High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - It's the 60th Anniversary of 1964

Episode Date: August 23, 2024

James and Jack react to a bad series in Atlanta and more. 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

Miller Lite, the official beer partner of your Philadelphia Phillies, is proud to serve as presenting sponsor of WIP's High Hopes Pod. So whether you're listening to the game, catching up on the latest High Hopes Pod, or at the ballpark, remember it tastes like Miller time, Phillies fans. Celebrate responsibly. All-Star Closer, Kenley Jansen, we have a question. What's the best podcast of all time? This one isn't boring, baby. I'm Rob Radford, and every single day I'm sitting down with the biggest names to show you this great game is the greatest game.

It's my podcast, it's my passion, it's a cause I started more than two years ago, and it's now the most prolific National Daily Baseball Pod. There is another fact, so jump aboard the B.I.B. Express, follow and listen to Baseball Isn't Boring, presented by Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage on the free Odyssey app, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is the High Hopes Podcast. This is the High Hopes Podcast. It's a bunch of baseball nerds talking about the Phillies on radio.com and sports radio 94 WIP. Yoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo in the Trap Tavern, chatted at the Trap Tavern. That place is freaking awesome. And all the people who came did the trivia. We had a great time.

We didn't celebrate, did we? No, no. We rarely do these things. So let's start here. Yes. Because we spoke just a few days ago. Okay. You know, we're back looking at each other again in studio.

What a beautiful thing. Right in the eyes. Yeah, too much, too much. You know, I like it you just attempted to just stare right at it. You're like going for it. That's good. What I was trying to do? I was trying to look through you.

No, I like that. That's good. So, cause what you're looking at, all right, hold on. Let me just set the scene here. I know you got something. Yeah, go for it. It's good.

I'm about to tell the biggest lie I've ever told. Okay, really? In the history of this podcast. I like that you're leading with the truth about the lie just to start. Yeah, because there's a part of me that feels this way, but I feel like I'm lying to myself. Oh no. And we're always honest with the high hopelessness.

It's our core tenant, really. Yeah, so Nick Sirianni has his core values. That's right, yeah, we have one core value. This podcast has core values. Yeah, that's it, yeah. I've just like, I've accepted that they're collapsing. Oh, no! You know what I mean?

Like, I haven't even, I don't even, I don't get upset anymore. Like, I don't get upset. I don't believe a second of this. I have literally just accepted that they're collapsing. Sure, you're fine. And I'm just, just wake me up in October. Not gonna react.

Okay, so here's what I was gonna say. It's all on the table. So this is, cause last pod, you literally said, I don't need them to win two or three against Riff. It's like, I don't even need them to play that well against Riff. No, I said they can't roll over. They can't roll over. They can't roll over.

They won one of three, I mean, you know? So the floor is yours. They pretty much rolled over. They rolled over in two of three games and barely won the other, yeah. So if I was putting on my optimistic hat, I would say. Oh, you have one of those tonight? It's always in my back pocket.

Whenever I feel like everything's getting a little too haywire. I get it. I pull on the old optimistic hat. You gotta pull it out, I get it. So if I was putting on my optimistic hat, it would be the starters and the bullpen out of good week. Wow, I like that.

It's good. Hey, hey, two thirds of the team. Looked all right. Hey. We've said all year, if they win, they're gonna win because of pitching, right? Yeah, just in the offense. Yeah. You know, it's so...

It's a couple hits here and there. It's so refreshing knowing that you have maybe the deepest lineup in the NL that just refuses to put it together for more than a game or two. I don't know if we can say that this year. I know, but on paper they should be. On paper, yeah, but like,

Bryson Scott has not been close to Bryson Scott. I know. Yeah, yeah. I mean, Brandon Marsh is... A disaster. How about, dude, how about the fact that they brought in a righty to fit like they didn't even care last night They're like, let's just go to a righty. We don't even need to worry about a lefty and no

I know that was that was stunning Well, and there's a couple things that you know, I know what I said two minutes ago about not being I really am though. Like I'm almost just, I'm just like, all right, whatever, like you're not playing well. Like when October happens, I hope you flip the switch and everything's fine. I mean, that's where I've been, I've said that. I'm like, I can't say it's over because we see every year

these teams that like the Rangers, I mean, we can bring it up a million times. They have five and 15 stretch in August, nine straight losses, they blew the division and they won the World Series. Like the Diamondbacks were a 84-win team that got to the World Series. A negative run differential.

They stunk for the vast majority of last season. Like I can't go to where like it's all over, but I certainly can't look at this group right now and expect them to do anything. It's a real conundrum there. I think there's a, again, I think we said this three podcasts ago, but there's a very real possibility they're just cooked.

They might be. They're just done. They're just done. Look, it's been, like we talk about it this year, but it's been kind of a, I mean multiple years, but really three years of playing deep, of getting your heart broken, two years into this,

and then the hot start, and then when you kind of lose it, I can understand how mentally it can probably be pretty upsetting for this group. Well, and I just think some of the quotes, I mean, what did Trey say? Trey said- Oh my God. I was shocked with, Trey basically said, yeah, like we're in a spot right now.

And he's like, this is weird. He's just weird. Like he's like, I don't really know. He's like, we're all not hitting. He's like, usually like someone will hit. He's like, none of us are. It's weird. Like it was such a weird, like to use the word again,

it was a weird response. The problem with that is that they all feel it. And it's all permeating. Yeah, and there's no confidence there. We all know how important confidence is. Exactly. Like that's the biggest thing. I think the biggest thing that has changed with them

is that they just look like someone threw their puppy away. You know what I mean? Like they all just look like, they've talked a lot the last couple of years. Like this is the most resilient team we've been around. Like, and then this toughness. That's what Topper keeps talking about. Every night they lose, like this group's resilient.

No bounce back. But they're just, I just, I can't, I don't want them, I can't hear the resilience thing anymore. No, I can't hear any of it. Go out and prove it. Like, and Topper has to stop saying, they'll get it together,

cause I've seen them do it. It's like, stop. Well, what I find, what I find funny is, early in the season, you know, he's like, if you don't think we're gonna slug, you don't know baseball. I know. Right? And then now it's like, well, we know

we gotta start putting the ball on play and then do manufacture runs if we're gonna win games then now it's like, well, we know we gotta start putting the ball in play and do manufactured runs if we're gonna win games. So it's like, oh, great. So everyone's just searching for answers. We're pivoting now. Yeah, everything. Now we have to put the ball in play,

hit the ball in the gap and not try to hit home runs. Like, which I agree with, by the way. Of course, we all agree with it. I don't think this should be a slug team. I just think that, I think they've lost their identity and that's the big thing that is worrisome. Which is part of it, yeah. And it's hard to get that stuff back.

