High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - High Hopes LIVE From The Philies Postseason Scrimmage

Episode Date: October 2, 2025

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz are LIVE from the Phillies' intrasquad scrimmage, previewing Red October and breaking down what they see on the field. Presented by Miller Lite To purchase Ring The Bell by Jack Fritz and Kevin Reavy go to RingTheBellBook.com 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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Learn more at amex.ca. S.A. slash Y.Mex. What's up guys? I'm Jordan Robinson, host of the podcast, The Women's Hoops Show. We're heading towards the home stretch of the WMBA season, and there is so much to get into every episode. Twice a week, I'm joined by one of my amazing co-hosts as we dissect the biggest games, performances, and even some off-court drama.

The playoffs are quickly approaching, and now is the best time to tune in. Who will come away is this year's champion? The competition is heating up, and so are we. Listen to and follow the women's hoop show available now, wherever you get your podcasts. Yo, it is a very special edition of High Hopes Radio, Jack Fritz, souts are with you from Citizens Bank Park somehow jack they let us in the same seats that scott fransky and larry andersen to call these games i don't know who allowed that to happen but we're looking out of the baseball field they're about to play some baseball fritzie and i tell you

what it feels like a real baseball game it does they're competing against each other but you got dan baker introducing both sides you have 31,000 people here which it's funny we did watch a lot of bad baseball in 2014 through most of 2018. Oh, did we ever? Yeah. More back now than it was. Oh, yeah. I have been in a much emptier state. I saw Mike El Franco at a walk-off home run in a stadium with maybe one-fifth, one-sixth the amount of people in here. Yeah, no, it's pretty neat to see. And obviously we've heard all the, you know, $31,000 for a practice, $26,000 for a playoff game in Cleveland, all that good stuff. Yeah. But yeah, so we got the powder blues. We got the

pinstripes tonight as a little intra-squad action. We will be taking calls 215-592-94-94 as we react to what we see out here and get you set for the playoffs, Fritz, because I don't know about you, but walking into the ballpark today, which is funny because it's a practice today, but it felt different. You know, regular season, regular season, it's no more, it's over. I walked in here thinking on Saturday, I'm going to be walking in here for a game, most likely against the Dodgers, most likely with Shohay Otani on the hill.

And I got goosebumps, man. I got goosebumps walking in, thinking about the last few years, what this place gets like, what it's going to be like. And I also got nervous. Yes. Because the Dodgers are a real scary team to face.

Are you more excited for this playoff run, or are you more nervous for this playoff? So I am more excited, but I know you're going to be more nervous. I don't even need to ask you. I can feel. it. I will admit that like, look, the Dodgers won 15 to 20 heading into the playoffs.

Ooh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. They won 50 to 20 in the playoffs. They've been playing great baseball. They finally look like the team we all expect them to be. Obviously, whooped up on the Reds last night. Although, although. Bullpen got hit up a little bit, you know, a little bit.

It's an ugly bullpen, but so point me, I'm excited, but I am absolutely, like, I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about the Dodgers series in particular. Yeah, the Dodgers series is the only one I'm really nervous about. I look at the Dodgers and watching them last night, and like you said, about 15 and 20, and I'm not trying to do the scare tactics thing.

I'm telling honestly how I feel. Last year I really didn't think they had a shot in the Mets series. We've tried to convince ourselves last year, but I think we all knew deep down that what we had watched for the last three months was not going to run through the playoffs. And I don't feel that way at all heading into the Dodgers series. series. It's just that team's really good. And I think the Phillies, I believe them when they say essentially to the degree of we're

ready to meet the moment this year. We're ready to meet the moment. We've been gearing up for this. They're having a freaking full-on inner squad game with fans here. And Tom McCarthy and Scott Franke, L.A. on the mic, stocker on the mic, like talking. Like, it feels big here today. I think they're going to be more ready for it. They take the field. As the boys take the field.

Lazzardo and the powder blues heading out to the mound. Yeah. Well, and Lazzardo, real quick, before we keep going through everything else. But there's only three guys behind Lazzardo in the bullpen tonight, which I think is notable. But behind him tonight is Strom Robertson, Taiwan. So unless maybe Taiwan gets a length potentially. Yeah, it takes down like three. And for what it's worth, just so everyone knows, a seven-inning game, not a nine-inning game today.

Yes, yes, which I didn't know. I didn't either. I came in totally expecting nine innings, so there you go. A little earlier. So, yeah, I keep looking at the, you know, I look at the Dodgers, right? And last night and with it played, and the fact that Mookie is starting to heat up, because he's been a sub-700 OPS guy for most of the season. And Freddie Freeman, who I think we forgot, since he left the Braves,

but at one point, him and, like, Brian McCann were the number one killer. Killer. Ryan Bronte. Well, yes, yes. And Ryan Zimmerman. We can make a list. There's many. And, by the way, the Dodgers also have Miguel.

Rojas, which the true sickos remember. The Marlins, buddy. How could you forget me go Rojas? But you look at that team. And I thought they were a little top heavy early in the season, but now with the emergence of Pahas, who I think is a, I think, I think, I think Andy Potas might be the most underrated player,

one of the most underrated players in baseball. I think he's legitimately good. They're getting Will Smith back. And... Hey, Oscar, two homers last night. It's like, uh-oh, playoff start, Tay Oscars back. Especially against... And that might be the reason why they're thinking about going Aaron Nola, because that dude, smokes left-handed pitching.

That's what the Oscar does. And then you get to the starting staff with them. Love the Philly starting staff. I think they match up really well from that standpoint. But it is... It's legit. Otani has been disgusting since getting back on that. And I can't wait for game one with...

If it's Otney Sanchez, I mean, that is theater. I mean, that is as fun and exciting. Oh, here we go. First pitch. Strike? 6.05. Can we do the right on time, bet? 6.05.

Right on time. time how about it that is a no joke one of my favorite bits i i giggle every time you know it's coming and i still giggle and the rare like three times a year where the game is actually on time is the best well on the road it's always on time yeah oh wow mostly i know actually starts right on time yeah yeah yeah well yeah they're ready to get in and get out tonight i can see no i don't want the umpires feeling that way well i was saying uh on the earlier hopefully we have better volunteer umpires than the tennis match that we had because that that didn't go as well well traitors went down on three pitches oh lizardo bringing the heat oh look at this oh as scy fransky

walks into the booth and thinks in his head what the hell is happening how to these two into these seats all right what a treat what a treat as uh lazardo facing schwarber now uh so back to the dodgers thing uh look i and look, do you think there's any chance the Reds can take one tonight or you think it's just a fade accompli and this is over? I mean, sure, but I think they're closer to the 23 Marlins

and the 23 T-backs. I do too. I think it's over. Oh, the lineup's just not. The lineup's not good enough. So they had a wild stat about the Reds. The Reds are the first team to make the playoffs in the modern era

with no hitter who hit above 275, no hitter hit or hit 25 home runs, no pitcher pitcher pitch 200 innings, and I can't remember what the fourth was once. But it's like they are in all-time. Well, in the cream, easiest thing too about the Reds making the playoffs with the Mets, and it's amazing, is that the Mets fully blew it. The Reds in their last 51 games went 25 and 26, and they passed the Mets.

So, you know, this is not a, this is, I think the 2023 Marlins is such a perfect comp for what this series is. But look, I'm nervous about the Dodgers, but to the point you made before, I also feel, and it's crazy to think because arguably their best player and their best postseason performer and Zach Wheeler is not. playing yeah but yet somehow because of the way they played down the stretch because of the adversity this team is facing the way they've responded to wheeler injury bang reel off a bunch of wins that met series bang real off a bunch of wins it just feels different this year with this group to your point earlier about i think they know what they need to do and and how to do it and all that but as a fan you know i feel the most confident i have in a group in this group going into the playoffs in the last four years it's just the fact that they're going to have this this

Weimuth coming up. Yeah, and they're going to have to meet the moment. It's as simple as that. They're going to have to level up a little bit. It's not going to be some rollover Marlins 23 kind of series. They're going to have to show up, play baseball the right way. And to their credit, as Hazis Lazzardo has struck out two so far. Lazzardo in playoff for him already.

By the way, Trey and Schwarver, which is really good to see for our future game two starter, Hazus Lazzardo, but, you know, you look at this team, and especially in postseason baseball, you just have to do the little things better. I think they've been overall as a unit better at this than in years past. But I also don't think it can be discounted that they've had decent success against the Dodgers. They have. They really have. Last year, last year's a little fraudulent.

They were pretty banged up. This year, you know, they had the series here early in the season. It's the second series of the year, yeah. Lazzardo pitch great. But that series where they went out there, everyone talks about how they got shut down by the Dodgers starters and, oh, you know, how real was it, you know, and stuff like that. They also didn't have Trey, who was the nationally batting champion. And it was after he had just gone down, too, to that kind of battling adversity thing. That was another thing.

Trey goes down, they just win a bunch of games. Lazzardo struck out the side. No problem. Yeah, just went Trey, Schwerver, Harrison, Bader. Does that make you more confident in Hazes, Azardo, or nervous about the top of the fellow's lineup? They were chasing. They were chasing a little.

A little bit. Speaking of Lazzardo, I'm really excited to see him here in this ballpark. We've talked about it, but we always thought he had big game vibes. Even before he got here, he felt like that kind of guy who feeds off the crowd, feeds off the moment he's shown that energy i'm really excited to see him let's get to the rotation because and i heard you talking about it a little bit on you know the jacky baseball hour and all that stuff but um i thought it was fascinating today when rob thompson was on with us in the mornings and to your point talking about nola's potential game three starter i mean he waxed at poetic about

the guy we're looking at taking more of my pitches right now erin nola talked about how much he trusted him the confidence he has in erin nola because he's seen him do it and all that And I got to tell you, man, I don't feel great about it. Like, if you're asking me heading into the playoffs, what's the single thing? And I know that the bat's going cold is like, you know, just an overall catch-all because we need to see them not go cold and all that. But if you're talking about a player, a thing that I'm most nervous about, it's Aaron Nola and them using him, you know?

So, like, and I, it is what it is. Like, he has looked bad. I know he's coming off his best start of the year, one of two great starts. We were at the other for that match game. Yeah, well, hold on. Look great. Two out of his last, what, three stars? Two out of his last, like, four, I think, or maybe five.

Oh, right. Listen, I think we, I think we've gone a little too far in just how much of, like, a big game guy he is. So, everyone's like, oh, I trust him in big games. He's had some nice big games. He's also had some horrible big games. Do we forget one year ago in New York when he stunk? I know. So where are you out with Nolan?

because I think that you have a little more confidence in him than I do right now because I have very little confidence in Aaron Noah taking the other playoff game. Yeah, so I'll say this. I thought his last start was the best V-Lo and pop his fastball had had all year. I wouldn't say I'm sitting here geeked up about the idea of him pitching out in L.A. But I tried to look at the stats today. Like, is there a method to the madness with it? But there are top five offense against both lefties and righties.

