High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - The High Hopes Phillies Podcast: What Are the Phillies Doing?

Episode Date: December 20, 2018

James and Jack are fired up over this Machado thing. What WAS that display down there at Citizens Bank Park today? The guys also talk other moves, or lack thereof, this offseason.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Visit your nearest Best Buy store today. Terms and conditions apply. This is the High Hopes Podcast. High Hopes. It's a bunch of baseball nerds. Well, without the computers. Talking about the Philadelphia Phillies. On Radio.com and Sports Radio 94 WIP.

Yo! It is another edition of the High Hopes Podcast. I may have just used all the energy I had to give Jack the yo there. I'm James Seltzer, Jack Fritz. Jack, I've never been more tired in my life, but Manny Machado's in town, and that's getting me by, Jack. What are the Phillies doing? Like, you are, it's your biggest freaking free agency since Jim Tomey, and you are acting like a Mickey Mouse organization.

The Yankees bring him in in his private little freaking garage and you're going to let him show up, get freaking ambushed by Larry Poff. Not great. And you make him wait at the door? Do the right thing, Manny! You make him wait at the door for him to come in? Are you kidding me? And then Matt Klintak answers the door like he's at freaking

Christmas dinner and Manny's showing up. I was waiting for his kids and his golden retriever to come running out and greet Manny at showing up. I was waiting for his kids and his golden retriever to come running out and greet Manny at the door. It was, I was, I was, I was sitting in my apartment saying, what are the Phillies doing? I was, I was so angry. It's, it's embarrassing.

It is freaking embarrassing. I agree with you. You're going to like, you look like a Mickey Mouse organization by letting Manny Machado just get in. I could not believe it. James, which was a bigger disaster, the BP oil spill or the Machado shenanigans today? I'll go with the BP oil spill. It's close.

Look, it was a... Are you kidding me? It was so bad. It was a, are you kidding me? It was so bad. Like, look, and I didn't like the messaging that Kapler said to Angelo that he was going to use. Oh, you're the guy who's going to put us over the top, Manny. And it just seemed like the whole message to Manny, and again today, was wrong.

All right, play to Manny Machado's ego. They should have had a private jet, fly him to an airbase here, put him on a freaking helicopter, and helicopter onto the freaking mound at Citizen Bank Park. And then you know what you say to him? You say, hey, Manny, you could be a god in Philadelphia. You could be the player that when people think of the Philadelphia Phillies in 100 years, they think Manny Machado. That's what you do for this guy. I mean, it is, especially after he's coming from the Yankees.

And there is no one. And I say this all the time, people get mad at me. I hate the more than I hate the Cowboys. I hate the Yankees more than I hate any team in all of sports. But having said that, the Yankees are a winning organization for a reason. They know what first class looks like. Exactly. And coming from there to here to not have some...

And look, look, it might not matter because John Middleton might say, oh, the Yankees are offering you $300 million. Here's $400. Let's go. Like, it might not matter. It probably won't matter. Jack, I am so with you. I thought the whole presentation was...

They win the Super Bowl over there. Sign. Oh, my God. Honestly, I think the construction worker was probably the best part of the whole pitch. Like, at least that dude had some life and was like, hey, doing the right thing, baby. Like, at least, like, I don't know. There's some sort of fun blue-collar feel to that, but

this organization, incredibly disappointing, Jack. Hey, Manny, what's up? Biggest free agent visit in the history of the franchise. That's it, up to this point, in terms of coming to your town to do your thing. And it is, look, and they got it right with the on-the-board, putting his wife's name on there. But it goes back to the Corbin thing,

too. How embarrassing was that to not put his wife's name on the board? I mean, this is back to back situations. And obviously this one bigger where they're just not prepared. And Jack, let me ask you a question. What else do they have to do but prepare for this meeting? Like, what else is important? What are they doing? What are they doing, Jack?

What are they doing? I was going crazy in my house. I was going crazy in my house. I was going crazy in my house. Listen, listen. Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, if you don't get those guys, you are hamstringing your organization, and you are the fourth best team in the NL. Let's put it more simply. It is a disaster from an organizational perspective if you don't get those guys.

And I don't want to hear a word and if andy mcphail's mouth would work dude still have a successful offseason dude i can't stand him i i he i he makes me want to blow my brain here's the thing here's the thing i understand where mcphail's coming from in the sense that andy mcphail is a businessman and an adult and he knows that john middleton was stupid to say what he said, and this organization has created expectations. The problem is it's too little too late for McPhail. The expectations were already there.

You can't walk it back. You can't rein it in. If you don't sign one of these guys, it's a disaster. Every fan in this city, every reporter in this city, every talking head in this city is going to call it an epic disaster. And it is. Like, I'm sorry. I don't care if you're like, well, we're going to go.