And what's annoying is I thought the Schwab or Grand Slam was like, all right, get it back. The Slam that saved the season. And they're just not, they're just not. I mean, the offense is just brutal and they're chasing everything. I mean, Gelb had- It's unbelievable how much they're chasing.

Gelb had the stat today that Philly's hitters have seen 49% of off-speed pitches, meaning like any non-fastballs, since mid-July. That's the rate, that rate over a full season would be the highest percentage of off-speed pitches an MLB lineup has seen since 2015, when stat-cast became a thing. So essentially ever, as far as we know.

The point is we don't know for sure that there will ever be, that there's ever been this before. And it makes sense. It's like. Why wouldn't you throw them off speed? Like why would you pump up fastballs right now? I was sitting there last night, and I think I said to a couple of the people at the trap,

I was like, why would you ever throw them a fastball? Like make them prove they can hit a curve ball. Yeah, honestly, walk a run in to perproot, you know what I mean? Like I would go up against every single one of these guys and throw zero strikes, because you don't need to, until the Phillies go up and prove that they're not gonna swing at those pitches.

It's unbelievable. It's like the opposite of when a pitcher is, it can't find the strike zone, it's like your batter goes up, like don't swing your freaking bat until he throws you a strike, it's the same idea, just reverse. And, oh, I'm so happy. Oh, start the parade down Broad Street.

They're breaking out the curve ball machine tonight in Coffin Stadium. Are they really? I didn't see, oh man. Thompson, the quote, it's just like, they are so- We're going Gabe Kapler. They're searching for everything. We're back.

I think- Wow, dude. I think this was a lucky, I think it was a lucky. So he said, the Phillies had regular on field pregame sessions earlier this season with the curve ball machine. They have done less work with it on the field over the past five weeks. Good idea.

Right on time. Although Thompson said most of the hitters see off speed pitches in the underground cages before games. Awesome. But before the Phillies boarded their late night charter flight to Missouri, Thompson had already decided something.

The team would hit on the field against the curve ball machine in Kauffman Stadium before Friday's game. It's saved or fine or fine. Why would you stop using the thing for five weeks and then you're going into the toilet like you're going into the toilet against all these bitches break it out or do something? Like are they crazy? Like you cannot hit a curve ball right now! Maybe don't wait until you've already collapsed to break out the freaking curve ball machine! Again, I'm fine, I'm calm, we're good!

That was that baddest... It's just like, what are we doing? Everyone just... It's weird, gee, we stink, we can't hit, maybe we'll now break out the curve ball machine. Like, oh my goodness! Someone grab a hold of this thing and do something. What are we doing? Oh, it's infuriating to read and hear and watch.

All of it, all of it. It's like, oh my God. Five weeks they decided to put it in the back burner, and now all of a sudden everyone's reading curveballs, you can't figure it out? What are we doing? Oh my God. I have said multiple times on this pod

that my least, least favorite thing going right now or for the past few weeks has been the comparison to the Eagles collapse. I might do it. Cause you know what you're talking there with that idea of just searching for answers and not knowing how to fix this, whatever. It feels like the Eagles against the Blitz, doesn't it? It feels like that like every week. It's like how can you not stop the blitz?

How can this happen every single week? How are there no answers and the coaching staff and the players? How can you not just look like even a slightly below average? You're the worst we've ever seen against this thing and it's every week You know exactly what's coming you can't do anything to stop it It feels the same type of thing where it's this team that just exactly what's coming, you can't do anything to stop it. It feels the same type of thing where it's this team that just has no answers to fix the problems that they have. I'd not go on about it.

We're throwing stuff in the studio. But the funniest part is, I mean funny in like a totally sick way, but like, it's funny the word. Yeah, sure. But like the interesting thing is that like, again, with the Eagles offense last year and the Phillies offense, paper, they should be fine.

Like I think everyone around like the Phillies are still number one in power rankings like all over. It's like, oh. Where we going here guys? Make them 10, make them 10 for all I care. I mean like right now the Padres, the Dodgers, the Diamondbacks, Brewers, like they're all better baseball teams right now today.

The way they're playing without a doubt. I think the Dodgers yeah. I mean like the Phillies right now are like the fifth best team in the NL. Yeah, that's what I'm saying, like, the Phillies right now are like the fifth best team in the NL. Yeah, that's what I'm saying. I think after those teams, they're probably the fifth best team in the NL. And look, the Mets and Braves have been playing better

recently than they have too. Yeah. They're not better. I don't think the Mets are a better baseball team than the Phillies, but like, I mean, dude, the Braves are batting Whitmeryfield second! I know, Gio or Shella. They're batting second!

Gio or Shella! Like, batting second! Gio Arcella! Like, I can be hyperbolic sometimes, like, I might have as good a chance to hit it in the box as Gino Arcella. Now he's a way better defender than 10,000 of me. He could put 10,000 of me out in the field and he'd still be better by himself. But like, he is a disaster at the plate rank. I am aware. He's been on like eight teams in two.

They're just picking guys up off the street! I know, I know. But all big leaguers, all big leaguers, it's unbelievable. And it feels like they don't know how to get them. Like, I think that they thought that they'd be out of this thing by now. And now it's gone on so long, they're like, I don't know. I don't know.

Well, and I think especially to your point for those guys, I mean, how we feel about the slam that saved the season, quote unquote, like think about those guys. Like they said it, they felt it in the moment, they turned it around, they're like, this was it, all right, we're good, now we got it, and then to fall back like this, like that's what's so concerning,

is it felt like we got out of that. Well, we're gonna learn a lot about this team down the stretch run, like we're gonna learn how tough really are you, how connected are you guys really? Like there's, I mean, if they don't pull themselves out of this, you know there's gonna be a core shakeup this off season.

