High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Reacting to The Middleton Article and AIDAN MILLER JOINS THE PODCAST!

Episode Date: November 5, 2024

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz discuss John Middleton's latest comments regarding the Phillies future before they are joined by top prospect Aidan Miller! 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

What do Ontario dairy farmers bring to the table? A million little things. But most of all, the passion and care that goes into producing the local, high-quality milk we all love and enjoy every day. With 3,200 dairy farming families across Ontario sharing our love for milk, there's love in every glass. Dairy Farmers of Ontario. From our families to your table,

Everybody Milk. Visit milk.org to learn more. After decades of shaky hands caused by debilitating tremors, Sunnybrook was the only hospital in Canada who could provide Andy with something special. Three neurosurgeons, two scientists, one movement disorders coordinator, 58 answered questions,

two focused ultrasound procedures, one movement disorders coordinator, 58 answered questions, two focused ultrasound procedures, one specially developed helmet, thousands of high intensity focused ultrasound waves, zero incisions, and that very same day, two steady hands. From innovation to action, Sunnybrook is special. Learn more at sunnybrook.ca slash special. Toronto.

There's another great city that starts with a T. Tampa, Florida. Fly to Tampa on Porter Airlines to see why it's so tea-riffic. On your way there, relax with free beer, wine and snacks, free fast streaming Wi-Fi and no middle seats. You've never flown to Florida like this before, so you'll land in Tampa ready to explore. Visit flyporter.com and actually enjoy economy. This is the High Hopes podcast on the Odyssey app in sports radio 94 WIP Feel a little less along Oh, it is another addition of the Highlands podcast presented by Miller Lite,

official partner of the Philadelphia Phillies, Tastes Like Miller Time Philadelphia celebrate responsibly. I mean, look, we got some stuff to talk about. I would like to quickly thank John Middleton. We'll get to it for being the voice in the wilderness that I freaking needed. But that, yo, obviously, I mean, coming up later in the pod, get excited. Miller on the pod. How about it? No, no.

Yeah. Our guy. And now it happened already. We did it already. Believe it or not. Yes, it happened. So yeah, dude, he's He's able to tell by the football talk when it happened. It happened on football. Yes. He's the he's the best man. And he was awesome. Give a lot of good answers that I think people will be fired up about per usual. And yeah, I just he's he's untouchable. Just my only fear now. He's untouchable. Just my only fear now is that they said for some reason they move them.

And we know we got egg in our face, but it's OK because he's in the pod and long time coming. And if you were in Wilmington, you know, for the for the curtain call or roll call some cool stuff about it, man, it was it was a good time. He's a good kid. And obviously we're pulling for him. Definitely a kid. I felt a feel old. He's a good kid. And obviously we're pulling for him. Definitely a kid. I felt a feel old. He was great.

Great talker. Like look, uh, I won't name names. We've had some prospect type guys on them in the past that have been less good talkers. Spencer Howard, I'm talking about you. We've had some people on who've been less good at talking in the bath. He is really, really a great talker. So it was it was, it was awesome. There's really cool stuff. He has real pressure on him. I mean, there's not only from this podcast, but also like actual real pressure. Yeah. We joke about it being from us, which it kind of is, but it's also, yeah, like you're the future of the franchise.

The simple, I mean him Crawford and painter are the future. They're, they're like, you know, like the future of the franchise. They are the the Mount Rushmore cogs of of if this window is going to stay open. Rushmore of Phillies prospects right now. Well, right now. Yeah. Who's the more? Is it Kaba? It's probably Kaba.

Right, Kaba, right? It's probably Kaba. Yeah. Until we get to my perfect deadline. Yeah. 2.0. Yeah, we'll get to my perfect deadline. Or perfect. Yes! Perfect off season. We got 2.0 coming. We'll get to that later.

Yeah. We'll get to that later. And yes, I know it's 2.0. And I know that it's like, well, you only have one perfect off season. I'm bored. I just want to know if Jack can truly commit to the bit and give us a perfect off season every single pod until the moves have been made. Sure.

Because that's what I'm expecting. I'm not going to lie to you. I know. I mean, if it's a bit bit it's a bit. I'm just saying I thought I committed to it last year and I Didn't yeah, I think you did like two or three and then I was just like done It was over so and given that we needed stuff to talk about probably would have been a better Yeah, considering every pot. I think we had like five straight. Well, this is boring part two part We could have used it. No, I know so It's early, but we're delivering. There's no one better at starting some things than me.

It's true. I will start a lot. You'll start a lot. They might not all finish. I still haven't finished a book in a while. I'll start books. I read so many books. I always make it about, I get a good three quarters of the way.

I'm not kidding. This is not a joke. I've read two books in the last week. Oh, I know. It's been great. It's been great. All right. What about, hold on.

What about what are the books about? Yeah. What are your books about? One was called The Housemaid by Fred. I've read two books in the last week. Oh, I know. It's been great. It's been great. All right. What about, hold on, what about? What are the books about? Yeah, what are your books about? The one was called The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden. It's like a murder mystery. They were both murder mysteries this time.

So pretty good, pretty entertaining book. You're looking for an entertaining read. It's a good one. This is Ultra Book Club? Yeah, oh dude, I got so many books. It's insane. All I do is read. It's great.

Nice shiver down the spine. Yes, yes. Bang. Right there. My Kindle on my phone. Yeah. Well, again, that doesn't count as reading. Why not? Of course. There's no talk about this. Yeah. All right. We're moving on.

There's no no ink under the finger. Yes. OK. Mr. Old School over there. Yes. All right. Let's get our guy like seriously. I we talked about it after the press conference with them Browski. Yes. And it's the one saving grace. I think it's the most upset we've ever been with Dave, at least, you know, since he's gotten here and become our guy. We were upset with it. We were not happy. We, you kept saying, both of us kept saying some version of I hope this is not how the organization feels. This is, this can't be the messaging in the organization.

Well, thank God it's not in good shape there. John, like John, I know John Milton, big time listener of the pod, you know, long time listener, John, can I just from the bottom of my soul, man, thank you. Like I love you really actually love you. So for those who haven't seen it, probably a lot of people at this point just came out this morning and article on Yes, nothing else going on this day. That's right. So we've

already probably dove in with Middleton and interview with Middleton. Yeah, you're right. Wow. Good point. Okay. I really good. How could you miss it? It's a day to miss it. You're right. That's what we're here for. So we're here for. That's what we're here for. To tell you about the important things. Thank you. Yes, it is. It is exactly what I need.

Like it is. I you listen, I will say you're you're shot out of a can. I'm down. I know. I've been looking for a light at the end of the world. Yes, the team that I love. Yes. John Middleton gave you did a freaking hero. You did. So I got quotes. We'll get into it all. But but your thoughts on on the Middleton

article that saved the world. Yes, it's the most important article that ever came out about the thing that happened. Yeah, it's huge. It's huge. So so my first thought was was. Like literally press conferences, they just exist to see if you'll stumble. There's there's no there's there's almost no value out of press conferences, they just exist to see if you'll stumble. There's, there's no, there's, there's almost no value out of press conferences. Don't say that. It's our job.

I know, I know. It's a pretty important part of what we do. It's so funny to me how wrapped up we get about press conferences and ultimately not much ends up coming out of out from them. But yeah, like I felt so similar and just the whole beginning of it again, like great job by by Gelb. But the beginning of it where he just says. I walked in and Dave was mad, too, and we're all mad and like finally someone from the organization is saying we're not happy with how last season when you feel how you feel, don't worry, thank thank the Lord that they feel that way.

And I listen, I'm a, I loved how Matt, he got about that's baseball because it can be infuriating when it's, when it's the excuse for everything. And it was the go-to excuse in that press conference was essentially that's baseball. What do you want us to do? Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And, and he just said, no, and that's all I wanted. And that's genuinely what I thought was going on was that there was no way

Middleton agreed with what they said. The press said, yeah, I think that exact point. So, so him, him coming out, saying what he said, talking about how aggressive they're going to be in making real changes finally. And I think we said this a lot as well. Admitting that we have to start having tough conversations about some of the players in this team who've been around for a little bit.

