High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - PHILLIES DRAFT GAGE WOOD EMERGENCY POD!!!

Episode Date: July 14, 2025

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to the Phillies picking Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft and react to everything that happened in San Diego over the weekend. Presented by Miller Lite To purchase Ring The Bell by Jack Fritz and Kevin Reavy go to RingTheBellBook.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miller Lite, the official beer partner of your Philadelphia Phillies, is proud to serve as presenting sponsor of WIP's High Hopes Pod. So whether you're listening to the game, catching up on the latest High Hopes Pod, or at the ballpark, remember it tastes like Miller time, Phillies fans. Celebrate responsibly. What's better than a well marbled ribeye sizzling on the barbecue? A well marbled ribeye sizzling on the barbecue that was carefully selected by an Instacart shopper and delivered to your door. A well marbled ribeye you ordered without even leaving the kiddie pool. Whatever groceries your summer calls for, Instacart has you covered. Download the Instacart app and enjoy $0 delivery fees on your first three orders.

Service fees, exclusions, and terms apply. Instacart, groceries that over-deliver. There's regular cold. And then there's the mountains are blue cold. Mountain cold refreshment. Coors light. The Chill Choice. Celebrate responsibly. Must be legal drinking age. Hey, so what did you want to talk about? Well, I want to tell you about Wigovie. Wigovie? Yeah, Wigovie. What about it? On second thought, I might not be the right person to tell you.

Oh, you're not? No. Just ask your doctor. About Wagovi? Yeah. Ask for it by name. Okay. So why did you bring me to this circus?

Oh, I'm really into lion tamers. You know, with the chair and everything. Ask your doctor for Wagovi by name. Visit wagovi.ca for savings. Exclusions may apply. This is the High Hopes podcast. High Hopes. On the Odyssey app and sports radio 94 WIP.

The crowd was singing High Hopes. Smiling through a broken nose. Oh, High hopes, high hopes I feel a little less alone Yoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Oh, it is another edition of the High Hopes podcast, sponsored by Miller Lite, official partner of the Philadelphia Phillies. Tastes like Miller time Philadelphia, celebrate responsibly.

Obviously, Phillies won a game today. That was nice. We needed it. You know, this entire series is annoying, close games, whatever, but we'll get to that. Because when the High Hopes family hopes family and yes anyone drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies just like the people drafting them Brian Barber and you know making the decisions Presley Mattingly are all high hopes family anyone drafted by this organization's high

hopes family when we have two members of the I was family who are no hitters on the big stage people, Jack, Brett and gauge would like, let's go buddy. It's so funny. I was saying we have a, if you don't pay attention, uh, to tune in for the YouTube's like, you know, you should, you can see us and all that. But I was saying to Jack, like every year Jack is thrilled with whoever they draft in the sense of he has a new player to get excited about and he's on board and He's following them like this is the year you have the most people with you people gonna be like that guy Good that dude and I'll say one thing and then the floor is yours and we'll get to the Padres series

You know we will but and by the way first place Eddie in the also break shot, you know Yeah, it's a man takes victories we get him But here's what I'll say about gauge void in breaks, you know, take some victories, we get him. But here's what I'll say about Gagewood in addition to the, you know, obvious big game performance, all the cool stuff. And you know, it seems like from, you know, me locking in for the last half an hour on some draft prep and all that, it seems like, you know, an appropriate pick where he went was ranked 16 by Kylie McDaniel, ranked chat, whatever, you know, whatever, long term, whatever, you know, we'll get to you.

But I will say my favorite thing about him and I noted it in the moment when it happened after the 19 strikeouts and stuff like, I just love the, the interview on the field. I know it's like, it was a big deal at the moment. People can go either way, but it was like, you know, what are your thoughts on the way? He's like, I shouldn't hit that guy. I was like, yeah, you should know. Like you, my guy, like that's like, it's like you just threw a no 19 was it 19 strikeout 19 strikeout no hitter in the first no hitter in the college

world series like this unbelievable thing. And the only reason you never perfect game is because you hit a guy which it's like everyone is like, wow, dude, you are amazing. And he's like, man, I shouldn't hit that guy. That's a frickin a type of person and a type of mentality. So I'm in dude, Gage would and also, you know, an all time jack for its name guy. Are you kidding me? Gage would like, I would think any line of work that is like, uh, uh, tough and physical and whatever you can tell me it was going to be a lumberjack and this, that'd be like, yep, I'm in Gagewood. Yep. He's a superhero. Yep. Sure. Gagewood. I'm in. So I can't wait. First of all, I cannot wait to have a minimum three to four more Miller lights and watch the Murray state beat down 1990 strikeout, no hitter. So my first thought is this is a win-namo.

Watching some tape, watching some tape. So if we're gonna go completely, be completely honest here, I didn't waste my time. I didn't waste my time on any college player. Yeah, we thought it'd be a high school arm if it was gonna be an arm, you know? Would have loved Josh Hammond, but whatever. Sean Gamble went 23rd.

That's fine. What they got in Gage Wood is a dog, first of all. He is a 100% bulldog on the mound. Clearly. Everyone can see that. And mentality. That's the whole thing I was just talking about. That's a dog mentality.

