High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Is This Gonna Be A Big Move Offseason For The Phillies?

Episode Date: October 24, 2024

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz sit down to discuss the upcoming MLB offseason and what potential big moves the Phillies could make to improve the core of their team. Presented by Miller Lite. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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On the Odyssey app and Sports Radio 94 WIP. The crowd was singing High Hopes Smiling through a broken nose Oh, High Hopes, High Hopes I feel a little less alone. Yeah, it is another edition of the podcast sponsored by Miller Lightmore, like official partner of the Philadelphia Phillies. Tastes like Miller time Philadelphia celebrate responsibly.

Jack's wearing a red October sweatshirt. I don't even know what else we can talk about other than just going right there. Why? For you Vic Fangio over here? I don't know what the big deal is. I miss him, obviously. Wait, here's a- hold on. It's this year's ones. You're wearing this? Yes, yes. You didn't even have red October this year.

First off. They should discontinue those and not allow people to wear them. So here's my defense. Okay. Is. I can't believe you wear that. Is. I can't believe it. Dude, it has the right, it has the right early sweater feel before you wash it for the first time, which is about as elite as a sweatshirt can feel. It's a great feeling. After the, after you wash sweatshirts for the first time, I might as well throw it out. Like I hate it. It's a great feeling after the after you wash sweats for the first time I might as well throw it out like I hate it a bit of a take there. I hate it. I it's it's it's Let there's less of the stuff inside. So it's not as comfy. It's not as soft You might as well throw out sweatshirts after the first time you wash them That's a big take to start the podcast, but I feel no mr. Moneybags over here just throws out sweatshirts

Well, yeah, where's yeah, no big deal while I was tweeting about Zillow yesterday I saw this oh What people act like this? Big-time fritz it's not that it remind of our pig time how are lots of money our people in the housing market right now Not that crazy. I'm not yeah, exactly. This is not I didn't pay that much for my house By the way that whatever the paid a significant amount less If you're if you're currently going through it it's just like over a hundred thousand times It's not that right then you're low about what I paid then you're low on number

But you know and these these these people they were able to buy their houses for like a hundred and fifty thousand dollars in the 80s Or 90s. I don't know. It's just it's an absolute joke But relatable content is what I do. Yeah, it's a very relatable So I'm trying to find a mansion to move into not a minute, dude. I'm letting you know, it's really not at all It's I've been I look at Zillow seven times a day. I can't do that kind of stuff I know well, even if I were looking I would just let Emily do all that well when we eventually do Hopefully in the next decade, find her forever home, I need to make sure I delete. It is all I look at all the time.

It's addicting. So I never would have guessed this from you. Like why? Because I just didn't think you were a Zillow kind of guy. You know, like I, again, I am ready for this. I've never been on. So like, I wouldn't even know how to for this. I've never been on Zilla. Like I wouldn't even know how to use it. I I've never done it. Tucker. Are you on Zilla? I am. Is it,

is it people like it? Emily, Emily loves it. She checks up out on there all the time. I moved out of the city. That was like what I would scroll all the time. I don't know what I know about people. I've never been on it. I have no, you shouldn't. You're not looking to prices. We even when we were moving, Emily just did it. And we ended up moving across the street because we saw a place being built. I'm like, that looks awesome. Let's go there.

So, so yeah, I, I don't, I, I feel a little shame when you show it. It was the first thing I brought up. Again, I, we, I, I didn't know what else to say. I couldn't continue to buy a fish related Billy shirt. Yeah. Cause fish is awesome. Do anything wrong? Fish kicks ass. They're still great. Every time I see them, I didn't say you couldn't wear Phillies here. I said, you can't wear 2024 red October. This is specifically, there's no, they're first off, this were just a Philadelphia Philly sweatshirt. I'd be like, sure. That's fine. Post season, 2024 red October. Nope. Throw it in the trash. Right now we're in like a year and it's like, Oh, it's just a red October. You're wearing it. We're still like in pain. The world series

hasn't even started yet. You're wearing a 2024 red October. I don't know what to tell you. I've, I've detailed many times that I had it I talked about it in the top five the other day I let down a lot of people on an everyday basis with with what I say or how I act and and Wearing this it's a comfortable sweatshirt. I sort of miss them. I don't miss them as much as I used to miss them Yeah, I'm good on a break right now. Like I I'm good. I'm mostly mad.

I mean, yeah, I'm definitely annoyed with that. Yes, I think that's a fair way to put it. I need a little break and then I'll come back and I'll be very happy to be back. I can't get a break, though, because we're here right now. Well, no. And for as annoyed at them as I am, I'm equal parts the incredibly excited for this. And for as annoyed at them as I am, I'm equal parts, incredibly excited for this off season. Incredibly excited.

I found- I'm not there yet, I'm not there yet. I was gonna save this for later. But I have a bullpen target. Oh God, you are so bad. That I cannot wait to let everyone know is maybe priority number one over one. And the angels will sign him for some absurd contract.

And that is what happened to my boy, Stevenson. Yeah. Remember who it was. That's why I said him. You were so obsessed with him. I think I heard immediately. No, no. This guy, this guy, which this is called a professional tease. And I bring him up today. We're saving.

It's good in radio. Teases meant for commercials. Don't care. Don't leave the podcast. Only the podcast and also listen to next week's episode, which is the perfect off season podcast. Yes. Oh, so you're teasing next week.

OK, that's fair. That's fair. OK, you're pro. You know, one day at a time. This is a guy and you have a week to figure out who it is. Oh, okay I'm gonna come back with a guess cuz I like this is good that a hundred percent will be a Dodger and they'll turn That he will be a Dodger I want to fill it aside and not be a Dodger you will not guess Okay, good because it's a super deep cut. Semi deep cut.

