they reacted, seeing how much they wanted, seeing how, I mean, they're getting after it in the clubhouse. It's gonna be an all-time hangover kind of lineup tomorrow. Might wanna take the Cubs if you're into that kind of thing.

And man, Stubbe, again, no one goes harder, but he's gonna have to catch tomorrow. We'll get more into that kind of thing. And man, Stubbe, again, no one goes harder, but he's going to have to catch tomorrow. We'll get more into that. But a lot to react to, 215-592-9494. The biggest takeaways of the game, brought to you by Morgan & Morgan, America's largest injury law firm. And my first big takeaway is that they showed up

ready to clinch tonight. I don't think they were happy with their performance out in Queens this weekend. I don't think they were very happy their performance out in Queens this weekend. I don't think they were very happy with how they played out in Milwaukee. But they showed up tonight and they came out to get the job done and end this thing. It's all I wanted to do. I wanted them to end this thing. Don't drag it out.

Don't have people start worrying about... They were never going to let the division slip away. All I needed to do was win one game to play the Nationals but I just didn't want this feeling like they're backing their way into this thing I don't want that at all because what makes CBP so special is fans legitimately walk in there feeling like they are a 10th man they feel like they make a difference and I didn't need it to be like that probably not our year offense sucks you know, well, no, didn't want it. Like this team has been a damn good baseball team for a large portion of the season. They went through a prolonged rough stretch. They had a seven and 17 stretch. They had two months of 500-ish baseball, but they're playing decently

well in September. I believe they're now 13 and 8. Pad didn't have great series against the Mets and Brewers. Now the Brewers did walk them off. It wasn't like it was the Phillies went out there and got bludgeoned. Like I would feel pretty confident hanging into a playoff series against them, but they showed up tonight. They scored early. They got out to a lead, they added some insurance runs, Nola got some, Nola was really good. You know, they brought in Matt Strahm in a big spot, he got out of it, and it was a workman-like

performance tonight. They didn't really stress us out, felt like when JT hit the home run and then Schwerber hit the home run, it was, we felt like we were in a really, really good spot. But they showed up right to clinch tonight. And that's just important given how they've kind of done a little bit of playing down a competition thing here

a little bit. But regardless, showed up ready, got the job done. They wanted to celebrate on their home turf. And they are certainly doing that. 215592, 94.-94 and last big takeaway and this is more about the overall feelings heading into the playoffs is I'm just I'm begging I'm completely honest just absolutely begging. I'm begging this offense to be good for a month. If they're good for a month

and they're not chasing and they're not pressing and they're not striking out, this team can win the World Series. They can. I'm not doing the declarative like I'm the biggest filliest fan in the world, of course you're going to win the World Series. I hope there's there'll be no one in the Delaware Valley happier than me if this team wins the World Series. I recognize flaws, I see a lot of good, it comes down to that offense and if the offense can just do the thing for a month they've got a real real shot at this thing. There's not a great team in baseball this year. There's a lot of really good teams. They're all kind of jumbled in this whole thing in the National League.

You can make a case any team that makes the playoffs. You can see in the World Series, including the Phillies. But what the Phillies have going for them is what we saw tonight from Aaron Nola, who was really good. Again, in a clinching spot, Aaron Nolot stepped up. You feel really good about Nolot, I think heading into the playoffs. I know that people will be worried about him.

It's been a big game pitcher for them. Chris Sanchez has taken a massive step forward this year. I think he should start game two. That's gonna be a huge talking point for the next week and a half once they eventually wrap up one of these buys, if it's not the first seed, it's the second seed.

And Wheeler, just as ever since he, probably the last five starts, he's got himself into playoff form. This is the Zach Wheeler that we see in the postseason, seemingly every single year. They have three horses and Ranger, lot of people giving up on him. And if you're watching him,

I think he's giving you good reason to be frustrated. But this is a guy who in September the last couple of years has also looked shaky that has turned into a postseason stud for this baseball team. So I'm not writing Ranger off, legitimate concerns, been too good in the postseason to be like, I'm done with that guy. And at the end of the day, he's there for right now.

But those first three, really good. Then you get to the bullpen. This bullpen is arguably heading into the postseason the best we've seen for most of our lives. The 08 bullpen, great. But I think if you look at the stuff on this, in this bullpen, they don't have a Lidge, they don't have 48 for 48, but they are damn good.