Shout out to Nick Sirianni. He's taking down the Murray State Racers. I don't know if Isaiah Cannon, John Moran, I don't know if they were on that team, but he struck out 19 of them and he threw a no hitter in the College World Series that were on some miracle run. It was great.

This is a guy that can help them in September. Like I just, I know that sounds bold. I know that sounds out there. I know that sounds aggressive, but he is a college arm that throws high 90s He is not a the way that I view him. He is not some projectable right-handed pitcher I think he is who he is right now I think I think who he is is who he's going to be because he's not super tall

He's a shorter guy. He has I think he's mostly maxed out his stuff right now. And I think that, I think he's someone that could help this bullpen down this restaurant. I legitimately believe that. And I always bring up, so I always call him, I always mix up the Nationals closer and the guy that was on the red slash Royals. Kyle Finnegan is the nationals guy for sure.

So Brandon Finnegan was the guy who was drafted by the Reds and traded the Royals. For sure, for sure. Okay, so he came up in the first year and helped them on their World Series run in 15, I believe. So that was my first thought. Like this is not some some Projectable, you know God that's gonna help in three years

He's gonna either be here in September in the bullpen or he's going to be in the in the bullpen In the open of next year. We'll see what happens with Ranger I think maybe they develop him from the standpoint of like You know letting him start games and maybe that slows his progression. But when you watch him, when you see his mechanics, which are, again, I think he's kind of maxed out and you see his competitiveness, the guy screams like he could be in this bullpen

in a couple of months, he really does. And I know that sounds aggressive, it sounds insane, but when we talk about trade deadline acquisitions, I don't think it's out of the realm of possibilities that we should be talking about Gage Wood as a deadline acquisition, as a possible right-handed option. Like, think of it this way, just think of it this way.

Orion Kirkering jumped five levels in one year as a fifth round pick from South Florida who was a starter and pitched to a five something ERA, gauged what was the ace of an Arkansas staff that pitched in the College of World Series and threw a no header in the College of World Series. Like there's just a different level of pedigree here. So it's a really fascinating pick. It is not a a super high upside pick. I think he could eventually work his way into being a high upside pick. And you know, because I think that maybe eventually they transition into the rotation. They were an organization that I think needed some more pitching in it. Because after Abel, and Shasei obviously obviously needs Tommy John and we know that but after Abel

the starting pitching quality in the minor leagues just isn't there. So it's really interesting there's not much room for growth but at least where it stands right now. This is a kid that can help them as soon as they want it, in my opinion. So a super, super fascinating pick and one that I'm trying to think of slot dollars right now because my mindset was that they were going to go under slot in this pick like they did last year with Norrie and go over slot in the second round where they drafted Griffin Burkholder.

I think that Gage Wood is going to be either direct slot or a little underneath. I do think they save some money here to where they will be able to use it in the second round. That's where I think they go for a high school type player later tonight. But Gage Wood, it's a fascinating pick and one that I'm definitely, definitely pretty excited about and seeing all the college world series highlights certainly makes you that much more excited. Yeah. Look, he's basically, I mean, maybe a couple of months younger,

a couple of months older, I didn't feel like doing the math, but he's basically the same age Kirkwood is when he made his major league debut. Now, granted, Woods would probably be in a slightly higher leverage situation, though Kirkwood did come up later in that year, but not, you know, but was pretty quickly at more or less the same age Gage Wood is,

pitching in high leverage situations in the major leagues without much experience prior to that, you know, so it's not and we've seen it to your point with other teams, it's become somewhat of a philosophy in some spots where it's like, oh, they're drafting that guy to put them into their bullpen as quickly as they can. And look, you know, as far as it goes to the point you keep making, I mean, if you're going to talk about someone who is going to have the mentality and the stones and whatever to step in at that age to these high pressure situations and big spots, I mean, yeah, I'll take the kid who just threw the 19 straight out, no hitter

in the college world series, the biggest spot of his life. And then afterwards said, I shouldn't hit the guy like that's the right mentality. Like, who knows until they're in those spots under the brightest delights, but like, that's the right guy to bet on to be that type of profile for what you're talking about. And look to the just talent perspective, let's not underrate it. I mean, Tucker and I when we were waiting for you to log on that were listening to the analysis of the draft and whoever was talking, I couldn't see it was on Tucker's end but said best fastball in the draft in their opinion. So it's not like this guy does. Look, I'm not saying he has it. I don't know. I can make it a face for those just listening. But the point being that like someone on the MLB network thought it like the point being that like someone on the MLB network thought it like it the point being that

it's not like insane talent wise that he's going where he's going. He's just not to the point we initially made when they take an Abler painter a few years ago where it's like, oh, this is someone who are you projecting long term can turn into something. This is something where, and I don't know if he's already a finished product like, you know, it's pretty close. I mean, to me, regardless, like, experience, you know, knowledge, learning pitches, like all those things can happen, who knows what's going to happen. But point being that you're drafting to your point when you're drafting someone who's 21 instead of 18, and has his experiences, like you're you're already heading more towards a finished product, you know, whatever you want to call it, then, then the potential at the end. Yeah.

