High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Much Like Bryce Harper, We Want To Die In Phillies Uniforms, Too

Episode Date: June 19, 2023

Jack Fritz and James Seltzer are excited after the Phillies' sweep of the Athletics and are ready to take on the Braves this week at CBP. 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

This is the High Hopes Podcast. High Hopes! It's a bunch of baseball nerds talking about the Phillies. On Odyssey and Sports Radio 94 WIP. Oh, it is another edition of the High of Podcast Frenzy. People were giving us crap on Twitter. We'll take their bag. Well, guess what? We were freaking right.

They are back, buddy. They are back. 13 of 15. They went, what, 5-1 on a West Coast trip? 6-1 on a West Coast trip? They're back, buddy. I don't have to hate this team anymore. This is so exciting.

It's fun to watch the Phillies play baseball. It's really fun. It's really fun. And I'm ready to print the playoff tickets. I look forward to seeing everyone down at Sinsbank Park again for some postseason baseball. We're back. It's not even a bit anymore. They just are. And it was funny.

Especially in my mentions because people don't like how positive I am largely about the Phillies sometimes. Let's see if they can take two or three at Oakland. It's like, okay, well, they just swept Oakland. Now, it wasn't the most inspiring baseball. No, but you know what?

They handle business. And again, honestly, we haven't talked since we did our Emergency Loser podcast that we did. Which I voted should have been our last podcast ever. Honestly, I mean, it totally turned everything around. I'm just saying. I mean, they haven't lost since it. No big deal. They haven't lost since we recorded a podcast, which is a tough thing to tempt around. I'm just saying. I mean, they haven't lost since it. No big deal. They haven't lost since we recorded a podcast, which is a tough thing to tempt fate.

Because it's like, well, if they lose tomorrow night, it's like, well, great. That's because Jack and James. Yeah, then we're going to blame us. Yeah, we have to record the podcast. But I will say, they did win the game the night that we said they were back. They did? No, it was against the Tigers. Then they had to come back.

And they were, frankly, lucky to win that game. But they've were back. They did? No, it was against the Tigers, then they had to come back, and they were frankly lucky to win that game. But they've been back, 13-15, and look, you're right, Oakland was not the prettiest brand. Friday was nice. Friday was a nice little win. Friday was beautiful. Friday was a solid win.

They went in, they handled business, they pitched well, they hit well, I mean, Taiwan, the whole thing. Saturday, they won what, like a 3-2 bullpen game or whatever? They won 12 innings, it was fun. Never doubt, yeah. And then yesterday, they handled business. They lose the lead, they won what, like a 3-2 bullpen game or whatever? They won 12 innings. It was fun. Never a doubt, yeah.

And then yesterday, they handled business. They lose the lead. They get another run. They keep handling business. It was not pretty. Oakland's not good. They've been playing better. You know what?

They freaking swept a team on the West Coast, man. It could be Oakland A's Little League team, and I'd be impressed with the Phillies sweeping a team on the West Coast. Well, especially coming off of winning 3-4 in Arizona. And it should have been 4. Let's be honest. It should have been 4. They came really close team on the West Coast. Well, especially coming off of winning 3-4 in Arizona. And it should have been 4. Let's be honest. It should have been 4.

Like, they came really close to sweeping the West Coast trip. Should have been 4. And it was a classic letdown spot. And I think the difference. Even the lineup was a letdown lineup. It was. Now, Castie has the runs. So hopefully that, you know. It's the only thing that can slow him down.

Who knew? What do you think he ate? So there's some bad food out West? Oh, yeah yeah i definitely tried some sushi or something somewhere he shouldn't it go well yeah um but yeah like the the the most the thing that's giving me the most hope and the thing that i like the most right now is finding ways to win games they're losing earlier in the year and and not like it felt like early in the year when when they're doing the whole win four, lose five, win three, lose six.

Win one, lose six. Exactly. They couldn't. It looked like they were just waiting around for it to click, and now I feel like they're going and just doing it. They're actually doing the right things to go and try to win baseball games. I feel like you haven't seen the mental lapses in the field. No, the base running stuff.

Dude, so I just, I almost need to like just wax poetically. I love Christian Bacce. Oh, I know. Who'd have thunk it? Who'd have thunk it? There's still a part of me

that's a little bit of like... Is it with him taking third on that? Is that what made you think of it? Yeah. Well, it's like him taking third. It's the diving catch on Friday night. The diving catch was... It's the...

Well, it's actually when you compare him to what he's usually replacing Schwerber out there. I know. And it's like, wow, what a difference. I will say, whew. Essentially, when you compare him to what he's usually replacing Schwarber out there, it's like, wow, what a difference. I will say, in games going forward, and I know that Marsh is a center fielder, but put Pache in center and put Marsh on left if we're going to do the Schwarber DH thing. Yeah, I mean, Pache is a transcendent outfielder. He's so good defensively.

He's one of the best we've seen here in the time we've been doing this pot. He might be the best defensive outfielder we've seen in a Phillies uniform. Yeah, I mean, Worth is really smart. Yeah, I'm talking since've been doing this potty, he might be the best defensive outfielder we've seen in a Phillies uniform. Yeah, probably. Worth is really smart. I'm talking since we started doing the pot. I'm saying the last seven years, he's probably the most talented defensive outfielder they've had. Definitely.

And it's just like, it's difference-making stuff. That won him a game on Friday. It didn't win him a game. Yeah, they couldn't lose that game, for sure. And him getting third base on that on Saturday was really, really smart. It was gutsy. It was a horrible call by the ump. He was so clearly safe.

It was like, what are you doing? And then he had two balls in the gap yesterday, and it's like, wow. The hitting is – That's shocking. When he got here, we were all like, this guy's never going to hit. He is a lost. And it's like, K-Long had him for a week, when he got here, we were all like, this guy's never going to hit. Like, he is a lost. And it's like, K-Long had him for a week, and he's like ripping doubles. And it's like, what is this?

We'll see. I mean, like, I'm very, I love him. Like, he's like, I love him. I'm not, like, sold, sold on the hitting. You're not expecting him to bat 340. No, I'm not expecting that. He did have a double up already yesterday, which was a big step forward. But, like, the overall vibe of the team is they're getting back to winning style of baseball.

They're playing with confidence. They believe in themselves. They believe they're going to win these games. Stuff matters so much. We talk about it all the time. And that's why I know they play the Nationals. I know they play the Tigers. But they figured out how to win games there.

And clearly that kind of momentum carried over. They went down to Arizona, a place that they've just been awful at, just awful. And they were like, you know what? We're the freaking NL champs. Like you can have your cute little 50 win record right now, but like we're the damn NL champs. And like we're going to go out and start showing that. And they're finally starting to show that confidence, show that style of baseball, whether it's like a different guy. I mean, Schober's stepping up seemingly every night. I mean, again, you always we joke about it and we mean, Schauber's stepping up seemingly every night.

Again, we joke about it and we tweet this exact thing to each other, but it is the single funniest bit in the history of Philadelphia sports. Maybe in the history of baseball. It is up there. It's not funnier than Foles only being good in the Eagles. You're right. He's terrible.