No one ever noticed. No. You guys have said for years, you guys have positioned yourself. Middleton was on this station two years ago with Angelo and said, 2019, a lot of big names. You know, they have positioned themselves organizationally. We've been talking about this for the entirety of this podcast since High Hopes has been alive. We've been talking about this offseason. And Harper, Machado, you can't—

Look at the wife, James. She looks like—she's like, what the hell is going on right now? You've positioned yourself in a situation where you can't miss. And that's organizationally their own fault. They should not have set those expectations. We like it because we want them to get one of those two guys, and we feel like we're going to get one because of the way they set it up. If they don't get one of these two guys,

honestly, it is as big an organizational disaster as they've had in as long as I can remember. I mean, it's way worse than being a bad team. I mean, this is promising your fan base the next step and then not delivering. And they've come out and I feel like they're trying to play this like, we're fickle. We don't want to spend this money. You cannot have that philosophy when you've leaked to the media for three years. When your owner says stupid money.

You can't do that. I understand. Why are you trying to temper. You can't do that. I understand. Why are you trying to temper expectations? Just go sign them. I understand they're not signed yet. I'm not freaking out that they're not signed yet. I'm not saying you have to go get Bryce Harper right now because they're not going to do that,

and Bryce Harper's not going to do that, and Scott Borst is not going to do that. But do not get outbid. Don't let them get outbid. This fan base, listen, the fans are the fans. The fans will show up if they win. I understand all that. I agree.

But they can only take so much of this crap. Yep. Like, they can only take so much of this crap. And for you to play this, like, small market, are we really, do you really want to put 400 million? Dude, just, like, just do it. These are the guys, they are 26 years old. They're transcendent. And they are Hall of Famers. Yes. These guys are Hall of Famers. What are you talking about guys. They are 26 years old. They're transcendent.

And they are Hall of Famers. Yes. These guys are Hall of Famers and they're 26 years old. There have never been free agents like this on the market. Guys don't have this level of accomplishment at this age with this type of talent. They just don't. It never happened. It never happened.

They need to start. They need a guy that's going to change everything. Because right now, the rest of the NFC, the NL East, is making legitimate moves. They're all making moves. And we're sitting here getting small pockets when we have all the money in the world. You've said to us for three years, you have all the money in the world. You have the Comcast deal. And to now, to play

this small market, like, well, are you really going to go in on these guys? I don't know. Maybe wait next year for Arenado. What if he signs an extension this offseason? Absolutely. Then what are you going to do? Absolutely. Get out of here with this bull crap. It is bull crap, man.

It really is. And again, look, we're eight minutes into this podcast, and clearly Jack and I are both in a mood. What? Dude, they acted like they didn't know he was coming. It's like, oh, good to see you, Manny. It's like, oh, look who's here. Wow, can you believe it?

Manny's here. I know. Look, it was incredibly disappointing. And you and I have been very high on this team, on this organization, on the leadership here. And it's incredibly disappointing right now to see this type of reception for Manny Machado. And again, to the point I made before, there is still an incredibly solid to good chance that one of these two guys ends up here.

I mean, they do theoretically have the most money to spend. They are organizationally positioned in the best spot. And yeah, like you always say, I mean, who wants to go play for the White Sox? Oh, dude, I'm going to lose if one of them signs up over here. I know, I know, I know. So, all right. So, let's rein it in a little bit.

We both agree. Just a... Now, I will say, the meeting lasted longer than 90 minutes. Yeah. Are they going to Del Frisco tonight? Well, I mean, it sounds like they're going to say, hey, Manny... Do you think they made a reservation? Manny, we know a nice Primo's around the corner.

You want to go there? John's Roast Pork? Hey, we didn't make a reservation anywhere, Manny. Do you think they made a reservation? Manny, we know a nice Primo's around the corner. You want to go there? Have a John's roast pork? Hey, we didn't make a reservation anywhere, Manny. We didn't realize you were coming. So thanks. Yeah. We'll figure it out. We'll get you somewhere.

Oh, here's Larry Poff again. Yeah. Again, it's just, I'm with you. This is a spot where they had not. I mean, I thought that I said this this morning to Spike we were talking about before. And I was like, I thought they should have made a call out and had thousands of fans waiting there. Like, make this big.

Make this monumental. You are going up against the greatest, most baseball franchise, greatest sports franchise, the greatest franchise in American sports. It is inarguable. They've won the most championships. They have the most money. They're in the biggest city. Period. End of story. They have the most championships. They have the most money. They're in the biggest city.

Period. End of story. They have the most nostalgia. They have the most history. All of it. You're going up against those guys. And they want them. They want Manny Machado. They are your direct competition.

It was an embarrassing display. And again, now to reign it in, John Middleton can still put a check in front of Manny Machado that says $, 400, whatever it takes. I think that's still on the table. Where are you at stepping back and taking out of the equation just how... I think Mickey Mouse is really the perfect word for it. How Mickey Mouse that presentation of Manny Machado was today, or at least the part we

saw of it. Hey, Manny. What's up? Hey. Oh, look who's here. Guys, guess what? Manny Machado's here. He's right outside. Is the ham ready for dinner? Did you let him in yet? Oh, no, no, no.'s here. Guys, guess what? Manny Machado's here. He's right outside.