Well, the thing that I love is, is 69 strikeouts in 37 innings. Yep. Like that is, that is ridiculous. I'll play. Like I haven't dug into like the numbers, but I was like, Oh, quickly. Let me look real quick. 69 strikeouts and 37 innings is absurd it's yeah it's absurd and it's all only seven walks during that whole time

so uh listen I I again I don't think it's a high upside deck I just don't I think that he is someone who is pretty much where he is gonna be uh. But we talk about like, Griff McGarry, right? And like, Griff McGarry shoved for Virginia in the College World Series in 21 or whatever. This is a much more close to finished product that is really like the most important takeaway from the gauge would pick one. He's a psychopath, a hundred percent. And, and like, I think that's going to be, that's going to be fun. And I think him in front of this, this crowd is going to be amazing. But, but two is that don't view this as someone that is going to, that is going to take two

years in the mildly. If he's not up here by next year, I frankly think it's a it's a whiff of a peck. Like I think that he is is that close stuff wise and and and talent wise, because he's a he's a shorter guy. You know, I think he's like, if he's six foot, yeah, six foot, 205, which he might be 510. You know, I mean, if he's if he if he's six foot, yeah, six foot 205, which he might be 5'10", you know? I mean, if he's listed at six foot, he might not be. So there's not like some super, you gotta work it all together and let him kind of go.

I think you are watching what you are watching. So, from the standpoint of possibly helping the team this year and definitely helping in the bullpen next year, I actually, I the standpoint of possibly helping the team this year, and definitely helping in the bullpen next year, I actually I don't know if he's ever going to be a starter. Like I, I think he can. But you know, where this rotation is, at least, you know, we'll see what happens with Ranger. But standing wise, it's in pretty good shape. I think maybe you can come in and like be a five or what. I really do think that his future is as a super high leverage bullpen type of arm.

So I'd be lying if I said, I kind of can't wait to get off this podcast and go watch a lot of this Dave. I'd be lying. We know, buddy, we know. No one would be surprised by that at all. I am so to pull a self-regard. I am so tired. Walker was up until like, there you go. Yeah. Welcome aboard, pal.

Oh, dude. It was like, it was one of one lack of sleep last night from from all Walker last night. I am so tired, but you know what I can't wait to do? I can't wait to get in and grind the Murray's Day tape and start talking about how this guy's going to help us in September because he's got the talent. He's got the talent baby. I love it. I love it. I am like, who knows? It is interesting. We don't know. And look, we'll have Brian Barber on at some point to talk about the picks like we always do. Hopefully, you know, we assume. But it'll be interesting to see what their mindset is with this guy that if they, you know, and who knows what they say and what they think. But, you know, it is interesting. And maybe if they are thinking that way, whether this year or certainly for next year, but it does maybe give you a little clue into what they think about the current group,

about adding to it, about how to add to it. Maybe they feel the bullpen market is a little tighter than they hoped, or they wanna add two arms, it could only add one. Who knows? It's just an interesting pick from a philosophical perspective as well, especially like we've talked about,

for a team that has been so heavy on that high school. Yeah, it's such a there. It's such a fast track pick. It's such a fast track pick. And it makes me think about Wheeler's window, you know, and, and, and Gelber, the whole thing about how it's kind of seems like the organization is concerned about Wheeler's window and a lockout after next year. So well, and that in the gelp thing too, that they are just he's hearing that they are more willing than in past years to part with real deal prospects, you know? Yeah, yeah, I know. It's it's certainly a really, it's an exciting time, but also nerve-wracking time. Nerve-wracking time. I know, especially as the draft is happening and we're talking about your babies, you're not your two at home,

they're keeping you up the other day. Don't let Josh Hammond get to the next pick. Don't let him. This episode is brought to you by Adidas. When the frustration grows and the doubts start to creep in, we all need someone who has our back. To tell us we'll be okay, to remind us of our ability to believe,

because their belief in us transfers to self-belief and reminds us of all that we're capable of. We all need someone to make us believe. Hashtag, you got this. Why just survive back to school when you can thrive by creating a space that does it all for you, no matter the size? Whether you're taking over your parents' basement or moving to campus, IKEA has hundreds of design ideas and affordable options to complement any budget. After all, you're in your small space era. It's time to own it.

Shop now at IKEA.ca. Breaking news, McDonald's international menu items are vanishing. McPizza bites missing in Italy. Big Rosti stolen from Germany. Teriyaki chicken sandwich disappears in Japan. An Abysscoth McFlurry blackout in Belgium. Uh oh, it's just in.

We can now confirm the stolen favorites have resurfaced at McDonald's Canada. The international menu heist. Try them all while you can. For a limited time in participating McDonald's Canada, the international menu heist. Try them all while you can for a limited time in participating McDonald's in Canada. All right, one more question about the draft and then we'll react to the Padres. Then you could say whatever you want about the draft more. But my last question for now.

Will we be on for the second kick? Will we be on for the second kick? I doubt it. You said we might. The way the drafts been going. It's been moving. You were like, I kind of nailed the time. No, you said like 730. It was like 830.

We got 815. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. I said between eight and 815. Yeah. 95%. Yeah.

