High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Stop Doing What You're Doing

Episode Date: September 14, 2023

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Yo, it is another edition. Why? Of the High Ops podcast. Stop it. Stop doing it. Enough. All right? We love bits.

We are the bit podcast. Jack's life is a bit. Jack had a son for the bit of it. Stop it. Enough with the freaking awesome home runs and losing the games like i'm so freaking sick of it it's the worst bit ever jack how you doing well and also i gotta deal with you know obviously my son is my favorite thing in the entire world and um i gotta watch tywon walker have like an eight era in the second half so like so it's funny you brought that up i actually actually took a picture of your tweet. I know.

Yeah, here it is. Walker simply cannot start a playoff game at this point. Like, tough for your kid, man. Like, calling him out on social media and whatnot. It's all about accountability. When he's pitching for the Phillies and I'm hosting on WIP and he is a liability. And you have to talk crap on Walker.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Kid doesn't have it. Maybe his parents don't have the clutch gene. Oh, man. Although I was to an online school playoff. So, like, I think my clutch gene would translate down. That's a good point. Yeah.

Look. Are clutch genes DNA that gets. That's a great question. Like, does it work? I mean, I'd have to hang out with Bryce's dad and see how clutch he is. Exactly. You know what I mean? Yeah. have to hang out with Bryce's dad and see how clutch he is. Exactly. You know what I mean?

Yeah. Because we know Bryce is. Well, I mean, again, he's turning into the most clutch athlete the city's ever seen. It's on it. Like, no joke. I mean, I think he already has more clutch home runs than anyone I've ever watched in a Phillies uniform. Like, right? I mean.

I mean. I mean, Ryan Howard had. Rollins had a lot of clutch moments. Rollins had moments, but just pure clutch home runs. End of sentence. Like, I don't ever remember a dude who does it as often. Schmitty never had a clutch home run. Just take this podcast back to the 1980s.

This guy ever going to have a big home run? The thrill of winning and the agony of reading about the favor, baby. Schmitty! Yeah, it's wild. It's just I want them to stop doing that. I'm at the point now where just lose. It's the hope that kills you. Well, and that's the funny part.

It's actually coinciding with the actual worst Phillies bit, the September bit. So it's almost like making the September bit even worse than it already has been. But here's where I'm at. Is that, hopefully, much like last year, our pain and agony and meltdown-ness and just sheer... Like, dude, I gave myself a headache the other night. I'll bet you did. I believe that to my core, buddy.

I gave myself a headache the other night. I'll bet you did. I believe that to my core, buddy. Gave myself a headache the other night because I just, it's like just stop doing it. Just stop doing it. For people not in the room, which is everybody, Jack literally was like shaking. I could feel the anger emanating off him. I don't, again, this is why we talked about at the beginning of September you. I don't. Again, this is why we talked about at the beginning of September is that I don't want to watch this month of baseball.

Fast forward. That was our official position. And I swear to God, I don't remember one game from September last year outside of the Cubs sweep. And the 6th and 2 3rd is perfect. That's it. And I remember Schwerer leading up. Well, actually, no, that's October. I'm sorry. I keep saying, that's October. So the September thing, like, they've really never That's it. I remember Schwarber leading up. That's October. I'm sorry. That's October.

The September thing. They've really never gotten past it. I just black out September. I don't know what happens in September. Schwarber had a home run in the second game of the Nationals series where they lost game one, which was inexcusable at the time. That's it. That

and losing the Cubs. I don't know what happened in September of last year because it's just I can't physically sit here and they're going to make the playoffs they're going to make the playoffs you don't have to make it this

excruciating think about the six games before yesterday okay Friday night against Marlins they blew blew a two-run lead. Nola tried to blow it Saturday. They blew a two-run lead Sunday. They blew a Harper home run Monday. They almost lost game two.

And then they blew the Turner home run yesterday. They blew a Turner and Harper home run the same game on Monday or whatever it was. Was that Monday? Game one. Remember, Turner hit the homer to get it close. I know what I'm just saying. The game one. Remember, Turner hit the homer to get it close. Yeah, but the, yeah. I know what I'm just saying. Yeah, but think about it.

And this is why, you know, again, people that say that baseball is boring just don't really care. Because I don't know how you, as a supposed Phillies fan, aren't just dying. It's just awful. They've lost five of seven home games. That's what makes it even worse. They're doing this at home. The most annoying part is the point that like, remember in 2020 when we talked so much about like what it must feel like

for the players when they see those guys running in from the bullpen and you have a lead and Harper's just like, all right, well, that was fun. It's like now when they hit a clutch home run to tie the game or take the lead late, it's like. They don't even celebrate it anymore. It's the same feeling exactly Bryce knows. He's like, wow, that was a cool moment. It won't mean anything in an hour.

I mean, think about how many. Again, they've blown five of these in a month. It's just unbelievable. Again, it's the worst. And I brought this up on the final out, and I brought this up on, obviously I tweeted it. But, like, imagine if they blew Bedlam at the bank. Like, imagine if that happened.

We lose the biggest home run in Philly's history because they can't hold a lead in the ninth. It changes the course of the franchise. It does. No one brings up the Schwarber home run in game six, besides me when I'm trying to prove a point. Like, the Schwarber home run in Game 6, besides me, when I'm trying to prove a point. Like, the Schwarber Home Run

in Game 6 is an all-time moment that never gets brought up because they lost. You know what I mean? Like, the JT Home Run in Game 1

of the World Series, which again, given his recent performances with running in scoring position and in clutch moments, shocked that it happened. Ah,

it was in Houston, don't forget. It was in Houston. So, you know. Best player in baseball on the road. Just saying, man. How many bits do. So, you know. Best player in baseball on the road. Just saying, man. How many bits do we have?

I know. When I said, when I first uttered the sentence, life's a bit. Right? I didn't think it was going to turn into every freaking thing they do is bit, bit, bit, bit, bit. I mean, it's all bits. They're just all they do is bit. And they're so freaking consistent with them, which I appreciate. But they're also the bit, bit. I mean, it's all bits. They're just, all they do is bit. And they're so freaking consistent with them, which I appreciate.

But they're also the worst, man. They're the worst. Anyway, but like, you know, the JG Home Run, if they win that World Series, it's an all-time moment. No doubt. So the fact that they were able to survive Bedlam at the Bank and didn't ruin

one of the best moments in the history of the franchise. I'm very proud of them. Yeah, you're right. It is a shock. In hindsight, it is a shock. Being 2020, it's one of the bigger shocks. It's up there at Falls Winning the Super Bowl. You know what's funny? When I think about last year, honestly... Are we handling this well?

No. No, no. We're doing really bad. Really bad. The funny thing is, honestly, the only thing I remember of last September is the Brewers losing. Like, that's what I remember. They were. I was watching Brewers games like they were Phillies games. Every night and being like, thank you, Brewers, because we suck right now.