Well, Rob Thomas is gone. Well, probably, yeah. I mean, if they- At least Kevin Long will be. Well, Kevin Long, I mean- Unless Juan Soto comes. Kevin Long should be gone right now. Like, I'm sorry.

Charlie? Bring Charlie back? Whatever, the point is, I mean, the Mariners just fired Scott Service. Like, I mean- And they hired Buzz. Yeah, and they're what? Like, you know, they're still above 500 team, you know?

They're in second place. They, now, Grant, they, remember when the Astros were cooked? Do we all remember that? Oh yeah, yeah, we'll call him straight Kyle Tucker. Yeah, I'm gonna trade the team. Yeah, yeah, yeah. They don't even have Kyle Tucker. He's even freaking played.

My fantasy team will tell you about it. I know, I know. Yeah, me too. Yeah, I just, and I think they're 20 and 33 in their last 53 games. The Mariners were. The Mariners. Yeah, I just, and I think they're 20 and 33 in their last 53 games. The Mariners. Yeah, when they fired service. It's exactly right.

So like, yeah, I just. So they've been worse in the Phillies, but it's not like that much worse. But you know, this has been a team that has been built on the clubhouse connection, built on the vibes. Yeah. Like.

That's what we always refer to. So. I mean, they refer, they talk about it. I know. We're gonna learn a lot about. The vibes. Are you guys. That's what we always refer to. So. I mean they refer, they talk about it. I know. Yeah. We're gonna learn a lot about. The vibes. Are you guys different or are you more of the same?

And I just, man, it's a really, like it's gonna be a stressful last month, it's already pretty much September. Like this next month is gonna be really stressful and it could shape the direction of the franchise. They pull themselves out of this, they go on a run, they, you know, ride the ship, go on to the playoffs and do their thing, hopefully ends in the World Series,

make the World Series, whatever. But if they don't, and they don't ride the ship, and they do full on collapse, and they do, like, make the playoffs and lose first round, lose early, like, there's gonna be real, like, real shake up here. And there should be. Of course there should be. There should be. Because there, you can only,

I think clubhouse chemistry is really important, but like you can only take that so far if there's like glaring holes in the town. And especially A, and B, when that clubhouse has these shared disasters together over and over and over again, like that, it's impossible to escape it. Cause it's like the same group of guys

in the same situation again, you're gonna go right back to where you were, you know? So it's, they have to shake it up if it doesn't work. And they doubled down on the same core. Yeah, very clearly to the point where the trade deadline, they barely even had a guy. Aware? I'll never get over it.

Unless they win the World's Ear, I will never get over that trade deadline, I won't. The trade deadline, the way it was talked about by a lot of people in the media about it being good, I thought was shocking. I thought it was insanity. And again, especially, you can't say the powder thing.

Don't say we're saving the powder, that's not why we're not gonna get Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell, who would look pretty freaking good on this team right now for what it's worth. Like, and we didn't want Blake Snell in the moment or in a big way, but still, like, Blake Snell's been freaking awesome for large stretches of the season. Like, they didn't go out and get those guys

and they said, hey, we're not getting these guys now, these proven starters who could help us in October, who could help us get to October, because we're saving the powder. And then you don't get anybody of real value. Yeah, well, that's the thing. And there was a lot of mocking, a lot of mocking of Luis Robert after the trade deadline.

He's hitting about 400 his last week. Also, it's not apples to apples. If he were here in this lineup, who knows what could happen? Yeah, I mean, I don't know if he would have helped, he probably would not help the chase. Well, that's the big issue. The one problem with the Wasteland thing,

and like my issue is more like not getting Randy, not getting Jazz. Well, Randy is the one that hurts. But all these guys, the point is like, you're just like, we'll get Austin A's and that's enough. Not getting another reliever. Like you basically just subbed out two for two, two other guys, like they didn't add in a way that made this team

significantly drastically better. Yeah, no, and they made, I think they made bad bets. Like betting on Jose Arvarado to be fine. Like why couldn't Jose Arvarado been their third lefty reliever? Exactly. And you look at what the Padres give up for, I'll go back to Tanner Scott because I love Tanner Scott.

Like they gave up Robbie Snelling who, again, stopped using pipeline as like your prospect thing. Like he had fallen off a little bit. Like I know in pipeline he's the top five. Well again, baseball America, no top 100 prospects got traded. So this guy, not a top 100 prospect according to baseball America.

It's just, the biggest thing that bothers me about the deadline, if you can't go get a bat and they're too high and you think Luis Robert, like the chase stuff is real, and I agree mostly. Again, I would take a shot on the upside because again, like I'm sure he went in the toilet after the trade deadline because he realized he's on the freaking white side. I'm stuck here, yeah, of course.

So I think there's a double edge. On the worst team, by the way, that's my best take of the season. That one's really played out well. It's going well. The vault, yeah. It's going well. But Randy even is the bigger one. Like I would love Randy. Yeah. But if you're not, by the way, that's my best take of the season. That one's really played out well. It's going well. The vault, yeah. It's going well.

But Randy even is the bigger one. Like I would love Randy. Yeah. But if you're not gonna- Especially with the playoff stuff. Like if we're talking about this team like going cold in the playoffs, like you've got a dude who just doesn't

go cold in the playoffs. If you're not gonna get a bat, then I don't know why you don't just build the most souped up bullpen you can. Like, listen, AJ Prelor has not won anything, but at least he's always got his, got irons in the fire. Yeah.

And like they built a bullpen now, like we've talked about in the last 18 podcasts, it feels like, with Estrada, Tanner Scott, Jason Adam, and Robert Suarez. It's legit. You're throwing out there question marks. Now I think that what you're seeing, positive Jack, Kirkering looked good.

Yeah? He did. Kirkering bounced back. Sure, okay. But it's just like there's so many more question marks with this team right now that if, there's not one, now starting rotation's very good. It's not the best in baseball,

I think that's the Mariners even though they stink. But I don't know if there's a clear trade for them to make to upgrade the rotation, unless you wanna do the crochet thing. And at the deadline, Ranger wasn't hurt yet. These guys hadn't regressed quite as much as they have since. I don't think in the moment,

we will always take a starter, but we were much more outfield bullpen at the time. It makes me mad that they didn't just say, okay, well we'll give up more of the fringer prospect, not a top five guy, maybe a top five guy, but a guy that you don't really believe in long term. Or a guy who's blocked. Like to go get a sure like souped up bullpen.