That's why I could never extend the... Don't besmirch Nick. I know. Nick Great is the GOAT. But it... You're right. I'll just let it go. I'll let it go.

You're right, though. You're right. That is a good bit, though. You're right. It's an all-time bit. It's an all-time bit. Like, he's terrible everywhere else. He's out-duels Tom Brady when he's in an Eagles uniform in the Super Bowl.

What's on an Eagles uniform? No big deal. And he's the GOAT. You're right. That's actually... You're right. But the June... It's like...

It is ridiculous. Like, even Thompson... Like, so, Rob, what is it with June and Trevor? He's like, I don't know. It's like, it just, it is. It is. It is just a thing that is. And there's a part of me that's like, obviously everyone's thinking like, why can't you just do this all year?

It's like, I don't know. And I wonder if there's a part of him that's like, eh, I'll be there. Like, don't worry. Like, I'll wake in June. I'll wake up. Also, I do think there's something about of him that's like, yeah, I'll be there. Like, don't worry. Like, in June, I'll wake up. Also, I do think there's something about the leadoff spot. Very clearly. Jack, he's a human.

Not a robot meant to play baseball. Maybe he's comfortable there. What a thought. He is comfortable. I mean, he's clearly comfortable there. I mean, that's where he wants to hit. And, you know, people obviously are like, well, he's slow, yada, yada, yada.

I said this all offseason. But there is something to the fear of being down 1-0. Yeah, no doubt. And he did it three times this. Three times this trip, two in the last three games. It's very J-roll-ish. It is, yeah. That's what J-roll used to do.

It is. And it is. It does. You get up 1-0 like that, it does matter. That is right off the bat. You're down. And especially with a team playing with confidence, you get that lead and you roll with it.

And also, like, being fast and stuff, it doesn't matter anymore at the top of the lineup. On top of the fact that the DH is here now. So you're not, like, batting after a pitcher. Part of the thing about the big thing about being a leadoff hitter was every time you're, like, leading off because you're batting after a pitcher. That doesn't even matter anymore.

Like, the whole leadoff thingoff thing, just get on base. Get on base and look to do damage. And look to do damage, exactly. Believe me, if everyone was Mookie, I mean, Mookie's the perfect mix of all of it. He's fast. He hits home runs. He's patient when he wants to be.

He's one of the best players in baseball. But Schwarber, I like that he's inching closer to 200. Oh, I know. And he's about to take the home run he's inching closer to 200. Oh, I know. And he's about to take the home run lead again. You know, he's at 20 homers. I know. Shohei's at 24. Alonzo coming back quick hurts.

And sadly, Shohei, I think he's going to probably win June Player of the Month. Shohei is just. There it is. But it's the, you've seen, I'm not sure everyone's seen it, but the people tweeting out the Angels leaderboard page, you know, where they're like, it'll show like all the leaders offensively and pitching and like, it's like the main categories, home runs, RBI, average, whatever, like the strikeouts.

He leads in all the categories. It's like the Angels leaderboard page is Shohei Ohtani in every category. It's wild. And I know we'll get back to the Phillies in one second, but I had this thought about Shohei over the weekend where I was like, I can't wait to be like the 60 to 80-year-old guy that's like, I saw Shohei with Donnie play. Oh, yeah, me too.

I had to grow up hearing my granddad talk about, oh, I saw Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, all those guys, all the greats growing up, Schmitty, whatever. I get to be like, guess what? I saw a guy throw 99, lead this team in the ERA, and also lead the league in home runs. It's insanity. I win. Yeah, I win. Again, I've said that Bond's the best hitter I've ever seen on the line. Shoya Otani

without a doubt is the best baseball player of our lifetime. It is inarguable. It's inarguable. He's the most talented baseball player ever. Ever. In the history of the sport, period. End of discussion. It's over. That's it. We're done talking. Yeah. No, it is.

He's ridiculous. But you know what? He's not better than the Phils. Actually, they are better than the Phils right now. They're like, what, 41? They've been playing good baseball. I know. It's so annoying.

Because there's nothing funnier than the Angels having two home runs and pitching whatever. I know. Well, that's the famous tweet. The famous tweet. Yeah, the tungsten O'Neill or whatever. Yeah. Yeah. First time since 1893 that this has happened. And Angels lose 6-4. Like, it's the famous tweet. The tungsten O'Neill or whatever. Yeah, first time since 1893 that this has happened.

And Angels lose 6-4. It's the best. It's the best. But, yeah. Because it happens so much. It's every day. It's every day. I mean, Trouts, again, it's the biggest waste of talent.

I know. Well, I mean, as soon as Mick got there, he started winning. I don't know. That's what he does. He's here. He helped turn his own team around. who's Mick got there started winning. I don't know.

That's what he does. He's here. I helped turn his whole team around. But yeah, it's just like every aspect of the team is starting to make sense.

Lineup's starting to hit better. Saturday and Sunday were annoying. I'll give him a pass on Saturday. Like, you know, bad games happen. Yesterday was obviously

just the throwaway lineup. Yesterday was that we have been on the West Coast for a week. We're flying home. We have an off day tomorrow. Like, let's get through this baseball game and go home. Big time.

And he'll never admit this, but you can't tell me that Rob Thompson essentially wasn't like McPhail with if we win, we win. If we don't, we don't. Look at the lineup. Yeah. Honestly, it was more important for them to have extra days rest heading into a big home series. Especially after all the wins you've had.

Yeah, you've got the Braves and Mets coming up. This is the most important week of the season in terms of at least opponents at the point you're having it I'm so and look they still found and that's that's the point they found a way to win the game they got stuff like by the way Scott Franski says junior so I'm going junior now junior Marte

coming in getting a save closing it out like striking out the side looking awesome like guys stepping up in spots like that that was was important, you know? And I think seeing them win games like that, it just, like that's what we saw last year. It's like Harper goes down. Boom, we keep winning games.

We're 10 games above. Like that, I haven't felt that from this team yet this year until now. Yeah, and I think that's really been the last two weeks. It's like that, and I don't want to coincide it directly with dancing on our own coming back. But it kind of coincides directly. I mean, it started that Saturday in Washington that they won 4-2 on a bullpen game. And it's so, it's like, I don't know.

Going back to their happy place. Yeah, they're just like, listen, we're back. We're going to play Dancing on Her Own when we win. We should have never got rid of it. I love the quote, too. It's like, we decided to second play a song, but second play is a lot better than what we're going to play dance on our own when we win. We should have never got rid of it. I love the quote, too. It's like, we decided to second play song, but second play is a lot better than what we're doing. Stubbs needs a lifetime contract. I love him.

If I could give a lifetime contract to a couple Phillies, Stubbs is on that list. Yeah, no doubt. 100%. I mean, a great interview. Hilarious. Gets it. And he matters to the team. Yes.

Like, clearly. They could get a better backup catcher. Sure. I don't want a better backup catcher. Sure. I don't want a better one. I don't either. I want Garrett Stubbs. And look, honestly, like, the backup catcher we had before Stubbs was worse. It's actually an upgrade.

Now stop picking on Nappy. What? You're always picking on Nappy. He's worse than Garrett Stubbs. Garrett Stubbs is a better baseball player. Sure. He is. Garrett Stubbs, what a bunner, too, right?