The Dodgers you're talking about. Yes, yes, yes. So I didn't know if, like, maybe they struggle against righties. I've never really bought into the split up the lefties thing. Me neither. I just wanted the three best starters. But the one thing that could be happening here is, you know, Ranger could be a little bit more banged up than they thought.

Which Topper alluded to. You know, he said he's still not ready, essentially, this morning. and I just my fear with it is that it feels like they're getting a little bit too cute like just pitch your three best stars just pitch your three best pitchers Rangers been awesome

like what are we doing here and teams teams get so crazy in the postseason with using starters out of the bullpen it's like managers just just get to say okay I get to use him here I get to do all this this kind of stuff

I think it's trying to I think he's trying to outthink, outthink the situation a little bit. I really do. Now, we'll see if he actually does start game three. But, and if he does, I still think it's only going to be two times through. I think he's only going to go five. They better have a quick, I mean. The third time through his numbers are, they kind of fall off a cliff.

That bears out by watching him. But at the same time, we've also seen him go out and allow four in the first inning. So I've never really bought into the notion that he's, that he, he's, stops declining, he's cocked. I just think he's settling into being a pretty good betcher. But at the same time, his ERA is still over six. 6.01. Still over six.

It's not good. But. And it's like that in a playoff game, too, I feel like it, you know, when they flash the stats in a playoff game, you're looking at, you know, usually you expect to see a better. It just, it's jarring. When you're watching a playoff game and a starting pitcher's warming up and his ERA is six. And it's like, why is this guy pitching in this game? What's happening right now? You know?

Yeah. Now, did they get Marsh out here to start the out? First ball in play that we've had? Yeah, yeah, well, listen, it's all about excitement. It is a little strange, and I like you, but it's strange watching the powder blues verse the pinstripes, you know what I mean? Well, it's just weird watching the Phillies scrunch each other. Of course, that's a part of it.

In general. So, yeah, it's going to be one that if it goes awry, we're going to look back if they happen to lose the Dodgers series and be like, why did you do that? Yeah. And my other thing with it is it has a lot to do with game one where they feel like they can piggyback Chris Sanchez with Ranger possibly. But my thing is, well, what if Sanchez is just cooking? Let him roll.

Like, what if he's cooking? I'm not, look, we had this last year in game one, right? We all remember this. And I was okay with him pulling Wheeler in that spot because he was like 110 pitches or whatever. But it fell apart after. We had that exact same experience in game one last year that potentially could happen

With a better bullpen, true, yes Yeah, with a better bullpen last year you're saying Yeah, with a better bullpen Guys, you trusted going in more at least Yep, yep So like let's say Let's say he goes seven You might not even need Ranger

Because you probably go to Strom Over Ranger for the 8th And then obviously Duron closes it out If it was like Lazzardo you had to start game 1 You were worried about him third time through or whatever, you didn't want him to go super deep. I think it could make more sense there. But doing it with Chris Sanchez,

who you would think heading into the series would have a long leash feels a little bit, again, a little bit like, well, you might not even have to use Ranger, and then does that throw an idea of game two? Does that mean Ranger's going to start game two now? Or is Lazaro still starting game two? I do like, it seems recently,

that they're buying more into the idea of Lazzardo here, and then Ranger or Nola on the road. I think they're both slow heartbeat guys. Yeah, well, and they've also been there and done it. You know, I mean, we know Rangers a slow heartbeat guy. I mean, that goes, you know, without saying. The other thing, too, that makes it interesting is having an off day after each of the first two games. From a bullpen perspective, gives you a lot more malleability to use Strom in that spot, to use Robertson in that spot, to not worry.

Maybe use Duran. I mean, Matt Gell about the article about using Duran for more than one inning. Well, and thankfully so. Thank God, right? But, like, what if Sanchez goes seven? See ya. What? See ya.

Oh, bone goes down. A little nose. The pitching dominating so far. Yeah, well, Nola with a little fastball on the outside corner. Down and away, I feel like now that I'm sitting in this chair, in L.A.'s chair. A little fastball down in the way. That gets everyone fired up. As the showman steps up to the plate.

It's October. It's October. We'll see. Is he going to take one out? Yeah, but I do think that makes it a little more flexibility for Topper. He doesn't have to worry about that next day for the first two games, which is, you know, we didn't have that last year. Yeah. Now, it also could lead into one to get starters out of the game earlier and try to be overly aggressive,

which also makes me nervous. I don't want that. I don't. Well, yeah. It depends. I mean, it depends on the situation. The thing with Lazzardo that I'm going to find interesting is that he is, Sanchez I'm not super worried about.

Sanchez, he's going to let Sanchez cook. And he'll give him more of a leash than not. Lazzardo is the one where how much did they buy it, I guess, in a way? Like, recently he's been great and he's been on a good run. But is he someone who they say, all right, third time through in the same? six inning still go get it loose because his numbers as the game just in watching it feels like as the game goes on he gets more and more comfortable or do they still like him early so hey Bryce from a nice little basic first of the game Bryce is ready to roll for

October yeah and the other thing with Lazardo too and it you know he's worked through some of these spots too but we have seen spots where it can kind of unravel for Lizardo at times obviously you know two big examples earlier in the year so I do think it's going to be fascinating to see how Topper manages these guys early. I mean, look, I mean, we saw last night, right? The Yankees, Aaron Boone pulls Max Freed in a, it ended up being a disastrous decision. And I get it. Like, he was at 100 pitches, 99 pitches, whatever.

Freed was dealing. Yeah. Well, the Yankees are crazy. They pulled him. They didn't start Chisholm. The Yankees go far too with the analytics in terms of saying. And they didn't start Ben Rice. And they insert, he's been phenomenal.

Yeah. Or it's at least hot, you know? Yeah. 2-15-592-924-94 we are taking your calls as we sit and look at again i i'm just can't believe that we're sitting in the seats that uh la and scot-francy sit in as we and stocker as well as we watch the the game from here as uh knolls ooh did he get him to bite call down to first base didn't quite is your umpire if we're going to make a call but what happened there i mean there's no accountability it looked like he went there you know but i didn't even see a call

did they even gesture down to first base they gesture i didn't see a call Either way, I guess it is called a strike, because it's currently... I look like he went, to me at least. Currently, O.2. So if he strikes out J.T. E. Eric, so you have Trey, Schwerber, Bader, down on strikes. You have... Marsh ground out. Marsh ground out.

And then Bowman strikes. Harbor got hit. Harper got to hit. But then... Oh, this feels like October. Don't love it. Let's get into that. And again, 2-1-5-9-2-94-94.

We're coming to the phones in a little bit. But let's get into that because, you know, I do think that, you know, we've talked a lot about the pitching and how they're going to set up the rotation and how we could use the pitchers. When I think for the vast majority of Phillies fans heading into this postseason, their by far biggest fear is the bats going cold because it has been the story of the last couple of post seasons, whether it's me. Did you like a Twitter poll question today of which offense do you have more confidence in the schools of the Phillies? Oh, God. It's like 51.50. I'm not surprised. Honestly, it's a hard question. It is a hard question. And so I feel heading into the postseason that, you know, the guys like Marsh and Bohm and Stott, and, you know, the guys who we have seen in the playoffs and seen struggle and seen not come through the past couple of post seasons, but it played really well this year. I mean, Brandon Marsh, you know, he's been awesome since May, you know, pretty much straight through with a couple blips along the way. Harrison Bader's cooled off a bit, but obviously he's had a really good, you know, run so far with the Phillies.

JT's been better than the start of this year. All these guys have improved and got. Stott is, I trust Stott, but playoffs come around, and all of a sudden we see that offense and the chase and all that stuff. How concerned are you about that being the issue again this postseason? Yeah, I, the official position I've said about the offense is, I think I'm just going to be worried about them until there's a parade down Broad Street. Until I physically see them. Look, we saw them go cold in game four of the World Series. Of course.

Of course. And we saw, I mean, the last, outside of the eight home run game, it's not like the last nine games for offensive showings. Sure. So that's a, the offense is going to be a real concern. I think the, and JT did strikeout looks like on a Nola Cutter away. So good for Aaron Nola, but also at the same time, this is, that's, what? Marsh is a ground out.

It's five strikeouts by the Phillies offense to start against. against their starting pitcher. As we're talking about, the biggest fear that all fans have. Yeah, I think the two biggest fears are obviously the offense and can they do it. Now, I do feel a little bit better about them from the standpoint of, I think they've gotten on a lot of the issues for a majority of this season. You know, they've nipped them in the bud. They've nipped the chase stuff mostly in the bud.

I don't think they've let things linger. And like you've said, you know, Mars just had a really good stretch. And Bome coming off the IL. Bomb's been phenomenal. If they can get first half 24 Bome for a month, it's a total game game. Just ripping doubles, man. Could you please? And then Stodder, I mean, you feel good about all of those guys.

So, but it's almost like you just got to see them to believe it. No one really cares what you did in the regular season at this point. It comes down to October. I still think my actual biggest concern is how are they getting the ball to Juanda Ron. Really? Wow, that's fascinating. Because you're concerned about Robertson the way ended the season. Sure.

I still, I think he still has stones, so I'm not out on Robertson, but the fact that he's probably their best, like he's their best righty at this point coming out of the pen before him, is, it's concerned. Now, Kirkring's last outing, I think it was encouraging. And I actually thought that, you know, Robertson had some quotes about helping mentor Kirkering, which I think is important for a guy who's done it for as long as.

I forget how young Kerking still is. I mean, was he like 24th or something like that? He's really young still. He's just never been a playoff riser. No, he hasn't been. So, and it's nice that, I think the nicest part about the bullpen right now is that you feel good about where Strom is at. You know, Strom was shaky for a majority of this season. Really last month and a half has been great.

He's looked like Max Strom, and then, you know, the final, they basically gave him a week off at the end of the regular season, heading into the last weekend of the year. So, but after that, it's a lot of, it's a lot of question marks. Maybe Bueller can be a, Banks is not a question mark. No, I love Banks. Chavino. Talk about stones. Can Chavino do it?

Maybe. We'll see what his stuff kind of looks like. He should be getting in tonight. I mean, he has talent. The question is, you know, can he kind of, he is not getting in tonight. That's interesting. That's a bummer. But, um.

Tim Mesa in a big spot. Yeah. But the, it's the first time I've seen Tim Mesa pitch with my own eyes. Since the P-Sack. Since 2014. Oh, oh. 2014 Millersville Marauders. was the best thing you ever saw in person.