So I mean, we're gonna look back on the trade deadline if this doesn't end in glory as probably the biggest missed opportunity of the season. Yeah, no question. We said it at the time. And like, all right, optimism, the only thing I can think of is, not really a thing,

that the season has been the reverse of the last two. I know. That maybe in September they'll get good because they're always bad in September. Maybe they start good. Bad middle get hot in September. You know what sucks too, is I thought maybe going on the road, like you get a chance to like be on a plane together.

You get a chance to like connect outside of being home. Well like the 2022. I mean, we talked about that rum, but a big part of that rum was we thought in the moment was them winning on the road and staying on the road and bonding and fighting and all that. Like, we thought that mattered for them. Yeah.

And they just obviously didn't happen so far. Down in Atlanta, maybe they go out to the Kansas City and face Bobby Witt, who, by the way, is hitting 4-0-5 at home. It's a pretty good player. Pretty good player. It's your guy. The Royals are- Best defensive shortstop in the game, too, no big deal.

They're no pushovers. They're no pushovers. They'd be a playoff team in the National League. It's your guy. The Royals are- Best offensive shortstop in the game too, no big deal. They're no pushovers. They're no pushovers. They'd be a playoff team in the National League. I know. Yeah. I know. And they ended up pitching, they're smart,

they're well managed, they're a really solid baseball team, the Royals. You're gonna watch them and be like Bobby Witt and a couple other guys you know, Sal Perez, there's not much that you know name-wise, the average baseball fan, but they're a good team, man. They are. They've been good all year.

And they're facing Lugo, who's- Sethy Spins. He's disgusting. So, but the- Do they get Raggans? The Cole Hamels of the Midwest? He's good, dude. He's awesome. I like Raggans.

He's talented. I was hoping they don't. Waka's been pretty solid for them, too. So Lugo's Sunday versus Wheeler. Tomorrow is Singer, Brady Singer. That's fine. And then tonight is Michael Waka's been pretty solid for them too. So Lugo Sunday versus Wheeler. Tomorrow is Singer, Brady Singer. That's fine. And then tonight is Michael Waka. Yeah, and Waka's been pretty good for them.

Bugs Bunny change up. Hey, it works, man. Michael Waka. Dude, Michael Waka was alleged on like the, was he on the 13 cardinals? The 2013 cardinals? Was it the third, when he came up, was that the year that he came up?

Dude, the 2013 cardinals had Joe Kelly throwing 104. They had him, they had Lance Lynn. Mm-hmm. They were done. Back when the Cardinals weren't the cook to organization, they used to be infuriating. Yeah. They used to be infuriating. But the reality is, is like,

dude, they're not gonna go anywhere if like, if Schwerbert, Turner, and Harper suck. Oh, well that's the beginning, middle, and end of it. Like has Schwerbert gotten a hit since the Grand Slam? No, not that I know. I mean, I'm sure he has. I think he has. I think he has, but like, he has been, and not just that, like, you know, like, he's looked,

like, eye test-wise, it's been bad. Like, he's swinging, you know, a foot above pitches. Well, yeah, which is so not what he usually is. That's what I mean. Like, he looks right now, and again, it's not been that long a stretch, but in the middle of this stretch, it looks like as lost as I remember him in a Phillies Union.

Yeah, I mean, he goes through this where it's like he's so in between. I'm not worried. Of all the people on the team, Kyle Schorper's among the least of my worries. And he had to get that average down to two 40s again. It was too high. It was in the 260s.

And we're like, hey, down, down, down. Turner, I don't know. Like he's the best player in baseball for 10 games. He's the ultimate one way or the other guy. It is like, he's like even more than Nick Casiano's cause the highs are higher. Like, and I said to you when he was smoking hot, I'm like, how did this guy ever get out of whack?

Like his swing looks so perfect. It's so flat and like the bath pad, like it just, you watch him when he's on and you're like, yeah dude, I get it. Like I totally get watching you hit why you're great at this. It's so strange that he just gets completely lost. Well, I just, I don't understand.

And I've, we've never hit 95. We've never seen spin. No, nor could I have. But it's like, it's just like he goes up there and it's like, wow, I'm swinging first pitch here. I'm not even gonna, I'm just gonna, when he swings at a 57 foot slider, I swear he's swinging with his eyes closed.

Yeah. It's like, what are you doing? To your point, it feels like he's going up there and saying, I'm swinging no matter what the pitch is. And so what do you work the pitcher a little bit? And then Harper, I mean, I think he's going up there and saying I'm swinging no matter what the pitches and so what do you Work the pitcher a little bit and then Harper. I mean, I think he's like batting to 15 his last 22 games and I I think he's battling something. I've said that on final out I've said that you know on on the show and stuff. I think I, in that game that we went to, that game we went to, when he went to second base

and got there, they got the extra run. Like I think he jammed his wrist on the bag. He was wearing tape around it the next night and then he was at a game Sunday and in an obvious like pinch hitting spot, he wasn't available. And his swing just looks,, he looks like he can't fully unload on the baseball.

He looked closer last night I thought, but yeah that hit early, I was like, all right, he's going the opposite way. But it's the only thing that makes sense to why the swing doesn't look as powerful. In the seventh inning the night before, he hit a ball to the wall that I think, if he was fine, is seven rows deep.

It would have been a perfect time to stare down on Arcia too. God. I mean, what a dork. I know. I mean, what an absolute dork. I like to pick that moment is just among the lamest things.

Like, it's just so weak. But I tell you what, I'm glad they won. Had they laid down and died after the RCA thing. I know, then it would have been, I mean, but it feels like the only reason they won a game was because of the RCA, or Land Horsia giving them a win. Where's the backbone? Where's the backbone?

That's my big thing of watching them is like, where's the toughness? Yeah, well, especially after the Dodgers series, and you know, Stromy throwing at dudes, and like, you know, it felt like a little swag back and then the time back happened. Bring me back to throwing it people. It just feels, you're right.

It feels like this team just has no confidence, no identity and no swagger. No, well, it looks like they're heading into the ballpark saying hope we win tonight versus we're gonna win tonight. Yeah, they're going in saying, it's weird we're not hitting, right guys? Maybe we're all tonight. This stinks.