Great bunner. A phenomenal bunner. I love. He's like a legit great bunner. I love that his glove says day game. It's great. And again, we've talked about this before, but when you go to the games and you see him

because obviously you rarely see him play, but if you see him play, sure, but he's the, you know, in between innings when JT's getting his stuff on, he'll come out and warm up the pitchers and you see him out there and you're like, wow, you're like really little for a catcher in Major League Baseball. You are.

He is like so tiny out there. Well, and that's how I just don't understand how he's here. I know. It makes no sense. I keep looking at him. I'm like. It makes no sense. He does not look like he belongs on a baseball team.

No, he doesn't. And I keep thinking like, could I have gotten. Every time I see him hit, I'm like, I don't know, man. But then it's like, obviously, he's insanely good at baseball. Yes, yes. It's got to be such a weird thing. And I've actually thought a lot about Garrett Sub's career recently. It's like your whole life growing up, you're the best player in your area.

Obviously, if you're a big leader, you're the best player in your area. You're the best player in your college team. And now you're just, like, cool being a backup. I think he was a top-ten prospect for the Astros at some point. A great organization. And now he's just like, yeah, I'm here. Backup guy. Yeah, but it's like such a like a, you got to be so egoless for that.

Yeah, you really do. And that matters. You know, that's part of being a team and everything kind of working together. Speaking of being a team, I don't know if you saw this, but I thought it was like, it was one of those moments where you start like seeing them come together. It was Friday after the catch that Pache made. I just love that Brandon Marsh is the first guy to greet him on the top step. Like when you're talking about team, you're talking about buy-in, you know, that's buy-in.

And that's like, that's my guy going to do that. Like, I appreciate you. Well, it reminds me of when the Eagles traded for JGI. you know that's buy-in and that's like that's my guy going to do that like i i appreciate it well it reminds me of um when the eagles trade for jay jay if you remember that first game of jay was here scores a touchdown cory clement and legarrette blunt running down the sideline and run it they're the first people to go like celebrate with him and hug him after they brought him in to you know but like and it was like whoa like look at this like that's buy-in right that is and it's also a winning culture. Yep.

That is a winning kind of culture. Totally. And I think that for years, the Phillies didn't have that. There's no way that happens two years ago. Oh, my God. Are you kidding me? No, 0%. Literally zero. But when you go through what they went through last year,

and you reach almost the peak of the mountaintop, and you start the season slow, you bring back dancing on our own, and they start to have that feeling again of like, oh, we're back back. Like, this, they have a chance now, I think, to turn into the great team. I agree. That we had expected in the offseason. Like, I don't think the Phillies are just good now. Like, they are good.

They're back. They're all of that. But I think the chance of them now turning into a great team is now here. Yeah. Well, look, and we've seen them do it again, but we've seen them handle their business against bad teams like they're supposed to. Sweeping the A's, sweeping the Tigers,

like doing all this stuff they're supposed to, but now they've won a series against the Dodgers. They won a series against Arizona, a four-game series. They're going into the series. I'm like, well, they're still 11-22 on the road. Well, they just went 6-1 on the road. Like, they're answering all these questions, and to your point, like, it just looks different. You can feel it. We were there last year. We know what the team looked like, what the vibe was Well, they just went six and one on the road. They're answering all these questions, and to your point, it just looks different. You can feel it.

We were there last year. We know what the team looked like, what the vibe was like, all that stuff. It's back. That's what it feels like watching this team now. For the first time all year, the last week of baseball, I expect them to get the big hit. I expect them to come back, and I wasn't feeling that earlier this season.

That was such a sign for me that this team is back. I expect them to come through when I definitely didn't before. And what now it stinks is that while they're obviously on fire right now. Yeah, the Braves went 13-2 in their last 15-2. And the Marlins went 12-3

and the Giants went 13-2. And the Reds. Yeah, and the Reds. It's actually insane. The Reds are on an eight-game winning streak. Can anyone just, like, calm down for one second and let the Phillies get into this thing? Well, luckily, we got one of those. Thank you, Mets, for sucking. It's great. The Phillies are four

and a half games up on the Mets right now. Four and a half games, Jack. I know. That was a quick turn. Padres are still a game under five-unders. They haven't been great, but you're right. I mean, the Marlins. It's, like, enough already. Yeah, calm down. Chill out, guys. First off, no one wants you in the playoffs. Nobody. Because no one's going to be in your ballpark. Yep. It'll be sad.

Let the big market teams get in. That's my personal opinion. I'm sure that Rob Manfred shares the same opinion. Oh, buddy. What a guy. What a guy, by the way, Rob Manfred. I mean, every time he talks... He just always says the wrong thing. He just sounds like... It's always. I mean, it started really with the... well, it's a honka medal.

I know. Well, that was the first one. And we're like, what? That's a weird quote for the commissioner of baseball to say. World Series trophy? What? What? By the way, Oakland, the first ballpark did not boo Bryce Harper because he said that he feels sad for them.

Wow. Love it. That's good. Go Oakland. By the way, we don't curse on this pod, but if we did, I would say what a bleep hole that place is.

Oh, it's awful. Like every time they would, like it would be a fly ball in the outfield and I see the big hole in the bottom of the wall. I'm like, what are we doing here?

Like, what are we doing here? That was annoying and also like the stupid, like where Sosa made the catch. I know. It's like, what are we playing?

I know. Well, they've got like, they've got like another full field in foul territory out there. Yeah, it's ridiculous. It's so ridiculous. It's ridiculous, what are we playing? I know. Well, they've got another full field in foul territory out there. Yeah, it's ridiculous. It's so ridiculous.

It's ridiculous. But yeah, 27,000 there yesterday, which is impressive. Yeah, which is nice. And I think the Oakland fans are, I mean, whatever. I think the whole thing is, I mean, the owner's the worst. He's a disastrous owner. And look, honestly, Oakland's a way bigger market than Vegas. Like, way bigger.

But whatever. No big deal. No, no big deal. No big deal at all. Sweet. But yeah, so Manfred's a way bigger market than Vegas. Like, way bigger, but whatever. No big deal. No, no big deal. No big deal at all. Sweet. But yeah, so Manfred's quote was just all time. I was like, well, no, no, that's been the average everywhere else. I know.

Congratulations. I know. You're such a loser, man. Like, you are just such a loser. It's unbelievable. Yeah, like, no empathy. Yeah. There's, like, absolutely no empathy at all.

But yeah, no, the other teams, like teams getting hot at the same time as the Phils has really been disappointing. It's annoying. Annoying is the word. Yeah, it is annoying. Because again, we both, we're good. The Phillies are good. I feel confident they're going to be in this.

They're going to keep winning games. I think they're going to get to 10 above eventually. I think they're going to keep getting better and all that stuff. So I'm not concerned that the Marlins are going to beat them out or whatever. It's just like enough. All right. Yeah. Make it easier for like enough. I want a handout.