You're gonna have to shake it up. You have to shake it up. I keep going back to the Gila quote in 06 about how they had reached basically the point of, with that team, about as far as they could go. And this team hasn't won. Now, that team and this team are totally different. This team has had much more success, but you have to change the chemistry up. You have to change the

chemistry up at some point. You can't just keep running it back. And I like that it seems like they are in position to say, we're going to have tough conversations this off season. That's really, really important. And I love the stuff about having to bring in new investors to help to spend more money, to spend more money, you know. A broader base. Yes. And, you know, obviously not making it all attached to Middleton's who doesn't have to lose all the money is important as well.

But I just the idea of what they're doing in Clearwater, the idea of revamping the ballpark. And I think it has more to do with outside of the ballpark than inside the ballpark, actually have to do things inside, but I think they want to make the outside area, you know, more, have more stuff going on out there. But I, like, it was a, it was an invigorating kind of article that makes you. I'm now geeked up about the, the, the off season. I can't wait to see what they do. And if it falls flat, it falls flat.

That'd be really disappointing, but I don't think it will. And I think we're going to get real changes off season. And that's exciting. Yeah. I no longer like last pot we talked about, oh, like, man, doing the perfect off season kind of made me depressed because I'm like, what are they going to do? You know, and hearing Middleton talk like that, like they're going to do something and it's not just a change in chemistry or in players. He talks about, he talks about a change of philosophy, like the stuff where he's like, he's like, he's like, we got guys who chase, guess what they have to stop. Like it has to change. Like, and I know it's not as easy. We've talked about this with Castellanos and stuff.

It's not as easy to be like, stop tracing and having chase, but that Middleton is making an organizational focus to not just be like, well, he's 31 years old. That's who he is as a hitter. Like screw that. Like Middleton saying, no, that is absolutely not the case. Roy Halliday, Mike Schmidt, you know, he tells the stories about, you know, but he tells the stories about, about Roy Halliday's dad telling him how much he changed her career

about Mike Schmidt being like, I had three different swings throughout my career. It's like, if those guys can do it, Trey Turner can certainly do it. And it felt like there was one quote in there that felt like it was like directly at Trey Turner, like where it's like, bro, like you have to be willing to change. And these guys, and, and it goes to the Turner quote afterward. He's like, yeah, you know, I know we're not supposed to chase, but you get out there and you just want to swing essentially is what he said. And it's like, I'm'm happy that that that type of stuff is not going to be acceptable. Like it, at least according to John Middleton, like, that's not acceptable. And it can't be. It can't be.

Well, like they're trying a new strategy of instead of suggesting their telling us that they're telling. Yeah, they're like, this is going to happen. No, it's important going from suggesting to being like, hey, you're doing this now. So, yeah, well, I think they you know what, though, I think it has been part of and it's to the Rob Thompson thing. And I think Rob has a lot of good qualities, but I think one of the things that has has bit him in the butt has been a little too much trust of veterans and saying like, well, they'll get there. The Kevin Long, they have back in the baseball card, the whole thing. It's

like, you know what, we're going to force you to get there. We're going to make you get there. We're not just going to trust you to get there. And I think that's important with this. Yeah, I guess the one thing on top of the whole article is I do want there to end the guys changing. That's good. I mean, I do think it's hard to tell guys to change.

So you can't teach an old dog new tricks is a cliche for a reason. Sure. So like I like that he's aggressive in that aspect. That is a more see it, I guess, before I really believe it. The one like other thing I also felt in, in reading it is he's clearly emotional. Like he's clearly emotional, which we appreciate. There also does, there has to be a threshold between aggression and not blowing the entire thing up. There, there is a lot of, there has to be a threshold between aggression and not blowing the entire

thing up. There, there is a lot of, there's still good. I think that, look, he's shown that, I mean, they didn't blow it up last year after they lost here for the, he's shown that I don't think he's going to go. He's not going to go crazy. And look to the point that I just made. And when we did our perfect off season, like they can't blow it all up. Like it's just not feasible.

Like there are not enough moves that they can make to completely and totally change this. Yeah. And, you know, I keep going back to the trade deadline, right? And like we've talked about how have we talked about that? Believe it or not, we're not. We're those positive. Conversations. You're thrilled with it.

But his comments in the article about the farm system were exactly exactly exactly what we talked about even the years, like 20, I want to see that happen again. He did not want to go through what happened in 2012 to 2018. You know, he he's we listen to the pop. We're saying, you know, it's all good. He's very conscious of it. And he's right. I mean, he is right.

And and I like that, you know, obviously we are very pro Preston and Brian Barber. I like that he shouted him out. No pressure, guys. No pressure, guys. But like he's he's right from that standpoint of they got to make sure the farm system is is is continuing to turn out players now. At some point, it's also going to be you can't hold on to everyone. Well, yeah, at a certain point into, you know, you have too many, you know, you have to trade. That's again, great teams, develop guys. Some of them end up playing for the team. Some of them don't.

Yeah. And I just, I just continue to have this feeling with him that, and it's a, it's a really good spot to be in. He just really wants to build this team into a fricking juggernaut. Yeah. And, and I really, again, we we've talked about this. I hope he gets the opportunity to, to have a parade down Broad Street and like get celebrated and this For this kind of stuff because he wants to win desperate. He does. I mean he kind of Yeah, he could host you can host this pocket. He is like us. That's it. Literally. It feels like us

It feels like I honestly believe I really do and I don't think there's another owner in sports that I would say this about I think John and I don't know them all I'm sure there's another one in sports that I would say this about. I think John and I don't know them all. I'm sure there's another one, but like that I know of, like, I don't think there's another owner who wants to win as much as we do as John Middleton. Like I actually think he might want to win more than I, and I don't know that that's possible, but I think he might. I think he might. Every single time he talks, I feel like he's talking to us on our list. I really do. I'm worried about the window. I keep the window open. You know, we don't want to turn all our prospects.

Have you seen Justin Crawford? You see David Miller? Have you seen Andrew Painter? so I just I appreciate him so much from that standpoint and I hope that I like I just my overarching feel off of off of the interview that he did with galb is I'm so happy that he was upset and I don't think he's gonna go in and blow the whole thing up I don't think that's gonna happen, but I just like that someone down there can have the feel of a fan You don't always want owners and GMs to be fans because fans stands for fanatics or whatever and and sometimes it can be a Rational, you know like the fourth down decision rational, you know, like the fourth down decisions. We're very reasonable and but always thinking very clearly and making rash.

But having a finger on the pulse and saying this isn't good enough. It's just so refreshing, especially in a day and age in baseball where they care so much more about just having a good bottom line and the vast majority of owners. And I just I hope it comes to fruition. That's off season where they can make real moves, but I now have a feeling that we're not going to head into spring training with essentially the same team. And that's exciting because I'm ready for, I'm, I'm just ready for, for some fresh blood. I mean, listen to this quote.

This is, this is a quote directly from John Middleton. We have to be willing to think about things that maybe we weren't willing to think about in the last two off seasons. I mean, what does that mean? That's what I can't figure out. I think it means that we have to be willing to think about trading out. Boom, we have to willing to think about trading the casting. So we have to be willing to think about doing something we might not have done because of culture, because of chemistry, because of this, because of that, whatever. I think he's saying like, I think he's saying we just have to be open to change and be willing to make changes

because this group is not working. And that's the exact point we're trying to make here. Yeah, yeah. And it is interesting. Their first decision was to keep the whole coaching staff. It was weird. It was weird. So, so they definitely think it was,

they definitely still believe it was a player's issue. Yeah, yeah. So that kind of stuff, I think is just really good, really interesting. Like they like, here's another one, right? But there's another quote where he goes, uh, some of that is we just have guys who chase too much and they have to stop. They just have to become more disciplined. It's not enough to say, well, look, is just the way the person is. The person has to change. Yeah. It's very, that's like, that's strong stuff, you know, and that's, and that feels very pointed to like, that's one of the ones where I'm like, Oh, Trey, Hey, Trey, you listen to big dog.

Cause that's talking to these guys. He's paid million dollars to him being like, Hey man, like, it's not good. No excuse. Just be like, well, I'm a swinger. Like, no, you're not like learn to be better. I, you know, you know, he was, I love, you know, he was sitting getting so fired up. You know, he was sitting in the, in the owner's suite or whatever at the game is being like pacing.

Oh my God. Had to be pacing around. Stop swinging. It's pretty probably yelling. What are you doing? Stop swinging. What? It was a ball.

Like, yeah, I'm sure. Stop. Again, I saw John here. He was in our studios or something. It was like two months after London and he was still mad that they lost that second game in London. Like he was still talking. He was like, yo, should have won that one. Like he's just, the guy is so competitive. He desperately wants to win.