Well, it was him. It was Trevino who threw no hitter against us. But anyway, one of the biggest X-factors is, is Bueller. I don't trust Bueller starting a playoff game. I would not start him over Aaron Nola in a playoff game if it comes down to that. But I did think that in a, hey, one inning, even two innings, let it loose kind of scenario. I certainly trust him more than Taiwan. and maybe he is someone that could develop into a righty option of the bullpen.

I would still give chances to Kirkring before him, obviously Robertson before him, just because those guys are traditional. But if they go on a prolonged run here, maybe Bueller could step into a role like that. And we know he's done it before and obviously has the stones to step into any real spot. He's pitching a lot of big games. And obviously we talked about the numbers, one run in 19 World Series innings. He's a very good big game pitcher. All right, 215-592-94.

As we watch, Jesus Sazardo continue to deal. Stott a little fouled it off. Look like a comeback or fouled it off. Oh, he's okay. Let's not start limping around. Let's not start limping around. By the way, he struck out Kepler to start at the end of there, James. That's all he does.

215-592-94-94. We're going to take your calls next. Get on the line now. Your thoughts on the Phil's heading into the postseason. And what is your biggest concern with this team? Jack is not as concerned about the lineup. as he is about getting the ball to Duran in the bullpen. I am concerned about the lineup going cold.

What's your biggest concern with this team? And how much confidence do you have? Are you scared of the Dodgers? Because Jack and I are. Honestly, we are scared of the Dodgers. But I still think the Phillies have a great shot, but the Dodgers are scary. Two-on-five-nine-two-nine-nine-the-line. Now we're going to take your calls coming up next.

It's Fritz. It's Seltter. It's a special High Hopes Radio Edition from the ballpark. We're coming right back. Td Bank knows that running a small business is a journey, from startup to growing and managing your business. That's why they have a dedicated small business advice hub on their website to provide tips and insights on business banking to entrepreneurs.

No matter the stage of business you're in, visit td.com slash small business advice to find out more or to match with a TD small business banking account manager. I'm Kristen Press, and I'm Tobin Heath. We're World Cup winners, Olympians, and the hosts of the recap show. Every week, we sit down with the icons, disruptors, and game changers on the field and beyond it to talk victories, heartbreaks, and everything in between. We've built a space where athletes, change makers, and people creating the future of women's sports

can show up and show off as their full, unapologetic selves. Follow and listen to the recap show wherever you get your podcast. It's a special edition of High Hopes, Radio Fritz, and Seltzer from the ballpark. Hey, so Zazardo will not pitch a perfect game tonight, though he does have six strikeouts. He does have six strikeouts through. Raphael Marshot, a little single. We've had a real slug fast so far for it to here. Lazzardo's sick, man.

Lazzardo is sick. I know last night watching Crochet, it was a lot of what if they could have got a crochet deal done, which would have got in the farm system, but also Gare Crochet and Zach Wheeler. at the top of your rotation is so good is disgusting. So yeah, so while we were away, he did strike out the side, but Marshawn did get a hit, so that was good. So, yeah, so we won't be witnessing history here

today unless he goes for 20 strikeouts, I guess that's possible at this pace. All right, coming up in a minute are Phillies reporter Devin Caney's going to join us first. Let's get to what to watch for this game tonight. What to watch for is brought to you by Xfinity, the sponsor, WIPP's Xfinity Sports Lounge, your

home field advantage from Xfinity. Watch all your favorite teams, all in one place Xfinity Imagine that Imagine it What are we imagining tonight

What are we watching for Jack Well obviously I mean the main thing Is watching for the offense But I And no one to get

Hurt I think we had to pick One thing Tonight that would Probably be the Stodder was limping around A little bit

Yeah Well he fouled A ball off his Play You know That made me a little nervous But I

I am curious to See if they get in I don't know what the total pitching plan is But I want to Beuler looks like Out of the Bullpen

What his stuff kind of If his stuff pops at all Kirkering, it's not going to be a high lever spot probably, but, but I never know. It's zero zero game right now, he's, he is such a swing guy for this team. He's someone that should be the number one righty out of the bullpen. So kind of what he looks like in this, in this spot tonight could be good.

And I keep looking around, forgetting that it's just a practice, because there are so many people here. It is, it is insanity. How many people are here, it's getting so. loud. I can't. People in the upper deck. It's crazy. All right. 215-5-9-2-94. Coming to the phones in a few minutes. But first, let's welcome into the booth. Our Phillies reporter at WIP, of course, a member of the morning show. One of our faves. Devin, Kevin Keeney, what up, Dee? How's it going, guys? This is cool. We're like sitting in the official WI. So when I do my, you know, I'm supposed to say high hopes, my leading off hits and stuff. I'm in the booth, you know, downstairs.

I've never gone to sit up here. Yeah, we should be allowed. This is nonsense. absolutely not be allowed up here. It's almost... But it's awesome. Yeah. It's very cool, but it is almost an affront to what, you know, Scott and L.A. and Sagar built here, you know. And Devin's physically in L.A.'s chair, which means you got to talk about how bad the

umpires, please, yes. Fastballs down in the way. And I mean, that's... I wasn't going to say that because I didn't know if, like, there was any specific sort of, you know, like, he didn't, he has, like, some superstitions about someone else. sitting in his chair. Well, baseball players aren't notoriously super super.

No, right, right. I will say extremely comfortable chair. He has, like, three different cushions on this thing. Well, you figure when you have to sit for that long, you know. It makes sense. It makes sense. He's a nice chair, right? Auto Kemp with a single.

Was that auto? Yeah. Auto managed. He's going to have a big playoff moment, you think? Auto Kep will have a big playoff. I think he'll have a big playoff. I'm curious the other roster's going to make it now. Yeah, he'll be on the bench.

Because of Rojas. Ross is with the quad injury. He's not going to be on it. We're all broken up about it. I do find it. Philadelphia was devastated about when they got that news. For a late game, there's no one that could steal a bag in the game.

I know. I've always said he made sense as a bench guy, you know? Yeah. All right, Devin, you've been covering this team. I just asked Jack this question as a fly ball. Nola gets out of the second.

Stubsy, by the way. His first at bat. Oh, since coming up, you're right. Oh, that's really funny. In the inner squad. Shout out to Stubzy. A week pop up to left. Wait, no, can you're not bad at him?

Did he? Yeah, he had a standing. He got a standing ovation. He had an app ad. I think it was the last regular season game. Yeah, Mike Andrews. There's, Angelina said, so there we go. Jack was checked out of that last year.

Yeah, that was actually the one game. Devin, I asked Jack this, what is your biggest concern with this team heading into the playoffs? So I know everyone is talking about the bats because I think that's like obviously what the issue was last season, not even throughout the postseason, but really the back half of the season. For me, it's the bullpen. The bullpen really concerns me. because you have a guy like Joanne Duran who can close out a game, and I think we could see him pitch maybe even more than the ninth. Like, I think we could see Duran go in for an eighth and ninth situation

if they really need him. Other than him, I mean, I don't know. You guys tell me, is there anyone that you're like, oh, yeah, you know, Ryan Kirkcreen's going in. No. Well, Strauma. I feel like I feel like I feel good about strong now. I don't.

I feel like I've seen every single member of the bullet. I mean, and Duran is included in this. Give something up or blow. some type of lead at some point throughout the season that there isn't really any guy that I fully trust. And I do worry about that if the Phillies have like a one or two run lead. I just don't know if I trust the bullpen to get them out of it. Yeah, it is funny. Last year we focused on the bats, but the bullpen was just as bad as the bats last season and played just as big a role in them losing that series to the Mets. And as Jack pointed out before, it was a bullpen that

we had more faith than heading in. I mean, how often it's from are all-stars last year? As middle relievers, which is hard to do. But, all right, so did Rob Thompson speak today prior? He did. Any highlights from that, Devin? Yeah, so he, well, he talked about, you know, the lineups and, you know, why he, they shook out the way that they did. He, of course, you know, wanted to keep some of the infield together. He wanted to keep Trane's Dot together.

Smart. He wanted to include at least, like, two lefties on each team. He did say he knows exactly what the starting rotation will be. Brighamovina, which is interesting. Sometime between the morning show and that he decided. But he said he's not telling us. Yes, okay. Of course.

Good to know. Because he loves his secrets. Yes, not as much as Nick Siriani does, but yes, he loves his secrets. That's a really good point. Topper this morning said more in one interview, the Nick is in every interview combined that we ever had him on. Yes, very accurate. Rangers Juarez not pitching in this intra-squod game because he, you know,

did get hit with the ball in the leg, so he's a little bit sore. pitch a bullpen today, and he did ask if he could be the bat boy. That would have been amazing. I think he should. I think they should have let him do it, but I don't think they wanted to risk him, you know, running out a bunch of times. Sure. There is one of those where it's like there is no worse, like, story coming out for the

Phillies management organization than Ranger Suarez, like, Torres ACL being a bat boy or something. He didn't pitch. That's an all-time, all-time disaster that maybe they never recover from them. And they're not, they're not concerned. concerned about, he didn't express concern with him. No, no, he seemed pretty positive about it. Yeah, both this morning and earlier tonight when he spoke, he, he seemed pretty confident. Like, Ranger will be fine to go.

They just didn't want to risk anything. They're laying the groundwork. They're just laying the groundwork for Noles starting a playoff game. That's all that is. Why do you sound happy about that? I don't know if I feel that confident and happy about Nola. These poor, oh. Oh, yeah.

So, so with an ugly throat at first. I feel, so these, the minor leaguers are now. up. This is Raphael Lentigua, who was great in spring training for the Phillies last year. Good, good little bench player. This is where you shine. Well, listen, when we talk about Pigs baseball. So the next hitter coming up is Caleb Ricketts. Both Mike Angeline and I, big Phillies fans had to ask you who Caleb Ricketts was. Yeah, so he was the Redding this year. They like Caleb Ricketts. I felt bad when they were announcing all the teams and then like the few minor leaguers.

It was just like silent applies. Yeah. So Lentigo hit it. As Caleb Rigget is about to take him yard, right? well if that happens cancel the season but Lantigua had a little chopper to Sosa and he threw it in the dirt and Bryce is not able to pick it up I honestly don't know that Bryce really went

for it there I feel like I feel like that was a situation where he could have got in his body in front of it and he was just like it's a scrimmage we gotta be smart I would not want him a ball off his chest or something he's like not necessary big dog you know played to throw it but I do think that was

forgettable Caleb Ricketts just looking at his photo up there you can already see he's on the Dusty Wathen plan, right? I mean, he's going to be... What does that mean? He's going to be a minor league coach for... He's going to be a manager at some point.

He's got a manager. The Brian Snicker plan? He's got a manager face. He's got a manager face. No doubt about it. You can see it all day. So, okay, then I want your TIG Jack. So when we were watching practice yesterday down here...

