High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - James Needs To LOCK IN!

Episode Date: July 3, 2026

The Phillies split their last home series of the first half with the Pirates and the High Hopes guys are reacting to the offensive explosion against Pittsburgh and the bullpen's continued struggles. Presented by Miller Lite.To purchase Ring The Bell by Jack Fritz and Kevin Reavy go to RingTheBellBook.com

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The crowd is singing high hope. I feel a little less alone. edition of that podcast sponsored by Miller, like official partner of the Philadelphia. Phillies tastes like Miller Time, Philadelphia. Celebrate responsibly. It's July 3rd. Happy July 4th to everyone.

250 freaking years of this country, Jack. And it feels like, and the Phillies have been around for, you know, and won a lot of baseball games over those 250 years. 150 have been a part of Jack. We're in baseball for 150 years to this country, okay? I actually think it's the opposite to be completely. I know, of course it's the opposite.

I know, Jack. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Lots of losing baseball. Lots of, and the craziest part is that the Phillies decade, which is officially the, the 2030s, you know,

so during. Oh, I like this. This is good. I like the decade thing. Like this, that's a spin. We've done the whole thing before, like the 2030s.

I'm in on this, but sure they could win the World Series this year, but you got to focus in on the 2030. 2030s fills and the craziest part is that 250 years of this country and during the 260 to 275th I hope era of this country it will experience the Francisco renteria as

as the Phillies superstar so you know good things are happening good things are happening I mean think about you know when you really think about it if we're really going to like get profound with this. I mean, we could have lived through any time in human history, so many amazing moments that have happened. And yet we are lucky enough to live in the time

that Francisco Renneria will be a Philly. I mean, that is, what else could you want, man? Like, what a beautiful moment on earth, right?

I mean, I know what's even crazier is he's 17 right now. 15 years from now, he'll only be 32. Oh, I've been. Yeah, we can't start doing that. When I'm going to be 60 and he's 33, I can't. Nope.

You'll still be doing the you. You'll still be doing the yo. Yeah, I'll be doing the yo. Am I retired yet? Can I retire? Oh, we can't afford it. Okay, I'm still going to. Baby, let's go.

We're never going to retire. Never retire. Well, that beautiful thing for high obsesners is that even if we do retire, you and I will do this podcast because we'll talk to each other no matter. So this is, there's no retiring from the Ohio's podcast. Um, I will say, Jack, and I, I think this is probably a good thing. Um, it was actually surprising to see them lose a series. Like it, I feel at home to, you didn't lose the series.

They split the series. Oh, yeah. Oh, you're right. They didn't even lose. That's the point. I forgot about a four. Geez, Louise, man. I forgot about a lock in.

Got a tough, tough is that. It was weird to see him lose two or three over, you know, weekend span. Like feel it or not we get you a, too. Again, I feel like I do need to. lock it and you're right they split now monday uh now monday was an a trust in a disgusting loss just it was a no so that was the 11-8 one right or whatever i was in on that so then they win oh oh you know what yeah we went to the game that's why we were the monday game tuesday they win wednesday they win oh because of the day i'm an idiot the 1220 thing really threw me off

dude that well i combined the two wins together so we had the 10-6 win which i went to And then, okay, really bad job. We do host the Phillies podcast. Wheeler and Sanchez, both, yes. They won those two. What should have known? They won the games that Wheeler and Sanchez started. My bad.

Sorry about that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, so. It was just so nondescript. Like, 8, nothing. They just whop ass in that one. I just kind of like went by, you know? Well, and the good part for you is that they also didn't show up to the ballpark

yesterday. So, like, yesterday was, you know, yesterday was disgusting. It was. whatever. It doesn't matter. Like the crazy part about this pirate series. Poor Alan Wrong hell just going out there in the blistering heat just grinding. I know. No one's got his back. No one's got his back.

And then they sent him down. I know. I like him, man. I'm well, you know, love to get there. He's very, very serviceable. They just send down because they need a bullpen army. He's not going to pitch until next week. They're a little light out there in the pen. So yeah, it was a.

So a couple of things with the Pirates series. One, I'm pretty impressed with that Pirates team. I really am. I like that offense. And I don't know, I don't know what happened with the White Sox and the Pirates. Like I know they got new hitting, like kind of flipped it, man. Like those offenses were horrendous. Everyone they drafted and brought in, they got worse.

Like Jacob Gonzalez. White Sox might make the playoffs this year. The White Sox are sick. Like I might as well be a White Sox fan. I love that White Sox team. And like Jacob Gonzalez, they drafted, and it was a brutal draftic. It was way too high for him. Like a very low, low ceiling type player.

And one year under this new hitting regime, and he looks like a totally different, actually difference making type player. You look at this pirate scene. Nick Gonzalez, who's been really frustrating in the last couple years, but it was drafted super high. All of a sudden, new hitting philosophy. Bang. Now they are, well, by the way, sorry, I left out an egregious team. The nationals.

So you look at the nationals, the pirates, the white socks. And all of them have turned their average looking to below. Dude, there started some guy named like Tyler Callahan in this series from Callahan Auto Parts. Like at that third base, who I've like never heard of. They started the guy on Sanchez game was in center field. like almost like Buck Davis I think his name was. Oh yeah. Yeah.

That's not his name. You got Henry Davis out there hitting thongs. Well, it was, like that, talk about a high pick. It was something cook. He's in center field for this team.

