High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - HIgh Hopes Chapter 2: Bryce Freaking Harper Is Back

Episode Date: July 17, 2023

Bryce Harper hit a home run. 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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Another fact, so jump aboard the B.I.B. Express. Follow and listen to Baseball Isn't Boring, presented by Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. All right, let's get to Harper. Oh, welcome back, King. Finally. Tank shot.

Obviously, the big at bat against Hayter. We'll get to the first base thing, but just from watching Harper over the weekend after the All-Star break, like, you back? Yeah. You feel good? Well, and I think the most important thing that could have happened watching Harper over the weekend after the All-Star break, you back? You feel good? I think the most important thing that could have happened for this team this weekend, obviously Schwarber getting going is important, and when we talk about vibes, and this is not

negative Bryce, but I think one of the writers wrote about this, about how he does have the commanding presence around him where when he's not hitting home runs, you can feel it. Everyone can. You can feel it through the TV. And even when he's not throwing his helmet into the dugout or

whatever, like freaking out, you just feel it. He's got like a grimace on it all the time. And I think that he hits the home run. By the way, before we go any further. Don't catch the ball, Craig. Hey, Craig Campbell. What are you doing? It's the first thing I thought. I'm like, what are you doing, man? I'm like, you're cool.

Like, that was cool. What are you doing? You're a veteran. Like, what are you? It's not your first home run ball. Like, what are you doing, man? I don't know. Grab your glove and catch it if you have to.

Whatever. Crazy. Yeah. So calm down, Craig. Yes. Listen, I'm worried about between throwing 30 pitches in the all-star game and then catching a ball barehanded, like this, he's on, he's on pace for Lidge, right?

I mean, he could, he could take down Lidge, but I feel like we're teetering here. We're testing our luck. Pulled together. We're testing our luck. And believe me, I was in a dark place when he, his first pitch was 92 on, I was like, oh Jesus, like, here we go. I mean, oh. I was like, oh, Jesus. Like, here we go. I mean, oh, my gosh.

Anyway, Harper. So I think that getting that weight off his shoulder, and I thought it was really important and cool how they essentially gave him the silent treatment after he hit it. That was so great. And when you're talking about a superstar and one of the faces of the sport and being able to be humbled. And those guys feeling comfortable enough. Making fun of them in a way.

Exactly. Exactly right. I think that's important. I agree. I love that. That was my favorite thing that happened this weekend was he has the home run, they give him a side of the treatment, and they party with their guy, which I think that's really important.

Calling the bullpen. Exactly. Really, really important. And you get to see from Bryce. His energy is just way up. It changed completely. He was pacing around the dugout on the first game Saturday where he's like, I need to be in this spot.

And then he went up there and he had his fastest run of the first base of the year. I think he was one of the fastest in baseball of the year, I believe. It's gritty. It was really fast. And then obviously it's the home run and then has the big hit yesterday. And you get to see his energy levels being raised and I think that when his energy levels

get raised and he's like really into it and being Bryce freaking Harper, that's when this team plays at its best because they can be like, alright, we got our guy back. And that's what we saw for a majority of the postseason last year. Like when he hit the home run. Basically through game three of the World Series,

that's what we saw. And then. Dude, he batted. Again, it doesn't get. Listen, the Foles run of 17 was unbelievable. The Iverson run in 01, unbelievable. Bryce is batting like 450 and having big moments. Yeah, you're right.

Hit the biggest home run in the history of the franchise, arguably. Again, we talk about this a lot during the run. It's a great point. It was so rare to see a baseball player. They always say, like, oh, why can't you put the team on his shoulder? Because that's not really how it works. Like, if there's nine batters, he bats three times a game, four times a game.

That's just not how it works. It was the most I felt. Outside of, like, the September Howards of, like, 06 through 08, it was the most I felt a player just, like, carry a team. Totally, man. And for it to be the biggest, like, one of the biggest superstars in the game in that moment, like that's special, man. And the fact that he got the opportunity to even come up in that spot,

in that situation with a chance to take the lead and all that, in a clinching game, in the eighth inning, like it was magical. And the fact that that could take advantage of those opportunities was, you're absolutely right. Like that doesn't happen often. So he's back. He's back't happen often. So he's back. He's back.

All right. So let's get to the backpack part of it. Cause I am, I am torn about this first base thing. Like I, I don't want any extra pressure on the arm than necessary. You know, this is a big injury.

I want him to like get back. He came back before anyone expected all that stuff. But look, I know that they're not going to, it's Bryce Harper and it's the Phillies. They're not going to risk his arm. I don't believe they would put him in a situation where it was truly dangerous.