Madsen, they're not a Madsen, but you go top to bottom, Kirkering, him developing, Hoffman's a stud, Strom's a stud, you wanna put Jose Ruiz in there, Carlos Estevez, I don't know if I'm trusting him 100%, always a little bit shaky when he's in there. Carlos Estevez, I don't know if I'm trusting him 100% always a little bit shaky when he's in there but has stuff. Jose Avarado been pitching a little bit better. I think you feel good about a lot more arms. There's no

Kimbrough. I think Estevez has the most Kimbrough potential but there's no clear-cut. That guy cannot come into a ballgame. They have five to six legitimate weapons heading into the postseason out of the bullpen. They can do it as long as this offense and the Stars show up and they are stars. It comes down to that. They can't chase, they have to do the little things well, they have to pop some home runs, and they cannot strike out. That's the main, main, main thing that they cannot do. But please, for one month, just one month, lock in and let's have a parade down Broad Street. Let's have

a parade. Tonight's step one. Tonight's great. Tonight's fantastic. But ultimately, it means squat if you don't end up in the World Series and win that thing it does It's it's the nature of the beast get there get one of these buys Win the NLDS put on a show in the NLCS and let's go win the whole thing two one five five nine two 94-94 let's kick it off Where should we go here? Let's go to Michael in Lansdowne. Lansdowne, what's happening Michael? How you doing?

How you feeling buddy? I'm good man. I just got back from watching the game of Skipback. I was telling my wife that we won the NL East. And I sat down three minutes prior to the game, grabbed my yingling lager and I said to myself, Aaron Nola has to have his best game of the season in order for us to pull this off and he Pitched fantastically. He was amazing The guy's been great. He's been money in these situations the last couple years Mike. I'm telling you man with the 1.6 to ERA

You know in those in those those those stats that they were they were thrown up there. So he did a fantastic job. I mean, obviously JT clutch, um, Kyle, you know, what do we have to say about Kyle? But I mean, I have to give it honestly to, uh, to Brian Milton to put together such an amazing crew and to believe in them wholeheartedly, even though when we were playing like crap, um, he, he believed in the, in the crew and he always has. He always has been a fan favorite even when he's down at Pass and Stowe hanging out with the crowd like he did with me this past season. Overall the organization is absolutely an amazing organization and all heads off but

yet once again it doesn't mean squat until we bring home the big fat ring. Yeah, and I appreciate the phone call, Mike, and I'm glad you brought up how the season's kind of gone, because for two and a half months at the beginning of the season, you felt like this team was gonna set wins records, and they were on pace. They won 115 games, and now it's almost on pace for 150 RBI, and it felt easy.

It was so easy. And I think there's a part of this feeling in the back of a lot of our heads of like, I don't need the wins record. I don't really want the wins record. I don't need them to get out so fast that they're not playing meaningful games down this portion of the season.

And my optimistic view here, my optimistic glass half full sense of this is that six week struggle and them pulling themselves out of it. Listen, they were not great in Milwaukee and they were not great in New York. But for a period in the middle there, they beat some good teams on the road and at home that I just think matter.

And they pulled themselves out of it. And I think this team needed to face a little bit of adversity. Last year they lost the NLCS. That was some adversity. They bet on these guys coming together and using that as as fuel then they got off to a super hot start It was like man, we're kind of cakewalk to the World Series. They stuck their feet up They went on cruise control and they almost lost it. It almost got out of control. They were down

What three nothing for nothing that Wednesday against the Marlins? I think it was four nothing. Yeah, after the night before, that Tuesday against the Marlins, I don't have to date on me, but if you follow the entire season, you know what I'm talking about. They lost to some five foot 10 right-handed pitcher for the Marlins no one's ever heard of. They threw 89 miles an hour,

and it felt like true rock bottom, true rock bottom. There had been moments. They went out to freaking Arizona and lost three or four. through 89 miles an hour and it felt like true rock bottom. True rock bottom. There had been moments. They went out to freaking Arizona and lost three or four. I don't want the Diamondbacks, we'll get into it. They lost three or four against the Diamondbacks. They came home that Tuesday and they lost some scrub who's probably never gonna pitch in the big leagues again.