We just said one 13, 15. We're still one game out of the wildcard. What the hell is that? Give me my participation. Thank you. That's right. Yeah,

exactly. And real quick statement on the Mets. You got something coming for you this weekend. Like you got, they got to make up for what happened. It's the most must win series in the history of, of Philly's New York. It's the most must-win series in the history of Phillies-Mats. It's not true. The last series was... Yeah, not even close to true.

The last series was so disheartening, and that was really our low point. Yeah. It was our low point in the season with that. It's go time. Make up for what happened. Right the wrong. Well, not just that series. For last year, too. We gained the point where it's nice to be back to feeling how

we felt the majority, or at least, you know, the second half of last year about this team and, you know, about them in the playoffs and excited about the Phillies and all that. But this Mets thing is like, enough already. Enough. Enough already. All right? You're a good baseball team. They're not right now.

Like, handle your freaking business. They will. They will. They will. They will. I feel confident. But I'm very, like, the Brave series I'm very excited for. Me too, dude. Like, this is, this feels big.

It feels like a big series, and it feels like, all right, these are, and look, I mean, Braves are good. Braves are good. They're a really good baseball team. I've become obsessed with running differential now. Okay. Yeah, I know. Well, they're plus 100.

They are plus 100. Phillies have made some ground, though. We were at minus 50-something or whatever. We're in the teens now. Minus 13. I knew it was in the teens, yeah. That's really solid ground the Phillies have made up. It is.

Plus 100. Plus 100. Plus 100. Braves are really good. It's sickening. 20 games over. Sickening, but they're really good. They're like a machine.

They really are. And they have turned themselves into, obviously, one of the model franchises in the sport. I think in terms of just acquisition and development, because obviously the Rays, for the last decade, whatever you want to say, they've been the gold standard. I think over the last, let's say, like four to five years, I think the Braves have been the gold standard of that.

They've been the best in terms of signing players, drafting, developing, and just bringing up talent. I mean, it's been unbelievable. And then obviously putting guns to those guys' heads to get them to sign long-term contracts for absolutely nothing. Right. It's the only thing that makes any sense. They've run on Cunha for 10 years, 100 million or whatever it is. Yeah, he's got to hold out.

Dude, he should hold out. He should. They don't do that in baseball. They should. He should hold out. That is the most ridiculous contract in the freaking sport. I know.

And the next, like, four most ridiculous are like Ozzie Alves and Austin Riley. Well, they might have missed on Michael Harris, which would make me happy. Just get one wrong.

They didn't pay him yet, though. They did. Oh, they paid Harris? Yeah. Oh, I didn't realize they paid. They got a contract last summer. Oh, wow. As a rookie?

Off the rookie year? I didn't realize that. Wow. Well, Sean Murphy's good again, so, you know. I'm pretty sure he did. Braves are the worst, wow. As a rookie? Off the rookie year? I didn't realize that. Wow. Well, Sean Murphy's good again, so you know. I'm pretty sure he did. Braves are the worst, man. They are so frustrating. They're very good, though. Yeah, he signed eight years, $72 million. He did? Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, look, though, if he's any good, that's a... No, I know. Well, we signed Kingery. It's great. Yeah, we signed Kingery. Everything's fine. We're very good at that. Same level as the Braves. Yes. Yes. It's a big series. I am veryery. Everything's fine. We're very good at that. We're the same level as the Braves. Yes. Yes. It's a big series.

I am very, very excited. All right. But you know what's nice about the series is that, like, usually pre-back, I'd be, like, really nervous heading into the series. Are you just excited? I still get nervous for series. Like, I was nervous for the Dodgers series. Mm-hmm.

Yeah. Because I was like, just don't embarrass me. Yeah. And I think you're back, but, like, go prove to me you're back. And I'm worried for myself frankly because when I usually get to kick my feet up portion of Philly season usually this completely nose dies

but I'm like I'm just excited for first off I think the crowds are going to be great I think people are going to be in for these games I think the crowds are going to be into it and I think that the players are going to be in for these games. Oh, yeah. I think the crowds are going to be into it. And I think that the, you know, I think the players are going to be up for it. And I just think it's the first time they've been here since, what, Strider? Since they clinched, yeah, went to the NLCS from it.

So I just think that this is kind of their. Strider pitching tomorrow, too. Good. Well, hopefully recently. Strider versus Ranger. Advantage bills. You know what's funny is he has a better yard than Strider. Even with having like a. That's Bills. Do you know what's funny? He has a better ERA than Strider. Even with having like a.

That's my point. Yeah, like significantly. Strider's got like a 4-3 or a 4-1 ERA or something like that. I hate to say it. I hate to say it. But, you know, I think that, like, obviously the Dodgers series is great. Diamondback series is great. You're righting some wrongs there.

But, like, not come home and just, like, show the Braves and put a little, strike a little bit of fear in them. That's all I got. Like, a little bit of, like, we're here, too a little bit of like we're here to handle business yes that's what we asked for and look one thing that we didn't mention but does you know again they're way behind them now but you know you that series out in Arizona you get the tiebreaker which is important and we remember we're talking tiebreakers right that mattered like that mattered you know they didn't mattered. You know, they... But I didn't think it in the moment it mattered. What? I didn't think it in the moment

that it mattered. Right, but it ended up mattering, you know? So, that is something that, you know... You got me thinking about run differentials. I can't think about tiebreakers in June. Well, one is more important than the other. I know. So, one is just for your own, you know, you want them to look better on the standings page. Yes, 100%. Like, when they were, like, I think at one point last year, they were, like,

plus 40 in run differentials. Yeah, we're good. Marlins are like minus 24, by the way. By the way, the Marlins were plus before. The Marlins have dropped. But yeah, winning baseball games makes a ton of sense. Hopefully only for a little bit longer.

Anything else from the weekend before we get to the take back? Ty Warren was great. He was great. He was great, dude. He was great. He won eight innings. It i like that it feels like thompson's keeping the starters in a little bit longer i know he pulled wheel yesterday but i think i think i didn't think wheeler has good stuff yesterday so i i think he got about as much as he could out of him um but it feels like he's just trusting his guys more and i thought it was really important uh especially on his last start we got pulled in

five innings and i think tai Taiwan was not happy about that. Yeah, yeah. And this was like Rob Thompson said, all right. I like that. Like, go earn it. Yeah. And he went out there, threw eight innings.

He could have pulled him. I was surprised he went back out for the eighth. Went out for the eighth and was fine. And handled it. And he had a runner on that inning. He let him go do his thing. Like, left him out there. And he got out of it.

So I thought that was an important moment for... They're new together. They obviously haven't... They're new. So I think that was important for their growth. Now that he's throwing 95 again, it's just such a difference maker. It looks completely different.

I think they have a new plan for him. With lefties, with lefties, I think that rather than trying to blow four seamers by him, they're just throwing that sinker on the inside

and like letting that kind of be the pitch rather than four seamers. So changing around like the youth. They've been tinkering with his usage all year with all of his pitches.

So I think that that's going to be the new change for lefties and it worked on Friday. Dude, I, it's funny because obviously they don't have a fist

star at the moment but christopher sanchez we should mention that like fine fine just let him all we've been talking about for the whole time how many times we said just where is christopher sanchez why is he not getting these opportunities worked out perfectly um but it is funny though because i think and i think honestly this is a a i would say this is the commonly held feeling among Phillies fans right now. Wheeler, all good. He's back. We're good. Ranger, all back.