And the only reason we have a chance is because of you guys. I just can't believe. By the way, thank you, Cubs, recently. Yeah. I mean, well, Rockies. Go Rockies. Go Rockies. I just. Those dangerous. You don't want to By the way, thank you, Cubs, recently. Yeah, well, Rockies. Go Rockies. Go Rockies. I just.

Those dangerous Rockies. You don't want to play the Rockies in September, actually. Yeah, the course in September is a bad place to be. It is, dude. I mean, thank God. You know. It's usually my base. I know that.

I've seen that. I know you're paying Cubs fans. I know. I've seen that roller coaster a million times. Don't like it. Don't want it. Don't want it. Don't like it. It's just I can't believe how similar this year is to last year.

It's a carbon copy. The slow start. The actual record in June being like almost exactly the same. The June thing. Bryce being hurt. Bryce being hurt. It's actually crazy. Now, the only difference same. The June thing. Bryce being hurt. Bryce being hurt. It's like, it's actually crazy. Now, the only difference is August.

I mean, August was unbelievable. We did not have that last year. But they had June last year. Remember, they won like 10 straight in June. It was kind of like a similar type. It wasn't, I mean, August this year is legitimately maybe the greatest regular season month of Phillies baseball in my lifetime. When you take everything, the magic and the love affair and the ovations and the tray,

it's as good a regular season month as we've ever had. Good thing it translated over. It does kind of match that June run and they got going and stuff. It's a carbon copy, man. It's insane. It is so weird. Again, respect. I know. You're right.

It's a good job. I want to get into some specific stuff, but first. I do. Are you alright with that? Yes, I do. Can we right. Respect. It's a good job. All right, I want to get into some specific stuff, but first. Do you? Yeah, I do. I do. Are you all right with that? Yes, I do. Can we talk about your slander?

I mean, Taiwan, can we talk about that? Yes. Let's get to the most important thing right now. The far more exciting thing than watching the Phillies play baseball. Is watching a Ryan Kirkering at Dyer Redding? Is hanging with us to watch the Phillies play baseball. Hold on. We're being pros? Yes. We're us to watch the Phillies play baseball. Hold on. We're being pros?

Yes. We're doing this early in the podcast? Tomorrow night, man. It's tomorrow night at Liberty Grounds in Brewery Town. This place is awesome. Jack's buddies own it. It's going to be a freaking blast. We have a mini golf. Is it full?

I saw the last few. I was one spot left. I'm assuming it is. But the mini golf tournament is full. Winner of that is going to get Phillies tickets, but we're all going to be hanging out. There's all kinds of games there. The Phillies Cardinals tomorrow night, which, you know, maybe they'll win.

Well, again, it's freaking Aaron on the mound. It's a huge moment. I feel like with the watch parties, we get Nola an obnoxious amount. We are addicted to getting Nola. So it's Nola, but it is, I mean, Zach Thompson. He's been all right. So like Nola in a big spot where everyone's on edge and we're all hanging out. Yeah, because they don't play today.

So it's like coming off that Braves. What does that sound like? It sounds like we're going to have a lot of fun drinking Miller Lights. You know what it sounds like? It sounds like everything up to 8.15 is going to be a party. And then once the game starts, all right, we got to lock in. Yeah, we'll lock in. And we're going to hang.

Look, these events are the best. This is why our favorite part of the pod is hanging with the community that has become a part of this pod. So if you're anywhere near the city coming out, in the city, by the way, thank you, everyone involved. I can't wait. A Friday night. I'm going to be bringing it. I'm going to nap during the day.

Well, that's a problem. I'm going to be napping. Yeah. I'm going to take a nap. Jack, yeah, it's a problem for everybody, actually. You know what it's like when I bring it. Yeah. I'm going to, like, normally it's a freaking weeknight, and I got to wake up at 3 o'clock the next morning.

Guess what, boys, girls? I'm bringing it. So get ready for full-on Celts on Friday night. Tomorrow night, coming out of this, it's going to be awesome. Miller Lights for Phil's win. Celebrate responsibly. All right, Fritzie. Let's get to the pitching to start.

Thompson on with the morning show. Didn't say specifically what the order would be or that it was definitive. But Joe asked him, is it fair to assume that Wheeler, Nola, Ranger, and Tywon will be your four for the playoffs? And he said, yeah, I think so. You know, he didn't say it definitively, but he did say, I think that's going to be the four. I mean, you made it clear, obviously, all jokes aside, that Tywon Walker absolutely cannot be in the starting rotation. And I couldn't agree. I mean, Christopher Sanchez should be starting the fourth playoff game

if they get to that second round. Talk about it. Yeah, but first thing I want to bring up, and I was going to save this for the take back, but I'm glad that you brought it up now. I would like, this is a personal attack and something that I need to stop. Uh-oh.

I need Joe freaking the camera. There's three things that pissed me off with Joe in the last couple days. I'm not going to defend my guy here. The first is don't ask a leading question about the starting rotation. I know. He literally asked it like, hey, are these your guys? Why can't we just say, if you had to start, what's your starting rotation? Yeah, right.

And then we can get a real answer. And then we get a chance to answer it. Why can't we just say, if you had to start, what's your referral date? And then we can get a real answer. And we can give them a chance to answer it. The question about the Braves celebrating, giving them bolts and more material, and have them celebrating even more last night. Didn't love it. Don't need that.

Didn't love it. And then today, he does his, I'm already looking at the clinch dates. I know. Dude, he's like, they're going to make the buyout. Oh, they're fine. They're fine. It's like, dude, shut up. Yeah, just.

Shut up. Yeah. Just shut up. Yeah. I just, I, again, I realized this about myself, James, you know, we're all big on looking deep inside. Yeah. Growth mindset. Growth mindset. And, and really starting to find yourself, you know, cause I think for most of your twenties,

you're putting on a, on a facade. Yeah. You're trying to figure out who you are. I, I've said this before. I'm a big believer. You're still fine. You're still trying to figure out who you are. I've said this before. I'm a big believer. You're still trying to figure out who you are. I think the most important

thing for human beings is figuring out who you are and being comfortable in your own skin. I think it's the most important thing. If I could impart one thing to Zoe in life, I want her to feel comfortable in her own skin. That's what I'm saying. There you go. I'm just hammering home the point. What a philosophical moment.

If you're going to call me old all the time, at least let me share a little wisdom. Your voice is too high to give good wisdom. You're not wrong, buddy. You ain't wrong. I need a deep voice for wisdom. That's fair. Jack. Yes, exactly right.

Jack. Son. Maybe work in a son. I should work a son. You should work in a son. But if you ever call me son, I'll... Listen, son. I know.