High point of the season. I know the David doll pinch hit home run. Yeah. Well, that was probably the David's court. Yes. Yes. The David doll pinch hit home runs. It was a watershed moment. And then Taiwan shoved. Taiwan shoved. I like Taiwan's best out of the year. He's the best pitcher London's ever seen. That's true. He is.

Out of all the guys that have been there. Can he pitch all his games from London? Is that a bug? Can we do like a simulated thing? Him and the Jags, man. They're gonna be only participating in London. What does that say about London? I don't know.

They love good stuff. Somehow the splitters split more in London. Better, better gravity. That's what it is. It's as simple as that. So that's how that works. Yeah, sure it is. It sure is.

It sure is. More aggressive gravity is in London. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But now it was, it was, it was a good thing to read and he's mad and I liked that he's mad and now it's on Dave, you know, and now I didn't it wasn't great. You know, Dave was on MLB network this morning and he said, you

know, Dodgers, they kept the same team together and they Dave, what are you doing? All right. Real quick then before we move on, because I do want to get to the Nightingale report and then we get to Aiden Miller. And then after that, I know, I know, I know. He said, he said, you see the Dodgers the last couple of years, they got knocked out of the first round and all of a sudden they're in the world series. Hopefully we can do the same thing. He does realize they signed Joey Otani, right? Is that something you know, they signed the richest contract in the history of the sport.

Let's just, you know, not forget that there. And the thing with the Yankees and the Dodgers was like, oh, these guys just kept plugging away. It's like, well, thank you. When I got one solo and the Dodgers went out and got Joey. I wonder if that had anything to do with it. Probably not. Well, you know, by the way, the Dodgers, the Dodgers pitching staff is on I. L would be the arguably the best pitch.

I know. I know. All right. Quick question for you. Then we'll get to the nine year report. But but what do you make of that? Like, what do you make of the fact that on the same day there's an article coming out from MacGill where John Middleton is saying, not good enough, blah, blah, blah. This net and Dave Nebraska's on it. We'll be not the same way.

You're like, Oh, let's see what happens. I think he's just being coy. I really do. That's the way I would lean into, but it is weird mixed messaging. It's it sure is. I just, I think he doesn't want to tip his hand. I think he doesn't want to say we got to get rid of certain players. And I think he just, and it doesn't really benefit him.

Say you can do it all behind the scenes. Exactly. You know, and, and that's what good GMs do. It's frustrating. We just got used to Dave being so like open and honest. It's almost like, but the fact that he is changing his tune and could mean there's a lot of irons in the fire. I do like that.

The second that he was already like the brassica already had three huge meetings. I know. So it's like, I got it in the morning and he was already like the brassica already had three huge meetings I know is there's like I got in the morning and he's already he was already grilling people It's like what so are we he's already done. Yeah, they must be listening here. I'm like, oh, I don't think I came off intense enough there just This is an I let me be in the meetings, but I won't report anything. I just want to know what they sound like I know I know I swear on that was it. I won't say a thing. I won't report. I've signed an NDA I don't care. I just want to know what they sound like. I know. I know. I know. I swear on that. I won't say a thing. I won't say a thing. I won't report anything. I'm an NDA. I don't care. I just want to know what it's like.

It's it's it's it has to be the most thrilling thing in the world. I mean, sure, there's pressure. What a thrill being able to be like, hey, here's what I think we should do the future of the franchise and actually have those moves and actually be able to be the one that does it. I feel pressure when I'm building a fantasy baseball team. Imagine doing it for real. I can only imagine I'm building a fantasy baseball team. Imagine doing it for real. Oh And I'm so jealous. I'm so jealous. But yeah, yeah, I just I

Don't really believe anything pressure though. Oh my gosh like that. Yeah, I always say it's true You have millions of people's hopes and dreams resting on your shoulders. That's it. It's a spot Yeah, but I I really think it's just I think it's just as simple as there's no there's no advantage These guys are under contract, you know, I mean phones in our contract I say if you say oh, we'd love to get rid of like boom How does that help you treat out like well and you can't say we're looking for upgrades at third base and left exactly Yeah, you can't say it. So it sucks, but you can probably say You're probably looking for a little bit of something Little preview by the way of my perfect off that. I think a little preview, by the way, of my perfect golf season.

I got a bunch of slap hitters. Oh, I'm going anti power. Maybe that's a gap to gap and walk fields. All right. I'm going to learn to hit out of all of you. You know, you know, you know who is adaptable to chase rates and it was OK chasing my perfect golf season. There it is. Yeah, that's right. We're not striking out once. I can't wait. Somehow he's trading for Luis Arias. I don't know how. All right. Quickly before Aiden, the Bob Nightingale report comes out. Look, nothing earth shattering, but the first we've heard of anyone saying the Phillies are open to trading, Alec

Boehm, Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh are the three names that were in there. What'd you make? I think that's obvious. Thanks Bob. Thanks Bob. Castellanos has been on the market I think every couple years. He's gotten to the point for me where he's also just too important to this team. I will. That's what it's that. I don't think you're going to get anything for him that is better than what he'll give you. I agree. So what's the poem and Marsh? Who knows? But poem for sure. I think there's value. There's value there.

Starting all star. You are still in the basement. Guys, an all star. Come on. Yeah, I. Yeah, I think. But I think I think Bones the name I just do I think Obviously outside of signing Juan Soto, which is dumb. We wanted them to sign Juan Soto official official high house I feel I feel as if they'd probably be okay adding a left fielder and then having Martian and And Rojas and center field. Oh great people will

Well, something's a pretty good player and level will be. Yeah. If it's Juan Soto, it's a different story. I just, I just, I, and this is all Anthony Santander. We'll see. Well, no, he's well, he's good. He just doesn't walk at all. No, he's a bad fit, but I lie.

I mean, 44 on runs. We'll take it. Or I it's it. I don't know anything on this It just feels like bomb like it all just feels like bomb and I don't think they want to just give them away I don't think they want to just do that. I think they want to try to use real value. I Really? I mean the fact that again, he got benched in the playoffs big time I think the crying in in Kansas City drove them nuts. I just

I think the crying in Kansas City drove them nuts. I just, I think that's the move. If there's one move they make of shaking the core up, quote unquote, because I don't really know where else he'd go. Like, stocks not even being mentioned, which I find interesting, seems like they believe in, obviously, stock going forward. It feels like a bum trade's gonna happen this off season.

I would think, though, after this, I would be surprised if something doesn't happen to the court. They can't. Yeah. At this point, they run it back and be floored. I'd be floored. Yeah, I'd be really shocked.

The other quote I found interesting from Nightingale was about the Phillies can't believe they don't have a ring in the Bryce Harper era. And after knocking on the door the past few years, they're willing to make a huge move to change their fate. I mean, interesting. If that doesn't sound like Juan, so I don't know. I think, I think one, so it's going to come down to where does one sort of want to go? Cause I do think that I think Middleton will, like, I don't think they're like the difference

between 600 million or 575 or 625 or whatever. I know it's sort of say it'll be just about the money. But my point being that I think Middleton, if they're really all in, I think he'll meet any of those numbers, right? Like what's the difference to John Middleton between 625 and the new investors and the new investors, by the way, real quick on the new investors before I forget who buys a baseball team and stays anonymous. Like who, what are you doing? Who are you? What, what a mysterious thing to do. Like the whole point of wanting a baseball team is to like be out there I'm like I am an owner of this look at this. I own this team. I get they'll come to the games I'm an owner. Maybe it's one. Maybe it's me

This spot needs to make a little more money for that time, maybe it's me what a move though, right? Well, listen some people some people like to move in silence. Weird. Yeah. Good. What if it's Lori? I'm not ripping. I'm just kidding. I'm not ripping it. I'm just saying you agree. It's a little weird. I don't ever remember hearing about. No. Yeah. No. A silent investor in a sports team. Like it doesn't happen very often. No.

And I'm pretty the new owners thing I was beyond. I was ready to do an emergency podcast. I really was. Are you kidding me? You get more money to go money to go after one soda spend whatever it takes like timing is notable It's a hundred percent notable. It's not and around the same time that they want to expand the Sports complex down there so we can they brought in construction people. Mm-hmm crazy how that all works and It's kind of it actually is kind of great

Yeah, and they're and they're building a whole new complex down in clear water. They're they brought in people that are specialized in, in construction and stuff like that. So yeah, it's, it's all interesting. I just, and it's good. I think it's a good thing. Well, yeah, yeah. I mean, we're, of course we're going after a guy that wants the top dollar on the market. You're going against the guy that's worth how many billions? How many billions? Like 20 or 18 or something. Who needs it. He is so much richer than all the other I think you might like you might be richer than like multiple owners combined. Sure. Well, guess what?

