High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Phillies Walkoff And Trade Deadline Reaction

Episode Date: August 2, 2023

Jack Fritz and James Seltzer react to Nick Castellanos's heroics on Tuesday night and the Phillies' two deadline trades. Presented by Miller Lite. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Odyssey and Sports Radio 94. WIP. It is another edition of the High Hopes podcast, Jack. We thought we'd just be coming in to talk trade deadline. We also get to talk about one of the wins of the season. How about it last night? Like a massive win. It makes it 4-4 in the tiebreaker with the Marlins. That was a really

important win last night. Don't hit all game and then we're ripping Cassidy. He heard. He's like, I got you guys. Or maybe David Robertson had us. That's fine. Top five worst 0-2 pitch you've ever seen in your life. Is it up there? I've never

heard a manager say postgame, Robertson hung that pitch. It was such a hung pitch that even the manager was like, you know what? That was a terrible, terrible pitch. So, yeah. It was such a bad pitch. It was such a bad pitch. 0-2. 0-2.

Like that's a bad pitch in any count. And 0-2. It was like, bad pitch. It was an 0-2. 0-2. Like, that's a bad pitch in any count. And an 0-2. Like, it was like, oh, my God. Like, think about the version of Nick Cassianos we're watching right now. You could have thrown that pitch damn near anywhere. And Nick Cassianos is probably going to swing at that pitch. So, I mean, just the fact that you threw a pitch that Cassianos crushed like that right now. Tough.

Not great. Not great. And shout out to the streaker. I don't think that anything Happens without the streaker I agree with you I totally And you know I didn't see it on the broadcast

But have since seen the video Like probably the most Impressive streaker of all time Right Yeah I guess I mean like it was like A parkour streaker Well my problem with it is

Well not my problem with it Not a streaker by the way Streakers when they're naked Not a streaker Yeah just the guy on the field First off where's the taser? Right? I mean, we get tasered here.

It's like no one cares. That's fine. I just don't think that... I think the Marlins only had one security guy. It seemed like no one was there. It was like, I felt like that guy could have just kept running around the field if he wanted to. Yeah, and the best part of the Marlins security at one point, I feel like they were like, eh. Well, think about it this way.

See what happens. Think about it this way, Jack. When no one comes to your stadium, what do you need security for? I don't need security. Just go run back. Go to your seat. You made it. But you win. It's like in Superbad.

Yes, that's exactly right. You're alright. But yeah, you know, it's just so funny. The dichotomy of the yo's. The other day, it's like, yeah, you know, it's just so funny. Like the dichotomy of the yo's. Like the other day, it's like, yeah, it sucks. They're bad. And then now it's like, we're so back.

Baseball, it's so funny because when they lose, I mean, I question so much. Like when they lose, it's like, well, I think this core might not be it. Oh, yeah. It's like time to move some guys in the offseason. The second they win, it's like, you know what? These are my in the offseason the second they win it's like you know what these are my guys they were world series guys we're good they're good there is just like i have to fight hard to find an in-between like that's my that's my problem with philly's seasons is like i have to like actively put brain power in to see the bigger picture which i don't want to do no well it's like we

always joke about it but it actually is that we always joke about watching a Philly season like we watch an Eagles season, where it's like overreacting to every single thing that happens. But in football, it's like justified. There's 17 games. You can't do 116 games that way, but you know what? We're going to.

That's what we do. You have to. There's no other way to go about it other than treating every game like it's the most important thing in your life. Yes, it was a good comeback win. Again, I can't believe

they didn't let Sandy go out there for the night. To your point, your manager say he hung that one. How often do you hear in a post-game interview with the player, the big head coming to me like, I really can't believe they pulled that guy. I'm shocked. Castellos be like, I really can't believe they pulled that guy. Like, I'm shocked.

Like, Castellanos was like, we all thought he was staying in the game. Yeah, of course. Well, and there's just such, you can't quantify the emotional lift that happens at dugout when a guy who was rolling gets taken out of the game. Yeah. Like, you could put in whoever,

and you're like, we're going to win this game. Like, he's out of the game, we're good. You go from feeling like you don't have a chance, like, oh, we got a chance now. Correct. Yeah. Correct. And this team, this team you don't have a chance, like, oh, we got a chance now. Correct. Yeah. Correct. And this team, this team, don't give them chances, man, because they're going to take

them. That's the one. Like, you tweeted out. I was 26 come from behind. Like, that is a, that's a number, man. Yeah. Well, I mean, it's what the team did in 08. I mean, 08.

It's what good teams do. Well, it's what good teams do. And the interesting part of where they're at right now, and I do think it's going to be important as they go down the stretch, they play in the – I mean, when was the last time they've had a laugher? Like, when was the last time they – Every game's close. Every game's close.

When was the last time they've won a game by three or more runs? That's a great question. Like, I don't – I'm like, hold on. I'm trying to rack my brain. Like, they – Not the Orioles series, not the Pirates series, the – Wow.

Yeah, you're right. I'm trying to think. Like, there's been no – to think Every game has been tense I think they're now I think they're 12 games over 500 In one run games They have a great record In one run games

I think they're like 26-12 Somewhere in that range I think it's 26-14 12 games over, that's correct They were 24-14, they won 2- is. Yeah, 26-14. 12 games over. That's correct. Yes, they were 24-14. They won two since. So they're good in these tight games. Very good.

And, you know, that, I think, as you go down the stretch here and you're playing in important games, I think that that is going to be something that is going to, you know, give positive dividends for being able to win tight games and is eventually getting to the playoffs. And, you know, that's what playoff baseball is. I mean, there's very few laughers in playoff baseball. So, yeah, it's a good little streak here.

We said after the Pirates series, and shout out to Rob Thompson because he felt it too. Yeah. Like, he felt that he needed to have that moment, needed to talk to those guys. Because he felt it too. Yeah. Like, he felt that he needed to have that moment, needed to talk to those guys.

And I think a credit goes out to the guys on how they responded. Like, I like what Alec Boehm said after the game yesterday about how we deserved that kind of talking to. And we talked about last podcast how it could almost be a good thing, that Pirate Series, like the right time for it. Yeah. So far, I think it's turned out to be a good thing. Like, that Cubs series last year after the All-Star break, that ended up being a good thing. They were like, whoa, and then they went on a run. Just looked it up. Since the All-Star break, the Phillies have only won two games

by three or more runs. One of them was the 10 inning game against Cleveland. So it's like, yeah, you won by three runs, but not really. Not really. So they've only had what, nine to four against the Padres was the only laugher that we have had. That was a Saturday night game. Yes, all right. Nice ball.

Since the All-Star break. So you are absolutely right, man. It's pretty nuts. 18 games? Yeah. 18 games? That's pretty nuts, man. That's like, yeah.

Well, listen, it's not healthy, first of all. No. Now, they lost another. Oh, no. Oh, yes. They lost 1-4-0. So it's both wins and losses. So they've only played, wow. So outside of's both wins and losses. So they've only played.

Wow. So outside of the 10 inning game, they've only played two other games since the. Oh, I'm sorry. The first game of the All-Star break, they lost a three. So three games at the All-Star break where it hasn't been. It's been less than three runs. Like that's that's every game's type. That's nuts.

And that's why I don't remember that when they went on that week and a half stretch where they were losing all these games that they easily could have won. That's why I mean, that's what made it even more frustrating, is that they weren't even getting blown out. Yeah. They were just finding ways to lose. And if they would have found a way to win, then their record in these one-run games would be way better. Alright, and I think it's a good you need to know how to win these games. Playoff games

are usually like this. You know, how many laughers do you get in the playoffs? It's not that often. You know, the Phillies had three last year. Game three of the World Series. Exactly, yes. But you know, it's usually tight games in the playoffs. So having that experience, having that belief, having that inherent knowledge in you that we can win these games, we can come back and these

games matters. But like anyone who talks about sports, we all know the record of one-on-one victories, that can be luck. That's the kind of thing where it's like you look at it and say... That's definitely the Marlins this year. Right! You take it as a slap against a team. How do you kind of weigh the two of kind of thing where it's like, you look at it and say... That's definitely the Marlins this year. Right! You take it as a slap against a team. How do you kind of weigh the two of that? Like, where it's like, oh, it's good

for them to play these games, but it's also like one wrong move, one wrong hit, you're playing with fire, you know? Here's how I associate it, okay? Can't wait. It's the Phillies, so it's good. And the Marlins are frauds. This is top-tier analysis. Thank you. So when the Phillies record so it's good. I like that. And then once the Marlins, they're fraud. This is top-tier analysis.