He's good. Tywon, this guy's good. I'm excited about him. Aaron Nola. I think that, honestly, I would agree. If I were starting a playoff series tomorrow, Nola would be my four starter. In terms of who I would trust the most to go out and pitch well for me in a playoff series., Nola will be my four starter. Like, in terms of who I would trust the most to go out and pitch well for me in a playoff series, and that's

crazy. Yeah, the, the, it's tough because I thought he was really good at the Diamondback start, and I don't think- It's just the runners on base thing. It is, like, so clear, the pitch clog and the runners on base, like, it's an issue for him. Yeah, his numbers out of the stretch are bad. Dude, it's like, his ERA, his ERA is, I think

192 out of the lineup, and it's 299. He's almost given up a three... Or, I'm sorry, his batting average against. I'm an idiot. His batting average against is 192 in the wind, and then 299. He's almost given up a 300 average when he's in the stretch. I mean, that's bad. That's really bad.

It's really bad. It's really bad. And I don't know why he can't figure it out yet. I mean, the pitch clock's not going anywhere. And you've had a lot of time to get used to it. Yep. So it's almost like I just have to hope he figures it out rather than I believe he's going to figure it out.

I think he's going to have one of those. I keep waiting for that five-start stretch where he just goes on a run. Which he always has. But I think the thing, and it feels like he's getting there where he'll pitch four great innings. He's locked in. He's always locked. He's awesome. And then a runner gets on, a guy gets a hit, and then all of a sudden it's a three-run homer.

And it's like, it's just, it is the same thing. So I do think that he, I think if it weren't for the pitch clock, I think he would have had these starts already. I really do think it is. It is. That's the issue. So, yeah. And then the fifth starter, we'll see. But if Chris Sanchez can just be fine, they'll be all right.

Just don't be a dumpster fire. Just go out there and be okay. I mean, I think Gelb wrote last week that McGarry and Abel, I don't think they're coming up this year, which is – Wow. Well, he's just like, I don't know. I don't know what they're doing. But we'll see.

And Griff was not great over the weekend pitching for Redding, so it's not like he's ready, ready. I'll just stick with Sanchez until the trade deadline. I would, too. And then see what happens. I would, too. Quickly, two more things before we get to take back. He may have been there, maybe don't, but I mentioned him before,

but quickly, I feel like we're 30 minutes into this podcast. I mean, 10 of 11 scoreless outings. Struck out the side. Got a one-run save yesterday. I feel like this might be a win for you, buddy. Might be. Might be a win for you. Junior Marte has looked great.

He has looked great. But, like, I don't know. It's not like he's not replacing Sir Anthony for me. No, of course not. But still, Sir Anthony's hurt right now. He needs to step up. Yeah, you need guys who are going to step in. And, look, they did a great job when Alvarado was out of keeping it together.

The guy stepped up. Kimbrough's pitched amazing. And that was kind of when he started rolling in the closer roll and all that. But, like, Marte yesterday, that was a spot where they needed the dude to step up. They didn't have the arms. Can't go pitch, all that stuff. And he came in, and he freaking struck out, and I know it's the A's, but he struck out the side, and he looked at times dominant doing it.

The fastball at the end, that slider, that's a pretty damn good pitch, man. Yeah, well, and what I liked is that JT kept calling fastball. I think when Junior gets in bad moments, it's like slider, slider, slider. You have 98 in your back pocket with Sink. Throw it. And you just have to hope he's on the Alvarado kind of track of last year, where it's like gets sent down, comes back up. And I think if he took out his first two outings, he already has like 3.6.

So he's been good. He's been pretty good. But it's always the bullpen pitchers. I kind of just always watch with, you know. I know. I also love how, like, beat down you are and that you're like, you're like, I don't know. Yeah, we'll see. You're taking too many L's there.

We'll see. Yeah, we'll see. We'll see. All right. One other thing. Look, I hate to do it. Like, why is Josh Harrison still in this baseball team? He is.

He is. He is tough, man. Like, he looks like he's a thousand years old. He can barely move. Why is he in right field in the first place? They could have lost the game because of that error. And that's a ball you have to catch. It's not like he's freaking crushing it at the plate or anything.

He is tough. He is tough. And he also dove yesterday and tried to catch that ball in right field. Maybe. And then it was like, oh my God, did he break himself? Brandon Martin's like, are you all right, dude? Josh Harrison played in every game of the A series. That's what I mean.

What is happening right now? Why is this guy playing like this? I have no idea. He shouldn't be on the roster. But neither should Dylan Covey. Why is he still here? Oh, I agree. Preach, pal.

And the fact that he's wearing 54 annoys me, but there's gotta be someone else besides Dylan Covey who can come up here and... Nick Nelson needs to be back soon, obviously, but whatever it takes. Whatever it takes. How does Luis Ortiz

get sent down, but Dylan Covey's still here? I'm right there with you, buddy. It's like, what do you think that you have there? What do you see that no one else sees? What do you think he's going to get claimed by someone? It's just

asinine. So it feels a little bit like last year where it's like why is DeeDee still here? And then they make a couple trades, they get rid of those guys. Why is Jerry Familia still here? Why are these guys still here? And then bang, they're all gone by like, you know, whatever. No, I think you're right. And by the way, I mean, Jake Cava is like a 1200 OPS.

He's been crushing in the minors. Triple A. Crushing in the minors. So if you need an extra outfielder, don't make Josh Harrison your right fielder. It's unbelievable. It's so bad. All right. Take back in a sec.

Shout out to Miller Lite. Always. Presented by Miller Lite. Miller Lite fulfills wins. And shout out to the Miller Lite Bar of the Week. Shout out to Barnaby's in Havertown, which we've been before. Barnaby's is an awesome, awesome place. We've had a lot of fun doing events there in the past.

Today's Miller Lite Bar of the Week is Barnaby's in Havertown, where you can watch all Philly's games with $4 Miller Lite bottle special. Go to barnabyshavertown.com. Shout out to Miller Lite. We love Miller Lite BarnabysHavirtown.com. Shout out to Miller Lite. We love Miller Lite. Take bag, my friend. All right. Real quick, real quick, before I forget,

the reason we're kind of rushing this right here, Jack Fritz hosting today unexpectedly. If you listen to this quickly, which I know a lot of people do, 2 to 6, WIP, check it out. Jack's going to be on the radio. And last time I was on the radio filling in for Marks, I said the Philly season was over. So you're welcome. Well, here you go. Thank go thank you you're welcome let's see what he says today

they've gone 13 of 16 I think since so or no yeah yeah 13 and three cents yep so uh again I don't know what to do with myself it's my problem it's like it's like you know you get two in your head with this well no I get so I guess but I get so excited and then I know you do well then hope I can't get too excited or else the season falls apart. But they also won the game six of the World Series last year. Yeah, I think... Don't give yourself too much credit. Well, it's hard not to.

I think it's time that we address the elephant in the room. Oh, God. Usually when this kind of stuff comes up, I have an idea where it's going. I have no idea where it's going. Good, yeah. Imagine Paul Goldschmidt in this lineup.