No, he stinks, but still, like the point is, it's not like they have household names up and down, up and down. And like that, that,

I don't know, I was really, whatever those teams are doing, the, the, the pirate. the White Sox, the nationals, we might need to tap into that market. We need to tap into that market and try to find, because you look at this offense,

and we've got to, now, this offense is on a good street. This is not much better. I'm definitely not, you know, ranting and raving about the offense. I think that they are in a good spot. I like where a lot of the players are. It's not even really a Kevin Long thing. It's just the story of this offense in the last couple years is kind of in the story like the Eagles offense where, sure, they've been top 10.

but they don't feel that way because they do have a good amount of talent. So it's, it's, I was just impressed by this Pirates offense and how, I think they hit 11 home runs this series, which is, which is saying something. Because again, it's not like they have, and O'Neill Cruz didn't even play. So it makes what Sanchez did that much more impressive. And they're frisky. They're a frisky little team. And the fact that they hit around skeins again was, was quite,

So, like the fact that schemes as like, I didn't see the exact numbers, but it's like I'm guessing at a mid-2 ZRA against everyone, but the Phillies is here. I mean, he's given up 12 runs and two starts against the Phillies. And they've just crushed him. I mean, that first game, the five runs and whatever was, five innings or something against him. I can't remember exactly.

But I remember doing the pot after that game and coming on here and we're like, whoa, what is this offense? Like a plan? Like they were good at bad. going up with an approach. It was one of those weird games where we don't see this offense look like this. And they've obviously looked more like that over the last month than prior in the last few weeks. But Skeens comes in.

It's just like they own this guy. They are not afraid of him. And I don't know if maybe there's something with him coming into Philly. Who knows? But he certainly looks like a different guy against his Philly team. And they went up and just absolutely rigged. We were at that game. I was shout to my sister-in-law, Lindsay.

It was her bird nice. We went down with like Emily and Zoe. And then Lindsay. her husband Steve and our kids, Sawyer. And like, it was one of those, obviously one of those

fun nights. And we, we all know this. We're baseball fans. Like the beauty of baseball, you can't predict it. You know, so many people,

we all go down there expecting Wheeler Skeens. And obviously it ends up being a 10-6 ball game. And it was not, not even just that was like, one of those were like, crushed skeins. They get back to Wheeler.

Back to Skees were like constant. It was like, you know, six, 10-6, like it's just like it was one of those games where the ball keeps flying out of the ballpark, that it was hot as hell.

But like it was, and I feel like that happens a lot where you're expecting this brilliant pitcher's duel and that's what you get. But, you know, it's so strange to see this team when they go up against Paul schemes

look absolutely dynamos. And then, you know, they'll have, you know, a six starter, practically talent-wise, come in and they don't show up. It is.

And I know it's human nature and what, but I think it's been a fascinating series from that perspective. And I want to get to the Wheeler thing, obviously. I think coming out of it, that whole situation, probably the number one kind of story, I would say, not that it's, you know, I'm not concerned moving forward,

but let's get to that. And then we'll get back to the offense and all that. But I do think that coming out of that game, obviously they win, but Wheeler gets pulled in the fifth inning, goes four and two thirds, basically had like three chances or something to, like, get out of the inning,

gave up some singles. at 104 pitches, I believe the number was. I was shocked that Mattingly pulled him. I get it. I understand the situation in time, but I was surprised. You could tell Wheeler was pissed in the moment. I was at the game,

so it was like kind of, I didn't see his face or anything like that. But like even from where I was sitting, it felt like a little bit of an awkward exchange. And then obviously we hear after. And like, you know, look,

Zach Wheeler is a very matter of fact talker. I feel like, you know, he's quiet. Like for someone who has been. been one of the best players in this sport and certainly one of the great Phillies pitchers of all time and certainly of this era that the goat of that era is a pitcher so far. We haven't heard him talk that much comparatively. Like he's kind of a quiet guy goes about his business and all that. He like I don't know that I have ever heard him speak as ticked sound as ticked off as he

did man. And like he basically like, you know, shout to the Bulldog. Dave you ram in there, you know, asking questions and other guys were too, but basically like, you know, we upset and he's like yeah a basic guy was upset and they're like if you talk to man he's like nope like you go no he's like we'll see i don't know and like i get being few and i and to manningley's credit two things and then i'm throwing to you here one i do appreciate that don manningley is willing to do what he thinks is best for the pitcher for the team whatever i'm a big believer that organizations coaches managers front office people sometimes have to do what the player might not want them to do for the best of the player especially in football i think you see this all

time. I want to play. Guess what? No, we have to wait full season. Like, your, your health is more important. You have to do that stuff sometimes. And it was the hottest day of the year so far and all that in 104 pitches. I personally, personally would have let Wheeler finish or give him a little bit more leash to finish the inning. But I understand Mattingly doing it the way he did. And I appreciated Mattingly's answer to about why he hadn't talked to him yet. No, I thought it all made sense. But I can't help but, but feel Zach Wheeler and what he said and when he felt and I don't blame him. What did you make

his whole situation? Yeah, so I loved it from every single angle. Yeah, that's right. I really do. So that is a, and when Wheeler talked after the game, he talked about I've earned that and he has. That is part of being an ace, part of

being your horse and he was definitely mad. He had that look where he was so mad he was kind of welling up a little bit. We don't see him it's really rare in the timies, but he is so stoic and stuff too. And what was it? Was it 52 or 53 straight starts getting through five innings? Like he, this is a pride thing with him, not just on top of a, of a,

you know, wanting to get done on it. Like this is something to your point, Jack, he has proven over and over and over again that he can do. Yeah. So I thought one, it was an overreaction from Maddenly to pull him personally. I understand about protecting him. I understand about the heat, but at the same time he got two quick outs he allowed a nonsense hit up the middle and then one was hit relatively hard uh i i don't need to rush zach wheeler out of the game to put kyle baccason we don't need like that's just so that's it yeah so so yeah i would have let him do it i would i thought it was an overreaction i understand him being mad i would have been mad to like like horses earn certain things everyone i mean no one

could forget 2012. I'm pulled against Henderson. The next pitch is a grand slam. Like, this is, you don't do this to your horse. You're right. That's it. People still talk about it. You walk down the street, you know, you're just under people's breasts as you walk by. It happened.

Certainly around here in Westchester. The one staying against, on my record in high school is that we never beat Henderson. Anyway, but, but, but you just, you don't do it. Now, on Maddenly's side, I do appreciate having the Gahones to go out there and do it no matter how mad he knew Wheeler was going to be. I appreciate that. I appreciate doing what you think is best for the team, not always. Conviction. Yeah.