Is the ham ready for dinner? Did you let him in yet? Oh, no, no, no, let me in. He's standing outside the door. It's locked. It's locked! We have some trick-or-treat candy for you. Reigning it in.

Jesus Christ. Macro. Oh, my God. What are they doing? We are angry right now, but where do you stand on these two? You and I have both been very confident this is going to happen. I think that how this has played out is certainly shaking anyone's confidence i'm just annoyed at the inaction honestly like like there hasn't been any kind of rumors and like it seems like there

hasn't been one pro phillies rumor um since nam i think um it is well yeah it's like buster only was like i'll bet the family oh stop betting your family farm. And now he's like retweeting bogus Steve Phillips reports that Harper never met with the Phillies. Dude, Steve Phillips wasn't even right. Like, Steve Phillips can't even read, I don't think. Steve Phillips is not verified on Twitter. I think that probably tells you what you need to know. If Buster Olney bets the family farm one more time, I'm going to lose my breath. I think we all own his family farm.

I'm going to drive up to Vermont. I'm actually going to take his family farm. You're right. I'm going to steal his family farm. I'm going to drive up to Vermont. I'm actually going to take his family farm. You're right. I'm going to steal his family farm. So where I'm at. I don't want to be the sky is falling Phillies fan. Because honestly, every single time I tweet anything about the Phillies or about these guys, people I mention is like, well, they're not getting these guys.

And it's freaking miserable. It's really annoying. Those people are miserable. Well, let's call one out. Turtle. Oh, Turtle's not even. I want And it's freaking miserable. It's really annoying. Those people are miserable. Well, let's call one out. Turtle. Oh, Turtle's not even. I want to murder Turtle every morning. Because all he does, he comes in my oven and he's like, you know they're not getting either

one. It's a disaster. And Philly's the worst. And it's like, Turtle, shut up. Shut up, Turtle. That's how I feel. And you're right. It's everyone out there.

It's so many people being like, well, they're not going to get them. It's like, listen, we get it. It's possible. Sure. Yeah. But guess what? not going to get him. It's like, listen, we get it. It's possible. Sure. Yeah. But guess what? They still could get him. I know.

Like, it's like it's over already. I know. I can't take it. But I still, I don't believe any of the, like, so Heyman was on WFAN this morning with Evan and Joe. And he was saying how, I guess like Harper, Harper doesn't want to be here, basically. And the Phillies are focusing all their attention on Manny Machado. Which, I guess, makes sense.

I just don't buy it. I don't buy it either. I think they like Manny Machado. I think they love Bryce Harper. And regardless, I don't buy that from Bryce Harper's perspective. Like, give me a reason why Bryce Harper doesn't like Philly. Give me a reason why Bryce Harper doesn't want to get paid the most money. It doesn't make sense to me.

I know there's been the Dodgers rumors and granted it's been from Reddit and stuff like that. The Dodgers rumors also don't make any sense. He would have to sign maybe a four-year deal there. He's not going to sign a four-year deal. Scott Boris is not going to let him do that. Dodgers-Yankees.

You want to say one of those two organizations, the Yankees are out on Harper. The Cubs can't afford him. I want people to stop mentioning the Cubs for Bryce Harper. There's no other organization. You're telling me he'd rather go play for, like you said, the White Sox? What does he want to go play in some small market? I mean, Philadelphia is right now acting like a small market in certain ways, but they're not. It's not a small market.

They have a lot of money to spend. I'm with you. And again, public service announcement. There is no one on the planet who is better at creating mystery, at creating intrigue, at creating lies, at creating whatever, noise, than Scott Boras. I think there's only two teams that want him. Scott Boras is the best who's ever done it.

And Scott Boras, if the Phillies are the team that's going to spend the most money, guess what? He wants them to spend more. And he wants the other teams to spend more. And he wants to create as big a market as he can. All this type of stuff is part of that. Everything you hear, ultimately, is Scott Boris has his tentacles in. And there's reasons for what's being heard out there by the public. Listen, Ken Rosenthal said it best maybe a week ago.

He said, it's Philly bidding against Philly. And that seems right. And I think they like Machado. I think they like Arenado more. From what I've been able to gather, they think Nolan Arenado is their next Mike Schmidt. That's what Howard Eskin said on the day show today. So maybe their plan is Harper. Arenado is their next Mike Schmidt. That's what Howard Eskin said on the day show today. So, maybe their plan is Harper.

Harper. Arenado later? Yeah. Look, I would... And listen, that makes... Why are they so... It's only the local beat guys that keep saying Manny Machado is their target. True.