Philly's practice? Yeah, Philly's practice. I turned it to someone next to me because I see this guy with, like, curly, dirty blonde hair coming out, the back of his hat. And I'm like, is that Alec Ball? Is that Harrison Bader? No.

No, it's not either of them. Like, who is that? He's like, oh, that's just like some random minor league guy who they brought up. And maybe that falls into the same category that you're talking about with the manager face with the mid with the baseball hair. They all have the same hair. Yeah, no. You know the flow that comes out the back of the hat? I know Richie was breaking that down this morning.

Was he? Well, he's big on Harrison Bader's head. Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah. It was weird. It was an interesting. But you know what I'm talking about with the hair? Yeah, no, I will say.

Don't make me feel like Richie. No, you don't. Most managers are usually, my manager is always balding. Oh, okay. So I don't know if he can be a flow boy and also a manager at the same time. That would be my. Did you say flow boy? A flow boy?

Yeah, I'm not trying to be like Elliot. Because that's something that Elliot would 100% say. Elliot is a flow boy. I mean, go on. Well, it's all he cares about. Yes. That's Elliot's like, this is Elliot flowing. Jack, you'll know this.

You'll know this. The little hand thing. He didn't a little. Yeah, oh, yeah. But Elliot doesn't have flow. Yeah. No, not air flow, but just life flow. It might have been Seth Johnson.

I think he's up here. Okay. He's got the long one. I didn't realize why Jack just dove into his computer for me. Because I didn't know. Figure out who you were talking about. I was like, well, he doesn't care what I'm saying. I'm listening.

See, here's where I get. Figuously looking it up. I get mischaracterized as not listening to people. I'm always listening. I'm just thinking about. something else. I hear what you're saying. I understand.

I think that's the definition of not listening. No, it's a producer brain. You got to also think about the phone call. That's true. We do have to listen to what they're saying on the air. Trey with the base at the left field. Oh, buddy's back. Here we go. He's back.

All right, 215, 592, 94, 94. Let's get some calls. Let's take a call. Devin, you want to hang for the rest of the segment with us? Sure. Let's get our guy. He was the guy who called us after every playoff game would lead off our show with us. Hoping.

for every playoff game this year. Let's talk to our guy Black. Grady, what up? Oh, baby mama, no low. Oh, my God, baseball's Verdon Ernie. I got in my car. That's a compliment. I'm going to take that.

I'm going to take that. I was so happy to hear my guys talking baseball. Your niece is there at the game. Don't buy her a beer. You can get her some water. Still owes me from two seasons ago. She doesn't want to find you. I mean, should be looking for you.

I mean, take care to you. Well, I will say, I am hard to find at both season games. I move around a lot. Yeah, Jack, Jack gets in his head a little bit. Yeah, no, he does. He does. Like, all of a sudden, like, I'll be staying in there with Elliot

and we'll be like, where Jack go? And he's just gone for two innings. And it's like, what were you doing? Walking around the stadium by myself. Yes. Yeah. So I'm about a joke. No, dead serious.

It's really true. Go ahead. So Whirley goes down. I drank myself to sleep and I cried. And then the team stood up and did what they needed to do. And that's what made me realize, We're in the world seriously, I'm not worried about

their attitude, their mindset, the struggle and still coming through. Oh, my God, guys. It's right October. It's the best time of the year. It's better than Christmas. It's better than anything.

And I love you two. And, David, I love you three because it's the us against the world. Go first. You know, man, no cycle birds, but I'm happy. I love you guys. Thanks for the call.

Oh, great. And look, I love. hearing that because i i said it to jack when we were walking in devon when i walked into the stadium like it didn't feel like the regular season anymore you know i felt the the juice the the excitement especially after last year it felt like we got short changed you know we had spent two post seasons being in this building eight 10 times whatever it was and getting that magic and having all these moments last year was two games and done it's over it really felt and even those two games felt I can't explain it, but they felt like off.

Even the walk-off win, it felt like a weird. Yeah, it was like, oh, okay, but like it didn't really give us that much to feel confident about. You know, I think that's the issue. Yeah. Well, I felt like they were swimming upstream all, all series long. I mean, the second half of the season and then all series long, yeah. I think to, and I know some people don't like the comparison to the Eagles,

but I am going to compare this Philly's team to the Eagles. All right, Jack does it on the pod all the time now. I mean, I know it's Jack's favorite thing. Wouldn't matter. Yeah, so Kyle Shore was Jalen Hurd. No, I'm just kidding. But when it comes to the Eagles going into the Super Bowl this time around for Super Bowl 59, they had this mindset that was very much like, we got this.

Like it wasn't, you know, oh my God, it's the Chiefs. Oh, it's Patrick Mahomes. Oh, we're so. Even though we might talk about that on the radio, the team felt very locked in. They felt very focused. Like they weren't letting any outside noise get to them. And I get that same exact sense with this Philly's team. It seemed like I know last season we saw them get really tight,

especially against the Mets and the NLDS. It seems like this time around they're not letting anything make, or any opponent, really. Like they've said, we don't care who we play. We know that we can win it all. Like we know that we're the best team out there and we can get it done. I think that they have had October circled on their calendars all season long. They're not saying World Series or bust,

but they know that this is really all it comes down to. because after this season, they could lose a lot of guys. It's the last chance they have with this core. Yeah, it definitely felt like a quiet confidence compared to last year where they kept talking and saying it's all about the World Series and this and that. Yeah. You know, petered out this year.

It's just felt like they know the mission and they're on it. And look, Jack, this is where you were talking before. Like, I don't think that beating the Dodgers in the regular season or having their number in the regular season means you're going to beat them in the postseason. But I do think that it helps give these guys confident. I mean, they're human beings. It gives them confidence to know that they've played this team well that they've beaten them that they've gone in their building in a spot where they

needed to win in one i mean it doesn't hurt yeah i don't think they're going to fold against it that's my point i don't think they're going to be like oh my gosh there's all these guys like we're we're not i think they feel like they're the best team in baseball i really do think that now real quick so it's currently base is loaded uh hazis zardo struck out kyle schwarber so in it was he had like the old sword that people talk about and then he just walked uh he just walked harrison bader so base is loaded two outs for, you know. O2 count, Kepler at the plate, lefty on lefty here.

Not exactly. Lizarro from the stretch. An inspiring first two-square Kepler. Struck him out. Now, I will say, Lazzardo thought he got Bader with a three-two pitch. Which, can I be honest with you?

That looked like a strike to me, that three-two-bitch to Bader. Oh, he's going over and talking to Bader, asking him if he thought that was up? We're going to have a little brawl? Oh, can you imagine? No. No, I know.

It's not going to. Dude, the thing that I love about Harrison Bader, I feel like I could talk about Harrison Vader for a lifetime. He has layers. He does. He does. He does. And the thing that I think that I find so funny about him, and I said this a couple times,

but when he's on base and scores, the first thing he does is he goes over and talks to the guy on deck. Yeah, I've noticed that, yeah. I don't think he really has to tell. I think he's doing that to get in the pitcher's head. I think he does that to maybe have the pitcher look over and, like, oh, bleep, do they have something on me? and it's a smart thing to do of just playing, of just playing mind games. Absolutely, man. I think he does all that.

All right, 215, 5-9-2-9-4. Let's get another call on stock start. Buddy, Ed in Phoenixville. What up, Eddie? Hey, guys. How's everything going? Awesome, buddy. We are sitting in the broadcast booth, the Richie Ashburn, I believe, broadcast booth,

watching the Phillies play an interest guy game. It doesn't get much better at. So I need to humble. myself in front of you, Seltzer and Jack. The last time I called the High Hope Spot was after the decisive game last year. I don't even know what I said. I was beside myself. Jack, you're very comforting, as I can recall.

But, you know, I need to... Much more comforting than Game 7 against the Diamondbacks, because that might be the most down I've ever seen, Jack. And game 5 against the Astros is pretty down. But that game 7 with the Galen family, like banging on the window and stuff. I was actually worried you were going to like freak out. Wait, the Galen family was banging on the window?

Yeah, Zach Allen's family. Yeah. Yeah. Even though he got rocked the entire thing. Stacey and the family coming, giving us grief. All the Alex coffee stories. Oh, yeah. All the coffee stories about the family didn't need them.

Yeah, I would say, I mean, comforting is probably a stretch if I'm being honest with you. There's no way. There's no way I was comforting. Yeah, well, maybe you're, Maybe it was what you didn't say, but I can't remember. But anyway, the irony of this whole situation is, like, I was kind of like just 100% in the Eagles, just had a hard time getting into it.

But the crack of the bat of the best baseball player in the planet last year kind of got me back into it. And I was like, wait a second, I don't want to see this guy in the playoffs. Give me the Reds. Well, yeah, I mean, listen, we're dying for the Reds to go on a little run here. Although there's a part of me where it's like, Maybe if they finish off the Dodgers tonight, they'll get a little cold. Oh, I like that.

A couple days off. Look at you. Yeah, come on, man. And look, I will say, and look, I want the Reds to win, full stop. It's more fun if it's the Dodgers, just from a baseball, national. Like, it will be the biggest series. It will be. Uh-oh.

Oh, Marshie. Marshy, deep out of it. Oh, that's the morning track. Oh, Jack, with the early C-U. saw the people rising up and I was like oh wow I got that one like a Yankees fan I'm just yeah I know that that's like my favorite thing obviously home runs but that just like about red October when like the ball goes and you just wait and everyone holds their breath and then when it finally makes it out everyone just goes nuts oh Eddie back to you I apologize

yeah sorry we got a little distracted we got distracted by the first well hit ball we've seen today it's all good so I mean I need to see the Dodgers you know truth be until because I want to see another ball hit right where stairs hit off of Brockston. About 20 rows into the night. Let's freaking go. Go, Phil. I'm just so. I don't want to curse on the air, so I'll just say thank you guys and go Phil.

You're the best, Eddie. And yes, not cursing on the air as preferred. We appreciate that. 2155-9-2-94-94. Continue to take your calls with you till 8. as we are through, is that three, two and a half here? Three scoreless, yeah, how about it? I think they just said it's going in.

Okay, so Lazzardo, three scoreless. Jack, how do you feel about what you saw from Zeus this evening? I thought it looked great. I really did now. Even the Lantigo got on, it was a poorly hit ball. Lazzardo has looked phenomenal. I mean, Lazzardo has looks closer to the first 20 starts of the year, first 10 starts of the year, then he has, in that,

middle portion and then obviously the last stretch he's been great. So I don't know because maybe they start a Nola game too. I don't know. I just Lazzardo in front of this crowd with the passion in which he pitches with I think is

such a game changer for them and leveling up in a way. I think Lazzardo has had a season in which you've seen him grow up as a pitcher. I thought there was a portion in the middle the season where when runners got on base, he collapsed. And I know that there was the tipping

pitches stuff in Toronto, and I believe that he has obviously figured that out. And then there was the issues out of the stretch. And it was almost as if there was a time during that period where he had a look at yourself in the mirror kind of moment and said, am I going to let this happen to me again? And he ended the year with an ERA barely over four. Well, it was 392. And also, if you take out those two starts, the 20 runs and two starts, and I know you can't, but he would have a 303 ERA. Just those two starts at 20 runs, he would have a 303 area.