If you know me, it's like had arm surgery three times and just came back and somehow was throwing 97 and Jack's all in something along those lines. It's a name that you will a hundred percent know that is a free agent that you have to look up that if you know me and know the podcast, you'll, when I say it, I was like, Oh, I can't wait. How's that? Thank's actually really good. Honestly, that I it's all I've thought about. Well, it's funny because I feel like there are sometimes things that are things that happen on this pod are so unique to this pod and nothing like that is something that if you did it

on the radio spike with like, like what the hell you do? John cares about your dumb middle reliever. But in this thing, I think actually people will tune into the next pod. Dear Jack, and the people that are maybe checking out the pod for the first time, like, oh, they're going to talk about Juan Soto. You found the wrong podcast. I'm just I'm not saying to go elsewhere. I'm just saying you found the wrong show.

Is there anything this is draft talk and middle reliever talk. And and I the other name is my spent the term over replacement, which I'm equally as excited about. So that's what you're getting when you sign up this podcast. And speaking of the radio show, because I'm a candidate, I like this because there's no way that either of them will listen to this. Just like an Ike, are we going to spike? Oh, good. I love this. This is great.

There is no way there's no way George on a list. There's a take shots. No, well, I always do. But there's a I'm just letting everyone know that the Eagles won on Sunday. And I spent most of the show on Monday looking up who I was going to for like who my bullpen target was going to be because I'm just there. Oh, no way they won crazy. A lot like from three to about five 30 strictly looking at players.

Well, the funny thing is, is that I think like every host on the station, no one's listening to this. We know that maybe Julia once in a while, I think Julia tunes in Chad, star guy Joe. I think so. But the point being that and sucker don't clip that. It won't know. But no, what I was about to say is I think you might be in trouble because I've noticed that like Spike is the person he's got like minions or whatever.

Like people always tell Spike and says going on, like if we see some of the morning show, no joke, within two minutes, someone's tweeting at Spike. I mean, like Spike, they said this about you. Like it is. So I actually do think there's a chance. Spike, here's well, they always give me crap because I was I was I was watching obviously Philly's playoff highlights and the Eagles press. We all remember an all time moment.

It's about on brand with that. It's about on brand with that. I was looking at the text line and I was like, nah, it's available that could possibly help this team. People are gonna look too worked up about the Eagles. Let me ask you a question. Yeah. I'm just joking, it's Spike's listen.

That's believable. Yeah. Spikes probably checked out. Someone told him to check a certain time. He heard it and he checked out. Bye Spikes. What kind of off season are you expecting from the Phillies in terms of like the Soto thing we're going to he's joking, we will talk Soto.

Now we'll probably talk more middle relievers and what not, but we will talk on Soto. Like outside Now we'll probably talk more middle relievers and whatnot, but we will talk on Soto like outside of just the so just in a more macro sense. Like, do you expect them to go in and because we, you know, Dave didn't really seem like he was going to who knows who you say. Do you expect them to like, I think I spent a lot of money this is going to be a big off season or is this going to be a fringes? I think it's going to be more of a big trade than a big sign. Oh, if I had to if I had to place a bet on one or the other, you think there will be a player on this team next season who obviously is not this year who will look at me like that's a star that guy's that guy's a real meaningful person in major league baseball. I don't know if it's going to be that if I had to if I had to

bet, I just don't think it's going to be that obviously like this pregnant count probably probably probably so I think he's the low end of that if I had it if I had to bet I just don't think it's gonna be that obviously like this Breguement count probably probably probably so I think he's the low end of that. I mean a few years ago Yeah, but yeah, I just think that I really think they're getting Bregman. No, I well I think I just don't know where he goes. I mean about back to Houston I think he's probably the most well Mariners make sense Tigers can make some sense because AJ hinge is there Mets are probably out now unless they let Alonzo walk. But why would I mean a movie and toast to first you saying? Yeah. Yeah, I don't think they would do that.

If they missed it on Soto they could. They could. But yeah, I just if I had to bet I think it's more of a shake up the court trade than as add to the core if I had to guess. I just yeah and the one thing that I'm starting to get incredibly annoyed by is Everyone that talks about Dave Nebraska and Ken Rosenthal to this yesterday And I you know the the fair territory podcast good. I know I know where you're going with this It's just every time I talk about Dave Nebraska gets he's not afraid to make a move. He's you sure about his buddy

He's aggressive. He's out there Wrong like Dave whatever he sees is easy. He's going to go fix it. He's going to get the pay whatever date the phrase. He'll pay whatever it takes. Guess what he didn't do? He didn't come close to paying whatever it takes. He was like, no, I will get Austin Hayes instead. Right. Like so enough.

So and if you want to go back to last offseason and say, well, they photo no if there's only a year they can they could have got one so I'm saying that so someone has perfect offseason a year plus ago and I guess what perfect rate that one so doesn't be on everyone's perfect offseason yeah I said then tray I meant perfect deadline I think he was available in the office yeah I think I did both if you wanted to go that way so I'm just a little I need to start seeing that before I believe it with Dave. He's been a little different since he's been the village and then in his traditional sense.

Every other spot he's been in. Yeah, so, but I, and we said this last time and I do really believe that Middleton disagrees with how they handled that or not handled it, but what they said, I think that Middleton's not happy if I had to guess. And I think that he wants to make real moves. And I keep going back to- Let's ask him. John, come on in. Come on in. What a tease. He's going to join us for the perfect offseason next week.

We promise. Don't worry. He'll be here. But I keep going back to, I was reading some press clippings about when the- Who are you, dude? When the Phillies traded Bobby Abreu in 2006? No, we go Who I just go ahead I was reading that when the Philly straight Bobby Abreu in 2006 and and they still say press go. I don't know I was reading quotes whatever and I was reading some newspaper as yes Pat Gillick said after they traded Braille, you that we haven't won with this core.

We have to change the mix up essentially. And we know what they did after that. They they went on a run in the second half of 06. It carried over into 07 for, you know, besides the beginning of the season. And then obviously the one on World Series and 08. So that I feel like we've reached that point with this organ with this core is they've won to an extent but they've also gone backwards every single year and you can make the case that we've seen the best of this core that we've like we've seen their peak and I just Dave Dababrowski is too, has been around for too long,

just like Pat Gillick was, to realize that and not make a move. So I just keep going back to what he said was annoying. We all thought it was annoying and didn't exactly hit on what the city was feeling. But I just refuse to believe that they're not going to make some kind of significant move this year. I think it's more detracting from this core rather than we're going to go pay 600 million for Juan Soto. We're going to go sign Alex Bregman.