We'll see what happens. But speaking of the second pick, that was my question. You know, put on your, your Nostradradamus hat if you had to predict without knowing the player, but if you had to guess, do you think they go ahead or do you think they take out high school arm in that spot? Do you think they like if you had to guess what the do they make another stab at someone who could help them soon? Like, what do you think is the most likely thing without knowing how the board shakes out over the next year, 25, whatever, how many picks are there? Well, so first off, I'm totally surprised

that we're even talking about Gage Wood right now. So my whole draft of my- Yeah, yeah, you're all over the place. I can imagine- It's thrown off. Shifting your whole perspective. Who knows what they're doing? Come on, man.

I was so ready to do, I was so ready to talk about Josh Hammond or Sean Gamble at 26 and then Matthew Fisher at You know whenever their next picket is Matthew Fisher is like a high school arm. I don't think they go high school arm right now I Mean in a totally selfish like not understanding the the slot money Situation like whatever gauge what is supposed to get. Again, I don't think it's gonna be a super lot. I think he's gonna be either at slot or under slot

because he has a pretty maxed out college arm. So I don't think he's gonna be like, someone gonna have to pay a ton of money to get. My hope is that they go for a more high upside high school bat. It's a great high school shortstop glass. A lot of shortstops went it was shocking. So again, like, like Cooper Fleming is a name that I think is really interesting. You know, there's a there's a good amount of it's

funny Jordan Yost who went 24 I thought was going to be in play in any relation to net any relation to Ned. Actually, no, like no relation in NDS. The only Royal's fill his connection currently in the system is Robert Moore, which is Dayton Morris. Good. So, so yeah, I don't even JJ Piccolo have a kid. No, I don't want to pretend like I have some great answer for you. I just I hope they go for a high upside high school bat

because that's all I care about. It's all I want that. It's- The real answer is I can't wait to find out. I can't wait to find out. I can't wait to find out. I can't wait for that. They have another pick after that.

There's three picks tonight. And then guess what? When I'm driving to the middle of nowhere tomorrow for four and a half hours, there I might have to fire off some draft takes while I'm driving. Not while I'm driving. Lucky Jill, Lucky Jill, lucky tough day.

Tough day to drive the kids and hear you talk about the draft. Today, you know, it is time. You know what it is, though? It's not a bad way to pass time. It's not a bad way to pass time. Think about the only draft. Maybe if she needs a nap or something, you know, I don't know. So you're saying that your role right now is comparable to taking a nap? Is that what you're

suggesting here? Brother, let me tell you, as someone who over the last two and a half years has become a real napsman, nothing better than a good nap. Amazing. That's fine. But there's simply no naps at 840 on Sunday night when the Phil's, they gauge what the first day. Even talking about a nap, I get tired. Let's move on to a different topic. All right, look, it was an annoying series, similar to, granted, didn't have the walk off

inside the park of loss like the San Francisco one, but an annoying series where they lose the first two close games and then they win the last one close game. You know, uh, I thought, you know, starting pitching still good. It was San Suarez, you know, kind of his, you know, when he gives up three runs, it's almost like, Oh my God, what the hell's wrong with Ranger? He looks terrible. Cause he had been so great. It was almost jarring to see him give up any sort of, you know, base runners and runs.

Wheeler, similar thing, just gives up the runs early and kind of struggles and then gives up that fourth run. It felt when they went ahead for three, it was gonna kind of turn the right way. And then, but like, you know, I don't think there's too much takeaway from the series. Like I said, you know, the West Coast, they're just, it is what it is. The Padres are good. Like I don't,

I don't have like a real takeoff of this. They're in first place heading in. Like we know what the issues are, like whatever it's July 13th. So we're like two weeks away, two and a half weeks away from the trade deadline. Like that's really going to be such a massive thing for everything. It's like, you know, go get some guys, Dave, like go get some guys. I don't really know what else to say like go No, for real though like did anything I guess my question is it are there any takeaways from the series I honestly I feel like the biggest story of the series was the players

of the series was the players being very open about how ridiculous they thought it was that Christopher Sanchez was not an all-star. And obviously they're right. I mean, that that kids, the Ms. Rocky or however you say Jacob, Ms. He's super fun and like fun to watch. But like, what are we doing here? Like this is like, it's a Nick's right. Honestly, it was the most ridiculous company. Also the most round point is like Savannah bananas instead of like who's an all star. But I feel like that was the biggest story of the Padre. Like frigging Trey Turner's coming at me like it's a joke. I was shocked at how frank they were.

Like, and I loved them standing up for their teammate and that's awesome. Like I got no issues with any of it. I was just shocked at how honest they were about a major league baseball thing. But you know, their showcase event of the summer, I guess, theoretically. But you know, other than that,

and I guess you can comment on that too, but any big takeaways? Do whatever you want, it's your butt too. I'm just the guy who does it with you. Any takeaways from this series? I guess the roundabout question, man. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So first of all, I am glad that they all,

I think there's a big, so I was driving around maybe yesterday and I was saying to myself, is this the rallying cry? Oh, buddy. Is that Chris Sanchez? Oh, buddy! Bring them together! Ranger turned it down, so we don't have to worry about that.

But, you know, Chris Sanchez, is this the thing that unites this team? Win it for Sanche. Win it for Sanche. Honestly, what they should be doing is like, win it for the contract he signed. Like, you know, thank you for that, bitch. You seem like you really like that contract.