This is weird, huh? Cool. We'd love to know what K-Long's saying. Oh God. Does K-Long think it's weird? K-Long's collected his check. What is K-Long doing? Cashing that check, buddy.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We're putting game plans together. You know that Schwellenbacher or whatever throws. Look, maybe he's doing it. It is certainly not coming through in watching the games. Like it feels about as like devoid of an approach as I remember this group at really any point.

I mean, they've gone through stretches like this where they'll be like this, but it's like, it just feels like they go up there with zero playing. Well, then again, the chase stuff, it might end me. It's just, it's so. Because it's infuriating. It's probably the worst thing. What would you say is the worst thing to watch in baseball?

The 2020 bullpen. The bullpen, still? Having the worst bullpen in baseball, that's the worst feeling. And you pointed out that year, and I think the players felt it too, but the idea that no lead is ever safe and that you know when certain guys come in,

you're like, oh, that's it like okay like that is as as like crippling and like Just unfun as anything I ever remember watching him seriously like but but this is next Chase a constant chasing is next a team that's striking all the time and chasing Yeah, on like bitches aren't even close to being strikes. I don't know, man.

Like. It's up there. The 2020 bullpen. It's up there, yeah. And he's got me at a lead being like, mm, they're probably gonna lose this. Like, I think that's definitely the origin. The origin? Origin.

Of the, of the, I placed a bet against the Phillies. Yes, it is. Yeah. A million percent it is. Had to be. Yeah. But it's just, this is pretty damn close, man. It's pretty close.

Well, especially because of the consistency of it. And because they have guys. Well, yeah, exactly. It's like at least the 2020 Boatman, it's like all these guys stink. It's Ramon Rosso, Mike Moran, and all these like, they're horrible, like freaking Parker. Like they're bad.

You're right. In a way, this is more frustrating because it shouldn't be happening. Yeah, well, by the speaking of all those guys, Estevez is giving me a lot of Workman vibes. A lot of like... So I think Workman's a little unfair. I agree. I mean, Brandon, arguably the worst pitcher

we've ever seen for half a season on the Phillies. Brandon Workman, for like years with the Red Sox, I was like, dude, good pitcher. Get out, man. Yeah. Second he got here just well Embree to like that might be the worst on Heath Embree like he was a prick to like he was a dick like Excuse me. He's a D head You know I'm saying he like any like would like my tweets whenever I was like you've every stinks. Yeah

You know so that trade though. They brought those two guys like that might be lost. Yeah So that trade though. They brought those two guys like that. My better that might be lost. Yeah That might be the worst two guys brought in and trade in my lifetime and someone so I tweeted that the other night because again I laid it on the line on Tuesday night. I was reverse jinxing pretty hard and I knew that one and Someone likes told me that Robertson had it somehow at it like a 2era with the Phillies and I was like dude I Watch every Robertson outing. They were a hard attack. Oh, they were hard like Estevez ERA wise has been fine. He's got a 287 or 247 or some of the bills, but it is It's a tough. It's painful. I know cuz even the outs are freaking scorched

It feels like it's like every time it's like, damn man. Yeah. Glad that was it right to that guy. So I won't compare him to 2015 Jenmar anymore, but he is on the Workman, the Kennedy, the Robertson. Ian, I forgot about Ian Kennedy. Brad Hand. Yeah.

He's not as bad as Brad Hand. No. Brad Hand. Him being on the 22 Phillies is shocking. He was, again, every single time he went out there, I was like, he's gonna get ripped. He was a disaster for sure. Like an all-time disaster.

Ah, man. Good time, reminiscing about good times. First time I've smiled in a while. Just bringing up old bullpen names. There's nothing like it, dude. Dude, I think if they lose, we're just gonna start naming old friends for an entire podcast.

I know, I won't be able to do anything else. How about Steve Jelt's just calling into the radio this week by the way, out of nowhere. That was hilarious. All right, let's get to the take back because we've somehow gone almost 30 minutes already and I told Emily, I'm like, oh, it'll be like a 30 minute pod, I have nothing to say.

So. Do you think when you say that to Emily, she just says, oh, okay. Yeah, I think she's like, sure dude. Okay, we get it. Yeah you say that to Emily she says, okay. Yeah, I think she's like sure dude Okay, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I bet okay. You want to know the biggest sign that the fillies are cooked Oh, no, what it isn't this first 30 minutes of this like Hosea Ruiz was the filly of the week, dude So it's not just that like yes, you're you're right, that, that. And Jose Ruiz has been great.

So the real reason they're cooked is that I'd rather if Jose Ruiz come in than maybe anyone else in the bullpen right now. He finally got a high leverage spot last night. Jesus, he's been great. Like, 97's back in play. Dude, like, Alvarado, and by the way, like, we are Topper fans.

Like, Topper's been bad. Like, he has, some of this criticism is justified. Sure. But, like, like Topper has been bad. Like he has, some of this criticism is justified. And I know there's others, but like leaving Alvarado in, like I know, I know he's Alvarado, but like, dude, that was everyone in the world knew he's gonna walk around. Everyone on the planet knew he was gonna walk around. So I mostly agree with you.

My only like devil's advocate, and it's not really devil's advocate because I said it on post game. It is a kind of a tough spot for him because if he gets the out, maybe that jump starts him a little bit. I think the problem- It's more important to get Alvarado going than to win that.

You're already losing. I get it, but- My problem with the Alvarado thing and the way they've treated him this whole time is that they're like, yeah, he just needs work. Yeah, no, exactly, that's exactly right. And they keep, yes, it's been less high leverage, but they keep putting him into spots.

Like it's not like he's- Well, they don't have a choice. I mean, they don't. Give Tanner Banks those spots. Tanner Banks looked all right last night. I'm not, like, he's fine. Give him those, like, Alvarado is arguably the worst reliever on the team right now.

Like he is unpitchable. Yeah, poor Hector, signed with the Astros. I didn't realize. Poor us. I didn't realize the nine million dollar thing went away. Yeah, yeah, it was gone. Yeah. I know. Oh well.