100%. team needs. And it has me feeling like this guy might be the manager here for a little while. We don't need Alex Cora. He's starting to, he would never say it. I think he's a humble man. I think he's a humble, kind, gentle soul. That is Don Maddenly. I agree. But I do think he is starting to give off the I'm Don Maddenly thing a little more. Yeah. Which. And by the way, Jack, he is. he is Don Maddenly and I think that a veteran team with the stars who have had their own success they will respect Don Maddenly like almost being like you guys are good I understand I appreciate you guys are Hall of Famers I'm also should be in a Hall of I should be in the Hall of Fame if I can get hurt I'd be in the Hall of Fame I'm in the Hall of Fame too essentially so I just I think I think he's starting to use that a little bit more and we talked a lot about the Gravy of having Don Maddenly as your manager. And for a veteran team like this,

I think that it, that it's really beneficial. I'm, this is not a, like, the Wheeler thing is not a big deal to me. This is a small, like,

quibble in the middle of the season on one of the hottest days of the year. I am sure on the plane ride out to Kansas City, they talked on the, on the plane. This will not turn into a, a big situation, big deal,

because Zach Wheeler is too great of a team guy to turn this. into a big thing. He is not a horse on, he is not a horse on game day and then a horse's ass as has been described about other pitchers pitched year, the other four days or other six days of the week. So yeah, it's not a big deal. I like how everyone handled it. I appreciate Zach Wheeler,

caring enough about it to not want to get taken out of the game. I appreciate Don Maddenly doing it and what he said after and be, and, and, and, having a real mature response to it. And we are monitoring the Don Maddly reminding everyone that he's Don Maddenly situation. And there's a couple of other things he said really just in the last couple of days that that really stuck out to me. He said after the Skeen's game that these guys aren't afraid of anyone.

And I do think he's lying. But I appreciate it. So you make it, man. Price said it too, you know, a few games ago. We're coming. We're good. And like I'm with you. Sometimes it can appear as false verado,

but sometimes it can also feel like a rallying cry or just a message to the team or whatever. And it felt more like when Bryce and Manningly said it, it felt like a believe in ourselves, guys. Like we are good type of like thing rather than a bravado thing. I don't know about you. That's how I felt it. Yeah. No, I totally agree.

And there was the one, the one report. I think maybe Stott said it that like after that game in Milwaukee that we came on was like, what a lay down embarrassing. effort against Kyle Harrison. Don Maddenley immediately after the game was telling them how a disappointed he was in their effort. Things like that, I'm sure Rob Thompson did it, but it certainly doesn't seem like it gets through or cuts through the way it does when Maddenly says it. So I've just been really, really impressed. There's been some bullpen things that have annoyed me. I also don't know,

like this series, it's hard to tell because they needed this off day so bad. So bad, dude, especially the 1230 game and the heat after the game. And these were long games. All three of the first games of the series were long runs. Like they just kept going and going and going these games. And that one yesterday was the longest one one game for majority that I ever felt. And again, that's after playing like a three and a half or three 15 hour game the night before in the sweltering heat and then coming out like just, I mean, I don't remember. We do the radio show a lot.

Like we've been on W. there have not been many days where I've said on WIP, they're giving away free water when you go to the ballpark because it's like that doesn't happen. Not because they're drugs or anything. Like they will. It's so rarely a day game and as unbelievably hot as it was yesterday. Like it's like a dangerous situation to be out for that long in.

And these guys are on a field where it's that much like 15 degrees hotter, 20 degrees hotter. I mean, I was looking at Marshan. I'm like, how are you alive in that catchers room? I'm looking at the poor umpire. Mine unplayed it's stupid long pants. I got that thing. I'm like, that must be like, it must just be a horrible, horrible experience

where you get off the field and your faces rash, your bodies, like it just must have really sucked. So I'm with you, dude. Like, they could really use that. And I want to, I think the Manningley thing is such a great point. And I'm so with you on the Wheeler Manning thing. I think it was like a real professional major league baseball coach manager player.

You know, we are good type of situation. Like I feel like everyone involved is a freaking pro. and that they're going to be able to handle this. And to your point, I agree with everything. I think everyone has points when they do talk about it. I think that Zach will understand where Don's coming from. I think Don will, I think Don already does understand what Zach feels was coming from. And I think the next time this happens, I think he'll trust him more in the right situation and all that.

But I do love that Mattingly, again, who has not been the manager here that long, had the, you know, Cajonis, whatever you want, Hutz, but whatever you want to say to go in that spot and stand up. And again, even if we don't think it was right, because I don't, I'm with you. I think Zach Wheeler has earned it. I think that's a true statement that he said, especially a few more shot. Look, if he gives up three more hits, then we can have a discussion. Like, I think he earned that there.

But I love that Manningley had that felt like he had to handle in that situation to do that. And he's managing to win, and I appreciate that. And on top of that, like, I do think to your point, like they're human beings. Like whether or not,

and I think they love Rob Thompson and cared about him, these guys are baseball players. They grew up watching baseball. and caring about baseball and stuff. Like, Don Mattingly's Don Mattingly. Just human nature, it's impossible not to have like a little bit more reverence for him than you would for somebody who didn't watch play in the league or you didn't know. It's a nine-time gold Glover or 10-day-time All-Star, whatever the hell, all this stuff is.

MVP of the American League for a year. Like that guy is, Don Matting, again, like, go look at his numbers. I said this the first time he had pressing on. Like, Don Mattingly, if he didn't get hurt, is all the famer. Like there's an argument he should be in the hall of him anyway. He was the best player in the sport for a few years and one of the best players of the 1980s in majorly baseball. He is one of the best defensive first baseman ever, while him and Keith Hernandez in the city at the same time,

two of the best I've ever seen in my lifetime. I'm like he is, he has a gravitas just by the nature of who he is and what he's accomplished that other people like Rob Thompson, and again, I don't think you have to play to be a great manager, but like he did play. It's part of his resume. It matters. It's part of who he is. So, like, I do think, to your point, Jackie,

comes in with a little more cashier and obviously a ton of experience. So I think that helps. One thing, I don't know if you heard me mention this, but I, oh, yeah, I texted you guys about it, you and Elliot when we were there. But Manningly, when we were there on Monday for the fantastic auction, we were on the field for batting practice.