It seems very fired up. I just can't really like that contract. He's very fired up Yeah, it's exciting So and first off you want to talk about little things that matter Like the fillies just picking up the bonus or whatever and just So as soon as the thing happened like there were multiple people on Twitter who were like, the filly should just pay the bonus. And most times when you see fans say something, you're like, all right, whatever. This time, immediately I'm like, oh yeah, I'm like, they should absolutely, 100% pick up the bonus.

And they did immediately. And it's exactly what they should have done. It's just perfect. There's no other move there like it's great PR it's not that much money for nothing like it was a no-brainer of a move but also like good on them you know yeah it's not like the it's not like the Saquon contract which no buddy they didn't have to they didn't have to give important can we can we can we can we all be honest about it Saquon definitely asked for more money and they gave it to him and they like, we're not going to tell everyone that you asked for more money.

Don't worry. We're just going to be like, we're rewarding you. When is Howie Roseman rewarding anyone with money that counts gets a salary cap? Like, come on. And maybe they talked to him right after he got hit in the head with the beer. Yeah, right. The point is, they talk to him. There is no way that they just that how we called sake when I was like, you want more money? Hey, it's the right thing to do.

You know what, Jeffrey and I were talking and we just thanks, man. Thanks. Yeah, you're just the best. Yeah, thanks, buddy. Yeah, I I'll figure it out with the cap. I'll figure out you know what, you know, you know, we won't resign someone, it'll be fine. It'll be fine. I'd rather do that. You know, so what they are running back with an unbelievable usage last year. Here's an extra 40 million. Oh, we can lock him for another year because you know, that'll that'll let you know running back stage. Great. you know, running back stage, great. No problem. So yeah, no, but from the Sanchez standpoint, like it was, it was, I was glad to see they picked it up. And I was glad to see they went out and shoved it. And you know, he was never

going to pitch me also again, because of a pitch today. And that's what I didn't get about it. It was the weirdest thing. It's like, just name him an All-Star. And then he's going to say, can't do it. And then give it to the other guy like And then you don't have this like controversy. It was so I know I know I know so Yeah, it was it was certainly weird, but I was good to see you again The Phillies kind of rally around it and maybe it made him mad. I just I'm actually like kind of happy they played as well as they did this series I know they lost two or three, but they were a bunch of coin flip games.

Even today it was a coin flip game. But really this whole West Coast series, I don't think has been, again, I know that they've only won two games in the West Coast series. Run differential buddy. They came out of it like, I don't know what the numbers are, but I got to be like seven, eight runs up, I would think.

Well, and again, the flaws of the flaws. There's nothing that was going to change that this series. And actually, the thing that I feel the most positive about, besides adding a possible bullpen weapon engage would tonight, is that Bryce looks great. I mean, he looks strong. He looks confident. And he's talking great too, as we talked around the last part.

I mean, like like he is like, I was, I even mentioned to Emily how shocked I was by the, I'm Bryce Harper. I'm great or whatever he said, like I'm one of the best in baseball. I was so, you just never, you really never hear guys say it like that. You know, it was almost like he needed to, Bryce never does that.

You like, it was almost like he needed to pump himself up or something. I mean, like, yes, like he needed to say it into a microphone in front of real people and put it out there for himself or something, you know, I totally agree. I think that was a big like self motivation hack of him coming back him being sort of sluggish coming off the aisle, him getting annoyed of sluggish coming off the IEL, him getting annoyed at himself and then having to remind him. It was almost like me in golf, you know?

Yeah, yeah. I'm still the big dog, buddy. Yeah. You saw how I was basically like a, was I kind of like a bird of prey on on on when we pitch on Wednesday? I was like stalking them out. You were in complete control. That's a good way to put it. I kind of felt like I was in complete control. Ike totally Ike totally sniffed it out in the air. You know, it was like you kind of felt like you're, you're, it was back

in the day, didn't you? I was like, not gonna lie. I was like, by the way, people have totally overrated how I pitch. Like I know you look at the final stat line, five strikeouts over eight, a damn near perfect game. And you would think what a performance. Yep. I didn't have much left in that in the old winger, You know, that was just- I like what you're doing here. Cause, cause ultimately when Joe won golf, you did the whole like, yeah, I gotta be honest, like Joe didn't win, I lost. Like, you know, which, you know, his questionable strategy, but I, I think it's actually the truth.

So I did. Yeah. There's no, there's no way he won. I appreciate you going here. Like, Hey, listen, I won, but Joe also lost cause Joe was bad. Horrible. I mean, I won, but Joe also lost because Joe was bad. Horrible. I mean, I mean, horrible.

He did, you know, lightly ground out a couple of times, but he is, he is the most shocking, honestly, even more than you losing in golf. The most shocking thing that has happened in this whole thing so far, on air or off air was me seeing Joe run for real and realizing that he is the slowest human I've ever seen in person. Like there are sure there are people who are slower. I've never with my eyes seen someone who is trying to run fast, run that slow ever. Well, so I thought I thought you were going to say that the most shocking thing has been his confidence of hitting left-handed Because well that that's my point is like that was like honestly a little shocking

But he's Joe and he's weird and like whatever the He is the slowest person I've ever it was like it's almost like if you're like Watching life through a video camera and you could stop it and hit slow motion. It was like, I couldn't believe it. It was honestly was a kind of horrifying to see someone run that slow. Anyway, I'm sorry. I know. I know. So I totally forget where I was gonna go. But regardless, regardless. Yeah. Yeah, he just wanted to use one and that, you know, shout it

out. And also, you self deprecated it was fine. That's what I do. You know, you know, you won and dominated. Well, however bad Joe was you dominated. That's all matters. Well, again, and you struck him out the end with some high heat swing him which was which was nice. Yeah, see, I mean, maybe a possible 20th round pick by the Phil's tonight. Yeah, maybe they'll mix it in. Yeah, 72 over the plate is exactly what they're looking for. projectable. Young and projectable. That's right. Yeah, dude. 31.

