High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - The High Hopes Phillies Podcast: Which Phils Would You Trust in a Big Spot?

Episode Date: October 14, 2018

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz are back talking about the MLB playoffs and what members of the Phils current roster would you trust the most. The guys also talk answer your Twitter questions and more! 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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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. Our real beginning of the off-season type shows. I am James Seltzer with me as always. My guy, except when he's ripping me, my buddy Jack Fritz. What's up, buddy?

Watching the playoffs has just been, it's so hard because, man, they're the best. There's nothing better than the MLB playoffs. It's the best. And there's no bigger difference in all sports than regular season baseball into postseason baseball. Regular season baseball is like, let's go to the ballpark. Let's have a beer. Let's have a hot dog, cheesesteak, whatever. And then it's just like, let's leisurely watch the Phillies.

And when they hit a home run, you cheer. Like, so relaxed. And then the playoff happens. And it's like, every pitch matters. You want to die. I wanted to die watching the ninth inning of that red sox yankees game with with kimbrough i mean i loved it because remember kimbrough blew the game in 2011 and then there was an urban legend that he just went out and drank the whole town dry

basically he was everywhere in atlanta that night just drinking away his sorrows which i always love hard to blame him in that that was a rough one. But just playoff baseball is back and I thoroughly enjoy it. And also the Astros are just a machine. It's, man, they might sweep the playoffs. They're that good. And I'm sure the Red Sox will take a game. Some will take a game here and there from them.

But, man, they are as well set up to be a dynasty as anyone remembers since late 90s Yankees dynasty. I mean, they left Hector Rondon and Joe Smith off of their first round in the ALDS roster. Two guys who would be like, other than Terranthi, the best relievers on the Phillies team. Hector Rondon, I love Hector Rondon.

He's so good. He was their closer at times this year. They brought in that scumbag. Yeah. God, what a bad move by them. They were the most likable team in baseball, and they had to go bring in Roberto friggin' Asuna. But I'm really with you, man.

It is, every year when the baseball playoffs come back, you remember that it is the greatest playoffs in all of sports, and I will not accept any arguments against it. It is the most intense. Every pitch matters. It's like all the complaints people have about baseball and it's slow and all that. It's the opposite in the playoffs. It matters so much. It's so intense.

You're dying for every pitch. You want it to keep going. I'm rooting for the brewers against the dodgers and i wanted the dodgers to score just so i had extra innings in game one you know when i didn't want them to score i know you bet on the brewers but still you knew what i meant um and man that was fun at the end it was close it looked like that game was over brandon woodruff hitting a home run off place and clayton kershaw like how could you not watch that and love it like How could you not watch that and say, oh my God, baseball is awesome? Well, and how could you say, I want to get rid of the pitcher in the NL? Yeah, well, true.

Good argument there. That's the best argument for it. There it is. Yes. And how about... I mean, that was awesome. Watching that, watching the dugout celebrate, watching how fired up that dude was. I mean, a left-handed hitting reliever to run off one of the great left-handed pitchers of all time

in the playoffs. Like, come on, man. What is up? Boy, did we forget about Clayton Kershaw's eight innings and 85 pitches. Quickly. His best playoff performance ever, and it's just like, see ya.

It's ridiculous, man. Like, I want him to just go. He can't win. He can't win. He can't win. He's the best pitcher. He's one of the five greatest pitchers of all time. One of the ten for sure. Potentially one of the five greatest pitchers of all time.

One of the ten for sure. Potentially one of the five. Certainly the greatest of our generation. If you're looking just at numbers, he is Peyton Manning. Yeah. That is what Clayton Kershaw is. He's like Sandy Koufax. He's like that type of sample size at this point in his career. He's Sandy Koufax-esque.

I would say he's one of the five greatest regular season pitchers of all time. I think you could argue that. I think that's fair. For sure. But just, there's always a game in the playoffs where he just blows up. Yeah. And it's crazy to me. It's absurd.

I was obviously betting against him, which was great for me. Worked out. Clayton Kershaw. Clayton Manning back. Clayton Manning back. I made the same joke as Jollylly on twitter and oh i it's i should just deactivate i was thinking about deleting my twitter i mean you guys are ripping me for my tweets that's like i know a million times i hope no one saw it well luckily i i think

there's that possibility as well um but yeah man it is uh it's fun it's fun to watch play a baseball it i will tell you and it was great watching them get bounced, but it was a little frustrating watching the Braves playing in the playoffs and saying like, that should be us. We should be that team right there in that spot. And look, the Braves are better right now. They deserve it. Their young talent is better. They're in a better spot. So

this Phillies organization has some work to do. And we're heading into, as you and I both said, one of the biggest, if not biggest, off-seasons in the franchise's history, considering where they're sitting right now. Let's start here, Jack. We're watching the playoffs right now.

We're seeing these big games. We're seeing Christian Jelic, a guy who you and I literally were pounding the table for the Phillies to go trade. That would have worked out. Let's talk about that for a second. Revisionist history, obviously, is whatever. But it's not really revisionist history for us becauseies to go trade. That would have worked out. Let's talk about that for a second. Revisionist history, obviously, is whatever, but it's not really revisionist history for

us because we both wanted them. And we can go back and pull up the High Hopes episodes where you and I were like, trade for Christian Yelich! I know. Would you have included off of what you know now, Sixto Sanchez and a Yelich deal? Yes! How could you not? Are you kidding me? I would too. You have to! Christian Yelich might be

the MVP of the National League this year. I know. I know. And it hurts because Sixto is like a son to me. Yeah. But the Sixto, I mean, you worry a little bit. The injuries. But I understand.

No, no, no. I understand people are worried about the freaking injury. Dude, the guy had a, it's a sore collarbone and everyone's like, trade him. Get rid of him. Always knew he was going to be hurt. He is no longer untouchable. I'm not out on him. I'm just saying for Christian Yellich.

I understand. But we've got to talk about 6-0. Yeah, let's talk about 6-0, and then we'll get into the Philly stuff. Earlier this week, it comes out that he's not going to pitch in the Arizona Fall League because of a sore collarbone or whatever. And this is not a major injury. I've had a sore collarbone from pitching before. It's just that you get ramped up.

Basically, what happened is that he got ramped up too quickly. And it hurts because if you go from zero throwing, which it felt— It makes a lot of sense, especially with his body size and stuff. There's a lot of pressure on that collarbone. And Sixo wasn't throwing a lot this year. Sure. And now there's reports that they're ramping him up to get ready for the Arizona Fall League. And when you go from zero to 60 that quickly, sometimes the collarbone is one of those things that it just starts hurting.