And then they were down because Tyler Phillips kind of fell off a cliff. They were down four nothing I think. And they got to four two, Schwab had slam and they just they pulled themselves out of it they had a team meeting and they they righted the ship and I just I hope that the down periods brought them closer together So when they get into this postseason, they they they feel like they've been here before they've got a lot of postseason, they feel like they've been here before. They've got a lot of postseason experience on this roster, a lot of postseason success on this roster.

They got to just get it done. And I keep going back to the offense, because the offense is the key cog in this entire thing. My guy Blake in the arbor, what's happening, Blake? Hey, Jack. Thanks for taking my call. And I just want to say today let's just savor this win and this division. You know people for months complaining on

Twitter or WIP they can't hit, they can't pitch, they're gonna blow it. Well they got the job done and really we need to savor this win but I want to make this point and this is numbers, this is facts. Twice in Philly's history counting the late 70s and early 80s is one period. In 2007, 2011, they have made the playoffs three times or more. And those are the only two times it's happened. And what have they done both times? Won the World Series. This is the third time in team history that they've done that. And I think this is the year they're going to get their job done. History says it. And I really believe in this team. I've done history says it and I really believe in this team

Yeah, I feel really good. I really do. I think two-thirds of team are good. It's it's really the offense It's it's the only thing I'm worried about if you give me true serum It's like what could be this thing that sinks and it's that but I think It's it's been so interesting to kind of follow the team all year and see the reactions like Blake you see it Just like I see it where It's they would lose a game. It's like, well, that's it, they're cucked. It's like, what are you talking about? It felt like this was the season

that people enjoyed the least, like because it got a little tough, it got a little rocky in the middle. They're a great baseball team. Is it gonna end in a World Series title? I have no idea. I hope it does, but this is a really, really damn good baseball team, Blake.

And I hope that at least tonight we can celebrate that. It's been 13 years in the waiting for this. Now I want to just say on the playoff front, because I do want to celebrate tonight, but the ultimate goal of the World Series, on the front of the playoffs, I'm not actually that upset that Philly's lost a couple of games recently. And the reason why is I think they'd be better as the two seed. I want to avoid the Padres in the first round or the NLDF and I'd

much rather play the Brewers or D-backs because their pitching is just not as good. And knowing the Dodgers struggles in the playoffs, they could lose if the Phillies and the Phillies would have home-footed advantage. So ultimately though, I don't care that much who they play because I think they're're the best team baseball, but I would like to play That's the two-seed but either event. I think it's a really really good team I think they're gonna get their job done and ultimately great night. Let's celebrate go Phillies Yeah, hopefully they finish get across that finish line this year. Yeah, I appreciate the phone call Blake 215-592-94-94. I'll have some more thoughts on that

215-592-9494. I'll have some more thoughts on that Coming up next also a great message from John Middleton after the game that you will not want to miss We'll get to that and some other player the game as well coming up on the final out on sports radio 94 WI pay three two one Zero the final seconds of the game separate true fans from the rest. The fans that are there for every victory, defeat, agony, and ecstasy. And when the buzzer sounds, you deserve a Coke Zero Sugar. The one with irresistible taste and zero sugar. Win or lose, Coke Zero Sugar is the most refreshing way to end the game.

Coke Zero Sugar. Best Coke ever. Learn more at Coca-Cola.ca. It's a new day. How can you make the most of it with your membership rewards points? Earn points on everyday purchases. Use them for that long-awaited vacation. You can earn points almost anywhere, and they never expire.

Treat your friends or spoil your family. Earn them on your adventure and use them how you want, when you want. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Learn more at mx.ca slash ymx. Terms apply. I brought John in here. John, come on over here. Remember in spring training,

the man said he wanted his trophy. That's where he's gonna get it from. I want my grand- Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Hell yeah, John Middleton, hell yeah. We all want your bleepin' trophy back.