We got our guys now. So so yeah, I was I was fired Steve Cohen's the What if he was what if he was he's just trying to act, you know get his main chances trying to he's trying to get one so no matter what but again, there's a lot I I You know get his main chances trying to he's trying to get one sort of no matter what but again, there's a lot I I legitimately believe I legitimately believe the Phillies have a better chance of getting one so than the Yankees I Really do I don't cuz of how I don't think he wants to spend either. I don't either

They just did the weird thing with Garry Cole yesterday where where it's like Eric Obson just for ops. Well, he opted out, but then he opted in on the contract with the Yankees picked it up and then they agreed to the same contract. He was already signed. It's so weird. The I said, someone on Twitter said it is the best

analogy I've seen for it. It's like when Costanza quit the Yankees job and then just went back in the next day to work. It's like this. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Just we're back. They think nothing, nothing changed. I, I don't in the next day to work. It's like this. Yeah, OK. Just we're back. Nothing, nothing changed. I I don't think he wants to pay him. I really don't.

I think I think that's a fair take. The biggest thing, the Yankees, I think the Phillies in the match should be considered. I don't I can't believe the odds. The odds on the Yankees a favorite. Well, yeah, but the Phillies were like behind the Nationals and the Blue Jays, like plus thirty nine hundred. What? I know. Sounds like a betting opportunity.

Not that I would ever be a gambler. I actually don't. I don't look and see if I saw it on there. But I feel I should not be behind a lot of that. I think I think it's actually a Phillies Yankees or Phillies Mets Yankees. Yeah, I think those are the top three. Yes. I know. Right there. All right.

Right there. Someone who will be playing a teammate of one. So hopefully soon, uh, as long as they don't trade them, let's get to it. They're not trading out. No, no, no, let's not even joke. They're not, they're just not, we're going to say they're not. It's over. It's officially no is under no Aiden, no high hopes.

There you go. Oh, laying down the really this winter, take a trip to Tampa on Porter airlines. Enjoy the warm Tampa Bay temperatures and warm Porter hospitality on your way there. All Porter Fairs include beer, wine and snacks and free fast streaming wifi on planes with no middle seats. And your Tampa Bay vacation includes good times, relaxation, and great Gulf Coast weather. Visit FlyPorter.com and actually enjoy economy. Come join me, Andrew Filippone.

And me, Patrick Peterson, three-time NFL All-Throw Cornerback on First and Pod for premier NFL coverage and conversations. Our motto on the podcast is every team every week and we don't play favorites. Every episode, you get a glimpse of the entire National Football League with First and Pod. Follow and listen to First and Pod on Mondays and Fridays on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.

This is an ad by BetterHelp. What comes to mind when you hear the word gratitude? Maybe it's a daily practice or maybe it feels hard to be grateful right now. Don't forget to give yourself some thanks by investing in your wellbeing. BetterHelp is the largest online therapy provider in the world, connecting you to qualified professionals via phone, video, or message chat. Let the gratitude flow. Visit betterhelp.com to learn more and save 10% on your first month.

That's betterhelp, H-E-L-P.com. Don't leave after the Aidan interview. We're not going anywhere. Unless you don't want to hear another perfect off season from Jack, but if you want to, stay tuned. We'll get to that in a minute. But here, for the first first time i'm sure of many new friend of the pod aiden miller

And it is our distinct pleasure to welcome into the podcast You've heard his name probably more on this podcast than every other media outlet on the planet combined times 10 Uh, he's our guy. We're super excited for him to be a part of this and It's deserved man. It's deserved. I mean we went and freaking brought a couple hundred people to watch you play a game in Wilmington like you know Yeah, wait, dude. It was uh, it was it was pretty neat man And I hope it shows you how excited people are about you know what you're gonna bring to this city and all that So let's dive in man. Like just to start off the top I mean, what's the last year, year plus been like for you?

I mean, if I'm sure for you, it feels like you were in high school like a second ago. And now you're like, you know, on prospect lists and, and, and playing for the Phillies organization and all that. What's that? What's that like to happen so quickly in such a short period of time? It's been awesome. Uh, to be honest, I didn't really expect it to be like this. Um, you know, so much has happened, so didn't really expect it to be like this.

So much has happened, so many good things in this past year and I've met so many awesome people like you guys and I've traveled to so many cool places and learned how to do my own laundry. It's been a really cool and fun year. Yeah, I'm just curious, what has been the biggest adjustment for you? Because obviously you come out of high school, you know, like what's what's been like the biggest adjustment for you because obviously you come out of high school, you're one of the best prospects and then all of a sudden you're facing kids who are like 23, 24.

They all throw 95 plus it seems like and they're all spinning the baseball every which way. What would you say was the biggest adjustment that that you had this year going through the minor leagues? I think the biggest thing is playing every day. You know when you're playing in high school the travel ball circuit you play maybe three four times a week and then you have two weeks off in between tournaments and you know the minor leagues it's six days a week every single day you're out there playing nine innings and you know at first it takes a little while to get adjusted to, but you know, once you realize and

or once you get a set routine and you know, you're eating the right foods, getting the enough sleep and you're doing the right things and you start to adjust pretty quickly. But yeah, no, definitely the daily grind is definitely the biggest thing. What about the spotlight? I mean, it's one thing to be a prospect in high school and, you know, you have scouts paying attention and you're playing in these, you know, big like, uh, you know, tournaments with other players and stuff, but it's a whole other thing when you know that you are in an organization trying to work your way up to, to, you know, live the dream and, and, and play in the big leagues. How much different is it? Like, does it feel bigger playing in these games? Does

it feel more important in that way? Honestly, no. And I think if you treat it like that, that's when you can start to feel a little bit of pressure. I feel like I've been in the spotlight since I was 12 years old playing on Team USA and all the big tournaments growing up. So I've gotten pretty used to it. And I think that's been a big help to me getting adjusted to pro ball. But, you know, especially in a city like Philly, where everybody's rooting for you, the fans are incredible. There's there's so many of you guys. And I think if you treat it like that, and just treat it like they'd want to, they just want to see you do well, then it's a really cool thing. cool thing. Dude, are you are you jonesing to be a part of red october off of that? I mean, it's what's it like watching from afar? And then I mean, kind of realizing you could be there this year if things go well, if not this year. I mean, we're big 2026 fills guys. So don't you worry. Talking about the 2026 fills. I'm not getting for like six years on this.

Already my favorite team already. But are you jonesing for for like six years on this already my favorite team art of every But are you Jones in for for like red October and feeling what CBP is like, dude, I can't wait It's incredible. Um, I mean growing up a race fan. I want to raise playoff games and I'm so sorry, buddy tough man, jeez. Who grows up a Raze fan? Come on man, what are we doing? You know what's funny is Aiden, you're hitting on another bit for a long time here. We were like, we're actually gonna be a Raze podcast because they're so smart and they're running so well

and all that stuff. But man, I didn't actually think they were actual Raze fans. What a crazy thing. There's not many of us, but, no, but I mean, seeing the Philly fan base in those playoff games and what I went to go other side In 2023 it was a regular season game I think they're playing the Padres and I was like man. This is just different this fan base just gets it and

they love baseball here and I think I had goosebumps the entire game So it was really cool seeing that and getting to experience that and I just can't Wait to see what it's like in the playoffs Yeah, I mean listen, it's it's nothing like it It's really nothing like it. I'm not now this year is brutal, you know, we'll fight our way through it It was just it was just a bad year, but we're already on 2025 and eventually 2026, but I guess if Obviously there's there's people listen to our podcast, there's us that know about Aiden Miller, but for like

the general fan out there that what what is Philadelphia getting in Aiden Miller? Man, I'd say the biggest thing is again a gamer. Somebody who loves playing, somebody who's a winner and has a knack for that spotlight and I've always played to win and I just love being out there on the field and You know, that's what I'm all about. I love baseball. That's all I think about You know, I live eat sleep baseball so Philly's getting a gamer and a guy who loves Philly and Came way to experience it. What was the draft process like? Because listen, I did have one guy from the Cubs email me in 2012 and it was like-

What a flex. Yeah, that's all I got. So me and you did not share the same kind of draft experience, again, you being on Team USA at 12 years old. But what was the draft process kind of like? What kind of a grind is it? And were you just excited for it to be over?