I did look at the stats though, and everyone's like, oh, 3.90 already. No, I know, it's a little fake. He's got a 1.52 whip. 1.52? Yeah. That's like alarming right there. It is, and I looked at, I like Phipps sometimes and when his ERA,

the last like month and a half was 1.5, his Phipp was like 3.5. Yeah. And I was like, yeah, yeah. That feels a little shaky. I really need them to sign Jason Heyward. And you know how much- Hold on. I know. So you know how much. Hold on.

I know, no, I know. So you've said a lot of aggressive things this pod. This is by far the most shocking thing to you. I'm like, I don't even know what to say. Thank you. You are, you, you are saying we need to sign Jason Heyward. I need Jason Heyward.

I think he's the only thing that can turn the season around. What is going on? Yep. That, we've really reached that point. Yeah, I need Jason Heyward. Nothing that has been said this entire pod is as impactful on me about where your head is at right now than what just happened.

Now, I know he's gonna be a brave. Yeah, of course. There's no doubt about it. Yeah, of course. But Jason Heyward is an unbelievable leader. Nick Castellanos, when they played the Dodgers, said he's my favorite teammate I've ever been around. Wow. Kyle Schorber won a world championship with him. Dodgers, said he's my favorite teammate I've ever been around. Wow.

Kyle Schorber won a world championship with him. Everyone says it, he's always said it. That's the reason he's been around for so long. A left-handed pinch hitter off the bat. And he's always been a good fielder. Yes. Like a very good fielder. Get a big leaguer in here.

Maybe it's like, dude, just him walking through the clubhouse, this is a lot of, this is putting Jason Hayward in a class he's probably not in. I mean, he did get DFA'd, yes. But Jason Heyward walking through the clubhouse, there's a little bit of like... Head's turned. Yeah, there he is.

Is that Jason Heyward? That's our saver. Is that Jason Heyward? Oh my God. Do you remember his first at bat? I watch him in the room. No one remembers his first at bat more than me because I got him in fantasy that year.

I was so excited. Mr. Jason Heyward, like what the stud guy. Homer's in that first at bat. I watched it. I'm watching it. watching it's opening day I'm going nuts that was the top moment on my fantasy my favorite Jason Hayward moment is the day before I was about to fly to Chicago for my bachelor party I was producing Philly scubs oh yeah the classic Dylan Cousins hit a big home run in the eighth to give the Phils a lead. What did Adam Morgan do tonight?

Adam Morgan! Classic, we didn't mention him when we were mentioning our Philly's relievers. How did we got him in here? Dude, I was so... You had a moment where you were super in on Adam Morgan. He was nasty for a minute. I know, I know, I know.

I'm just letting everyone know. I know, I know. He stunk, had like a half a second of being nasty that went back. You know what it was? You know what my thing with Adam Morgan and why, like I was convinced he was the best lefty reliever in baseball for a minute,

is that Matt Klintak said somewhere, he was like, yeah, all these teams kept calling me about Adam Morgan. And I was like, gee, do we have something here? That's hilarious. Yeah, so that was when I was convinced Adam Morgan was the guy. But Jason Hayward turned him around.

He sure did. Lefty on lefty, which again, I don't think he's ever done in his career. No, no. And he was batting like 180 at that point or something. Dude, but they need Hayward. They need Hayward. It's unbelievable. I don't know how much Morgan wants. I am just floored by this.

I don't even know what to say. I don't know if I can do Marsha anymore. Yeah. Marsha, it's tough. It's a lot of strikeouts. And look, I know he was blocked, but watching Logan Ohapi just continue to rake out there is not fun.

I know. If I could choose to not do that, I would not do that. Yeah. No more Logan Ohapi. We don't need to watch him. The biggest problem, or one of the things facing this team is they're on the verge of totally losing the fan base. I'm very curious to see if they really limp in.

Like, they finished this month under 500, they finished September under 500 or 500. And they're the three, they win the division, but they're the three seed or something like that. I just wonder what the ballpark. They're playing in the three, the ballpark for that three game series against the Padre of the Dimebackers,

someone like that, potentially. Well, I mean, they play the sixth seed, so those are probably locked in the four or five, right? No, I don't know if they're locked in, but I mean, probably, I mean, the Braves and Mets are pretty close to them, though. They're all close, right? All right.

The point is it could be any of those four teams. It could be the Braves, and it could be the Mets. Yeah, it could be any of those four teams it could be. Right. I just, I think that ballpark's gonna be way different than they think it's gonna be. Like, you know, it goes from, oh Red October, let's go.

This place is gonna be crazy. I don't think so. So should you go to one nothing? I know. Or two nothing or something like that? I know. And the biggest problem is then, and then you start getting into the Sixers territory

where it's like people just check out until they do something in the postseason. Until they do something in the postseason. So like, and the fan base, it's sometimes frustrating to deal with, but the fan base is very locked in on what they're doing every single day. And they're reacting and they're emotional.

We get calls without, there'll be days where we're like, oh, Eagles topic or whatever. We just get Philly's calls. People wanna call and talk about every night what is happening with this team. Yeah, so that's the blessing and the curse of everyone watching and caring what you do.

But it's way more, this fan base, especially the Phillies fans right now, it's way more emotional than it's been the last couple years. This is a fan base that is teetering. They are teetering. There's people that are, we put a poll up the other day on the afternoon show,

and it was 1,500 votes, do you still believe in the Phillies? 53% said no. Like, that's what they're dealing with. Like that's, and like they have to earn the trust of this fan base back because I think the trust in them is gone. I agree with you, I think if they in them is gone. I agree with you. I think if they have a good September, it can come back.

I agree. Yeah. I think people are fired up. They're ready to go. Yeah. And they have to end September. They have to turn around. And look, if they start winning the playoffs, people get on board.

Obviously. Of course. You win that first round series. People are in. But I'm with you. It could get ugly at the end of September. Like we could be, like it could get ugly at the end of September, like heading into the playoffs that whole time.

Like it could. And look, I don't like, I still think they're gonna win the division. I'm not like freaking out, but like, I mean like we've seen bigger collapses, you know, than six with 34 to play or whatever. And the crazy thing is there's seven and a half out of a playoff spot.