Every national guy is saying Harper is their target. And it just feels to me like the local media is getting a little bit duped here into this whole Machado thing. like the local media is getting a little bit duped here into this whole Machado thing. And the Phillies are using them to make it seem to Boris that they're not really interested in Bryce Harper when all the agents, all the industry buzz is saying otherwise. I just feel like they're being a little bit duped. And look, it's one of those things where, and again with the Boris part of it, it's hard to kind of piece your way through all the noise out there to say what's real, it's one of those things where, and again with the Boris part of it, it's hard to kind of piece your way through all the noise out there

to say what's real, what's not. I go back to the Bob Nightingale piece from the beginning and the original feel that everyone in baseball felt like Bryce Harper was going to the Phillies. And I think that that's probably the most true read on the situation. And there's been really nothing else since then. No, it's just... It's only been teams saying they're out on him.

Yeah, and then weird Reddit threads saying the Dodgers are getting him, or the White Sox, of course, sure. But yeah, I still, like I said, I've said it from the beginning, I still believe that Bryce Harper would be a Philly. I know that that seems harder to believe now, but I'm still in that camp. I agree with you. I think Bryce Harper is still the most likely acquisition for this team. And he is the most star power.

I mean, he is the guy. No question. He's the guy that Middleton's going to want the most. Yeah, Middleton. He's the guy that sells jerseys. And look, we talked about it on the show last time we talked, but I don't think you could just not look at the way Gabe Kapler talked about both of those guys and say, oh, it's nothing.

Like, it was, one was like, oh man, he's a nice player. The other was like, Bryce Harper is my child and I love him with all my heart. Like, that was the feel of those two quotes and it's like, Gabe Kapler's not an idiot. He's a bright guy, you know? He has to know that what he's saying is being repurposed and heard and all that type of stuff.

He's fantasizing about Bryce Harper. Yes! Yes! So, look, I know the noise. I still think the Phillies are going to have Bryce Harper. I do. I still believe it. I'm there with you. There's been nothing that has changed that for me. All this stuff just feels like a creation by Scott Boras.

However, if they handle it like they handle Machado, I'm going to lose my mind. Let's get back to that because I do think that's the issue. I think that there's the whole idea of like, sure. All you've had to plan for for the last three years is this free agency. This is it. This is all you had to plan for. We didn't care if you won on the field.

We didn't care about any of that stuff. You want to sign Andrew McCutcheon? Fine. It's good. You want to bring in Andrew Miller or Zach Britton? Fine. It's good. You want to bring in Andrew Miller or Zach Britton? Fine. If you want to bring in a starter or whatever, this team right now is better. There's no

doubt on that. Andrew McCutcheon, they're better. They are better. That is adorable. That is freaking adorable. You have been leaking for the last three years. You're going to spend all this money this offseason. I think fans will come back no matter what if you win. I mean, that's just how fans work.

I agree. But it is bull crap to drag them through this again. Another season of not a legitimate star when you have the money to do it. And again, when they're under transcendent stars on the market. when you're taking the age and the ability and all that. It's insane. Again, and you and I have been very, I think, a lot more supportive of this current Phillies organization than most. There are a lot of people out there who, obviously, Kapler. Well, I mean, the people who freak out just aren't educated right and but but regardless like we have been supportive of matt klentak of the the organizational philosophy

of what they're trying to do i'll tell you right now i'm not gonna say i'm out i'm so but i am i am very my high opinion of this organization right now of klentak of mcphail this whole thing goes down the tubes if they don't get one of these guys it's just a fact like i'm sorry and i don't care if they choose not to come here i mean you got to do it you have to you have set it up where you've put yourself in this corner and there's no other way out in my opinion i'm gonna rip them i'm gonna rip them and and i i won't be alone obviously but the point is I think that they have put themselves

in a situation where they have to sign one of these two guys they have to another thing that is just driving me crazy where's the interesting trade where's the wow what a shrewd move the Segura trade was good

they gave up JB Crawford and Carlos Santana and I. The Segura trade was good. It was a nice trade. They gave up J.B. Crawford and Carlos Santana, and I love Gene Segura. Like, where's the big, like, holy crap, look at what the Phillies are doing momentally. That's what this,

I thought this offseason was going to be like, oh my God, they've arrived. I thought it was a sleeping giant being awoken, and how McPhail, every freaking time McPhail opens his mouth,

I, dude, you and Josh Harris can both just stick a freaking sock in your mouth and stop talking. Because it is embarrassing. And every single time they open their mouth, I feel worse about the Phillies and the Sixers. So, like, where is the whole, wow, they traded that guy for Kluber? Like, where is that move? Like, where's the bungler? They have so much options. They have all this prospect depth.

They have major league depth that they have to move. They have all the money. Like, what are you? Like, what is going on? What are you waiting for? Yeah, no, the winter meetings are over. You know, like, and I get it with the Harper Machado thing that I do believe that situation is out of their control in terms of when they sign, obviously.

I think both those agents are trying to wait the other out, get the bigger deal. Dude, Harper's going to wait forever. Of course. And look, Harper's in the driver's seat in this situation, in that Bryce Harper is the more desired target than Manny Machado, or at least should be. We don't know that for sure. We're hypothesizing.