Because it seems like at the interview with these teams all the time, what was the draft process kind of like? It was really fun, but I'll say I'm glad I'll never have to go through it again. You know, the whole injury in my senior year of high school kind of threw everything off. So I was super excited for the draft process, playing my injury my senior year high school kind of threw everything off. So I was super excited for the draft process playing my high school senior year.

And then my first game, my senior year, I broke my hand made bone. So I kind of had it all taken away from me. So it was a lot of, you know, questions and, you know, what my future would look like if I was going to go to college or sign later in the draft. And, you know, I think I was healthy around late May, June. So I started doing some draft workouts and you know, ultimately showed teams that I was healthy and I was ready to go and was like, Hey guys, I'm the same guy was four months ago, you know, broken hand, it's not going to change anything.

So it was crazy though. I mean, there was a lot of talks about me going higher than I, than I did. And on draft night. We know, we know. Jack couldn't believe that you were falling down. It was like, I can't even tell you the excitement. Well, it was awesome. I mean, I have, not many people know this, but I didn't even talk to Philly at all.

I didn't have any draft interviews or workouts with Philly. So it was a surprise to my agent and me on draft night when they called. I was super excited. I think it's also honestly a blessing, too. When you go later in the draft, especially in the first round, you go into the better teams, the teams that have history of winning.

And they're picking later in the first round for a reason. It's because they're good. So I was glad I went to the back end of of the first round instead of the top because you're going to a better organization. Well, I will say this. I think the obviously sucked that you had to go through it, but I'm very glad you broke your handmaid bone. So I just it was a blessing for us as well. But draft night, it's funny too, because because the whole process Jack kept just saying like I think people are scared The head mate bone. He's like I don't get it. I can't believe it people are just ignoring everything else looking at the heavy bone This is great

Yeah, well and I wonder you know you go 27 obviously I think you should have been like the 12 to 18 range But whatever you go 27 as you are perceived Falling are using that as motivation or did you look at it as you know? I like I end up going to a better organization or like is it a chip on your shoulder or something like I'm just happy to be here Yeah, a hundred percent Also, another thing is to say I can't really blame any of the scouts because they couldn't see me play. So, you know, the draft is so model based and me being 19 as well was a lot of red flags. But no, I definitely use that as motivation now and looking back, I think in five or six years from now,

I think people are going to be wondering why I went so late in the first round. Yeah, I think people are already wondering that, man. I mean, like, just look at the prospect list. I want to go kind of back to something you were talking about before when you were talking about being a gamer, and you love this spotlight. And do you, are you that kind of player who, you know, you want to get up in the ninth with runners on and you're down?

Does your, I always, Jack knows that he's going to laugh at me, at me but I'm a big like I've always talked about guys hearts heartbeats like slower in the moment like for years I've been like you know some dudes that when they get in that moment their heart just beats slower they're more calm they're more confident they're gonna be more likely to come through in those spots. Do you is that something you've always craved and is that kind of how you feel in those moments? Yeah, that's exactly it. You know, I think, uh, there was a good quote from John Jones. He said, uh, you know, when you're in those moments and your heart's beating faster and

the pressure might be getting to you, I think that's when you're most powerful. And uh, it's so true. I think some people just have a knack for that. And um, you know, if there's a basis loaded bomb, the the ninth, down by three, I wanna be up in that situation. I wanna be the guy hitting. And I just think it's so fun. That's what sports and baseball is all about is those situations.

And I just think those moments are awesome and so fun. Well, so I'm happy you said that because you might not know this, but there is a level of pressure on you that is honestly unfair and really tough to live up to. I don't know if you know the history of being a Fritz guy and the real pressure to perform in the past times that Jack has potentially torpedoed careers, people have recovered.

But what does it feel like to have the weight of being like right now, like the Fritz guy, much less a Fritz guy? No, I'm honored. I try not to be one of those media too much, especially during the season. But you know, when I do, I always see Jack's tweets and it's always showing love and being positive and my dad- Very level-headed. Yeah. Oh yeah. He's very rational. My dad's always like, did being positive and my dad level-headed. Yeah. Oh, yeah. He's very rational

My dad's always like did you see Jack's new tweet? My whole family's in on you now, they're all following. That's great. Yeah. Yeah. No, I love it. It's just you're showing support And it means a lot to me. So I appreciate it. Well, listen man The first thing I said was like Aiden Miller rakes. What are we doing? Well, listen, man, the first thing I said was like Aiden Miller rakes. What are we doing? Twenty seven. It's it's a joke. So last year you went from from Clearwater. You you I mean, when you left Clearwater, I'm pretty sure you led the league

in doubles and total bases and all that. You know, you 19 year old, you might have been 20 at that point, but you were you were obviously first year playing minor league baseball. You jumped to Jersey Shore and you got off to a bit of a slow start before really picking it up and eventually moving your way to Reading. What do you think happened when you went from Clearwater to Jersey Shore and you might have started a little bit slow? Yeah, I think all it was was like my real first taste of failure. You know, my first taste of failure in baseball and just being out there on the field and not getting the results I wanted

It was tough for me for a little bit and I was scuffling, you know trying to do too much trying to press a little bit and ultimately try and change things when things didn't need to be changed and You know, I think it really started when I was up there and my first week or so had a lot of unlucky outs You know lineouts and hard outs and you know I kind of use the results as like how I need to go early in the cages tomorrow or stay later and hit after the game and that kind of let me down like a deeper deeper path where I was struggling even more and Ultimately I got out of it, which is good, but

Snow it snowballed on you a bit. It kind of snowballed a little bit is the idea. For sure. Yeah. It was a typical baseball slump that I think I like it a little bit more than I should have. And it's like, sometimes the ball's a beach ball and sometimes it's like a pebble, right? You know? Oh, it was a pebble. Yeah. But I'm glad it happened early in my career because I think, you know, when it happens again, I'll be able to get out of it. And slumps are going to happen in baseball and it's just able to get out of it. And slumps are gonna happen in baseball and it's just how you get out of it. Well, and the failure, you know what I mean?

It's the best in the world. These days, you get 29, 30% of the time you get a hit, it's as good as it gets. I feel like we have to update that by the way, because- That's why I said 29, 30. I said the best, that's what I'm saying. Yeah, it's like we used to say that by the way because that's why I said 29 30. I said the best that's what I'm saying Yeah, it's like we used to say like 33 percent of the time. Yeah, like yeah Well, if you walk a good amount, you know, we got a factor into the new your Hall of Famer if you walk in a 350

Kind of clip but one of the guys that that you Obviously played with that at Jersey Shore and then up in Reading is Justin Crawford. What's it been like kinda getting to know him, obviously drafted a year before you? And have you guys kinda talked about, you know, living out the dream and you two being part of the future up in Philadelphia? Yeah, he's a stud.

I love playing with Justin and I think he's a big leader playing minor league baseball right now. Everything about him, just how he goes about his business and his work off the field and it's really fun to watch. Everything he does is to get him to the next level and you know his dad being Karl Crawford obviously helps a little bit but I'm always asking him questions about the process and you know just I feel like I blog him a lot asking him so many questions but he's been a great help to me, and he's a great friend to me as well And he's had such a great yeah, you had such a great year, and it's fun watching him play

Well, and you guys you guys also went out to the futures game together, which is crazy You know that's a huge stage you guys are at the all-star game kind of what was the the futures game experience like for you? That was really cool. I felt like we were big leaguers for three days. From the food to the hotel, the locker room, everything about our coaching staff. It was just such a cool experience. And I was glad my whole family came out to watch me as well. And I was honored. You know, that was one of my goals going into the season was to make the futures game. And I'm glad it happened in my first year and it was really cool. Yeah, I mean it's a real honor especially in your first year at your age like that's a really really neat thing.

Aiden Philadelphia, you know we talked a little bit about Red October and the fans but I know you're not here yet but you know with you know that being the goal and the track you're on to be playing in the city What do you know about the city? What are your? Expectations of this city have you thought it all about like living in this city and being a part of Philadelphia Yeah, all I needed to see was when you guys brought out two thousand people to will For a minor league baseball game. I think it was also the first ever minor league baseball roll call in history. That was awesome.