And if you missed the, like, the backstory there, I guess, in spring training, apparently John Middleton gave like an unbelievable speech to that the team Beyond fired up ready to go and they came out and they're pretty ridiculous, but Middleton listen, I I'm just I'm doing my best to not get ahead of myself. I We like we need this team to win a World Series like they like We need this team to win a World Series like they They deserve it. They've they've got to a World Series. They had us heartbroken last year

They won the National League East this year. They're all in their Prime they are all in their prime Bryce needs a title cocky Castellanos needs a title Bryce needs a title, Kaki Castellanos needs a title, Schwarber needs a title, Garrett Stubbs needs a title, Rob Thompson needs a title, Trey Turner needs a title, Boomer, Marshy, Stott, Wheeler for all that he's done, Nola for everything he's been through, these guys need a fricking title.

And that guy, for the amount of money that he's shelled out for the kind of change in the culture of this whole thing, taking the fills to a true big market field on him, one of the big boys in the sport, like he just deserves a title. And they gotta get it done. Tonight's step one, we're all happy they won the division. They're going after it pretty hard

But like they just it's it's so imperative. It's so imperative welcome on back It is the final out sponsored by Regency furniture affordable never look so good. Let's take a go back to the phones here Steve's in Delray, what's happening Steve? Hey, Jack. How you doing? We did it buddy. The National League East is ours. Yeah, man I was I'm coming over the game now and I mean, you know, I've been a team ticket holder now for over 20 years I've never seen a regular season clincher So to be there tonight and see that and see this team, you know win the division after 14 years or 13 years It it feels good

It's I mean Steve the last time they would they won the title me you and I were in high school You know what I mean? Yeah, I was I was a junior so it's been a while It's been it's been for freaking it's actually criminal like they've been to a World Series before they want to put a division title It's it's significant, man, and I hope that even the people that are naysayers and they're going to find a way to play, can we just be happy tonight? They did something that a lot of people didn't think they'd be able to do heading into the season. Yeah, and the nice thing is, I think Schwaber said it earlier, you guys did a spot, and

he said, you know, making the playoffs is great and they went on these runs, but winning the division is just different. It just means something more and you know, you have the banner that's going to fly in the outfield next year and we can all look at that and look back on this and I don't know, man, it just it feels different with this team that's having won the division and the bullpen tonight was incredible. And I don't know, I just I feel different about this team compared to the last couple of years.

And I hope that's a good sign. Yeah. And I think it is, Steve. And I appreciate the phone call. I just. Hopefully, what they went through and being able to pull themselves out of it and and still ultimately winning the National League East. Are they gonna win 100 games? No. I don't think we need it in 100 games. Are they gonna... they're in a really good spot to lock up one of those... one of those buys. So as long as they can be the two seed, I would prefer the two seed. You know, Blake brought that up last segment. I would prefer it. I'm not saying the Philly should play for it. That's not karma-wise. That generally doesn't go very well.

I wouldn't be mad if they got it. Here's the case. I would much rather play the Brewers or Mets. Listen, I'm definitely worried about the Mets. They remind me of the 19 Nationals with the OMG and PARA when PARA did the Baby Shark thing. Now they don't have Scherzer, Corbin, and Strasburg, peak Strasburg, but they have something. Maybe it's like the 07 Phillies where,

that's the other thing, quick side tangent. When people talk about playing their best heading into October, was there any team playing better in Phillies history than the, or recent Phillies history than the 07 Phillies? The 07 Phillies chased down the Mets, had all the momentum, and then got steamrolled by the Rockies, who were also hot to their credit, but they got steamrolled.

In 2022, they full-on collapsed and got lucky because the Brewers lost a home series against the Marlins, who were horrible that year, and that got them in the postseason, and ultimately they went on a run. I think we overrate a little bit, a little bit how important it is playing your best baseball heading into October. They're showing a lot of signs of playing good baseball. Starting rotation has taken a step forward. We mentioned Knowles in the open and speaking of Knowles, he's our player of the game sponsored by South Jersey Gas Conserve helping customers in the community save energy and money

Visit South Jersey gas comm slash conserve. So one point I guess he's a 1.6 the array and in clinging games I thought I saw a 1.3 earlier, but whatever I guess the Phillies officially tweeted out 1.6 Like he's been money in these kind of situations and overall it was a hundred and two pitches for him tonight the pitch count as situations and overall it was 102 pitches for him tonight the pitch count as always sponsored by the Plumbers Union Local 690 protecting the health of the nation visit Plumbers690.org so 102 pitches a lot of pitches for an Olsen it's a shame he got it's a shame that he got stuck in that in the in the seventh there because he's rolling he's pitching really well and it kind of totally fall apart like the little bleeder up the line was was BS so