Like, I mean, you want to talk about like worst case scenario and I don't think this is going to happen, obviously. But I mean, like if they keep losing and other teams keep winning, like we're getting to a point where it could like not just be people getting angry but get to the point where we're talking about like, and even if it doesn't happen, where we're spending September talking about like, could this be, doesn't happen, where we're spending September talking about like,

could this be, you know, the worst collapse in 64? Do they need to tear down CBP and build a new ballpark this offseason? If they don't make the playoffs this year, I'm mad at you for even bringing it up. Look, I don't want to bring it up, buddy. That was, that was... You said sign Jason Hayward.

I could say whatever I want. That was disgusting. Yeah. Look, they're going to make the playoffs. I don't think it's going to happen. I'm just saying like, you know, they're gonna make the playoffs. I don't think it's gonna happen. I'm just saying, you know, they're playing with some fire here. Yeah. This season only ends one of two ways, right?

Losing the first round, they win the World Series. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, like there's no other outcome. Most likely. Yeah. They're gonna win the World Series. I'm just like, like, I was driving in today, I was like,

they're obviously gonna win the World Series this year'm just like. Like, I was driving in today. I was like, they're obviously gonna win the World Series. So I always said with the Eagles that I was like, the Eagles are gonna finally win a Super Bowl when all of us believe it's not gonna happen. Like where it's like the most unexpected. And it happened, like it literally happened that way. Like the most unexpected way they could possibly win a Super Bowl.

It does feel like with this Phillies team, like they have to, like they're gonna hit rock bottom before they actually do it. The funny part is, I thought we hit rock bottom about three times. So it turns out, turns out there's multiple rock bottoms. You can keep going lower, you can keep going lower. They can keep going lower.

I mean, should I be worried about my over 89 and a half bet? Like I cashed that, I cashed that months ago. I was like, I'm gonna win that at the beginning of September for, oh my God. Well, I mean, people did not win their over 11 and a half for the Eagles. You're right. Which is about as shocking as-

You're right, you're right, you're right. Yeah, it's a great point actually, yeah. Which is about just as shocking. So happy we could bring it back to the Eagles Collapse. Always. It's really a good day. Well, and the Flyers Collapse last year too. Yeah.

Oh, it's great, yeah. That's all we do around here. Yes. We went And the Flyers collapsed last year too. It's a good day. Oh, it's great. Yeah. That's all we do around here. Yes. We went from the city of almost champions to the city of collapses. The city of never champions. No champions ever.

And one of the most disappointing things about this is like they could be using this adversity, like this adversity could be a good thing, but it's like, I think they've reached panic versus. I know, well especially that trade quote, like the way they're talking, but you're right, If they could use this and, oh, I don't know, be the resilient team that everyone,

including them, are telling us that they are. I don't know. You're right. This could be a real, a moment for this team where they take this and harness it and use it as a way to shoot off into the playoffs. Like, just, dude, like show up and hit someone in the first inning and get in a fight.

I don't know. Do something to get some fire going. It's a rage death march every night. It's like they're just walking out there and it's just nothing. It's just nothing. It's like, they keep waiting for someone to like, I think it legitimately all also comes down to like,

if Bryce can get hot. Like if he's- What we talked about, it seems like they just really, really take their, and look, risk thing aside, which we don't really know and all that stuff, like, optimistic James coming out again. Hey!

Like, we've seen Harper go from, wow, he is the worst he's ever looked, to being an MVP Harper in like a day. Like it's like that kind of thing with him where it can like actually turn immediately and he's awesome. And you know I've looked this up. Of course.

Do you remember what he batted in September of 2022? He was horrible. Cause he was coming off the, coming back from the injury. Yes. 195. And then he, and then he hits that home run in St. Louis. Gone. Yep. In September of 2022. home run in St. Louis, gone. Yep. 182 in St. Louis.

Yep. Yep. Dude, that totally jives. Yep. I feel like every time he's come back from injury, like the wrist, the face, like he always has like this stretch where he just struggles to get going, but then he just, bang.

Yeah, and speaking of the fan base, it seems like they're way more upset with Bryce too, like than it's been in the last couple years. For the first time. Yeah, yeah. It's... Trey's always kind of been there with people. I think people are like,

what are you doing, stop swinging out of the zone. But this is the first time I think I've really heard more and more people mad at Bryce. Yeah, yeah. And I think that Bryce has deservedly built himself some runways, so to speak, with people. But yeah, we're getting to that point now. You're right, you're absolutely right.

Fun times. Fun times. Yeah, I love when people are mad at Bryce, it's awesome, it's really fun. The things they say are so dumb, that's what makes me so mad, it's not even fair. Well, they'll compare him to Embiid, and it's like, is this serious? Bryce Harper almost won a world series here,

he has the second biggest home run, maybe the biggest in the history of the franchise in the massive moment. Like, like it's okay to be upset with Bryce right now. He's not playing well. I don't think he's like grabbing the bull by the horns and leading the team the way he should right now. But like to not say anything, but he has been a godsend since he's been here. Like and and what he has done here has been super impactful and super impressive, is BS, it's unfair.

Well, the thing that, the one that drives me nuts is like, he wants a contract? Oh, I know. It's like, shut up, get over it. It's one of the most annoying, and the fact that the not getting the contract could somehow influence how he's playing, it's nonsense, it's absolute nonsense. I nonsense is what it is. It's absolute nonsense.

I know, I know, I know, I know. All right, just figure it out. Speaking of ending this podcast on a positive note, I got two positive things. Yay, look at this. Bringing it back around. Aiden since August 2nd. I knew this was coming.

1100 OBS. We're sitting at the event last night, Jack. Come sit down at the table across me and he goes, Aiden just hum coming. This is the end. 1100 OPS. We were sitting at the event last night, Jack comes sits down at the table across me and goes, Aiden just home run. Yeah, big stuff. It's awesome. Three for three last night too. Wasn't just the home run.

He's a stud dude. Mishman. Took a little bit to adjust to Jersey Shore. Now he's got like the third highest OPS on the team. No big deal. He might end the season with an 800 OPS after where he was for a long time. He was like 623 this time last week.

Who would you rather have batting for the Phillies tonight? Aidan Miller or Trey Turner? How about Aidan Miller or Bryson Stein? Yeah, you're not wrong. No. Oh, and by the way, did we have to sit Alec Baum last night? Thank you.