It was an awesome experience. I had to do Jeff who bought it and brought three of his buddies. And it was so much fun. We had to be on the field for bag, back practice and ate dinner and stuff. But on the field for batting practice, practice, I didn't realize I'd been down in a little bit, like that

Manningley's out there doing first base drills with Bryce before the game. And he's like out there. He's not like coaching. He's got his glove on and he's fielding ground. And you see him target race. It's like, no, position yourself here. Move a little close to the bag. Like your footwork. And like,

hell yeah, dude. Hell yeah, dude. And it's funny too. Because, you know, Madingley's had the back issues and he had the stuff that kind of ended his career and all the type of stuff. And I feel like when you see him kind of moving around. He's an older guy now. Like he kind of feels like he's like a little ginger when he's moving or when he's walking him out.

He's not like cruising. He looked like live out there on the field. He was smooth. He was moving around a bit. I was, it was cool to see. It was like, oh, wow. Yeah, there's Don Manningley with the glove on making some plays. But I think to your point, Jack, him already being Don Manningly having his cachet,

but then he's also out there like teaching Bryce first, working on first with Bryce and like tuning these things and all that. Like it just adds to it because then you're. He's out on the field with them. Practicing playing too. Like I just, to your point, we'll see with the Alex squirthing down the road. But like, I don't know that many people could come into the spot that 9 and 19 and done a better job than what manning is done.

Yeah, for sure. And I do appreciate how he doesn't seem scared at all. And I like a manager. It's a little bit like Charlie. Like Charlie wasn't scared. Charlie would do whatever he felt was right. He sat J-roll, pulled guys. He knew how mad they would be.

but there was a grown-up feel to it. And I do think at times that Rob Thompson would be a little scared of certain situations to pull guys. And I know Madeline has done that in the past, being out there at first base with Bryce, but I do think it is noteworthy that he did that Monday. And I really thought it was Bryce's best defensive series. And I know Bryce said after the game on Saturday against the Mets that he was disappointed. he didn't get to that ball down the first baseline in the sixth inning where it kind of blew up in their faces. And maybe this was a, hey, Don, can we go out there and work on some stuff kind of thing?

And I do think that Bryce had a very solid. Besides, there was, was that the play yesterday where for some reason he thought out, but well, not for some reason. He thought Bone was going home. So he had to like catch it and keep moving at first. They got it. You're talking about the double play there. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. So, it was a big play, too. They needed that. It was a big play, but I didn't know where Bryce is going. But yeah, I, uh, yeah, we, we certainly like what we're seeing from Don Maddenly and everything will be okay with him and Wheeler, not worried about that. Yeah, I'm not worried at all about it. I really, I feel really good about Magley coming in.

We talk, you know, I don't think managers make, you know, I think you need talent. Your guys got to play. But I, I do think this has been a tangible difference. And again, I don't think it's a rip on Rob Thompson. And I just think it's where this team is at. I do think they need a new voice and a new energy and whatever in there. And I think, Manningley, to your point, like the perfect guy to come in and take over, he's not going to be scary.

He's not going to be intimidated. He's done. Mattingly comes into the cachet. And he's clearly a damn good baseball guy, you know, whether manager, bench coach, whichever he does. He clearly just gets the game and understands it. So it's a pretty awesome, awesome spot. I feel, I feel really good about his handle on the team.

All right, let's get to some of the other stuff. from the series. I mean, Sanche, you know, not much to say. I think, unfortunately, and I'd like, you know, if it's Mizoroski, I'll be annoyed, even though he's been great. It's probably not going to be.

He's going to pitch Sunday against Skeens. Oh, good. So I think Sanchez is the likeliest to start the all-star game at this point. After, I think those two starts as much as I still will give it to Wheeler for the history for all this stuff. We've talked about. They both have been great. I think that, you know, the shutout was seven shutout.

and then, you know, the yard down to two and then the Wheeler tougher start. I think that probably is the separation that'll give it to Sanchez. Yeah, so I think Mizoroski, well, they said Mizoroski's going to start that Sunday. Which is because we can all be honest. I mean, as of today, I mean, Mizorosky has been the best of the, like, just numbers-wise. I mean, he's. Yeah. Yeah.

We're going to have our fourth second place finish in the Say-Young. Yeah. So I'm not ready to say it. We got half a season left to do. This guy's throwing 105 every pitch. Like, we'll see where this goes. I think Sanchez could outlast him as pitch much more innings. But I think like if we're just, I think the all-star games here, so we should get it.

But in a vacuum, I think we could say Mizoroski wins the first half side young or whatever, you know. And it looks like Shohei can't pitch in the game either, which is good because he was going to, Dave Roberts said he was going to start it if he was going to pitch in it, which I was already getting, I was already getting mad about. I saw you tweet that out. And then you were just like, don't. frigid do this, Dave. Like, no, can't do this. And it's the right move not to.

Look, if you're the Dodgers, do you really need, I know it's for baseball and stuff, but if he's not going to start, like, just let him come in and hit. If I was the Dodgers, I don't need Joey going in there

and pitching anyway, you know? No, no. And then I think Wheeler is supposed to start that Sunday, too. I think as of right now, he is scheduled to start the Sunday before the All-Star game. So he might not pitching it either.

Like, they'd have to adjust, adjust his, his rotation spot. So it does feel like, it is all adding up to Chris Sanchez starting the all-star game, which is obviously sick. Which is great. As long as it as one of our guys, as long as one of our guys. And it seems like Bryce might not play in their participating home run derby because his dad is,

is not thrown in a while, so he doesn't have a BP pitcher. And I do think it's, I think it'd be okay if Bryce asked Nola to do it. I think if he asked Nola, hey, come in my, do it anyway. I can't tell it if you're doing the bit or not. So that's why everyone obviously Schwerber made a lot of sense. We were like, oh, I have no let you do it for sure. I could see you smiling. But like it would be hilarious as a bit.