But Bryce Harper should be the more desired target, and thus he doesn't really have anything to lose by waiting. What does he care? And again, I can't blame them for that, but I do agree that it has felt a lot of inaction from a team that really needs to be, especially, and like you said before, it's especially frustrating when the Nats and Braves are out there doing things and making themselves better.

Well, it's even more frustrating when they know they have so much players they got to move. Like, you have to decide what you want to do with Franco. Do you want to move Franco, sign Moustakis? Do you want to move Adubo? Do you want to do, like... And look, part of that does come down to these moves, right? I get that.

Like, if you sign Manny Machado, that influences your third base position. If you sign Bryce Harper, you're influencing your outfield. I get it. And look, they said they weren't going to wait for these guys, and it feels like they're waiting for the guys. I mean, they've done some things that just open up the rest of the offseason. I mean, they opened up left field to fill in McCutcheon. They still have right field, which should be opened up.

There's a lot clearer path. There's a clear path for right field they move there's a lot clearer path there's a clear path for right field there's clear path for third base i think if they i think if they sign harper he's in right and then they trade franco and moustakas is at third if they sign machado he's at he's in third and maybe nick cassianos is in right field um there's there's options there and they have kept the door open for both of them. But you can't be held hostage by these guys. And I understand they don't want to do that. But, like, there has to be, like, six days ago was the last time we heard about Andrew Miller.

Like, if you're hot after Andrew Miller, sign freaking Andrew Miller. If you're that hot after him, it just feels like they're trying to squeeze every little ounce of value out of every single move they make, except for the McCutcheon deal, which they were like, here's $50 million. Yeah, we love you. Come on in, buddy.

It was weird. And by the way, I freaking love Andrew McCutcheon. I mean, look, that's the thing. And I think it's probably a little too much money, but it's fine. It's like maybe $5 million. Yeah, it's fine. It's totally fine. I think his skill set will age well.

And we talked a lot about this last year, that both you and I do believe in bringing guys like that, like a real legit leader, like a guy who is a veteran who has won the MVP award, is one of the all-time great guys in the history of the sport. They don't get better than Andrew McCutcheon. I do think that type of guy makes a difference. And he's still a talented enough player. He's still a good fielder. All that type of stuff.

You're basically replacing the good part of Santana and putting him in left field and not hamstringing Maurice Hoskins. And he's a good fielder on top of stuff. You're moving, you're basically replacing the good part of Santana and putting him in left field and not hamstringing Maurice Hoskins. And he's a good fielder on top of that. Listen, the clubhouse last year was not great. The clubhouse last year was supposedly divided. You had the Latin players hanging out with the Latin players and it just felt like clicky.

And you have to bring in a guy like McCutcheon who can kind of make the clubhouse fun to be in heading down in a playoff run because it's 162 games. 100%. We saw it last year. It's a grind. Baseball's a grind. It's such a grind. And McCutcheon will make it better on a day-to-day basis.

Make it a lot more fun. And again, like the leadership and all that type of stuff. So I agree. But again, Jack, it's been a – I think part of it maybe is that we wanted all this stuff so bad. We're so ready for it. We are jonesing for big names

and trades and action and... It's just been meh. Yeah, it's been very meh. And look, again like, there are, as you alluded to, a lot of players still out there, whether it's free agents or potential trade options, who could be gotten by the Phillies and could end up being valuable moves

like we've talked about. It is a little frustrating the way it's played out. But look, I'm not damning them for not signing Andrew Miller when Andrew Miller is not signed yet. I get that we want him in here and all that, but I get it. Not everything's in their control. But we're starting to get to the point where they have to shape their team. They have to build this team.

Bring in a Jake Arrieta in March. You can't build your whole team that way. No. No. Andrew Miller's interesting. When they saw he was hot after him, I want to be excited about Andrew Miller, interesting when they saw he was hot after him like I want to be excited about Andrew Miller and I would be excited about Andrew Miller because it's

2016 and Andrew Miller at his peak is one of the best relievers I've ever seen in my life easily and he's ridiculous it's just like he's got he's got such a when I when I think about Andrew Miller's future and I look in the visions of myself he's 34 he had three injuries last year he's, he's 34. He had three injuries

last year. He's tall. He's 34. He has three different injuries. It's just I don't know if he's going to really, I don't know how much he has left in the tank. He's pitched a lot of innings. Tall guys don't enjoy at that position. I mean, Randy Johnson, one of the few who really was able to kind of last for a long time.

But yeah, I'm with you. I understand that argument. And I'm fine with signing Andrew Miller, especially when you think about, I mean, like we just talked about what that guy's done in big games. And look, Zach Britton, I'm fine with that, too.

I like both those guys. I'm surprised they're not more after Britton. I mean, he's three years younger. Closing experience. Well, so is Miller. Well, yeah, but I mean, Andrew Miller's not a closer. He won't be a closer. Zach Britton could be signed to be a closer.