I'm concerned about it is where I'm at. The one thing I will say to the point you just made, I do think that Bryce Harper of all players, just being in the game and being involved in all plays will help him. He's that type of guy who's just, like you were just talking about, needs to be invested,

wants to be involved in everything happening. At first base, he's going to be involved a lot more than right field, too. So I do like that part of it. Are you at all concerned, though, about, and obviously we know how it helps the team from a defensive perspective. And trade deadline-wise.

Yeah, because it totally opens it up. You're all concerned about it, though, because I can't help but be a little concerned that Bryce Harper's going to be winging the ball around. Yeah, well, I think we're always going to feel that way. That's true. Until we see it, I think it's fair to feel that way. But at the same time, I don't think they're just taking it.

I think if they were being not smart about it, they would have done it like a month ago. Like right away, just have him come back and do both. No, but he's been back since what, May 7th? Yeah, two months, yeah, now. And he's been trying at first base for a while.

So they could have just thrown him out there and see how it goes. I think the fact that they've took in this amount of time to get it done I think is important. The arm thing's always

going to be concerning, but I thought that Rob Thompson also said that there's a non-zero chance, essentially, that he could play right field by the end of the year. So they feel that strong about the arm.

Which is crazy. It's crazy. It's something. It's something. I just, the only throw he's really going to have to make is first to second. How many times do you see a runner go first to third? Very rarely.

Now, sometimes. Cutoff. I guess they could change their cutoff and just have Stott take more of the right field line type stuff and all that. Which he has been doing. Maybe they've already thought about it and they're setting it up, but he's done it more, I think.

But classically, the first baseman's going down the line to make the throw. I know. So maybe they just try and take him out of those situations where he would have to make those far throws. And obviously infield in. Yeah, throw to home maybe or something like that. 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. 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. I just... I don't think they're being...

I don't think they're just going to be like, ah, your arm's still partially torn. Like, go and play first base. We'll see what happens. I agree. I don't think they're going to put him... I'm more worried about, I'm more worried about, like, fielding the baseball than still partially torn. Like, go out and play first base. We'll see what happens. I agree. I don't think they're going to put him at- I'm more worried about, I'm more worried about, like, fielding the baseball than throwing the baseball.

Well, he's never played before. No. I don't really have any, like, consistency. But I do think that his background of being a catcher will help. Agreed. Absolutely. Because he obviously has the same kind of scoop. So I guess I'm probably being naive because I haven't seen it with my own eyes yet to

where I'm like, eh, let's see how it goes. Because then I start thinking about how the rest of the season goes if he can play first base. And I like that it is June 17th. July. Whatever. July 17th. They should not have two J months back-to-back, by the way.

It's a great take. J-U. I know. June, July. I'm with you. It throws the whole thing off. It's outrageous. Yeah, at least put August in the middle. Yeah. Yeah. We should, June, July, I'm with you. It throws the whole thing off. It's outrageous. Yeah, at least put like August

in the middle. Yeah. Yeah. We should petition to see if we can make this happen. Only the important things. Yeah. So,

July 17th, the trade deadline's August 1st. Which, by the way, totally throws me off. It should be July 31st. Our whole lives. Now we're like,

oh, let's make it August 1st. Why? It's July 3rd, what are you doing now? I know, I know. Anyway.

At least they got rid of the, there's two things I'm glad they got rid of. The September, August 31st. I know. It's like, what are we doing here? I don't care. I know. I'm with you.

It's awful. And then, dude, it's so funny how, like, do you remember how dreadful it was watching the Phillies under Gabe Kapler with the 40-man rosters? Oh, yeah. Like, why was that ever a thing where it's just like, hey, you can bring up like 15 more players here. And Gabe's like bringing out a pitcher in an inning, yeah. Why was that ever a thing where it's just like, hey, you can bring up 15 more players here. And Gabe's bringing out a pitcher in an inning, essentially. Crazy.

It was awful. Anyway, thank you, baseball. But with 14 days until a trade deadline, you need to see if you can do it. Oh, I agree. You could not wait until a week before. It changes everything. It opens up a whole new... If Bryce Harper can't stay at first

base, then you can't trade for an outfielder. You can't trade for a starting outfielder. You've got to put your resources somewhere else. If Bryce Harper can play first base, you can trade for a left fielder. Or a right fielder. It makes everything way easier. It makes everything way easier if you can play first base because it doesn't have to just be a left fielder.

You just get Schwarber out of the field. You just get Schwarber out of the field. And you can go get another right-handed. They need a right-handed bat that they can use off the bench or start, you know, whatever. That is one of the most important things. They just don't have that. Yeah, they don't. They don't have that guy.

