High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - THE JT HIT FOR THE CYCLE/DAVID BELL'S REIGN OF TERROR IS OVER EMERGENCY POD

Episode Date: June 13, 2023

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to JT hitting for the cycle. Presented by Miller Lite. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the High Hopes Podcast. High Hopes! It's a bunch of baseball nerds talking about the Phillies. On Odyssey and Sports Radio 94 WIP. Yoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Oh, it is another edition of the High Hopes Podcast in true High Hopes Podcast fashion. The first, shockingly, the first time in the history of the podcast, an emergency pod after a loss. Hello, how's everyone doing? We lost. Yes! That was a big yo. That was a big yell. That was a big yell.

I did it for you, buddy. I said to Jack before we started, so generally, for those who don't know, and I'm sure you've listened to us enough to know, that my daughter is a little carbon copy of me. She's way out of control and just full-on energy and all that. So whenever she's like, seltzing out, as we like to say, my wife will be like, come get your daughter. She's my daughter in that moment. I said to Jack, this is your pod.

This pod, this is your pod. And, uh, I, now full disclosure, you could have recorded this at 1.30am last night. Because I would have been ready. I was not. Your buddy slept through it, pal. We never lie to the IELTS listeners. I passed out in like the fourth inning. I was like, I had

no chance to make it. I was jazz in like the fourth inning. I was like, I had no chance to make it. I was jazzed. I got tagged. I wake up to, it's bleeping over. You're so excited. You text it over. It's over. It is so over.

It's not even funny. And it is dead. It's over. And let me just say this. David Bell, it's done. And let me just say this. David Bell, it's done. You can no longer ruin eight-year-old Jack Summer anymore with your miserable attitude, your lackadaisical play.

And for years, all I cared about in the World Series, great. Making it back to the World Series last year, phenomenal. Great. Making it back to the World Series last year, phenomenal. But David Bell's reign of terror on this fan base and having to every year relive the fake home run against the Expos that they should have changed to a double, thus causing the last cycle in Phillies history. It's over, pal.

And I felt it early. Well, I mean, the Homer triple, it's like, oh, cycle watch. After the triple, I tweeted, David, your time's up, pal. Did you really? Wow. Nice job, buddy. Good for you, man. Your time is over. That's good. So, they lost.

I want to make sure that we make that abundantly clear. And they lost in... Dude, it was painful. So they lost. I want to make sure that we make that abundantly clear. And they lost in, dude, it was painful. I mean, I watched, obviously, the condensed game in the morning to catch up. I mean, first of all, like, that was so foul. Like, that ball was so clearly foul. What are you doing? Why are you even, like, giving us a moment?

Like, obviously, knowing the outcome, what was it like in the moment? Because I was asleep, and I saw it after, and I was like, oh, that's clearly foul. And I knew it was foul. Oh, I thought it was gone. That's what I mean. Like, in the moment? Because I was asleep and I saw it after and I was like, oh, that's clearly foul and I knew it was foul. Oh, I thought it was gone. That's what I mean. In the moment, how painful was it? He rounded the bases. He rounded the freaking bases. Well, because I was... Especially with the cycle. At that point, you know he had the cycle and it totally changes the complexion of the memory

of the night. Well, but it also makes it vintage, right? It's the most Philly's thing ever. There's a part of me that's like, there's a part of me that says would have been nice. Well, but it also makes it vintage, right? It's the most Phillies thing ever! There's a part of me that's like, there's a part of me that says would have been nice to win, but it feels right. I know, like getting, JT getting the cycle at like 1240 at night in a game that they

would lose in painful fashion is In Arizona. In Arizona. Yeah, that no one saw. Yeah. The most perfect way for it. You are so right. Yeah. Like, it is perfect. So like, obviously upset they lost. The most perfect way for it. You are so right. It is perfect. So, like, obviously I'm upset they lost. Are you?

Do you even care? Not really. Like, obviously I would have preferred to win. But there's just, and this only makes sense to true sickos. Like, if you're just a casual Phillies fan that, like, is checking out the podcast every once in a while, what I'm about to say makes sense to our diseased Phillies fans and people who live and die with this team. Yes. It was perfect.

It was such poetic. Honestly, when Walker's old enough to understand, I'm going to show him that game. And I'm going to say, here's what happened. We have Dylan Covey on the mound in a bullpen game that they're up 5-2 and 5-1 and whatever. Well, it was 5-2 by the time Covey came. JT's going to end a reign of terror on your father.