You know, maybe they get in more of the starters markets and spend more money. I think it could be the first time we see this core shaken up. Yeah, look, and I think a lot of people feel that they need to look, they brought the entire coaching staff back, like it or hate it, whatever that they're not shaking. They're not shaking it up at all there. So like, you just can't keep like, you know, bringing the group back and do the same thing. They have to do something or have to be especially can't just be like, oh, we're replacing Rojas. Like that's not good. Especially if you're gonna, if you're gonna bring back Rob, if you're gonna bring back Tom, that's my point good enough. Especially if you're going to if you're going to bring back Rob, if you're going to bring back Tom, that's my point. I'm saying if you're bringing back the whole

coaching staff, you have to do something to change the chemistry. Yeah. And and it's gonna I mean it could shock us. I mean it's gonna be weird if one of our guys that we've kind of grown to the like of our last couple years is out of here. But it's the reality of the situation. I mean, Alec Bones, a year or two away from being paid. It's one year after I think he's got one more full season and then I think I could be I think it's this year and then one more. Is it? Yeah. Either way, he's heading towards a payday one way or the other. You're gonna you have to decide you have to decide and and if it is two years, this is going to be I mean, basically not

just this every day that goes by the value gets less and less for the team that's trading for him Sure. So yeah, I just yeah, I thought I saw the Gila quote this week and I was like that's where this team is that I mean, that's where They've won but not to they weren't where the oh five and oh six. No, they were better. I'm much better. That's obvious, but like this core might have already reached its peak now the issue for that is, OK, it's hard. You're not trading JT. I don't think you should trade Schwab or Castellanos. I actually think has more value as a Philly than he does.

I agree. I just don't think he's getting I don't think you're getting enough back to make it worthwhile that you're not showing Harbour your no one's taking Turner like shock the world and add something to the trade Turner contract to get out from under it. I don't think that's going to happen. I would honestly, like I was going to say 0%. I'll say one, one percent. Like there's almost no, as you said last podcast Turner and bone for trout. Now the big, the big money acquisition could,

I can't believe you brought red dough. I know. I know. I would have hit it. I know. But now the big trade or whatever, or detraction from the core could be going in trading for my drought. I mean, I know, listen, I don't really. I'm so out on it. I know. Like I've never been more out on the drought. I just, what, what, bring a guy in here is not going to play. He didn't play last year. And it's like it happened in preseason or spring training.

And it's like, oh, six weeks. The guy didn't play. I know. So and this is not me doing fishing for trout fishing, which is a great bit. Everyone was a phenomenon. We can all come together and agree that was good. Bit just like Tywanimus now., the last one's have been great bits. No, trout fishing was a great bit. Tywanimus was a mistake.

I'm not saying to trade for Mike Trout, but I can feel it in my bones. I can just feel it. They miss out on Soto. They don't want to sign Bregman. They can't trade any of their pieces. And it's just, and bleep it. Go get Mike trout. Cause ultimately the Phillies are a business and Mike trout will still

get certain people excited and it will. Yes. So certain, but I don't, I don't know if it's enough. I think Phillies fans are smart. And I think that over the last three years, really the last year since Harper got here, there has been a, a reinvestment as we've seen, obviously it's increased, but a reinvestment of the Phillies fan base into the team and to following it every day and all that. And I think honestly, at this point, most Phillies fans would be like, that guy's never healthy. Like I think that people are invested in paying attention. I don't think the name will do it. All right. Do I listen, you know,

that if they trade for my trout, it's like, well, he's home now. And they're going to put him in left field and he's with the boys and it's eagle season and the golf course he's doing with Tigers almost done. Come on. What a shame. Come on. And bring him home. It would be it would be such a bummer. Like, we finally get my point is like, what a shame. sooner. It would be such a bummer. Like we finally get my shroud. That's my point. It's like, what a shame.

It feels like a, what a missed opportunity to do it sooner. Come join me, Andrew Filippone. And me, Patrick Peterson. Three time NFL All-Pro Cornerback on First and Pod for premier NFL coverage and conversations. Our motto on the podcast is every team every week and we don't play favorites.

Every episode you get a glimpse of the entire national football league with First and Pod. Follow and listen to First and Pod on Mondays and Fridays on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. I mean the reality is, and we just talked about it, like where's the move? That's where I'm concerned. Where it, like, where's the move? And that's where I'm concerned. Where's the move? What's the what's the move? If they could do it and upgrade in left field would be big, but getting a real.

That's why Soto, I mean, again, I don't, I agree with you. I do not think I think they'll be in. I think they'll be, you know, talk to them and do the only I don't see them paying 500, six, whatever. Starting at five. I mean, whatever the number is, I don't think it's quite that high, but I think it'll be between five and six, maybe six could be sex for sure. He's 26 years old.

I think he will get between five and six hundred million dollars. But but and I don't think the Phillies will pay that not that they won't pay. I just don't think he's going to end up here, but. I think that's like it makes so much sense because it's the perfect thing. Like put that guy in left field and we're set and it all works out. I know. Well the Phillies, they have to be in. I mean they can't just sit it out. And do I expect them to get them? No. But I need them, I need to be, this is a three horse race between the Mets, Phillies, Yankees. That need to be it needs to be the those are the three finalists.

If you missed out on because he doesn't want to leave New York, he doesn't want to leave New York. But the big thing that he has to think about, and this is speaking directly to John Middleton, he's got to think about 2028. Oh, so we've jumped. There's a reason why we've jumped. Yes, because the only people on the books in 2028 are Harper and Ola and, and, and turn that's it. Really?

Sanchez, technically the Sanchez isn't making a lot of nothing. What a deal. Now they have to stay. We finally got a Braves contract. It's so exciting. Now they haven't paid bone or start and we'll see if they pay those guys, but as it currently stands, those are, that's the only money on the books in, in 2028. So just think about that.