Of course it would. It would be the funniest bit ever. Like, can you imagine? Honestly, I would give Nola so much credit for leaning into that and stuff like that. Just hang the curveball over and over again. I really like how seriously you delivered that because as you're going into it, I thought you were going to do something about like, I'm fine, and price not doing the homeruneroy.

We don't need him to do it. just be in the All-Star game, all this type of stuff. And then all of a sudden you do that because I was going to make some sort of joke and then you do it so earnestly. Yeah. I really think, you know, I think it would work well. And I'm like, well done. Or I could do it.

I could do it. Yeah, a second, come on. I do think, I know, I think, I actually think he's trying, I think there's two things. He's trying not to jinx getting hurt for the, for the home run derby. He said that yesterday. He was like, I try to make sure I can get through the first half healthy. I haven't done that in a while. And I do think he wants to be on the All-Star team versus like just participating in the home run derby and then not playing the All-Star game.

So I think it's twofold. I think he makes the All-Star team and he's healthy. I think that I think he'll participate in it. I do. And he's a showman, man. He's a showman. And he gets it to him Philly. And I do think that I think he's going to be on the team.

He clearly deserves it. He has been one of the two, three, first base best first baseman. He's probably been the best. But whatever you want to say, like he should be on the All-Star game. I think Dave Roberts under. Like, whatever you want to say about Dave Roberts, he's a baseball lifer. The guy understands, I think, the sport and where it's at, I think that he, they will put Bryce Harper on the Lassert team.

I feel like incredibly confident. Yeah, I'm actually not worried about it at all. No. The shame is that he's not starting, which is nonsense, but, you know. Yeah. Well, because by the Freeman bows out or something and wants a weekend off and they let him start or something, you know. Yeah.

We'll say. Maybe Freddie is just like, hey, let him start. Yeah. I could see Freddie doing that. Like seriously, I mean, Freddie's, look, we hate him as a competitor. Yeah, exactly. I actually, I don't, I actually, I don't even. You're right.

I'm like, yeah, I kind of really like that guy. Like, I, I want to hate him when I see him come up to me. I feel, Jack, I feel the Braves uniform. I feel the Dodger. I feel all the big hits, the homers, the moments. I know. And I can't get there. Like, it's like, honestly, it's of all players.

It might be the most like I'm trying to generate hate and feel like I should hate in the moment. And I can't, I can't. It's never real. It's never real. Dude, he's hitting 294 again. Like, he's just, he's just a machine. He's just an abs. He's 36, man.

He's a Stone Cold Hallfamer. 36. First ballot hallfamer. So, all right, he's at, he's at 2,525 hits. Do you think he gets there? Wow. He might. Oh, my God.

He probably will actually. When I, 294, he batted close three. I mean, every year he does. He's the kind of guy. He's aged great. Like, does he have three more years left? He gets there in three years? yeah i i think wow man that's i'm really happy you brought that up because i feel like it's one of

those things we kind of obviously 300 wins like goodbye but um 3 000 it's is something where it kind of feels like it's so so rare now and is anyone going to continue to do this like i didn't realize how close freddie was that's exciting yeah he's a 2,500ish so he probably had the year end of year 2,600 that's what i'm saying that's maybe three three more seasons he's there like you know bryson is at what 18 I think he's almost at 1900 and he's 33 maybe that's not that far behind the pace that Freeman's had age wise I mean you know you know it's crazy and I know that this is not a this is not a big on Mike Schmidt but it when it's all said and done

Schmidt hit 548 home runs he did you know it's I didn't realize he only had 2200 hits yeah so I for the longest time I thought he had like 26 or 2700 just anecdotally. And when I realized when I was looking and I was like, wait, wait, wait, what? What? It's, it is stunning, actually. It makes sense.

I mean, you look at the averages, some years and the strikeouts and numbers. Like, it makes some sense, but it still feels like. And he walked a ton. Like, you got to give him, you know, that's part of it too. But yeah, dude, it's, it's shocking. It is one of the more surprising things about him when you look at his, his numbers, because everything else. Especially because, like, he played so many games.

He's, you know, he's, the Phillies all time leader in all those type of things, you know, games runs, this, that, like, so it is surprising. Yeah, you're right. Yeah. Well, it's all sudden done. Like, Bryce might pass him in,

hey, it's obviously not on the Phillies uniform, but. Well, that's the cool thing about the Schmidt thing is that the 548 in a Phillies uniform will, will stand. That's a cool one. Yeah, until 2045,

until about 24 when Francisco Rentaria does it. So, so yeah. No, yeah. So Freddie will get there. Freddy's had a great year. I mean, it's a shame. Like him, Olson, and Freeman are all just having really, really, really solid years. And war-wise, Price's defenses. Or Olson's also the best defense of first page in the league.

So that really raises him up, too. And certainly Freeman is no slouch in that. No, no. But Olson's like just a stud out there. So, yeah, and that hurts. But I think, and they're all-stars, too. You know, the All-Star game is the All-Star game is the All-Stash. star game. I do think when in doubt, unless someone's having a much better year and someone like,

I lean towards the stars playing in the game, especially this one at 250 and all that. But all three of those guys are legit stars. It's really, you know, Harper should get into the affiliate thing regardless, but it is wild that these, you know, if you include Harper as a first basement extent, like these are the three most historic first baseman right now in the National League and have been for a while, you know, talent wise. Yeah, it's a renaissance here for that. Yep. All right. All right.

Let's get to the bag because we've already been through a ton and whatever else we can get to in there. Yeah. You want to do the account of the week first? Oh, yes. Look at you. Look at you. Freaking. See, this is why both pros, but Jack, the true pro.