20 years almost they're gonna go into they're gonna battle back by the way and like legitimately I mean the Longoria again talk about again perfect things Evan Longoria hits a bomb to make up for 08

Terry Lovello an absolute clown show like did you see that of course and look it was clearly not aimed on purpose, but at the same time, if Bryce Harper gets hit twice in his first two at-bats, I want Rob Thompson to get tossed. So even if I know it's not on purpose, I agree with you. He was clearly wrong and clearly outrageous.

And why are you going to JT? I agree with you, but I respect that he got tossed when his best player got tossed. So yeah, it felt old school. There's a lot of old school feelings to it. So the one thing I'll give Terry Lovello credit for is that it clearly energized the Diamondbacks. Big time. They came right back. And it got them into the game.

It would be nice if that happened for us once in a while, right? But I'll say this. So JT did hit for the cycle and ended my reign up there, which is great. The most I've ever felt. There's been two times I've felt the most like I love JT. One was with the umpire in spring training. That was number one. Oh, yeah.

That was great. Where he dropped the glove. And he got thrown out. Oh, it was great. And the funniest part about JT is that smile when he knows like he won. Yeah. Like when he won. And Tara Lave about JT is that smile when he knows he won. Yeah. Like, when he won. And Tara Lavello, whatever, like, yelling at him and him just being like,

Bro, what are you talking about? What are you doing? What are you doing? His face is like, there's one other you're forgetting. And I can't remember the guy's name and it's going to kill me. Jared something whatever. When guys running in from, and it's like the classic. Oh, Jared Hughes. Jared Hughes, thank you in from, and it's like the classic. Oh, Jared Hughes.

Jared Hughes. Thank you. When he's running. You're correct. That's right there with it too. JT's got a great bleep eating grin. Or like a bro. Like one of those.

He's so good at it. Yeah. He's all time. And I don't know if, I don't know, again, this is maybe the most high host podcast we've ever done. I know. Yes. Just the fact, again, this is maybe the most high-host podcast we've ever done. I know. Yes, just the fact that it's happening is as high as it gets. I'm so sorry if you expected, like, a sad podcast today.

Like, I know that's what I think a lot of Phillies fans feel. It was a painful loss. It was awful. It was a horrible loss. As someone that lived through it, it was bad. But, but, this is another sign of the true sickos. Do you remember the Eli Whiteside game with the Giants in 2011 where they got into it and Eli Whiteside came out?

I think they hit Victorino. Oh, yeah, I do remember this. Remember him bouncing up and down and he had gray hair? Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's what last night reminded me of like when it came to when it came to like these random

guys coming to blows about nothing like Schwarber and Terry Lovello getting into it it was just it was a perfect baseball game

besides the outcome it was a perfect baseball game it was I mean really entertaining. It was, I mean, really entertaining. The back of your eyelids were a big fan of... They were. I watched a condensed game.

I know what happened. It was pretty entertaining. It was just a great baseball game. Look, there was a benches clearing thing. There was a cycle. There was a homer that wasn't. There were comebacks on both sides. You're right.

It was a pretty thrilling baseball game. There was Dylan Covey. Dylan Covey. He existed. He was a great baseball game. I'm not calling him Covey. I'm sorry. Covey, we're back to it. You're right. It was a pretty thrilling baseball game. There was Dylan Covey. Dylan Covey. I'm not calling him Covey. I'm sorry. Covey, we're back to it. I can't. Yeah.

I just, all right, now the joking's out of the way. It's time to get serious. Now it's time to lock in. Well, can I just say one more thing along the joking? Honestly, for me personally, because I know how much you hated David Bell, and this was really your thing. I just have something against third baseman, I think. Like, Wes Helms, I hated, too. Yeah, you did. It's true. Hated Wes Helms. Ty Wigington. Yeah, you have always And this was really your thing. I just have something against third baseman, I think. Like Wes Helms, I hated too.

Yeah, you did. It's true. Hated Wes Helms. Ty Wigington. Yeah, you have always. It's a weird thing. The biggest thing for me is to just not have to see that graphic anymore. To not have to see David.

To the people like us who watch 150, 160, whatever it is, you get to a year with weddings and stuff that happens. How many times have we seen David Bell's name in the last 19 years? Like hundreds. Any time a guy is like a homer and a double or a homer and a triple or a triple and a double. It's like, oh, let's show the graphic. It's T-Mac.

It's T-Mac's fault. It is. Always T-Mac. Usually. It's almost always. And then it's Pat Mac's fault. It's probably ultimately Pat. Yeah.

I'm just excited to not have to see that anymore. That will be a real thrill. When they show the JT graphic, that will be a thrill. And let me say this. It being a guy that we actually like. Yes. He's a great player. He's a great baseball player.