I mean, Drew Ellis, Josh Harrison's hurt. It's all like infielders who are not going to give you a big hit when you need it, most likely. No. And I like Derek Hall, but he's just not. He's not it. He's not it. He's fine. He's going to pop some

home runs. Also, by the way, like we said the whole time, not that great defensively, is he, guys? No. No, he's not. Get rid of Hoskins for a face. And guess what? Derek Hall sucks there, too. Sorry. Not great. Not great. So, you know, it gets hauled out of the lineup. And if you can go on August 1st, you have Harper at first.

So you have JT at catcher, Harper at first, Stott, Turner, Boehm, blank in left. Or right. I mean, if they can get somebody who plays right, they can move Cassie to left, which would be better for Cassie. It just depends on who you can trade for. I mean, like, it's another lefty, but Cody Bellinger is like... He's been great, dude.

Cody's been great. He can play first base if they need it. And he's a really good outfielder. He can play any of the outfield positions. He can play center field. Dude, he can be another center fielder. If they need it. Let's get all center fielders. I love this. After the last few years, he can be a great defensive outfielder. I mean, Bellinger fits everything.

Yeah. Like, if Schwarber wants to go play left for a game. No, Bellinger actually, I didn't think of it from the perspective of, like, being able to have someone who can play outfield and first base is actually really nice. There's no one else. I mean, I don't think there's anyone else that can do it. I mean, like, yeah, off the top of my head, no.

I mean, Duvall's played some first base in the past, hasn't he? Here and there. I think he was a third baseman, I think. So, like, I'm sure he could theoretically if you needed him. But no. No, I'm good. Hunter Renfro's only an outfielder, right? Only an outfielder.

Yeah, by the way. And a bad one at that. No, he's not. Is Hunter Renfro good at ball? He's got a hose. That's all I know. Oh, he's got a cannon. He just doesn't cover a ton of ground.

Come on, man. I've watched plenty of plenty He did some freaking Tank shots He does Some tank shots He does it And we finally trade For an outfielder

From the Angels Everyone wants Hunter Renfro Yeah exactly We finally do it That's the guy We've all talked about Forever

Hunter Renfro So like You know Bellinger makes sense I would by the way Hunter Renfro Like just from a Like a profile

Does make a lot of sense Of course Like you just like You want to talk about A guy you could just Comment and face left hand And pitch and Absolutely crush it Like there you go And play the right field Yeah just from a profile does make a lot of sense. Of course. You want to talk about a guy you could just comment and face left-handed pitching and absolutely crush it.

There you go. And play the right field but move Cassiano to the left. Cannon. Cannon. Absolutely. Again, I've now moved past the draft.

Yep. Giddy by the trade deadline. Straight up giddy by the trade deadline. Welcome aboard. Now we can all be giddy together. Yes, yes. I'd rather just be in my

five people that care about the draft stuff. Yes. But yeah, just like the Harper first base thing is very, very important. Yeah. Because now they have two weeks to assess whether or not he can do it. Yeah. And if he can't, then you go get Goldschmidt.

How's that? Boom. Set. Done. Nailed it. Or CJ Krohn, whatever. Yeah, whatever. But like, then you have to be in the market for a first baseman.

You could trade for an outfitter, but you can't. Now, if they got Bellinger and Harper can't play first, it gives you a buffer, though. Well, that's the point. So if he can, he can slowly work his way into it. Yeah. It's exciting. Yeah. A little maneuverability all of a sudden.

It is wild how, because of Harper's injury when it happened, the Phillies really have become from a lineup construction perspective the most hamstrung team in baseball. Yes. They just have no options because Harper has to be in the lineup every day and he literally can't play anywhere in the field. It's like, all right, so that's it. There's no other way around this.

So it really would be massive. And again, also like shocking, right? Like we were talking about, this is the time where initially when they said when Bryce Harper would be back, we should be seeing like Bryce Harper playing his like first couple games of the season if the original timeline had helped.

And he's been back for two months and now he's playing first base. Like it's, the guy's miraculous. Yes. Like we should not just glide past this without saying like what a marvel, a marvel of a human. This is unbelievable. Also a petition to let him wear that hat that he's been working at first.

I mean, that is a, that is a clean, I can never pull it off in a million years. Me neither. He can pull it off. Yeah. Um,

so yeah, I just very, very excited to see what he looks like and see if he can do it. Cause if he can do it, I mean, it just, it changes everything. It changes everything.

And then look, it helps his career down the road too. I mean, you never know, like if he can do it I mean it just it changes everything it changes everything and then look it helps his career down the road too I mean you never know like if he can get good at first base that's a nice landing spot for him down the road you know like eventually he's not going to cover as much ground in the outfield all that type of stuff first base is a nice kind of spot to slide him into down the road they don't have like prospects there and all that so like there is it's an interesting one