I don't know why, but he just got overworked a little bit in his preparation to pitch in the Arizona Fall League. They also came out and said he's going to be 100% healthy for spring training, which is all that really matters. Agree. So the overreactions and emotional like, well, you've got to trade this guy now. It's like, what are we doing?

I understand no prospect should really be untouchable for the right move like we would have traded from christian yellin agree but like to trade him just to trade him because he has a collarbone injury is like the most dramatic thing i've ever seen on twitter it's like a meltdown i don't know i think we have to trade him jack yeah i'm with you man it's outrageous it's silly and you know my philosophy. I am more risk-averse, I guess, when it comes to pitching prospects. I am always more on the side of not believing that it's going to work out because I've seen so many who don't work out because of the arm, the injuries, whatever it is. And also, they usually take a while to really hit in the big leagues.

Totally. Even Luis Severino, who was dominant for most of the season until the second half we have like a five era um but he was looking like he was going to be an al sayan contender and then he goes out and ben harris credit to ben harris he noticed that i guess he didn't notice it but there was reports of him tipping pitches and ben found out why um it's crazy that severino fell off a cliff but but I'm hoping that Sixto is going to be Severino. And Severino in his age 24 season

now still isn't dominant. Look, we see about one free agent I'm sure we'll talk about this offseason, Patrick Corbin. I mean, it takes guys time to put it together. You can have all the stuff in the world. It takes guys time to put it together and then also put it together and be able to do it over like we just saw this year with a lot of the young Phillies pitchers to put 200 in and then also put it together and be able to do it over a – like we just saw this year

with a lot of the young Phillies pitchers, to put 200 innings together or 180 innings together. It's not easy. It's a hard thing to do, and it takes time to build your body up to that and to be able to handle that grind. So I'm with you. The people freaking out on 6-0 is – people need to chill out. Also, I think 6-0 is probably going to be in the bullpen next year.

Which I think would make sense. On their runs of the playoffs with Harper. Yeah, I agree, and's probably going to be in the bullpen next year. Which I think would make sense. On the playoff. On their run to the playoffs with Harper. I agree, and I think that makes a lot of sense. And Machado. Or at least one of the two. We'll get into that, but I wanted to ask you this. With the playoffs going on right now, and again, I know that everyone listening to this, bottom guessing, is watching Playoff Baseball because they, like us, are baseball diehards.

And we fucking love you guys. But Playoff Baseball, Jack, when you look at this Phillies team right now as the end of the season, and obviously you and I are both expecting some splashes, Harper, Machado, whatever it is, but who is on the roster right now of the guys that we've seen play in the major leagues

and all that? Who could you count on? Like, who could you see right now being a part of one of these playoff rosters? Yeah, so the way I like to judge how I feel one of these playoff rosters uh yeah so i the way i like to judge um how i feel about guys in playoff baseball is guys who i trust in the big spot and i tell you what my favorite take i think i've ever dished out in my entire life was that giancarlo stanton does not have a clutch bone in his body and boy was i freaking right because you have you the funny too because

not have you just dished it out but you have have doubled, tripled, quadrupled, and septupled down on it. The reaction to your tweets are so great. People really get bent out of shape when Jack tweets out, Giancarlo Stanton, the least clutch player in baseball, would never want that guy on my team, stuff like that. I put 10 guys ahead of him who I'd rather have in a big spot in a nine-man lineup. That's awesome.

He doesn't got it. You can see it a mile away. I actually, I get where you're coming from. It's funny, though. The funny thing was he homered in his first playoff game. I know, but it was just funny. They were up 5-1. I know, I know, and I'm with you.

It's just funny. It was funny timing. People were like, he homered. What are you, an idiot? I think you're right. The bore out, he did not have a good playoffs. Is Giancarlo Stanton the least intimidating slugger you've ever seen in your life in a playoff series?

Yeah, it's kind of crazy. I definitely watch him and feel like he's going to strike out more than I feel like he's going to hit home run, which is the opposite with a guy like Aaron Judge. That dude's clutch. Yes. Like, you look at Aaron Judge, you're like, okay, that's the guy I don't want up in a big spot. And you have to compare the two, obviously, same lineup,

huge dudes, big power hitters in a way. Aaron Judge over Stanton, 100 times out of 100 in a big spot. Let me ask you something. We'll get to this in a second. Give me the three guys in the playoffs right now that you would want up in a big spot the most. Okay. Of the four teams remaining right now? Yes, in the final four.

I mean, I don't know how you don't make it all Astros after what we've seen. Well, there's cases to be made for that. Alex Bregman would be one of my top three. I mean, based on history, he hasn't had a great playoff so far, but I don't know if he'd be my top three, but Lorenzo Cain is a name that comes to my mind as someone I would consider. A great year, and he's been clutch in the playoffs before.

But I think, look. Give me three. All right. I'll go, and it's going to be a combination of guys I know I can trust in the playoffs versus just pure talent. You need a big hit, seventh, eighth, ninth inning. Alex Bregman is a definite for me. I'm going to say Mookie Betts.

He's played well, but also he's just, just based he's played well but also he's just I think he's the best player left in the playoffs right now at least at this particular moment this season he's having man tough not to pick a guy like there's so many good like Justin Turner is a guy who pops in my head he's very high on the list Correa has been

so good in the playoffs last year and playing well this year, too. It's a really tough spot. I will go Mookie, Bregman. I'll go Justin Turner. I think that guy's a big clutch hitter. He is. He's one of the five best clutch hitters in the last decade.

So you'd go Justin Turner, too? I would say Bregman, Yellich, Turner. And that's fair. Yellich, I thought of. I just, the lack of postseason experience up until now, kind of. Not that Mookie has a ton. I just went Mookie over Jelic in a close one there. But Correa sticks out, too, even though Correa's not a great season. You didn't even mention Altuve.

I know, which is crazy, too. I thought about it after. And Springer. And Springer. Well, Springer has to be there. I'm sorry. Springer's been amazing. All that guy does in the playoffs is hit.

I don't know what to do. He won the MVP of the World Series last year, right? Wasn't it Springer? Alright, so Springer is in the top three. Springer's postseason numbers are ridiculous. I'm gonna drop bets out and make it Turner, Bregman, and Springer. And that's the thing about this. Frickin' Astros team, are you serious right now? Like, look at all the names we just

dropped in. Turner, I'm sorry, we just dropped in Bregman, Correa, Altuve, and Springer, and it's like nothing. Like, really, man? So Springer batted 429 in the ALDS. He's batting 333. So Springer's there.