That's massive. Struck out over 200 guys. Second in the National League with 216. Yeah. So he's just been, he's been great. Struck out nine. Through over 200 innings, too, which for him, I mean, never going close to that in his career. Really, I'm with you two.

And the other thing that we haven't mentioned with it, but it's a factor here. If you're playing the Dodgers, like the guy who goes game two, game five in this series? Like, do we want Aaron Nola pitching game five for the Phillies? Like, that is something that has to be considered. Like, that's the setup. Pitch is on Monday. Game 5 is on Saturday. You know, he can pitch game five.

So that's something to consider it? 183. Wasn't it 1.E3? Oh, Sanchez got over 200. My bad. My bad. All right. Devin, before we get you out of here, any final thoughts as, you know, this intra-squad game continues here. I'll just say, you know, whether it's the Dodgers

or the Reds and whoever after that, I'm not scared of anyone. I think that this family's team has the it factor, and I believe in them. Love it. What's your decision going to be next Thursday night? What is it? Don't do that to me. You can't do that to me.

Oh, listen, let's just say. Oh, I didn't even think about it. That's a tough one. Dress the elephant in the room. Yeah, I don't think she has a choice. I think she has to be on the sidelines. Yeah, I think she's called her job, you know. I know both jobs, but still I think that job takes precedence, sadly.

Unbelievable. All right. Two-on-five, five-nine-two, 94-94, one hour down, another hour to go. We're leading up to Tom Kelly at 8. We'll continue to react to what we see from this intra-squad game. Taiwan Walker has taken the field. Already walked Bryson-Stott. Already walked, Bryson, Stott.

Love it. hit pause on whatever you're listening to and hit play on your next adventure this fall get double points on every qualified stay life's the trip make the most of it at best western visit bestwestern.com for complete terms and conditions it is high hopes radio jack fritz and james seltzer with you from the ballpark yeah how about it zero zero yeah so we got a real pitchers duel we have bases loaded uh while we were off the air for a few minutes and and this is the first time i've kept the the books since again the 2014 huskies? Look at you. What a nerd. Who could forget? Buzz would be proud. 53 straight perfect books for a P-SAC record. No one forgets. My sophomore year.

Don't they have a shrine or something built to? Is there a statue? Something like that. The Bloomsburg Baller. That's how you got that name. Oh, right. Yeah. What a comedy that is.

But in that inning, Taiwan, walk, single, walk. then the old 5-2-3 double-play Yeah, you don't see that every day The ground at the bone through the home Stubbsie through about at first base Caleb Ricketts Everyone's favorite player And I hit one under the wall

So if Taiwan Marsh almost blew it too Marsh ran in and then had to Retreat to catch it Again Marsh a gold glover in left field Just not a great saying He's fine, he's fine He got there, he got the ball

Like you can cover ground It's just the reeds and the routes or not Again, only time Taiwan is taking down an inning in the postseason, better be if they're up or down by eight. I think that's what it is, right? I mean, that's the plan, I guess, with Taiwan, I would think. So what I find interesting now is Bueller's in the game. He's coming out of the bullpen.

I thought his last start, I know he went five scoreless. I didn't think the stuff popped at all. But I did think in that Diamondback start that his fastball had a little bit more umph to it. So in like a one-inning scenario, it's probably a one-inning scenario, what does it look like when he can just let it loose? And he's facing Harper here, he's facing J.T. Castiano's. So, you know, it's not exactly, it's- Murderer-Row? Well, he's going straight out of the stretch. You could do it this way, facing three All-Stars. No, man.

How about that? But he's going straight out of the stretch, too. That's fascinating, Jack. See, that's why we're here to notice something like that. And people said we're not doing play-by-play. Yeah, we had a change-up. He's got to use that change-up more. It's the only way he's going to be able to get left-hand pitchers out

if he doesn't have his 96-mile-hour fastball. So, yeah, again, with the shakiness you feel about Kirkering, with semi-shakiness you feel about Robertson, can Walker-Buehler pitch his way into being a right-hand leverage arm for this team? I wouldn't bet on it, but I think there is at least a chance, and I don't think he's going to be afraid of any moment. And I do kind of like relievers that have a lot of pitches being able to come out of the bullpen

because it does present a different look. And again, I do think it matters that this guy is pitching a lot of big games and pitch really well. Like, it's not like he's 50 years old, he's 30. You know, it's not like he's like off at 31, right? It's not like he, like, I think there's still something in there. Deep Fly ball, Harper, center field. Back to the wall, Bader!

It's gone! Price Harper goes yard! Must be October. Mr. October, baby. Reggie Jackson, eat your heart out. How about it? Harper. It is, there is something with the Harper thing where, you know, he hasn't been great this year.

He's been good. You know, he's been their second best hitter. He's been really solid. He's been a nice year. Third best hitter. Yeah, excuse me, Trey was better. What I find so funny about how his season has talked about is it's like he's been talked about is not having a, Gileo is describing

as like a mediocre year. And I guess for like a Bryce year. For Bryce, it's for everyone else. It's a very good year. You know, he's close to 30 homers, 850 or whatever OPEA. Like it's for what baseball is now, the way players hit, it's a well above average year. Yeah. It's just for Bryce. It hasn't felt that way. But I do believe in

like, you know, tonight, whatever, I do believe that when it turns to October, like, I do believe we will get the best of him. Like, until I don't see him give us his best in October and be able to lock in and really elevate his game, I'm not going to believe that he's not going to until I see it, just like the other way around with the hitters.

Well, I tell you what, that was a good way for, because I've been nervous about Bryce. Yeah, I didn't think the swing looked great this year. I thought he obviously was battling the wrist injury, and he wasn't, again, it was a really, really good Bryce year. It wasn't the best Bryce year, but him being able to do that and it being October, and he had that quote to Ken Rosenthal about how I know October it's my time of the month, like, or my time of the year made me, made me giddy. It made me get me.

And I believe it. Like, I do think that, you know, there are certain guys, and we've seen it. You know, we've seen guys who can just elevate when it matters the most. You can lock in when it matters the most who, you know, heart beats lower. Like, it's just what it is. And Bryce is one of those guys. And I really do believe we're going to get the Bryce we know in the playoffs or at least close to it. Like, I think that I'm not concerned at all about Bryce.

Well, and him be able to have some time off here. Like, I know it's only been, I know they worked out yesterday, but him being able to rest up a little bit and make sure the wrist is in a pretty good spot is also huge as well. Because I do think it, I think it's just something that's going to be there for the rest of his career. Yeah, he's physically diminished. He's going to be 33 this month. Yeah. And him being able to get that time off, I think, is huge.

Either way, not a great start for the high-leveraged Bueller. He's facing the best playoff hitter of a generation. Yeah, but then he just walked J.T. So fast-bought that last one looked a little better, but still, you know, we'll see. All right, let's go back to the phones. Let's get our buddy Ellsworth in Allentown. What about, Ellsworth? How you been, pal?

I'm doing pretty good. Can't really complain. I would have to say that I'm not really concerned about Aaron. why you got to realize he only pitched about 15 innings in his rehab start after a long time off those first couple games back in the majors were like finishing spring training and he's always been clutch in the postseason and i i think we definitely need him and they need him and he's going to pitch so i don't know when but i with like jack after hearing topper today i would be shocked if nola doesn't get a start yeah i i think he i think he should

he's proved it in the postseason postseason that he's clutch and then uh the other thing what about game seven yeah i yeah what about yeah about game three last year you know i haven't said sanchise would be the man on game seven no no let's talk about nola we've gone a little bit i just think we've gone overboard with the big game noles i mean he's been he's been fine in the

postseason but i wouldn't say it's like walker bueller has a better track record in the postseason. A way better track record. So Aaron Nola, would you like to take a guess what Aaron Nola's ERA in the postseason is? 4.2. 4.02. Very good guess. So Aaron Nola is fine in the playoffs, but he is not some huge big game pitcher that we're making him out to be. I mean, Aaron Nola has had some good games in the postseason for sure, but he is not someone you can just say like he's a big game pitcher. Like he's not. Zach Wheeler's a big game pitcher. Well, I just think, you know, and they talk about Kirkring. You know, there were several games this year where Kirkring came in in middle of big jams.

And I know, like, in Sacramento, he threw one pitch and got a pop out at the first base to get out of the inning. Well, is that in May? That was worse. He's allowed 14 inherited runners in like 30-some appearances. I mean, he just hasn't been good. you know it is this is he'll pitch there were three instances where he threw one or two pitches and didn't pitch again for two days you know you can't get in a groove if you don't pitch um they baby these they baby these kids and i i i i've strongly disagree did you know i ryan

kirkering had the most appearances of any reliever on the team this year man like him and tanner banks had the most appearances of any reliever on the phillies this year so and thanks for the calls or we appreciate it like i just not the bullion i just flat out don't agree with you yeah i think you're just wrong like i think that's a you're pointing out a game in may where you had a one pitch out like i don't know i like especially the inherited runners thing is a it's massive that you can look at his era and it doesn't come close to telling the story yeah now again here's my thing with the correct he doesn't stink like don't you know yes but but i think you have questions about him as as maybe not being a bright lights guy i think that that

That is a fair thing to think. But also, there is a chance that he can get right. There was a time period this year where I thought he could be the closer because I thought he had evolved. Yeah, you did a bit for a couple games. I know, and then we got there on. But I thought he had evolved to the point where he had taken a step up mentality-wise. And in Kirk Green's defense, he's gone through this each of his last couple years where he goes through a stretch where he doesn't have it. his last outing in the twin series was really good.

I mean, so maybe he found something again. I mentioned in the first segment about how Robertson, I think, is coaching him a little bit because, again, he sees the talent he has. I think a lot of the guys see the talent that he has. It's just does he have it between the years? And that's always going to be the question with the Ryan Kirkring. But he is such a huge swing guy for this bullpen to where if he goes on a month run where he's the Ryan Kirkman we think he can be, they're going to be fine because they have enough arms.

But if he's anything like he's been the last month of the season, it becomes a huge, huge question mark. So Bueller's now walked two guys in this inning, and Otto Kemp just flew out to semi-deep, semi-deep center. Yeah, I would say if we had to pick the who has tonight not been good for, I think Walker Bueller, top of the list so far. Now he is facing Mr. October. Yeah, and also, you know, it's an interest-scott game, you know, at home.