JT. Philly's Wall of Famer? Oh, I mean, freaking Lieberthal's in. Are you kidding me? Yeah, true. I mean, I have to question more, and he's not. But let's put it this way. He's closer to Hall of Fame than he is to just Wall of Fame.

Well, so that's what I'm saying. And we had this argument on Marks and Reese. And it was, like, a very fun kind of jokey argument that also was serious at the same time. It was like, there needs to be something between Jersey Retired and Wall of Fame. I totally agree with you. Like, there needs to be something there. I totally agree. Yes.

Like, Lieberthal. Well, it's supposed to be Wall of Fame. Wall of Fame is supposed to be those guys. I totally agree. Yes. What's supposed to be Wall of Fame? Wall of Fame is supposed to be those guys. Instead, they just let everybody in. It's like, well, this is dumb. Why do we do this thing? I don't think Hamill's number should be retired, but I also think he's more than just a Wall of Famer. He's absolutely more than a Wall of Famer.

Maybe there should be a Ring of Honor or a Hall of Fame. Yes. Can there be a Philly's Hall of Fame, a Philly's Wall of Fame, and then a number's retired? Wall of Fame, then Hall of Fame, Yes. So can there be a Phillies Hall of Fame, a Phillies Wall of Fame, and then a numbers retiring? So Wall of Fame, then Hall of Fame, then numbers. I love this. This is phenomenal. There can't be.

It can't be Lieberthal on the same wall as like Hamels. Yes. And Utley. And like, what are we doing here? And again, where's Constani? I know. He's the MVP of the 1950 Phillies. Again, the important things are being discussed on this podcast.

You are right, man. This is crucial stuff. Yeah. So either way, they lost. I do want to point that out. I do. Again, I think an emergency pot after a loss is, it feels like we're right in where we're supposed to be.

You're getting water in your eye. That was coffee. Oh, is that why?'re supposed to be. You're getting water in your eye. That was coffee. Oh, is that why? I was like, what a reaction for water in your eye. Jack just acted like he was shot. I kind of was. Coffee in your eye. It's a hot coffee.

Hot coffee. Oh, buddy. It's hot coffee. We're all right. You're a gamer. Yeah, well, listen, JT, nothing's bringing me down today. Look, people know. All honesty, I gave up my nap

for today to do this. Well, first off, we're going to do about a half hour podcast. I know. It's 11 o'clock. You'll be alright. Well, I gotta go pick up Emily. I don't need the schedule. I don't care. I get it. I'm like Emily. I'll always be like, I gotta do this. She's like, I don't care. Do what you gotta do, buddy.

I don't need the eight texts throughout your plan for the day. Which I do do. We'll also, I don't care. Do what you got to do, buddy. I don't need the eight texts throughout your plan for the day. Which I do do. We'll also get to the event coming up on Thursday. Yes, yes. Shout out to Miller Lite, presented by Miller Lite. We got an awesome, awesome event coming up on Thursday. You can come hang and watch the Phillies maybe beat the Diamondbacks. Well, I think they're going to bounce back.

Oh, yeah. Look, I said yesterday, or I guess it was two days ago when we did the pod, on Sunday, I was like, this is a scheduled loss on Monday. Like, I'm honestly shocked it was a game. Like, I thought they'd lose like 5-1, and that would be the night. Yeah, so they lost, and so there's a couple things. One, like, Dylan Covey should never pitch for this team ever again. Ever.

Like, it's just. Not just, he shouldn't be on the, yeah, which is the same idea. He shouldn't be on the roster. Well, it's just like, I know, like, I don't, I just which is the same idea. He shouldn't be on the roster. Well, it's just like... I know... Like, I don't... I just don't... I've seen Christopher Sanchez

be good, at least. Way better! Like... He's thrown, like, six innings, three runs. Like, he can do that for you. Like, what are we doing with Dylan Cull?

It just... It's so... It's so annoying and dumb. And, you know, they were up 5-2 yesterday, and it's one of those games where I feel like they didn't have a plan B.

Because I think they went into it probably thinking they were going to lose. Yeah. And then, like, hopefully if we get the lead... Oh, wow, we're winning. And it's one of those games where I feel like they didn't have a plan B. Because I think they went into it probably thinking they were going to lose, and then they're like, hopefully if we get the lead. Oh, wow, we're winning. And it's like, well, we can't bring in the studs too early in the game because we have to get through the rest of the game. Plus... We're trying to win the next couple games. We're worried about our studs for those games because we're coming off games they just had to pitch in.

Well, they were very aggressive on Sunday against the Dodgers. And look, they did have that rainout where the Thursday made it another extra day. They were supposed to have an off-day Thursday to get it Wednesday. It's just another day that compounds. Right. So I think last night was more just unlucky than it. I don't think that Rob Thompson massively mismanaged it.

He can only bring out the horses that he has. Andrew Vasquez has been good this year. Yeah, he's been really good. He's been really good. Who do you want him to bring in? Covey's the only one you can complain with. And it's just he's on the roster. Get someone else on this year. Yeah, he's been really good. He's been really good. Who do you want him to bring in? Covey's the only one you can complain with, and it's just he's on the roster. Get someone else on the roster. Yeah. It's just, it's not

and the discussion I feel like today, more than most times, is going to be like Matt Dombrowski for not going out and getting a fifth starter. Right now. It's like, well, it's still early. You need two to tango. Yeah, it's still early.

There are a lot of teams in it, man. Like, again, there are only a few teams. We all know a lot of teams will be out of it soon enough, but right now there are only a couple teams in baseball that really are out of it, like fully out of it. The thing that sucks is that they have to essentially just tread water until the deadline. They have to hope and pray, basically, that they can survive until the trade deadline.

Yeah. And that's not a fun spot to be in. Now, the one thing I'm wondering if they consider doing, and maybe they can only do it if they have an off day during the week, is going more four-man rotation until... Which, to be fair, is the opposite of what we wanted them to do to start the season. Like, yeah, six-man rotation makes a ton of sense with these guys four man rotation if you do four man and then andrew painter is at least starting throwing bullpens great so 20 pictures i saw big stuff but if you can get hit if you can hit him back plus the start of the trade for it maybe they like go push it now and then give those guys brick. But then the season's

heating up. Yeah, exactly. And then you're getting into games you need to win. Here's a much simpler plan that I think would work. Ranger every other day. You can handle it. Every day? Every other day. I'm giving you an extra day. You know, you get the day in between outings. That guy can handle it. Nick Nelson is someone... Great.

I know. We're in good shape. I know that they, like, just, Joe Giglio put in a tweet just the straight-up numbers with the fifth star. Have you seen this? Yeah. And they're 30-24 without the fifth star, and then they're 2-10. Like, you can point, like, the Phillies are a playoff team minus the fifth star. Like, it's that simple.

It's that simple. If they miss the postseason, we're going to look back at having games started by, or games pitched by Dylan Covey and Falter. No doubt. As the reason they missed the playoffs. No doubt. Also, if you're not going to bring up Chris Sanchez. I don't understand why they're not.

Which they should. At least, again, at least I've seen Billy Falter be okay. Well, that was what I was going to say, and that's why I think it's a little unfair that everyone's crushing Dombrowski for this. And I know they wanted to go out and do something now, and I understand that. But in terms of, like, the Falter thing, like, we all thought Falter would be fine. Like, we liked Bailey Falter as a fifth starter.

We were like, you know what? Most fifth starters suck. This guy has shown that he can at least go out and give you some innings and be competent. Like, Bailey let him down, man. Like, we were all fine with Bailey Falter as the fifth starter with the painter on the back end kind of thing. Like, this is a good plan. Like, this should him down, man. Like, we were all fine with Bailey Fulter as the fifth starter with the painter on the back end kind of thing. Like, this is a good plan.

Like, this should work out well. Like, Bailey Fulter was way worse than any of us expected. Like, that's not Dombrowski's fault. Yeah. You know, obviously he could have been like, does Dave believe in him? You know, so I guess that could be a question mark for him. But it's just, it's more, they're just kind of stuck right now. And it's almost, you have to just hold your nose every bullpen game

and hope things don't go wrong. I mean, that's what last night was. If they don't face a team as good as the Diamondbacks. They win that game. They face the Nationals, and they won a bullpen game. You know, they won 4-2. So, it just, it stinks. It's going to be really tough and and it really

the thing that stinks is that it puts so much more pressure on the first one on the four yeah like they have to be good yeah now they didn't use many of the big weapons last night which is good so that they should be good for the rest of the series where they are just going for a split at this point um but yeah the the fifth starter thing is such a predicament. And I mean, they pretty much have to survive a month and 10 days. Yeah, something like that. I mean, you figure maybe by middle of July, enough teams are out of it. There's talks.

I feel like last year there were some trades starting in the middle of July that started to get it rolling and stuff like that. So I think it's possible a month. But, yeah, a month at least, you know? I mean, you never know. Things happen. Trades are made. But I think, yeah, I think, again, look at the National League.

Like, there's no team in the National League that is technically out of it. Like, there are a lot that are, you know, the Nationals are probably not coming back from where they're at. But, like, they're not that far behind the teams that are in a wild-guard spot. It is like teams have to be out of it to trade their pitchers. Yep. And once again, see what you got in Griff McGarry. Why not? At this point, I don't understand why you wouldn't.

At least put him in AAA. He's got all kinds of options left. He's never come up. What are we worrying about here? Kyle Kendrick came up in 07. Take a shot. If nothing else, like, it can't be worse. It can't be.

Well, at least he has major league stuff. Like, a lot of these guys do not have major league stuff. Look, if he goes out and gives a bait, runs. It's just like Dylan Covey pitched. Covey. Like, what does it matter? I know. I know.

Like, it's just. And this whole idea of like, well, they could ruin him. It's like. Really? Maybe. But whole idea of, well, they could ruin him. It's like, maybe. But the kid's 23. I just saw Mitch Keller go out and get bleeped on for two years. Wow. I feel like it's been three, four years. But it's been a disaster.

And the guy's pretty good now. Your career's not over. It's not like football where if you're a quarterback and you take too many hits, you get to see ghosts and stuff like that. It's not the same thing. It's also dire straits. Exactly. There's a team that's trying to win the World Series. There's a

part of me that is like, is he pitching Dylan Covey to make it obvious to Dave Dombrowski to do something? You know what I mean? Just saying. Just putting him out there. You want to give me give me this guy, I'll put him out there. Sure.

You bet, Dave. This is what you want. What's wrong with this guy? This guy that you got. When Dylan Covey was pitching last night, there was a part of me thinking, like... If Rob Thompson is that diabolical, all the credit in the world. Yeah. I don't think he's...

I mean, there's so Machiavellian of him. I'm sure it's not. But the idea of, like, Thompson being like, yeah, we want to make sure we get Covey in there. It's like, well, you don't have to. Just because he's on the roster doesn't mean you have to. He doesn't need work. You know what I mean? Dylan Covey doesn't need work.

He's not a piece of the future here. No. He had four... Wait. Now, maybe they... All right. Now it's all clicking again. The only time he's been competent was against the Diamondbacks.

Yeah. But it was like... Six one-run it was like there was no book on him yeah well that's what it was too and it's also like I actually think that outing was the worst thing that happened to the Phillies because they lost the game anyway and it made Thompson believe that Kobe can go out and do that you know

Kobe like I just the fact that he's wearing 54 annoys me like he should not be wearing Brad Lidge's number just like Drew Ellis ellis wearing 35 i know it was like what are we doing first off you gave it to mercato last year i know and i whatever the whole thing is just it's an hour can we just whatever anyway um kobe like just cannot ever pitch again now like i just i know that they want they're trying to be smart on the Gary, but at least put him

at AAA, see how he does, and then just try it. Yeah, and the Christopher Sanchez one is even more misplaced. That's even dumber. That just doesn't make any sense.

Like, you've trusted this guy the last couple years to come up and make spot starts for you, and he's given you some solid outings here and there. Like, I just don't get it.

Like, is he still hurt? Is he still not fully back? Like, I don't, it doesn't make any sense. Correct. Like, I can't, I just don't get it. Is he still hurt? Is he still not fully back? It doesn't make any sense. I can't rationalize it. Correct. So what are we doing? If they fall out of this thing, it's going to be this time period. Before they make a trade, before Painter's back,

of, was it 2-10 in game? 2-10. In bullpen games. 2-10. Think about that. Again, 6 games over 500 if in game? 2-10. In bullpen games. 2-10. Think about that. I mean, again, six games over 500 if they just didn't have that. Dude, even if they split those games. Exactly. They're over 500.

I mean, they're only 200 right now, you know? This celebratory podcast has quickly turned. It's quickly turned. I had to think about Dylan Colvick. I know. You know? With JT Cycle. JT the You know. But JT Cycle. JT the Cycle.

Cycle. When you watch Video Yearbook, that's going to be in there. Yeah, it's not going to mention the loss. No. You know. No, they won't actually. They'll be like, oh, JT, a night in Arizona for the Cycle. I just want, I want them to, I want them to get a camera on David Bell.

I want, I need someone to ask him today. Oh, I like this. Like, how do you feel that you're. Are you devastated? I don't think the Cincinnati reporters would say you're a reign of terror. Oh, probably not. Yeah, they probably... Probably not.

Probably not. Yeah. Hey, Dave, any comment on JT? Any comment on your cycle streak? Yeah, it's over. It's over. And then you know what he'd say? Say, I didn't even know I had the cycle.

No, you know what he'd say? What? I was a filly. He probably would say that. Because that's how he acted when he was here. Yeah, he did nobody liked him like nobody liked him

he was up there with the most just disliked you know really honestly Philadelphia athletes in my lifetime just in terms of

for guys who were here and played here and like not like J.D. Drew never came here not like that guy but for guys who were here he's up there

especially for guys who didn't like you know talk crap to us or whatever he just he's just there especially for guys who didn't like like you know talk crap to us or whatever like he just dude he's just miserable well and that's and and why i think why i think i remember it so much is that it used to be me and me and my uh one of my me and my granddad's arguments we used to argue about baseball even though i was like eight um you know still winning um he loved david bell and i was like no he's terrible, still winning. He loved David Bell. And I was like, no, he's terrible.

Like, trust me, he's terrible. And then, but he loved Charlie Emanuel. I did not like Charlie. Again, I was a 10-year-old Jack, so don't blame me too much. Yeah, I didn't know anything. Like, who's this guy? Yeah, didn't know anything. Didn't know any better.

And then, what else was he right about? Oh, he hated, he didn't like Schmidt. He was wrong about that one. He didn't like, well, he just. There's he hated it. He didn't like Schmidt. He didn't like Schmidt. He didn't like Schmidt. Well, he just... There's a lot of people that didn't like Schmidt. Yeah, there's a reason the famous quote, the agony of winning in Philadelphia

and the agony of reading about it the next day. Yeah, that's my great dad. Yeah, yeah. And everybody else, too. It is wild. Well, it's... Like, again, there are nine positions in the sport. And you make an all-time, it's... Like, again, there are nine positions in the sport. So then you make an all-time,

it's 100 and whatever, 50 years of baseball. You make an all-time starting nine. We have one of the nine. Like, we have one of them. Like, the only nine, we have one of them. And we just, like, hated the guy that was here. It's unbelievable. It really is.

Look, and it's a little overrun. I mean, we understood how great he was, but... Well, and I don't mean to cross sports here, but it's why I find the Embiid discussion so fascinating because the turn is here. Like, we turn on our own. Well, at least. It's so annoying.

Like, I understand that Jokic is better, whatever. Well, he is. Ish. He's definitely better. Maybe. Oh, stop. Don't stop. Don't be like Elliot. Just be willing to take the L. No, because's definitely better. Maybe. Oh, stop. Don't stop. Don't be like Elliot.

Just be willing to take the L. No, because I love Jokic. I'm not a Jokic hater. That's the difference. Yeah, he's great. But it's like, I hate how everyone, every Sixers fan is so gung-ho. Like, oh, he's so much better than our guy. He is.

Just relax. He's better than our guy. Just relax. They're so happy about it. That's what annoys me. I don't think they're happy about it I mean I'm not happy about it I just

I think it's just more that like Sometimes you gotta put your hand up And say I was wrong I was wrong I wasn't wrong Yeah I've always loved the Elkage Oh I know

I liked Elkage too But I thought Embiid was better I was wrong I admit it Let's see what happens next year Okay This is so hopeful God

I can't imagine Believing in the Sixers Ever again Honestly Like I can't Clap believing in the Sixers ever again, honestly. I can't. Clap your hands. They could be up 3-0 in the second round next year. I'll be like, yep, they're the first team to blow a 3-0 lead in the NBA. Get ready. Here it's coming.

That's what I think about the Sixers. Nice. That's where I'm at. Good. Yeah. I dislike them. All right. At the moment.

For a team that I love, I dislike them. You know what I don't dislike? Cocoa's Pizza? Yes! Look at you. They're the best in the moment. For a team that I love, I dislike them. You know what I don't dislike? Coco's Pizza? Yes! Look at you. You're the best in the business. We're going to be at Coco's on Thursday. It's going to be awesome. We're going to be hanging out for the Phillies game. We'll be there. Phillies Diamondbacks. The final game of the four-game

set. 340 start time, so we'll be there. We'll be there before 330. Let's be honest. We'll be there before then, but we're going to hang for the game, watch the whole thing, hang out. It's at Coco's Pizza in Aston. It's going to be an awesome time. Tommy Green coming to hang

out again. If you haven't gotten a chance to meet Tommy, he's a super, super nice guy and loves coming out. He'll talk fills with you. All of it, courtesy of our friends at Miller Lite. Shout out to Miller Lite. While we drink at some Miller Lite drafts together, you all can make fun of me

for how I complain about how tired I am. I can't wait to go home and go to bed because that'll be the truth, but I'm very excited to hang. It's going to be awesome. These are our favorite things. Get to go out and hang out with everybody. Yes, and hoping the Phillies do not ruin it for everyone. Yes, because the last time, they certainly didn't ruin it.

Oh, wait. They did. They did. Opening day. Opening day. Yes. The bar, the high hopes crowd was riding high to start that game. Yep.

Nola. Nola. Nola. Thank goodness. Uh-oh. Is it Nola? It's Nola. It's got to be, right? I mean, no, no, no, no, no. It's going to be Walker. It's going to be Walker. Thank goodness. All rightola? It's Nola It's gotta be right

I mean No no no no It's gonna be Walker Thank goodness Thank goodness Alright we got Taiwan We're in good shape boys Sure

We're in good shape I mean better than Nola People are too down on Taiwan No it's Nola Yeah it's Nola Is it? Yeah it's Nola versus Ryan Ryan Nelson

Oh no Alright well coming out For a loss with us We'll still have a really good time Ranger versus Merrill Kelly And then tonight Big Game Wheels Versus Zach Davies Do not lose to Zach Davies No I hate Zach Davies for a loss with us. We'll still have a really good time. Ranger versus Merrill Kelly and then tonight, Big Game Wheels versus Zach Davies.

Do not lose to Zach Davies. No. I hate Zach Davies. Yeah, I know you always have. Because he's a knockoff Aaron Nola. And he's also someone who like, he's an annoying guy

because like, he'll have like three good starts and then you'll pick him up for a spot start in fantasy and then he'll crap the bed and you'll be like, why did I trust Zach Davies?

That was so dumb. It's just what it is. Merrill Kelly's been good this year. Sadly. Yeah, way better than I, he's like striking guys out and stuff. I know.

Who is this guy? I just, I can't look at his face and not think of, uh, the dad and, uh, uh,

Lily's dad and how I met your mother. Lily's dad and how I met your mother. So Lily. He's a famous actor. He's in, he's also in Seinfeld. Lily is the, is Allison Hannigan's character. Oh, it's not Frank Costanza, right?

No, no, no. Who is he in Seinfeld? He's a part-time guest. Part-time guest. Hold on, hold on, hold on. You would know. I'm sure I know who he is. I'm surprised you don't.

Because you're the actor. It's been a while since I've seen How I Met Your Mother. Oh, Chris Elliott. Yeah. Love Chris Elliott. That's who Merrill Kelly. I can't look at. Oh seen I Met Your Mother. Oh, Chris Elliott. Yeah. Love Chris Elliott. That's who Merrill Kelly. I can't look at. Oh, I can see that.

Yeah, Chris Elliott, of course. I mean, he was on Saturday Night Live when we were younger. A ton of stuff. I said when we were younger. Jesus, you weren't born yet. Many years to come. He was on Saturday Night Live in the 80s. Oh, my God.

Wow. It's creepy, isn't it? It's Chris Elliott. That is great, dude. I know. What a great comp by you. It's like a- What a unbelievable, that's a deep pull is great, dude. I know. What a great comp by you. It's like a- What a unbelievable, that's a deep pull for you, because that's like my generation, not

your generation. I was a big How I Met Your Mother guy. Oh, yeah, you were. I was talking Chris Elliott himself. Was much more famous when I was a kid than when you were a kid. He was in Seinfeld, right? I don't remember. I think he had a very small part in Seinfeld.

He might have had an episode. Yes. I think he did, actually. But yeah, Chris Elliott. Wow. There you go. That's good. He does look like Merrill Kelly. Good think he did, actually. But yeah, Chris Elliott. Wow. There you go. That's good. He does look like Merrill Kelly.

Good luck watching the game tonight. That's great. I know. It's tomorrow, but I'm ruined by that. That's great. All right. What else you got? Bryce against lefties is a problem.

What's going on, man? I mean. He's hovering around the Mendoza. I think he's below it. I think he's below it. I think he's just below it. I think he was over it a couple of games ago and then just went under it again. Well, and these guys are now just slattering him to death.

I know. Like, and he can't. And my thing with this is that he, give it a month. Yeah. Like, give it a month. It's Bryce Harper. He'll be fine. He's doing what he does when he's struggling, which is like flying the hip out to first

base. He'll figure it out. He'll figure it out. Well, again, we did the whole, like, look how great Bryce has been coming back, no spring training. He didn't have spring training. You know, so, like, he's going to have to have some adjustment. We didn't.

And he has been really good overall, but, like, to expect him to just come back and be perfect the whole way through is unfair, if nothing else. Well, yeah, of course. But there are three things. There are the home run power is not there yet. Yep. The runners in scoring position thing is so weird. And the lefty thing is so weird.