With a 600 OEP. He had three homers in the ALDS. So revised answer, George Springer first. He's ridiculous. He's amazing, man. He's like Ortiz. I still, I just, if you ask me who the most

important player on the Astros is, I think Alex Bregman. It's Alex Bregman. I totally agree with you. I think he's the straw that stirs the drink. He makes it go, and he's a great defensive player, and there's just something about he's just got that, whatever it is. He's Jeter. He's like Jeter. I was just about to say the Jeter thing.

For some reason, when he's up in a big spot, even if it's not by his own fault, it just feels like someone's going to make an error or something. Like things just work out for Alex Bregman in big spots. It's really. The guys, I hate that this is so like classic sports talky, but like the guy's a winner. He's a winner. He's the most winner-ish-y player in baseball. And a Jew.

He is? Freaking love that guy. Oh yeah. Alex Bregman. Alex Bregman. Member of the tribe, baby. He is such a prick, Jew. He is? Freaking love that guy. Oh, yeah. Alex Bregman. Member of the tribe, baby. He is such a prick, though. He's our new Hebrew hammer, baby. He is such a prick.

Yeah, he's doing it. He really is. Do you know who his uncle is? I mean, you won't know the name, but it is... So his uncle is Larry Schechter. Do you know who Larry Schechter is? No. Larry Schechter is considered by many to be the greatest competitive fantasy baseball player of all time. He won the Tout Wars, which is like the top experts league.

He won it three years in a row. No one else even won it three times. He won it three years in a row. Alex Bregman's uncle is one of the greatest fantasy baseball players of all time. Isn't that random and fun? It's so silly, but it's fun, you know? Pretty crazy. All right, back to the Phillies.

All right, so players that I would trust on this phillies team right now in a playoff series hoskins carlos santana yes done it before wilson ramos he probably won't be here so it's like kind of pointless but i would i agree with you it's this is stupid it i still think that scott kingery is a clutch player. Hey, look, I will be driving the people are underrating Scott Kingery bus. We've said this many times. He's a 24-year-old kid who came up to the majors, jumped a level. It's not surprising that he struggled. Let's be real here, folks.

And he talked to Scott Lauber this week, and he did say that the contract affected his brain. It got in his head. You know I say this all the time. It's one of my things. These people are human beings. They're not robots. You know, there are things that affect human beings that might make them not be able to perform at the level we expect.

Yeah. And maybe not as a starter, but late inning, guy off the bench, whether it's hitting or stealing a bag, I think Roman Quinn is a weapon. I think he's a player. I said that to you before, and that was kind of my argument for why I liked him coming off the bench, but just as a guy on a playoff roster, he does so many things for you. I like him a lot as a fourth outfielder. He's the perfect guy because he can pinch run for you. He's a great fielder you can put out there.

He can come up and get a hit and a big spice to switch hitter. He fills all those types of roles that you're looking for in someone out of that utility, off the bench type of role. Love Roman Quinn as a potential future playoff roster type guy. And when I close my eyes and envision what the Phillies are going to look like and hopefully next year when they make the playoffs or when

they're really contending for a World Series. I just see a cold night at Citizens Bank Park. Here comes Roman Quinn. Steals a bag with Davey Lopes' first base coach. Yeah. Bring him back. Bring Davey Lopes. I'm all for bringing Davey Lopes back.

I don't care if he's in a wheelchair. Get his ass back to first base. Yes. Please. I mean, he was amazing. It was unbelievable what that guy could do as a first base coach. They were ridiculous. Everywhere he went, they turned into better running teams.

It's a Dodgers. Everywhere he goes, he makes a difference. He's one of the few coaches like that. He's not coaching. I know. I'm just saying, was one of the few coaches like that who actually makes a legitimate difference. Also, okay, sorry.

No, I was going to say a tangible difference. Pitchers. Yes. Nola, obviously. We've said a million times that that dude's composure, the way he goes about his business, he was built for October games. I can't wait.

I can't. The might be the thing I'm most excited about to see the Phillies in the playoffs is to see Aaron Nola take the Hill in October. I don't think there's five pitchers in baseball I'd rather have in a big moment than Aaron Nola. I think he, and eventually he's going to get to the point where it's like, I think, I think Nola's never going to leave. Well, he might leave here eventually. You never know. I just think you're going to look back at Nola and it's going to be how you view, like, Leicester now. Like, Leicester in a big game. Like, yep. Like, you just kind of trust guys. A just think you're going to look back at Nola, and it's going to be how you view Lester now. Lester in a big game.

You just kind of trust guys. 100% you do. I think you're going to look at Nola as a guy you can trust in a big-time playoff series. Pavetta, obviously. No-brainer. Duh. Big game, Nick.

Wild card Pavetta. Wild card Pavetta. And I think Sir Anthony. I think so, too. Obviously, think Sir Anthony. I think so too. Obviously he had a bad end to the season. But listen. He was in single A earlier this year. There's so many innings, so many high leverage spots.

Give the kid a chance. When you look at the numbers, especially he might be one of the best against right-handed hitters in all of baseball right now already. I mean, he's a weapon. And guys that are probably going to be here, I like Arano in a big spot. I still don't trust actor narrows in a big spot yeah i don't either even though i again i think you everyone should be really impressed with what narrows was he had the second highest k for nine behind josh hater dude he was awesome like he was legit hater

i know he dude and josh hater that dude is for real. Hector Neres, like to go down, to have as bad a first, you know, two months as he had and have the blowups he had and get sent down the minors and come back and do what he did, I mean, I respected that. I was very impressed with what Hector Neres did this year, taking a diminished role, coming back, and, you know, he was really good when he came back. The guy has stuff.

That's the thing with Neres. Like the talent is there. It's just bad stuff, especially in the ninth inning like we always talked about. But I tell you what, having only five maybe? It's not great. Like that's just not...

I like Nick. For some reason, Nick Williams feels like a playoff type guy to me. Like maybe as a pinch hitter and off the bench type guy or as a fourth outfielder type guy too.

I don't know why. Yeah, potentially. I don't know why, but he just feels that way to me. Maybe it's because he's such a good pinch hitter or whatever, but there justielder type guy too. I don't know why. Yeah, potentially. I don't know why, but he just feels that way to me. Maybe it's because he's such a good pinch hitter or whatever, but there just feels like something about him. But I agree with you. You can't count on any of that.

Like, that's the problem, and that's where we're at. I mean, Alfaro, who knows? I love the upside. I love the talent. You're not trusting him in a playoff game right now. He's got a hole in his bat. I mean, yeah. Dude, if you – all right, so he put him in a playoff series.

If I could bet on him to strike out in the eighth inning of a game where you need a hit. You'd bet my life on it. I would bet everything. The perfect reliever, perfect matchup. I mean, can you imagine how far versus Kenley Jansen? Not even close. It's not fair.