And in September of last year, Britton didn't allow a run. He was back up to 96. He looked good. He looked good. He looked good. I'm surprised they're not more after him because he seems healthier. He doesn't have all the injuries. He had the Achilles, which he came back from, and

pitched fine by the end of last year. It seems like he got it out of the system. So I'm surprised they're not more after Zach Britton. I'm cool with either one. I mean, I understand the upside of Miller is absolutely tantalizing, but again, he's 34. So that's just the reality of the situation. Other than that,

again, it's just been Mike Minor? You're not a big Mike Minor fan. situation. Other than that, again, it's just been Mike Miner? You're not a big Mike Miner fan. He's fine. I just don't understand what the plan is of Mike Miner. Are you bringing him in to start or be a reliever? That's the question.

Are we adding another lefty reliever? My issue with Mike Miner is this is a guy who I mean, you want to talk about injury issues. He didn't pitch for like three years. He didn't pitch for three years. Look, I don't... No, I was watching him a little bit. He's fine. I was watching him a little bit.

I was watching some of his full starts and he, first off, his last 14 starts with the Rangers. He was very good. He had 3-3-2. And he was good the year before. Out of the pen. And I think in September he started a few games. It could be wrong. With the Royals.

But he was 94-95. Seems like he had good location both sides of the plate. I could see him kind of aging like Jay Happ. It doesn't seem like he puts too much pressure on his arm. He has a pretty good slider. I would be in on Mike Miner. I think his changeup is pretty good. It's too many and we have to give up.

And I want to know what the plan is. I don't know if he's going to be a back end of the rotation guy. Is he a swing man for you? Is he a long man? Is he a really good long man? What is his role here? I hope they're not viewing Mike Miner as like, here's our number two.

I don't think they are. I don't think they are. Mike Miner can't give you more than five innings. I mean, that's just what he is now. I mean, you look at his numbers last year. This is just a guess, but I would guess he didn't go over six more than once or twice. He's not going to give you a lot of innings. So I'm with you. And look, Mike Miner's not a two anywhere for any team.

I don't think he was for the Rangers. Yeah, but the Rangers were a really bad team with an incredibly bad pitching staff. But, look, are we going to end up with McCutcheon, Zagare, and Miner? Well, he did it. I will say, in August and September, he went seven innings, six, six, six, six. So he went more than six one time? No, he went, well, he pitched into the seven four times. Okay.

Well, I said, yeah, I said I wouldn't bet he went more than six more than a couple times. Pitching to the seven. Okay. Sure. No, he's fine. I just want to know what his role is going to be. The point is that's the type of guy he is. Mike Meyer's not going out and giving you eight strong or throwing a complete game for you or whatever.

Regardless. Well, that's not today's game anyway. It's fine. It's fine. I'd much, obviously, I think we both much rather see them trade for a guy like Corey Kluber. I don't know what they could do to get Kluber when you look at some of the other names. It seems like Cleveland wants bats.

And they should. I mean, they have Alec Field. I don't blame them. And yeah, I mean, like a guy like Nick Senzel, like, Phillies don't have anyone they can give him who's Nick Senzel. They don't have Alex Verdugo. Yeah. They don't blame them. And yeah, a guy like Nick Senzel, Phillies don't have anyone they can give moves to Nick Senzel. They don't have Alex Verdugo. Yeah, they don't have any of those guys. And if that's what the Indians want, I don't know how you make

an offer that's going to be appealing to them. Sixto is obviously in the deal, but I mean, they want outfielders. What do you do? I mean, Sixto and Hazley and whatever, sure, maybe, but it just doesn't seem as realistic as it does for other teams. I will say, it's a little fishy that they are thinking about moving clipper it's so weird well but it's fishy so it's fishy because

he has three years left on a relatively cheap contract for for who he is a very cheap contract he's been he's been one of the three best pitchers in the al for the last five years i would say and i wonder if they're they think he's about to hit a wall. He's pitched a lot of innings. He's struck out a lot of guys. He throws a lot of sliders. He was pitching last year at 91.5 miles an hour, down from 93 two years ago. So there's a little bit of a concern there. And I wonder if they're getting rid of him before he really hits the holiday wall or something like that. It's certainly possible.

And look, to take it a step further, there are a few teams in baseball who are as run as intelligently as the Cleveland Indians are, and for a very long time. So, if the Indians... I agree with you. I think that is fishy. The fact the Indians are willing to trade him or looking to trade him has to make you a little nervous. Well, especially if

they're saying to their fans they're still trying to compete and they're trading their ace and he has three years left on a cheap contract and they're still trying to compete, and they're trading their ace, and he has three years left on a cheap contract, and they should be looking to keep cheap contracts. Absolutely. There's something that this doesn't add up there. So Kluber's interesting.