Thank you. I love this. So when the Phillies record a one-run game is this, it means they know how to win. When the Marlins do it in one-run games, it means... Getting lucky. Yeah, they're getting lucky. Yeah, and it's going to fall apart.

Not sustainable. You're going to come back to bite them. Yeah, that's how I differentiate it, too. That was that for analysis. I think you nailed it. Yeah, thank you. Simply put. Right in there.

It's sort of like Michael Lorenzen. It's like, I see what you did there. He's okay, but he's a Phil now. So let's get back to the Drake deadline, and then we'll get. Like maybe what? Like two to three times a year we do a mid-series pod. It's a very weird feeling. Well.

It's a weird one. It is a weird one. I don't like Major League Baseball for making it at 6 o'clock. I know. It's one of the. I know. For as much as baseball has gotten right. Yeah.

I mean, the last little bit, like Franski was like, Franski in like the first inning when. Wonder if any trades are going to come through. Well, no, he was like, he was like, the Marlins are missing their third and eighth hitter. I knew it happened right before the game. He's like, hey, maybe a good idea is not to have it at a 6.40 start after a 6 o'clock deadline. Which would have been really tough if they lost

that game. Oh, it would have been just brutal. Just brutal. So, yeah, it's just like, put it at 4 o'clock, let the shows react to it, let everyone react to it, and then let the game start. And then you get to some baseball.

Yeah, relax. We don't need to... I would love to know the reasoning. It makes no sense. I mean, look, like we talked about the other day, like, I think it's weird that they changed it from July 31st. It's been July 31st our entire lives. I think they...

I don't know. Maybe it's because it's coming off of... Maybe it's because of Monday. Whatever. Maybe next year when it's on a Tuesday, and I don't know. Whatever. The point is it's been July 31st our entire lives.

But was it July 31st when it was on like a Saturday or Sunday? I think so. Really? I don't, I feel like it was. Okay. I could be wrong. This is just anecdotal, but. I would be surprised if it, I don't think they would ever put a trade deadline on a weekend.

I think they have, though. I would be shocked if they did. I think they have. I didn't think about the weekend factor. That's a good point. Either way. I feel like every trade deadline is a Thursday. I don't know why.

Thursday trade deadlines. Because good things happen on Thursday. You're right. It's a while, though, for us. That's old school right there. That is like, wow. I forgot about it. I know.

That's good work. All right. Let's talk trades. Yes. Because you did kind of segue in there. Well, I don't know why. We'll get back to the series. So excitedly.

Are you excited? Because it was fine. It was a fine day of trades. I will say. why we'll get back to the series so excited because it was fine you know it's a fine day of trade i will say so we'll leave it lorenzen but when they traded for gastro i get attacked and i was like okay so i see the trade i'm like oh really not like that is a good move like and then i and then i looked even more to gastro i was like that's a great move like my initial reaction was like really nice move you got something for falter and i was like wow you got something i'm kind of excited about for Falter. Great move.

Jack texts me, let's go, with like 18 O's at the end. I thought they made a bigger move. I was like, nice move. Who did they get? You were that excited about the cast. Because A's, first off, club control until 2029. He's 24, man. Yeah, he's 24.

A lot of players don't make the majors at 24. Yep. Pirates fans are upset. Yeah, which is, you know, that's my go-to, dude. My go-to rudimentary way to decide if a trade is good. If the fans of that team are upset, it's probably a good trade. Hits the ball hard. Plays pretty good defense. And

like, I... So he's a 900-plus OPS against lefties, which is against lefties For his career And now it's only a 200 plus play appearances But crushes him And I wonder if So I guess they've been tinkering with this In AAA for the Pirates

Of just making him a righty Which would make sense If they just make him a righty Who knows He might just suck it left handed Hey guess what? Some guys can't switch hit. Most guys. Well, Cedric Mullins is a switch hitter.

Which went back. And there have been guys in the past. Roman Quinn was also a switch hitter. They tried to make a righty. There have been guys in the past. That's happened, you know, where guys will switch it. And look, like, either way, don't let this guy ever face a righty. I mean, he's like a 500 OPS guy against righties. I know. He's really bad. But the point is, I agree with he's like a 500 OPS guy against righties.

I know. He's really bad. But the point is, like, I agree with you. Like, if you're going to let him face righties, bat right-handed. Like, why not? You're not getting it done lefty. But, you know, against lefties, like, again, not the biggest sample size, but the guy's a weapon.

Yeah, well, and listen. And he got for Bailey Fulter. This might be a big comp. Uh-oh. What are you about to do here? This poor kid, poor Castro. He's about a big comp. Uh-oh. What are you about to do here? This poor kid, poor Castro. He's about to get the Nick Pavetta treatment. What do you got?

I'm just saying, his right-handed swing looks a lot like Boba Shett's. Oh, come on. I'm just saying. I'm just saying it does. It looks just like Bo's. It looks just like Boba Shett's. Oh, God. I can't even.

Rodolfo Castro. No. It does, though. Great Shett. Oh, God. I can't even. Rodolfo Castro. No. It does though. Great name, though. Great name. Rodolfo Castro is like so in on that. I like that they added the guy that had the cell phone on the pocket. Me too.

So I saw that. Just the like knowing it was going to irk certain. And I heard, you know, driving in this morning on, you know, some WIP overnight listeners calling in. Oh, the idiot with the cell phone. The best thing about him is his cell phone. Like, they were like, I enjoy that. Yeah.

I enjoy it. Yeah. It's pretty hilarious. Now, if it happens. By the way, I also just enjoy watching the video again. The best part of that video. I can't believe it happened. I know.

It's the craziest thing ever. Like, how does that? The best part, though, is like the ump sees the phone, looks at the third base, goes mace a face, looks back down, and just points. It's just like the ump is just like, I don't even know what to do. Did this really dude? He was like, really dude? I know. I know.

It's an all-time moment that I hope happens here as well. I think it'd be so funny. So you would get crushed. 100%. 100%. Angelo might come out of retirement just to do the show that day to come back and rip Rodolfo. Yeah, Rodolfo Castro, our guy.

So I really just like from the standpoint of he's a switch hitter. He has really good upside, hits the ball hard, right hand swing looks really pretty. And it's just like it's something that I think a Dodgers, raise uh it's something that i think

the smart teams take a shot on and see if they can turn around well it's like brandon marshy right you know you look at a guy who's a uh and he was a higher prospect marsh but but the idea of taking someone who's a pedigree type guy who's better than he's doing in that organization saying we can fix this guy is there any by the way real quick step back is there anything more i hopes than leading the trade deadline talking about rodolfo gastro and not especially me saying we're gonna lead with lorenzen and then i leave with gastro because he's so excited but it is he is he is so exciting and i just i like that i like that the phillies are kind of turning Rays-ish, where it's like, oh. Think of all the players they've turned in the last little bit here.

They trade for Christian Pache. He looks like a competent. Literally could not hit. And then he's banging like, he's got the highest OPS on the team. Now, granted, you know, not a ton of it, Bats, but in terms of anyone who's played in this year, he's got the highest OPS on the team. I'm just saying. I know.

Marsh. Yep. Hoffman. Stott. The improvement from Stott just saying. I know. Marsh. Yep. Hoffman. Stott. The improvement from Stott over the last year plus. Yeah. But so pedigree. More like failed elsewhere.