I like that. Just think about it. You're going to bite the bullet for 2025, 2026 and 2027, even though some of the money is coming off the books, if you don't want to pay for it. Cassio, come on, come on. Yeah, come on. We're on to Aidan's coming. Painter will be Dante Nore.

How are you getting Griffin Berkholder? You Joe Crawford, Justin Crawford. I got Crawford. Yeah. Yeah. So I'm just saying, think about the 2028 Phillies when you're thinking about the current one. Soto. OK, I like this. Thank you, John. I think that was a listen. A passionate, passionate.

All right. Let's go to your notes that you gave me. Jack, nice little run down for today. What's your Phillies related? Hey, Jack. I don't know. What do you think? Well, it's just that it was great. I was like, what are we going to talk about today? You were bang. Yeah.

Well, listen, I was great up for a little bit. I appreciated it. Yeah. I so the one of the one big takeaway is they need a they need a I Don't like Jesse wanker obviously, but they need someone like that. Good. Yeah, they need it. Yeah, they need to get it going Yeah, yeah, that does man. He gets a go. He's infuriating I know but like you're eating if he were hitting those homers and watching them on our maybe like I know but like you're eating if he were hitting those homers and watching him on our job We'd be like just some frickin winker man. Exactly. Exactly. So they they gotta find some way shock What a good way to put it. Well, no, I'm a jock Peters. Yeah. No, I get it. Yeah. Yeah

He's like a jock Peters. Yeah, like that swag Attitude thinks he's way better than he actually is but he gets some big hits for you I'm with you. They need like that kind of guy. Are they rational confidence guy? Jack Peterson, the free agent. Oh, I think I was reading Jim Bowden today. It's again, I was reading press clippings from 05. They were almost down to some Astros GM who I've never heard of that was like apparently a fasterizer in 05. Jim Bowden and Pat Gillick Wow so what a

what a sliding doors that is gee which one which is the right decision to make yeah well even though I mean once all the famer the others ain't yeah yeah so but yeah no Bowden is whatever but I think I think John is not a great general manager he's very good at media. Yeah, but yeah, so they need someone like that. That has a little bit of edge. His team is. Well, most well, they like each other a lot. Yeah, good, but there needs to be some kind of consternation.

And look, they're certainly not getting it from their manager. I love the guy. He is certainly not coming. I it's my favorite thing is, oh, you don't know. Topper really get on these guys behind the scenes. Come on, man. Like, don't give me that. Like there's no way I'm sure you might get on them a little bit for Topper. But like Rob Thompson is not dressing these guys down like Rob Thompson,

not going to locker mean like you and effort. But like that's just not happening. I'm sorry. I don't believe it. I don't believe it. I refuse to believe that. No. And I'd be curious to see what Charlie was like, you know, behind the scenes. I mean, Charlie had a little more edge. He did. He definitely did. He definitely. And come on. That's right. That's what it is.

It is what it is. And it's what it is. Now they play hockey. So, you know, it's going to be really fun is when they don't sign Juan Soto and Kevin Long still here. We're like, oh, good. Well, yeah. But he it feels like they're setting that up for the sacrificial way of two months into the season. They're not hitting. Yeah. What did you make of the whole like he's the best you talk to?

I know he's on every list. Little much, little much. All of it's a little much. Can I ask you a question? You're a baseball man. People say that self-proclaimed. Yeah. No, but you do seriously. You're on a lot of teams. You played D1, college D2.

Yeah. I've heard of D1. No big deal. Like we always say, like, what is hitting coach do? But like how much like how important? No, I mean, listen, but I think the biggest thing that they're that hitting coaches are there for is game planning stuff. I game planning they're important for and it feels like they've been gone into games with no plan for a while

but again my my question with Kevin Long is that he is a guy that says hunt the fastball hunt the fastball hunt the fastball and The baseball has just changed from that philosophy spin game spin game and You know is he is he falling behind the times is he you know an older hitting coach? That is still teaching older principles for a game. That's moving in a different direction and what I can't tell With hitting and it's funny because hitting down around the game is pretty down but with hitting and it's funny because hitting down around the game is pretty down but like it has it I don't think this is not I don't think it's caught up the pitching but there's been so much like pitching advancement when it comes

to getting on the cameras and seeing you know how you can change your arm angle or change how you you touch the baseball to make it move in a different way. Or to make it harder for a pitcher to hit her to see her. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, mania. So that's happened with pitching, which is totally taken off pitching. You've seen these guys who have gone from no names to studs, I think more often now than in years past, around the game is hitting starting to do that.

And are we behind the times with where the hitting advancements are going? Is it though? But I don't cause we know, that's my point. I don't, I don't really ever hear about hitting advancements. The same like with pitching. It's just like, I know, rush photo camera and there's now there's just so many things that have come along that have been like, like the spin rate, the emphasis on spin rate, the way tunneling, like all these, million things with pitching that we've had these. Meanwhile, the hitting is just like, it's like launching goal. It's still freaking talking about launching. I know. So so where is that?

Where is that that, you know, development? But what I think that other teams do better than the Phillies and, you know, I think it's the Dimebacks that did it. I always felt like the Giants had a good plan. Oh, we're just going to hit all all fields. That's the plan. Yeah, we're just going to get guys to just go head to the other field. That'll work. But I think with these other teams, they go up there with a certain approach.

And that's a dirty word here. And really, but it is it's like the Giants and they weren't a great offense, but I think they went up there with all the same idea out of their guys. It felt like the Braves who fired their hitting coach, which was a little surprising. And yeah, that was a little go of Klong. So I mean, we don't fire anyone. We're like, bring them all back. No, I know. And that does make me worried about the offseason. We let it go. Okay. Long. So what I mean, we don't fire anyone. We're like, bring them all back. No, I know. And that does make me worried about the off season.