Again, people still keep laying out Trevor Bauer. You were only trading big-name pieces for a guy you can see helping anchor rotation with, with Aaron Nola. You're not trading a guy for two years or one year or whatever. So that's my worry with, with Bauer and Kluber. You know,

you know, you people on Twitter got all offended yesterday when I said they will need a legit number two to go with Nola. I was not saying that Corey Kluber is a number two. I was saying they need a legit guy next to Aaron Nola so that they could actually compete next year if you're going to sign a bright star. Which I agree with you on that front. I mean, they need that guy.

I mean, Kluber and Nola would be just dumb. My God. Can you imagine? I mean, Bumgarner. I'm fine with that, too. He's not as good as Kluber, but. Yeah, my word with Bumgarner is that he's going to pitch Really well in the first half And they're going to sell him

For way higher than they would It really feels like They want a lefty Like the Phillies For some reason It really feels like Why don't you just get Good pitchers

That's my thought I don't care What the hell do you need A lefty for Just get a guy who's A good pitcher I don't get that at all But it does seem like

It's an organ And I get it in the bowl Ben you want to have Some lefties That makes completely Instead of having Adam Morgan Exactly

But A starter It does seem like They want Doesn't it Don't you get that feel And I get it in the bowl, Ben. You want to have some lefties. Well, that makes completely sense. Instead of having Adam Morgan. Exactly. A starter? It does seem like they want, doesn't it? Don't you get that feel? Yeah, I don't get it. I mean, I understand it's nice to have balance in your rotation, but guys are going to game plan for whoever they have to face anyway. Exactly. Give me a good pitcher.

That's all I care about. I'm with you 100%. All right. So, I'm so tired, Jack. I understand you're tired. I feel incredibly stupid. I'm not you 100%. All right. So, I'm so tired, Jack. I understand you're tired. I feel incredibly stupid. I'm not nearly as smart. I apologize to our fine listeners.

Well, you got all the energy out earlier with our Mickey Mouse Machado stuff. That's true. It took it all out of me. Yeah. I'm depressed right now, Jack. It was very disappointing. I mean, my life is good. I'm happy with my life.

But the Phillies are- Well, does life really matter if the Phillies don't get one of these guys? No, and that's the point. That's the point. I'm really depressed right now with the Phillies. Again, this is with me saying that I still think they're going to get Bryce Harper, but... So when is Machado's on? It's just very frustrating. This whole culture, right?

The whole, like, what's the word I'm looking for? This is me being stupid and not being able to find words I want. But, like, the whole what's going on in the melting pot of the Phillies fan base and what's going on? I really just like seeing you try to figure it out. I'm struggling. Everyone's so mad, Jack. Oh, I know.

Everyone's so mad and they're ready to be more mad. And it just feels like people are just waiting to pounce. If they don't get either of these guys on opening day, it's going to be a nightmare. It's going to be a nightmare. It's going to be booze. I'm not looking forward to it. It's my field. I know. It's going to be a nightmare. It's going to be booze. I'm not looking forward to it. It's our meal! I know. It's bad.

Let's say trade for Trout, obviously. They might have to. Listen, if Trout's not signed to his extension by March? Give up the farm, baby. They won't have to give up the farm. I've said that many times. Yeah, we've talked about that. He's no trade clause.

Either way. Anyway, when does Machado sign? Because it feels like there's a lot of momentum towards where he's going to take the deals. It's one of the three teams, right? Like, in theory, that's kind of what it's been boiled down to. He's going to take the deals he got this week, go to Miami this weekend. It feels like it's an early next week, Machado signing. That's what it feels like, because he's going to go home to Miami, talk to his friends.

He's going to decide. Supposedly, let's take this for absolutely what it's worth and with a complete grain of salt. But there's a caller into Boomer and Geo this morning who is a cop. And he pulled over the Yankee CEO. And he said, I won't give you a ticket if you tell me the Machado stuff. And the Yankee CEO said he wasn't happy with their offer. So it feels like, I mean, it's obviously. You heard it here first.

Take it with a grain of salt. Do you have a breaking news sound? No, no, no. Take it with a grain of salt. Take it with like all the grains of salt. All that you can find. But what it does read to me was that he's going to take the Phillies offer, and then he's going to go back to Cashman,

and Cashman's going to decide whether or not he's going to pony up for it. Like, let's say the Yankees offered, what, $300 or $250? It feels like $250. And the Phillies offered $350. Like, is Cashman going to pony up? Because it's this exact day when Cano signed with the Mariners for $62 million less. Yeah, look, I don't think the Yankees will give him whatever he wants. No, I don't think so either.

Look, they want him, but they don't really need him. The whole thing with the Machado-the-Yankees thing is they're trying to sign him, and then it's like, oh, and then we'll just trade Miguel Andujar. It's like, okay, we'll just trade the rookie of the year, or the could-have-been rookie of the year. And I get it. Like, I'd rather Manny Machado than Miguel Anduar. But it feels forced more so.

It doesn't feel as much. Well, unless he can play short with Didi out. It's possible. But still, Didi will be back at some point. Well, he's also on his last year of his deal. Is he? Okay, so that's fair. But they love Didi in New York.