Yeah, sure. Comes here and could be something. Sosa. Hoffman. Marte. Sosa. Soto. Alvarado.

Soto didn't fail. But I agree. But I think he looks better now. I agree. He does. Strom. I mean, Strom never looked this good. I mean, I know he's in innings, things like that,

but he wasn't this good in San Diego. Yeah, but even like, I guess pitching, I'm not surprised. I think Coffin's really good at his job. Being able to turn a hitter into someone useful, I think, is harder. Well, it's the only thing that, I mean, Long's been great at that. Don't let him near the veterans, but give him the young kids, and he's phenomenal. Yeah, it's the weirdest thing.

And I'm sure a lot of it is like they're veterans. They're going to do their thing. They're in their own ways. It is what it is. Although I think they made a swing change with Cassidy a little bit yesterday. He looked more vertical. I think he got a little bit horizontal in a way. That was hurting him. Last night I thought his bat was more vertical and I thought that led to more

obviously helped out late. And Harper also looked different yesterday. I thought his bat was more vertical and I thought that led to more, obviously helped out late. And Harper also looked a different issue. I mean, that was, look, I know he's a couple homers, like, oh, here it is. But I mean, that was some pop to the opposite field. I actually thought the more important thing was that he felt comfortable turning and ripping that single early in the game. Yeah, you're right.

When was the last time he really just turned and just... No, it's always the only power we've seen from him has been the left center left center or like center that's pretty much been it yeah so i think getting that torque back is going to be important um and i know he's listen i'm trying to find positives for trey turner he at least in three three straight games he hit the ball hard once didn't make an error yesterday so that's good. First shit game, we hit the ball hard. Bryce, it's great. This is where we're at. This is where we're at.

How about Bryce's, like, the one, Bryce's lollipop. Like, Bryce is not there at first yet. He's got, like, upside. But, like, the one where he, like, early in the game. I was driving, so I didn't see it. Dude, he, like, you know, just, like like lollipopped it to Ranger running over. And it was just like, dude. Hold on.

Speaking of the defense yesterday, where the hell did Uli Gurriel get so fast? Like, Alec Baum fielded it, and I was like, oh, he's out. Dude, Uli Gurriel was like, it felt like the slowest player in the sport. And it turns out Jacob Stallings is, who knew. Yeah, and shot to stubby, by the way. Dude, what a play. And Nick staying with it, the great relay to stop. That was a, I can't believe.

I would have bet, and without, he told me he's the slowest person on the planet. I would have bet my life he was scoring that. And they still only beat him by like a shoelace. Only because, only because, because. Because he didn't slide like a moron? Right, because Stubbsy baited him. Yeah. No, you're right.

Because Stubbsy was like, eh. Dude, Stubbsy. Smart player. That was great. And Stubbsy had the nice play at second, getting the force out on that, like kind of nibbling in front. Stubbsy's good back. He's a good little player.

He's a good little player. Want to get more Stubbsy? Emphasis on little. More Stubbsy? Hey, maybe that injury's a blessing in disguise there. That time of the year? We call for St a blessing in disguise there. That time of the year? We call for stuff, Dave. Yep.

That time of year. The stretch run when Garrett Stubbs shines. Exactly right. Smoked the ball game before, too. He's big at Lone Depot Park. Team Israel. You're damn right, buddy. The big double, which I'm sure you're all in and watching.

Yes. For sure. Hey, fantasy football owners, the road to winning your fantasy football championship starts now. I'm Matt Harmon from Reception Perception. Join me and James Coe as we take a deep dive into the position that's going to make or break your fantasy roster. Wide receivers.

We analyze route running, target share, and all the metrics that matter, giving you the insights you need to draft the best wide receivers. As you prep for your draft, let us give you the coverage you need. Follow and listen to Reception Perception on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. I forget. Anyway. I totally forget where we were.

You're talking Kevin Long. Oh, Kevin Long. Kevin Long. Kevin Long. Yes, of course. The shortstop. We're locked into that. No, for sure. Locked in. But, like, Kevin Long, the young of course. The shortstop. We're locked into that. No, for sure.

Locked in. But, like, Kevin Long, the young players have all taken steps forward. I mean, Boehm looks way better. Marsh looks way better. Stott looks way better. Obviously, Pache and Rojas, who I just keep waiting to not be able to hit. You know? Yeah.

Like, he's been pretty fine and adds good energy. Biggest hit of the game two years ago. I love that he has electric as one of his, on his, on his elbow guard. I did not notice that. It has Rojas and then it has electric. I did not notice that.

I love it. Yeah. It's incredible. Like fully support that. Yes. Yes. It's awesome. So like,

I just, I like that they're taking shots on players with legitimate upside. And listen, the part about Castro and the not being a free agent until 2029, let's say he's a good player. Let's say they want to stick with Sosa or whatever.

They could probably flip Castro for way more than Bailey Falter if he figures it out. Absolutely. Probably. Definitely. Definitely. And that's why I feel about Pache too. I love Christian Pache. He's a piece. 100%. Again, Pache was a top 10 about Pache, too. I love Christian Pache. He's a piece. 100%. Again, Pache was a top 10 press pick in the sport.

I know. So there's a chance here that two guys that they got essentially for nothing, they could turn into pieces down the road if they don't fit with this team. I do wonder what happens with Sosa. Well, yeah. I mean, Castro will play more than Sosa, I think. I think, and it definitely. Or at least he has a role.

Like, he has defined role. He will play against left-handed pitching. Yes. For sure. Yes. Now, I do, I haven't seen him play much defense. So, I was going to ask, can he play multiple positions? Yeah, he's played third short second.

I figured he had to be able to play multiple positions, but I have not watched him defensively much at all. For the one part, Thompson said that he didn't play left field postgame, but if you're athletic enough to play... If you can play the infield, I mean, I feel like... And Vince Velasquez can play left field. True. And Michael Lorenzen probably can too. Not probably,

he has. He's done it. He's the first with Tony. I mean, honestly, with the bats in this lineup right now, Lorenzen can hit. The interesting part about Castro in the after that, they want to try it. He has the fifth highest average miles per hour across the infield. So he does have a little bit of a hose.

Hose. He has some hoses in the outfield. Dude, you're not lying. I was so jealous of watching Henry. Henry Davis is not an outfielder. No, but that arm. Watching him throw, I was like, wow, that's awesome.

We talked about this. Mark Witten, I think it's the only guy I really, and Worth had an arm and stuff like that, but Mark Witten's the only time I ever remember being like, we have a weapon as an arm in the outfield. As a Philly, watching the Phillies in my lifetime, Victorino

was really good, but I'm talking one of the best arms in the sport. Yeah. Like Mark Whitten was freaking... Never heard of him, but... Yes, you have. It sounds like a grid guy. You know Mark Whitten. Hard-hitting Mark Whitten?

No idea who it is. Had four homers in a game once? Some guy named Mark Whitten had four homers in a game. Mark Whitten had four at 12 RBI. It's one of the great games of all time. Is he a Philly? He was a Philly for a time. No, no, no.

He did it with the Cubs. He was a Cubs. He was an Indian. And they were. No, no, no. He did it with the Cubs. He was a Cub. He was an Indian. And they were the Indians. I'm working on it. Yeah, hard-hitting Mark Whitten, dude. Dude, look how Mark Whitten throws. Like, when we're done with this, Mark Whitten had a freaking cannon. Like, an all-time cannon.

This is why you're here. That's why I'm here. I'm glad you're able to bring up Mark Whitten. Bring that for a second. For everyone that's over 35, Not only young people listen to this, but I think it's older listeners, too. Shout out to my people. I've said many times, I love our younger listeners. There's nothing that makes me happier.

That's true. This is like inside baseball. When we do our events and stuff like that, there is nothing. Jack will come to me and be like, do you see how many kids? Do you see how many young people? How cool is this?