Yeah, of course it does. We're fine. I know. That's why the press conference was so infuriating. It's like, you want to believe that Dave Dabrowski is just saying things to let other teams not know where he's at or this or that or whatever. But if what he's saying is true, which in the past, it always has been for the most part, like most part, like trade deadline, you'll play a little smoke and mirrors and stuff. But but like, that's bad. Like if the mentality and I hope to your point that John Middleton is like, I am not down with what was said in that press conference because every Kevin Long, too, is that, like, who, if you want to say stars are going to be them, right? And the baseball guard. Yeah, like you roll them out there every day and they'll figure it out. They're big leaguers and treat them like big leaguers, which is fine. But then the young players got to be better.

And looking at the season's development, yeah, looking at the season that Boam had while at the beginning was great, he also fell off, man. We fell off. He didn't even end up leading the NL in doubles. Like he was out from front by like 10 doubles at one point, like deep into the season. Yeah. And and Marsha was still super inconsistent and looks more like a platoon player than an everyday player. I would say is a platoon player. Sure.

I just when the young guys aren't exactly developing Rojas, if you want to say for Rojas took some strides like sure. And also I don't think like they never, I mean, I've, I've, you know, on Rojas is actually one of the very first names that we talked around this pod as far as like the early on when we got excited about process and they didn't have any and whatever. And he's been here for so long on that. But like, I don't ever remember in the entire time we talked about you on Rojas, you thinking you could get at the major league level, like you're pretty confident, like, we'll see.

Like, but they made it out like he's this massive, really is now. I, yeah. The way they've messaged about Rojas is very strange. Strange. Like they use a, I felt like he was like a higher ranked prospect in their eyes than he ever was by anyone else across the board. Yeah. So I just, I think it comes down to more organizational philosophy to hitting, you know what I mean? The Rays, I feel like they always, they don't get the biggest prospects and the Rays like, I feel like so 2018 to say, Oh, look at

the Rays, you know what I mean? They're there. Well, I passed that. Yeah, we are. We are to an extent, but I feel like they always bring up random guys that, that, that have a better plan of the plate. And then you look at, uh, I look at the Brewers, right? So they got the, the, the Rays will like lean into stuff. They'll be like, all right, you know, we are just going to get guys who walk in

at home runs and that'll be enough for us. And we're going to get by with, you know, I mean, like there is a, a phylo, to your point of philosophy. And I feel like there's no real philosophy here besides to get star players. And, you know, I look at a team like the Brewers, right? And same philosophy. Like that same idea. They got, they got a dog walk and hit home runs. They got a Thomas who started launching. They got Willy, William Contreras, who kind of broke out for them. You know, they've, uh, fray look at a pretty good year. Garrett Mitchell coming back. Like I just, I think there's a philosophy here with the Phillies hitting wise that feels behind the time. It feels outdated. Yeah, it does. No, it's a great point.

All right, my, so here, I'll give you a takeaway, a Philly's take away from the playoffs, but I don't know if I believe it or not. I think there's logic in it, but I also don't want it in the take ball. Yeah. I know. Definitely not going to now. I'm my take ball record is Sterling, by the way, you know, you don't want it in the take ball. Yeah. I know. Definitely not going to now. I'm my take ball record is sterling by the way, you know, you know, shout out to our guy, Michael sulfur gave me a beer at the game for my Chicago white Sox take.

Yeah. We found. Thank you. Um, that was awesome. That really did make my day. Um, here's what I'll give you. And I've seen a lot of people talk about as the camera mentioned this on the air, the concept of, and to be fair, one of people talk about as the camera mentioned this on the air the concept of and to be fair

One of them got one sort of soft season one of them signed the biggest best player in the history of our lifetime But the the the thing the camera said and I've seen other people say this online I get it I understand where they're coming from I just can't wrap myself around it but the idea of that the Yankees and the Dodgers being in the playoffs is actually assigned to Phillies fans, hey, just keep doing what you're doing and you'll break through because the Dodgers, you know, 2020 doesn't count. They've been to the playoffs, what 12 years in a row, they made the World Series the one time, you know, the, the, uh, or didn't make it one time.

They made it in 2018. They lost them, but you know what I mean, uh, lost the Houston, but they've not won the World Series other than 2020. Uh, The Yankees obviously made the playoffs a bunch of years in a row haven't broken through. It's like, just keep getting there, keep getting chances and you'll break through. And I get the logic of it. And it does. I get it. I just want to go to the NBA, the nuggets, of course, you can see it. And I think there is some logic and some truth to that but it also just doesn't I can't wrap myself around it with this Phillies team because of the way they've lost and that Seeing the same thing happen over and over well, but at the same time they're mostly gonna run it back with the same ish player

Oh, I know that's what yeah one or two. So the core is gonna be here. It's gonna be it's gonna be JT It's gonna be Bryce. It's gonna be Turner. It's gonna be Cassie. It's gonna be sure I mean those guys aren't changing. Wheeler and Nola aren't changing. It's more can they do anything with the quote unquote daycare of the world? And again, maybe one of the bigger names. Again, I'd be more surprised than not. So yeah, I think that's fair.

But at the same time, and I keep going back to the deadline, just go get better baseball players. If you have a a pretty good player that can stand there and do a job, why can't you go upgrade that spot like Tommy Edmonds? You mean a NLCS MVP, Tommy Edmonds? They didn't trade much for him. They treated nothing. You can Michael Kopeck has mattered for them. That was someone you talked about the deadline ad nauseam. You're like, go get me Michael Kopeck. He's made a

difference for them. They made a bunch of small trades at the deadline and brought jazz was a bigger trade. No jazz the Yankees. I'm just talking Dodgers. But you're right. The Yankees got jazz but the Dodgers really clarity clarity was a big thrill. That's a fair trade. You're right. And he's guess what he's doing. He's starting game one of the freaking World Series for them. But again, they all these trades, as we've talked about many times,

not one top 100 prospect giving up like their play and Lissert arbitrary and all that. But like it wasn't that expensive. Like, I know we felt it was probably more expensive than the players were worth. Like, yeah, you probably had to give up a little more for jazz chism than he was probably quote unquote worth. But in the grand scheme of things, you're not treating Andrew Painter for jazz chism. You're not treating Aiden Miller, you're not treating your top top guys like well, and with some massive missed opportunity. And both these teams are in the World Series partially because of the trades they make. Sure. Well, what frustrates me

about something like Edmund, for example, is, dude, we're about to we had it we went into the postseason and listen we like these guys and it's not it's not personal but you're heading into a playoff series with Weston Wilson and Cody Clemens and and Those kind of guys at the bottom of the roster where a team like the Dodgers has a Tommy Edmund or you know Kike now Chris Taylor stinks things, but we stills. He's just, he's like a mask. It's unbelievable. He's like a mask. After that, he was starting to have a team without Chris Taylor. He's starting the other day.