Just seeing all of that. I mean, there's just so much support and so much love for the baseball team in Philly. And I just can't wait. You know, I was gonna go to a playoff game if they made it to the World Series and experience what it was like, but you know, hopefully next year I get to be on the field to experience it.

So real quick with the Wilmington thing before we move on, what was that like for you? You said the first, what was it like to get a roll call in a single leg game? I agree with you. I've never heard of that. But was it and Justin too, like, did you guys talk about that too? What was that experience like? You know, that was so cool. Yeah, something funny that happened too is I think I started off 0 for 2, 0 for 3. And I was going on deck for my fourth at bat. And I heard one of the fans were there like, oh, we're going to trade you now. Like,

and then that was not me. You beat me down. I was going to be like, that was actually Jack. Yeah, I was right there. Yep. And then I think I had an RBI single and it came back. We remember it well. We remember it well. Came back from my fifth at bat and they're like we're not trading you anymore. We love you. And I was like, oh, that's this is awesome. That's what it's all about. So that sounds about as Philadelphia as it gets, baby. Well, and what's so funny is I think I missed your first at bat because for some, again,

it was the line to get into that stadium. They weren't ready for it. They weren't ready for it. The line to get into that stadium and also the lines for concessions and all that, it was insane because they were expecting. I almost lost my father-in-law. There were so many people there. My wife was away for an hour and my daughter was like, where the hell's mom?

I'm like, I don't know. was brutal it was brutal man and I will say yeah I think it took you a little second you know we were how long do we had a roll call for you know before before Aiden gave us a little fun it was good you know embarrassed we were figuring out what to do we're like can you hear Oh, I heard you guys. Do we need to be louder? Do we need to be louder? That would have been a disaster. That would have been a disaster. But one thing I'm curious about, you know, obviously you seem like a pretty goal driven

guy. You know, you set big goals. What's your main goal in 2025 and what are you kind of working on this offseason to get even better in this upcoming year? Yeah I think my biggest goal in 25 is to eventually make it to the big leagues and you know I think my goals are pretty high and if your goals aren't then I don't think they're they're big enough so something I'm working on is really my all-around game but especially my defense I want to prove that I can stick on the left side of the infield and, you know, clean up little things here and there. And,

but really all the all around game, I think it's just getting more experience out in the field, just getting more reps and you know, eventually getting more comfortable with the whole thing. And I think, you know, once that happens and I realized that I belong there, then it's going to be fun. Uh, you, you just led into what I was going to ask about sticking on the left side of the infield. Have you thought a lot about, you know,

first and foremost to the point of, I wanna get to the big leagues quick, obviously it's gonna take versatility. You're gonna be able to fit in where you need to and all that type of stuff. How comfortable do you feel playing third, playing other positions? Do you think you plan, you know,

is the goal to stay at short long-term? Like how much have you thought about being versatile as you know, defensively and, and you know, like you said, your goal of wanting to stay on the left side. Yeah, I think I've been pretty versatile my whole life. I've kind of been a utility guy for all the teams I've played on. I played third base in high school. I played right field for team USA, right and left field play a little bit of center field. So I think I can play anywhere and I feel pretty comfortable everywhere out on the diamond. And I love that. Yeah, I think it's super important nowadays. You know, it's so valuable to have a guy that can play everywhere and comfortable doing

that. And you know, I want to be that guy. And I think I've always been that guy. That's awesome. So obviously, you grew up in Florida and you know you would think you don't have a real connection to the city of Philadelphia but you grew up right around the corner essentially from from Bay Caret ballpark. How weird was it going there as a kid? I'm sure you went to some spring training games and and then having to you know start your whole minor league career at the ballpark, you kind of grew up going to. That's why it was pretty surreal. You know, when I heard my name on draft night and I was going to Philly and

realizing that spring training was in me right in my backyard, it was pretty cool. And I've been trying to find the picture for the longest time. But when I went to bake here way back then, I ran out on the field. I think it was with Utley, but it was when Howard All those guys were there. I took the field with them for the national anthem You know all the kids do yeah, and there's a picture out there somewhere. I got to find it But no, I mean growing up going to games at Bay Care watching fairly spring training going through some Thresh's games as well And it was pretty surreal and I couldn't really believe it for a while

Well, you gotta stay at home too. You're able to just like Start doing laundry now, you know Let me tell you you did take advantage of that stuff as long as you can it's never never a bad thing alright, and thank you so much for taking the time and obviously giving us a bunch of time, especially on a football Sunday Which we'll get to in a minute But let's do a little rapid-fire kind of quick hitters to finish out here then to get to know you a little bit outside of baseball to You know, what do you like to do for fun outside of baseball?

What do hobbies are your movie guy your music guy? Like what are you into outside of baseball? Man, it's gonna to sound boring, but it's really just baseball. Like my man, my man, I'm working out. I'm hitting in the cages. It's really all I've done since I was a little kid. And, you know, I want to be the best so bad that, you know, I feel like I really haven't had time for the too much else.

So, but I love it. You know, I think if you love it, then. Then you're in a good spot so I mean I watch movies here and there watch some Breaking Bad it's one of my all right yeah yeah you know when it's wind down time I can you know sit back for a little bit but it's really just baseball that's great who's your who's your favorite non baseball sports team? Packers there you go. I'm glad you say I'm glad you said that so and this is you have to answer this Honestly, we don't want we don't lie to our listeners Jordan that's one of our ethos is here. We we do not lie to the I have

Yeah, well in Philadelphia we're very realistic yeah, it Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's all we are. That's all we are. Jordan Love or Jaylen Hartz? So are we starting the team and we get to pick one? It's okay. I like the way he's spinning this. There's only one right answer, it's okay. Jack and I disagree on this.

You might find that Jack is on your side of the coin here. Here's what I'll say, here's what I'll say. Here's what I'll say. When we just I'll say. Here's what I'll say. When we just asked Aiden, what do you like to do for fun hobbies? Everybody's like, this is gonna sound boring, but baseball, you know who that reminds me of? Jalen Hurts. I'll say he's a winner. He's a winner. He cares about his football. Now, I gotta go love. Yes! Me and my brother love watching him play. He's great. We love Roger.

So, like, he just, he flashes so many signs of Roger, some of his throws, and he throws a lot of picks, but, like, I think he makes up for it with all his good throws, so. Totally agree. Totally agree. It's closer than a lot of people think. Hurt has done more, he's accomplished more, but I think love is right behind him. So we'll get you on WIP one of these days to break it down. Yeah, by the time he's in the majors, he'll be like, oh Jaylen, that's my dude. Obviously Jaylen. It'll be good.

What's your favorite meal? It's gotta be some kind of burrito, like Chipotle. I have a good taco spot near my house called Zimzari. I get some chicken tacos. I love Mexican food, so something with that. It's the best. Now, when he came to Philly, did it make you go get a cheesesteak? Did you have Philly cheesesteak? Was it as what all was hyped up to be?

Yeah, we had Angelo's two or three times. Oh, that's a good one. That's great. Yeah. It jacked me up for like two or three weeks after. For sure. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You're not used to it like us. Yeah. No, they are great. So who is your, I mean, going back to your baseball is everything. Who was your favorite player growing up and were there any players you kind of model your game after or anything like that? Yeah, I'm a big long ago guy, Evan Longo. Yeah, I followed him. We beat him in the world series in LA. Just saying. Yeah. No, but I remember like waiting outside the field after it raised games and waiting for his autograph and just like trying to be like him. And you know, I started playing

third base because of him. And that's cool. I love love following him I think he's such a great guy too and he's a great he seems like a really good dude yeah yeah it's always nice I wish the dbacks won last year after they beat the philly so he'd get a ring but um it was good to see them lose too after beating us yeah that was a good cool resurgence for him though you know that what that way he came through for them a lot to unbelievably unbelievably smooth right hand it's like just an unbelievable smother and he was a great defensive player too. He's a great fielder too. I mean number one pick in the draft like he was he was a dude man. He's one of the most underrated guys I think of that. Yeah. Of that time. So and he was good right away to like as a young came up bang, you know

What so we are you know, we've had a lot of movements on this show I like to say that we are responsible for hiring Brian Barber We we forced the Phillies to do that we forced the Phillies to design price Harper price Harper I mean that I love how he leads with Barbara Mattingly, who we love. We brought Bryce Harper to Philly. No big deal. Yeah, no big deal. What is it? We love Preston Mattingly. What is one love?