He'll be in the majors by 34 and he'll be throwing 83 or 84 by then. It's gonna be awesome. Yeah, it seems like a... Oh, is he a knuckle baller? No, no, no, no, no, no. No, no, no, no, no. Just a simple two-scene, four-scene mix with a cutter that sometimes moves. Yeah, we can be a late editing reliever. Yeah. Give me on the Rapsodo camera.

Actually, is that Mike Morin? Is that the actual scouting report from Mike Morin? Am I wrong or I don't know? What a dreadful time. I mean, what a dreadful time. It's actually so funny. That bullpen was so bad that this bullpen is still way better.

It's crazy. It's so crazy. You're so right. I mean, if you brought like Joe Ross into that bullpen was so bad that this bullpen is still way better. It's crazy. You're so right. I mean, if you brought Joe Ross into that bullpen, you'd be like, wow, well, at least we have Joe Ross. Mm-hmm. By the way, how awesome is Pavada, dude? I mean... Aw, buddy.

Look at the smile on your face. He's awesome. You're just like a proud papa, proud papa. Well, he finally learned about the four seamer up getting above guys. Look, we've seen him. We've seen him twice in a week or twice in a week and a half. And he's show said it. Raiding both. Yeah.

No, I'm happy for you, man. Well, listen, I too am happy for me. But the photo of me and Pavetta, I really do look horrible. I mean, just- Wow, it's hilarious. It's great, especially because like there, you can't always, because like, especially like players

and you know, obviously famous, whoever like they take a lot of pictures, players maybe like Nick Pavetta at that point, less so, but still takes pictures of that. It's rare that you can look at a picture of an athlete or a famous person with someone and can visibly see that the famous person slash athlete doesn't want to be taking the picture with the person. And you could see it with the,

like he is clearly like, I can't believe this, this fricking guy who talks to me. I can't like, all right. First off, I totally disagree. It was a beautiful moment. You can feel it coming through the picture. It's like Nick's like. That's not how that is actually a disgusting description by you. And frankly, I'm ready to quit the podcast right now. That's not what it was at all. He came out. This is so. So this is a day. This is the day the world shut down

in 2020. Which is so we get we right in time, right in time. So yeah, no, he came out and we have perfectly normal interaction. And we took a great photo and I look at being guys never seen a more tired looking 25 year old than me in that photo. Yeah, I look I look horrible. And I look just being guys. I've never seen a more tired looking 25 year old than me in that photo. Yeah, I look I look horrible. And I think that 31 year old Jack is in a much better spot than. It's a good thing. And I'm proud of you. Thank you. We've worked hard at it.

We were we've grinded. We've grinded to the top. The royal we. Were you I've we've. Don't use big terms on this podcast Shut up we got gauge what you got the free take back or anything Yeah, dude. I got funny. I got funny. I got nothing else to say. It's made to perform in the toughest conditions. It's more than a compact machine.

It's made to perform in the toughest conditions. It's more than a compact machine. It's a cat. Get the work done. Get a cat. Visit Tourmontcat.com slash compact to discover our compact machine lineup. Hit pause on whatever you're listening to and hit play on your next adventure.

Stay three nights this summer at Best Western and get $50 off a future stay. Life's the trip. Make the most of it at Best Western. Visit bestwestern.com for complete terms and conditions. FanDuel Casino's exclusive live dealer studio has your chance at the number one feeling, winning, which beats even the 27th best feeling, saying I do.

Who wants his last parachute? I do. Enjoy the number one feeling, winning, in an exciting live dealer studio, exclusively on FanDuel Casino, where winning is undefeated. 19 plus and physically located in Ontario. Gambling problem? Call 1-866-531-2600 or visit connexontario.ca. Please play responsibly.

I mean, what are we going to do? What are we going to do about a box and ran like a combo? Yeah. People get to box. OK, hurting is like a second game is affiliate. It'll be like, yes, I know. I need breaking. I can't believe he stayed.

He's healthy and he's raking. I need to play a cycle the other night. Anyway, God's five or five, five. I need Byron boxing to grow up and and demand trade. Say stay healthy. I'm so sick of it. I'm so sick of it. Like a boxing Duran. The trade packages on like it's gonna cost everything. Oh my god. Everything, dude.

I mean, to rent alone. How many years does he have control? A lot. I mean, he's so good. I mean, he's your closer for that time. You know, it's like, damn. Dude, I mean, you have to, you probably have to give a painter just to get to ran, right?

