High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Reacting To The Phillies End Of Season Press Conferences

Episode Date: October 17, 2025

The Philadelphia Phillies hosted their end-of-season press conference today with Dave Dombrowski and Rob Thomson addressing the media. The High Hopes podcast reacts to everything they heard including the future Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper's role on the team and when we can expect top prospects to make their debut Presented by Miller Lite To purchase Ring The Bell by Jack Fritz and Kevin Reavy go to RingTheBellBook.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Miller Light, the official beer partner of your Philadelphia Phillies, is proud to serve as presenting sponsor of WIP's High Hopes Pod. So whether you're listening to the game, catching off on the latest High Hopes Pod or at the ballpark. Remember, it tastes like Miller time, Phillies fans. Celebrate responsibly. Grab a coffee and discover Vegas-level excitement with Ben-MGM Casino. Now introducing our hottest exclusive, friends, the one with Multi-Drop. Your favorite classic television show is being reimagined into your new favorite casino game.

featuring iconic images from the show, spin our new exclusive, because we are not on a break. Play Friends, the one with Multidrop, exclusively at BenMGM Casino. Want even more options? Pull up a seat and check out a wide variety of table games from Blackjack to poker

or head over to the arcade for nostalgic casino thrills. Download the BetMGM Ontario app today. You don't want to miss out. 19 plus to wager. Ontario only. Please play responsibly If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you,

please contact Connects Ontario at 1866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor. Free of charge. BetMGEM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with Eye Gaming Ontario. Hey, I'm Joe to Camera, and I'm John Ritchie. We're the guys behind the 94 WIP morning show that plays Philly sports fans turn to every morning. Eagles, Philly, Sixers, Flyers, if it matters in this city, we're talking to. about it. We bring real opinions, smart analysis, and yes, some chaos do. From breaking news to big name guests, it's all here. Whether you're tailgating or stuck in traffic, we've got your

Philly Sports Fix. Follow and listen to the 94 WIP Morning Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and get new episodes every weekday. Are you looking for a podcast about pro football that doesn't put you to sleep with an avalanche of analytics or insult your fandom with brainless hot takes? Well, hi. I'm Dan Hansis. And I'm Mark Sessler. Oh, hi, Mark. And we're the host of Heed the Call, the NFL podcast you've been waiting your whole life for. Heed the Call covers every game, every storyline, everything that matters. And we do it all with a touch of mirth.

Football is fun. Why shouldn't your football podcast be the same? Follow and listen to Heed the Call NFL podcast wherever you get your podcast. This is the High Hope's podcast. On the Odyssey app and Sports Radio 94, WIP. Hey, ho, smiling through a broken nose, oh, high hope, I feel a little less along. Y'all, it is another edition of the I host podcast, sponsored by Miller Light, official partner of the Philadelphia Phillies, tastes like Miller time, Philadelphia, celebrate responsibly. Fritzy, obviously a lot to talk

about. We heard from David Browski and Rob Thompson. I'm not sure it made anyone feel any better. I'd certainly make me feel better, but we'll dive into that. But, you know, just look, it's been exactly one week a little later in night last time we spoke, but exactly one week since, honestly, I'm, you know, I don't say I'm proud of us very often, but I'm proud of us. for that pod, like we got on and we handled it at a time when I think both of us were really going through you. I mean, I thought you were fantastic to, you know, the mental anguish that you must have been feeling in that moment. Thank you. A true warrior, some said. I, I, yeah, I agree. Before we dive into Dombo and Topper and, you know, talk fills. How you doing,

buddy like just to check in own and check in i don't know man like that's the sacrifice i see up there we go well it's just like i i i've done a pretty good job of like putting them in their in the rear view you know what i mean like now that i'm i'm home more i don't have to watch and you know watch every game and do a post game which i mean i love a would much rather be doing it. So, like, of course. I am certainly keeping my mind busy. Then it's like every once in a while, I just remind myself that the season's over.

And I immediately bummed myself right out because it truly felt like the freaking year. And I just keep coming back to like, how many, how many bites the apple are we going to get before this era is just done? And, dude, it could be done. I mean, it could 100% be. done like that that that could have been the peak last year now i know 22 with the peak but like team peak it could have been last year's phillies so that reality i keep trying to just beat out of my head of of was last year the best that we're ever going to see this team be and that puts me in a really really sad place and i'm trying to cope by by like ruining as if i was a dodgers fan

because I just want them to run through everyone so that I could be like we were the closest team to be the Dodgers like it's such loser stuff but like I don't care. I know it's loser stuff. Whatever. So the loser is

the most loser. Maybe the loser is thinking of everyone said on this by guess. I love it. I've said a lot of losers. It's pretty, pretty, yeah. Wait until I get to later. Wait until I get to later. I got something right up your alley for the day back.

I can't wait. It could stump. It could take over what I just said about how I'm rooting for the Dodgers. I can't wait. I don't know, man. I'm pretty bummed that it's over, obviously. I'm trying to think about the future too much, but also like life goes on and baseball is a game

is designed to break your heart. And they were right there with a really good freaking team that if they win a freaking one other game in June that they're not playing because they're the one seed and and I just yeah I I try I legitimately don't want to think about the Phillies because it makes me upset thinking about them again so not great is the answer to my initial better than in but better than years past I get it I agree honestly I that is so true it is so true and look you got two kids you have to home you know You got things that you can, you know, realize they're important and they matter.

Sure. I actually really could use an Eagles win this week. I'm just letting me know. I really. I know. I know. I know. Against Carson, no less.

This is a true. A true thing. That's a good point. I know. High scoring game, the Eagles win, but Carson looks great. Yeah, but we still complain about the defense. I'm like, I'm like, I'm like. I kind of want to go home and watch the flyers.

Like, that's how bad it is right now. You know, so. No offense, Broads. No, no. Broads, broads is, is, I love Broads. I love him. I love it. Because he's basically doing what we did in 1718.

Totally. Yes, he is. You're absolutely right, dude. You're absolutely right. He's cared too much about the whole mostly bad product. And, uh, you know, is what it is. So, I don't know, man. It, uh, it sucks.

It really sucks. And I hope that that was not the, I hope that wasn't because in the immediate reaction is like, believe these guys get him out of here, yada, yada, yada. And then you start seeing the reels of the Schwerver moments set to some sad songs. And it's like, oh, come on, we can't let him go. Like, even Ranger, dude, we might never see Ranger pitch for the Phillies again. I love Ranger sports.