I don't think that, I think this game is more for the guys to get work. I don't think Rob Thompson is changing his opinion about anyone based on what he sees tonight. Would you agree with that? Sure. And I do think I still would trust, obviously, but I would trust him in a postseason situation more than I would Taiwan. Yeah, I agree. So they're essentially in the same. They're parallels.

I agree with you. The same spots. Yeah, and it's who's going to get those spots. Let's go to Jason in Swedesboro. What up, Jay? Jay. Jason. Jason

Hey there we There we are I was like Jason not there That was unexpected I count on Jason to be there Yeah

That's all right So gentlemen I first things first You know what I love About Harrison Bader I love his head I love his head It's great head

Great head Yeah But a wise man once said If you're scared Get a dog Right Another wise man once said Byrne the MFing votes.

I know. Why is the word that we're looking for here is wise? This is our trophy. We have the talent. We have guys who have been playing in big games. We have the guy who has the highest batting average in the national

lid. We've got a guy who has 56 home rugs. We've got Bryce Harper. We've got everything we need. I hope. I hope you're right. I and Jason, I agree with all those things you said, but a Dodgers fan can come back and say, well, we have the best player in the history of the sport hitting and pitching. We've got movie bets. Two hallifers. We've got Freddie Freeman. We've got Blake Snell, a two-time-sight young winner. We've got Yamamoto who's been a stud this year. We've got glass

now. We haven't used them. Like, they got dudes too, you know, and I get it. And I agree with you. Like, I think this Philly's team is primed. I think they're ready. I think they are in the right space mentally, all that type of stuff. And I do think they can beat the Dodgers, but I think it is foolish to look past this Dodgers team. Like, this is a test.

Sure. You absolutely have to respect the team. I mean, but also, how do we go against them in the regular season? I think they did okay. Yeah, and that just doesn't matter to me that much. You can respect, you can respect the team, but let's stop being

afraid. look again I wouldn't say I'm afraid but I would absolutely say that I could see the Phillies losing the Dodgers you know what I mean like I think there are different things where I think I will pick if the Phillies face the Dodgers I will pick the Phillies to win the series I believe they will win the series but I'm not coming in being like no doubt we're going to dominate these losers like I just think that that we've learned we should let me let me put sorry to interrupt you James let me put out a prediction here if the red somehow pull it out, and we play them next, we're going to sit there and say, you know what, I'm really afraid of this team who is performing a ball of expectations. I won't. I promise you. Well, I think that the difference is, like,

I head into a series against the Dodgers saying, I hope they win versus I expect them to win. Yeah, I think that's the perfect way to put it. And against the Reds, I expect them to win. If they lose, it's a collapse. If they, and I'm not trying to sound soft or give the Phillies a soft landing here. But I don't think losing to the Dodgers is some catastrophic, you know,

that we need to re-evaluate everything that we're doing. It's not like last year with the Mets. Of course, if they go out and get swept and they lay down like dogs, which again, I don't think it's going to happen. I think this team's totally different. And I believe in them a lot more. But there's no shame, I guess, in losing to the Dodgers. I think they'll, I think they will beat the Dodgers.

But it's like almost 55-45, 45. or like 51-49 on my feelings heading into it. And it's not how I felt. It's not how I feel about the Mets series last year. We're heading into it. I just thought they had a magic thing and they had it. I think both the Phillies, I think both the Phillies. Shout out to Kevin Soccer.

And Dodgers both have it. I just think it's a matchup of two Titans. I think it's the two best teams in the National League facing off on the first round. Which is unfortunate. It's not the Brewers are scrub, but take it a step further. I think it's two best teams of baseball, squaring out. I think you're right about that. I think you're right about that.

I just, and it sucks. It sucks. It's why I wish I would have got the freaking one seed. I know. And that's why I was pretty upset about the 5-0 loss on Saturday. Not that it would have mattered, the Brewers ended up winning anyway the next day, but still, if you'd gone into Sunday with a chance, who knows, you know? Yeah.

So the one seat really would, because watching the Cous and Padres, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, I wish I could play him. I just wish I could play him. But if they take down the Dodgers, and that's an if, if they take down the Dodgers, they're going to win the world. I think so, too. I really, really think so, too. And again, like we said before, I do think that facing the Dodgers, like, you know, I always say, and I really believe sports are supposed to be fun.

You know, we take our time, we choose to spend our time, to spend our money. Again, watching the Phillies, we talk about this all the time, but, like, committing to 162 or 152 or 142 or whatever you watch, if you commit to watching this team every night for the most part. It's a commitment. It's a lot of your life that you give to this group of people and this uniform. And, you know, it's supposed to be fun. You're supposed to enjoy it. And Felice Dodgers would be really fun. It'd be a big, big series with a lot. They've played them the most in the playoffs and the history of the franchise. Yeah, and a ton of stars. I want to talk about something we haven't talked about a lot. And back to the phones in a sec. But considering when he got

hurt. It felt like it was, you know, potentially the thing that could submarine this, this beautiful feeling that we were all feeling at the moment. They played so well since the deadline and all that. And then Trey goes down and Trey just grounds out there as we're talking about him. But we haven't talked a lot about where we're at with Trey heading into the playoffs. I mean, he has obviously, you know, led the league and hitting at such a great, great season. The defense was so much better. But, you know, we remember last year and this year better, the hamstring injury, not as bad. It seems, you know, the grade one as opposed to two. all that stuff, and he said he felt better.

But we know that last year when he came back, he wasn't the same player, and that's part of why they weren't the same team. He wasn't the same player on the base pass. He wasn't the same player offensively. Where are you at with Trey hitting the playoffs? Concerns, you know, how he's talked has been good, but, you know, we were not going to get to see him that much before he plays in the postseason. No, and he didn't exactly cut it loose there.

No, he didn't. I'm curious if that was a, and I don't really want him to. Don't mess around. Yeah, don't mess around. Really, I'll get to try, but an important inning here for, I think, For Robertson, you know, Robertson is in now. He faced Trey, he got him to ground out, just got Schwerber to ground out. Now he's facing Bader.

Some ugly Schwerpher swings tonight. Just monitoring early playoff Schwerber. Well, we remember the old NLCS bit was a bit, you know? It was a bit. When you last year, last year hit the Homer and then didn't get another hit, right? Yeah, that was just the Homer, right? Yeah. One hit in the...

I feel like it blocked out so much of last year's playoffs that it's hard for me to like. I'm like, I think he just... I feel like I remember. each and every second of it. I think that's a difference as I think I'll remember the good times. I'm so good to remember the bad times. You're the best I've ever seen it.

Thank you. You're the best I've ever seen it. Thank you. You are so elite at remembering the bad times. I love, I just love going through. I'm a good timesman. I love going through the pain. I know you do. The pain is almost as exciting as the thrill.

I know. When you said that you kind of envied Tigers fans blowing the 15-knacking, you know, I was like, we can't, I can't get with you. It kind of sounded thrilling. It did really do. It was horrifying thing. I know. So, Trey, man, defensively, I think he's going to be fine. Last year, I think the hamstring kind of affected him defensively. He said that as well. I like the way that he's talked this year.

It doesn't seem like he's blowing smoke. He looks like he believes it. By the way, Robertson struck out Harrison Bader. Good guy. Good bad. A good bat flit. A bat toss from Harrison Bader. I like the fire. I know that it's a inner squad game, but I do like Harrison Bader give a little angry bat toss there. That shows the competitive fire that this team has. So, Trey Tim Mesa. I'm dead. Come on, man. First time since 2014. I hope he has some cold shivers down his spine, knowing that

Fritz is watching. He's going to look up here and lock eyes. Yep. But with With Trey, I just, I'm almost just, I'm not that worried about what he's going to look like because I think he's going to be, I think he's going to be fine. I think there might be, I think there might be some infield hits that he doesn't usually get. I think maybe from that standpoint, he would, it would hurt him, hurt him. But I just, I think he's in such a different space last year. He looks more comfortable this year. I think telling him at the beginning of the year that we want you to get on base at like a 380 clip,

Now, I didn't get there, but he's much, much better. Yeah, it was 360 or whatever was. And giving him a clear to find, like, this is what we want. You're a lead-off hitter. Use the whole field. Don't worry about the home runs. Buy into what we're doing. Get on base, create havoc.

I would be surprised, I guess, if in the, at least in the DS, maybe as it goes on, but at least in the DS, if he cuts it loose and starts stealing bags. I think people, I think people overrated that a little bit with how much he ran this year. Ran? Yeah. I think it's the threat more than anything. I don't, it's not that I don't want him. I don't really want him running that much because of what, of who was behind him.

What matters more is his ability to fly around the basis. Yeah, to get first to third. To score from first on a double, all that type of stuff is way more important. Way more important. So I think maybe it's going to hurt him with some of the infield hits and things like that. But I do believe that when the postseason lights are on, Trey's not going to be thinking about as much as he did last year. I just think that it's this time of the year

he works so hard to get back. He was able to get back before the postseason started, which they weren't sure about if he was going to be able to do that. And I just think that when it starts, he's going to forget mostly about it and be able to go and beat Trey Turner. I think

this year he's been much more open. He's been much, looks like he's having more fun. Looks like he's not letting it all kind of wear on him, unlike maybe in years past. And that's obviously because he's had a really, really good year. But I don't know. I just, I've got a lot of confidence in Trey.

And I really hope that this is the postseason where we have some signature Trey Mones. He's been too great of a player. He, I mean. He was awesome in that first Brave series. I think we forget that because he went so cold in the Diamondback series. But his first series here against the Braves, he was awesome. He had like 400 in that series. Well, in the first two games, the Diamondback series, he was great.

He had the home runoff of Merrill Kelly. But, I mean, you're looking at a guy who, you start looking at their resume. and he could be a Hall of Famer. He could be a Hall of Famer. And I know overall you look at his numbers at the Phillies and in the postseason, you say, pretty good, right? Pretty good. But he hasn't had the signature Trey Turner moment.

His signature moment's an ovation. Yeah. Seriously, you know, that's the Trey Turner moment so far. So he'd like that to be something that's about, you know, playing well. Yeah. And I really hope that this is the postseason we get it for a lot of these guys. and I'm so ready for Saturday to get here so I know what team I'm getting

because maybe they've come out crazy and erase all doubt of... And it feels like CBP again because I think that's what sucked last year was after game one and even in the walk-off in game two, at no point in those two games did it feel like it felt like in 22 and 23

when this place was on fire? It just didn't feel like it. And I want to get back to that. I think we all want to get back to that. So Tim Mazes is in, former Millersville Maraud. Pesak legend. He struck out Brandon Marsh in the first of bat

and then just got Alec Bohm to pop up to center field. There you go. Another guy you can trust in the playoffs? He's not going to... No, I don't think so. If he does, he'll be like the last guy on the, you know, one of those guys.