I said, he's still on that. It's unbelievable. It's it's unreal, but he has got, had some moments. Kike can, yeah, he has, he has some moments. He gave an October legend. Big hits. They try. They try to sign last year.

Did they? Yeah. We almost had to. Look at Jackie's sources over here. But. Breaking news on the podcast here. They tried to get Kike last year and whatever. It's going to be a big story throughout baseball.

Oh, huge. But yeah, I just, man, they like getting an admin and just upgrading that. If you weren't going to get a star, you weren't going to get something at the deadline, invest more in the bullpen. They were half in the deadline, invest more in the bullpen. They were half in, I felt like, on the bullpen. And make the bench that much better. And if Edmund comes in, it's great. Guess what?

Austin Hayes, there was no track record for Austin Hayes to be good. Tommy Edmund, there's a little bit more of a track record. And I've owned him in fantasy. He's had some good years. Not to make this all like, oh my God, Tommy Edmund is the goat. But at least he put thein bat on the baseball yeah like that's that's Bryson Stott's really important for next year's team because I think they need someone who could put the bat on the baseball at a consistent rate he did not do that

last year but it's it's interesting to see some of these four hitters throughout the game like Tommy Edmond was batting clean up for them because I think the way they view it and the five four and five are about yeah and they And they also, when they have Freeman in there, three hall of famers that one, two, three. Yeah. So, but even like the five spot becomes important because you've got guys on base and you want a guy that's going to put the bat on the baseball. So yeah, I need a guy with some edge.

I need a guy that's going to put the bat on the baseball. And I like, it will be detailed eventually in the perfect off season. I need my Luke Weaver. Uh, bring jeans, a girl back, baby. I do believe I have found need my Luke Weaver. Bring jeans a girl back, baby. It's time. I do believe I have found the next Luke Weaver. Oh, OK. Weaver is awesome.

I know where I was like, who the Luke Weaver? What we've weaver's back. I can't believe it. Yeah, he's a twenty seventeen fantasy darling. Unbelievable. I want to talk World Series at the end. I want to get to the tape bag in a sec. One last thing before we get to the tape bag, Ken Rosenthal, basically implying if you pay Soto the most, he's going to go there is kind of, kind of what

Rosenthal said, what'd you make of those? What'd you make of that? And also do you think there's any chance that it, look, maybe he doesn't go that as bitter, maybe when it gets to five and 600 million is like, I'm going to pick the place I want to be. And if someone has 50 million more, whatever, do you think there is any chance that if Juan Soto says and lets everyone know, Hey, whoever pays me the most money, I'm going there. Is there any chance that Phillies will pay him the most money?

I don't think so. Like Alpid the Yankees, Alpid the Mets, Cohen. Again, I'd be floored. I would too. I mean, I don't think it's Milton's fault. Like I don't blame John Middleton. Like again, you handed out a ton of money. It's just hard to go there. Well, the reality is, I mean, the Trey contracts there. I mean, if they didn't sign Trey, which it's hard to play hindsight, dude, we loved it when it happened. I'm not going to go. I thought it was a great move. I, and look, and also it was that off season. Like, again, it's all about context and market. Like, I mean, Zander Bogart's got

$280 million. Like all those guys got paid that off. Yeah. And Like again, it's all about context and market. Like I mean, Zander Bogart's got $280 million. Like all those guys got paid that off. Yeah. And so, and it's funny cause Dan's been Swanson's probably been the best. Dude, I think I, I, I know we're mad. Trey's Trey's been bad in season, but he's, but Dan's he's a, a, a lead defensive shortstop, not even not elite, but a very good, I think the defense, especially in the tray, I think we've gone a little overboard with Trey and I do like Lindor was for me a disappointment the first couple of years up in, but then it was amazing. And then he's amazing.

I love the, I love Lindor though. Um, all right. I would, I would be shocked if they, and believe me, if they sign one, so we're doing this podcast with our shirts off wherever, dude, if we, I will, you could wake me up at two in the morning to do. I will stay up late. I don't get one sleep. Like we're ready and stop making bold proclamation.

What you love to talk about doing shows naked in your shirt. I thought you did the only afternoon show. Didn't you make the guarantee? Like I'm sure naked. You didn't have to. What is up with that? Is it that big a deal to take our shirts off? Like it's always it's always just making sure that everyone knows we're serious.

OK, that's what it's all about. You know, there are other ways you do that. Oh, good. Good. Where they were. We're down like two pounds here, but yeah, we are ready. Ready to show the world. That's what I see. Not already. Good.

Not ready to show the world. Yeah. When this happens, you'll be ready. Yeah. All right. We got the take back. Go on to show the world. Yeah, when they sign one center, you'll be ready. Yeah, I already got the take back. Go on. Oh, God. How's that possible? We've already talked about so much. I know this is already like 10 minutes longer than I expected. Do you know tomorrow is the anniversary of game seven? Of last year, what is wrong with you?