Regardless, especially, you know, after the playoff heroics and all that type of stuff. But regardless, the point being that I don't feel like the Yankees are as... It's not as imperative for them to sign. Unlike us. Unlike the Phillies. Unlike us. So it feels like the Machado thing is going to happen within the week, which I don't know if I'm going to sleep.

I'm not already anyway, so it's fine. It's going to be terrifying. But Manny has now been there for two and a half hours. Is he still there? Yeah, so what do you think they're talking about? You think Gabe's giving him the workout plan? I think that... What do you think of Manny's hair?

I don't like it. I think that Manny's probably still saying, how the hell did you leave me outside and not open the door? Let me get mobbed by Larry Pop telling me about... Who was the a-hole? Super Bowl! Oh, it was so annoying. So annoying, but

what can you do? Hopefully they make up for it. Hopefully they take him to Del Frisco or somewhere nice tonight and treat him out for a night on the town. Take him to Zahav, alright? Take him to Laurel. Like, go big, alright? Yeah, we'll see. Alright, Fritzy. Anything else on your mind today? Fall over a Take him to Laurel. Go big. Yeah. We'll see. All right. Fritzy.

Anything else on your mind today? Fall over. I've thought on my face. I might. I'm not kidding. I'm that tired that I could fall on my face. I got two final thoughts. Last night, I don't know why, but I watched the 2006 Philly Yearbook.

Because you're you, Jack. Because you were you. I got nothing. I got nothing i got nothing who does that who are you who are you i just i want a full park again and i want a slugger i need it like i need oxygen who are you i don't know whatever i don't care did you enjoy it i did harper uh uh howard the mvp season yeah sure it's just ridiculous. 58 homers. Anyway. And my other final thought is that Spencer Howard is going to be really good.

I was watching some Spencer Howard stuff. The guy has built like you want your ace to be built. He is legitimate. I would be, I do not want to move him unless it's for a legit stud.

Well, and he has been getting some of that buzz this offseason, too. He has, and I saw the Salisbury tweet, and I was watching some of his tape. He has moved, oh, I got another thing. It moved when you watched him, is that what you said? Not only did it move, he has moved into my untouchables, joining- Wow, Sixto, Haseley. Sixto, Alec Baum, and Spencer Howard. So Adam Haseley is not on the list.

Adam Haseley is out, and I would like to announce on this podcast that I would rather trade Haseley than Mickey Moniak. What's happening? I'm sorry. What is going on right now? When did this happen? This is like a monumental statement, Jack Fritz.

What is going on? Haseley, I think, is fine. I have a kid and I don't even know you anymore. Haseley's fine. I think he's a good player. He will never hit for power unless he changes his load position. It is too small of a load. You're just killing it right now.

What it is. Your phrasing is just really impressive. It's not a big enough load. You're just killing it right now. What it is. Your phrasing is just really impressive. It's not a big enough load. What? It's not a big enough load for him to have serious power. And also, if they get Harper. He needs a bigger load. I'm telling you.

If they get Harper, they're going to have McCutcheon in left. Maybe he can play center, but if they move him now in a trade this offseason, they can wait for Moniak. I am believing in Moniak. I am team Moniak. I am team trade Haisley. Wow. So I'm ending the podcast. Speaking of loads, my final thought. Having

a kid. Fun? I would like to officially apologize. All the people that, oh, you're having a kid? Oh, get ready not to sleep. And I'm like, yeah, I'll be fine. All right. I'm great with no sleep.

I got all the energy in the world. Oh, everyone's like, oh, you can't sleep. Chill out. All right. I was so wrong. I've never been more wrong about anything in my life. It is a different kind of tired. It's like every fiber of your being is tired at all times.

So official apology. Cool. To all the people out there who said, you're going to not be able to sleep and it's going to suck. And I'm like, yeah, you guys are idiots. They were not idiots, Jack. This is your Kirk Gibson podcast. That's what this is.

Congrats, buddy. Thanks, buddy. You did it. Thanks. Where's Dennis Acklesley when you need him? Yes. Also, definitely spread high hopes for the holidays. Yes.

Yes. Give high hopes out to your older uncle who may have an iPhone, probably has a podcast app, can't get Philly's talk on the radio here. What's this podcaster talking about? We want that guy. Poor girl. Spread high hopes this holiday season. It is free and it is well, well worth it so do that and hopefully

machado is here sometime next week maybe wednesday rate and review the podcast always rate spread high hopes go hard go get harper go get my child just just do something and go to sleep go to sleep you can Sleep, Jansen. You can. All-star closer, Kenley Jansen. We have a question. What's the best podcast of all time? Baseball isn't boring, baby. I'm Rob Bradford, and every single day I'm sitting down with the biggest names to show you this great game is the greatest game.

It's my podcast. It's my passion. It's a cause I started more than two years ago and is now the most prolific national daily baseball pod there is. Another fact. So jump aboard the BIB Express. Follow and listen to Baseball Isn't Boring, presented by Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage on the free Odyssey app

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