It's a question how many pitchers they carry, you know, it could be interesting. Now, I will say maybe you opt for the... Maybe you opt for another lefty in the pen just in case. The Dodgers, yeah. You have Freeman.

That's an interesting thought, too. Freeman in a time. I will say, Strom striking out, Otani in a big spot would be awesome. Oh, you know. All right. So, can we, let's just stay while Bryce is hitting for one second. Oh, yeah. All right.

Break a little late. Look at you. We're not. Listen. Fran, we're breaking late. It's 7.25. Everything's fine. I just want to see.

No. Harper going for the magic here. Can he do it again? Base it up. He's got three hits in a home run. He's back. That's the takeaway from night. All right.

All right. We got a level. We got one more segment to go. We're going to get to your calls. plus plus coming up next we've talked a lot who's going to clean up has a lineup going to shake out what should it shake out jack fritz's best guess at what he thinks the lineup will be for game one on saturday we're going to get that next pluser calls it's high hopes radio from the ballpark we'll be right back it's high hopes radio jack fritz james selter from citizens bank park a a two nothing game for the powder blues so i was you beat me to it

I was actually going to say Fran Roas, I think, for the first time ever, four good returns for this show. You guys are both liars. I get 3-11 earlier, a little down. I dig that. That was good, you know? Finally not your screen. I know. No twitching tongues or...

He's played Toll last night for me. That's not what it was. Honestly, it's outrageous. Honestly, you're supposed to play music that people like, Fran. That's the... That's all I do, not an hour of time. All right, 2-1-5-9-2-94-94. Coming up in a minute, we're going to get Jack Fritz's best guest.

and what the lineup will look like for game one Saturday here, most likely against the Dodgers. We'll see how that plays out later in night. Matt Strom on the mound for the Phil. He's coming out of Max Kepler. He's facing Stoddy now. As the pinstripes, two more innings to get it done. You need to get some runs on the board or else they will be very disappointed.

Stah, nice hit there. Get some wood on that one. A nice little single right field. Stott is someone who I, you know, we talked about Marrard. and these guys who've been really good this year, but who until they come through in the playoffs, I'll still remember the moments where they didn't. For some reason, Stott's one that I feel like I have more trust in.

Even though he hasn't been as good as Marsh, I just, I feel like I trust Bryson Stott again. Yeah, Stott's a, Stott is a big game field to him. Totally. Even last year when he had a down year offensively, I mean, he had a triple in that Mets game to bring him back. So he's always had, he's always been,

a winning baseball player. I mean, that's just what you... I mean, he had the double against the Braves before the Hoskins won. He obviously had the grand sam against the moments. Like, he said moments. Yeah, yeah. I trust that a lot. And I love him at the bottom of the lineup as a second leadoff hitter.

We don't need the pressure of him batting leadoff. But at least in that nine spot, just being a pest at the bottom of the lineup. But also not, I think he's a playoff riser kind of guy. Now, I know he also did not get in the World Series. regardless. He was also basically a rookie playing shortstop on a team that won the pennant. He was a rookie, not basically. He was a rookie, exactly.

We'll give him a little bit of grace there. A little grace. Low grace. But yeah, in a big moment, I trust Bryson Stott a lot. I really do. And I'm really happy he had the second half of the year that he had ever since he had his son. And the mechanical change they talked about. I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know.

I know, I'm well aware. Well, why do you leave with the sun? the sun matters. Well, because he had the sun, and it was that night that he did the mechanical change. I didn't know it was the same night. What a night for Bryson. Well, yeah. He was like, had the sun and also the moment of clarity of, hey, my season's got to

going down the drain. I need to provide for this child. I better start playing better. Exactly right. And the year in 252 with, what, 13 home runs? Yeah. I mean, you would like that to obviously be in the 280s, of course, because I think he is a 280-type hitter, but that's still a good player.

Still a good player. And since the All-Star break, he was well above 280, you know, to get to $2.50. And I feel like you're not seeing as many lazy fly balls to left field, which is big. They're carrying more. Like, there's some pop to it. His path is simple. Pull the ball on the air on the right side and hit the ball on the ground to the left side. Yeah.

It's as simple as that. Yeah, you're right. All right, 215-9-2-94-94 Jack Fritz's lineup for Saturday coming up in a minute. Let's go to the phones and talk to Dave in Maryland. Take Dave. Getting ready for this weekend. I just can't. It's been a long wait for the Saturday to come and looking forward to it. So long. Like, I can't wait to be back here on Saturday.

I'm coming up on Monday for game two. Stop by and say hi to us. We'll be at the booth downstairs. We'll do. You know, one of the, I think you guys touched on it in the last segment. Just, Trey, can he take the governor off and, you know, just get around the bases? You know, not necessarily have to steal a lot of patients, but, you know, just get back in the flow. because he's been out for a little while, and I think that's one of my concerns. Be a threat.

Just be, you know, an irritant out there. Yeah. And I think one of the other big things, you know, I know the Reds probably are not going to win the series, but if they can at least win tonight, they can, does Otani pitch tomorrow? Yeah, he does. And if he does, that possibly means with his five-day arrest regiment

that he can maybe only pitch one game in that series, if he doesn't pitch tomorrow, he can pitch game one and five on a full week. And I'd rather not face that. And just leave you that this thought, and Philly fans need to step it up. The one athlete has gotten a free pass

on one of the biggest free passes in the history of sports is throwing that his interpreter Ippy under the bus for all that gambling stuff. And Philly needs to let him hear about that. I'm sure they will. Hey, Dave, great call. And he's not wrong. Well, I can't

wait for the, I just can't wait for, it's going to be very striderish, but the show, hey, show, and like, he's, he's, he won a World Series last year. He was in Yankee Stadium. I, but it's also, I don't think the moment's going to be too big for him. The WBC, all that's why. Struck out. Trout. I think he's proven he's a heartbeat slow guy. Here's my question for you. Because I think a lot of Phillies fans, you know, we watch a lot of baseball. You know, we have the package. We'll watch whenever we can. You know, I have the second TV for that and all that. But I don't, I would guess a lot of Phillies fans have not seen much of showy as a pitcher you know especially is not pitched that much over the last two years with Tommy John obviously last year didn't pitch at all what is so hey as a pitcher how good is he what is his like you know what is his ceiling if he were just a pitcher how great could he be like what kind of pitchers show because I think everyone knows the hitter and they know he's a good pitcher but I don't think they have that real frame of reference for him as a pitcher well he throws a hundred he's he's got a the a hammer I didn't think his command was super great the last time he faced him, but I mean,

he's a, at this point, he's been mostly a five, six inning guy, but he's, he's one of the five best pitchers in baseball stuff-wise. Is he really? He's that good. It's so insane to think that that he's like, because I thought he was like one of the 15 best. I don't think so. I think when he's on the mound and healthy, I mean, he's been, I'm looking at his, his last game logs. I mean, the most important thing the Phillies have to do is against the Dodgers.

I really don't care. I'm kind of chalking up, but I would be shocked, frankly, if they do a really good job against their starting pitching. Even that series they won out there, they struck out, what, 26 out of 54 times? Oh, the starting pitchers was awesome, yeah. The main goal for the Phillies against the Dodgers starting pitching staff is to just work the counts as well as you can and get them out of the game as fast as you can. That is the single most important thing that they have to do against that team is get the starters out of the game because the bullpen is shaky.

Now, I will say the bullpen, while shaky, they're going to put Emmett Shee in the bullpen and he shoved against the Phillies. Dude, was it five and two-thirds, no hit against us? and they're going to put Sassaki out of the pen, and he has looked like a different pitcher. Unbelievable out of the pen. Since coming back up. Now, Sassaki, I don't think we'll be able to pitch here.

We will bury that guy. He might cry. I've seen it happen. So, Shoy's last two outings, he's gone five scoreless, striking out five, walking one, and then went six scoreless striking out eight against the, yeah, the full of what was the Phillies, and then against the Diamondbacks, yeah, struck out. he's he is a a modern marvel so yeah he's he's probably gonna go as long as they went tonight he's gonna go game one here we talk about theater that's what i'm saying i mean that is theater right

there dude we're gonna we're gonna see him going well he's gonna hit first so he'll hit and then go on the mount i think it's funny when you when he's at home goes out pitches doesn't go in the dugout just goes right yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah to the side and then goes up there and hits but yeah i mean he's the real deal pitching-wise, and they'll have to work that out for him. He's traditionally been a five-in-in-in-in guy, but obviously pitch him to six his last time out. So, yeah, it's going to be tough. The most important thing they can do is get him out of the game as fast as possible. Yeah, get to that bullpen.

That is definitely the key for the Phillies in the series against Dodgers. Let's go back to the phones. Let's talk to Dave and Men's Salem. What up, Dave? What's going on, Jack? What's going on, James? Two of my favorite baseball people on this station, man. I love you guys, man.

Appreciate you, brother. You're doing a great job down there. I wish I was there. I couldn't work the inter-squad game. But I'll be there a Saturday, ready to go, man. Nice. This dogger series, man. Of course.

This place is going to be shaking on Saturday. Can not wait. Cannot wait, guys. And, Jack, you make a couple good points about Trey. Only a couple. He's got to step up. He's got to get on base. He's got to create it because it gets on base.

He can get it going. Get these runs when you can to get these starters. Yeah, I mean, Trey, Trey's had a really, really, good year. He's gotten back to being one of the best short stops in the national league. It's, and we could say the hamstring thing all we want if he has a

bad post season. I don't think he is though. I think he's going to have a really, really solid postseason, and I know we've done the whole Stars need to be the Stars thing. They just got to go be good. I mean, I think the nice part about where this Philly's team is at is I actually don't feel like it's all reliant on the stars. I feel the same way, Jack. I thought I was going

to. I thought I was going to. Those guys just have to go play their games. They just have to go play their games. Yeah, and this is the key, man. You know the Dodgers' bullpen. You're all right. There's a couple good guys in there, but you've got to have discipline in fact. Get those starters to throw a lot of pitchers to get them out of the game so we can get to their bullpen.

You know what I mean? Dave, great call. We appreciate it. I can't wait to see you guys in the ballpark. Can't wait, brother. Go Phil. You're the best, Dave. Thanks for the call.

Stubbsy, a little fly to right, left field falls in first and third for the powder blues. Just playing good baseball. That was a good piece of hitting there by Stubsy, you know. Good base running, getting around a third by Otto. You love to see it. First to third and all the fly ball. Especially because it could have been caught. That was good base running, actually, from Otto there to get to third.

It's just a winning ball player. Winning ball player. All right, speaking of Otto, I don't think he will be in your lineup on Saturday, probably on the bench. But what do you think if you're your best guess, and look, I think we have a pretty good idea where certain things are going to slot out. but what is your best guess at how Topper shakes it out for Zeper.