You come in wearing a red over 29 for sure, and then you're binding us about last like why I know why because I'm a glutton. No, but are okay. There is this thing. You don't want to like antagonize your listeners. Would never only only only about the only about the angels. Okay. Well, it's just, you know, I don't I didn't know I'm happy to not know. I wish I could forget that I found out now tomorrow at some point, I'm going to think about it. And I'm going to think about that dumb ass game. And that, which by the way, like as much as 2022, they got the closest, like last year was the year, like that they've the, like the only bad team they lost to this whole

thing is the diamondbacks. Like the Mets are a good team. Like the Astros were a great team. Like the Diamondbacks were a bad baseball team. They scored less runs than they gave up. Like. Yeah. Yeah. Game seven anniversary tomorrow. Thank you. Do you want to go? Do you want to go even lower? No. I just said don't antagonize. I had another dark thought. So I had another dark thought. So I had another dark thought

about the Phillies because we're doing well. I'm in a good spot. And this has been a fear of mine ever since he hit it. Yesterday, obviously, was the anniversary of that. I'm at the bank, which is a great memory. Is that the was that a moment of was that you have to do this? What is your problem? Because I thought because all I can do is write

down what I was thinking about bringing us down with you yeah that's not no I know I would never do that to our listeners I just want our listeners I'm not antagonized we'd never I'm just telling you what was in the head okay and that was my fear you don't want to go in that watching the time so I need to say don't go in the mind jackpits Then I'll go there, but I prefer not. Can I give you an example of dumb Jack? We haven't had any of those yet. Okay. Good. I was thinking about again, the 22 world series and a dumb Jack moment.

I remember thinking to myself when they were up to one, I remember saying to myself, feels too easy. Did you really? And, and said to myself, I said to myself, I too easy. Did you really? And said to myself, I said to myself, I remember that and I said, Jack, this is the dumbest thing you've ever thought. Said, they're winning the World Series too quickly. That is dumb. It's very dumb.

That's dumb. Looking back. I get where you're coming from. I was like, this isn't the year. This is to get excited about it. Exactly. To build and we're ready for it. I did, so I didn't think think I didn't have that exact thought, but I did think that like

during it, like, like, am I ready for them to win the World Series? I was the city ready. I was. It turned out. Sure. Sure. Sure. Would have done it.

High. But I get that point. I did have that thought like already is this really going to happen? We're supposed to be building. It's supposed to be another kind of build year. We're just going to win the World Series with, like turns out we didn't Jack turns out we didn't turns out we didn't know would like to do that. That'd be fun. Would be a good time. It'd be really disappointing if we don't. Yeah. I'll tell you that. Yeah. Yeah. And I guess the fun pod.

We started out actually pretty bad. Well, the final thing, the final thing, the one comment from Dave that I don't think is being talked about enough I think is interesting is he just slipped in there like yeah the player for player trade. That's a possibility and a whole press conference where he downplayed any idea of making a move and talked about there was actually sixth and Chase rate and chase less than the Mets and felt like a This is worst moment here in. Well, it just reminded me so much of the.

McPhail, I was like, if we don't, we don't know. No, no, no, no. Well, this is different. It was when they said, well, we actually the fourth. That's what I meant. That's what I was thinking of. It was that when we had the fourth best bulbing area that I knew was McPhail. I was trying to get that. Like I was like, are you are you kidding me? What a press conference.

They used to be so bad at them. But whatever it was that Middleton? It was Middleton. Yeah, nevermind. Oh, John we forget. Because he was asked. Yes. He was asked about... No, I remember.

It was funny. The question was. The only player to make the big league roster on the minor leagues this year was Cole Ervin or something. Like, how do you do you feel like the cupboards bear? And the answer was, well, actually, with fourth lowest second, it's like, that's not what the question was about the final league talent, but it's okay. I get it. When you're in that side, you just, yeah.

We bounce back. We bounce back. But yeah, so, but the him slipping in there, a player for player trade, I thought was fascinating. And it reminded me of the deadline. Now, hopefully it's not sure for Austin Hayes, but oh my God. But that did definitely perk the years up and maybe phone for Devin Williams.

Yeah, it's one of those trades has been mentioned so many times. You feel like it's going to happen. Yeah. All right. World Series. World Series. Yeah. Where you at? How do you feel like in this? So as a baseball fan, I'm thrilled. It's so great for this like you've got the best player We've ever seen the most you know biggest player in a long time first the Yankees and judge and all that it's it's Yeah, it's great for me. It's great for baseball

My hope is that Otani pitches in game seven and then hits a walk-off home run Really I I'm fine hard for the Dodgers. Really? I'm fine either way. You've always been like a Yankeesman. I know. I am a Yankees hater to like the core of my soul. Very old.

Yeah, I'm old school. I also remember 96 to 2000 and I'm just owning the world. Like it's enough already. And also like the Dodgers. I like the Dodgers. The Dodgers got that bobo one in 2020. It doesn't count. Like Dodgers haven't won since 88.

Yeah. Field for their fans. No thing, even though they're the worst fans. And also it's more show. I just like, I can't do it. Can't do it. Well, also, also if either one of these is going to, and I don't think this really works that way, but if, if either one of these is going to kick the Phillies in

the ass, it's the Dodgers. It's a team you kind of been putting yourself up against and been measuring yourself against these last few years. And, oh, look at the Dodgers. If they win one, maybe, maybe, maybe a little kick. Do the Phillies have a better chance at Soto if the Yankees win or lose? It's a phenomenal question. Because I feel like if they lose, it makes them want him that much more. I know. But if they win, then he's a world series ham. I think it's actually lose cause I think the Yankees would be all right winning

and letting him go. Exactly. So I think you see how Simoner, by the way, Oh my God, he's calculating his head. How much? I think, I think if they, if they, if the Yankees win the world series, I think they'd be more okay. Letting one sort of walk. I actually agree with that. So we got, we got lots of time still. Um, no, but I really do think, I think, I think at one point show, Hey, it's

going to close, I think show, I think show, he's going to pitch. Oh my God. I can just envision. I can't wait. But you staying up for these games? I'm going to, yeah, it's world series. Well, Friday night, Saturday night start is your thank you baseball gods. Yes. Yeah. I think it's a world series. I've got baseball gods. It's just Fox. Sure. Thank you, Fox. That's fine.

That's fine. I'll go. I'll go with the baseball gods. Yeah. How could you not be romantic about baseball? The Friday, Saturday at eight o'clock starts. Oh, wow, all right. Now, like the subject to change, you don't have to like six of this. This is not a take vault thing or whatever. But if you had to pick today on October 24th, where's Juan Soto playing next year?