Have we not talked about it here yet? No, because you had a way ambulance had to go to bed on Thursday after the event and then another way ambulance. Way ambulance? We were together at the event. It was like late at night. I was ready. They took three or four from the Diamondbacks. You don't, you don't, you kept me

locked up. I can't get out and do a podcast. You record every night. No, I don't You've kept me You've kept me locked up I can't get out And do a podcast You record every night No I don't But Paul Goldschmidt So Here's the case Of Paul Goldschmidt

Is that he's Paul Goldschmidt Yeah he won the MVP Last year Case made And I just like I think we try Cody Clemens is playing Every day

Right And I think we try Too hard To like That's not the smart Thing to do Or whatever We need pitching Well it's like Yeah It doesn't Just because you get And I think we try too hard to like, that's not the smart thing to do or whatever. We need pitching.

Well, it's like, yeah, just because you get Paul Goldschmidt. It doesn't mean you can't get pitching too. It's like this one or the other thing. Well, and also like, if Nolan could just figure it out. Well, they should theoretically, likely, whatever, unless they're trading for Shane Bieber, which I don't think is going to happen. I just don't want, like I watched Shane Bieber on Saturday. Dude, so much hard contact.

It's Arrieta. Yeah. It's Arrieta. He's better than that. He's better than Arrieta. But I agree. It's that type of thing where he's not close to the guy he used to be. But regardless, I don't think that they're going to get a top, top-of-the-line starter.

No. So the point you've made when you've talked about this before is, like, which of these guys is going to help you more in the playoffs? Like, this team's going to make the playoffs. Like, I feel super confident about that. Like, Paul Goldschmidt can make a difference in the playoffs? Like, this team's going to make the playoffs. Like, I feel super confident about that. Like, Paul Goldschmidt can make a difference in the playoffs. Your fifth starter isn't.

How much of a difference did Kyle Gibson make last year for you in the playoffs? I know. Yeah. So, he has a year left after this year. And Reese, obviously, would not be coming back in that scenario. It would be so awkward if they traded for Goldschmidt. Like, Reese would probably never come around again. Well, how could he?

Yeah. But he also needs rehab. So, like, I don't know. It would be a weird dynamic. It would be a weird one. It would be weird. Yeah. But, like, can we just put away the prospect?

And I'm a prospect hugger. I love these guys. I do. You're the top one. I don't think I'm the top one. I'm up there, though. You're up there, yeah. But can we just dream about what a team of JT, Goldschmidt, Stott, Turner, Baum, Schwarber, Marsh slash Pache,

Castellanos, and Bryce Harper. What a freaking lineup. It's just, who is stopped? I know pitching, you're only as good as the next day's starter or whatever. Who is keeping that lineup down? Nobody. Oh, and by the way, for all the Reese stuff, Paul Goldschmidt is a brilliant defensive first baseman.

He is one of the best in the sport, too. No big deal. Which would be shocking. Can you imagine someone just picking it over there? A vacuum at first base. I know he's 36. I know he's 0-22 million. I get it.

But just dream for one second about how good that team would be. And, like, yeah, Shane Beaver's fine. But, like, I think he's on the downturn. And he would cost more than Paul Goldschmidt would cost. I think the Phillies have an Abel slash McGarry card to pull. They only have one trade. Big trade. Big trade.

You know? Yeah. And I think that if you can go get a Goldschmidt with, like, a Flaherty or a Jordan Montgomery who are both expiring at the end of the year, that every day I think makes them better than just a Shane Bieber trade. I agree. And again, it would be cheaper. Shane Bieber will cost more than Paul Goldschmidt.

I would think so. And no one's a bigger sucker for believing in Lance Lynn. You mean 16 strikeout Lance Lynn? Like you could trade the 20-something prospect in the system. Yeah, you should be able to get him for cheaper than what we're talking about. He's the end of the year. He could be your fifth starter. He's at half a season on the deal, yeah.

And just eat innings as your fifth guy. And look, he's arguably, I mean, he could, he had 16 strikeouts yesterday. He could definitely turn it around. And I'm sure he's made some, and he's going from a dinosaur organization to an organization. Yeah, and a losing culture to a winning culture. Totally. Yeah, never a doubt. Especially with this team.

They're the goats. I just, I'm excited about the idea of Paul Goldschmidt. And I think there's been too much of like, well, they don't need a first baseman or whatever. It's like, well. Yeah, they do. Especially with the way Edmundo has not. That's what I was going to say. Edmundo has not taken the step forward that I think a lot of people have thought.

Just bad at the plate. Defense is still amazing. Yeah, but he's been bad at the plate. He's been bad. I feel like Edmundo is swinging like a tree trunk. That's the way I feel. It feels like he's like, the bat looks so heavy with the looping swing, especially when he misses, like swings and misses,

which happens all the freaking time. Like, yes, it feels like he's trying to wave a freaking tree trunk. It's a great call by you. It looks like the heaviest bat in the world. It does. Maybe go down a side or something. Yes. You know what you should be doing?

Poking the ball in the right and left field, getting on base, getting some hits. You should not be like this big looping swing. It looks like he's trying to get out of the park every time. Oh, yeah. Don't! Yeah, well, that's what he is. I know, I know.

And I love Emundo, and it hurts to say that. I do, too. But, Emundo, we said this from the beginning. We love the guy. He is a bench player. He is as good a bench player as you're going to find. He's a perfect first guy off the bench. You know who he can replace? He's a bench player. He can replace Josh Harrison. He's a perfect first guy off the bench. But, like, he's a bench player.

He can replace Josh Harrison. Yes! He's who? That's, yes, yes. He's Josh Harrison. That's the role. Boom. So, we'll see if the Cardinals end up, you know, doing it.

If they end up trading him. Because I could easily see the Cardinals being like, ah, it's a down year. We'll get him next year. They've Aaron Otto under contract. Yep. You know, they have, obviously, Jordan Walker's back up now. But at the same time, like, Jordan Walker, they had in left field, he's not a good left fielder.

If you just move Jordan Walker to first base, you know. Yeah, which he, I mean, I think is his long-term aim. I mean, I don't think he's going to stick a third. Like, he's not. I'm glad that Jordan Walker, again, fantasy-wise, he's back. Anyway. Happy you threw that in there. Thank you.

But, man, it's hard not to be excited and tantalized about the idea of trading for gold. Yeah. Again, I actually have been kind of shocked at how much pushback there has been to it. It's almost like people think it's, like, this crazy idea. Also, you trade it. Like, if you didn't want Flaherty, you didn't want Jordan Walker or Jordan Montgomery as a throw-in deal. Again, like, we just mentioned Lance Lynn. Like, if you want to go get an innings eater

to be your five-star, theoretically, theoretically, Wheeler, Ranger, Nola, question mark, and Taiwan. If Nola keeps struggling, Taiwan's going to pitch him really well. If you can just get a fifth starter,

it should be fine. I think they only need four before the trade deadline. Yeah, well, because they have no Monday games for the next month, all that stuff. Yeah. So, go get Goldie. Yeah. Official high hopes position. Go get Goldie.