Ultimately had to get him out there He had strong ready to go and strong came in and did strong things But you know Noah's in a good spot wheelers in a good spot Sanchez in a good spot the bullpen I think is totally rounded in the form the last three weeks It comes down to the offense. It just comes down to the offense. When you look at the pitching staff, instead of facing a Padres or Diamondbacks pitching

staff, or at least a Padres where you have like a Tanner Scott they can go to late, and they have Robert Swartz and Jason Adam, that's a really good back end. Then they have Cease and Musgrove and Darvish in their rotation combined with Machado has been really good in the second half. Tatisse is back. Jerx and Profar, Ryze who's you know hitting over 300 again, and it's a super tough out. The Diamondbacks, I just I think they have some real estate in the Philly's head. I just do and exercising that demon would be amazing. I would love it. But I'm avoiding the Diamondback

repudrater right now. If I had to bet I think those teams are going to be the four or five. So I would like to avoid them let them go play the Dodgers in in round two and in round two we get the Brewers or Mets and again Mets total credit to them. I am 100 worried about the Mets to be to be completely honest I'm worried about every team. I think every team could end up in the World Series including the Phillies the Phillies are gonna have to play damn good baseball There's no freaking Marlins in this year's in this year's playoffs like last year All these teams can make the World Series Mets best team in baseball since London Terrifying like the city field Was was was jumping last night that felt like a playoff game last night now is great that Wheeler showed up

But the offense did not show up Wheelerper was chasing schwerber wasn't great So some of their big stars Were not awesome up in city field, but if i'm if i'm placing odds, you know Severino they've been all right against I would say all right Maniah, let me see in the postseason before i'm like super worried about him David peterson, let me see him in theseason before I'm like super worried about him. David Peterson, let me see him in the postseason before I'm super worried about him. Tyler McGill, Jose Quintana, it's just not... Tyler McGill was great last night, but again, let me see that in the postseason. You have those guys, you get to the lineup.

Lindor, great. He's arguably the... He's going to be second in the MVP if Otani was still an angel, he's the the, he's going to be second in the MVP. If Otani was still an angel, he's the MVP of the National League. But the lineup isn't like the most daunting. You know, they have, again, they've been on a really good run, but it's still not, if you just look at it on paper, not exactly something that's keeping me up at night.

And the Brewers, starting statuettes is not how it's been the last couple of years. And they had Corbin Burns, and they had Brandon Woodruff. Now it's like Frankie Montas and Freddie Peralta. Bullpen, fantastic. We know that. They're a great pitching development organization. Offense better than it's been the last couple years.

Churio's a stud, Buddy's 20. William Contreras, stud. Willie Adamas, stud. They're a better off than they've been the last couple years. But if I'm placing odds, I would rather face one of those two teams than the Padres or Diamondbacks. Let's go back to the phones and talk to Patrick in Newark.

What's happening, Pat? Oh, oh, jeez. What's going on, buddy? Uh, need to figure out my... Hey there Jack. Am I here? Yeah, what's going on? You're on the air. Um, not too much.

I thought I was rough serious against the Maps and I was disappointed in everything, but tell me dude, do you think that if the Phillies won last night, that the Mets would have put up on the big board, congratulations Phillies for winning DL East? I know, I was thinking about that. I want, I would think, I don't know, I really don't know. I would think maybe, but. I guarantee not. Yeah, I mean, I still think that was don't know, I really don't know. I would think maybe, but. Can he not? Yeah, I mean, I still think that was 3D chess last year

to motivate the Phillies even more, but yeah, it was not a great seed and the Mets probably would not have done that. I had so much fun watching the Phillies tonight, but having two football games on at the same time like well the giant distraction like I had to keep bouncing back you know your laptop or iPad and then you have the fills on the main TV you know I don't use my laptop a whole lot but I do use my phone a lot. Well how you feeling though?

Like how you feel tonight? I'm, I don't know. I'm kinda scared. Like I think the Phillies are playing great and everything but I'm not feeling like, and everything but I'm not feeling like... I'll feel more confident if they just slam a team. Yeah, I mean, and I appreciate the phone call, Pat. They essentially did that tonight.