You do love it. But I like, I love. You love both ways. You love the old. Well, because it's so funny. You like the opposite ends of the same. I assume that. Give you kids or like, you know, 70 plus.

I assume that no one over the age of 60 listens to podcasts. I know. Or 50 listens to podcasts. So I'm like, wow. That's cool. Yeah, you have the radio to listen to if you want. You know what I mean? We like that too.

I love the radio. You know. But everyone can listen to the radio. It's true. It's like podcasts. You gotta choose it. You gotta, you know. Exactly. Seek it out. Exactly. So that's why I like them. You can listen To the radio It's true It's like podcasts You gotta choose it You gotta Seek it out

Exactly So that's why I like them You can't get in your car And just turn it on Right So back to Kevin Long I think No I'm kidding

It was yeah Good job Nicely done I was gonna mention Jose Guillen As an absolute Okay Pose from the album

Oh he had a cannon Well on Cesspit I said the best Throwing I've ever seen Yeah I mean Itro Obviously Vlad Guerrero Vlad Guerrero Yeah But I was just talking About someone Who Well, and Seth Spadis had the best throwing I've ever seen. I mean, Itro, obviously. Vlad Guerrero.

Vlad Guerrero, yeah. But I was just talking about someone with the Phillies. Like, Witten's the only one I remember where he was like the best. Yeah, for sure. And Worth was great.

Worth was great. That was his second name. Worth had a really good arm. Yeah. What a player. Ah. I still contend. Yeah, maybe the most

underrated Philly of our lifetime. I think he was the, after 08, the second most valuable Philly was Jason Worthth, behind Dudley. You mean Holiday? Position player. Okay. Position player. Yeah, I think he was

30. And he was their best, like he was their most consistent playoff performer through all those playoffs. Like he was the guy, every freaking playoffs that dude showed up. So, I'm getting these two mixed up. One leads in RBI and one leads in hits. But Victorino leads in, it's Victorino and Wirth. I think Victor One leads in RBI and one leads in hits. But Victorino leads in, it's Victorino and Worth.

I think Victorino might be RBI and Worth leads in hits. Yeah, I think so. They're like the top two for a lot of stuff. I mean, like Worth, yeah. Which is crazy because they had Rollins, Utley, and Howard on the team. I know, it's so ridiculous. And they were also great defensive players. Yeah. Like, again, moving past the 07-11 run and you look back, like, at the value.

Like, they were good at everything. Like, Rollins was good at everything. Utley was good at everything. Like, Worth was good at everything. Ruiz was good at everything. Shane was good at everything. Yeah. I mean, they were good.

Great point. Like, how many teams do you have? So rare. Like, look at this team now. That's what I'm saying. I've watched this team. And it's like, they're only good at one thing. Kind of underrated what it's like to have guys who can hit infield.

Dude, for years it was like, can I just have a shortstop that can make a throw? I know. Because, again, I grew up with Rollins never missing the middle of the chest. And it didn't matter where he was throwing from, and it was always a freaking seed. A seed. A double play, James. I mean, that's freaking double play all those shots heating up shots heating up they've been turning them man ever since we called

them out pretty impressed you know i mean i mean again throwing to bases i had worth growing up now burl had a hose even though it took forever to get to the ball it's just like you know given what we've seen the last couple years, very much took that team. Yeah, no, it's such a great point. I care about their defense more I care about their offense.

That's why I took more for granted. How have you brought up the 07-11 team? Because I want to ask you a question. Because we never talk about them. Yeah, it never comes up. And I haven't thought about it. But shout out to Miller Lite.

Presented by Miller Lite. We love Miller Lite. We got some stuff coming up later in the season. But shout out to Miller Lite Bar ofented by Miller Lite. We love Miller Lite. We got some stuff coming up later in the season. But shout out to Miller Lite Bar of the Week. Hilltop Crab House. Today's Miller Lite Bar of the Week is the Hilltop Crab House in... Okay, Jack, I'm going to try this here. Ready?

Yeah. Tocanomen? Chester County? Tocanomen? Let me see it. Chester County. At the bottom there, what do you think? Is that Tocanomen?

Tuff Kenman. Tocanomen. Tuff Kenman. Tuff Kenman. Are you. At the bottom there? What do you think? Is that Tokenomen? Tufkenomen. Tokenomen? Tufkenomen. Tufkenomen. Dude, you sure it's Tuf? Really? Pretty sure, because that's where Locke and their country club are golfing. Wow, Tufkenomen.

All right, so anyway. That's actually out past me, buddy. Look at you. That's out there. I love it. That's out past me. So go hang out at the Hilltop Crab House in Tufkenomen, Chester County, where you can watch Phillies games, all Phillies games, with $2.50 light Miller Lite pint special.

That's like a great deal. You very rarely find sub-three pint deals. That is a great deal, $2.50 Miller Lite pint specials. Go to HilltopCrabhouse.com. All right, let's get to Lorenzen, and by way of getting Lorenzen, I want to talk about Lorenzen Move, but I'm thinking about 07-11. I feel incredibly confident. This is, without a doubt, the deepest pitching staff we have had since then,

top to bottom. Easily. And just pure depth-wise, it might be not better. The starters aren't like what those, you know, when they, you know, Holiday and Lee and Hamels. But in terms of just top guy to bottom guy, all 13 guys or whatever it is, they're pretty sacked right now from a pitching perspective. Totally. just top guy to bottom guy, all 13 guys or whatever it is, like,

they're pretty sacked right now from a pitching perspective. Totally. And that's how you win in modern baseball. Like, I think back in the day, I know it's funny to say back in the day, like, I think you could win with, you could win with, what, an ace and then a bunch of guys like a Jeff Supan. Yeah, get an Andrew Miller. I know it's more recent, but like that

kind of guy, like someone who can come in and get like be a lockdown reliever for you, a freaking ace, and get some freaking hits. Yeah, that's pretty much it. Now... LeVon Hernandez like basically was like the only pitcher who mattered for that Marlon Cena 1-9 set. Like he was the only guy. He pitched like three games in the World Series. And what, the

0-3? Oral Hirshhiser. Those 88 Dodgers, they won like on Oral's back. Kirk Gibson at home running, and Oral was like, I'm just going to win. You're right. You used to be able to do that. Well, I mean, look at all the teams. I mean, outside of, like, obviously,

Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in 01. I mean, it was Beckett and, like, Pavano. Yeah, Beckett. It was like Beckett. Yep. Yeah. And Rookie Dontrell. Yeah.

Who was incredible. Brad Penny. Like those guys. I was a huge Brad Penny guy. I was a huge Brad Penny guy. I was a huge Brad Penny. He started an all-star game. Yeah, Brad Penny had a good career, man. Marlon Dodgers.

AJ Burnett, they pumped some dudes out. See, the problem with James and I right now, and I'm sure a lot of our listeners right now, I'm so locked in on the grip. As soon as they say that, I just start thinking of Marlon Dodgers. I only go on YouTube now to watch. I try to find random old baseball things that people are talking about so I can think, oh, I can use that guy on the grip. Love it.

Yeah. So locked in on the. So I was thinking about this the other day because working on stuff. And it's like I play because I played baseball all the time growing up. I forget a lot of like the regular seasons of of like you know during the run like i remember i remember the highlights of the day after but like i was i was doing a lot of stuff yeah um that's how i feel about with the grid it's like i remember some of those guys but i don't remember being like locked

in day to day like now it's like it would be way easier like when i'm playing the grid 20 years from now we're gonna be monsters that's good it's gonna be easier like when I'm playing the grid 20 years from now. We're gonna be my Dominate the really mad. You don't want to use the exactly it's like Glenn can do that Like we the promise you want to use like current guys is like no fun He's current guys, but I like we could get every grid every day by just using current guys It's so fun to do that you know a frame array is the other day for for Royals Guardians was like 20% Yeah, and it's like, like 30 years from now, Framio Reyes is going to be at like 0.3. I would have assumed Padres Guardians

would have been the answer for him before. Like, you know, I mean, it probably would have been 40%. I know, and Brad Hand, we're going to use that. Brad Hand's all over the place. Brad Hand, now every member of the NL East. Brad Hill, Rich Hill, really doing his grid work. Yeah, it's good stuff with the grid. Good stuff, good stuff.

All right, so back to how you can win with just an ace. Now you can't. Dude, again, I totally forget where we're going all day. I know, I good stuff for the grid. Good stuff. Good stuff. All right. So back to how you can win with just an ace. Now you can't. Dude, again, I totally forget where we're going all day. I know. I'm on it though. I'm having a good one,

which is crazy because I'm super tired. Good. We'll be locked in. Did you know that, that I'm tired? I know. Every day.

Every day. Reminded of it. Do you think our big boss likes that my foot is up on the desk right now? Probably. Yeah, he's probably

bummed about it. Pretty cash about that there. Yeah. Shout out to Yad. Great boss. Big fan of Yad. He'll wear the there. Yeah. Shout out to Yad. Great boss. Big fan of Yad. He'll wear the High Hope shirt.

He likes to rock it, which I appreciate in a big way. Yeah. Seems like he's got some sort of like tour type thing that he's giving.

Look at this. I'm letting them know that my feet are on the desk. I do like how unapologetic you are. So not only did you talk about it, but you like looked him

in the eyes and you're just like gave a little nod and you're like, all right, this is what I'm doing right now. And what I also like is like, you know about it, but you, like, looked him in the eyes and you just, like, gave a little nod. And you're like, all right. Yeah. This is what I'm doing right now. And what I also like is, like, you know that thing. All right.

So, like, when you're driving and, like, you see the cop up, like, everyone just slows down. Like, instinctually. Even if you're not speeding, you hit your brakes or whatever. Like, if Yad, our boss, like, I would instinctually, like, at least flinch. I'd be like, oh, I should take my. No, maybe I won't. Whatever. Like, you didn't even, like, think about it.

You just were like a statue just chilling. You want to know why I'm not thinking about it? I do, yeah. Thinking about Rodolfo Castro again. Yeah, thinking about Rodolfo Castro. We're on to Lorenzen, Jack. We're on to Lorenzen. On to Lorenzen.

No, yeah, so aces, like, back in the day, like, I think you just needed one, and then a closer was great. And, I mean, think of the bullpens back in the day. It was, like, who? Like, it was Scott Ayer, JC, like all these guys that got off Weavers, essentially. Yeah, just got like Durbin and like, really? Yeah.

Now... Like guys are throwing 100, one after the other. Dude, now you're trading like real prospects for bullpen pieces. Bullpen pieces are way more valued than these. 100%. Way more.

So yeah, but it's also that I'm glad that we're finally catching up to the rest of the sport. How long have we been complaining about, like, just go get, you have to have a bunch of guys in your bullpen. Like, they were still trying to do this, like, four years ago. Three years ago. Mike Morin, Blake Parker. I was just about to say Mike Morin. I know. Mike Morin, Blake Parker, like, that

whole crew of guys. Trevor Kelly. You know, like, there's just... Who's the guy who had the great story? Michael. Like, he was out of baseball and then, like, was in the minors for,

like, a decade. And then last year, I can't remember, we had Plassmeyer. Well, hold on. He was all right. He saved the season. Yeah, I wasn't

thinking of him, though. Who's the guy, anyway? Yeah, it's okay. It might be Michael Kelly. It probably was

Michael Kelly. I think it was Michael Kelly. Still in the league, by the way. Is he really? I think he was pitching for the Brewers the other day. Again, grid.

So yeah, I think they're 100%. They have the 08 bullpen with the not as good as 10 and 11, but I think if you rank this starting staff It's probably as good as 08. I think it's better than 08.

Better than 08, yeah, exactly. Now, if they can get Wheeler on a Hamels run, we'd take that, but the rest is 100% better than 08. But I think it's the best bullpen since 08, and the bullpens after that were just kind of okay. I keep waiting for... I can't believe it. I don't know where they'd be this season if Craig Kimbrell

did not do what he did, because especially with Jose Alvarado and Serenity Dominguez missing a lot of time this year. He was their most important offseason signing, man. He has made the biggest difference of... Trey Turner! Craig Kimbrell's been more important than Trey Turner. Had Kimbrell not done what he's

done, I don't think they're in the position they are right now. I agree with you. Because I don't know who else is closing. Yes! I guess Soto. Whatever. The point is, it hits the whole pen. Like, he's been massively important. Although, Sir Anthony looked great last night. Dude, Sir Anthony looked like Sir Anthony last night.

Like, that was like, the heat was back. Please. Yeah. Like, I am. That's like a difference-making type thing. Just begging to get the real Sir Anthony back. And we will get to Lorenzen. I promise. Maybe we won't promise maybe we won't

maybe we won't who knows it's I.O.B.S. anything can happen I will say that and I just forgot what I was going to say there because of that we're both forgetting

things now damn Lorenzen no before Lorenzen should we talk about Lorenzen in a second damn what was my point

we talked about the bullpen Sir Anthony being back Alvarado being back possibly yes oh okay good and we'll get to Lorenzen and it's the point Dombrowski made with not getting a bat what was my point? We're talking about the bullpen, Sir Anthony being back, Alvarado being back, possibly. Yes, yes. Oh, okay, good, good, good. And we'll get to Lorenzo. What I was saying, though, is like, and it's the point

Dombrowski made with not getting a bat, and we both wanted him to go get a right-handed bat and stuff, but like, and I still think they should have. I'm not, like, excusing you or whatever, but like, to the point he made, like, you know, there's no better move that you're gonna make at the trade deadline than Bryce Harper hitting like Bryce Harper, and Nick Castellanos hitting like Nick

Castellanos, and Trey Turner not sucking and all that. You know, like, that is, Sir Anthony's a similar type of thing. If they can get Alvarado and Sir Anthony, I mean, like, you're not trading for a better reliever than Sir Anthony Dominguez at the deadline. You're just not. Yes, and, I mean, it's obviously the thing to say when you don't make those trades. Of course.

It's like, hey, we're not going to. I said I'm upset that he didn't get a hit bad. I'm just saying. Yeah. I am too, but, we're not going to. I said I'm upset they're going to hit bad. I'm just saying. Yeah. I am too, but I also thought his quote was really interesting about how we didn't want redundancies. Yeah, I thought that was interesting. That was 100% about T. Oscar, by the way. It was.

And it also, though, it does make sense. He is right in terms of roster construction. They should be fine in those spots. They should be okay. And my whole thing my whole thing yesterday when it seemed like it was coming down i'm still i still would 100% got into bat like i i think that was a mistake but but it doesn't like it's whoever they traded for if it was duval if it thank god it wasn't tommy fan but like if they trade for

one of those guys you're not winning in the postseason unless the Stars are the Stars. Sure, those guys help maybe get there, but you're not making a run if Cassianos doesn't get back to a version of the first half of this year, if Harper doesn't start driving the ball to the ballpark, if Turner doesn't show signs of life, if JT doesn't show signs of life, if Schwarber doesn't start hitting the ball to the ballpark more. It doesn't really matter. It doesn't really matter who they acquired

because if those guys aren't those guys, then they're screwed. Now, the one caveat to that is Verlander. Now, Verlander could make a difference from the standpoint of like, he's a... If you roll out Verlander, Wheeler, I mean, Nola, whatever. Theoretically, Nola.

Theoretically, I mean, you could win any series based on the back, especially with the bullpen they have. So the Verlander one is the one that could have been a sticking point. But again, that's why now I did a top five in the most important Phillies the second half. Number one for me is Aaron Nola. Because again, you weren't trading for a starter

unless it was Justin Verlander. That was better than Aaron Nola on paper. So he has to go out and be semi-good if you're going to make any kind of run. If you're going to do anything in the postseason, he's got to be that guy. It's all of those guys. It's on the stars. That's what I love the most about Lorenzen training. I wasn't super excited about it.

Are we going to talk about Lorenzen? Yeah, we're there. It's time? Yeah, we did it. Right on time. How long into the pod are we? 36 minutes into the pot. That's called being top. Yeah, it's the most important thing that happened yesterday. We're on it.

But I think it's funny because when they made Lerner, it's like fine. It's a fine move. I think, you know, he'll help. I do like that, and Dave talked about it, I do like that he's someone who can go from the rotation to the bullpen and left field. Bench pad if you need it. All I'm saying is this i i ask for

one thing james i ask for one small thing uh-huh if they get to the 12th inning of one of these games i need a lorenzo pinch i'm with you dude it does so it gives you a little roster like it does like if they run out of bench the problem is the games don't go as deep it like i understand but but if there is like let's put with you. Let's put it this way. Let's put it this way. They want to put Sosa in to play defense somewhere or Castro in to play defense. It gives them flexibility. They could just pinch him like Lorenzen. No, you're right.

They really can. It's not joking. Get him to work with Kalon. The dude played outfield in the majors. But I do think, honestly. It's such a ridiculous concept. It's ridiculous. But you know what?

It's at it. I'll take all the optionality I can get. Thank you, Sam McGee. My favorite thing about Lorenzen's trade is what it means for him. It's the six but you know what? It's at it. I'll take all the optionality I can get. Thank you, Sam and Maggie. My favorite thing about Lorenzen trade is what it means for Aaron Nola, is the six-man rotation. We've talked about this all year. We talked about going into the year when we thought Painter might be able to start, all that stuff.

We have been calling. You brought it up really in the offseason you talked about. We have asked and wanted a six-man rotation for a while for that exact reason, for Aaron Nola and these other guys to get blows, especially Wheeler and Nolan going deep and Ranger. Like, I think that part of it, the six-man rotation, is a freaking great idea. And the nice part about six-mans

is they can always go back to five-man. Of course! You don't have to do this all season. They have 17 straight or they're in the middle of what? They have 15 more straight games or whatever. Well, and I like that they're doing it in I like that they have the option in August because I think this is the month where I think they can kind of stretch it out. And you hate to start doing the whole,

you can just kind of work your way through this month in a way. Because you don't want to get too cute because then you can cost yourself games. But they are getting rest for guys, you know, like Stott, they got rest for. Castellanos, they got rest for.

JT, they're getting rest for. This stretch where it's Marlins, Royals, Nats, and they play... All at home. After they're done this series in Miami, 19 of the next 23 are home. So they can kind of space this out a little bit and at least give Wheeler

and these guys... And Wheeler doesn't like pitching on longer rest, but I think they have to. Or they could do, hey, Zach, you're on the 10-day for two weeks. Whatever. Take a couple weeks off. Whatever's going to be up for him. But Nola, I mean.

Nola's a 3-1-7 guy. The numbers are like, all right, this is a thing. The four- to five-day resting, it's really dramatic. That's why he wore it on the playoffs. Yeah. So, yeah, it's really dramatic. That's why he wore it on the playoffs. Yeah. So, yeah. So, it provides a ton of value. Not only for the late inning bench bat, but just from the standpoint of like, yes, he 100% can start.

But like, also, let's say we get into the, let's say we're into September. They're going on a run. Ranger starts pitching better. Wheeler's still fine. Nola gets on a run And they want to just put him in the bullpen His stuff plays up in the bullpen And he's pitched out of the bullpen before

It's not like throwing Tyjuan Walker In the bullpen who's never pitched out of the bullpen I don't think they would do that anyway They'd do Ranger if it was something else But if they trade for Verlander or whatever It's so much easier when the guy's done it before When he knows what it takes when he knows what it's like to come out of the pen. And I just like to, I like

giving him to Caleb Cotham and the staff, and I think they can get more out of Michael Lorenz, and he's been pretty good this year. Now, a lot of it's been aided because his last four starts, he's had three scoreless. Yeah, so yeah, he's got, I think, the second best ERA in July of any pitcher in baseball. That's a good time to trade for him. Yeah, good time to trade for him.

The one thing... And by the way, real quick to everyone out there, you know, he was an all-star because he was a Tiger. I know. Oh, my gosh. We got to see the Phillies trade for an all-star pitcher. People keep tweeting me like, he's an all-star. It's like, guys, we know how this works, right? We've all been baseball fans for a while.

Yeah, he's an all-star. So is Pat Neshek. Yeah, so was Gregory Soto last year. So was Odubo Herrera one time. That's the way it works. He's our guy now. Nice pitcher. And he is having the best year of his career handily. And they won in the offseason, so the fact

that they targeted him. Or at least Dave told us they won in the offseason. Dave also told us he wasn't budging on the Gary and Abel, which is 100% posturing for the offseason. I'm sure. I'm sure. The one thing is... And Johan. I know. Which is 100% posturing for the offseason. I'm sure. I'm sure. Yeah, so the one thing is.

And Johan. I mean, like, Dave, like, I think Johan could help him now, but, like, Dave definitely pumped up Johan. They think he's a star. Like, basically, like, untouchable, essentially. Like, all right. Yeah. So I didn't love giving up How You Leave for a rental

just because I think that he. So I would have traded him. That's not my issue. Yeah, he's kind of blocked. There's no real – He's blocked. He's not – the power is a concern. I think he's got really good bat-to-ball skills.

I think he can be a good player. I guess I just would have liked a guy with more control rather than – Or someone who's going to be here for longer than the rest of the season. Yeah. So that was my only issue with the Lorenzen thing, if they could have used someone else. But whatever. Because, I used someone else, but whatever. Because, I mean, Lee was on.

Now it was for Syndergaard last year, but he was untouchable in that trade. I mean, and Lorenzen is much, much, much better. Significantly. Actually not done. Yeah, you can pitch. Like Noah Syndergaard. Very happy with it. It's good.

He's going to pitch tonight. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Which I can't wait for. Yeah, Wheeler night and tomorrow. Which is going to be exciting. It's exciting. He's got the sweet Vans cleats, which are cool. Yeah, and he's going to pitch tonight. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Which I can't wait for. Yeah, Wheeler tonight, him tomorrow. Which is going to be exciting. It's exciting. He's got the sweet Vans cleats, which are cool.

Yeah. And he's got super long hair. Yeah, well, the flow, though. The team flow. Apparently him and Marsh do hair routine. Did you see this? I thought it was a joke at first. Like, no, no, no.

Like, they've helped each other with their hair. Yeah, so it seems like a good dude. Another good dude. Well, that was the thing with Tommy Pham, which it's like, you know, the profile of the player fits for what we're asking he's not a huge power guy he's had power this year but he's not like a but still like telling him like all right i get that that would make sense for a and bap but like he felt like somewhere it's like you know what like i actually don't know if i want to bring that guy into this vibe you know because this team and i thought again i

know we mentioned but like castellano was talking about it after the game like, it's one of the best post-game interviews I've ever heard. Oh, absolutely. I was like, I actually, I got chills listening to it. Me too. But it's like, that's what we felt last year with this group. And that's what we've seen with these coming back in games and stuff. And you know me, dude. Like, there are a few things that he could have said that would matter more to me.

Are you going to start tearing up? I'm all about culture and connectivity. I love the guy next to you. I'm like Nick Sirianni. Oh, here we go. I love it. I and connectivity. I love the guy next to you. I'm like Nick Sirianni. Oh, here we go. I love it. I love it. I love it.

I love it. And I do believe that you play harder for someone you love or you care about. I think culture matters anywhere, whether you're an accountant in an accounting firm. If everyone's freaking happy, if everyone likes the people they work with, they're going to do a better job. That's human nature. So I thought that was awesome from Nick last night. And it made me more excited about this group.

More emotional after the Nick Castellanos interview last night or the Luke Williams walk-off? I mean, Luke Williams walk-off is an all-time moment. That's what sports are all about, Jack. There it is. Family in the crowd. There it is. What does it mean to you, Luke?

Everything. Oh, jeez. Oh, jeez. Here we go. What a moment. Seltzer's tearing up. Yeah, but no. And the Raw, honestly, I thought was really impressive.

Me too. Talking about struggling and all that. Yeah, it's just like, that's what I like. That's what I want to hear more from athletes. I agree. It's okay to admit you're struggling. We see it. We're not idiots.

We're not blind, dude. And I liked how he talked about, well, first, the one thing I definitely liked was how all the broadcasters were like, we know how hard you work. We see you down there with Kevin Long. I think that's important. Yeah. Also, I like that he's going home and he's thinking about, I don't want to do that.

I can't do that. But this is like brother, and he's working on the game. I appreciate that. Yeah. And the other thing on Nick, and I had it in take back, I didn't anticipate leader Nick. Me either. I thought we were getting really good offensive player, difference making offensive player, but I didn't see the leadership stuff.

Those guys love him, man. Well, that's the thing. We said it last year when he was in the center of all the things, but you saw it again last night. They were so happy for him. They weren't just happy that he hit a home run to give them the lead. They were happy for him. Yes, and that's special. I agree, that's special. That's

difference-making stuff. How long have we asked for this? We remember the days of being like, they don't look like they want to be here. They don't look like they enjoy playing a kid's game. It's just so nice. It's so cool to feel that about this team. He talked about in an article,

I think Alex Coffey wrote it, about how, like, when Hoskins went down, he took up the leadership role and said, and he pointed the TV for postgame and, like, he turned it up, which I like. Like, listen to what they're saying about us. Like, I just, like, the edgy leader, Castellanos guy. I didn't see that coming. I think that's more shocking to me than the defense in the postseason last year.

Yeah, I agree. And I'm just rooting for him. It was really frustrating watching him. Very frustrating watching him. But I think that kind of postgame interview on what he did on radio and TV, it's a lot like what Alec Boehm did last year. After the game, he was like, I didn't mean it. I love this place.

I'm sorry. And that kind of stuff, it resonates with the didn't mean it. I love this place. I'm sorry. And that kind of stuff just resonates with the fan base, and it gives you a grace period. It just does. It just has us back off for a little bit. And I was really, really happy with what he said. I'm with you. I'm with you.

All right. Take back one other thing, though. We've mentioned the pop, but I just want to, because he made that catch again last night in left field, and if Schwarber's out there, that catch doesn't happen. Just shout out to Brandon Marsh for being so willing to play left field. He might be the best defensive left fielder in baseball. Dude, he's unbelievable out there, but like,

shout out, like, you said this when it first happened, but like, I was just thinking about it again last night, because anyone else out in left field doesn't make that catch, and they'd probably lose the game if that catch isn't made. I just, like, he's like, well, again, he was traded to be the starting center fielder of this team in the future and all that, like, and his just willingness to be like, yeah, I'll play left field, like, I just really dig it.

I really appreciate it, and I think we need to, like, remember to give him credit for that. Well, and it's just, it's so refreshing. Dude, the ball was hit to the left, and, like, I was like, wow, we actually have a chance to catch this? Like, that was a really hard play, too, like over the shoulder. Yeah, he's just good. Of course.

He's just good. All right, take it back. Yeah. There has been nothing more refreshing to me in the last two games than having Alec Baum batting second. Trust me, I know, buddy. You've been shouting from the mountaintops. Just let him hit two.

And it's just like he's not mostly been an automatic K. Like, he is putting the bat on the baseball. He's driving it to the opposite way. Like, even that at bat in the ninth where he struck out before the Harper at bat, like, that was still a really good at bat. Like, fouling balls off. Like, he just got beat with a really good pitch. The night before he worked a 10-pitch at bat and then drove the other way and made it a 4-2 game. Like, aling balls off. Like, he just got beat with a really good pitch. The night before, he worked a 10-pitch at bat

and then drove the other way and made it a 4-2 game. Like, a two-hole hitter. Yeah. What a concept. He really is. What a concept. Crazy idea.

But, but, but, but, Bryce is batting 431 in late and close situations. Ooh. With a... Playoff heart for carrying over. I like this. I like this a lot.

Yeah. So, for as much as the power's not there and some of the bats early in games. Are frustrating. It's like, stop swinging at the first pitch. What are you doing? Like, relax. First and second, no out. You don't have to go up there and swing at the first pitch and ground to a double.

You don't have to. I was going to bring up Jake Cave the night before, but he got the bunt down. Yeah. And hey, pinch running last night. Got it home. Great job by Jake. He's moving a little bit. Yeah. That was a good bump, by the way. Like, you know, for like a guy who doesn't, you know, he got it down. He got the bunt down. Yeah, and he pinched running last night. Got it home. Great job by Jake. He's moving a little bit. Yeah, that was a good bump, by the way.

Like, you know, for like a guy who doesn't, you know, he got it down. He got the bunt down. And it helped him win the game. Yep. Shout out to Jake Cave. Don't need to see him very often. Ranger's fine. It's still, I mean, it's...

So it was a weird one because he only gives up the one run he battled. He had some nice getting out spots, but he gave up 10 hits last night. Yeah, now only one extra base hit. Yeah. So that helps. He's also at like 58 pitches after six innings, which is...

Unbelievable. I mean, also to be fair, like Luis Uriah's hit should just, shouldn't count because he's going to get against anybody. I agree.

He just kills us. Especially against the Phillies. Dude, he just kills us. Yeah, for sure. He's like close to 400 or he's like an 800 or against us. Yeah.

Yeah, so Ranger change up looks a little bit better I'm still not like Zach Wheeler I'm pretty much in the camp of back Ranger I'm still

not back yet not yet need to see more Tyrone Walker like the fact that he went from 89 early in the game to 94 by the end

was weird but again Tyrone Walker was the first pitcher in baseball to 12 wins this year. It's unbelievable. How did that happen?

Unbelievable. And you know who the second one was? Zac Efflin. Yeah. Isn't that, in and of itself, just pretty hilarious? Yep. And I love Gene Segura, but if you're one of those people that want him back, you're cutting him into the sosa.

Probably. Well, that's a point. And do you know what Gene Segura is? Yes, I heard you say it. It's in the 500s. But he's Gene. He's here. He's at Coles.

Dude, honestly, like, if I, like, I would bring him back just for the vibes. Like, I would. I would. It's just, I'm not cutting Sosa

to do it, but I would bring him back for the vibes in a, like, normal, I would cut Didi for him, you know, like last year.

Well, fortunately, Didi's not here. I know, I'm just saying, like, I would've done that. I would've cut Josh for him, you know, like last year. Fortunately, Didi's not here. I know. I'm just saying it as the example, like I would have done that. I would cut Josh Harrison

for him. Yeah. But we got Rodolfo Castro. Exactly. You want to know how excited I am about boom hitting too?

You're going to do it again? I haven't written twice. I haven't written twice. That's awesome. Yeah. That's really good. One thing that I think

is interesting is not only Schwarber from this standpoint, who's walked 18 times in 11 games, and just the at-bats look way better. Yeah, and big spots. Again, like getting on base there. Like, that was big last night. And the night before, it was the ninth too, right? He's been really good, working good at-bats for a little while now. And again, in big spots.

And I really started feeling that Friday. Got a single last night, too. A miracle. So he's got, in his last 11 games, his OBP is 413, but his average is 103. Dude, he's the best, dude. It is wild to watch a true three outcomes player.

It really is something. It is something. And I true three outcomes player. It is. It really is something. It is something. And I believe now they have 27 walks in four games. That's good. If you're not going to hit the ball in the ballpark, you need runners on base, you need ducks in the pond. Yeah. Yeah, it's exactly right.

They have to. So that's going to be something to kind of monitor here and could be very important going forward. Oh, the Mets. Oh, the Mets. Oh, the Mets. How about the Mets? How about Max Scherzer's comments? You don't believe it?

No. As soon as I saw it, I was like, I don't know if I'd take this. It is hilarious. It's hilarious. So for those who didn't see it, Scherzer said that Billy Appler, their GM, when they were talking about whether she waives no trade clause and all that to go to Texas, basically told them they are not planning to contend until 2025 at the earliest and really 2026. Right.

Now, that changes when, if Shohei Otani wants to go there. They've also got a maniac for an owner who could go out and just like- There's no way that Steve Cohen- Is going to sit on his ass for two years? No way! The guy says payroll is $353 million this year. You know what? I will-

Honestly, we were talking about this on the air today. I think it might be the single biggest disappointment of a baseball team in my life. I mean, they're by far, by far the most expensive team ever. And they're selling at the deadline. It's up there one way or the other. I will give the dude credit for just paying off all these salaries. For saying, I'll pay Verlander's money, give me a better prospect. That's what we want our owner to do in that situation.

If things fall apart, we want our owner to say, I will pay all this money, give me the best possible prospect I can get back. Credit Cohen for that. Sure, I agree. I don't have this as a fact, but it's what I believe happened. The second that Pat McCarthy decided to be a trader and go to the Mets. It's all Pat's fault. Interesting.

Yeah. Interesting what happened. By the way, he called the walk-off balk last night. Oh, he was on for that? Yeah. That's amazing. It is hilarious. They lost it all.

To have the trade for a Mets fan, to have the trade deadline day where your team admits they're selling and just sells off pieces, and then to freaking lose a walk-off balk. And apparently he's not going to compete next year, too. Yeah, well, yeah, exactly. A walk-off balk. And I texted him, and I was like, I know you had to act, Matt, but you were definitely laughing at it. Come on, man.

I know the Phillies. Who are you kidding? And last thing on the Mets, it's important that the Phillies' seven of the last ten games are against the Mets. It's huge. Again, that's going to be a team that is as checked out as you can be at that time. And the Cardinals. And they play the Cardinals in there as well.

Actually, it's a great point because you looked at the end-of-season schedule and you're like, well, this is tough. It could be tough. And look, the Braves are in there too, and the Braves might have clinched everything by then. There's a real chance that this tough schedule of September could end up being really easy. Let's go! And coupled

with the August? Oh, buddy! 90 wins? Yeah, buddy. I bet the over. What was it? 89? 88 and a half. So, let's go, buddy. God, Vegas is good, man. It's like they are just so down on it. They are so annoying. It's so amazing.

What was it last year? 86 and a and a half Yeah they were right on it Yeah I think it was either 85 or 86 Right in there yeah This is gross Turns out They know what they're doing Yeah man

Exciting stuff So our overall take on the trade deadline is Solid Solid Didn't do everything we wanted Definitely would have liked a bet Ultimately underwhelming But

To your point, they're ultimately going to win or lose because of the top five in the lineup, and Aaron Noah. And there's no one outside of Verlander that was going to really affect the outcome of that. I was glad they didn't give up any of the real guys. Exactly. Certainly for the guys that got traded yesterday outside of Verlander, there's no one I would have wanted to trade their top prospects for.

And you look at the right-handed bats that got traded. I mean, Duvall didn't get traded. Tasker didn't get traded. It's hard to... I can't get mad. Harrison Bader. Yeah, Bader didn't get traded. I can't get mad at Dave for saying, you know what, this is silly.

I'm not going to pay these prices. I can't. That's smart. I wanted them to do more, but I'm not going to get mad at him. And credit to Dave, too, because he's not going to pay these prices. I can't. That's smart. I wanted them to do more, but I'm not going to get mad at them. And credit to Dave, too, because he's not going to be here forever. His mantra right now easily could be we've got to sell out the World Series. It has been in the past. We've got reserved.

We have raised Dombrowski. He thinks we're the Tampa Bay Rays. We've talked about it, but shout out to him for coming in and having this mentality of like, I'm coming in to build this organization up. Yes. And that's been the best thing he's done.

It's unbelievable. 100%. What a godsend. Never a doubt. I knew from the moment they talked. I was like, oh, godsend. Small market, Dave. Totally changed the organization around.

It's so great. Yeah, it is. That's what we thought. It really is. Just what we thought we were getting in Dave Dombrowski. But yeah, I think that stuff matters. I couldn't remember. I'm glad that he's being smart about this stuff.

All right, big rest of the series against the Marlins. And who is this? Nats? Royals. Royals. Someone crappy. Which I can't wait for because the Royals are the team I struggle the most with on the grid. Dude, so like, all right.

Scott Barlow got traded. Greinke is there, right? Greinke's still there. Okay. Aroldis Chapman is a Royal. He's a Ranger. Oh, I was about to say, Scott Barlow got traded. Greinke is there, right? Greinke's still there. Okay. Aroldis Chapman is a Royal. He's a Ranger. Oh, he got traded. He was a Royal, though.

He was a Royal. Okay. Good job. Bobby Witt Jr., shout out to my fantasy team. Yeah. My boy, Carlos Fernandez. He's been white hot, by the way, Bobby Witt. Good.

Yeah. Carlos Fernandez. Is the first baseman Vinny? Vinny Paschinianti. I don't know. I don't remember that guy. Oliveras people like a lot. Is Alex Gordon still in left field? No. I don't think so. I don't think. Remember that guy? Olivares people like a lot. Is Alex Gordon still in left field?

I don't think so. I don't think Gordon's gone. Salve. Salve, of course. Salve. One of the great roles of all time. This is, that is tough, man. You're right.

Like, they're very. Jordan Lyles. Jordan Lyles is there. Look at that. Oh, Brady Singer we talked about. Right. Right. Right.

Still there. Never a doubt. Daniel Lynch. That's a guy I think might have pitched for the Royals at one point or another. He did 100% pitch for the Royals. Not sure. Is Bubik? Bubik?

Bubik. Yeah, he was there. He was there. Chris Bubich. Yeah, he's still there. This is great. This is going to work. We're locked in for the Royals series.

I feel pretty good about how many we got there, to be blatant. Yeah, me too. That was good. How many podcasts get that many Royals? You're damn right, buddy. They traded Jacob Junis. Iantly honest. Yeah, me too. That was good. How many podcasts get that many Royals? You're damn right, buddy. They traded Jacob Junis. I know that. I will always believe in Jacob Junis.

I know. I phoned him on multiple fantasy teams myself. Yeah. It was good. All right, so it'll be fun to learn the Royals. Hunter Dozier. Hunter Dozier. Is he still there?

He's still there. Oh, Michael Massey's their second baseman. He's been doing some interesting stuff. Look at you. You are freaking pulling them right now. Yeah, we're getting there. That's about it. I think that's about it.

Tim Collins, he was there. He's gone now, I think. Is Greg Holland the closer? Dude, you know who was gross for a little bit there? right now. Yeah, we're getting there. That's about it. I think that's about it. Tim Collins, he was there. He's gone now, I think. Is Greg Holland the closer? Dude, you know who was gross for a little bit there was Calvin Herrera. He was nasty, dude. Him and Holland, when they were there together for a moment, they were nasty. No, you're forgetting one.

Wade Davis. Oh, Wade Davis. They had some dudes. You're right. I mean, they did win the World Series. They did win the World Series. They did. Went to bag to backers.

Actually, that's the team we're trying to model, right? No, we're not trying to model them. No, talking about in terms of like losing the world's first and going back and winning it my boy jared dyson love it jared dyson lorenzo kane i love lorenzo and now we're just naming old george brett dude i said willie wilson i sent you and peter george brett stats in the last 72 games of the 1980 season. But it was, like, unbelievable. They just done. Yeah. It's great.

Yeah. It's great. Well, yeah. It's just awesome. All right. We're good. Elliot wants to talk about the Eagles now. I know.

I got to go talk. I have to go do another. It never ends for me. That's why I'm tired, Jack. No, I won't. You don't. No, you don't. You'll be all right.

We'll be back on Sunday. He's for himself. We'll be back on Sunday. We'll be back on Sunday.