Well, he did hit a homer off Kenley Jansen. He did, but I'm saying in a big spot in a playoff game. Not when they're losing by three in the ninth of a game in July. Meaningless, yes. Or less meaningful, for sure. I'm with you, man. And, you know, it's a worry. And look, it's so frustrating

because you want to say you could trust Jake Arrieta in the playoffs, but after what we just saw this year, you can't trust him for anything, which is incredibly frustrating as well. And what's so annoying about the report that came out this week that the Diamondbacks are willing to shop everyone,

even Goldschmidt, which had his left field sound, Paul. He'd be great left fielder. Let's make this happen, Paul. Sure. Sure he would. I'll play Paul Goldschmidt which had his left field sound Paul he'd be great left fielder let's make this happen sure he would I'll play Paul Goldschmidt in freaking right field I don't care get that bat in my lineup yeah exactly he was a catcher way way way way back when Goldie at third base

why not that's the frustrating part about the Arrieta contract is that you can't go get Zach Granke and I know Granke's old and he costs a shit ton of money but I think he's a i think he's gonna i think he's gonna age well he has aged well already like just into his early 30s he's aged really well and arietta's fallen off a cliff very and while while we were both excited that they signed arietta we were both like listen this is still like there's bad trends here yes we knew we all you

had to do was look at the numbers, look at the production. You hoped for it. And I think that it was as much waiting out the market and getting him on the deal they got him on where it just seemed fair compared to what people expected for him to get. And it also may have bought in them Bryce Harper. Potentially. I mean, the Boris part of it, all that stuff matters.

Hoskins now under Boris. That's real. That stuff is real. I don't care what anyone says. Harper, for me, it's still Harper. Harper is the guy I think they're going to end up with. It's going to be very interesting. He's leaving Washington. I think we know that. The stuff he put out on Instagram at the end of the season, he's taking a bite at everybody. That's pretty clear.

Who knows? You never know if Washington swoops in and offers him the most money. Maybe he'll go back to Washington, but I think I feel very good about the Phillies' chances to get Bryce Harper. Also, just a side note about the Washington Nationals. They gave away what is probably the best pitching prospect in the game and Blake Trinan for Ryan Madsen and Sean Doolittle. It's unbelievable. It's a terrible move.

Blake Trinan is... Unbelievable. He's a witch. Thank God they got rid of him. The pitching ninja. If you're not following pitching ninja you should be at pitching ninja

it doesn't make sense how his ball moves dude he calls him Blake the witch Traynon and it is the best nickname because it's I don't get like you watch

you're like how is that possible how can you make a ball do that 98 with sync it's unreal like he's like Brandon Webb

on steroids it's amazing so that was a hell of a trade that was a hell of a trade Billy Bean still got it still got it alright so roids it's it's amazing um so yeah that was a hell of a trade that was a hell of a trade billy bean still got it he still got it um all right so that is a frustrating thought with this phillies team but um that's why this offseason is so important yeah yeah you have to you you have to find guys

that you can trust in in a in a playoff run and then in the playoffs. And you have to factor in culture. I think while the Phillies, I understood the moves they made on paper. They brought in guys that, and I hate to talk about chemistry because it's hard to quantify it, but the Astros factor in culture when they're building their team. Other than Roberto Osuna, apparently.

Right, right, right. But they did before, I agree. You can see it. That team that won the World Series last year looked like they were having as much fun playing baseball as I've ever seen a team playing baseball. And they felt connected. Yep. They felt connected.

And this Phillies team during the stretch run, it just didn't feel like they liked each other. And I feel like there was a disconnect there. Well, and I think part of that could be, and even I think Klintak and Kavler admitted it too, but all these newer, older faces coming in kind of took away some of the youth and all that type of stuff. And that's what kind of hurt as well because these guys have won together all throughout the minor leagues. And that's with the Houston, right? I mean, that's the same thing with the guys like Correa and Bregman.

All these guys, they all came up together. They all were together in the minor leagues. They all part of that same organization. And obviously it's hard to look at it objectively and be like, man, how can I keep playing Scott Kingery every day? And I understand that,

but at the same time, I think we would've, obviously the reaction would've been like, burn Citizens Bank to the ground if they didn't bring in anyone. Yep. But hindsight being 2020,

I think they messed up the chemistry. Probably shouldn't have brought in anybody. Right, right. Well, maybe they could've brought in Wilson Ramos so that Nat didn't have to play. Because Alpharo ended up playing as much as he would have played anyway. And Ramos was always banged up. That was the point.

I mean, Jorge Alfaro played as many games as he would have played whether they traded for Wilson Ramos or not. Correct. Yeah. And it's why I kind of really like... I don't think this guy can play much anymore. I think he's kind of on his last leg, but I think culture-wise it would be a really good addition,

and that's Brett Gardner. As like a feisty Brett Gardner. I have long liked Brett Gardner. Just from a culture. The way he goes about his business. Right. He's kind of like a poor man's Utley from that scenario where you bring in a guy like that that helps change the culture, brings a level of professionalism to the team. It's a fourth outfielder another guy we talked about like that

and i don't i don't know if he's even gonna keep playing i think he does want to play another year or two but in adrian beltran a one-year deal someone like that and again i think they have better designs for third base but those types of guys there are guys out there who and and it is the stuff some of the stuff we did like about the arietta signing when it happened too was the coming in and teaching young pitchers and helping show guys how to go about their business and all that. I think that's a valuable thing. I think that you have to change the culture and bring in supplemental pieces to help your young core. And there are guys out there that I think are guys that help the culture. And we will continue to dive into all that as the off-season goes, Jack and I.

Continue to bring you some off-season action. I'm more excited for the off-season. I can't wait. Jack pesters me. He's like, are we recording today? Are we recording today? Like, every day. It's great.

I also wake up in a cold sweat every day thinking about them not signing Harper and McJob. Me too, man. Me too. I can't even get into it. It's terrifying. I don't even think about it. It's everything.

It's everything to me. Me too, man. Me too. I can't even get into it. It's terrifying. I don't even think about it. I try not to think about it. It's everything to me. All right, Jack. We had the lovely Twittersphere submit some questions for us. Some questions. We got a lot of questions. So let's try and knock out as many as we can here. I originally said we were going to go for 10 minutes. We're already.

And we are 25 minutes in by the time we do the questions. That's what happens. This is what we do. We start talking and it happens. For those who can't tell, we really like doing this together. All right. Lay some questions on me, Jack. All right.

From Robin at Reverse the Spin. Will the Phillies consider using the opener to fill one or more of their rotation slots in 2019? I get they think they have six starters, but one of two would be more effective in the pen at this point. Look, will they consider it? Absolutely. They considered it this year. Yeah, this organization is going to look at all things like that and look for what it's worth on the macro scale.

This opener thing has worked. I mean, you look at what the Tampa Bay Rays did. Kevin Cash should be the manager of the year. They just signed him through 2025 or whatever. I mean, he is amazing. But, I mean, that was a crappy, crappy group of guys that he had down there. And he found a way to beat 70 games over 500 or something crazy like that.

Yep. I think the opener is something that every team in baseball will at least look at and consider. Now, I will say, I hate the opener. Yeah, well, especially you. I mean, a pitcher is pitcher. A guy who likes to take the ball. Yes.

Go and be a horse. Yeah, I love being a horse. Being the guy that – I can imagine. I don't want to start crying. I don't want to start tearing up thinking about the bus rides home after a fritz start.

Just like being the guy with the lunch pail. Anyway. You literally carried a lunch pail around. No, no, no. We got a lunch pail for the hardest working player.

I know, it was a joke. You actually gave the lunch pail out your team? That's hilarious. Yeah. That's awesome. We got a lunch pail. That's great.

That's because you're going to work. No, I get the lunch pail reference. That's really funny. They's awesome we got a lunch pail that's great that's because you're going to work no i get the lunch pail reference that's really funny they actually went through with the lunch of course you did anyway um the opener i understand the opener but like i just there's something about a postseason matchup where you have two horses going great that obviously i don't think it's going to go away like that won't the horses it'll never go away horses or horses the best pitchers in baseball are always going to be there and be starters. And, I mean, these guys are going to keep getting paid $30 million a year to be starters. Like, it's not going to completely go away. I just like seeing matchups and, like, I just like seeing two guys go at it.

Like, look, it didn't work out because Sale, like, clearly is not 100% himself. But, like, when you see Verlander, Sale in a playoff game, you're like, yeah, give me that. That's what I want. Mainline it in my veins. Let's roll. And obviously it won't happen every time, but yeah. I think they're going to consider it. I also think that Philadelphia burned it.

Oh my God. I don't think it would be well received here. Yeah, I think that's a lot. I'll never forget this. Luckily, I don't think they care, so it's good. I was talking to Jim Jackson after a game once, and he was like, I was watching MLB Now. Brian Kenney was foaming at the mouth talking about the opener. I'm sure he was.

Brian Kenney is nuts, man. Yeah. See, that's when it goes too far. Yes. With the analytics. And that's another thing. Speaking of clubhouse culture, that is something that the analytics people don't buy into. I agree, and I think it's a mistake.

I think there's two things that I don't— I've always said that. This and the closer thing. We're on the same page. You can't just throw anyone a closer. That's not the way it works. Again, they're human beings. I'm very with you on that.

Completely agree. All right, from Stephen Appelman. At snap1e, app1e. That's good work by you there. On Twitter. It's a very easy to digest. Twitter handle. Which umpire is worse, Hernandez or West?

It's like a Sophie's Choice right here. Can I just throw them both, fire them both in the sun? And we should put Scott Berry in there. Here's the thing. I think- It's Joe West. That's what- No, no, no, no.

It's Angel Hernandez. It's Angel Hernandez. That's right. So Joe West is the one who most people think is, and he's like the cowboy Joe West. Everyone's like, oh, he's the worst. Angel Hernandez is the worst. Angel Hernandez is the worst umpire I've ever seen in my life.

It is unbelievable. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Is he worse than the umpire in the Levon Hernandez, like 10 strikeout game against the Indians in the 97 World Series where he was calling? Oh, that was outrageous. I remember that vividly. I don't remember who the ump was, but Angel Hernandez is so bad.

I mean, did you see there was a stat of something like, I can't remember the exact numbers, but it was something of like Angel Hernandez has had like, I'm making up the numbers, but the comparison is correct. It's somewhere in this range. It was something like he's had 25 or 29 of his first base out safe calls when he was umping first base reviewed this year. And like 25 of them were overturned. It's unbelievable.

It's unbelievable. He is so bad. And he caught a strike the other day that was maybe a foot off the ground. Well, that was an epically bad performance. It was terrible. When there is a Yankees-Red Sox game and the number one thing being talked about is the umpire, that's when you know you're fucked. Yeah, yeah. it's bad. But I gotta say, I did enjoy seeing

Christian Vasquez pepper Joe West last night. Awesome. And Joe West didn't even move. He just gunned him and he's like, alright, I'll take that one off the chest. Joe West is not a bad umpire. He's just the umpire that makes the most about himself. He's a pretty bad umpire. He is bad, but he makes it about himself. The Armando Galarraga call is still the worst

call I've ever seen in my life. Worse uh who's the guy it was a perfect game it was that wasn't him though that wasn't joe i think that was joe it wasn't it wasn't it was a guy with a mustache oh yeah you're right it was mustache guy well who was a mustache guy i know you're talking about but that regardless that was an joyce maybe anyway jim joyce jim joyce that's what i thought um um and i will never get over get over the umpire protest that Joe West tried to put together last year. Guy's a comedian. Anyway, from Michael J. at MichaelMP3 on Twitter,

is Quinn the starting center fielder opening day next year? It's a great question. We talked a little bit about Odubel before the show. It's one of those spots where i don't i think if you're betting money right now probably i i guess like i think i think gabe really likes roma quinn i think so too and again we do too but i i think he's up at best like he could be your starting center fielder i don't think he's healthy it's not his best role but i don't know what you do with oduble, Jack. He's got a great contract.

You know, like selling him now seems like you're selling him at a very, very low point. We still know there is talent there. There is upside. He's still surprisingly young when you think about how long he's been here. 26? 26, 27, right in there. So this, of all the questions on the team right now, this might be the one that I struggle with the most because I still believe in his talent

and I absolutely adore the contract. But man, the last four months of the season make it really hard to want to watch that guy on your team. To me, I think it's going to be a platoon. So, I think Quinn's going to get a lot of playing time. A platoon or a platoon? A platoon. A platoon?

Platoon? I'm going to go platoon. I think it's going to be a lot of playing time. A platoon or a platoon? A platoon. A platoon? Platoon? I want to go platoon. I think it's going to be a platoon between Quinn and Herrera because I don't think they want to sell Herrera completely short and sell him completely at the lowest point. And I also think they like Roman Quinn. But I also don't think they can commit to him being the everyday center fielder because of the injury history.

I agree. You just can't do it. It's not a smart thing to do because if you lose quinn then who's your center fielder yep and again the the options that he brings you off the bench too are just more also also mike trout's gonna be in center field so eventually doesn't even matter talking about doesn't even matter um from von kramer at von kramer on twitter um hi which is a weird way of saying now that machado has been called out for not hustling on the base pass, what do we want to spend money

and add another non-hustle guy to the team? I feel like we need to add high-energy hustle guys to help bring the team up. Vaughn. Vaughn. Let's move on here. Listen, Machado hit a laser. Give me Manny Machado, bro.

All right. Yeah, for the bomb come on man and also playing really good defense in Los Angeles as well I can't stand the one handed I hate that too it's going to come back to bite him

but still looks better defensively and also we have to just stop not tell me Machado because he doesn't hustle are you freaking kidding me but also we have to... And stop. Just stop. Just stop. Not timing Machado because he doesn't hustle? Are you freaking kidding me? I know. But also, we have to stop looking at public defensive metrics to judge defense. Agree.

Agree. You have to actually watch. Watch the play. There is not a single defensive metric I trust implicitly. There just isn't. From Joe Cornick, you can sign just one of these guys to six years, $250 million contracts. Who are you signing? Machado, Harper, or Kershaw?

Six year, $250 million. Both of them, first of all. First of all, I would not give Kershaw more than $150 million. I wouldn't give Kershaw more than three years. He'll get more than that, but I wouldn't. I wouldn't do it. Or at least with club options or something like that. Even if he opts out.

He is not done. Obviously, he's still really a pitcher, but I would be shocked if in three years he is a really good pitcher. And I don't want to keep bringing back up Peyton Manning, but he kind of looks like Peyton Manning two years before. He looks different, man. He's not Clayton Kershaw.

Max Scherzer's the best pitcher in baseball now. He is. Right now, at this moment, Max Scherzer's the best pitcher in the sport. And if you're going to sign Clayton Kershaw, you have to be prepared for two months without him. Exactly. And again, it's not a guy you know is going to give you the best stuff in the playoffs like again I believe that

a lot of that is overblown and stuff but we have enough evidence to say like it's not like he's like it's not like you're throwing John Smoltz out there in the playoffs where you know every single time he goes out there he's going to dominate like that's not who this guy is which is crazy and I tell you what it really sucks sucks that Jose Fernandez is no longer with us because I would have given him everything. A gamer. And we were talking before

just about the Astros, now they love playing. That was the thing I loved most about Jose Fernandez was how much that guy just loved baseball. Would have been a free agent.

Yeah. If they had Jose Fernandez, Jelich, Stanton, Ozuna, good team. It'suna, good team. It's a really good team. JT Romito. Could have been.

And so, first off, I mean, six years, 250. I think Machado and Harper are going to get closer to 400. So I think we should change this to 400. You can choose one assigned to $400 million. Yeah, it's Harper. Harper. I don't totally trust May Machado's bat this year. It was an outlier for Machado. As we've discussed too, for me, the way I look

at it is, one of those two guys has the ability to be the best player in baseball. Even with Mike Trout there, at least for a year. Mike Trout is always going to be consistently the best in the sport, but Bryce Harper has already shown that he can be the single best player in baseball. Manny Machado can't do that. I go

Harper. From John Barber at Joba underscore talk on Twitter. I just want to know the single thing we should be most excited for the Phillies heading into next season. Bryce Harper. Bryce Harper. Yeah. Bryce Harper. It's an easy one, man.

Bryce Harper and the incoming Nick Pavetta, Mike Fulton Nevis run. He's about to go. Oh, I like that. I like that call. That's actually, I mean, that's a great comp. I mean, Fulte's more violent with the delivery, but it's a good comp. If you look at Fultonevich's last year before, obviously this year. Very similar to Pavetta.

The exact same. And Pavetta also has a better K per nine and doesn't walk as many people. He does not, yeah. I mean, when you look at the Pavetta stuff, you look at the K rate, the K per nine, and the walks per nine. Like, if you take away the name and just look at those numbers, anyone would be incredibly bullish about the future. Yeah, for sure. Okay.

From at Shane underscore Mead on Twitter. I think this is directed at me. I have to know what exactly Aaron Altair has done to make you trust him so much. Nick Pavetta. You think it's directed to you, really? Nick Pavetta, I'm on board. No sell job needed. I agree with you.

Aaron Altair plays like if Don Brown and John Mayweather Jr. made a baby, he'd be the byproduct. Talent, sure, but can't put it together. What I will say, Shane, is that two years ago he did put it together. And this year, he just didn't do it. He didn't do it. I just basically, first of all, I think he's bad as fast as John Mayberry Jr. And he's bad way faster than Don Browns.

He's also a way better defensive player than those two. I think he has more stolen base upside. It's not that I trust him. And if he's not on the team next year, I'm not going to be heartbroken about it. I just think someone's gonna take him he's gonna turn into a valuable player

you just believe in the talent and look he has for what it's worth he has shown it at the major league level and also most of it was just to have fun during the season

yeah look you just there are guys you like there are guys you root for it's not like Jack wouldn't trade Aaron Altair for you know Bryce Harper

or something yeah I mean like I'm I was mostly being facetious with how much. Before the season, I did love him. Right. But you're not an idiot.

Look, you're not an idiot. If he bats 175 for two and a half months, you're willing to say, all right, he's not doing it right now. Also, I like that he's with me on Nick Favetta. Not many people are with me with Favetta. No. I think he was just like, I'm all in. Let's roll, baby.

So that was good stuff. From Kevin at Kevin88629 on twitter international free agents like japan or cuba uh are any good enough to keep an eye on possibly being on a philly's radar to bring in so um cuba they're not gonna be assigned because they don't have enough international money like victor victor was one of the guys he's the number one international guy yeah and they won't be able to get him uh they have shown interest in, it's what, Usai Kikuchi? You nailed that, man. I obviously don't know how to say it.

You totally nailed it. Obviously don't know how to say it. But he is a left-handed pitcher who is viewed in the industry as a guy who could be a mid-rotation arm, which is interesting. The Phillies don't really have many guys that project to be mid-rotation arms until you get to 6-0 in Medina. I think Pavetta could be, but that's just me. They don't have any lefties either, for what it's worth. Correct. So, had a really

good 2017, and the scouts were really bullish on him. And then 2018, supposedly had a little shoulder problem that hampered him. But, I would be in. I think he'd be pretty good. I trust you there. You're more international market savvy than I am. You love that that question was asked. I love international slot money more than actual trades. I'm with you're more international market savvy than i love it i i things you love

that that question was asked i love international slot money more than i do i'm with you on the international slot money thing i just don't know the the guys well i know victor victor obviously because he's the number one guy and and looks like he could be a real difference maker for a team but um yeah from tim sickler at timbo 299 uh what prospect plays in the bigs for the Phils next year? You already said, I think Sixto is up at some point next year in the bullpen. I think when you're looking at – look, I think – Sorry, I just thought of my take. Oh, good. I'm excited for it. Look, I think you'll see a few of them, whether it says relievers or not.

I think that there's a chance Ranger Suarez is back up. Some of the guys we saw in Yale, De Los Santos. I just don't know who of those guys is long-term answers and how the pitching staff is going to shake out. I don't think there's anyone you're looking at like we were last year with Kingery where you're like, oh, he's going to be

a big part of the team next year. You think Hazley from the jump? I think he's going to have a monster spring training. And then halfway of the year, at some point, he'll come up, or after Super 2 or whatever. I could see it. And it also depends on how they construct the outfield, obviously. But I could see it.

His bat is minus, like, obviously still has a little bit of growth to do with the power and stuff. But his bat, for what it's worth, is major league ready, I would say, or close to major league ready. So I've been squatting on this take for about a week. There is a case to be made that Joey Manessis is the most important player in the Phillies organization. Whoa!

Joey Manessis, this is from, I love undrafted free agents and seventh round picks and guys like Covington and Corey Clement and guys who come out of nowhere and turn to absolute. Who doesn't? Turn to stars, or studs. And when I watch the Dodgers um and they're like when i watch the dodgers and they bring in chris taylor they bring in max muncy they find these guys

of the scrappy that turn into absolute stars yes joey manessis for the phillies has the capability to be the our version of max muncy or chris taylor or one of those. And I don't know if he can only just play first base, but for me, finding under-the-radar talent and using analytics and the scouting to find a guy under the radar that can turn into a competent player on a championship or a good team is the single most important thing,

most important sign to a healthy organization. And Joey Manessis this year batted.311 with a.360 OBP, had 23 homers at AAA. Those are some legit numbers. I don't know if he can only play first base. I don't know if he can move around and maybe help. Muncy played some second. He played some outfield.

He played some first base. So there's a case. And they had more versatility. I mean, Taylor could play so many positions. I mean mean even having a guy like belger can go from first to the outfield like they had a little more versatility correct i think manassas could be like that level good and that's exciting i like this it's a good take here for for an organization that has been has been lacking finding underrated studs like anyone can go sign jake arieta anyone can go sign carlos santana anyone can bring up needs to be it's a lot Anyone can go sign Jake Arrieta. Anyone can go sign Carlos Santana.

Anyone can bring up... It's a lot harder to go sign Jose Altuve. It's a lot harder to find a Joey Manessas. I just want to see what he looks like. I like this. I think it's a fun name to bring up here. I like this. There's a case we made that, for me at least,

he's the most important player in the Phillies organization. I like it. That's a good one. It's a hell of a take. I like it. That's a good one. It's a hell of a take. I like it. That's why we do this, Jack. For Matt Rapa. Add Matt Rapa on to it.

42 minutes in, by the way. Jack and I were like, we're doing 30 minutes, and we're out. I'm 17 minutes left on my meter. Never happens. There we go. All right. Well, we will not be here for 17 more minutes, I don't think. But we'll see.

How much impact would losing Dusty Wathen be if he gets the Rangers? Zero. Well, maybe. All right. I say this I need a little bit I liked him at their base I did too I thought he was aggressive zero is not fair but like it's not a massive loss but it does kind of stink because he came up with all the guys that's why you like him you like him because he knows

all those kids and all that look zero is not fair but it's not something I'm losing sleep I like him at their base coach I will say that from some some guy joe jig leo jig leo jig it's a weird name there's no it's definitely not g leo that doesn't make any sense no i know why would that make any sense who's the free agent or trade candidate coming off of a down year you want them to go after the most it's a really good question um as because we've really just talked about a lot of guys on the high end of things, the Machados, the Arbors, the Corbins, and whatnot.

Who sticks out to you? Donaldson. Oh, Josh Donaldson. I would trade Franco and bring in Donaldson to be my third baseman next year if you strike out a Manny Machado. Because I don't think, until maybe next year when you get an Arenado or Rendon or one of those guys, I don't think Franco's a long-term piece. And I think if you trade him now, I think you're going to get either a prospect that can help you for a trout trade or you can trade him for Franco for Danny Duffy.

Yeah, in a second, I would do that. Minus Danny Duffy, another guy you don't love. I understand. But yeah, I'd take an upside shot on that. He had a bad year. I don't know why they wouldn't be willing to do that. A really affordable contract if he pitches anywhere near what he did the last two years.

And I think his slider is obviously ridiculous. I think what got Cole Hamels to be back-to-back Cole Hamels was the Cubs found his cutter and they said, you need to throw this more.

I think the Phillies analytics department and the analytics department they have put together would be able to look at Danny Duffy and say, throw your slider more. And I think it would help to lead to a breakout. I mean, I like that name. I like the Danny Duffy name. Josh Donaldson, another name. Adrian Beltre is a name I mentioned before as that type of guy. He's old.

He's old, sure. Yeah, he's old. All right, what do you think about Andrew Miller? Well, that's where I was about to go. Whether it's Andrew Miller or someone of that ilk, I'm looking for a middle reliever like that who can make a difference. And Andrew Miller certainly looks like he is past his prime. He's certainly past what we saw a few years ago in the playoffs

where he was the best pitcher in baseball for a stretch of time. The most important pitcher in baseball for a stretch of time. But that's the type of guy I'd take a shot on. And I think that like Joe, what was it, Giglio? Yeah, Giglio. Joe Giglio suggested. That's the type of guy I'm looking at. An Andrew Miller guy who's coming off a down year, has had injuries.

Really the last two years has not been the same guy after that long October. But the type of weapon that guy can be. And again, you have to evaluate and make sure he's healthy, all that type of stuff. The way Terry Francona used him, I mean, again, two

seasons ago, Andrew Miller was the most important pitcher in baseball for a stretch of time. So that's the type of guy who at 33, I would guess, somewhere in that range, 32, 33, I would take a shot on a guy like that. Two years, 20 million. Two years, 18 million. Two years, 22 million. Whatever it is in that range, a left-handed reliever, no less, too.

That's the type of guy I'm looking for them to take a shot on, to shore up that bullpen. There's already talent in the pen, but there aren't those guys you can really count on in big spots as we saw this. All right. And trade guys I would think of. I like going after Zach Godley or Robbie Ray. Both had down years. Oh, because of the Diamondbacks kind of looking to move on.

They want to blow it up, apparently. And look, Robbie Ray is a perfect example of that guy. A guy who two years ago had breakout type season. It was awesome. And just a disaster. And I already have my plan put together. We're going to trade for Archie Bradley. We're going to sign Andrew Miller. And we're going to have Andrew Miller, Archie Bradley

and Sir Anthony Dominguez in my bullpen next year. Very excited for it. Very in on this. I want to do this thing. Archie did have a bad end of the season. He had like a 5 ERA in September, but I'm taking a shot on that arm. I'm going to throw one more trade guy out there. He's not coming off a bad year, but he's not going to win the MVP, so I feel like that is a semi-bad year for him.

I think the Phillies should try and trade for this Mike Trout guy. Okay. That's a good idea. We'll see. Are we sure? Has his year reached this peak okay from uh sixers adam this is gonna be like a trade idea as well okay um uh would you trade for sunny gray rough last couple of years sure i don't i'm not a big sunny gray fan i didn't i never really liked him but he was good in oakland there's talent there is he has stuff it's just he's a nibbler.

He's a guy who just doesn't trust his stuff. It's one of those guys where, look, we both really like what we've seen from Rick Granitz. That's one of the few guys here we've really lauded all year long and felt good about. I think that Sonny Gray's the type of guy where the talent is there. Why not? I'd take a shot on him.

He can't cost that much. He couldn't even pitch in the playoffs for the Yankees. mean like i i think that there's upside i'm not i'm with you i'm not a sunny gray guy every year in fantasy i'm never in on him he's never one of those guys i want just i don't trust him but there is enough talent there and i think the cost would be low enough that that's a guy i might take a shot on yeah and he's your classic can't pitch in New York guy. Classic. I mean, he was good in Oakland, goes to New York. I mean, he seems like that kind of guy. It's those types of guys,

the guys who don't trust their stuff. Like, imagine Vince Velasquez pitching for the Yankees. I feel like it's a similar type of thing. And that Joe Giglio guy, he also put out Cesar Hernandez for Sonny Gray. This guy won't leave us alone, huh?

No, he tweeted this out. No, I'm kidding. Sonny Gray for Cesar Hernandez. Probably. Put Glaber at shortny Gray for Cesar Hernandez. Probably. Put Glaber at shortstop, put Cesar at second. If they don't sign him, shout out. It's an interesting one. Yeah, with Didi getting hurt, how does that influence things as well,

or needing Tommy John? I think Glaber is going to be a really good baseball player. Of course he is. He's already looking really good at a young age. I don't know. I'd probably do it, but just because I don't look at Cesar as a long-term piece for this team, I don't think that— They should have traded him earlier.

They should have traded him earlier. Now he's getting expensive. His arbitration number is like 8.5. Well, that's a problem. And, you know, 27 years old, something like that. So it's just like right there. I'd probably do it, but I don't— I would be okay if they turned that down, too.

I don't feel strongly. From at GriffeyTI, what do the Phillies do with Kingery and Hernandez? To me, they're both second basemen, so do they keep just one or do they keep playing Kingery out of position? I mean, I think, look, it was interesting that Kavler said that they view him as a shortstop right now. Look, some of this depends on what they do with Machado, if they trade Franco, all these types of things.

But, um, by the way, you saying that they should trade Franco. I win. I love it. I win. Um, yeah, I would, um, I, I, I want Kingery long-term and second base. I think that's the position that makes the most sense for him. I think that's where he's, his bat will play the best, all that type of stuff. Ultimately, I think Kingery is their second baseman,

no matter what they view him as right now. And I think to have that happen eventually, Cesar's going to have to go. And finally, of course, I've got to end with this one. At Broseph Berardi, who would you rather have, Machado or Harper? Bryce Harper. Bryce Harper. Made it clear.

The correct answer. The correct answer is Bryce Harper. He's a better player. He had a better year. And that's the funny thing is when everyone was talking about trading for Machado at the deadline, stuff was like, oh, Harper's hasn't been as good as Machado. Hey, guess what? Harper ended up being better than Machado.

Yep. Second half was amazing. And it was like, oh, yeah, Bryce Harper, that dude's awesome. So, yeah, I would go Harper again. Look, either, both, whatever, but Bryce Harper would certainly be my choice. Fritzy, any final thoughts? Obviously, other than rate and review the podcast that makes Jack so happy. Go Astros and go Dodgers.

I want Astros versus Dodgers in the World Series. Rematch, huh? Not only because I bet on it, but I want what's best for baseball, and I thoroughly enjoyed last year's playoffs. Although, I had to freaking go to bed last year during the playoffs. I missed that game five. Did you really? Yeah, because I had to get up from the morning show.

Oh, no. Horrible. That was one of the best games. Yeah, I know. One of the game five. Did you really? Yeah, because I had to get up from the morning show. Oh, no. Horrible. That was one of the best. It was one of the best. Yeah, I know. One of the best games. Guess who was asleep for it? That's right.

Me. I was asleep for it. Well, hopefully. Now you're in some Joe Giglio type character on at night, so you should be fine there. The only show on WIU. Yeah, okay. All right. My final thought will be I agree with Jack except Astros.

Brewers. Nah. I'm just with Jack except Astros. Brewers! Nah. I'm just rooting for the Brewers. Brewers never won a World Series. I like Milwaukee. Good people out in Milwaukee. Also, I'm just rooting for the Brewers. Can I ask you one trivia question?

Yes, please. Bob Uecker has one career home run in his life. Who is that off of? Bob Uecker hit a career home run? I didn't even know that. I love, by the way, Uecker's the best. Dying to my job with Monty. Timing, let me think who it could be,

because obviously it's someone relevant. If you're asking this question, I will say he hit his one career home run off of Vita Blue. Sandy Koufax. I said Sandy Koufax earlier. I should have stuck with it. Damn it.

I should have known it was Sandy Koufax. It's pretty cool, though. Yeah. That's pretty neat. Brandon Woodruff hits home run off of Clayton Kovacs earlier. I should have stuck with it. Damn it. I should have known it was Sandy Kovacs. It's pretty cool, though. Yeah. That's pretty neat. Brandon Woodruff hits home runoff. Blake and Kershaw. Who'd have thunk it? All right.

That's going to do it. We will definitely be back again, Fritz. I said 30 minutes, 50 minutes. So that's what we do, man. But it's for the diehards. It's for the awesome High Ops listeners. We love you guys. So thank you for sticking with us.

We'll keep the content coming your way. And again, rate and review the podcast. It makes Jack so happy. So for Jack Fritz, I'm James Seltzer. See you guys later. 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, 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

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