They had a stranglehold on that game. So I get it. I think there's people that are like Pat where it's like, ah, I'm glad they won the division and I'm happy with all this stuff. But there's a little feeling in the back of my head of how they are they going to do what they did last year and have the bats go cold. And I get that. I do. It was a painful game, six and seven. But at least tonight, I don't want to worry about it.

You know, I just will cross that bridge when we get there but I think it's impressive and and getting one of these one or two seed is just massive. 53 and 26 at home this season. 53 and 26 that is pretty ridiculous. Speaking of ridiculous we have a historic feat by one of the Phillies best players. We'll get to that coming up next. Plus we will get to what tomorrow might look like on the final out on Sports Radio 94 WIP. What's better than watching your team win? Winning money while you do it. I'm Jim Costa and I cash the ticket.

Mike Valetti and I give you the edge to make every game playable. College football, NFL, we're breaking it all down game by game. Your podcast feed is gonna be filled and you're gonna love it. You can click on the games you care about. We do it all with our analysis.

We're finding games that other people aren't talking about. We're turning every Saturday and every Sunday into days when you got a chance to win. Don't just sit on the sidelines, cash the ticket with us. Follow, cash the ticket in the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. In the pitch, swinging to drive. Well hit way back to right center field and that one is gone

Kyle Schwab or number 37 on the season. It gives him 100 runs batted in Solo shot and it's three nothing Phillies Yeah, I'd say there was not much doubt about that one. No Please. I'd say there was not much doubt about that one. No. Not much doubt at all. Welcome back, that is our player of the game,

player of the game, sponsored by Mike's Amazing, the official mayo and mustard of the Phillies. Kyle Schwabert goes 100, 100, 100. 100 RBI, 100 runs, 100 walks. Not bad for a leadoff hitter. I think it's a pretty, I'm not a math major, but it feels like a pretty productive season for a leadoff hitter and definitely a valuable player. He is now one of three players in Philly's history, along with Mike Schmidt and Bobby

Bureu to have multiple 100, 100, 100 seasons. So a Heco season from Schwaber. Could have used one more. I had him for two home runs tonight, plus 2,900, but not to make things about me. But Gav Schwaber, again, he's Bryce Harbour's the best player. An odd Bryce stance or setup late in the game. He's like super straight up.

He smoked the baseball, so maybe it's a little tinker heading into the postseason, but still it was something to kind of monitor as we go forward here. But Schwaber, I just continue to believe is the most important filly. He's their leader. He is a tone setter.

Him in the leadoff spot is important. And him hitting a home run tonight was about the lock of the century, in my opinion. It is the final out, sponsored by Regency Furniture. Ford will never look so good. Wrapping up, putting the final touches on this before handing things off to Jodie Mack. But, let's go back to the phones and talk to Liz in Vegas. What's happening, Liz?

Hi, Dad. How are you? I'm doing great. I'm doing great. That's my son's name too. Anyway, calling all the way from Las Vegas I've been a fan my whole life a whole 43 years So kind of brainwashed into it and I moved out to Vegas and man didn't written on this team forever I even flew flew back when they wanted in 08 to hit the parade So awesome and just love watching the our Vegas boys

Sadi and Harper and you know, just like just and all they do for the community here in Vegas too It's so awesome. So it's just it's just really cool to see and I I just couldn't be prouder Yeah, they're they're an impressive group and they just they deserve a World Series Liz like they just deserve it They're they're a bunch of good dudes. They play hard they love the city and it would really cement a lot of good dudes, they play hard, they love the city, and it would really cement a lot of their legacies as all-time Phillies. And I just, I hope they get it done. Now Liz, big question, are you flying in if they get it done again?

Really? Is the Pope Catholic? Come on! Of course I am! Good. I actually already have a flight in October. Perfect. Just stay.

It's going to be a party. It's going to be a party, Liz. It's going to be awesome. But it's awesome because everybody knows me. I'm a teacher, so I'll be wearing my Philly gear tomorrow and they're like, oh, here it comes. That's all she's going to be talking about. It's going to be hard to focus.