Yeah, well, real quick, real quick before I get to that. I mean, what is, who's the first? Now, but you can't get to, I'm just thinking what scenario does AutoCemp or? Play-in? Yeah, I mean, Weston Wilson had the big, it's funny. You look at West and Wilson's numbers, right? And he's hitting like 190-something overall, I believe. But he had, like, in clutch situations, he's been great.

Yeah, I mean, speaking of L.A., didn't he have that big home around there? In the game, they clinched. So, and Otto kind of has a feel of going to get, like, here he's been great. So maybe here it's Otto on the road. It's Weston Wilson, but two hits for Auto Cap tonight. Yeah, I think it's a lefty reliever late-in-game type situation, pinch it. They're certainly in a much better position they were than a couple years ago. Jack, I was thinking that as we look at the lineups when they give out the lineup cards for a game,

and I'm going through and looking at them put two teams, teams of players together. I'm like, pretty good. You know, like, it's pretty deep. You know, you look at these lines. And again, Marsh, stop. We need these guys to come through. But the way they played, they've been so much better this year than last year. And, you know, you got, and then the bench guys. Like, Mundo, uh, Otto, uh, you know, Weston, like, I, I feel more confident in the

whole offensive group than I have in recent. Yeah, it's really, it's really right field. It's really those two. Yeah, it's the cast of Kepler thing. So on Saturday, I think the lineup is going to be. Tray, Schwerber, Bryce, Bome, Marsh, Bader, Kepler, J.T. Stott. Okay. So you mix the lefties up at the bottom and go, you know, Kepler and Stott back to back.

And, I mean, Marsh has been so good for so long, you get him up there. Boom, since coming off of the IL has been a machine, you just hope that's something that he can last for a month doing. we've talked at nauseam about Bryce having protection in the lineup. And I think that they are deciding that they're deciding that Bryce protecting Schwerber really helps the Phillies as well. So it's a big, big spot for Bome. You know, it's something they've gone down with the last couple of years. He seems like whatever he had to deal with, with the injury, that seems like it's behind him.

but it's still, like, that's the one that you look at and you hope that it doesn't come back to bite him, but there's also really no one else that you want there unless you wanted to flip-flop Schwerber and Bryce and put someone else batting too. So I think that's going to be that. And then Bader a little lower in the lineup than where I think a lot of people expected him,

given how hot he was. But at the same point, he hasn't been on fire, and he's coming back down to Earth in the last two weeks of the season. season. But still, I trust Harrison Bader. I'm looking forward to whatever his moment is going to be in the postseason, because he's going to have a moment as

I would be shocked if he doesn't. As Brandon Marsh just got a single. RBI single, 3-0 for the powder blue. Off a lefty. For the powder blues, making it happen as they were the underdog coming into the game, I believe, so as the odds were set prior. Really? No, I'm just kidding.

Even when? I don't think they have Bryce. They should be the favorite automatically. you know and they had Lazzardo sorry because they actually probably were the favorites so and it's played out that way just as we expected um all right 215-5-924-94 it's getting another call on here let's talk to Chris in northeast Philly what up Chris hey what's up guys what's up what's up how is it down there is exciting down there is it awesome it's awesome man dude full crowd there's so many people here it's nuts I would have loved to be down

there but I'm delivering mail at 8 at night as we speak so yeah make it. Wow. Bless you. That's good work by you. That's overtime. I'm doing all right. All right.

Okay, good. Good. So how you feel about your fellows, Chris? I'm excited, for one. Obviously, a little worried about the hitting, but I think our started pitchers are going to shove, namely Lazzardo. He had a roller coaster year, and I'm expecting him to go in there, whichever game they put him in.

I'm expecting a really, really good game for him. I feel like he got it back a little bit late there in the season, and I think he I think he's ready to kind of show people what he can do, like, on a big stage. Well, especially at home. I think home's a big one. Roto would still be a little bit, like, just a little bit more concerned. But I think him at home is a totally different animal. I think he's going to thrive off this crowd and rise to the moment.

Yeah, I can't wait. And one last thing, James, I wanted to tell you specifically, I'm praying for the Reds to do the impossible, because I could really use that one o'clock game on Saturday as opposed to the late game. because I got goose tickets. So, yeah, trust me. I sadly decided that I was not going to be able to get a goose on Saturday. I'd plan for it for a while, and then no goose for your boy on Saturday.

I will be working. But I'm with you. One o'clock game is possible. It is possible. Yeah. Yeah, well, if we get the one o'clock game, maybe I'll see you there, you know. Yeah, awesome. Chris, appreciate the call, man.

Man, I don't want a one o'clock playoff game. There's not going to be a one o'clock game. There's a concert. Yeah, I know. I know. Shout it to goose. So Kirkering is now in the game. To close it out.

3-0 leading the top of the 7th, the closed situation, as we all know. You probably play the bottom, though, right? Yeah, they'll play the bottom. Will they? Yeah, they got a, they got a Duran warming up. Okay, well, that's a little weird. Wow, he's got to get working. I guess so, yeah.

He's face of Bryce. Yeah, that's true. Duran versus Bryce. Well, they do the, I guess I'll do the intro. Why not give the other show? That's hilarious. That's a good question. I mean, right? Yeah.

Why not? Give the crowd a show. Yep. Well, and. We'll say a few people left, I think, during that. unbelievable. The game's not over. I know. I don't believe. What if the magic happens right now? One message for Joanne Duron coming to this game.

Just throw splitters away to Bryce, please. I don't need you coming up in it. Oh, no, no, no, no. No, no. No, no. No, I will say maybe the best strikes are on the team, you know, as far as it goes. Duron? Yeah. All he does is throw strikes. There's too many strikes, arguably. Sometimes I want to see him bury one in the freaking dirt. Oh, it's just a fly ball.

Every Stanton ball, I think, is about at 450 feet. I really do. Especially in the playoffs. He's a different player then. I kind of wish Kirkring wasn't facing Lantigua Ricketts. Yeah, I want to see him pitch against some real team here. He's face a Trey. Okay.

But, again, really neat. I mean, look, Caleb Riggett says one of the deepest hits of the evening. He does. Yeah, he does. And if Kirkering could just spend the all season learning a cutter to get in on lefties, I'd be much appreciated. Do you think you will? Yeah.

I mean, he's changed his fastball since he came up in the minor leagues. So, again, he's someone who could really, really swing this thing for the bullpen. And given that, wasn't the most inspiring inning from Walker Bueller. Yeah, you could say that. They're probably going to need them. They're probably going to need them. All right, let's get one more call on before we get out of here. Let's talk to Andrew and Ambler.

Hey, guys, how you doing? Andrew, how you been, pal? Good, man. I think you remember me from the morning show, right, James? Yeah, of course. Yeah. Been a while.

It's been a long time. I'm terrified to face the Dodgers. I'm in the minority, maybe, but I'm terrified. No, we're not. I wouldn't say terrified, but I'm definitely not excited about phase of the Dodgers.

So one of my questions I have for you is what is the size of the roster size for the NRBS? 26, I believe. So is there a chance that and hopefully it works that Taiwan doesn't make the roster is that the option?

I mean, yeah but I think at this point they're going to have them on there maximum of 28, but Oh, you can go up to 28? Yeah. So, I think he's... No, it's six, you're wrong.

I'm wrong. I'm wrong. Yeah, Mike Angelina is saying six. I'm pretty sure it's 26. I'm almost positive, yeah. Good, yeah, good. It's 26. Good. I was, whatever. Taiwan's probably going to be on the roster. Everything signals to him being on the roster.

And I mean... I think you guys getting work here tonight. That's a good sign. You do need a long man in case things go awry, I guess. But again, he's not going to... I think we freak out about Taiwan all the time, whatever. He's not going to come into a game unless they're up or down by, you know, six, I think. Yeah, I'm just trying to figure out, like, the roster numbers when you've got that

that Bueller Waller, sorry, Walker option as to who makes it, who doesn't make it. Yeah, they'll carry more pitchers. And Andrew, thanks for the call. Yeah, it's going to be fascinating. Well, that's why Noel's going to probably start a playoff game. And they don't have to have the roster out until Saturday morning, so we'll see. Sometimes they put it on Friday, but they do not technically have to have it out. Does Romano make it?

Not even going to dignify that with a response. For, it would just be funny. It would be funny is the word. It would be funny. Want to see the fans melt down and put Jordan Romano on the playoff roster. All right, you got any final thoughts for get out of your fritzie? Well, I do want to see, again, I do want to see Kirkner right now as he's facing Trey Turner. Just made him look kind of silly on a sweeper away.

But up the 97, you know, pretty good velocity-wise for him. But, I mean, overall, overall, I think, I think it's fair to be a little worried about the Dodgers as Trey does ground out to Edmudo Sosa and Kirkering goes one through three facing murderers row of Raphael Antigua, Caleb Bricketts, and then he does get Trey Turner. But overall. And the crowd goes wild. That's hilarious.

I love that. They're going to, why not? Why not? There's 30. Make it feel like a playoff game. People paid money to come in tonight, you know, give them a show. Make it feel like a playoff game. That's right.

Yeah, I mean, overall, I just have a different level of trust in this team that I did in last year's team heading into the postseason. And I think even how they came out tonight, seeing Bryce do what he did. You know, Trey got a base hit. A lot of the guys that had really good years that we haven't totally trusted in the postseason, they got some hits tonight. And I like that they sold tickets tonight. People showed up, and I think there's going to be a different kind of feeling heading into this ballpark on Saturday of we're back, let's go on a run, versus I'm nervous, which is what it was last year in the Mets series.

There's going to be some real Dodgers fear 100%, and there should be. I would say more Dodgers respect than anything else. But, you know, it's one of those things where if we believe in this team as much as that we've talked about how much we believe in this team, show up and do a job and get the job done and take out probably your biggest foe on your ride to what should be a trip down Broad Street.

Thank you to everyone who called in. Thank you to Fran Roas, producing the show. Thank you to Scott Franz, Gilaire Anderson, Kevin Socker, for letting us sit in their steeds, shockingly. Jack and I will be together 11. to 12 on Friday for a high hopes hour with the midday show. Okay. Obviously morning show after neutral, all that.

And then pre-imposed for the playoffs. Jack and I will be doing High Ops Radio for pre-imposed, so tune in for all that. And a lot of, a lot of friths and seltzer. Let's go. Let's have a run. Let's have a run. All right. Keep it here.

Tom Kelly's got you for the next few hours. He's going to till 10. Okay. Tom Kelly till 10 got you here. Oh. You'll let you know what happens with the run. Two hours. All that. We did two, right?

All right. We'll talk to you guys tomorrow. Until then, he's fritz themselves.