Honestly, we love we love Brian Barber and Preston Mattingly more than Bryce Harper. Just don't tell Bryce that. You know, one word to describe Preston Mattingly. Oh, that's tough. I mean, I mean, I would say grinder. He is just like, he's always around at the facility checking on us.

He's, he was always at our games this year. He's just always involved and asking questions, you know, asking how we're doing. And he's just the man. I'm so, I'm lucky to have him as, as our guy guy and I love talking to him and I've learned so much from him and He's awesome What's the what's the best fillies jerseys at the cream is the pinstripe is the road gray? connects maroon

The car the clean so yeah, the pinstripes and the powder blues the powder blues are Fire yeah, I mean they're all and the powder blues the powder blues are are Fire. Yeah, I mean they're all good. I don't like the city connects. I'm out on those but yeah Well, listen only the hats great WIP caller you're like right on point here. You ready to top right in here Well, Aidan, I know we said it a bunch of times But thank you so much for taking the time and And I know you mentioned, but I hope you do know how much like certainly the, the podcast me, I hopes all our listeners and, and Philly's fans are behind you and excited for you to look,

we all want you up this year too. So your goal is our goal. Um, but, uh, you know that don't, don't be a stranger. This pod, now that you've come on, you're a friend of the pod. We're going to have to, you know, keep bringing you on as it goes here. But we're just psyched, man. And we're really looking forward to your career and to having you here in the city. And thanks for taking the time, man. Thank you, guys. I really appreciate it.

It's been fun chatting. And thank you again for all the support you guys show and all the love I see on Twitter. And it's really cool. And it means a lot to me. Appreciate you, buddy. Yeah, go enjoy the Packers. I think we can all regroup for them to beat the Lions today. We're on the same team. Hopefully, I do enjoy it.

Yes, yes, yes, yes. Yeah, well, yeah, it'll work out hopefully for all of us. All right, buddy, we'll talk to you soon and good luck. And we'll talk soon. Thanks, Hayden. Thanks, guys. All right. buddy, we'll talk to you soon and good luck and we'll talk soon. Thanks, Hayden. Thanks, guys. All right. Whether in the game or in life, the right coverage can make all the difference. Securian Canada gives you that coverage. For more than 65 years, Securian Canada has been helping Canadians build secure tomorrows. Their insurance solutions are designed to help protect

you and your loved ones financially, giving you the peace of mind to focus on what truly matters. Find their products through banks, credit unions, and associations, or visit SecurianCanada.ca. Securian Canada, insurance designed for life. What's better than watching your team win? Winning money while you do it. I'm Jim Costa and I cash the ticket. Mike Valetti and I give you the edge to make every game playable. College football, NFL, we're breaking it all down game by game. Your podcast feed is going to be filled and you're going to love it. You can click on the games you care about. We do

it all with our analysis. We're finding games that other people aren't talking about. We're turning every Saturday and every Sunday in the days when you got a chance to win. Don't just sit on the sidelines, cash the ticket with us. Follow cash the ticket in the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. Awesome. Awesome. Thank you, Aiden, for joining us. That was really, really neat. Really cool to get to talk to us. Obviously very kind of this time.

That was very cool. All right. Yeah, let's go. OK, birds off season two point. I'm bored edition. Obviously, the first movie signing Mike Soroka first to lead with it to your 14 million. I got to know you up it. There wasn't no one year deal last time.

Yeah. Well, you're just you're locking it in. You are getting my certain no matter what. I'll bet I'm going to even respond to the gun. You're like, I'll go over the top. I'm built up against myself. You are. But no, I guess you literally are.. But no, in this case, you literally are. I'm not. In this case, he was on he was on and we trade rumors. Top free agents and they had a they had a signing projection for him

for two years, 14 million. So I had to go. I ended up my offer. I ended up my offer. By the way, by the way, I bought Nick Vetta. I want that. Well, a four year six. Are you sweet? He's part of your burden. No, I'm just saying that you got a qualifying offer.

Oh, yeah. 21 million. I know he's got I was totally. He's going to get paid, man. I think I saw four for 60 as a guess for him. How about that? Bring them all. So I think spot check and four for 60 or so. I was so I was something like I was so ready to put so ready to put up all day.

My perfect office. Oh yeah. I mean, it's a tradition. I'm like any other until I saw it was like a three or $44 million deal or something. I was like, they're not gonna do that. They're not gonna spend that kind of money on a starter.

Nope. What did you do? Your painter. Yes. But I do have a fifth starter. Okay. I'm curious until Andy's ready. Well, again, it's Andrew. I agree with you, but he's going by Andy's. Okay, I'm curie until Andy's ready. Well against Andrew

I agree with you, but he's going by Andy's we got it. We got a fight about this So, uh, and I'm curious your thoughts on this I'm signing. Okay one of Mac Scherzer Justin Verlander to a one-year deal Oh, I don't hate it at all. I mean ver lander Definitely turning towards being cooked. Yeah, I mean, Verlander definitely turning towards being cooked. Yeah. I mean, Scherzer has barely been healthy. Barely been healthy. Yeah. You know, hanging on by a thread. I would take Scherzer for you. Give me Max Scherzer for you. Just one year. I'm in. It's one year. I'm in. 15 million. And honestly, you really only need

him for half a season. Exactly. I love it. Give me one of those guys. I love it. They're definitely done. Give me old two eyes. I'll take them. And bring back Gerardi. We can all talk about how Gerardi, this was Spider-Tac. Oh yeah. Yeah. We can also, we can have Scherzer and Nola reminisce about that 2018 start.

Then when I was in Costa Rica, yeah. You could tell the story. It'd be amazing. I just need one of those guys. I don't, honestly, normally I'd be out on this. I'm fully. Thank you. It was a great day. Nice little fist starter I honestly normally I'd be out on this. I'm fully. Thank you It's a great nice little fist starter. You've won me over very quickly. Thank you. Thank you. So I'm one of them I'm making a trade. Oh

I think this would be enough. I'm not sure okay. I assume it would be Tring Dante nori mm-hmm Starlin gaba quick it's your turn it on Dante quick just got here. Well We'll say I'm quick. You're turning on Dante quick. Just got here. Well, we'll see. I'm sure Devon Saltabon is a package right here. And we better be getting something back. And I guess if they want Mick Able, I could see them wanting Mick Able. Or Mac. I know it's really falling for Mac. Some some people still believe.

But for what it's worth, Mick, to the conversation we have before about keeping the farm system, I'm missing Mick is an example of should have traded guy. Well, you know, like they should have traded that guy when he had real value. He's only 22 and triple. That's true. That's true. You got a back of that? Maybe maybe the late bloomer. That's true.

To the Cardinals. Oh, is this for a third baseman? No, it's for Ryan Housley and Brendan Donovan. Oh, I need Brendan Donovan. I need. Brown Houseley, I mean, get a legit closer. I know like only one year though 50 saves last year. I know only one year. So value might be Brendan Donovan. Brendan Donovan three years of control. I love Brendan. I love Brendan. I thought you'd give

me an aeronauto trade. No, that's I might actually do. I need I need I need one off season with an aeronauto. I know I was this close to putting it in mine. I might actually do I need I need I need one offseason with an Aeronauta I know I was this close to putting in a mind. I might do a perfect offseason of the moves Dave would make Yeah, it will feels like a Dave Aeronauta, you know Dave's walking in to the analytics department guys. Yes what I can do I got an idea Hall of Famer Hall of Fame third baseman. Imagine bring him in imagine Schmidt, dude It would be so happy Schmidt loves It's like he's my me guy is like me. I I would talk myself into aeronauta. So me too. I I think he's cooked but I would definitely talk my mouth now

He's got three years of seven four million. I that was that was literally why he was not in my perfect deadline I was like, oh, I don't know if he's got a year left I'd be an interesting guy to fill in the gap then I looked at at it. I was like, well, not doing that one. None of these guys have a year left. I was looking at Springer as my idea doesn't have a year left. None of these guys have a year. They all have at least three and super horrible money. So, but I think Taiwan would look great in a Cardinals uniform. And if you want to flip around,

you could just say time look great in a blank uniform that is not exactly right. Exactly right. I already loves the Midwest. I was you could just say time look great in a blank uniform that is not exactly right exactly right I already loves the Midwest I did too They love pictures of food out there. I've heard you know you take a picture where you're gonna eat you know That's his thing right. I feel like he's always posting pictures of food time on you seem like a big post and pictures of food Oh, yeah, and all your social media craze. You know me. I'm I'm sounding six of Sanchez to a minor league deal. Come on. Come on I need I need him and Darno and the same offseason baby six still probably cook but

Just for the story as a minor league deal. Let him see there's anything there Soroka and six those same off season. Oh buddy you talk about get excited Soroka and six those same off season. Oh buddy you talk about get excited 2019 me is jacked up. I'm signing one of Andrew Kittredge and Kirby eights Don't know don't know which one don't care which one I think I'll take both I rather have kids but they're close their same age essentially. Yeah Yeah, and then my second big trade my second big trade would double bang. Yeah, I'm trading boom Arun Escobar who actually might be really good and it's probably an irresponsible trade here But I needed some other name that pops

Christian McGowan who they might not be able to protect in the rule five, but that's good stuff That's his brother. It is this shirt sure is no idea. He's not not even close But I'm trading him to the Giants for Lamont Wade. Yes! And Bone could play first. Yes! Yep. Had to do it. Oh, we did it. Had to do it.