It's going to be hard to focus in class when we're all thinking about the Phils. But yeah, appreciate the phone call, Liz. Yeah, go Phils. All right, there she goes, Liz in Vegas. It's going to be hard to focus in class. We're all thinking about the Phils. But yeah, appreciate the phone call, Liz. Yeah, go Phils. All right, there she goes, Liz in Vegas. It's great stuff. It's great stuff. I remember when I was, again, the last time they won the division, 2011, I remember having to use like, yeah, I got Philly's fever.

I can't go to class today. You kidding me? We got a playoff game tonight. Now unfortunately, that ended in Howard ripping his Achilles but forget that that won't happen again God willing God willing that will not happen again Kyle's in Harrisburg what's happening Kyle? Yo what's up Jack how's it going?

Ah I'm doing great buddy how are you? How was it down there tonight? Dude I was sitting behind home plate. It was incredible electric atmosphere. Me and my buddy that I'm coming home with, back in July we were talking about going to a game. And I was like, yeah, you want to go to the Yankees game? Game one of the Yankees game, which I don't know if you remember, they lost 14 to 4.

Yeah, not great. And Dave, I don't think we're going to do that. Prices are too much. Let's just buy a random game in September. Y'all and Philly's website spent like 50 bucks for Right behind home plate. So we go to the game tonight, you know, it's closing in on the game. They're playing the Mets I'll be honest Jack part of me wanted to lose three out of four so we could see a potential questioner I'm sure you know was absolute. I was absolutely in agony last night

Yeah my face off when they lost a six out Dave to Edwin Diaz. Oh, it was terrible, but The sons came up. It was clinch day never a doubt that they were gonna close it out. It was awesome I couldn't believe we walked in to come into this game and It was incredible. It just got me. I've been I've gone to playoff last couple years just got me absolutely jacked up fired up for the playoff games in a few weeks and to If they play their best, if everyone else plays their best, those are going to win. And so let's just hope for one month of good baseball and yeah, hope for a parade down Broad Street.

Yeah, I appreciate the phone call, Kyle. I think the nicest part about tonight is last night was brutal. And I was down I was like I don't I felt like last night was a playoff game even though I knew it wasn't I had my stress ball I was like really I wanted that win. I was Really upset when I lost But it's just so funny about baseball like the next night you come out and win and everything's fine. I think tonight Really got the juices flowing again. Like really got the juices. We need October to get here and we need to like get this thing started and finish the job,

but they haven't been able to do the last couple of years. I mean, that's what the big takeaway for me tonight is, is it felt special. They got the division done. It's over. That's an accomplishment that 100% means something. They're celebrating them like it means something. They deserve that. They've been a great, great baseball team

for a majority of this season. But it got my juices flowing for October. If it can start tomorrow, I take it. Ultimately, they're going to have most likely a bye. They need two more wins or their match numbers two to at least clinch a bye. They need two more wins or their match number is two to at least clinch a bye. I would prefer the two over the one even though I'm giving up home field all throughout. The Dodgers still kind of prove it to me that they can win in October. They have come up small and I know Atani is putting up a 53-53 season. He's pretty ridiculous.

But I just, winning it tonight and ending it and seeing the ballpark and seeing them celebrate, it really just brought me right back to the last couple of years and being in the same exact situation. Now, tomorrow's gonna be interesting because Taiwan could start. They could go ballpen, they could go to Taiwan.

I propose, just have Taiwan throw all nine. You wanna earn the contract? Then go take down nine innings for the boys and save the bullpen for one day. Now the lineup is going to be all-timer. Now Stubby is going pretty hard tonight, but he's going to have to catch tomorrow. My guy Josh sent me the possible hangover lineup,

and this feels pretty close to being right. Stott, Hayes, DH, Castellanos, Cody Clemens at third, Edmundo Sosa at shortstop, Wessey Wilson at first, Cal Stevenson in right field, Rojas in center field and Stubbs catching. Feels about right for a post division clenching kind of a hangover type game, but either way they got it done. They're national league it done. They're National League East Champions they did it they essentially led wire to wire and

now all that awaits is clinching a bye and then red October and that's when the party starts. Thanks for hanging out with me tonight Justin Gerasio produced a program tonight. Jody Mack he will take you through the rest of tonight here on sportsradio 94 WIBA.