As I would, oh, oh, shout out to the account of the week, a place I have been many times since I was young. Shout out to the Philmont Bar. and grill. Today's show is sponsored by Miller Light and the Philmont Bar and Grill and Bosleton Avenue. Check out the Philmont Bar and Grill. For every Phillies game, they're $2 Miller-like troughs along with their massive 10-foot media while Miller-Lites or Phil's wouldn't celebrate

responsibly spent many a day in the Jenkintown, Huntington Valley general area, having lunch at the Philmont, you know, going for some beers back in the day when I got a little older. Really great place.

Really fun spot to check it out. Philmont with a pH or with an F? Yes, yes. Like the correct way to spell it. Philmont with a pH, P-H-I-L-M-O-N-T. Now is it like Philly related in there? Or is it? So, I mean, it's not like, it's a place.

Philmont is a place. Like there's the Philmont Country Club. There's a film on this. Like it's a spot near Jenkintown, Abington, like that area. But the Philmont Barn Grows, the name of the restaurant. Well, people forget that my freshman year of high school,

or heading into high school. school. I went to a camp called Philmont in New Mexico and I hiked 101 miles in 10 days. Yeah, sleeping outside in the tent. Legit. Look at you. What people really do forget is what an outdoorsman you are, you know? That you always do the people forget about something that they never knew about. People did know you're an outdoorsman and I'll bet you they forgot. Yeah, I need to get back to my roots. You know, I need to disconnect from the old phone. I mean, uh, uh, once upon a time being. at the wedding of a young, a young Jack and Jill.

Yeah. Hearing stories about hikes taken throughout their history together. It's children and then as adults and how much nature means to them and whatnot. You know, what happened? Yeah. Well, I need, we need a walk to learn out. Well, walks learning. Walks learning out of wet.

Little kids throw everything off. Yeah, walk is learning out of wet a line now. So we're getting them out there. So, yeah. I miss fishing. Fishing is a good activity. I'll get back to it. As the U.S.S.

men's national team takes center stage at a home world cup, make sure you're listening to Call It What You Want, part of the CBS Sports Podcast Network, where you can join me. I'm Jimmy Conrad, alongside Charlie Davies, Tony Miola, Marcella Balboa,

and Benny Fieldhover throughout this tournament for previews, instant reactions, and analysis of every U.S. match. Then all summer, we're back every Tuesday and Thursday covering all things U.S.

Men's National Team. Download and follow, call it what you want on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. All right, take bag. Did you see the Jacob Mizoroski play last night that they rolled an error? No, no, no, no, what happened? Well, so you know how everything is now a hit in baseball? Like, even clear errors.

Literally, literally every. It's one of the, I mean, I'm about to sound like Larry Anderson, but I think it's one of the big problems in the sport right now. I hate it. Like, a deep, deep, deep passionate hate. LA, T-MAC, you now. Just, it's the biggest crime against, against the sport is scoring decisions.

I don't think anyone likes it. If you're at least an old school baseball fan, I mean, do you don't like it? None of us like it. It feels, it feels weak, you know? And it feels like obvious. Like, yes, offensive stats are down and they're trying to do everything to make it look less bad than it is.

Like, okay, cool. Yeah. Well, so there's a dribble up the third baseline, third baseman comes in. and throws to first base. Now, it was a bang, bang, play, and Jake Bowers did drop it, but it looked like he was going to be safe, and they rolled it in an error. And then two batters later, Sal Stewart hit a three-run home run.

Mizorowski only allows one-er-earned. Would it have been the last out of the... Ah, come on. Only allows one earned, even though he allowed five runs, which is annoying. We got to get that ERA up from 1.47. Let's see. What else here? I thought Rincones, like, had good at bats a couple times this week.

Looks like it's slowing down from a little bit, kind of just missing some home runs. Yeah, the one down the right field line, like, just outside the pole. I thought that was like, mm. Yeah, and he hit one yesterday that just kept going. It shows how strong he is, but it just kept going. And it did end up, like, at the warning track, but it looked like a pop-up. Obviously, the heat and the new baseballs. So that's the other thing I wanted to get to.

Did you read the story or do you see the story? Of course. I think ever since like a cuneo was doing that, you know, looking at the two baseballs thing and I think it's kind of spiral from there. But I think it's kind of inarguable. I mean, numbers wise,

I feel like it's hard to argue. Oh, well, all of my guys in fantasy of just cratered since they went to the new balls. It's infuriating. So I got to be honest, though, James.

I got to be honest. I, I really don't mind. it. Like I know. Oh, I'm in it. Yeah.

Like, they have to find a way to get offense in the game. Yeah. Pitches, pitchers have gotten too good. And if you have to just change the baseball a little bit, I don't watch the games now. And I don't, like, it doesn't feel like 2019. Uh-uh. Uh-uh. Uh-uh.

Uh-uh. Like, it was, it was insanity. Insanity. I don't view this as insanity. You still have to earn, mostly earn your home runs. I think the heat obviously also helps. I thought I would be more mad about it because, like, you know, the pitcher guy thing. But I just think it's a natural thing they have to do to try to combat how nasty the pitchers are today.

And it's the only way that they can kind of do it right now in mid-season. So I saw it. I felt it while watching. But I really, it doesn't bother me. It doesn't bother me. Dude, I'm a full agree. I think they have to do something. I mean, I've talked about.

They're not going to do it in season, but like, I would be fine with them lowering the mound if they decided that's the route they wanted to take. Like, as long as you don't mess with 60 feet, six inches, like that's sacred. I don't care. I don't even know how high the mound is. What is it? You know, like a foot? I have two feet.

Like, I have no idea. Like, go for it. Lower the mound a bit. That won't affect my, like, I won't notice that. We won't notice that. And it could have a profound impact on offense. And near point, something as simple as change the balls. Hey, guess what?