Like, I meant to bring that up. Like, he sat like three nights ago. What are we doing? And then you pointed this out. We talked about this with you and I and with multiple listeners at the event last night. But like, if you're gonna sit him, how could you possibly put Wes Wilson out there?

Like he is a train wreck at third base. Well, or put him in left field until Brandon Marsh can hit the baseball. And I don't know why you gave him a night off, but if you need to put Sosa there, put someone who can actually place their base there. How about we don't get like, ah, this is excruciating with the like, the off days and try, I appreciate the bigger picture stuff, but oh my God. Not right now.

Win the freaking baseball game. Right now you can't do that stuff. Like we're past that. You don't have this big cushion that you had anymore. You're not like sitting there. I mean, you're not even the one seat anymore. I don't even know if you're the, I guess the Brewers lost last night.

So I think you're still the two, but like, I mean, not good, man. God. I thought this was optimistic. Just play, like just, Bum was fine. He's fine. He's, like, just, Bum was fine, he's fine. He's, whatever.

A hard turn here, hard turn here. But in case you hadn't heard, the Fritz boys, the Fritz boys. Fritz boys. Yes, we're having a boy. Yes, you are. We're having a boy. We're building a little rotation.

I love it, I love it. Building a little rotation. You love it, I love it. Building a little rotation. You got two brothers in the house? I know, I think Wok's a lefty, so I don't know how to coach lefties. Oh, hell yeah, dude. Yeah, I don't know how to coach lefties. Zoe being a lefty is the coolest thing

that we're having. I've said this two million times. It's like my favorite thing. She is like a stone cold lefty, too. Like I knew it when she was like six months old, she would like lead with her left hand, when she would like grab stuff and all that, and when she started walking, she stepped with her left foot first, and I was like, months old, she would like lead with her left hand, when she would like grab stuff and all that. And when she started walking,

she stepped with her left foot first, and I was like, let's go, Ty. Yeah, well, so walk with his right hand, try to throw stuff, and it just pops into the air. I mean, when he throws left-handed, I see cut. There you go. I see a little cut. Like he might have natural cutter movement.

There you go. I got my, I've already convinced myself, little Martin Perez. Yeah, hey, you know, it's high bar. Well, I don't know if Wox can be the tallest guy. Yeah. You know, so like, I'm starting to look at lefties that are kind of on the shorter side.

This is great. Maybe Wagner. Sure, how about our old friend Gio Gonzalez? Yeah, but Gio's kind of big, he's like 6'3". What's Gio 6'3"? I feel like he's a pretty big guy. I didn't think he was that tall. It's a bad job by me if he's that tall. I think Gio's kinda big, he's like 6'3". What's Gio 6'3"? I feel like he's a pretty big guy. I didn't think he was that tall. It's a bad job by me if he's that tall.

I think Gio's pretty big. Is he that big? Former Philly great, by the way. That's why I brought him up. I was trying to think of a former Philly lefty who I did not think was that big. He is. I think he's six foot.

He's six foot. Eric Milton. Maybe. Sure, Eric Milton? Yeah. Eric Milton. Yeah. So yeah, but we're having another boy.

So beyond thrilled. That is good news. And we got some good news here. Yes. He's walking into a world where the Phillies are collapsing. So he's always going to be remembered. I'm going to tell him about the- You can blame him.

The 60 year anniversary of the 64 Phillies. You're like, this is your fault. This is your fault. Yeah. Oh, I didn't even think about that. Yeah. It is. It is the 60 year anniversary

64 fill it Well, listen that did break the city's brain I was talking to the point where she'll talk about it last year the Eagles everyone's like worse than 64 Like we still it's still part of the collective consciousness. I was talking to do so There's guys we did toward Adelco the last couple days or last couple weeks and this guy named Joe What are the collective consciousness? I was talking to, so there's a guy, so we did a tour to Delco the last couple days, or last couple weeks, and this guy named Joe,

who I guess has all the records at East Strasburg, a PSAC school, and so we just bond over PSAC baseball. He's lived in Delco for 72 years, or whatever, as in left, and he told me, he was like, my dad had tickets to the World Series in 1964, like $7 each, which is hilarious. And then he said, when they collapsed, I didn't see my dad smile for two years. Oh, that would be you.

I mean, that's the kind of thing Walker would say. Yeah. Walker's gonna be scarred for life. Absolutely. If they collapse. As he should be. Welcome gonna be scarred for life. Absolutely. As he should be. Welcome to being a Phillies fan. Yeah, yeah, welcome aboard kid. Yeah, have fun.

Yeah, so. Welcome to our hell. The idea, not smiling for two years over the Phillies. I totally believe it. It's maybe the most relatable thing I've ever heard in my life. It's actually, I was like, that's beautiful. You were, I know, it's right up your alley.

Like the real misery, there's a part of me where it's like, I need that. I mean, it's really your natural habitat. No, I like wallowing in it. That's the issue. Oh, I know, yeah, I know you do. It's why I haven't recovered from the Eagles winning the Super Bowl. Because I like thinking about Rondé Barber. That's the issue. That's the issue. It's why I haven't recovered from the Eagles winning

the Super Bowl. Because I like thinking about Rondé Barber. I like thinking about the Panthers game. I like thinking about 0-8. There's masochistic tendencies here. Yeah, it's good. It's great. Why don't you break that one down?

I know. Too much for that one. Why don't you break that down? I'm not going down that road. I'm jealous of the Red Sox had Bill Buckner. You know what I mean? Like being able to harken back to those times. You're broken right now.

No, it's good. It's good. It's good. Good. All right, well congrats on the boys. Game five, remember game five? Which game five? Against the Astros.

Oh yeah, I remember. You remember that? Yeah, yeah. You remember that one? Freaking Chas McCormick. Like not a Philly guy. That's all right, Trey Mancini. Yep, Brandon Marsh striking out.

Then letting Verlander off the hook in the second. This is great. Noah Sendergaard starting that game. Yeah, Rhys Hoskins playing defense. Yeah, Rhys Hoskins defense. That was a lot of happen in that game. You really had to just bring it in, it did. So I'm having a boy.

You're having a boy. Yay! Alright, we're leaving before you can say something else bad. Have a great weekend. We'll be back after the Royals series. One of three? Game five and 11.

One of three? Chris Gardner versus Halliday. All right, we're outta here. These fritz themselves. You