Juan Soto will be a New York Yankee. I think he's going to be a New York man. Yeah, I think he's going to be a New York man. Yeah, I think he's going to be in New York one way or the other. For sure. I think he's going to be. And I officially think I think the Yankees, I'd be shocked if the Yankees lost the World Series. Really? Oh, I don't think the Dodgers are that good. That bullpen is atrocious.

The Yankees starting pitching is way better. Way better. I think there's guys in the bullpen. But hold up. You said the Dodgers bullpen has been atrocious? They had like one of the great playoff runs of all time. Like they go like 11 screen innings without going to run or something like whatever it was.

I test, I test. I don't buy it. I I think I think Yankees in five or six. All right. I'll go Dodgers in six. All right. Just cause just cause. Just go Yankees back at home so that they can let one sort of. It cause. Just cause. But go Yankees. Back at home. So that they can let Juan Soto walk. It's a good reason to root for them. If you're gonna root for the Yankees, that's a good reason.

Hey, I'm rooting for a good story. I'm just rooting for baseball. Good series. I actually am. I don't care who wins. I really don't care. I, I, it's one of those where like if the Mets had been, I would have rooted very heavily against them. Of course. But I, to your point, like I'm rooting for the Dodgers definitively, but I won't be like devastating. Here's what I want. I want the

stars to be great. Yeah, I agree. I had to agree. I want, I want baseball to be great. I want it to go seven. I want it to be that this is, this is the hater in me. And this comes out every once in a while. The hater side of my, oh, really? No, I need the stand thing to stop. What a stud. It's annoying. What an all time great playoff performer. He's been essentially brutal for five seasons.

Yeah. And like he might, dude, he might hit his way into the hall. Fame, dude. I have Yankees fans who like my body called it the worst move in the history of the franchise and now he's like I love him I'm like you hated it he's like I don't care he's like it's amazing this guy's the best I love him it's gotta stop it's gotta stop he he Jocarlo Stanton is not like all a famer Mike Mike's him he's always Mike to me

he's not all he will always be Mike no you really will I still don't give him his Mike saying he's gonna be called him on it in the past. He's gonna, he's has 435 career home runs. Well, I think it's 429 he said last week. Okay, well whatever. By the way, it does bother me that post-season home runs don't count for the overall home runs at all, but. I like it separate. But he's, like he's, those home runs count too.

But he, yeah, but not for your regular. Why can't it count for the overall? Because that's not the way it works. But why? Because it's dumb. It's playoffs and you should have your own stats. I'm not counting for the overall. If someone for some way hit 65 home runs in the regular season, 74. It's also because it's it's your clocking the amount of games played to.

It's like everyone gets 162 in the season. Not everyone plays in the playoffs. I understand that. I understand that. But so they're still overall home runs. Yeah, but not hit. No, no, no. This is not Ellie. They're playoff playoff. And then you look at me like you would. I would never. I would never. You as a college you dummy. Yeah, you have not. You have not. I don't think you've ever said anything that has annoyed me as much as like the like least annoying thing that Elliott is. I'm always surprised they don't count because I think they should count.

Okay we can agree to disagree on that. All right. Yeah Tucker Tucker's on my side. I can see it. Are you? Which side are you on? No I'm on your side. I think it's weird in football. I wouldn't have gone to him. I think it's football's the only one that football's the only one that combines them. Then once the postseason's over we pretend they don't exist again. Like in the playoffs they're like oh rush for 20 touchdowns in 20 games. Yeah. Then as the Superbowl's over, it's like, it goes back to those four games. Yeah. Yeah. I just think. 4848 was he not? Or you're going to say he's 4141 and then he was seven for

seven. That's the best one you've come up with. That's one. That's good. Thank you. I just come on. No, no, no, because they're extra games. It's unfair to other players like home run champ Oh, so you're gonna be the home run champ My home run champ, it's overall. How do you count them or not? You either counter don't this guy is 63 Oh, you're at 57 home runs this year like you know, right? I don't know I'm you're just saying to count to the overall total but not the season total. That's crazy. What are the other? I got it together. How do you go through it at it? But it's overall home run. It's overall It's not It's not season.

I'm not counting the season for overall home run. I like when you do that. But but then the other guys that I just think they would bonds have 800. No, it wouldn't be. It would not be. No, yeah, it was not great in the playoffs except that too. Yeah, you're right. By the way, you know, many times the Yankees and Dodgers have played in that World Series? Seven?

It is, this is going to be the 12th time. Really? Well, I mean, they've played- It is by far the most. Well, again, they haven't played since 81, but- No, I know. I'm just saying, this will be the 12th time they've played. No, but that's counting Brooklyn too, right?

Obviously. Yeah, obviously. Yes, of course. Thank you. Hey, baseball, bye guys. Would you like. But the second most like common matchup is Yankees Cardinals close. That is the third most common. I think Dodgers and something in particular with the Dodgers that you just thought about before. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't hear anything, which is great for my job. You got anything else? No. All right. That was a full almost hour. I, I literally no idea.

I know. I knew that I knew that I would say we had nothing to talk about that had time. Only the dumb thing. The best thing. Yeah. All right. Offseason next week. Next week.

Next week. Perfect offseason next Thursday. Probably I think we're going for either way. What day is Halloween? Okay. Thursday. Okay. So next Wednesday, maybe.

Sure. We'll figure it out. Okay. So next we'll figure it out. Halloween might be a little tough. We'll figure it out. I'm going to take Zoe out to the burbs to go trick or treating. Oh, you're coming to Westchester?

Going to Doastown. All right. See my mom. One of these days. My mom lives there. There are other burbs. I love how you like it burbs. Like Westchester, you're going to Westchester? It's about the western most. All right. See my mom. One of these days, my mom was there are other burbs. I love it. Like in the burbs at Westchester, you're going to Westchester.

It's about the western most. I know it's like a burp like a bowl. You count for Philadelphia area. Not quite the burr. And then in early November, we're having a big time. Special guests. Finally, fine. Long time coming on this.

It's going to be all right until then. He's for themselves.