They've been doing this for years. Forever, juice balls. How many times you've heard that? Like, this is not a new thing. They are constantly tweaking with baseballs. Season to season, in season, like, this happens. And to Jack's point, like, it's just necessary right now. It is like the most, the biggest, we were talking before that issues,

the single number one biggest issue for baseball right now is getting the hitting to somehow catch up to the pitching more because it is just, it's too dumb. It's too much. Yeah. And it shows you how. It actually makes you appreciate what, you know, Wheeler and Sanchez and Ms. Voski. Skeens is clearly going through something, you know, ever since that start against the Phillies, he's been. Yeah. I think he's like, he raised like mid threes to maybe, it's probably over fours now.

I love us talking about like a 24-year-old kid being like, man, he's really going through something of ZERias in the mid-3. He's like, can you believe it? It's like, but it's crazy. It shows how good he's been. He's got, like his mechanics look off. I wonder if he's kind of hurt a little bit. But yeah, so he'll be fine. But it shows you overall, I'm pretty okay with it.

Let's see. I do miss Brad Keller. I never thought I'd say that, but they really... It's unbelievable. They need them. They need someone. Geez. They really need them back.

Trey's clearly we're in the middle of a... Trey hot streak, which he's going to get that average of 270, somehow. 270, 2.75-ish. And we'll kind of go from there. And a little pop, baby. A little pop. It's been nice. Was it three-st-st-game right with the Homer in there?

Yeah, yeah. before yesterday. But yeah, like it's been refreshing watching Trey. He's gone to a little toe tap. He is not doing the big leg kick. I think that's really helped him stay on plane and be on time. So that's been good. Crawford is also showing a lot of good signs at the plate as well. You know, I said this the other night or maybe it was the last podcast, but like he deserves credit for for where he's at from the standpoint of they tasked him with playing center field every day at the major league. leagues, even though he hadn't done that and hitting an eventually level when he hadn't done that straight from opening day. And it took him a little bit.

He had really the start of the year, then cooled off and, you know, kind of tapered off, really. It averages down to like 2.30 something. But it's picking right back up. And he's hit in the mid-250s right now and it's rising. And I think that shows you, we've seen a lot of guys come up and struggle from AAA and look like they're in their own head and get sent back down. I think he deserves a lot of credit.

It's good for his mental makeup. or, you know, his mental fortitude that he survived the midseason struggles as a rookie and seems like he's coming out the other side and playing good baseball for this team. Centerfield still work in progress, but he deserves a lot of credit. He's gotten better. And we've watched it, like the steps look better. We're not, you know, seeing him every moment the ball is hit. But when we see the replays and stuff, it doesn't seem like he's taking as bad a first step

as he used to. And offensively, I think it's been pretty dramatic, actually. what he's kind of worked through. And again, he's 22. He's not just rookie. He is a young rookie. Like, 22 is young for a, like, very young to come up and hit in the major league. So I actually, as this season has gone on, I've been more and more bullish and impressed

about with him and about his future. I think he's, he's handled it really well. Made a nice little adjustment with his swing. His hands are a little bit lower. He's quicker to the ball. And he's going with that no stride approach that Stoddard did in the second half. half of 24, I want to say, where he just went to basically a two-strike approach all the time. So, yeah, he's been good.

The playing center field yesterday was brutal, where he let it get all the way to the wall. But, again, yesterday's game sucked anyway, so who cares? And try it's just like, you know, be confident, buddy. Seems like so much of it is. It just seems with him, you know, we talk about confidence and hitting's contagious for him. It just really seems like he gets in his head, like just hoping. Hopefully he keeps hitting because I do think, you know, he can go, we've seen him. He can get really good, streaky, you know, as well as bad streak.

Yeah. Gage up to five innings, first time he's done five innings at double A. So if they were serious about possibly having him be a part of this thing down the stretch run, I think you have to do that again. I think five innings. And then a jump to AAA and see how he handles the ball. at AAA. He did allow two home runs.

Again, he allowed, I think it's a third straight star. He's a lot of home run in the first inning. Sometimes he loses the grip on his slider a little bit, leaves it up, and it gets hit around. I haven't been able to go and,

and rewatch the entire start yet, just watching the clips on. Come on, dude. Jack, well, we do, and we expect you,

we expect us to not to do this. So you, you know, use your time to come and tell us about it, okay? Tonight, tonight with no game. I will be, I'll be locked in. I know you have two children, young children, and a pregnant wife,

but like if you could, you know, watch minor league baseball a little more consistently. I agree. And I'm, listen, I'm disappointed in myself. So we're beating ourselves up over here. Also, also, because I know we're going to be on during the entire draft, I have, I mean, I'm, like. We are going to just heads up to everyone. We're going to have all kinds of good stuff coming, both on the. radio like all star week draft week like you will get more of us so and i know for a fact just to

shout out already uh one week from tomorrow saturday july 11 no go birds radio it's freaking i hopes radio it's two to like six two to five 30 we got a nice fun long show so if you're a listener tune in for that calling all that i know it's early we'll we'll talk more about during the week but one week from tomorrow high hopes radio special edition um so lots of good content about Well, and it's all, it's directly in the middle of the draft. So the draft, the All-Star game coming up, the derby's the deck day. Like, we are like full go. It's going to be awesome.

Well, no, I'm something, I know. I'm something like that Saturday. I know, I know, I know. I know. I'm trying to talk about the broader things and say, hey, everybody, we got a lot going on. But people are not, you know, Jack. But yes, the draft, the draft. Thank you.

Thank you. They got, we're fitting four rounds into that Saturday, pal. we're fitting four and they got two fourths which me or because of the they lost ranger so they get that that that comp pick which also means that they should be able to use more of it a little bit higher up if they want to anyway anyway anyway anyway so yes that Saturday is going to be a lot of fun but i am about two i'm probably two or probably 200 names deep of just making sure that when we're on if they draft someone that i can make make a semi accurate description as the who that player is. And the pods this week, either Monday, Thursday, whatever the pods are, like, obviously one of those pods will have the official who he wants, guys he'd be happy with, guys he'd be okay with, guys he'd talk himself into, the whole list, guys he will be upset with, but probably someday talk himself into.