Ranger, I thought, changed up. So, Ranger threw a lot of fastballs up, which I think has been a change for him, for righties, whatever. It's one to monitor. Like, fastball up, and then if you can go, well, four-seamer up, whatever. It's one to monitor. Like fastball up, and then if you can go, well, four seamer up, and then sinkers down,

changeups down. I thought his adding in Arizona was his best of the season. Oh, brilliant. I mean, he's like, he just reminds, again, we've said this like eight times

on the podcast, but he reminds me so much of Cliff Lee. It's like, he's like a Cliff Lee who smiles. Yeah, he's happy. He likes playing baseball.

He's like a happy looking Cliff Lee. And everyone loves him, you know? Yeah. And I will, even more, Cliff had this too, but even more, he's happy. He likes playing baseball. He's like a happy-looking Cliff. And everyone loves him, you know? Yeah. And I will, like, even more, Cliff had this too, but even more, Ranger, without ever worrying that he's not going to get that guy out, because I'm never worried about it, he is the most nonchalant fielder I've ever seen. Yes.

Like, it is, like, it's, like, they're, like, I know he'll get him out so I don't freak out, but there are times where I'm like, dude, he's like a foot away from the bag, throw the frickin' baseball, and then he curls it over and he always gets him. It's like, dude, like, how can you be this calm? Speaking of throwing over to first base, this is just a message to Craig Kimbrell. You don't have to throw a 99 with

rise to it. Just throw it over there. Toss it over, man. You throw hard. If I'm Bo, I'm like, alright, man. Relax. Shout out to Kimbrell, though, man. Of all the things that have happened with the Phillies this year, the way he has looked since taking over the closer or whatever is the single most surprising thing for me. Pache.

Oh, no, you're right. I guess Pache. Yeah, you're right. Pache, too, being able to hit. Pache is. But even still, it's right there. I thought Kimbrel was flat out cooked, and he looks awesome. In that spot, what was it, Saturday?

That was a big spot. Josh Harrison makes the error, and he battles his way through. I'm shocked at how impressed I am with Craig Kimbrel. Are you ready to use the L word? Do you love Craig Kimbrell? I think I do. Wow. Yeah.

Well, you know, when we did the morning show and we were down in Clearwater, we interviewed him, and he was amazing as an interviewer. And that was back when I'm like, well, this guy stinks. But he blew me away with the interview. Everything he said was perfect. And he had like, you know, how he wants the ball in his hand. Now it's like, you know, all this just great stuff. Exactly what you want from him.

And I was like, oh, if only this guy were good. That'd be cool. And now he's good. Now you can love him. I'm in. Now you can love him. I'm in. Always been a huge Craig Cameron fan.

Yep. Part of the fun of a baseball season for me is seeing guys figure stuff out as the season goes on. And the new thing that I'm definitely looking forward for the next little stretch here is the Alec Boehm pull stage. He's clearly trying to do it. So I think what they're trying to do is like, all right, man, you have a good approach.

You're really good at going the opposite way. We get that. Do that with two strikes. Everything before two strikes, freaking like just try to launch. Just launch. Try to launch. Hey, do what Ed Mundo Sosa's doing. Just try to launch just launch try to launch do like hey do what emuno sos is doing just try to hit home runs yeah so um like that home run he hit on friday i was like wow and then and then there was a bad on saturday where like he just

kept pepper and he almost had another home run that just happened to go foul so i think that the boom like what we saw in spring training saw the first like month of the of the year and then like for some reason was like ah you know what i going to go back to being a little slap hitter. I think that version of Alec Boehm is back. And I also think that, like, I just, I have, I was surprised he was out of the lineup yesterday. I think Bryce is about to go nuclear. I think so too.

Like, he's close. Well, he's had, I think, like, three of the last four games or two at games. It feels like he's right on the cusp of it. He's just missing. He's just missing. He's had a few warning track shots. And by the way, just thinking of Boehm and

Bryson Stott. Oh my god. What a hitter, man. I love watching him. He might be my favorite guy to just watch on a day-to-day basis. The at-bats, the way he... I feel so confident. If I need the ball put somewhere, that's the guy I wanted to play. I'm just so impressed with him.

I feel like Bryson Stott is every dad's favorite player. Oh, my God. Totally. Like, every, like, local dad that's, like, at the barbecue yesterday or father's day, like, you know, yeah, you know who I love? Yeah, Stott's a ball player, man. He's a ball player.

Yeah, he knows how to play the game. He puts a bat in a ball. He's not worried about striking out all the time. Yeah, Bryson St Stock can play the game. All right? So good. So good. Speaking of Bryce Harper, the quote of him wanting to die in a Phillies uniform.

God, I love him. Most relatable thing I've ever heard. Every single Phillies fan was like, I freaking love you, man. You're my guy, dude. You're my guy. Now, is he just trying to get people to wear His jersey when they go in the tomb Or they go in the There's no tombs anymore right

I mean there's mausoleums and stuff like that What do you go in the coffin I mean they have tombs But I don't think people go in tombs anymore Well Bryce Harper could He's tomb worthy I think he's tomb worthy But I think like

He's tomb worthy for sure I think like, you know, he's tomb worthy for sure. But like growing up, people are like, oh, I'm going to bury me in a Dawkins jersey. People did get buried in a Dawkins jersey. Is he trying to be that athlete for the city now? I hope so. You know what? He's working. What if he actually, so I know this could be viewed as morbid.

You think so? I don't even need to hear what you're going to say. I'm be viewed as morbid. You think so? I don't even need to hear what you're going to say. I'm sure it's morbid. But what if when Bryce eventually does pass on through old age when he's older? At this point, I do need to see him in a Philly's uniform. I know. Like an open casket Philly's uniform. Yeah, I agree.

When we're doing this podcast. I agree. And I'll be dead by then, but you'll be alive. You'll be alive. So when I'm doing this podcast with whoever at this point, and like, I need to see Bryce at this point. He needs to be buried in any Phillies uniform. I agree.

He said it. He did say it. We didn't say it. What a line, though. I mean, I know, like, I've said forever, I don't care if he's coached up. I don't care if it's whatever, pandering. Like, I don't care.

It's perfect. He says always the exact thing I want you to say. It's exactly what I want from you, Chris. So thank you. Yes. I am out on the upside down pea filly's hat. I don't know why it's a thing. I hate it.

I hate it. I can't look at it. I actively dislike it. It feels like looking at it is the feeling in my ears when I hear chalk on a chalkboard. I like that. That's what it looks like to me. I can't look at it. I actively dislike it. It feels like looking at it is the feeling in my ears when I hear chalk on a chalkboard. I like that. That's what it looks like. I agree with you. What are we doing here? Out. Yeah. It's a great call by you. Thank you.

I could really use Brandon Marsh figuring it out. I could really use a nice hot streak. Because I love good hitting Brandon Marsh. He's a hot and cold guy. Yeah, I know. I know. And believe me, I've already had the thought of like, well, hold on. How much longer until Pache starts? You mentioned early in the pot even. You're like, Pache in center here and there. Well, Pache

should be in center. If he's in the lineup, he should be in center. If they're both in the lineup, it should be Pache in center and Marsh in left. Again, just play two outfielders. You'll be fine with those two. Well, oh, okay. Just patrol the whole thing. Castellanos can go be like a fifth infielder or whatever. We're fine. Right. We're fine. Right.