You would think so? No, no, no. Painter's still untouchable. We'll start with Aiden. But I just, it is there is on on hold on real quick. He is under control through 27 to two more years after this plus this one. So two and a half years. So that's a fair amount of control. Well, so and here's the thing. They are actually and I I'm

trying not to get excited about the trade deadline because I've been let down so many times. It's kind of like, you know, I tried to, I tried to downplay my excitement of the draft because I get, I get, I was pacing my house at the 23rd pick. It was disgusting. I was surprised you texted me like multiple different times telling me how nervous you were. Very nervous, very nervous. But you know, they have a lot of good options. Like if they

want to do the all in classic Dabrowski move. I mean, if you want to do Sir Anthony and Bautista, you know, bring Sir Anthony home. Bautista has been unbelievable for the Orioles. That's a lock in a lockdown back end of the bullpen. You can go get Chapman with the Red Sox. He's only on a one year deal. He's been, he's been great. Great. You can go get, you can go get Griffin Jackson and, and Duran from the twins. You can go get the Dennis Santana Bednar from the,

from the pirates if you, if you want to. Like they're just. Class A is out there. They're just guys. Yeah, there's a lot of guys. There's a lot of guys and there's a lot of talk last week about and. I would obviously take class A. I just don't want to give up the farm for class A and I know that sounds.

I know. Ridiculous, but I just think the stuff I think he's pitched so much the last couple of years that it's eventually going to catch up to him. And you're still young. Yeah, but it's it's it's an old I get it. I get it. Well, it's so volatile. I will say it's two more years after this one at 10 million per, which is less than I thought that contract was. So like I'm with you. I get it.

He has not even been as good this year as past years, but it's intriguing. But I agree. He would cost a lot. I'm, you know, I think if you're getting Quan, like I think Quan is more exciting to me there, but I will say overall with, uh, and that's the interesting thing about the packages of like bucks and in Durant or bucks and in Jack's or Quan and class A like those, you know, it's kind of just be like, let's go. Um, I do think, and I, I still think they need both.

I have migrated over the last week, week and a half, two weeks to if I could only have one and get both. But if I could only have one, I might need a terrible take. I'm not sure of it. Like I'm like still straddling the line. Okay. Oh, wow. Yeah. What a pro. What a pro. Woo. We just have to gauge wood tonight. Okay. F's going to be the ball player. I've got to factor that into my equation. That's a great.

Oh my goodness. Uh-oh. Wow. Wow. Allergic to good takes. Didn't know it. Didn't think I'd see the day. Didn't think I'd see the day. I've been on the bat the entire time.

I'm just starting to waver, man. I'm starting to waver. All right. It's a Sunday night. I never am up this late. What do you want me to do? You're fine. I mean, you're fine.

You're doing well. Thanks, buddy. I'm trying. So I hear you in the bullpen piece, obviously, having Trevor Mano take down high leverage innings is excruciating. And so is that. Although, it wasn't great today,

but Strom got the job done tonight. So maybe they got it done. Yeah. Strom and Kirk, Frank, Shaman, Kirk and we're fine. But I do think at least, you know, two weeks out from the trade deadline, there are, if they want to go and make a big splash

and they want to go and, and push the chips in want to go and and push ships and there are a lot of and Dave loves is they love this combos you know I know I know I know that Rodolfo Castro and wait until Let's go. And they went back and made a trade with no wrong. You're wrong. It was your wrong. No, I'm not. It was the angels. I know I know. Relax. All right. And then rain it in. All right. Keep sneezing. I'm trying to bring it in here. I see. Yeah. And they traded for a Kennedy and Kyle Gibson. So that's a two for one. There it is. But a winner that is. So this is all means that we're getting we're getting Kenley Jansen and and Joe Adele, who I'd be thrilled with. I would I'd be thrilled with Joe Adele.

Joe would be great. Kelly Jansen less so. But Joe Adele would be in on. Sorry, I meant Rob Reff Sny and and a raw is Chapman. That is the best that we're going to do. I would die. I would die for Rob ref Snyder. I mean, that's that's always been Rob ref Snyder has always been

target one. If you would die for it, that seems a little traumatic. Didn't know you hated a 900 plus OPS against one. No, I would just, you know, I would just start lower. Like, you know, I would give up a finger or something. I don't know you hated a 900 plus OPS against one. No, I would just, you know, I would start lower. Like, you know, I would give up a finger or something. I don't know. Yeah. If I'm really going to get dramatic about it, like I give up a finger.

People be like, you what? That's crazy to give up a finger for a guy. Like, I guess I would die anyway. I just need one more time. I might. I might. If you give me a break, it all right. Are you tired? I'm all right. I'm all right.

Radio. Well, I got to know that you question about it is enough. Yeah, I'm just I'm yes. Anding right now. I'm trying to see if the fills the minute anymore. Traffic's.

Wow. Zach, we went 41. You the Yankee's book killed. trying to see if it fills the minute anymore. Traffic's wow. Zach route went 41. Ew, the Yankee fuck killed. Alright. Sly reacting. I have two two more very important things. This is not to totally dump on on Logan Oh hoppy, But I simply do.

Oh, I saw your tweet. I saw your tweet there. Look at you. You like that? I've been waiting. I've been sitting on that tweet for four years. Waiting for him to pass. Is that what it was? Yeah. Here's something like that. You're like, oh, I see. Oh, there it is. Ah, no, for four tonight, let's go. Logan, oh, happy has become the most overrated player There it is! We got no for four tonight, let's go!