That whole list is coming. And that is like, that's like almost, like, it's right there with perfect offseason and all the, the staples of the Iops podcast, the Jack Fritz. its draft wants and not wants list is is very high of the list. And there will be a breakdown of who I won at 64 as well. Oh, we know. I'm surprised. And they're going to be a breakdown if you want 164 or 264 or whatever, I wouldn't be shocked.

Yeah, listen, we're getting, we're getting excited. We're getting excited. And yes, the draft is July 11th. And I have a lot of thoughts that I cannot wait to kind of get through. trying to think if I want to unleash anything, you know, right here, if it would be like a little, a little bit of a teaser. But I also don't want to give away all my guys yet,

even like kind of tweeted that the other day. But I will say, I do think that they're going to go back no matter what. Okay, good. I mean, I want them to. It does not feel like a situation where they're going to go. Now, if one of the pitchers fall, like a Logan Redmond, the ace from UCLA, like if he's there, I think they could.

But it doesn't feel like that, I think they're going to go a prep bat or like if one of these real college bats fall. And then 64 could be where they go for a upside prep arm that falls. So I think they're going to go bat. I expect them to go bat. And that's exciting because I need them to get another real bat in the system. But we'll break it all down. We'll break it all down. It's going to be awesome.

All right. No game today. then it's three games wrap around Monday with the Royals. I mean clear two or three here, you know, after not losing the series to the pirates, like I said. Yes,

yes, yes. Now that we're locked in on the baseball game again. So, so, yeah, so tomorrow is Lazaro versus Waka. Waka,

an interesting trade deadline. Very interesting. Yeah, that's a good point, Jack. I didn't realize quite, because, you know,

been around for a while now. And you and I have probably both in many different seasons Michael Waka on a fantasy team. I didn't realize the kind of career he's piled up, the amount of innings he's pitched, the strikeout number like he's, Michael Waka's had turned himself into like a really nice career. You know,

he's higher on the active list of pitchers stats than I expect it, is what I'm trying to say. Yeah. And the nice part about Waka is he's owed 14 million next year. So he's under contract next year as well. And he does have a club option. in 2028. So, like, they would have some control if they wanted someone to be a,

a fifth starter type for that. Or he's pitched out of the bull by the point. He's about, yeah, yeah. And he's played it. He's been in the playoff. Like, he's done, he's, you know, he would be a, like a, a better version of the Michael Lorenzen trade, essentially, if they made it kind of thing. You know what I mean?

Yeah, I totally agree. Somehow also, only 35. That was, that's what I was shot by again. I, dude, his stats are wild. I can't believe how long he's been in the league. and how like kind of he how much he's amassed i was really i was going through active pitching leaders recently just because i was messed around a reference i michael walker was the guy who stood out to me as being like way higher on these lists and i thought he'd be yeah yeah no he's been a

horse for a little while there so has a little bugs bunny change up that uh has worked for a long time uh nola versus a villa on sunda he has pretty sick stuff so that'll be a fun one and then uh sanchise versus nola right pretty sick stuff yeah yeah yeah yeah we didn't talk about nola but I think it's for what it is. Well, I hope they, I do hope they start going with an opener for him. I know he probably doesn't like it, but if you go opener,

they can get you two innings or even one. Take through that lineup first, start later in the lineup, especially you start him with the six hit or the seven hit or something like that and give him a little ease-ins type of situation. Yeah, well, he's been fine recently of starting games.

It's just he dies, like his stuff just dies in the middle. One time through the lineup, he's been fine. So if you give him an open, and then go an inning or two, and then he can just, like, you need three,

three innings from Maranola. And it sucks. It's just the reality situation, though, where it's how you can get through to the sixth inning without using your leverage guys. Maybe when they trade for a starter, it's him and Ron Hell. Like, they kind of piggyback that thing.

But, man, the Nola thing, certainly. It's gotten dire quick, it feels like. Yeah. And again, it keeps seeming like these spots where they get out in front and then he just, you know, it's so frustrating. Like it must be, we talk about all the time with that bullpen in 2020, all these things where it's one thing where it's like, you know, it's a very defeatist feeling when the players know that a pitcher is not going to be

able to get outs in a situation. And it must be a defeatist feeling when you have a pitcher on the hill where you take a five nothing lead or something and you're like, well, you know, the white knuckle time guys. You know what I mean? That's got to be, you know, they love Aaron. he's done a lot. I'm sure they, like, you know,

their buddy, whatever, but like I'm sure a part of them when they're out there is like the, the J.T. Jared Hughes meme, you know,

where you're just kind of like, ah, man, here we go, you know? At least there's only four more years. Litch there's only four more years. Terrific. All right.

So we'll be back on Monday at some point after that Royals game. Or Tuesday. Or Tuesday. Probably, guys, probably Tuesday. Probably Tuesday.

probably Tuesday and then next Saturday. Don't forget, we get all kinds of stuff coming. And it's exciting me. It's fun that Phil's are good. We got the All-Star game coming. Like, this is kind of a really, freaking awesome little spot here, man. I'm feeling.

Jalen Brown to Philly, Philly on the sports, you know, in the world. We're kind of there. LeBron's coming, you know? Yeah. This is exciting. Yeah.

Last question. Last question. Because as we know, it all, Jack, it all only matters now. relates to the Phillies. Yeah.

LeBron or other athletes and other sports here? Could people be like, oh, look at Philly. What's popping off there? I want to go playing Philly in all the sports. Well, I don't know how to work with the baseball team. They're pretty up against it. Money-wise. So it doesn't just work.

People don't just come for free and just, I'll take a dollar to play for you. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, well, at least we said we weren't going to do a long one today. I know. That was my fault. Every time I say it. All right. this is fun thank you to everyone we love all of you so much have a wonderful fourth uh it's a cool

stay warm i mean stay cool yeah stay warm the heat uh so i meant say say cool stay inside with the heat out there but you know what you're no water no water no water go outside and sit there and just just deal with it's good time for some miller lights yeah tell me about it i am ready to rock right now all right we'll be back uh tuesday until that he's read some thoughts on time