Can you imagine? Listen, son. Son, sit down. Hop on my knees. a son you should work in a son but if you ever call me son can you imagine listen son yeah son sit down um hop on my knee yeah let me just tell you a little bit about life um so i've realized about myself yes and maybe everyone listening is going to say hey jack we knew that i feel very confident that's where this is headed i I didn't know it, okay? But what I've learned about myself, specifically in September, is I am not the man to lead a fan base through 162-game season and tell you everything is okay.

Because I am just dying inside. I know. I don't want to watch them that's as simple as I can make it it's like I don't I love them I hate them

and I can't keep it together because I have in the back of my head of like if they collapse again I won't be able to deal with it so i'm just i'm not i'm finding who i am i am who i am i am a a smart baseball fan i can't like the big picture stuff can't do when i'm watching what i'm watching i know buddy yes your original assumption was correct. Every single person listening

is like, yeah, Jack. We know that. Okay. I'm glad everyone's laughing at the clown. Sad clown. The tears of a clown. I am sitting here with makeup on and awake. You're like Joaquin Phoenix.

Through tears. I feel you, buddy. They're fine. You're like Joaquin Phoenix with makeup on. Yeah. Through tears. Yeah. I feel you, buddy. They're fine. They're fine. Never mind. They're fine. They're going to make

the playoffs. Okay. Okay. I think. I think. They're going to make the playoffs. I feel really good about them. Although, I need.

What with tiebreakers, they have a five and a half game lead with like 16 to play. Yeah. So basically, I was reading, Bob Wankle has a new newsletter out, which I'm a big fan of.

Bob's great. Love Bob. If you don't follow Bob, you should. He's phenomenal at what he does. And look, the one thing as we're going into this, they do, other than the Marlins and the Giants who are at the bottom of the wildcard rankings right now, they do have the tiebreaker over the other teams. Like, the Cubs are a game and a half up, but they're two and a half up because they have

the tiebreaker. They have the tiebreaker for the Diamondbacks, tiebreaker for the Reds. That's important. Yeah. They're 2.5 up, but they're 2.5 up because they have the tiebreaker. They have the tiebreaker for the Diamondbacks, tiebreaker for the Reds. That's important. Yeah.

So, and this is, again, as we are trying to find ourselves here on this podcast. Us. What I got so comfortable with when the Phillies were losing all the time was not having to figure out math and magic numbers and, like, what a team has to go versus. So, now I rely on everyone else to do that for me. You know, it's just like Dan Wilson's Twitter. Exactly. Yes. Exactly. Dan's very good on everyone else to do that for me. You just follow Dan Wilson's Twitter. Exactly. Dan's very good about daily updating us on the Magic.

Correct. So in Bob's newsletter today, they have a 96% chance to make the playoffs according to Fangrass, which I hate. I don't want any more. Dude, Jack. I hate you. Jack, okay. Jack, really quickly.

I hate it so much. Like, when we're in freaking June, they're like, whoa, they have a 73%. Like, go bleep yourself, all right? Well, which bothers you more, that or win probability? Honestly, that. I think I hate win probability more. I don't know. They're really close.

They're the same idea. It's the same freaking idea. It's telling us a probability that means absolutely nothing. Hold on. No, I got one worse. I got one worse. Like expected. Hit probability on the Apple TV broadcast.

No, you're right. How can you tell me if it's a hit? That was a 714 average on that ball. He hit it right to the center fielder. What are you talking about? Great point. That is the absolute worst. God, we are turning into boomers, man.

I know. This is a real boomer pod. We've turned, man. Boomers are right most of the time about baseball. I know. I know. I'm just kidding. As far as I'm concerned, we discussed

this, but I believe Walker must be too. I don't know if his is the same. My Walker? Your Walker, yes. Zoe is Generation Alpha. I think Walk's Generation Alpha. If I can't be Generation Alpha, I don't want to be anything else. That's the one. We missed out. Generation Alpha is the

generation to be because that is bad. Are you technically a millennial? Which is a joke. Millennials are 33 and below. I'm not a millennial. It's one of those things where what they say millennials is from late

1981. I'm born in September of 81. I'm right on the freaking line of what they say it is. It's like 1901, 1902 you see someplace. Whatever. I'm right on the line. Well, if you ask anyone over 60, millennials are 25 to 32. Yes, exactly. I was supposed to be Generation Y and then it just went away. We were like Generation Y for like a half second because I was X and then it was Y and then millennials. And now they brought back Gen X? No. Gen X is still there, I believe. Yes.

Well, that's the one below me, I believe. You're a millennial. Yes. It goes Gen X? No, Gen X is still there, I believe. Yes. Well, that's the one below me, I believe. You're a millennial. Yes. Yeah. It goes Gen X, millennials, there used to be a Y in between and I don't know what happened to it.

Okay. So it was Y for a moment. Why? I often ask why. Why? The real question here is why. Yeah, exactly right.

Back to what we were saying. Generation Alpha, the real winner is my take. Back to what would have to happen for them to this playoffs. So the Phillies go 7-9 the rest of the way. Don't do that either. Like, again.

I know. I'm not even asking for a – I don't need a win out. Just 10-6. You know what? You know what? 10-6. You know, it's like the Mets being out of it and us having, like, seven games or whatever it is.

No, it's the worst, yeah. It's like you just know. Like, I'm dreading those games more than any other games this season. The Dimebacks and the Reds would have to go 11-4 if the Phillies go 7-9 to jump them. And the Marlins and Giants would have to go 11-5. Yeah, I feel good about that. Yes. I feel very good about that.

But like, we don't have to make this so hard. Yeah, you know. Yeah, win 10 games and let's not even discuss this anymore, okay? Yes, and stop discussing clinch dates. Although High Hopes Night would be a fun one. Wouldn't that be pretty cool? By the way, High Hopes Night. Yeah, we got so much.

Next Saturday. So tomorrow night, Liberty Grounds coming out with us in the city. Then next Saturday, 4 o'clock game. I think we're going to be there at like 2 or 2.35. So here's my thing. Yes. Why the 5? It's a great point. Like, we'll be there at 2.30. Yeah. Honestly, we're going to be there at 2.15, I'm sure.

What are we doing here? 2.35? What are we doing here? Yeah. So, coming out, my birthday weekend, shout out to me. Going to be like 7,000 years old, which is really nice. Happy 50th birthday. On Monday, the 25th, yes. Yes, almost 50. Let's go with that. Basically, thanks, buddy. It's going to be like 7,000 years old, which is really nice. Happy 50th birthday. On Monday, the 25th. Yes. Yes.

Almost 50. Let's go with that. Happy 50th. Basically, thanks, buddy. It's a big birthday. And we'll be picking the city up after the Eagles are 1-1. That's right. Yes.

Just kidding. What's funny is actually we will have two High Hopes events before the Eagles play their next game. That's a lot of High Hopes. I know. It's good. It's a lot of High Hopes. And. It's a lot of high hopes. And then buddy, I'm not saying it.