Logan O'Hoppe has become the most overrated player in the history of Phillies baseball in the Phillies online sphere. First off, Brandon Marsh also has a higher OBS than Logan O'Hoppe, so I want that out there. Logan O'Hoppe is the worst defensive catcher in baseball. So I also want that out there. And JT Real Muto at 34 or whatever has a higher OPS. So everything's fine. It's okay.

I do wonder, it was interesting. Max Kepler sat today against a righty. Yeah, it wasn't, you're right. That was interesting. Good point. Yeah, it was interesting. Max Kepler sat today against the righty. Yeah, it wasn't. You're right. That was interesting. Good point. Yeah, that was interesting. Now both, you know, but the Kepler thing was interesting. Got in the ribs, you know. Yeah, I did. You're right.

Yeah, unlike Joe Cameron was afraid to take one in the ribs. Go ahead. He was. So I just I really do think that we're close to release time for Kepler. They'll come back from the All-Star break. They'll probably still be here. I like that they're giving Zach Wheeler extra rest off of it. Cause I think watching him yesterday, it looks like he needs some extra rest.

Um, but yeah, I just, for that run he had, I mean, again, like the June into that 12 strikeout when it started, he was just, I mean, that's one of one of his best runs as a Philly, you know. Yeah, it might be. It might be as best. Yeah, exactly. So, um, so yeah, so Romeo, so happy. I'm just want to make sure that we address that. And then in things that no one cares about besides me and maybe five people, Dante Noura was here before today with a home run. Oh, buddy. I watched every single one of his at bats. He's starting to like really square up the baseball in a meaningful way.

He'll be in red. He'll be in Jersey Shore hopefully by the end of the year. But from the standpoint of it seemed like there's no buzz about him seemed like there was no is this guy gonna be anything? I think he is he is erasing that doubt. I've been really, really impressed with them. You know, the bat looks quick, quick. Aiden hit a home run today, which is which is great as well So you know all of our guys Andrew painter struggled again ish. I I'm sort of like whatever with with Andrew painted at this point, you know for this for right now

You mean yes, not long-term. Yes Yeah, well, yeah long term. I think he's fine. I just think that right now. It's it's annoying to go through Engage wood will be up here in In October anyway, so you're great. Thank you. It's your best take of the pot. I will say people should care about the Dante nori thing in a philosophical sense in that That's what the Phillies need to become Because we're talking about the trade deadline and is Dave gonna give away big prospects and are they gonna trade for Buxton and Duran

which would be Miller and Crawford and this and that, whatever like the way you can do that and not have the 2013 to 2018 thing is by drafting and developing other guys. Like if you're gonna trade the guys that are top 50 guys in baseball, that you've drafted and developed and turned into that, guess what? You got to replenish them.

And that's why we feel good about it, you know, with Barbara and Maggley and the whole structure that, you know, is finally, in our opinion, you know, doing it the right way. But that's how good teams function. And that's why they can trade good prospects and trade them year after year like the Dodgers or whatever. Can's why they can trade good prospects and trade them year after year, like the Dodgers or whatever can always find prospects to trade away because they draft and develop well.

Like Dante and Norrie being good matters because they need to hit on these picks. They need to continue to draft and develop them well. So, cause you know, we got trade deadline coming up but we might be losing some of the guys who they have drafted and developed well. Yeah. And the Royals drafted both Hammond and Sean Gamble. So that is crushing for me personally.

Freaking Royals, yeah. Well, guess who, guess who. Dane Moore, your kid better be good, all right? That's what I'm saying, Dane Moore. Well, you know who helps them with drafts? Is it Arbuckle still back in the day? Is he really still doing it? Wow, that's amazing. That's amazing. Come for you, Mike. Just a kick. the Yes, read the book. Yeah, I don't know how to say it either. I'm just trying to promote for you

I figured it was more important to get the website out there than the name of the book in the website So it sells her's in there and as yes, and is the high of my day made my day Great great now it's uh was was slinging books this weekend. Just slinging books. We're we're moving around and moving products. We're moving products. So proud of you. Yeah, I can't wait for the whole time. You're just you're out there.

You're out there stumping. I can't I can't wait for the reveal. We're already looking forward to like volume three. All right. I have a good trip to the little thing. You know, whatever's going on. We'll be back when the Phillies play again, unless they do something in between now and then, which they won't because we all start.

Please don't make it sure in the next three days. Yeah, don't just don't do it. Don't do it. No, no, no, no. All right. We'll talk to you guys soon. Gage, what Jack? I'm excited for for you to check out Jack's Twitter where I'm sure he will react to the picks coming up So I'm sure we'll be excited. Yes We'll definitely bring him down next pod until that He's Fritz himself

Are you ready to dive into the story stats and personalities that make baseball the greatest game in the world? Rob Bradford from the baseballs and boring here, and we'll have you covered every day with podcasts that bring you closer to the action. From the bleachers to the clubhouse, whether you're a diehard fan or just a casual observer, these conversations are aimed to educate, entertain, and most importantly, inform you. Follow the Baseballs and Boring Podcast in the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcast.