High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - PHILLIES WIN THE NL EAST EMERGENCY POD

Episode Date: September 24, 2024

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to the Philadelphia Phillies winning the NL East for the first time since 2011 and discuss what the team has to do to advance come October. 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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or wherever you get your podcasts. This is the High Hopes Podcast. High Hopes. On the Odyssey app and sports radio 94WIP. The crowd was singing High Hopes. Smiling through a broken nose Oh, I hope, I hope I feel a little less alone Yoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Oh, it is another addition of the high hopes podcast presented by Miller Lite tastes like

Miller time Philadelphia celebrate responsibility official partner of the Philadelphia Phillies. I even screwed up the order there. That's how fired up. We did it. Well, no, we just did the first thing. I got the first part. First time in the history of the Adams podcast that we could sit here and say the Philadelphia Phillies are nationally East champions. They went to the World Series before they won a national league East title, which is pretty remarkable. And you know, it was so funny.

Like when I went, when I was a kid, this old, I, I when I was a child that couldn't happen. I know You know It's pretty insane. It's been so long Looking at all the the photos of people this me when I got married the year that like the last time the Phillies Won the National League East was a month after I got married like pretty remarkable Very remarkable and obviously I wasn't even in this business yet. No, you're a salesman. You're you're wasting your time. I was actually about to start grad school. I started grad school right when they want. And then and now look at it like a superstar. I obviously did not have a kid. Senior vice. Yes. I did not have a kid. I figured I'd go further back.

And hey, I think, now this is, you know, you and I, whether it's family members, whether it's loved ones, whether it's friends, we are very open and honest on if they are frauds or not. Oh yeah. And I have been monitoring the Walker situation. Uh oh, oh no. And he wasn't sleeping last night

because he was so excited. Look at this kid. So he washed the Walker situation. Oh no. And he wasn't sleeping last night cause he was so excited. He watched the last out. Now he was, was like locked in. Yeah. Zoe was there. She knew what was happening. She wasn't like as locked in as I was. Yeah.

She was involved. She was around as it happened. He was up for it. So that was good. That was good. Gotta go Phillies in there. Yeah. Which is good.

And Walker is more like. The finish Shwerbombs. The Shwerbombs gets excited. Shwerbombs. It's like, Phillies in there. Yeah. It's good. And Walker is more like Spanish war bombs. Well, who gets excited? We're bombs. Like, yeah, you're damn right. Could he use to last night? Plus 2900. I was fine with going. You've won enough to own your beds the past week and a half. All right. Yeah, but anymore.

But anymore now, but they they came out and workman workman-like and it's so, it's so hindsight being 2020 by the way, inside the pod, we weren't recording until they won the analyst. I had no interest in talking with the mess series. I was so mad. Like it was Sunday night was such an excruciating loss because Wheeler was dominant. It felt like a playoff, playoff game.

And I wanted to rip the hearts out of the max. Like it's all I care about. Like I want them. This is in sports I wanted to rip the hearts out of the max. Yeah all I care about like I want them This is in sports way. I want the Mets to die. Yeah, I got one dad team. I want him dead. They are um They they remind me of the 19 nationals like with the OMG thing the para thing the baby shark thing That's not not have yeah, they're nice talented as the 19 nationals They don't know the Scherzer fear of how talented totally agree, but there's something about them. Yeah, they're not as talented as the 19 nationals. They don't have the Scherzer. The atmosphere of how talented they were. Totally agree. But there's something about them. Yeah, they're annoying.

There's something annoying happening. I know. And Citi Field, while for the majority of its tenure, besides like 2015, has been a morgue. It's got some life there, man. It's got some life. That game, that game had like some feel to it. I don't want to go playoff, because I can't, I don't know if I can say playoff, but it was like it felt felt like fringe playoff. It felt it felt like but but and this is total hindsight thing, 2020.

I'm glad they clenched it home. Yeah, I agree with you. Well, it's like I said, the other part where it's like hindsight, 2020, I'm happy they didn't make it in 2020 because that would have been a real bummer of a way to go back to the playoffs. Twenty twenty two of a way to go back to the playoffs. 2022 was so special to go back to the park and all that. Like if it had been 2020, we couldn't go to the games and stuff. Like it would have sucked some of the joy out of going back to the playoffs.

So I feel you, I think it was fun to do it at home. And it was a fun night at the ballpark last night. Like it felt, you know, to the Mets game feeling like a playoff thing that last night, it felt like both the team and the fans went to the ballpark ready, like knowing they're going to get this trip. Seriously, though, like it was like it just felt like, all right, they're clinching tonight. Like even watching it was like, all right, they got it. Like I felt I felt completely and totally confident that they had.

And it was so funny because I totally agree with you. And all day on the radio, I was like, that's clinch day. I know that you're just like, yeah, it just felt like clinch day. And maybe because they had the best clinching pitcher in the history of regular season baseball and Aaron Nola on the mound, who is I. Do you see the numbers with the one point six seven, right? I mean, it's actually pretty astounding.

I didn't realize quite how great I knew he was great. And so Aaron Nola since 2022, obviously, has had set started seven games. The Phillies could either clinch a postseason burst, clinch a postseason series or clinch a division title. One six to ERA, 44 innings pitch, 46 to seven strikeout to walk. Great. He's been lights out like Mr.

Clinch or guy. Yeah. And it's why. And well, I think we'll get more into this as we get closer and closer to the postseason. It's why I want to start in game three. Like he doesn't matter if he's at home or it's on the road. I think he's pretty. So I get your point. But the and I agree with that. But the argument then is game five, right? So I like if it were

just alright, if it's a seven game series, and you know that you've got the chance for both those guys to get second starts and all that or whatever, I can understand it. But if you're talking about five game series, do you want Christopher Sanchez starting game five? Or do you want to know starting in five? Because I want to know starting. So here's here's my counter and I totally hear you and something you have to factor in. But what matters more to me is either you're down. I don't I don't think they're down. No one is you have wheel on the mound. But I trust Chris Sanchez more to win game two. And if you win game two and go to nothing, I don't think they're down on one because you have Wheeler on the mound, but I trust Chris Sanchez more to win game two. And if you win game two and go up to nothing, I shouldn't have to worry about game five. So I just, game two is such a pivotal game

and the numbers are the numbers, whether you can go through them and be like, well, this is a bad start, he's had some good moments in the road. He has had good moments. His road home numbers are insane. It's just, he's three runs moments in the road. He has had a good moment. His his road home numbers are are insane. It's just he's here. He's three runs higher on the road. And what what what I think one of the biggest factors with why I want

Sanchez starting game two at home is part of the playoff experience. He has one start in the playoffs and it was in Arizona. And that's fine. That concerning a little bit. We're in Nola. We know we can trust. But that's how important game two is. If you win game two and they're up to with Nola either way. But that's why I want to still know in the pocket for five, if things go bad, like we've seen it go the last couple of years. But that's why I want Chris Sanchez at home.

I get it. I can't do it. I'm starting Nolan game two. I get it. I really get it. I just guess what? It's going to be a debate for an entire week. This is what we're going to be talking. Well, at least we've moved on to that. It's funny because a month ago even you know, whatever, you know It's certainly way earlier than that. There wasn't a debate but the debate was Ranger Sanchez for game three

We've graduated from Rangers Sanchez to game three Well, and I'm a question at this point and it and it ranger and it tells you it shows you how In a good spot this rotation really is and it's the reason to become like the reason I'm I believe in this team and their chances to win the World Series is the rotation of the bullpen is like how good their pitching is and it's just like that. Like that's history baseball. I feel really good going into the playoffs with the probably the best rotation and staff combined in the playoffs.

Yeah, I think that's fair. And and the guy that I think if you are asking 30. Yeah, yeah. You're saying Zach Wheeler is the number one guy you would take of all of them just start a playoff. Yes. I mean, he's just money. Like how he's been his last five starts ramping up for the postseason is getting me more geeked up for the postseason. And that's not even talking about the fact that just his postseason numbers alone are historically great. Yeah, insane. He still has the best whip in those postseason postseason. I believe like yeah better than Mariano Like it as a starter

You've been there before Mariana, you know what you are a failed starter exactly. I want to be a starter couldn't hack. Yeah, that's Wheeler better than Mariano Rivera Just kidding, But I... Like, you quickly... sometimes you let it play. The... it really... it's about as simplistic as it is. If the offense can just grow up for a month. Yeah, and just not suck for three games in a row or whatever. It's all right in front of them. And. I was worried, I was worried when they lost the Brewer series in line, they lost the Met series of of is this going to feel the same?

Is it going to are they going to back in and people are going to be kind of tempered down their expectations last week? So important, like I and I think they're going to go out there. I think they're going to compete until the end. Like, I don't think they're going to like. Until they clinch one of the buys and yeah, and now it's interesting. Well, they're going to clinch it. I mean, the buys, they're going to like until they clinch one of the buys and yeah. And now it's interesting. Well, they're going to clinch it. I mean, the buys, they're going to clinch it by more about the one. How much do they fight for the one seed and the, and the Yankees

thing. It's the one it's the Yankees and the Dodgers they're fighting with. Right. So and the Yankees, they don't have the tiebreaker with, so they have to actually be a game ahead of the Yankees. The Diamondbacks are putting a little foil in my go for the two. So that's what I was going to say. I was going to be one of the things I got to like as of today. Now it's a half game. So I don't know what the tiebreakers are between the Diamondbacks and the Mets. Yeah. But as of today, the New York Mets are the five seed and the Diamondbacks are the six

seed, which the whole Brewers thing. I know. Yeah. It's not great. And just as a whole, like we talked about, I do think that, you know, the positivity just talked and I do, I have a lot of faith in this team, I believe in them hanging in the playoffs, but it is a much tougher field that they'll be going up against. I mean, all

I like again, last year, it's like the Marlins in no world where the Marlins beat in the Phillies, like it just there was no like a zero worries about the Marlins. Yes, but and it was that it's the Marlins that was all got any other any other fan bases like we're gonna roll them. It's the Marlins. We're like it's the Marlins. Uh oh. I don't know. Like any of these teams can beat any of the other teams on a given day. I know. I know. I'm just being totally honest. I'm very nervous. I'm like the nerves have not overtaken the excitement. Like I'm excited for Red October.

I'm excited to see since the bank park again. Like last night was a good preview, I feel like. But I'm just, it's all right in front of them. And I appreciated the John Minilton quotes after the game about how this is not the last year. But also like, this is a really, this is a pivotal year. I'm so with you like it. So for those who didn't hear it, in case you didn't, john Middleton was asked, you know,

essentially, is this you know, World Series or bust has kind of been a thing. And you know, you've been there for two years. And he's like, Well, it's not because we're still gonna have a great group next year. And the year after and he's basically it was like every year on the owner, I'm trying to win the World Series. And I love I think it was such a great thing to say. Well, and my first thought was, one soda. Yeah, you're damn right. Seriously, though. Oh, my God. I know. But what if they

want? And we ran it in? And you just ran it in? Let's get let's let's let's check. Good. Yeah, I got. Let's check. What did they wear? And then they couldn't hear not. Yeah, I got. Come on. I it's funny because I heard that.

But I also as to your point, as I'm listening to it, I'm like, yeah, that's true. But it's also like if they go and lose in the first round, they lose in the NLD. Yes, like there's going to be changes of some. Oh, I'm sorry. Like it's not for this group. This thing, if they lose badly in the first round, like it's not going to be the same thing next year. There is real stakes on this this year that I think I appreciate the quote from him. But I think and I'm sure purposely he's underselling this.

So my first take is first off, I just appreciate Middleton. Shout out to the show first. Always, you know, I'm a big fan. Only big takes on the podcast. Would like to win the World Series. Middleton You know me big fans all only big thanks Would like to win the World Series by the way, this is Chicago White Sox 120 I should get a banner at the tape vault banner should have my name on it. Anyway, good the Oh I remember my, my first, the first take off of that is I do appreciate that me and John Middleton are both very concerned and, and strictly more

excited for the 2026 Phillies. So he's always that's the takeaway you guys. Yes. He's just like me. This is really the 2026. We know that's the year just like for them to do it. But yeah, and that 2026 circles all these other years. It's just whatever happens. This thing is going to like they these guys are are in their prime. We talked about that a lot and there are they are showing

some signs of getting a little bit older. You know, JT obviously had the knee injury. They like Bryce is dealing with some stuff. How about just all of them on the field celebrating with their little children? Yeah, I think that was about as much of a sign like, oh, this is not like a young group of guys going out to party and you know, so like obviously Martian and Boomer. A different story. Different. But the answer is like, well, are you guys going to keep partying? Is this and he's like, oh, no sleep in the night.

It's like the pause in Mars is like, but obviously we get a little sleep. Oh, good. It was like an all time, like, Oh wait, no, no, you shouldn't have said it that way. That at all. Nope. Cause we're still going for the one seat. So going for it. We, we still need it.

And what was the one where they were asking, they're asking stuff and he's like, you asked me how many beers I can fit And he's they're like no like I don't know let me song from the playlist or something It's like how many beers you want one, but this is Gary, you know, you're definitely playing tomorrow, right? Well, that's my favorite thing The garstops that goes the hardest on all of these and he is the one who's he's that one is definitely lost I'm playing now. He did say bet the over his home runs, which I think we have to do Off he hummers today. What if what a king me seeing seeing double? Yeah, but the it's such a Mickey Manil It's such a famous quote. Was it where he said he?

Was it that it was so hung over for a game? He was seeing three and he just hit the one in the middle. Yeah. You know, whatever it was. It's a legend. They have to like this is a this is they can't waste this opportunity is more my point. This the Braves have been dealing with a lot. There's no great team this year. The Phillies, you can make the case of the best.

I mean, absolutely. I think the Dodgers, the Phillies and the Yankees have been the three best teams in the end and the Guardians, the Guardians we should I don't Expect them to go but like they are right there record I mean they are unfair to not include them They have it those have been the four best teams in baseball consistently Also, if they lose the Guardians in the World Series cancel the podcast. Yeah, I'll never do another one. He tough would be insulting. Yeah, but

Like these guys are all in their primes. You don't know how many years again that to five you're at a Wheeler Noel has been good this year Sanchez has been good obviously painter being factored in next year could change things But I appreciate the idea I appreciate him saying we're gonna keep this window open because that's not what happened after after oh wait No, no 11. So the the window be fair. we're still in like, oh, seven 11 is five years, three years. So in theory, john should be saying it in two years from now. And then we'll still agree. But I get your point. Yeah, look, I think the main one of the main takeaways from today

should be, thank God for John Middleton. I mean, to have an owner who is this committed to winning and to even would say that and all the quotes, I mean, no owner. Honestly, I don't ever remember owner who says things. I want to hear more than John Milton. I mean, he's he's even said stuff that I've said on the pub millions of times over the years, like you're a steward of a franchise and you're owner. It's not just your team.

It's millions of fans, his hopes and dreams relying on. I mean, like he's like saying everything I want to hear from an owner about winning about the 1927 quote we talked about so long about an era of baseball. Think about the feeling. It's like the guy could not speak more perfectly, but he has also putting put his money where his mouth is. He's just done it again here. We're going to keep going for it. Keep competing. And I thought about a lot. I was looking at that just sham of a letter that John Fisher, the A's owner put out to his fans is, you know, the imagine seeing that. So I mean, like, first of all, just sending out a letter and I even like saying it into a

microphone. But like I was thinking, just thinking of the stark contrast of what a lot of fan bases in baseball have to deal with from an ownership perspective, and how like incredibly lucky we are to have a guy who gives a bleep as much as he doesn't wants to win as much as he does and is willing to put his money behind that. Like that is that special stuff, man. We were really lucky to have John. Well, and the biggest thing that he's done and he's one of the guys that we want them to win a title for the most.

You know, he's he's obviously invested a ton, but he has brought this team from sort of I mean, they were small marketish, you know, a little bit like they acted like if nothing else. Yeah. And he brought them into the big boy. Yeah. So. And remember, we started the pod. I mean, he's earned every bit of of of positivity that we have given him. Like, he's done that because when we started, we didn't know it. John Jack, the whole thing like he is Steinbrenner, the South. Yeah, he really has, though. It's literally that's a great point from it.

That it was twenty seventeen when he went in studio with Angelo. Kind of started what? It started in fifteen when he took the team back. But I'm talking about in twenty seventeen when he went in with Angelo and, you know, they're horrible then. And he's like, he's like, I'm going to die trying to bring a Bleeven trophy back to this town. And that whole thing, it was like, at that point was just words. It was the 20, they were a 66 win baseball team or whatever. Like it was just words. And now we're sitting here and he is backed it up and that, you know, respect.

And his thing last night, starting the whole trophy. Yeah, well, it was he came in high. I did not. I expected to be like, give him something. He was just like, all right, we got Johnny. I did not I expected me like give something He was just like alright. We got Johnny. He was like give me my plebe a trophy. It's like damn brother Yes, yeah, well get the man his trophy and the first thought I had was that looks like a video yearbook moment Oh, I mean does it that looks like a word? Can't you just see I just just walk with me here. Mm-hmm. Can't you just see there? They are I can't tell

if it's the opening or the closing. You know what I mean? To the World Series DVD? Oh, I think it could be at the opening. You think so? Get me my bleeping trophy. Could that be the title of the World Series DVD? The narrator goes, you know, something like, John, that just might happen. Or guess what, John? They would get you that. And then they'd go to spring training.

They would get you that trophy. Then, no, you know what would happen? It was they would- So you're the video yearbook man. You're the one who has to tell me how they, you know. Here's what would happen. They would show that, and then they show the millions of people on Broad Street.

Yes. And then they would show the celebration. And then it'd be like spring training. I love this. If you I, well, my one goal in life is just let me and video dance evens and I think still does it. Let's put this thing together. So I hate to say it.

Really hate to say it. I mean, the lengths they've gone to to not include you in this. I don't think it's ever going to happen. I mean, honestly, I think they could be like, they would have like a shot of the afternoon show and find a way to like edit you out of it. Like, they might even put a video of like the three of you up, but you're like blocked out by some like clear, like what I don't know what it is. I don't know how you offended but like, you can't do anything to get on the video. At some point me neighbor Dan and video Dan Stevenson, we're gonna bring some yes Yes, because like Dan listen, we're the only two people watching these all okay, like trust me I know exactly what we need to do here. Yes. Yes. Well, I watched 13 to 18 videos They matter they matter. So but yes, it was him him the 2013 to 2014 video jeez, Louise, that is dark times.

But see what you video year. But maybe it's because you're older and you're you're turning 50 tomorrow. Forty three. OK, so you're turning 45 tomorrow. Might as well be 50. Forty five. Honestly, everyone was James's birthday. But but. Everyone but but the the I don't know I forget again you are off today aren't I the old one here I know you're forgetting what you're saying I know you're talking about Dan Stevenson and neighbor Dan I was so happy it was your birthday tomorrow

You're like ooh old jokes old jokes I'm saying totally lock in on this important thing. I have to do brain 45 days 45 days 45, but yes the the middle thing quote after the game It was like that's that could be it Yeah, that could be the a couple years ago in 2022 when they were down in in Houston and they clinched and Rob Thompson was 13 more or whatever. That felt like a moment. And that that Middleton thing last night felt like,

I'm so with you. I totally agree with you. And again, I think that, you know, especially that the kind of cat, you know, beginning and ending the regular season that way with him doing the speech down in Florida and then this it's it's poetic. That's a good point, James, because you want to know what? Maybe the video yearbook, it starts with that. Uh huh. And then maybe the tail end.

That's what they do. The Bleeving trophy. It all comes full circle. Got it. No, no, no, no big deal. All right. This is exciting. I know. I'm sorry. It's like, all right. I want to win so bad. So I'm already getting like so mine. I know this. I'm sorry. It's like, all right. I want him to win so bad. So I'm already getting into like, so my none of this, I'm tired today. Right. Shocker. Yeah. Tucker's looking at me.

We were before you came in, basically it was me and Tucker talking about Tyra. We were like five minutes before you got in here. Thrilling. I know. 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 gonna 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 But I'm like I'm so ready to be like Like I I'm always tired. That's why I joke about it We joke about like I'm ready to be like true tired Like I know October like I'm gonna be a disaster and I can't freaking wait for it Like I'm ready. I don't mind an hour night. Like whatever it is But like freaking win like I don't like I don't want to go through it again and lose like I know I know that's a real possibility. I we've done it a million times our lives at all. I'll be okay

but like I I We've kept saying throughout these runs like and it's still true right now. Nothing's changed I've never wanted a group of guys a team to win more. I've never wanted an owner to win more. I've never wanted like, Oh, I want them all to have that. I never wanted a fan base us right now to win more. But I don't like the last two years, maybe because the first year was like, wow, we're here. This is fun.

And the year after it was just kind of, you know, a continuation of that, but you know, to the stakes of it all, like, I'm really nervous, like so much more nervous. And I know you've been talking about this a lot this year, but like, I'm gonna live in the moment guy. Oh, yeah. I'm like, feeling it, man. Like I am, I am so nervous that we're gonna go through this run and stay up late and do this whole thing and then potentially have our hearts. I know. Glad to think you about it. Hey This is welcome

I'm really it's the worst. There's nothing really hard. I know I know that's why last night so I'm Obviously thrilled they won the NLE's But but I'm just like it's it doesn't hit the same because Because they were always gonna win the NL East unless it was like a, it's, it's just step one. It's just step one and they can do it. And that's what like the big message is this team can win the fricking world series. They just can. We know what their shortcomings will be if it is.

And I think it comes down to if they're gonna chase and strike out and I don't like that they've struck out at a 30% clips in the last like week and a half I don't I don't like that at all because it's and that's when they face a little bit better pitching was they they were doing it the Brewers and they went against the Mets and it's like okay we're chasing and and we're striking out and we're looking like we're trying to hit home runs all the time because that kind of stuff can sink them if the Offense can just be can just grow up for a month for one month I hope I'm not chasing put together good at that. Look what you did in Toronto

Toronto is the best bats have ever seen them take in the last like four years if they can just harness that put it together Get in the postseason and let like ride the way because this pitching staff is ready. Wheeler's ready, Noah's ready, Chris Sanchez is ready. I'm not writing off Ranger. I think people are writing off Ranger. Ranger's been a really damn good postseason pitcher for the last couple of years. And we talked about how I mean he was again the best pitcher in baseball for two months. He was ridiculous. The back maybe is factoring into all this but there's still a chance there. And the bullpen is simply the best bullpen we've seen them have of this run heading into the postseason and it's not even close. There's no Kimbrough. I guess that is probably the closest thing to Kimbrough.

Yeah, and he's way better in Kimbrough. But he is the yeah, he is as close as there is but not just that. Colorado. Yeah, but they have like three guys who are better than any guys they've had. I know. Yeah, like it's right. It's right there and there's no dominant team in the NL. People are worried about the Mets, but then you look at the Mets on paper and it's like, I don't know. You're saying people are worried about the Mets.

Like that says it all right there. Like what about the Dodgers? Right. Like what, what, what, like the fact that people are worried about the Mets and the Diamondbacks and I get it more than the Dodgers shows how like there isn't that because that, because the Dodgers should be, I mean, Dodgers are so talented. They should be that if they, the Dodgers are so talented. I know they should be that they're not. And then none of these teams. I know.

I know. And the, I, the pod. I didn't realize quite how good the Padres have been. Yeah. They're 40 and 16 in their last 56 games. That's that's like the Phillies first part of this season. Like they're basically like the Phillies, the second half of the Phillies were in the first half.

Yeah. And that's my, I think if you want to look at it from an optimistic viewpoint is they've got such a big lead. Essentially put it on cruise control and it's frustrating when they do that but we didn't want them to set the wins record. We didn't want them to. Yeah it's won the division. It's won the division, win 95 plus games, show that you're one of the best teams in the national league, end of the postseason, do do your thing didn't need the oh my god They're the greatest team of all time like I don't care if I'm in a World Series Don't care don't care

And win 81 games get in is the 76 Wild Card and win a World Series I'll count whether you want to you don't get an extra trophy for winning 100 plus games. So I was actually Worried about me too. I didn't why was like, don't push it all the way. Yeah, I agree. So they put a down shift. I'm happy we handled the lows. Always. They were always going to be fine.

They were always going to be fine. And my optimistic, your glass half full feel is they shut it down. They went to cruise control and they had a tough six weeks there. They were teetering for two months, but they really got bad in that, in that six week stretch, like the Yankees series, that little, the guardians, the diamond backs, like that stretch there with that, when they went out, well, yep. I was Seattle, which had that fun one at the Dodgers. Still the, oh, they want the game too.

And this, they won the Dodgers, but then split the Diamondbacks and came home. They that that loss in Seattle, that game to that like, well, Hoffman's the best pitcher and I know that's reliever and baseball arguably and blows a lead in this. So there were some moments there, but it is funny, too, because when you look at the span of all that, like even then they were like a five hundred ish team over a two month span, but it felt like it was a disaster because they were so good over the first part of the season. So well, I mean, and the true lowest point, if we're doing the season in review here,

it's good. They get shut down by some five, 10 Marlins pitcher through 89 miles an hour. I know. Yeah. Yeah. I didn't. It was brutal. You couldn't get out from the peace. And it was you shut those down. And then the next night the they were down. You're probably get out. I don't know, dude. Oh, you put together tough at bats in the piece. Everyone knows that one knows on those fields. Yeah, that's true.

You bounce all over the place. And then the next night, the Schwab grant slam and the team meeting was and they've been pretty OK since And they didn't find it. I think the I think the Brewer's slam that saved. Oh, no, I think I think the I think the Brewers and that series is a bit overshadowing how good they've been for a long stretch here, especially because like, look, they've known that they're going to get the NL East and I know they want the ones you know, but they've known they're going to get the NL East here And I know they want the ones, you know, but they've known they're gonna get the NLEs here.

It's kind of just been a playing out the inevitable. So it's like, it's hard. Like I want them to have an edge at all times, but I also understand that they're not gonna have an edge at all times when it, in this type of situation, when you're getting raped. And they already went through the adversity. And you hope that they went through the adversity,

they came together, they didn't splinter. We don't see a splinter in the locker room and they, they ultimately will be better off for it by going through what they went through. Yeah. And they absolutely a crucible of, of sorts. You come out the other side and look, they also are, are kind of healthy. Heading into the playoffs now too. I know the Austin A's thing coming back, but like, you know, Alvarez went through

it to kind of come back Ranger obviously hasn't reestablished. But in the Bryce thing, we were freaking out like he's got some power back and he's still not Bryce Bryce. But but he's getting close. But Bryce after five days off. So I'm saying like they're kind of getting to a spot where they're kind of heading into the playoffs in a good spot from that weird setup by Bryce in the seventh class night did you see that how is his batting stance oh yeah yeah very weird it was almost yeah doing it was almost you look like Scott and I don't know if that's not right now don't shots shots fire don't need don't even yeah don't look like that start I think I think it's I think it's gonna be a triple tune in the bow season.

I think they're- It kinda has to be. It has to be, Edmundo's been good enough. The stop thing I can't figure out, first off, kinda looks like he's swinging a pool noodle. Yeah, it's just a lost year for him offensively. It feels that way. And look, he's been still go club caliber.

Dude, the defense is ridiculous. He's phenomenal, but it's just a lost year, I think. You know, offensively, it happens. I don't know why he's like trying, it feels like he's trying. But it's just a lost year, I think, you know, offensively, it happens. I don't know why he's like trying. It feels like he's trying to swing so hard. Yeah, it's just like you're great. All right. Yeah. Great. That's the ball.

Like he should be hitting like about Bryce hits when he doesn't have power. Yeah. Hit the ball hard opposite way. Yeah. That's the that's the right way. Poke it in the spots. You know, like just short left, short right, like little singles. Like, yeah. Yeah. But they are they are healthy. I think they're battling some things like most teams do. They just this getting the five days off.

I know people are worried about it. I think it's a fair thing to be worried about. I think it's just based on results. The last few years, of course, you're going to worry about it. But like you don't. Hey, you wouldn't rather have to play the three game series, right? Like, right. I mean, like, right. And then on top of that, I think you've made the best point

that I've heard with all of it is the fact that you have Wheeler. Like if you could ask for what's the number one like elixir for a situation like that, we might be a little rusty when you come back. Hand the ball to one of the best postseason pitchers ever and let him just go out and dominate and give you a few innings to get back in the flow of the game. And you're good to go. You know, I'm trying to think so Ranger started

Now we always able to start game one last year because they wanted they won the first two games So he's able to go a Ranger and start game one in 2022 Mm-hmm theoretically if whoever goes three games and you're getting there. Oh, yeah, it's a good point Theoretically theoretically. Yeah, man, I plays out good point. Best theoretically, theoretically. Yeah. But it plays out. So they feel pretty good about that. You feel pretty good about that. So they're they're in a good spot. And I think like Bryce talked about last night, he said, he said they needed.

That's yeah. You want to talk about someone who's excited for the buy. It's Bryce Arbery. Yeah. And he was like, we like I was actually it's funny because you expect him to say something like, oh, it'll be nice to have the time. He was like it was notable how over the top, like it made me think that there's they need rest way more than we thought they did. He was just like, yeah, we desperately need this.

Well, I feel he's also talking for himself. Obviously, no doubt, no doubt, which actually makes me feel better about the potential. Yeah, it's like, OK, well, if he gets five days off to just not, well, he's going to swing, but not, you know, imagine Bryce was taking time off. Yeah. No, I have been on when swatch for a little bit here. Yeah. I haven't seen too much wincing, but once, which is good, it shows, you know, Bryce will be in the line tonight.

He doesn't drink. So yeah, probably assume. So he was in the line blast. You have to hang over game. He doesn't drink. I'm assuming he'll be in line up. Why wouldn't he be? He knows we got a one to win price. I mean, even when we don't want him to play is out there. I propose I propose for Taiwan to earn the contract by just pitching all nine.

Oh, I like that. Yeah. I mean. So, all right. I want anything because you're Taiwan. So we talked about it like, did you? don't know, I didn't notice it. But apparently there must have been a moment where like on the cameras like they couldn't hear ever. But like Taiwan and John Middleton like shook hands or whatever, because he was John Milton's going around. Like think about like that dude gave you seventy two million dollars and you have sucked and you know you've sucked. What an awkward inner.

Yeah. Hey man, thanks for the cash. Appreciate it. Appreciate it. I want to congratulate you. Really cool that you paid me money. And he's, he's not going to pay what I'm posting is zero percent. So you're in the dugout. The, they can still be in the dugout.

I wasn't sure about that. I assume they can. So, I mean, Derek Hall wasn't all the celebrations. That's true. That's a good point. That's a good point. Yeah. Taiwan will be celebrating. Let's get Taiwan a ring. That's true. That's a good point. That's a good point. Yeah, Taiwan. We celebrate

Yeah, let's get Taiwan a ring. Yeah. Hey go for Taiwan real quick Would you like to comment on Taiwan amiss or we should we just forget? Oh, yeah. Listen, hold on Yeah, I would I do want to comment on it because good. I'm happy all of a sudden he's turned into my boy on Twitter Which is crazy. This is the danger of me. You heard me talk about Taiwan Which is crazy? This is the danger of your heard me talking about my Tywanimus is simply too good of a name he shows life out of the ballpen and like my goat and and You know a goat TV show

Character once said you miss 100% of the shots you don't take so we took a shot on Tywanimus We've moved on. It obviously is not going to work over. It's yeah, it's not. I mean, it's dead. Yeah. On dead. Yeah. And he's hopefully never going to pitch for the Phillies ever again.

After tonight, after tonight, we had to pitch after Tanner banks or Banksy banks, he get in the start. Yeah. Well, listen, it's a big week for Austin Hayes. So that's what I was about to go to for the last week. Obviously, they're playing for the one team. We'll keep an eye on that. But, you know, we'll see how that checks out. But in terms of. You want to do final out this week? No, I have fun. I'll be sleeping as soon as the game ends. Bedtime.

The what you're looking for this week in terms of like the postseason roster stuff. I was all saying is I think is the clear does he have it? Do you think it's who's he is it Wes Wilson? Who's that? Yeah. So set up the last week and what postseason roster spots you think are still on the table. So I think it's Weston Wilson or Austin Hayes. I think that's the obvious one. Now, they could keep both. But I think that the not and go with a less picture, but I doubt they'll do that. Yeah, I think you'd choose. Choose the extra picture so like Tanner Banks or Rui. I mean Ruiz will probably be on no matter what. Tanner Banks.

He is so 2022. Brad Hand. It's not even funny. It's just, it's, it's the same quality of stuff. It seems like whatever, but yes. And Weston Wilson, I believe is is hitting one eighty five in September. So it's not like he's crushing the ball. Now there's an opportunity here for Austin Hayes.

The big thing with Austin Hayes is that he lose a lot of strength muscle. With the he's only two for nine in Lehigh Valley, I believe. So it's not like he went up there and lit the world on fire. And it's not like he was flashing a lot of pop while he was here before. He was flashing pop. It was just warning track pop. Yeah, it's not enough pop. It was just warning track pop. Yeah. It's not enough pop. Yeah, it's not enough.

Spike was saying yesterday that if he hits a, if he, if he bats in the postseason and hits a fly ball, everyone in the stadium has to collectively like start blowing on it and try to get it out. It's cause it's just like, that's great. That's the new innovation for Spilly's. Great line, buddy, because it's unbelievable how he does. Just misses. But listen, I like Weston Wilson,

but like Austin Hayes is a better player. Yeah, I mean, Austin Hayes has been a major league regular. And look, I think if nothing else, he was an all star last year. What about the dog? We get the house. I think of nothing else. I think if nothing else, Austin is is a better outfielder than West Wilson. And thus that alone probably gives him an advantage.

By the way, they probably would have won Saturday if Weston Wilson wasn't playing left field. West is tough out there, man. Look, he's better left than a third, obviously. Hold on, I don't know, man. He's a vacuum at third base. Oh, yeah. Wes Wilson, not a great defensive player.

No, he's not. He's here to hit. Yes, he's like a DH light. Yeah. So that's one to look for. I think Cody Clemens made the roster. It's not like, I mean, I would be shocked if he's not on the playoff roster. It's just, he's kind of cooled off since his little run, which is a shame.

Cause I'd like, I like the idea of tweeting out that Cody Clemens rakes, you know, after every Roger Clemens might quote. Yeah. So, and that he's Greg Dobbs 2.0. I like that bit. But so I think that Clemens would get that one. The Dobbs 2.0. I don't think so.

Rangers also a big one this week as well. So that's where I was going to be my next question in the sense of like, look, we've we all agree Sanchez has passed him, you know, Rangers the four starter now he has left but you Rangers look, he doesn't look quite as the 12 12 hits, whatever it was a couple starts ago, I think is probably the worst he's looked in terms of just pure stuff. Looked better the last couple of starts since, but still not not what he was before. Where are you at with Ranger? And what what can you like? What can we look? We have seen guys. I mean, the Nola thing with the mechanical adjustment Harper a couple of years ago with the power like we've seen guys get to the playoffs and then

turn, turn, flip a switch and they can be that guy ranger with the heartbeat. Like who knows, but where you at with ranger? Yeah, it's the back. And I think that if you can give them a couple of days off at the end of the season, maybe you might not have to pitch in the first round at all. So, so you could maybe rest the back up and you get a better version of ranger. I haven't given up, you know, total hope in ranger because again, he does have the postseason moments. I think we still trust them. Like, if you told me Ranger in a game six has to go out there or whatever, game five and has to

always trust Ranger, Ranger could look horrible coming into the playoffs. He steps into a playoff game like until he doesn't do it, I will trust him that he's gonna figure it out. Yeah. The big thing for Ranger this week is how they want to use them Actually, I believe is Alvarado because Alvarado said too bad outing. I know now they were very low leverage Wasn't a big spot, but still hasn't looked as good as he had looked in the previous Like five since he came back from Venezuela

So I just the the the So I just, the Ranger out of the bullpen thing comes into factor here, like how does he look both pitching wise, but also if Alvarado, had they lost some trust in him, can Ranger come in and do that job, which he's shown to do, but they need a second lefty, and I wonder if they look at Rangers possibly that second lefty.

Now, if they really wanted to you know depending on how they view Chris Sanchez like I I think Chris Sanchez it's funny because he gets better as the game goes on traditionally but do they go righty because let's say they let Sanchez throw four or whatever they go a righty to break it up and then you let Rangers take down a couple of innings potentially So I think it's more about Ranger out of the bullpen this last week We know he can start it wouldn't be probably until the NLCS. You would have to start a game So they're the how he looks and how you think he could play out of the bullpen and also how alvarado looks this week

If that's good, I love it. All right. What else? Yeah. Take me. What are you laughing at? I'm texting with Tucker Tucker sent me a funny. I was just checking on timing and whatever. See when we started. And then he sent me a funny picture of John Richard. It was not a spec. Unbelievable. Yeah, it's very funny.

We're trying to we're trying to win a World Series. It's a really funny. You guys are making jokes. I know you guys are making this pot is, you know. It's got to keep it light in the clubhouse. Yeah, it's true. Is it not right now? The heart of this pot is World Series light. And then we keep it light in the clubhouse. Yeah, it's true. Is it not right now? The heart of this pot is World Series light.

And then we do it light year World Series. So take back. Jose Iglesias is infuriating. I know. And I can't believe he's still in Major League Baseball. He said 350 something. It's absurd. He's been good in. And now he's playing second base. And of course, he's a great second baseman. Like, sure. Of course. I know. Why wouldn't he be? I know he's infuriated.

Great defensive. Yes. Really, for years and years, always. Congrats to Kyle Schwaber. Yeah, how about that? Back to back, 100, 100, 100 seasons. Pretty good year. Yeah.

Only two Phillies ever, Abreu and Schmidt have done that in multiple seasons. Pretty amazing. Yeah. Pretty good. Seems like it was an okay signing. Seems like it was an okay signing. It seems like it was OK signing. I actually thought last night in the sixth, I couldn't tell if they were

combating Aaron Nola, possibly tipping pitches, because if you looked at if you looked at the bat to Ballinger, oh, a Ballinger just getting frozen on three straight to. Oh, yeah, buddy. Furious and like where, you know, like the game was still, you know, in balance, in balance there, you know, I, that was true. That was, that was huge. I mean, that was like the last spot where it felt like the Cubs had a chance. Yeah. I wish there was a live camera, Cody Bellinger going back and looking at

the iPad and being like, ah, I got me. Yeah. Cause at first he argued and then it was like, yeah, but if you, if you noticed runner on second base, what JT was doing was he was He was setting up super late So he would set up on the outside then jump to the inside And I think that could have been if there if there are concerned about him tipping pitches I think that that's the way they're gonna combat it the only Old-school problem with that is that a lot of picturesers like this like this. Of course. So it could affect command, but obviously no less pretty good man.

But I thought that was a way that maybe they're combating some of the, the, the, the pitch, the really interesting thought. Do you know, so you're on row house executed a hit and run last night. How about it? Did he really? I was even, yeah, Marsh was going to the second he looked in and, and real about it, Marsh went to third. Also like like I don't know if Harper was doing it on purpose But in my head they're trying to find different ways they can score when they if they go cold, but Harper

baited Baited Befencourt into throwing to second and then he went to third base which I that I noticed was nice Yeah, that was good stuff. Yeah, and he ended up scoring because of it Manufacturing yeah, by the way, they would beat the Mets on Sunday The student ball hit off their base and go straight to wherever and then the night Oh and off the bat like never hits off the bag and then a free right? I'm very with you They didn't deflect anyway never happens like that. Yeah, I hated that He was so I get down was so mad, But ready to clinch. I was ready to clinch. I want to clinch in New York. I know. 53 and 26 at home. Wow. 53 and 26. I didn't realize they've been that good at home this year.

They've been more or less average on the road. It's a point because it's got to be if they're having games over 500. They're pretty good case for the ones. Yeah, that is, that is. Wow. Yeah. All right. 53 and 26. Wow. And then the ones yeah that is that is wow yeah all right 53 26 wow and then the final thing here is have i told you about my my two times four theory or four times two theory uh are they 40 and 38 on the road so yeah they're like an average wow anyway uh happens no it does but still that's wild uh okay so you're how is two times four different than four times two? They're not. I think sounds better. Traditional times people would always put the bigger and I agree. All right. So you're four times two theory. No, you've not. But it's really two times four there because it's twenty twenty four.

Oh, God. Hold on. Okay. Where are we going with this? Just take a deep breath. Okay. Do I have to? Okay. The two times four theory is this. The Phillies in 1980, eight zero, they won the World Series. The Phillies in 2008, oh, wait, eight. The Phillies in 2024 times four, four times four is eight. Stretchy stretch of all stretches.

I had to do that math quickly. Yeah. Did you just come up with that? No, I thought of it last night. It's really good. Thank you. Thank you. So it all adds up to eight. There was actual brain power put into this. I, I, I hoped and thought for a minute that you just came up with down the fly and then I was going to, you know, be like, okay, you know, this is premeditated.

Concocted last night. Now let's go. Well, because here's the thing. It's like, I can't go until 2088 for the eight things to work out. Point. It's an important point. What? 2053 five plus three equals eight.

We're standing. You that we stop with this. Yeah. I mean, if they read 2035, that's closer. That's a good point. I know that's fair point Good yeah, good kind of my stuff. So that's my two times four theory I'm just gonna say I'm happy you saved this with the end. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you

Oh, all I'm saying is this is Tucker's gonna cut this he's gonna put it on video and When they win the World Series everyone's gonna be talking about the two times four theory I don't think so. I really don't talk her. I don't think people are gonna talk about Are is gonna be a lot of buzz in the street? Thank you, but we missed it though 2022 right two times two times two see yeah, that's not as fun Think of it we are definitely done Are we doing again this week or we just waiting for next week? Probably wait till next week. Right.

We've nothing to say this week. OK, so we're back to preview because there's that fully is only played till the following weekend. So back next week, preview the week and then we'll do another. This is going to be an excruciating week and a half. I know it's going to be this is going to be tough. Yeah, I know. I just wanted to start. I want to start. I also don't want to start. No, I know

I'm also like I'm really gonna relish the other teams playing in that and us being like, yeah, that's right And here's the big bonus for for me and our listeners Hey, it's a Saturday Sunday start for you, which means I'll deal tired ass. You're damn right buddy Yeah, I will be there ready to roll. I think bells on I think I'm gonna do Ready to roll my bells on. I think I'm going to do I think I'm going to be like, really, Paz, all right, oh, buddy. And we're going to be doing final out every night together. So it'll be great.

I'm staying up. My sleep is done with no sleep for me. Ready to sleep till World Series, sleep till two times for the World Series. Yeah, we got it. This is this is for as much as October is the Phillies Month. This is also for themselves. Oh, without a doubt. And this is for as much as October is the Phillies month. It's also for themselves. Oh, but without a doubt. And this is when we shine. All right.

So we'll be back next week to preview the playoffs. How bad it will know what teams the Phillies will be watching to see if they're going to play next by then. Just get the ones you just get the ones. It's exactly. Don't listen to me. Get the ones. Let's go. National League East champs baby it's a beautiful thing he's for themselves You