I'm just kidding. Move on. Okay. Yeah, don't say it. Well, because I started thinking about... I know you're thinking. I know the amazing time we had last year. Let's hope we have amazing times again this year. Don't know what you're talking about. Exactly. But... Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, exactly. The pitching.

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

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All right. Here's what I'm going to say. It's a high-up spot. I'll tell you that. Here's what I'll say. How, how, you know, again, it was a leading question. He's like, yeah, sure, whatever. Terrible answer. Terrible job. Terrible job all around.

But, how really do you think that answer is? Because I do think that, you know, between the contract, between the fact that he can't pitch out of the bullpen, like, as much as I... Oh, that was so close. Right off the front. Yeah, it was tough. Jack threw his coffee cup and missed the trash can. It was honestly a little embarrassing. I wouldn't say miss. I'd say hit the front rim. Yeah, you, that was so close. Right off the front. Yeah, it was tough. Jacked through his coffee cup and missed the trash can.

It was honestly a little embarrassing. I wouldn't say missed. Yeah, you front-rimmed it. You front-rimmed it. That's not a miss. I think miss means left to right. Okay, that's fair. Yeah.

Sure. Did it go in or no? Okay. I get it. Yeah. How, like, do you think, no matter what we think, do you think, I mean, because look, Sanchez is being taken out of the rotation already. Like, it's going to be Walker as the four-starter, right?

Despite what we want, do you believe Rob Thompson yesterday is what I'm saying? I do not. I do not. Wow. Okay, why? There's just no way. I'd be floored. The guy's...

He damn near has a six ERA in his last six starts. He's been horrible. I mean, the guy has to go on Twitter every game and thank his teammates for picking him up. Which is nice, but it's like, I feel like it's happening all the time. It's like, all right, we get it, dude. You stunk. It's like when Carson was like, I'll be better.

You know what I mean? And then never was. Wow. Carson, that is tough. Well, it is. I mean, it's the same thing. It's like every press conference. I wish he was throwing darts like Carson was shooting darts.

Oh. press conference like i wish he was throwing darts like carson was shooting darts right so yeah i just um he can't he can't do like he you can't put him out there i mean he's not unless again he could go mop up duty yeah he could be kyle gibson and by the way dylan covey's done a decent job mop up duty by the way he's not bad he's not bad dude i had that i was thinking that last night i was like you know what he's not good but for this role like he's just a mop up guy he's not bad. He's not bad, dude. I had that. I was thinking that last night. I was like, you know what? He's not good, but for this role, like he's just a mop up. He's fine.

He's fine. He's fine. So, um, I guess my thing with Tom Walker is, you know, last year they were so good about, you know,

we're going to get rid of DD because totally starts here. And we're going to get rid of familia because we have other guys and we're not going to do this whole pedigree nonsense because Because Girardi was so obsessed with pedigree. This guy's been to your back of the baseball card. Yada, yada, yada. There's just, I know you paid him a ton of money. I get it. It's looking like a mistake.

But Chris Sanchez is being your second best starter. He's been great, man. You can't not. So I think their reasoning is, well, he can pitch out of the bullpen. I don't care. I need a guy who can start the game. You he can pitch out of the bullpen. I don't care. I need a guy who can start the game. You already have enough guys out of the bullpen. When are you going to Chris Sanchez in a game where you can't find someone else?

You also have Mike Lorenzen who can do the exact same thing out of the bullpen. Exactly. And Tyler Walker can't. Fine. I don't even need him near a mound. Like, I'm sorry. I don't need him near the mound. Look, Gibson was on the playoff roster last year, at least the first round.

He got a ring. Yeah, he got a ring. And he pitched it when it was like they were down a bunch. That's fine. You need someone to pitch in that spot. It's just, I was now I think if you just said, who's your

four starter, I think he would be more like yeah, it's probably between Tyjuan and Chris at this point. But Chris has been really good. Last night was really good. He had 10 freaking strikeouts, man. I know. First inning was rough and then he just settled in and he's really good. Like, last night was really good. He had 10 freaking strikeouts, man. I know. First inning was rough, and then he just settled in, and he's really good again.

He had some bleeders that fell in. Yeah. Whatever. Like, he was really good. He's just good. He's been good. To your point, he's been the Philly second-best pitcher this year, period. Like, end of sentence.

Nola's better on pedigree and stuff. Sure, and Ranger's better on I trust him more in a big spot because I've seen him, you know, the heartbeat and all that. But, like, it is unequivocal that Sanchez has produced the second best of the starters. Although, Ranger's back. Dude, I've

been saying the whole time, even when he was struggling, I trust Ranger in my playoff rotation. I just do after last year. I wonder if things go the way they might be going down the stretch here. I wonder if they'd start Ranger game two. Well, I wonder if they'd start Ranger game two. Well, I wonder, too, if it's a situation of do you start Ranger in game two if you're down one? Do you start Nolan game two if you're up one?

You know what I mean? I don't know what you mean because I don't know. I'm not looking ahead. I'm taking this one day at a time. Good point. Good point. All I'll say is if, per chance, the Phillies were to make the playoffs, and if, per chance, they were in the wild card series.

They probably have a 5% chance to make the playoffs. I don't want people to get ahead of themselves. We should look up those numbers because they're very accurate. I agree. Yeah. Hard to argue with. Like, if I'm down 0-1, I can't have Aaron Nola starting that game. Like, personally.

Like, if my season's on the line, like, it has to be Ranger. That's funny. If I'm a fan, like, it has to be. Yeah, that's funny. That's a funny way to look at it. I be ranger that's funny if i'm a fan like it has to be yeah that's funny it's a funny way to look at it i know but it's probably accurate um um yeah i i just so i i don't really believe him i think things can change and i think that you know if taiwan ends the season last he's probably got what two starts left three starts left two or three yeah and it's you know more of the same four earned he hit me can he hit two batters the other day and walk three and like

come on anyway if it's more of that stuff and sanchez goes out and it's just fine again like i just you can't like it's something that i think they get crushed for i think they get crushed for it if if if tywin walker starts a playoff game over over chris sanchez yeah but again even they would still have to win their first-round matchup anyway. Yeah, yeah, it's a good problem to have if you get to that next round. And I can't worry about the bullpen thing because Tywin can't throw the bullpen and Chris Sanchez can. I need who's going to give me the best chance, pitch one, of a game.

All right, speaking of the bullpen, I think that's probably the other biggest concern heading. I mean, I think you feel good about where the line's at. There are things you can point to. And the back of the line hasn't been as good as before, but the big guys are hitting and stuff. Yeah, the lineup's interesting right now because, and again, I get annoyed bringing up stuff that I brought up on Final Out

because I know people have listened to it. Listen, yes. But now that you're here, I'm running it by a new audience. Please. You know, I'm sure there are people who just listen. I know. I'm just kidding. But because the offense right now, it's pretty much Turner, Schwarber, Harper.

I know Schwarber didn't have a good series against the Braves. But he's been white hot. Those guys are carrying the team. And then they are dealing with collective slumps from Cassianos, JT, Marsh. Particularly Cassianos. Even Stott. I mean, Stott had the home run on Saturday. Or the home run on Tuesday.

You know, but it's been a lot more, it feels like more chase and strikeouts than Bryson, which we're not used to. And then, boom. It's like all of those guys, it seems like, are kind of struggling at the same time. The three at the top are out of control, which is great. So if we could just get those guys turning this.

Well, especially when it's those three and the fact that, like, if you have, like, let's say you have three guys who are hitting, you might want to space them out a little more in the lineup, too. I know. It's so funny. Because beginning of the year, it was like, oh, I can't wait to get to the bottom of the lineup because the top of the lineup is so bad.

And now it's like, oh, thank God. We might score some runs. Turn it over. Turn it over. Yeah. I mean, it's how it's supposed to work. I agree. It's good to have a normal functioning baseball team.

It is just funny when the three guys who are hitting home runs on your team are all batting in a row, you know? And I know they'll put Harper in four with Top Lefty and all that. Yeah. So, I mean, they've been the best offense in baseball since August 1st, but it's really just been those three going nuts. And so, the devil's in the details, I guess, when it comes to the offense right now.

Yeah, and look, I feel good about the bats, and I feel good about the playoffs that they'll hit. And, you know, when the moment comes, they did last year, and I'm going to believe that they're going to, assuming, of course, that they make it. Yes. I'm not sure what the percentages are. Yeah, big question mark.

But, yeah, I mean, like, the rotation and the bullpen, you go in, it's a question mark. There's three. I mean, they have question marks there's three i mean they have question marks at all three yeah it's as simple as that you're right you're right but i point is of the three the one i feel best about is the lineup yes i agree yeah i i totally agree there if you ask me who i feel better about the bullpen or the starters i think it's the bullpen i do too so it's one of those things where it's like obviously you feel better about zach wheeler

than anything else of all that of my life life, yes. Yeah, definitively better. Well, I guess you did not. It wasn't the best outing last time, but you feel good about Wheeler. But I agree with you. I think if you're taking the whole of them both, I think so. Yeah, well, and the— Ranger. Ranger can be awesome.

If you can have Wheeler-Ranger and then win some bat games, or, you know, I think that could work. Look, I mean, the Diamondbacks won a World Series. And granted, they had two of the greats of all time pitching. What are you doing? No, but I'm saying they won a World Series with two pitchers. Like, that team won a World Series because they had two pitchers who pitched great.

That was it. That was the reason they won the World Series. And they had a couple guys who had some hits. You know, like Luis Gonzalez had a hit off Mo. Believe it or not, yes, that's true. That is true. But the bullpen, it's like, you know, I kind of think they're turning it around a little bit. You know, I thought they had a pretty good series against the Braves.

I mean, so did a lot of the bombs of Michael Harris in the second deck. But, like, that was it. You know, I just. It's Anthony Alvarado It's going to come down to those guys being those guys But is it though? Because why, it might be Hoffman Instead of Sir Anthony

Oh, I think Hoffman will be one of them too But all those guys will pitch No, I know, I know You're saying Hoffman is like the go-to Seventh inning guy or something If they have a lead That could be what we're talking about I think Kimbrel's looked...

I think Kimbrel's... I think Kimbrel's fine. He has a little dip. Yeah, I'm not too worried about Kimbrel. And, like, the Rosario at bat was frustrating from a million standpoints, but... It should have been a strikeout. First off, it was... It was a strikeout.

Like, that was a... It was a strikeout. JT dropped two straight. Mm-hmm. And I just... I don't know why you're calling out a million straight fastballs when he had him set up for a curveball the entire time, but who am I? Dude, it was like, it was, and only the sickos are going to appreciate this, and I know you're going to appreciate this.

It was the Sandoval at bat off of Hector Neris all over again, where it's like you have him set up for a splitter, and you throw a fastball and he hits it. That wasn't a home run, a back breaking, but it was like the same exact feeling for me. Yeah, sure. So I think Kimbrel's kind of rounding into form. I think Strom's interesting because he's sort of like what Soto was doing where he's like a million good things in a row and then a blow up and people are like, oh, he's bad.

He's not. Maybe just don't bring him out for a second freaking inning. Yeah, well. I feel like so consistently when he comes in a big spot, he gets the freaking job done. And it's like, hey, come on out. And then it's like home run. Yeah. It's like every time.

I just, if you're going to keep, if there's a bloody Junior Marte, like that's the last spot in the bullpen. I just want to see what Orion will do. Dude, did you see the Dodgers just brought up that kid who has a striker in the minors? Kyle Hurt. Kyle Hurt. Which is a terrible name. Just a tough name.

A disaster name. But again, yes, you have a dude in the bullpen who has as good a relief arm as anyone in the freaking system right now. Of course you bring him up. What are you doing? He had a two-inning save yesterday. He struck out five. He has the best slider in minor league baseball.

He doesn't walk a ton of guys. What are we doing? So you can't convince me that he's not better than Bilotti or Junior Martin. Absolutely. Like, we're not saying come up and put him in the freaking eighth inning of a tie game. I'm saying in a spot where you're going to bring in Andrew Pilati, I would much rather see Ryan Kirk ring. This isn't even a question in my mind. Is he on the 40 man?

No. Are there any issues with the playoffs? As long as they're in the organization, you can still bring them up? Yeah. I'm pretty sure. I know there's only if they're not. As long as they're up before obviously the playoffs and they make a 40-man spot, I think he's playoff capable.

I think. Because that would obviously be a big part. Totally. And that's totally different. So, yeah, I just, I would be, like, if, so, and Sir Anthony, the tough part about Sir Anthony right now and what is, I think, tough for people to grasp, like, well, why do you keep pitching? Because you have to see if you can get them right.

And we've seen this so many times with him. Like, he is one of those guys who can be like that, where it's like one night he's horrible, and the next night it's like, oh, there he is. You want to talk about consistency to bits. I mean, this is exactly what he was doing last year. Exactly. And then all of a sudden he gets in the Cardinals game, and it's like, oh, my God, it's the best reliever I've seen in the Phillies uniform since 08 Lidge.

Yeah. I mean, the Cardinals series was out of control, and then obviously closed out the Braves. Like, he can get hot and go on a run. Yeah, the only bad moment he had was when it freaking rained on him in that Bedlam game. Yeah. Ironically. So, they have to keep pitching him because they have to see him. And to Thompson's credit, he's putting him in a pretty low leverage spot.

Yeah, he is. I mean, the sixth inning, I think, both times. Sixth inning, both times. That he blew it. So, it's not like he's pitching the seventh, eighth, ninth. It's the sixth. Like, get us through this. Let's see if he can figure this out.

And then, again, it's going to be the biggest test for how real it is. But if Hoffman pitches like he has the last month, I mean, that's a – He's been amazing. So I know you're a huge fan of stuff plus you know i am it's what i go off of yeah all my decisions and thoughts are based on stuff plus and is that a real stat now is stuff plus it's a real stat okay not just stuff see i i thanksgiving i have i have stuffing plus yeah it's plus stuffing plus thanks good have stuffing plus at Thanksgiving. Yeah, it's good. You know my opinion.

We should eat stuffing year-round. I don't know why we don't. I agree. It makes no sense to me. Stuffing's great. It's delightful. It's the best part of Thanksgiving. It's like, all right, have that next year.

Like, why? Yeah, see you next year. Yeah. It's like the Christmas tree. It makes no sense. Yeah, we'll see you once a year at stuffing. Good take. Thank you.

Shocking from you. It is shocking. I rarely come up with one of those. No, because Alex Coffey tweeted it out, and he was 11th in all of baseball in Stuff Plus. Wow. Which is, and he's just, and he's cut out walking people, so now it's just like 97 right at you with a lidge-like slider. Yeah.

So, I mean, if he's real, it just increases. So that's why down the stretch here, I need to see him in more 7th, 8th. Yeah, big spots. He's coming in big spots, but it's been more emergency. Yeah, it's like when Alvarado's struggling, all right, let's bring Hoffman in to get out of it. Yeah. And he usually does, unless Alec Boehm misses a baseball or whatever.

Exactly. But if it could be like a 6-4, 7th, 8th, and just see what he looks like, just a clean inning, like come in and see if he can do this, that's just something they have to figure out the next two weeks. I mean, the stuff's there, and it always has been. There's a reason he was, what was he, 13th pick in the draft or whatever he was?

I think he was 9th. 9th, whatever. Top 10 pick in the draft. Like, the stuff has always been there. Like, it's never been a question of the stuff. The point was, like, you made the key point. He's not walking guys now. Like, that's huge.

So, yeah, again, and it's also, you know, then it's the nerves of it's like you made the key point he's not walking guys now like that that's huge so yeah i'm again and it's also you know then it's the nerves of it and you know we've seen other guys do it in those spots and all that so it's going to be a fast that's why i need to figure it out yeah before the postseason 100 all right uh take back in a sec shout out to the middle light bar of the week and this is an awesome place we spent opening day there we had the best time at tavola restaurant bar shout out to our guys, Scott and Delco. The manager there, we love Scott. If you go in there, say hi to Scott. He's a fan of the IUP's pod. Tavola Restaurant and Bar is today's Miller Lite Bar of the Week.

It's at Country Club in Springfield, Delaware County, where you can watch all Phillies games with a $4 Miller Lite bottle spasher. Go to Tavolas. That's T-A-V-O-L-A-S Dot com Tavolas Dot com Miller Lite Bar of the Week Alright, Fritzy

Take back Take back Take back It is kind of We're not a produce stuff No We don't produce Hilarious

Hilarious Ironic That we don't have like a It's the take back Or some sort of like thing We could have done that Over the years I know We could have done that over the years. I know.

We could at least yell, take back. Take back. Something like that. We should do that. We should do our own producing in like live production. Just not at home because the mic will blow out and because my mic picks up everything very loudly. Yeah.

Your mic is so intense. It's the worst. I'm getting a new mic for my end of things. But your mic is like so hot. I'm thinking about it. Yeah. I'm like. We're going to go to Rod. I'm thinking about it. Because, yeah, I'm like. We're going to go to Rod. Rod Lake and our boss and say, Rod, we need new mics.

Demand a new mic. Hey, come on. All right. You know, the least you can do is get us a freaking microphone. Thank you. Damn it. Anyway. So I need to know if I'm alone here or if you feel it while watching.

Okay, good. I love this. I love these lead-ins. And I hope this doesn't ruin how people watch this guy. Although he ruins most things.

But don't you feel like every time Tywin Walker gets an out, it's by accident? Like if you watch him. I do feel like there are a lot of like balls hit off him that a fielder

grabs and throws to first. It's like every time he gets an out, I like it's like oh neat you know what i mean like because it's it's every i'm gonna watch i'm gonna like this is great if you watch it every time thinking he's getting it out by accident here it'll completely change how you watch i'm very excited this is actually the most excited i've been to watch Tyrone Walker in a while, so thank you for that. He's just, I don't. It's by accident. I don't understand how a big leaguer can, like, it's just,

you're not even close to the strike zone. I know. And, again, I still can't, like, I don't get the diminished velocity early. Like, I still don't get that. Why is every other pitcher able to come out and throw as hard as they can in the first inning, and you can't? Like, it makes no sense to me yes uh real quick before we move on from walker like you know we never move on from walker that's well that's where i'm going

like just as a you know if we're gonna be you know maybe open our but bear our hearts to the iops listeners and lay ourselves bare and all that type of stuff yeah how disappointing is the whole walker walker thing like when taiwan, it was like, this is pretty freaking cool. Like, my kid, Walker, they just got a Walker. There's a Walker jersey that says Walker. Like, it's a really neat thing. My kid, when he's, like, three years old and knows what his name is, two years old and knows what his name is,

hey, here's your name on a Phillies jersey. Like, how cool is that? Yeah. How disappointing is this? Well, at least he'll know who to boo first. Something that's the big takeaway. Yeah, I think he'll have a good idea of who the first. He'll be like, you ruined my name.

Yeah, you're ruining the namesake. I just want to get digging. But it is tough because all you hear on the station, all you hear. Walker sucks. Walker's killing me. Walker's a liability. That's got to be jarring. I know I will say, because there weren't really many Jameses in Philly sports at the time I've

worked in Philly sports. So when we got hardened here and all of a sudden, like when people are talking to me, they're like James and I'm like, what? Yeah. But no one calls him James though. No,

but they do. They do. And then Bradbury, I got Jameses now and it always throws me off. That's all I'm saying. Okay. That's good. Yeah.

Tom Walker's ruining everything. Anyway. Have you noticed that Rossi Iglesias is the new Jonathan Broxton? Dude, Bryce Harper owns his soul. It's almost reached. Did you hear the numbers when they said? It's like he's four of six with four homers or something. It's crazy.

It's a lot. Or four of eight with four homers. It's nuts. I think it's four of eight with four homers. Yeah. crazy. It's a lot. Or four of eight with four homers. I think it's four of eight with four homers. Yeah. Because he used to own Julio Tehran.

Now it's Rossi Alglacias. And I just need them to come here again. And it's Rossi Alglacias in a big moment. In a playoff game. I actually thought about it as it was happening at Harper at the Homer and they're talking about it. I was like, if you come here in the playoffs, can you close him if Harper's

coming up? I'm not kidding. Do you go to Minter or do you go to someone else in that spot? He's your closer. Teams don't do that. Do they just walk? They can't let that guy throw pitches to Bryce Harper in a big spot. I always forget how much I can't

stand AJ Minter. I don't because you've brought this up so many times. I think I've come to the realization. I don't think he's ever going away. Dude, he's been a brave since 2013, I swear. I have seen so much AJ Minter. Well, relievers so rarely stay with teams for that long, especially non-closers.

Like, you'll see a closer stick around for a while or whatever. It's so rare that, like, a middle reliever is just on the team for, like, a decade. Like, that doesn't happen that often. Well, they did that with Moylan. Peter Moylan was there forever. Yeah, he was there for a while. I feel like Feliciano was a Met for a million years. Decent amount, but not that many years.

A.J. Mensah, I have just come to the realization, he's never, for the rest of my life, he's going to be a brave. There's no doubt about it. I agree with that. I can't take it. And he still throws 97. And now he's mixing it in anyway.

But Iglesias is the new Broxton. He's the new Broxton. Love it. Dude. I think the worst, it was the worst sequence the season was easily the the jt three pitch strikeout oh my god into the cassianas immediate double play it's just like and people and it's like look let's do the bonding things we didn't talk about like i mean rob thompson just being like again this is the most honest human on the planet he's like i don't think he even knows how to bunt like what and i get it he hasn't bunted since 20 I mean, Rob Thompson just being, like, again, this is the most honest human on the planet.

He's like, I don't think he even knows how to bunt. Like, what? And I get it. He hasn't bunted since 2015. 2015. And I understand it. I understand that that's where baseball is and these guys are never asked to bunt. But, like, Boomer, we're Boomers. I'm sorry.

In this case. But, like, I'm sorry. Every Major League Baseball player should know how to bunt. Like, I'm sorry. I know that sounds like such a boomery thing. And I don't want them to bunt. Like, there are very few spots where I want them to bunt. In that player should know how to bunt. Like, I'm sorry. I know that sounds like such a boomery thing, and I don't want them to bunt. Like, there are very few spots where I want them to bunt. In that spot you have to bunt. Like, JT Romulo

has to freaking be able to get a freaking bunt on the ground in that spot. And I don't blame Rob Thompson for not bunting him in that spot because he doesn't know how to bunt. Like, that's cool. But, like, I just, I know that you have a limited amount of time to work on what you work on, but you're telling me you can't spend 20 minutes a day, whatever,

just teaching them how to square up a freaking bat and get a bat on a ball and stick it in the freaking ground? Like, it's not that hard. Sorry. There it is. Boomer segment over. That was very boomer of you. It was.

But again, like, I'm sorry. Sometimes boomers are right with this stuff. Like, that is, like, as basic baseball as it gets. Do you know how many sacrifices the Braves have this year? Two. Two. I know. I'm not saying I want teams to bunt a lot.

I'm just saying. I love a good bunt. I will say the Korean bunt derby is one of the most thrilling things you can watch. It is the most oddly stimulating thing ever. Imagine doing that at the All-Star game. So great. I love it. It's so funny. But-Star game. So great. I love it. It's so funny.

But look, I don't want to bunny and stuff, but if there is a situation, especially with a freaking playoff game, what if there were a playoff game in that spot, and you're telling me that you're a baseball player who can't lay down a bunt when he has to, that all these guys can't lay bunts down when they have to? That does bother me. It does. I'm sorry.

I don't want Cassiano's bunny. No. There's no way he does that. I don't want castellanos funny no i don't think he can handle it but again like they should all be able to handle it it drives me crazy um so that was the one thompson criticism the other thompson criticism was not uh putting in garrett stubbs it's like imagine walking back into the locker room and so i just pinch it jt real media i knew he wasn't going like there was no way that was ever going to happen. It's not worth it.

It's not worth it. Again, it's not worth the human part of it. It's not worth talking to JT and saying, but again, you could also be like, hey, JT, learn how to bunt and I won't freaking pinch at you. He doesn't have to learn how to bunt. He can't strike out there. I agree he can't strike out there. Hit the ball to the

right side. I get it. Do a job. You can throw the ball to the air and get him over in another way. I agree with that, but you don't disagree, right? Like, in a perfect world, these guys freaking bunt. Sorry. Bleep. I'll bleep. I just don't get how you talk on the air every day. I know. And you never curse. I know. And then the second you step into a podcast, it's like

you're a sailor. I know. It doesn't compute in my head. I know. I don't know. I don't either. It's podcast it's like you're you're you're a sailor i know i just said this doesn't compute my head i don't know i don't either it's a great point by you thank you it's a i'm a weird man the uh the final thing you might take back well one thing before the final thing oh good again and i don't want i don't need you to uh to get all riled up again okay yeah was that riled up yes yeah that's fair. I didn't need the Braves. Congratulations.

Oh, my God. Yeah. You're right. I will not freak out, but like... I understand sportsmanship. I get it. It's just... And maybe they're using it as fuel.

I thought it was a disgrace. Like, we just... Like, that's the word I'll use. I thought it was disgraceful. Don't need it. An embarrassment. And I hope that... Like, if you want to just put Atlanta Braves

champs, like, I wouldn't do that even, but fine. Do not say congratulations. Like, are you kidding me? They're your biggest rival. Unless Major League Baseball forces them to do that. Agree. And that might be the case. I don't know that. For, like, a photo op and, like, we want this moment. But, like... And people comparing to the

Astros last year... They're not our rival! What are we talking about? I know. I know. Just... I didn't need it. I... I totally year. They're not our rival. What are you talking about? I know. I know. Just, I didn't need it. I totally agree. I thought, again, and if Major League Baseball made them do it, which is absolutely possible, like, then fine. I get it.

You don't have a choice. But if that was a decision made by someone in the organization, like, don't ever do that again, please. Well, it's like letting the Mets fan throw out the first pitch. So many people brought that up today, and it's a perfect analogy. It's like letting the Mets fan throw out the first pitch. So many people brought that up today, and it's a perfect analogy. It's like the perfect analogy. The one thing I do hope out of that, and this is starting to think about a possible deep run,

I hope that they, I hope that, I know Castellanos stayed for a while and watched it. Yeah. Well, it seemed like there were a few guys on the bench kind of. I hope they stayed and watched it. That's all I want. I hope they stayed and watched it. And here's what I'll say, outside of obviously the Rob Thompson bulletin board material and all that.

But I do dig this Phillies Braves thing. It does feel like there's something brewing here. Like the Wheeler. Wheeler. Dude being like, what's his name? There's hate here. There's hate. And obviously we as fans have it.

But let's go back to the Boomer thing. I'm all in for Sporting. Hates. Yes. Hates. I grew up hating these people. I want to keep hating them, all right? Like, enough of this.

Enough of this kinder, gentler. Too much love. Yes. I was about to curse again. Bleep them. That's what I was going to say. No, I just, and if you want to start, I think this is the appropriate time

to bring up positivity. I think so, too. Good point. Is that they hung with the Braves the majority of the series. They had a chance to take three or four. And I think they create a little. Snitker came out and said, I don't want to play this team. He said, it's a team I most don't want to play.

And that's good. I agree. That gets in the Braves' head. These guys know that they can fight back in these spots. And look, they were worse than the Braves in the regular season last year handily as well. The Braves were a way better team last year. Now the Braves this year are even

better than they were last year. But the Phillies beat them in the playoffs. The baseball players are chaos. Anyone can win. It's just what it is. It's so funny now. I know you don't check your mentions. players are chaos. Like anyone can win. It's just what it is. It is. And it's so funny now. Now, I know you don't check your mentions,

but, and I, and I, I check my mentions. I don't, like they don't get in my head. Good. I'm proud of you, buddy.

But it is funny. Some definitely get in my head. That's not true. That's a quick turnaround. Be Better gets in my head every single time. I bet. Although don't take that for,

because if you start doing that to me as a High Hopes listener, I'm not going to associate with you High Hopes, and I'm going to forget. Yeah, and then you won't. And I'm probably going to block you. Yeah, it won't be good. Then you're missing out. I'm going to mute and move on.

Yeah, and then you're going to have to come to an event and say, hey. Please, yeah. Please. No. So, but there's a lot of, like, people like, well, this, no shot they have a deep playoff run this year. And it's like, maybe you're right. But no one thought they were going to.

It's so dumb. They were in the sixth seed last year. They had 87 wins. I can't do that. They have no shot going deep. It's like, well, we all thought that last year. Every single team in the playoffs has a shot. It's just the way baseball works.

I will say this Braves lineup, though, is like. Oh, it's insane. It's one of the best lineups I think I've ever seen in my lifetime. In a regular season, I think it's one of the best I've ever seen. That's honestly how I feel about it. And I hope they get rid of their trash cans in the postseason. There's just no way. Yeah, the numbers are absurdity.

Yeah. I mean, they're really good. They're really good. And somehow the numbers are absurdity. Yeah. I mean, they're really good. They're really good. And somehow they're on every pitch. Acuna is, like, dude's gonna go 40-70. I didn't think that was possible. I know you probably aren't, but are you finally willing to admit that Matt Olsen

does not suck at baseball? I still think the swing's gonna be hard for him to catch up to fastballs with that swing. Official take. 51 home runs. Also, another thing. Do we have to keep throwing the balls back? Do we have to stop the game to give Matt Olsen another home run

ball? I know. Whatever. Enough. Enough. Enough. That idea is so much pain. I think enough is the big... Enough, Phillies. Alright? Enough. Again, another thing to. Yeah, I think enough is the big, like enough, Philly. Enough! Again, another final, another thing to take back that I forgot about to take back that I want to get to.

I mean this totally truthfully. You might not agree with me. And I don't think many people do. I would have rather the Mets gotten Shohei Otani than David Sturridge. Oh, I don't think there's any question. Of course I agree. David, I meant to bring this up.

That's the worst thing that's happened in the National League East in a year. And they're going to hire counsel. Dude, you think he'll leave Milwaukee to go there? Yeah. Stearns is a freaking genius. And now with Cohen. This is not good.

Mayday! To win now. Take, like this is not good. Mayday! Yeah, to win now. Guys, take advantage of this little window here because, you know, that's going to be pretty good. We got a honey coming. Yeah. Did you see that thing? I'm talking about the Braves and that list of like the best

and worst contracts in all of baseball, like the most tradable and least tradable contracts. The Braves had like eight of the top 12 or whatever. It's like they had like the best at like six positions in terms of like what was judged the best contract in the sport. So, again, the National League East is just turning into a monster. It really is, man. It's turning into a monster.

And look, the Marlins are a much better run. Kimmings done a nice job down there. Like, you know, it's tough. It's going to be. It's tough. Especially because, like, a lot of these teams are going to stay together. Well, once they get good, they'll stay together. Well, I mean, this Braves team ain't going anywhere.

No. They're all signed. This is just starting. They're all signed. They're all young. They're all awesome. Yeah. Well, what can you do?

Hey. Speaking of. Chaos. Playoffs are chaos.'re all awesome. Yeah. Well, what can you do? Hey. Speaking of. Chaos. Playoff for chaos. Speaking of awesome. Yeah. Well, when the hell did Michael Harris start hitting 295 again? I know.

It's like he's a nine hitter. It's like, what did this happen? I remember the beginning of the year. It's like, oh, he's having a down year. He's bad. Yeah. It's like sophomore slump. This is great.

Yeah. Good. Finally got one wrong. Now he's hitting tank shots. Yeah. They all hit tank shots. Yes. Like, does anyone in that lineup not hit the ball 400 feet when they hit it?

Like, it's so annoying. Um, uh, the... All right. Relax. It's a podcast. I can say that one. The Phillies, uh, the, um, the one thing I was thinking about is that, uh, the big thing that I need next year, and the thing that they've kind of struggled with the last couple years,

I feel like winning teams do this more. And they did it 0-7 to 11 a lot. I feel like the 90s Yankees did this a lot. The Braves, I feel like, do it. I need, like, this semi-cooked, older player that is on the bench that can come in and do a job. Like, ideally work. I like the young kids, but I feel like they have a lot of young guys on the bench that can come in and do a job. Ideally, it would work. I like the young kids, but I feel like they have a lot of young

guys on the bench that are only available. Jake Cave's a journeyman. He's never a good player. I need a semi-cooked older veteran guy. Like Josh Harrison was. Like Josh Harrison was. That idea, that's what you're talking about.

That can come in and... Get you a big hit when you need it. Or like you're not going to freak out if they're pinch hitting in the eighth inning of a big time playoff game. Yeah, we don't have that. No, we don't. We've got a bunch of young guys. And the fact that like Rodolfo Castro was not able to hit for Marsh the other night. You know, that's an example of this.

Where it's like, like that's the spot where, listen, I think Marsh just do a job, obviously. Hit the ball in the air and it's Brad Hand. Brad freaking Hand. Shutting us down. Two nights in a row. That's what I need next year. One more addition in the bullpen. I think it goes from a good to a great.

That kind of bench guy. Love it. I like that you're looking at next year already. That's what happens when they lose 5-7 at home is I start thinking, how can I build next year's team? Yeah, well, the Braves, did you think about the fact that the Braves have won 18 of the last 28 National League East titles? It's a lot. It's a lot.

Yes. It's pretty annoying. Yeah. We'll get there. Enough. Enough of the Braves. Coming out tomorrow night, Liberty Grounds is going to be awesome. We're going to start a winning streak because we're playing the Cardinals.

It's going to be good. Hopefully. It's going to be awesome. Coming out. Until then going to be good. Hopefully. It's going to be awesome. Come hang out. Until then, he's finished.