Down we're setting. Shut it down. Don't even want Soto. Lamont Wade standing in the front of the parade carrying the trophy. Because he's the World Series MVP. Listen, his knees are that of a 50 year old, but that's all right. He's only going to be playing left field. Can I ask you a question? Do you need better knees than a 50 year old to but that's all right. He's only going to be playing left field. Can I ask you a question?

Do you need better needs than a 50 year old to walk? I don't think so. Right. I don't think so. Exactly. Right. Yeah. Don't steal a base. No doubles every time people in Philly want walks right now. We want people aren't going to chase. Guess what?

We found your man, by the way, Brandon Donovan, six lowest strike out percentage in baseball last year. See, you are. You're really this is this is a targeted thing Yes. Yeah. Yes, and and Lamont Wade is an on base percentage. He's the euclid. He's like you click the Greek God of Walks Yeah, he is Regardless Lamont Wade and and have no fear Giants fans. He can play first So I know you sign Matt Chapman to the big contract but Bohn can play first. There you go. There you go.

I'm looking out for you too. That's nice because they're really in on the excitement of Matt Chapman being there for the next six years. He's good. He was great this year but like you know he's also had some down years. Dude, Boris screwed the third base market. I mean it seems like Bregman might get like 7200 which is crazy. What?

Yeah dude because of the Chapman deal deal couldn't be more out on. I mean, I'll take Greg on one hundred and thirty and less. That's it. I'm not paying also not seven years. Like I can't have pregnant thirty eight or thirty nine hobbling around. There were trainex. I'm like, are you kidding me or train the outfield and Harper hobbling around at first? We're going to be the oldest team in the history of sports and appears to be great. Yep. And I'm sorry, I'm Travis Darno.

Because the one constant. Yeah, yes. We be great. Yep. And then I'm sorry, I'm trying to start now. Cause the one constant. Yeah. Yes. Uh, we, we, all right. The option was declined for 8 million. I saw that we got to make a deal. Yeah. No matter how many of these you get up to that has to be on everyone.

Well, it's the Roka and they got me on everyone. Like we need them on it. And Kichard might as well be a part of it. Why not? I love the guy. Yeah. I can't tell what, so I'm not the biggest problem with that team But be there's no like obvious thumper none

It's like you're really relying on like Harper and Cassiano's did some home runs. We are a gap-to-gap team It's funny to get rid of Bo man not get any power. Well, it's so funny. It was so funny I was thinking about this last night as I was putting it together. I said to myself I need Brandon Donovan I love Brandon Donovan, I love Brandon Donovan. And he would be my everyday third baseman. He hit 14 home runs last year. I'm getting rid of a guy who hit 14 home runs last year, but I'm ready to get rid of that guy.

Yeah, that's great, that's a great point. But Brandon Donovan, I need- That's a really good point, yeah. Switch hitter though. Yeah. So, and he can play left field, and he can play second base, and he's just very versatile Now I think the line of a crybaby chelps. I think I think the lineup would have to be

Because I need some thumb in the middle lineup It would have to be Lamont Wade lead off what what this is a slap pity lineup. Oh my god We're getting on base spraying it all over the we're gap to gap You got a factor in CBP where you get some kind of home run bump Yeah, but I think the lineup will go Lamont Wade Bryce all over the field. We're gap to gap. You got to factor in CBP where you get some kind of home run bump. But I think the lineup will go Lamont Wade, Bryce, Trey, Schwaber, Gassiano, Scott, JT Marsh, Brandon Donovan. Yeah. Yeah, that's what I got. It's a lineup. Thank you. It's amazing. You know what they're going to do, James? You know what they're going to do? Besides the third hitter in the lineup and the fifth hitter in the lineup? They're not fifth hit in the lineup, not going to chase.

They're not going to chase. And that's what I want. And that's all I care about. At least John cares about it, too. We Wheeler, Nola, Sanchez, Ranger, Painter, Verlander. Come in on that. Come on, man. Dream with me on 40 year old Justin Verlander. I'll say it again. Some of that is we have guys who chase too much and they have to stop. They just have to become more disciplined. It's not enough to say, well, look, this is just the way the person

is. The person has to change. You know, he was fuming. Oh, he's watching them chase. Do you think he agreed with Mbrowski saying that they were actually lower than the face rate and that and that they were six in baseball and in not. Dave was already talked to those three people that morning. Yeah, dude, I'm sure he was not not thrilled.

Oh, I can get Matt Klintak back here right now. Yeah, you want to bring back Klintak. He's very available. I only have like two things real quick and more in the in the mailbag in the mailbag. We're talking about this.

I could tell it's me a five minute podcast. You told me it was. Did you see that the article happened, Tucker? The article happened and got canary got traded. All right. We have to break down the canary trade. They needed more money for soda. They needed more money for soda. That's exactly what it was. You're right.

Yes. Every dollar counts. This $50,000 for getting back. Every dollar counts. Yep. So I'm rooting for Kingery. That's the best thing I've heard on this. Thank you. Turner and Bone for Trout and Rendon. Turner and Bone for Trout and Rendon. You know that's not...

That's the... We won't say it was money, sadly. It cost us money. We had to bring in new owners because um, because the kangaroo deal. And then the only final thing I meant to bring up about soda, we have to factor in that he's going to have opt outs. So it's really a three year, $150 million contract. No one's going to do the Bryce thing. No one's going to do the Bryce thing.

So great point. So he's going to sign off. Yeah. It's a really good call. He's going to do the Bryce thing. So a great point. So he's going to sign off. Yeah, it's a really good call. He's got the heart of his best prime and then you know, and then he walks if you want. Thank you. I didn't even think about it. So John, this is this is strictly for John Middleton. Just give him a three year 150 million dollar deal. That's 50 million a year. Yeah. And then, you know, let him opt out. You can extend as long as you want. He's going to opt out There's no doubt about it. He's a Boris client cares about money all that stuff There's zero percent chance that he's signing a 15 year 650 million deal and playing the entire thing through without some kind of out and if I'm Juan Soto, this is for one This is for Juan Soto. Hey also don't you want don't you want to play with your friends for three years?

Yeah, and then you can go back to New York do whatever whatever you want. Yeah, yeah, but you get the world's roister Re you get reunited with with bryce and turner and schwarber and kevin long before they're all too old for you to play They're bad. Yeah before it's over Come on, wan, you're gonna opt out do one I believe in you on yeah, this is great. Thank you. You did great. Thank you buddy I really I thought it was great. Tucker. I got one more thing. And what is like me? I'm like, chillin. I have to go now. I hear it is.

All right. Next week, I'm sure we'll be back next week. We had seven, I think something to talk about. Perfect off for perfect off season three point out. What trades can we make? Yeah, you can't wait to find that out. Only sure talker. I'll think it's a 10 minute probably an hour.

I will make it work. We'll keep the big guy. There's gonna be no power. Yeah. Only guys that get on base. Who knows maybe a move will happen. Cause it's open. Things can happen.

Things can happen. Things can happen. I see, honestly, just give me rumors. Yeah, that's all you need. Yeah Just give us more than last offseason, right? We can't be doing well. This is boring. Anything to make me not focus on Whatever I have to do. Yep for work. So I just want to focus I just want to talk about the Phillies. So with that in mind go focus on your work Until then, he's rid themselves