Reinventing baseball. Dude, Pache, it's like every time a ball's hit the center field, it's like, how's he going to get to this point? I know. I love him. Yeah, me too. Again, and they both are. Again, Pache is better. Pache is much better at making the ridiculous.

I feel like Brandon Marsh rarely makes the brandon marsh leaping diving catches he's just he's just the best reader of a ball like ball of the bat he's there besides besides ones that he's coming in on yeah he's not good at coming in but like pache it feels like not only is he great at reading it and does that too but he will also like make those unbelievable it was notable and it was such a difference. And by the way, it's like, holy cow, Schwartz. It looks like he's not even trying to run. Do you know he's trying to run?

Again, it looks like he's hurt. It looks like he's an old man running. It looks like he's not trying. But I know he's trying. I hope he's trying. Although there has been, I felt like, again, like a local dad

where it's like, can you hurry up? It's like creaky old man guy. But if I was noticeable, like Josh Harrison, he looks like Josh Harrison. Well, I mean, Schwarber's just beyond slow. Oh, I know. My point is the way, like it looks like Josh Harrison's legs are going to snap

underneath him when he's walking. It feels like he can't bend his knees. That's what it feels like he can't bend his knees. That's what it feels like when I'm watching. Nice. But, you know, in the ninth or eighth, that ball went to the wall. Like Pache in left field, he keeps him to a single there. Yeah. Whereas if Schwarber's there.

Josh Harrison's lying on the ground in a pile of, yeah. You're really mad about Josh Harrison. It's the eighth time you brought up our old man. I'm just annoyed Like why is he here? Go ahead. We thought that about a lot of players last year Dave's got us Well, hey, you know what the Kimbrel thing, you know, apologies, we gave Dave a lot of One More you can have another one Dave. This is a good one

Do you think you turn the analytics department after his 10th save and was like, yeah, that's why I'm in the Hall of Fame. Dave Dombrowski. Hall of Fame? You? Yeah. How's your numbers looking, nerds? Yeah.

Oh, you told me his stuff's down? Guess who doesn't care? I test, bitches. Yep. That's what I do, baby. Dave Dombrowski. Yeah. I'm definitely worried about Mastrom.

Ooh. He's been struggling a little more lately. It seems like he lately it seems like he's already surpassed the amount of innings he's thrown in the last few years that's what I was saying to everyone when everyone was like the camera was driving me crazy make him the fifth starter I'm like bro he's about to pass his innings already you can't he cannot give you

five innings every fifth start he does not have that in his arm right now. Like, what are you, ah, figure it out. It's like, no, what are you talking about? It's not in his arm. I think it's his knees. Whatever it is, the point is, is just like, he did, again, he pitched 44 innings last year.

He's already at like 50 something. Yep. Yep. So, if Sir Anthony wasn't hurt, I'd be advocating more for like a month long. Like a phantom IL. Yeah, a phantom IL. Which probably will happen when Sir Anthony comes back. Yeah, hopefully, I mean, but it's the oblique.

Oh, yeah, which could last. Which you never know. You just never know. At this point, he was throwing 94. Well, he was clearly, I mean, he was awesome from like April 11th or whatever until the last couple outings, and then the last couple outings, giving up homers, not looking good. I think the injury is not a surprise.

Yes. Although I will start advocating for this. Start giving a Ryan Kirk ring on the fast track. On the fast track. Soto's been great. It's so nice to have a bullpen. It's such a nice feeling.

Soto's top five in Stranded Runner. I saw this. I think he's only let two of 17 scores. I didn't know that was allowed. It's like the most anti-Phillies thing I've ever seen. Officially three weeks until the draft. It's all I do.

Saturday I sat outside and Walker was asleep or whatever. I just spent two hours. You've been watching the College World Series? Is that part of it? Everyone's all Paul Skeens-ed up. They like Paul Skeens. He's the LSU pitcher.

Oh. He was throwing like 100. I'm just telling you. If I was banking on one being better than the other, I'd bank on Hurston Waldrop being better than Paul Skeens. So would I. Thank you, buddy. Because he's probably going to get drafted by the Rays,

whereas Paul Skeens is probably going to get drafted by the Nationals. Oh, yeah. It's funny because you're right in that we don't talk about that enough with baseball. With football, we're always like, oh, so much matters where your scheme or your head quarterback, oh, your career could be over because you have the wrong head coach or the wrong scheme for you or the wrong whatever. We don't talk about that enough in baseball.

Guys could have been great. They just end up in a crappy organization that doesn't develop them. You're right. I know. It's a really good point by you. I'm all in on Chase Davis. I know. You want me with Chase Davis.

But unfortunately, I think he's probably going to go earlier. But if not, welcome home, Chase. Potentially has a chance to, you know, probably will go down

as the greatest Chase in Phillies history. You can make that case. I am very happy the Phillies are back. But there's definitely, like, I need very happy the Phillies are back. Me too. But there's definitely, like, I need Chase Davis to be a Philly. He's everything I want.

He's a power-hitting left fielder that has the same swing as Cargo. And Cargo's, like, my favorite non-Philly for, like, five years. I love that guy. I love Cargo. And he's a perfect Schwarber replacement, like, in a couple years, where he can just play left field. I'm so in on this idea. He's perfect.

I love it. And I wish he could trade up in freaking baseball drafts. Well, Schwarber is going to be replaced next season since he will be

a DH next season. Yes. You can bet everyone someone else has an arm injury that they can't throw. Cassianos on the left, Harper on the right.

Yeah. Schwarber DH. Absolutely. Right? Goldschmidt at first. Yeah. Done. Boom.

Yep. Reese Hoskins on the raise with Zach Eflin. Ooh, interesting. I just picked a team. Yeah, Done. Boom. Yep. Reese Hoskins on the raise with Zach Eflin. Ooh, interesting. I just picked a team. Yeah, well, they like on base and home runs.

They'll sign him to $41 million would be their biggest contract. Yeah, no, and he'll win the AL MVP. When he has exactly 50 bombs. Yep, it's going to be sickening.

Like Reese going off and being great somewhere else actually draving for Goldschmidt would be sickening. Yeah, it would be. And Goldschmidt breaks down. No, mm-mm. Not our somewhere else after they draped for Goldschmidt would be sickening. Yeah, it would be. And Goldschmidt breaks down. No, mm-mm. Not our guy.

Not our guy, Paul Goldschmidt. All right, we done? Yes. You can do your show. I know, bud. Crush it today, buddy. It's going to be great. Everyone check out Frenzy. We'll be back later in the week

because Thursday game, we'll figure it out. Maybe we'll go after the game on Thursday or something. I don't know. We'll figure it out. Whenever your little precious schedule allows it.

I appreciate it. I'm tired every second of every day. Every second of every day, I'm something. I don't know. We'll figure it out. Whenever your little precious schedule allows it. I appreciate it. I'm tired every second of every day. Every second of every day I'm tired. That's my schedule. Don't care. I know. I know. That's great.

He's read some something.