I know. That one, I think obviously, you know, I think they need Schwerver back more than they need Ranger back. And I would be sad to see it. But, like, the Ranger one, like, I've seen Koshwerver play in other uniforms. You know, I don't want to see him playing another. I'm with you, and we'll get into all that, you know, moving forward, obviously. But the Ranger one, I mean, he's been a Phillies and he's like 16 years old or whatever it is, right? I mean, it, like, that feels like, and because he looks, he's always looked so young with the baby face.

He's just always felt like so our guy. And I'm with you. I think the Ranger thing. Because he's never, to me, it's always weird when you see guys who are with an organization for a really long time and just feel, have had big moments in their uniforms and feel like, especially when it's not necessarily the stars, because you always kind of have the feeling stars could go anywhere or whatever. But like those, those guys who just feel like a Philly, you know, it's like, oh, Ranger, he always comes through in a big spot for them. Oh, big moments, whatever. Like, even other fans, I feel like, it'll be like, oh, it's weird to see Ranger in a different uniform. So you know what I, you know what I would have gotten used to though?

Really quickly, I would have gotten used to Aaron Null in a Braves uniform. Oh, buddy. Would have been fine. Yeah, we could go back a couple years in time. Speaking of the man who signed that contract, what a segue that is, right? Oh, yeah. All right, let's get into it. And then, you know, we got some take bags to have and have some, well, fun is a relative term.

But we always have fun. We do. And that's why I love this. Even the pot after the game at points, you know, it was fun if it was possible. Like one. Misery loves company, right? Yeah, well, and I will say one thing before we dive in the Nebraska, I think, like, obviously, a lot was made of the team and how they could sold Kirkring. And I thought it was great, but I also think, you know, you know, this.

If you've ever been a part of a team, especially at that level and you play all season together, you know, I would, I would hope that teammates would, you know, have that guys back. But it was still awesome to see. But what stood out to me was the outpouring of former pitchers, Jack. Like, I'm sure you notice this, too, just how many former pitchers took to social media. to TV or to whatever to just wrap that kid in his arm in their arms and to be like you know you don't understand like there was a bin let's I'm sure you would identify with this but it was there was a big like you don't get it if you've never pitched type of thing with this and that like um I thought item wayne right you know loath to give him credit but I thought he had a particularly really nice like thoughtful tweet about it um you know I just think like it was really interesting and I thought cool to see so So many pitchers from baseball history, like guys just come out of the woodwork and just kind of wrap Ryan Kirkring is in their in their arms public.

I thought that was really cool. Yeah. I mean, like your your heart just sinks to your stomach. Like when in that moment, I was done on the biggest stage, but like you just panic. You just panic. It is where it is.

He just, the second you bobble the baseball and you could sense a guy running to first base and he bases loaded. And it's why. and it's why the the Matt Strom thing about I wish we practiced PFPs. Oh, well, we're getting to that

because Dombo is not psyched, buddy. There's no PFPs in the world that get you prepared for a ball off your chin. Of course. Of course. And I said this on the air, but it's the truth. Like, in the pressure of the playoffs with your season on the line and the

basis, like, what are we talking to? I guess the Dodgers in L.A. Like, come on, man. PFPs are the most half-assed Like, just get me through, I'll go through the motions kind of thing in a, in a baseball. Most of baseball practice is just going through the motions. PFPs are just going through the motions. I know, I got to cover first here. I know.

I got to, like, it's just, there's no scenario that you can recreate. Yeah, it was like, he just lost his mind. It wasn't like he didn't know what to do. Like, that's like, uh, it's not like if he had done that like practiced ground balls and muff more he would know. Anyway, let's get into Dombo and Topper because like off the top. but I want to get into specifics. Obviously, the Dombo.

I think Dombo had a lot more to react to as usual. And, you know, in the offseason, obviously, I think just the bringing Topper back to begin with is something we haven't talked around the pod. But we expected, I think, kind of more leaning that way. But, you know, the Harper thing, obviously, Dombo, like I said, there was, we'll get into the specifics, but just off the top. How'd you feel about the presentation from Nebraska and Tabernet? Well, so I said this a couple times, like on the air. What he said was mostly fine. It's funny.

He basically said the same thing he said last year after they lost the Mets, but I felt better this time about it. I didn't feel like it was such a slap on the face. The one thing that irked me about it was, he said one time in it was five seconds in a 55 minute press conference that we're not satisfied and that was the thing that like I would have liked to have heard more hurt from from Dave Nebraska. I actually would have preferred to feel like just opened up the press conference with a statement and and expressed how disappointed he is and then he can lay out all the

listen if tray throws this side of the base and like if if Kirkring doesn't do that and Strom doesn't miss a spot by six inches or whatever like maybe I would have handled it or I would have been better about it but I just continue to feel this lack of and I I know that they are are hurt down there obviously I think we know John Middleton's hurt I know that if he was doing a press conference he's like melting down to start and is and is wearing his emotions on his sleeve and I know Dave Dombrowski is like the stoic GM type but and again not to compare it to the Eagles would never do that no but I was going to do the same thing but like how we would get up there with a five o'clock shadow look like he had we

saw it we saw it the press conference after 2023 that's what I was going to mention when him and nick when they didn't fire Nick but they brought Nick back and they were there was like nine days later it was nine days later and they looked like they hadn't slept the entire nine days and they look like they that they someone had shot their dogs like they were so beaten down and clearly like they had their tail between their legs and you know i'll let you keep going but i definitely i'm like i had more problems with today than you did clearly but this was by far my number one biggest problem on both fronts was like it did not match at all how we feel from up from a tone perspective i understand they are who they are but i needed more

you know I needed more I'll get I'll get no more specifics but I needed more yeah a little bit of understanding where the fans are are coming from would have been would have been nice to hear nice to hear like you know I didn't need the perfectly quaffed hair like may let it be a little messy maybe a little a little bit of a beard growing you know just look like this is wearing on you it's only a week you know it's it's pretty fresh so that was the thing that that really earthed me the most besides that you know i it was a close series it was it was it was it was let me jump in here then because because because i hated that like and i think it was it was a disaster but i think it was a lot closer to a disastrous press conference than a than a

fine press conference like i think a like you said i think the biggest overall problem was just a general lack of, you know, feeling what we feel and responding to that. And I think we were just talking about as a perfect example. Like, I don't want to hear him say how good the Dodgers are. Like, I'm sorry, dude. Like, we all know it. We know the Dodgers are great. Like, you don't need to tell me, oh, we were so freaking close.

Oh, my God. Guess what, dude? And I heard Joe Giulio say this. And it was exactly what I'm thinking of it. Your job is to beat the Dodgers. That's your job. Your job as the general manager, president-based operations of Philadelphia affiliates is to put a roster on the field that beats the Dodgers.

And I know that you didn't. I know that you came close. But you know what? You lost in four games to the Dodgers, like flat out full stop. That's it. So like, and you've lost in the playoffs the last four years. You lost in the first round two years in a row, not for technically you should get credit for passing the Wild Guard series.

Like I've always thought, you know, Tom Brady's playoff record, I would add an extra like 20 wins to it or wherever the hell it is that he got buys or 12 wins or whatever the how it is like i think they deserve that but but like you've lost in the n lDS two years in a row and like i just i can't have you sitting there telling me about how close you were again like and i can't have you sitting here again and here's the thing because i know that what he said is all rational like he is right that the braves had a bunch of great teams and they only one at once and the dodgers have had a bunch of great teams and outside of bobo which i did like he was like well they had the COVID thing, but like, that's not real.

I didn't say that, but he kind of, he's like, they finally won it last year, which I love that. But, you know, and I get that. Like, that is correct. And he is right. The Dodgers do have lots of resources. I mean, but I just, I can't sit here as a Philly's fan. And I think I'm speaking for a lot of Phillies fans and say that we want to hear the,

the guy in charge tell us like, well, we're close again. You know, if, if this play goes that way, If that play goes that way, like, man, would Howie Roseman ever say that to your point? Like, he wouldn't. He wouldn't. Like, take accountability of the fact that you guys weren't good enough. And that multiple years in a row now, you have not gotten it done in the playoffs. And you have a home field advantage in each of these series, three straight years,

you have lost with home field advantage in the series. Like, I. Well, so again, because real quick, because you know that I do feel part like what you feel in the sense that the Dodgers. The Dodgers are great, and I don't think there is true shame in losing to the Dodgers. Sure. But I do think that you have to acknowledge the fact that this is a four-year run, and two years in a row you've lost in rounds shorter than the years before. And really, when you look at, like we've talked about,

the last 13 playoff games are three in 10 or whatever the hell it is, you've lost a bunch straight at home. Like, the same issues have cropped up multiple playoffs in a row. Like, I need Dave Dombrowski to be like, hey guys my bad you know what like i know the dodger he could say the dodgers are great stuff but to your point like say the dodgers are great it's tough losers great team but you know what we got to beat them like that's what we have to be able to cross that barrier we have to be able to beat the best teams and get to the world series and finish it off like i just didn't hear enough of that i heard a lot of like well

and that makes me concerns it's like well we'll just take a shot and hope it works you know instead of like, let's figure out what we can do to be better than the targets. Yeah. And I do hear you on that. And I do, I do wish there was more like wind in our sales and, and we're going to do what it takes and we're going to figure it out. Like a more high speech rather than like throw our hands up and say, well, what do you want us to do?

Exactly. They were great. Exactly. So I do feel you on that. Smidge devil's advocacy off of that is, I also think it's important to impress upon people. This is still really, really, really good baseball team. And I think that the way sometimes they get talked about is like they suck and and that they're a bunch of chokers and like, but you know, everyone's bad at their job.

Like he, I think he was, I think he might have went too far with trying to hammer home the point that this is a 96 win ball club and, you know, we still have it pretty good here because ultimately, yes, you have, you have come up short in the postseason over the last couple years. What's interesting, though, is that like the Mets series, I felt mad. this one I'm more just like disappointed it's over you know I don't have like the I know but I think that you are you are the top one percent of a certain type of Phillies fan I think the vast majority or a large portion of Phillies fans and I think and I agree with you jack I think your

point about needing to support your team is is true but again like at a certain point you also have to just step back and say we've lost in the playoffs earlier each year in the NLDS two years in a row in four games. Sound mad. Sound mad. Because I think what I'm talking about is that I think there's a large portion of fans who are ready to check out on this team or who are ready to say, wake me up in October and actually mean it no matter what you do in the regular season.

And there's people who say it and they won't do it. And there are people who won't say it. Like, I'll never say that. I'll be, I might not believe what I'm seeing in the regular season. season from certain players as much and you know need to see it in the playoffs but I'm always going to watch I'm always going to be investing I'm going to go to games but like I do think that they are in danger if they don't appeal to it like and and this is a way where like by showing that you I feel you I feel you we as an organization feel you and

you're right I think if John Middleton were giving the breast conference I don't think I would have this reaction but I don't but I felt like both and we'll get to tolerate I think both Nebraska Tapper, but particularly Nebraska, like, I didn't feel like, like the, the pain obviously, but also the fact that that doesn't give me confidence that they're going to like turn over every stone and, you do it. And I know they will, but like, I think there's a large portion of fans who need more than what they got. Yeah, but at the same time, I just, what, all right, what constitutes running it back? Is that what people are worried about today? is that.

Of course they are. Yes. People are not, Pete. And I also think he made it clear. He made it clear the Cassiano's not going to be back. So. Yeah,

well, that was obvious. But again, I don't think Cassiano's just thought of bringing it back. I think people think there needs to be some wholesale changes to this lineup. Like whether it's, um, you know,

one of the big dogs, whether it's Harper, whether it's this, whether it's that. And I don't think Harper, but like, you know what? There's no chance Harper.

I'm saying for people. Like I don't think people, but I do, but I do, Trey. I think there are people want Traygon. I think there are people who want like I think and those aren't going to happen. Like,

but there are people who want massive changes to this team like. But then they'll also, but then they'll also tell you that you have to resign Schwerber and you also can't let J.T. go. So I hear you on people want. Yeah, I get it. I'm just, yeah, and they have to, to sell what they're going to do to the audience. And thus they are trying to say, hey, we got a good team.

And you also. And you also can't. have a step back next year because well that's a disaster if they step back it's that's well it's it's like okay so okay so you want major turnover you want all this stuff that's that's that's I I'm not saying I do I'm talking about a portion of the fan but you know I mean like I'm I'm saying I understand where they're I mean like I think they need to change lineup but I understand that you know so that's okay situation they're in so don't pay schwarber don't pay JT uh you know bring the young kids up see what they do you're an 83 win baseball team I I I

Totally agree with you. But the flip side, the devil's advocate to that that people will say is you're talking about a team with Bryce Harper is 33 now. Trey T. is going to turn 33 next season. Kyle Schwerver is going to turn 33 next season. J. Tirmu is going to turn 35 or 36 next season.

I think 35. Okay. Yeah. Somewhere in there. Or he's 35 now. Like that's the core of your lineup, the core. And like if like, look, we hope they can add. And honestly, I think the thing that they really like, we need another.

Lizardo type trade, but for a hitter. But, I mean, if that's the core of your lineup, I mean, we're talking about guys who are all entering their mid-30s and guys who have already shown decline in certain areas except for Schwerber, like guys who have shown decline in certain or multiple areas, you know, trace power diminished. I know it's partially what they want him to do, but it is. And, you know, Harper obviously diminished. JT obviously diminished.

And Schwerber, like I've talked about I think he'll age well. I really do because of how quick as risks are. And I think that, you know, that speed. I think that's always age well with classic home renters, the Jim Tomey type guys. Like, they can usually keep hitting home runs for a really long time. Even if they aren't as good at other stuff they do, they can usually walk and they can usually hit home runs. But I don't know. I mean, we're talking about a contract where, I mean, and then that's the other thing.

It's talking about the moving forward, this core being locked up for two, three, four, you know, of that group, four years. Let's say, wherever. I mean, we're talking about a core at 37, 38, 36, whatever it is. Like, you know, it's just, I think that, like, it's fair to ask, like, what's the plan? Like, where's the way? Is Justin Crawford and Aiden Miller going to come up and save this team? I mean, because that's a lot to ask of those kids now. And it's not, I don't think it's not fair, but that's my point.

Well, yeah. So here's, like, what I think is, is going to happen. I think I think Cassianus is gone yeah whatever it takes to whatever it takes to have a team take all that salary and they're going to have to attach a prospect to make it happen I hope it's not you know a good one for super difference making prospect but just to get that 20 million dollars off the books is is huge they're not a lot of leverage with every team knowing that the Phillies want to trade and like and I just don't want to release them because I want to get that money so whatever course the the Taiwan thing is tricky because like they might need to start it next year you know with with Wheeler and the uncertainty there and painter and now you could trade them I think someone would sign up for one year 18 million of Taiwan to take the ball or fifth day I mean you know I don't disagree it's a little

over over bay but I think if Tyrone on the open market he'd get like 12 million or 14 million or something like that for a year if you say when your deal and then he could sign Romano got well like eight and a half million last year I mean calm And then you could sign someone else, but so you would probably have to sign another starter if you do move on from Taiwan. So that eats into the $18 million that you just gave up. But whatever.

I think the Bome thing is real. And then they tried last year. So I think the two positions are Bome and Castiano's. And, you know, maybe that's where you get. And I was surprised when the season ended, I felt like Bader probably wasn't going to come back. They sounded like they really want him back.

Yes. Like very much, almost like a part of their plans. Yes, well, especially the line, I can't remember was it. I think it was Toppers and it, but talked about the change he made offensively. Like, that was like a talking point. You know what I mean? That was like a, oh, no, no, this is why he's going to be the 277 hitter, whatever

slash time was this year, you know, eight whatever OPS, not the 750 OPS guy, you know, like. Yeah. So I think the outfield is going to be. A risk, though. And we love Bader. I don't think people will be upset when they sign him. they they would be taking a risk if he gets like you know what he could get like what they it's interesting it's fascinating so okay baiters 31 31 okay or go i think he's going to be 31 this season

something like that so again but that's i want baiter back i want j t back boom and castie maybe gone and and i and i if you're going to bring him pregnant you're going to bring him regman and then i want pregnant like i just that's the problem just going with the the the mid 30 team old school and hope it works that's the issue that's the biggest the biggest issue for the phillies is they need schwarber back and another bat and it's funny too because bregman is like literally a perfect fit right hand it bad you could trust the middle line i mean assuming he doesn't age poorly he did a nice year in boston opted out like that he's hitting two nine as a fantasy he's hitting 29 at the end of may and then he got hurt with the hip and it wasn't the same player but

two yeah he was there he had moments and he had the moment and he had the moment the playoffs like you know he was sick came out got the big hit like dude i would i would die for alex pregnant on this but again like so i mean it would be but that's that's what i'm saying that's what i'm saying national league we're on the senior circuit baby like that's the struggle that they are in is like that's what they need are they going to financial lead be able to do that or do they i mean i was surprised i don't know if you were i was surprised at how in they seemed on the idea of auto camp being an everyday player

oh my goodness thing yeah it was direct this is the opening day third baseman if we I like if they move on from Alec Bohm holding down the Ford until Aidan Miller is ready I and we I love Ada Miller you love Ada Miller

yeah but like he it was it was a meteoric last month the rest of the season but the rest of the season the people people were like this guy's disappointing would you trade him blah blah blah blah blah blah it was one month where he he turned into the he's you know he might be a top 15 prospect in the in the in the sport so so that's a huge risk i mean that's a huge risk of

a saying auto kept to be the everyday third baseman while holding down the for aden miller who also had one unbelievable month as as a prospect of double a and then did go to triple a and hit the ground running which is great to see and i listen if it turns out adage is just a and can hit the ground running and is the everyday third baseman for 15 years. I was ecstatic. Like we'll never, but it is a real risk that, again, you would have to give growing pains to if you're starting a 22 year old at third base, a 21, 22 year old in Crawford in left field, and Andrew Painter come like in his second year post Tommy John surgery.

So then you have to be okay with maybe lowering the expectations. Is that what people want? Or do they want suspending a little bit more money, staying old? and giving them one more go with it. You make the decision. I know. No, you're right, dude. It's like, I think that's concerning. You know, it's concerning, but it's also, you know.

I'm here for Bet Rivers Online Casino and Sportsbook with poker icon Phil Helmuth. Thanks to Bet Rivers, I'm also a slots icon. Great. And a same game parlay icon. Cool, cool. A blackjack icon, a Moneyline icon. A roulette icon.

If you love games, Bet Rivers is the place to play in bet. Rivers. Games on. Must be 19 plus and present at Ontario. Void were prohibited. Terms and conditions apply. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact ConX Ontario at 1-866-531-2,600 to speak to an advisor free of charge. I'm Kristen Press and I'm Tobin Heath. We're World Cup winners, Olympians, and the hosts of the recap show. Every week we sit down with the icons, disruptors, and game changers on the field and beyond it to talk victories, heartbreaks, and everything in between. We've built a space where Athletes, change makers, and people creating the future of women's sports can show up and show off

as their full, unapologetic selves. Follow and listen to The Recaf Show wherever you get your podcast. Let's get to Harper as being old, because I think probably if I had to guess, and I haven't, honestly, I haven't been on social media at all after, but if I had to guess the quote that's probably making the rounds the most was the quote on Harbor, I would think it certainly when I was listening watching was the thing that kind of stuck out to me the most is like the biggest like mouth open like wow I'm really surprised he said that what did you make of him you know basically saying I have no idea of Bryce Harper is ever going to be great again

and you know he's good and like really just a very lukewarm assessment of Dave DeMrasse who never heard him talk that way about Bryce Harper before at least I haven't well I can't figure out why i can't figure out why he he easily talks the way around it he didn't have to i know that's why i said we've never heard him talk like that about like that was like it was weird he also didn't have to give bullets and board material to freddie freeman who might be a three-time world series champ yeah he's not he's not an elite player anymore you crazy but i was just the star of last year's world series but cool so the bryce thing i'm trying to figure out like why Why? Why did he take that kind of tone? I understand we want these guys to be truthful. He was truthful. He might be right. I mean, he very, yeah, it would be my assessment of it. If you ask me, that's exactly what I would say. Word for word probably.

Very well, could be right, but you just don't say it. And why did he say it? Like, I have no idea. So did he, and is he, are they frustrated with how he's handled the wrist thing? Are they frustrated? Are they frustrated? Are they frustrated? Are they frustrated? Are they frustrated? I mean, he hasn't looked the same. Yeah, with his attitude, with the way he's carried himself, with the kind of lack of energy, the lack of, I mean, who knows? We don't know, but maybe that stuff's carried off the field. Maybe he's not been the type of clubhouse leader they want or the type of presence they want. Or who the hell knows, you know, again, his wife is pregnant all year and the contract. Yeah, yeah, no doubt.

And the contract thing. So are they, it seems like a risk. ski game to to play with price so ultimately what he said i think is probably going to end up being true i just wouldn't say it about your you're the face of your franchise and if schwarber walks like you're going to need him like he's it's it's it's on his shoulders so you know him and Trays, but I, it felt calculated. I don't think this was, I mean, David Browski's been, David Broussey's been doing press conferences since like the 80s.

He knows exactly what he's saying. He knows that, I mean, maybe they're challenging him. Maybe they're trying to light a fire under him. And Rob Thompson pretty much kind of said the same thing, but it was much nicer in a way. You know, he could have easily said, Bryce, Bryce wants to have a better year. next year but this guy's one of the best players in baseball we have no doubts about that bang that's it it's over he said the exact opposite of like we'll see and that it was that was incredibly interesting i again like i said i it was by far the thing that kind of made me kind of look up and be like wow

there were a lot of things that i said that were said that were interesting like i said before things that annoyed me, whatever, but that was the quote where I was like, wow, that is shocking that this is coming out of his mouth. And to your point, why? And I don't know, I don't know if it's to motivate him or if it's maybe Scott Boris went to them and asked for the contract extension again. And maybe it's them publicly saying, hey, buddy, guess what? Your guy ain't good enough. Like, who knows? I don't know what the, why. It's, but it's really fascinating. And, you know, I certainly agree with you. I think he did it on purpose. That's for sure. A prove it year. I mean, look, I mean, I think we're all concerned about Bryce, right?

I mean, to Dave's point, like, I think we all, that's the question we're all asking ourselves is can he still be great? You know, does he still have it in him to raise his level for a season, a half a season, for a month, all that stuff, where he can be the true Hall of Fame, Bryce Harper? is he kind of just this good, you know, 25 to 30 Homer 280 hitter, which is a really nice baseball player. Like that's a valuable baseball player in today's game. But, you know, who's going to, if he's going to play 125, 103 games a year and hit, you know, like 270 or something and, you know, 25 homers, like that's nice. But it's not Bryce Harbor. So I think that's the number one question we all have. I'll take that as long as the post.

That's my point. Like that's good. I honestly wouldn't mind if he decided to. to change the way he approach hitting and he could be a 300 hitter, I feel like if he wanted to be like he's that good at, you know, see ball, hip ball and directional hitting when he's,

you know, like it's just he's, he's got it own runs, you know, and that has to be a part of his approach. It has to be a part of the way he swings. Like I think if he, again,

I'm not saying I would want Bryce Harper to give up the home runs. I think there's got to be a balance. He has to some home runs. But I mean, I do think he has that capability as he ages if he stays healthy to, like he's such a talented pure hitter. that that doesn't get talked about, you know, enough. And ultimately, I just want him to be able to show up with the postseason.

If you want to be the 130 games and 27 home runs and, you know, more pre-de- we get against the postseason, though, to the per the conversation we just talked about. And that's the other thing that's concerning is that the older guys get, the more you worry about injuries. Like we're seeing it with Harper, but it's, you know, these other guys too. All right. One more thing from Nebraska and then I'll get some topper and then take back. I'm sure you got other stuff in there.

But the other thing that sit out to me, And I'm sure I'm missing stuff, but from the, the Dombrovsky thing. And by the way, Dumbrowski's in baseball in the 70s, the White Sox, Bill Vec back in the day. Yeah, that's your baseball history right there. Sure. But the Kirkering stuff, I thought it was interesting because we had questioned whether they would come in and, you know, basically question whether he'd be back. Like, they made it pretty clear that a Ryan Kirkering is going to be a part of the Phillies. open next year in their eyes.

Were you surprised at all by that because we talked about it after and look, I think when you look at it economically, he's making like $820,000 or something last year and he says, even if he's not someone you can trust in the playoffs, he's someone who you can get through regular season with. He's someone who can be your fifth guy in a bullpen or whatever and, you know, there's value for, especially at that price. But like we talked about, like, you know, I think you and I are definitely not, all Phillies fans feel the way we do where we feel

way more bad for the kid than mad at him or even just like I think there are a lot of people who might not be like you know hate him but might be like I can't ever see him pitch on my team again. The Phillies didn't even kind of really address that at all your thoughts. Yeah I mean there's there's not really a reason to get rid of them. I mean you got if he can't if he comes back and completely is cooked mentally then sure you pull the plug but right now i mean you got to see if he's

going to bounce back and be fine now i mean i would too i'm just saying like we talked about i think that's it like there are certain things there are certain moments where it's hard to recover with a particular fan base like where maybe you need to go to kansas city you need to go to detroit you need to whatever and play somewhere else like you know yeah problem is they need bullpen up so you know they don't have money to zen well and they man they they they they like almost listed all the resources they're sending his way to try to get him right it's all right man Gabe Craig and the Oxma Farland are coming baby so if he's falters we got we got dudes man we got dudes coming 27 bullpen's going to be amazing for a lockout season 28 bullpen is going

to be well the lockout thing that's the thing we haven't talked enough about and how that's going to impact this off season and you know do do teams want to give out guaranteed long-term contracts if they think they might not play for a season and stuff like that would you rather I think we might see more one-year deals this year. Like, it's going to be fascinating at how this plays out, but that's it for another pod. All right. Come on, Ranger, one dear, one year, one year, come on back.

You got anything else from Nebraska that's not in the take bag before I get to Topper? I don't have a ton on Topper, just like one. Yeah, well, I thought the really, the one that I'm fascinated by in like a baseball nerdy way is the hiring of a bench coach to go with Rob Thompson. I was going to get to that when I got to Topper, but go for it. I love it. So what I find

And a Dabrowski decision for what Topper was asked about it and he said it was a Dave choice, but he agrees with it. But Topper did say he would be a part of the process with hiring that person, which I thought is interesting as well. But what I did mention the potential for Topper to get a extension. Yeah, but like

it's a bobo extension. It's a lame duck. Yeah, you got to prove this year either way. But yes, so he's not lame duck. One they made the mistake with Gerardi heading into 22 as he was a lame duck. But the, what I find interesting about that is what role do they or what path do they go with that so there's two paths in my estimation one they try to find a jimmy williams type who was on the bench with charlie

and ex-manager baseball lifer those guys are out there you know like Larry bow is one of them you know they won't be him but he that type of guy you know people who've managed before people who you know are still around the game there's tons of them And I haven't even like, this is off the cuff, right? Like, Snicker, if you wanted, like. Well, I don't think he wants to. I mean, he retired. But yeah, you never know.

Joe Madden, I'm sure he would love to get back in the game in some aspect. Like, do they go for a veteran guy to where? Joe Tori, bring it back around, flip it around. How about that, Jack? Gabe, no. But the, but you, you, like an older guy who they could easily, yeah, they could easily, yeah, Gerardy, Kapler, bring them all back. But you could easily pull the plug on Thompson,

replace them. And by the way, it clearly shows they don't believe Colitri is a manager or they don't want to put Kevin Long in there. Like when Gerardy was here, they could easily pull the plug and say, okay, here's Rob Thompson.

We think he has manager qualities. They didn't think they had that. So they created some position for Kalitri, whatever. Do they go for a veteran lading guy to easily pull the plug if it's not going well? and he could run a team for a year and then find a manager after next season when next season never happens

but do they go that route or do they go for yes, an ex-manager but a younger manager in the game like a David Ross or someone like that who was given a shot didn't go so well like Osmus is up with the Yankees now he wasn't very good his first stint

but you grow under a manager and that's like the manager and waiting. Do they go for a manager and waiting type to where if it goes poorly for Thompson next year, they can still pull a plug and put a younger guy in there, but not going for the Jimmy Williams type, going for someone who could eventually be the manager? Do you go crazy and go Yadie Molina who wants the manager?

Who wants to be a manager one day? Well, I was thinking of Banyas because that was a guy they had talked about before as well. Like someone like that who's never managed, but, you know. Mani Ramirez wants to be a hitting coach. I saw that. In a second. And now, to be fair, and the best of the best don't always work out in coaching, but I would try it out.

No, so, so that's, I, I'm, I cannot wait to see what that higher is. I cannot wait to see what that hire is. Because David Ross is very well thought of throughout baseball. Oh, yeah. I mean, he was, he was like crowned for that Cubs job and it didn't work out, but like that was, I mean, that was a thing. Remember, like, where they basically got rid of Madden for Ross, you know? Yeah. Now, he might be the Braves manager, but, uh, I don't know. I just, that one, I just, that one, for the true sickos is going to be one of the really interesting parts of this offseason is who's the bench coach going to be next to Rob Thompson yeah so I so I so I so I was actually that the one Taver thing I was going to bring up that I said

an outside look I don't think Topper really said anything that was like I like you know the one line where it was like I am what I am it was like you know I appreciate it but also I think people want you to be able to change a little bit and adapt but but on the whole it wasn't really about what Taver said it was about the fact that they brought the whole coaching staff back. I think that was something that a lot of people were pretty upset about. You know, I think that people were split on Topper on whether you should come back or not.

I think that a lot of people thought that if they brought Topper back, they would move on from Kevin Long or someone along, no pun intended, those lines. And, you know, the Schwerver connection and all that, you know, is a whole thing as well. But ultimately, what did you make of there to say? obviously I think we can all infer at least a little bit that the Phillies are telling us organizationally that they believe the players are far more to blame than the coaching staff but I think pretty clearly but what do you make of them bringing the whole the whole kick the bootle back so I was all on board on moving on from Kevin Long and sure we have been for a while

to be fair on this spot we've talked about it multiple times the and so I've been on board that I do have problems with the way that they do look like individual hitters up there rather than a team approach and all of that. And yes, but then I, like, I did take a step back, of course. And you're like, well, they finished top five in like every offensive category. They did get better at some of the things we asked them to get better at. They had a batting. Yeah.

I know. It's sickening. But they had a batting champ. They had a home run king, the stott adjustment. was legendary. We're going to talk about that for the hundreds of years. The Stott lowering of his hands. You know,

Marshed over 300 for a couple months there. So like there wasn't, you know, so I was looking forward to it. You are king. But then I was like, well, they're not obviously. Like, I don't know. In a perfect world, I would have fired him. But then also the,

you run the risk of firing Kevin Long and then bringing someone who's not even close to being as good. I get it. I get it. I get it. I get it. I just make a change, guys, like, mm, like I think you're a big make a change for to make a change sake.

Yeah, in this case, you know what? Again, like, I don't think that you should do anything strictly for the fans, but I do think you should think about the reaction of things in a certain way. And I also think that more than that, I think that you need new voices. And I love that they're bringing in the bench coach. Like, I think that's the right thing to do. But like, I think sometimes you just need someone new, like the offense. has failed in the post season three post seasons in a row at the end of the post in third

and then the other two like you know what like bringing a new voice bringing someone different like i get it like i i don't i'm not like up in arms about it like some people are but if you ask me should they have brought the whole coaching staff i would have said back i would have said absolutely no chance besides whoever you i no no no that's what i'm not taking rid of everyone i'm saying you just don't need the headline fillies bringing entire coaching staff back i'm like fire a couple people like even if it's not kevin long like i'm saying like fire the freaking assistant bench coach i'm saying do something like don't just be like all's well in coaching land like you know what i mean that's what i'm talking about like even if it's something that is not as consequential as

firing kevin long like do something all right let's take back sounds like campaign slogan do something yeah but trust me that's going to be an offseason third I mean, just just to the running back thing before in this game, we're going to talk about this lot. So let's get to take back because I got to get bad. But seriously, like, you can't run it back. Like, you can't. And to the point, Jack, I know, like you said,

there's going to be guys back and run it back as a term and all that. But like, the fans can't feel like they ran it back. Like, they have to change it up enough where fans feel like something is different. Or they're going to lose fans. That's all I'm saying. So, okay, but my final point is this. I know, what can they do? I get it.

I know, no, no, no, no. I just want to know if this counts. Does it count? Does it count if Cassianus is gone and bombs gone? And I think it depends who they're playing. If it's, and again, it's the 30s thing. But I think if it's like Bregman, yeah, I think that'll get people excited. What if it's, what if it's auto count?

No. No, I think that won't work. Honestly, I think people get better. Look, I think Bader coming back helps because people forget. and love him, but later Schwerber, Bader Schwerver. Then when he slashes like 250, you know, 320, you know,

for whatever, 480. You know, it's bad is that, you know, I was like, let's say for, I'm sorry, 3, 340 and I don't know, I'm trying to get to like 750, so that. Sure. The, there's a lot of people as soon as the Philly season ended. Really the last like two, like two days,

three days after the flea season ended. Like, what are you going to do? What are you do? Like, what do you do? I was like, dude, I don't know, man. Like, just let me just sulk for a little bit before I'm like, what am I going to do? I don't even really want to talk about it. Like, I don't, I'm not there yet. I'm, I'm, I'm focused on what they had to say today.

I'm not ready to, to really break this down. Oh, that I just know, I just know that this is a fan base that isn't going to be okay if they feel like the Phillies didn't do anything to, to upgrade and change the team. That, that's all I'm saying. Well, it's cute that you're in that mindset. I've already figured out my perfect ball season. So don't worry. Good for you.

I kept not even. gotten there. Come on, man. This isn't just baseball. This is life. This is life. And I need you living that mantra one day at a time. These strong comments were hilarious.

Oh, I forgot. Thank you. That was the one I meant to ring up. Like, Dombrowski was so, I mentioned the open, but he was so not psyched, so not psyched. He didn't do him.

Like, it was the, he was like, we did him. He didn't. Boom. It was like. I was like Iverson overloaded. It was, it was so funny. He just threw like hung him out to like, he was like, Strom, you're going to mess with me, big dog? Okay, pal. Yeah. And again, no BFB is in

the world. We're recreating that situation. So yeah. With the RBC Avion visa, you can book any airline, any flight, any time. So start ticking off your travel list. Grand Canyon, Grand. Grand. Great Barrier Reef? Great. Galapagos? Galapagos? Switch and get up to 55,000 avion points that never expire. Your idea of never missing out happens here. Conditions apply. Visit rbc.com slash avion. At the Nissan All In Clearout, there's nothing more chill than financing an award-winning Nissan for just zero percent. Enjoy the soothing relaxation of zero stress, zero worry, zero indecision. Hurry in, because once they're gone, there will be zero left.

During the Nissan All In Clearout, get zero percent financing plus up to $500 bonus on some of our best-selling models. You have zero reasons to wait. Conditions apply. See your local Nissan dealer today. Good thing comes back next year, so we're a great champ. Speaking of run it back, pretty clear that Jose Alvarado is coming back. Oh, yeah.

Evident. You'd be surprised they don't pick up his $9 million option, which is, It's not bad. No, it's fine. It's just like, again, like talking about fan base that like isn't going to be psyched. We're all mad at him. I'm mad at him.

Percy, that guy screwed us. I, I do not, like, I wouldn't be shocked if he gets booed the first few times he comes out to the man, out. I'm excited for Alie to come back. Come on, man. That's our guy. That's our guy. He's so emotional.

These are the Phil's are talking about here. These are our. guys. These are our guys. I'm excited for Outerada to come back. Some help. Is the... Let me set my alarm for 3 a.m. while we talk. Keep going.

Well, here's my question. Is the still image of this series that's going to be forever etched and... It's J.T. You don't even need to finish it. It's J.T. pointing to first base is Ryan Kirkering it, like, the balls leaving his hand to hurl it over him. That is like

full on, no matter... Like JT just standing there like that. That is the image of the series. Like full stop, done. It might end up being the image of the playoffs this year. So there we go. What was the other one just out of curiosity? Because it's clearly not their garage dancer.

So I disagree. No. I understand. I understand that it's going to be the still image. And maybe because I haven't, maybe because I haven't watched it again. You know, like I got there with Yordon with the Yordon home run where I really,

I don't, it never crosses my brain because I don't remember it. I remember it, but I don't watch it incessantly over and over again. For me, the two images that are going to haunt me, the Kirkring image is not going to haunt me. As crazy as that sounds, it's just not going to haunt me because they were pretty much dead. Sort of, not really. The way you convince yourself of things, it is really amazing. The still image of Stott bunting is going to be etched in my brain and the Chris Sanchez 2-2 pitch.

Those ones are ahead of the Kirkcoring plate. It's crazy. Yeah. Well, yeah, it's your sick on us. I agree there are horrible moments, but it's a horrible series to remember. And I did not need three times during the press conference today. Honestly, the umpire apologized. The still of Freddie Freeman or whoever was not touching home plate is actually up there, too.

that's when especially because like we don't talk about but if kirkering had actually thrown a strike yeah like if he had actually not like if you just thrown the ball to jt like he would have been out you know which i can't you know if he'd actually as as horrible as he was to throw at home he still could have gotten bailed out it's it's tough pill to swallow all right what else you got i got to be honest i'm pretty overseeing the the the 22 and even like 23 highlights. Oh, yeah, yeah. Now it's a shame.

It's a shame. I don't want to play. Today was Bryce's birthday. I didn't want to play Bedlam at the bank. And I didn't play it. But like I just, we didn't either. I'm just,

I'm over it. I'm over it for right now. And I'm currently over it. Well, so that's the thing. And the Kirkring play, an example of it, but all these things,

the pain, but also the good, like if they actually, actually can find a way to win it as this group, you know, that, that Harper and Turner and, uh, you know, Shoreworthy comes back and JT and like all these guys and wheeler getting back out there and no love, you know, whatever.

If they can actually win it all, then like all these moments and all these highlights take such a different residents. They matter so much more. They're remembered in such a different way. It's like Kirkring's thing becomes this, you know, crazy,

horrible moment on the way to a title, you know, with the band limit the bank becomes this magical moment where they didn't get it done but they did later and and obviously if they don't and it's just it's you know and that's way it works obviously but it is crazy how the winning the title it doesn't just you know it's not just a moment and that team and that thing for for these guys it's like the whole the whole run changes because of it you know yeah well i was listen i've already thought about i already thought about next year's high video when it starts with after they win the world series how it starts

It starts with Orion throwing the ball away. And then, you know, what really I thought about Bryce's MVP video when it starts with Debrowski, not saying he's an elite player. Well, yeah, that's the main motivation right there. That's it right there. Bryce, use it. Your own, your own pobo, as they say it. President of baseball operations, I wish we called him the gym.

Even though our guy, Press, and Mali is GM. I wish that it's too confusing for me. your own pobo is believing you tape it up on the locker yeah yeah use his motivation turn into the major league situation every single day so oh by the way

Presting going to be the pobo whenever does he like move up and then he's like in charge I would say was a GM in president in baseball operations I like it I guess so okay but the I know we talked about how it's Orion's boner I did see Orion's melt is pretty good yeah it's solid

Ryan's mouth is actually quite good We were you we were hovering there You mentioned the belt Yeah I couldn't land the plane It's a bad job yeah Orion's melt is very good Though it does sound a bit like a patty melt

Which is like you know Yep So A couple other things It's called a no cell right there A couple other things I'm just I'm so

I don't know when we got this way as fans and maybe it's just just social media but like I'm getting a little sick and tired of like I just give up on them like that's not what being a fan is that's not what that's not what being

a fan of especially I don't know man it's the it's the fills and you're not going to kill me you're not going to kill you not going to kill our listeners you know what you do is you is you

put on your bootstraps you go to work the next day and you just get ready for spring and you just can't you forgot you got to grab your lunch pal you put on your beach you grab your lunch pail grab your lunch pail and you head out to where exactly and you and you count down the days for clear water and you think like the Phillies have officially entered into maybe this is the year there so now jack i literally the the biggest smile that i have had about the Phillies since it ended was like two days after i'm talking my neighbor shodd's my neighbor tom he's awesome he's like 65-row guy's great and he's like watches phillies every single night and he's like devastated when it's done he's like what am i going to watch he's like i have to flick through the channels there's nothing on i hate it like but uh we were talking right now it's the first time i saw him we're bobbing and as i was walking away i turned around i went well maybe next year and we both laughed and it was like you know what that's what we do man maybe next year yeah like chin up

chin up I mean there's tough times make the make the ultimate reward rewarding you know it makes it that much better and we're going to remember these times when we're we're having another parade down Broad Street this is the time that you put the the hair on your chest in a way this is this is this is Philadelphia all right don't be one of the fans that jacks wants to gatekeep you know what I mean there's no reason to jump and there's not worried about our podcast listeners It's just... No, this is the second guy. It was just...

They were with us when it was 2017, 2018, like we said. I mean, horrible, horrible times. Just the amount of like, I'm dumb with them. Done, done, done. No, no. Not this baseball team. All right. I'm getting...

I do think a lot of people say that and then March comes around. They're like, ah. Look at the boys. Come on. It's warm down, clear water. It might be the year. Come in the year. Come with the year.

Can people grow up with Pete Alonzo? Can people just stop? And, like, throwing out the idea of Pete Alonzo on a Phillies uniform. Well, they made it. Dave Domrowski made that clear today when... He did. He said that Bryce Harper is staying at first base. And I'm glad that that ended it.

I saw a little bit too much, too much fawning over Peter Alonzo from the Phillies fan base. I know this is rich coming from me who at one point last year was like, kind of need the polar bear. And then I saw his hair line and everything about Peter Alonzo again. And I just reminded myself that I would give up on them. I would never watch the Phillies again if Peter Alonzo was a Philly. So just stop. And I don't need the whole, like, well, you know, he's a running in a bad. Stop.

You don't want Pete Alon's on your team. He ruins baseball. He is not good for baseball. You don't want him. Bad idea. And Dombrovsky pretty much shut it down today. So thank God. Now, unless they want to sign.

Never, never got on that. Yeah. But like one. Well, I think if they did it, they would play him at first and let Harper get some D. D.H time, right? Well, they would wash away back and forth. Yeah.

Me, don't do it. And so he's asked for a seven-year deal. He won't get it. But, like, you know, chill out. And by the way, like, speaking of that, Schwerber's not getting $5.150. No, it's crazy. Shwerber might get four, though. Well, dude, I've said it before.

Like, 4-120 is perfect. Yeah. Just take 4-120. 4-120. I get more than that. I think it'll be like 4-140. There has to be a walkway at the point. I just...

I know. And it might not be. Look, he's a DH and all that. Ranger's going to be the fascinating one because, like, the backs and the inability to get through the seasons, but the playoffs, stuff like... You see the spot drop. Yeah, I think that is. is the craziest, and look, I have, I like to pay attention to these swatjacket things.

They're very often wrong with their predictions of what the, they, it's, it's algorithmically done. Like, the six for 160 is the most ridiculous. Like, what are we doing here? There's no chance. Now, it is a weak market. The thing that these guys have going and of course, hurts the Phillies with this year is it is a weak, weak market out there. But I think, I don't think we're in dreaming it's 100. I would guess like 80 for Ranger. final thing yes you know it doesn't hurt the phillies oh what is it getting those comp pick back baby come on man give me some more draft picks when ranger walks what swarber signs elsewhere come on man start talking comps are cops talking comps more draft talk hell yeah come on man excited

excited about excited about the prospect of talking more. I know you are. I'm not prospects. You're really into that. That's good. The word plays on fire today,

money. I'm proud of you. The comp picks that they're going to get if those guys walk. Not bad. Not bad. Good consolation prize. People are going to be excited.

And they'll be like, oh, short, we're going, but you know what? Compict. Compecks. Who cares?

Who needs them? Who needs them? we're getting more players you're right this is fun thank you um all right i what an hour i know i i gave it you know i i came in ready to pod you know that's good that's big i've talked about this press conference since two o'clock it was the first time i talked about it so you got all my fresh thoughts um all right uh we'll be back i'm sure next week it's some time to react to nothing and talk about the future maybe it's and you're going to open it with the same way you always open after phillies lose how you doing buddy

I know. I'm going to check in. We got to keep constant check-ins. That's what you do with friends. Me and Kirkring. When they're down. Yeah, exactly. The Phillies are your checking and Kirkering. I'm going to check it on you, you know?

So, all right. Everyone just, you know, to Jack's point, don't give up on them. That's for damn sure. Never. If you need a week or two or three, I get it. But, you know, come back soon. Yeah. I guess you're here now if you're hearing this and you've made it through an hour of pod.

So you're upset. Locked in. Thanks for staying. We'll talk to you next week. Until then, he's rhythm, Zelda.