It's just like, it's so funny because you look at, he's a 300, 400, 500 guy right now. I know, yes. But the runners in scoring position thing and the left-handed pitching thing, it's completely like... I feel like, anecdotally, I feel like he never gets hit with a runner on base.

Well, he had one last night. I know it does. I'm just saying like comparatively this season it feels like he gets all his hits I think he's five five for 30 sounds like it I believe that yeah um and I tell you what there is nothing that is I'm just getting out in front of this because that's what I do I like to see things ahead before I I get preemptively oh yeah that's true this is. I like to see things ahead before I get preemptively. Oh, yeah. That's true. This is very- Preemptively mad about stuff. This is you as it gets.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I'm just getting ahead of this. Okay, good. They're losing two of three to the A's. Wait, what if it went six straight? The A's are hot, dude. Six straight? The A's getting hot right before the Phillies come to town is sickening.

It's so unrest. Sickening. We should have seen this coming. Honestly, in all honesty, it's probably more likely that more likely that the A's, like, weren't hot and then stole two of three from the Phillies. But, yeah, either way. They're taking two of three. Dude, they beat the Rays last night and hit it around Zach Eppler.

I know. Zach Eppler's been perfect this year. Well aware. Trust me. Well aware. Also, like, a completely weird, like, thing that I just thought about because I was thinking about the A's. I don't think he's going to be back for it.

Might be back for it, but a little Christian Pache revenge game. I like that. I really miss watching Christian Pache. I do too. I can't believe I'm there, but I just miss him. I enjoyed him, man.

Well, also, I mean, real quick, can we talk about like, Bryce Harper can't get into the field soon enough. I mean, dude, I know there are many of them, but that pop fly to the shallowest part of left field last night, he didn't get any momentum. He stood under the ball and just threw up his back feet.

It was like, the ball was in the air forever. All you had to do was get a running start. That's Little League, buddy. That is Little League stuff right there but you actually missed the worst one there's a worse one there's a worse one? there's Jake McCarthy who can't hit at all

slapped the ball into the corner and Schwarber got over there and just completely lackadaisically it was a triple, turn in a triple it was a stone double and he just kept running because Schwarber wouldn't get to the ball and wouldn't get it in. It was like, had they...

The next guy was out in one pitch, but it was one of those things where if that cost them the game, Schwarber would be getting destroyed today. Absolutely destroyed today. It was benchable. He's a horrible... Even when he's running around the bases,

sometimes it feels like he's kind of just jogging around. It's not as bad as Hoskins, but it's... It's close. Hoskins and Leffio is worse than him. I never thought I'd say anything close. It's close. No, I think he's dealing with a knee problem. Something's not right.

It wasn't this bad last year. It wasn't. This is like almost untenable. Speaking of that, I did text people last year. It wasn't. This is like almost untenable. Speaking of that, I did text people last night like, I just can't wait. And I don't, I'm not looking forward to these guys not being Phillies. But I can't wait for the day when I have two corner

outfielders that can throw the ball. Oh my god, dude. Right? Just give me, I swear to God I throw harder than Kyle Schwarber. Oh, without a doubt. Dude, I could have thrown that guy out at home. Or at least I would have given it a run. It was like he barely made it to the plate, the throw. That was embarrassing.

Dude, he makes Castellanos' arm look like Vlad Jr. Not just his arm, just as a fielder. He makes Castellanos the fielder look like a stud out there. It is. Those two and their arms are just, it is unbelievable. First off, how is Castellanos ever third baseman, man? Oh, it's unbelievable, right? How did this happen?

His whole career, the minors, the whole thing, he came to the majors as their baseman. They moved Miggy to first base. I know. How crazy is that? For Nick Castellanos to play third. I know. It's unbelievable. It really is unbelievable. I know. How crazy is that? For Nick Cassiano. I know. It's unbelievable. It really is unbelievable.

You're right. It is a true shock. Dude, Dave Dombrowski, not a big defense guy. You think so? Not a big defense guy. He doesn't believe in defense. Can they trade for Steve Pierce again? Hey.

Can he still hit left-handed pitching? You know. I mean, sure. That guy. World Series MVP, Steve Pierce. Why? I know that he's been hurt all year, and I know that I'm extending the podcast, but there's been a lot of thoughts percolating around my brain. Oh, I know, sure. That guy. World Series MVP, Steve Pierce. Why? And I know that he's been hurt all year, and I know that I'm extending the podcast, but there's been a lot of thoughts percolating around my brain.

Oh, I know, buddy. I can see. Why didn't they just sign Adam Duvall? We called for it. We said it. It was the perfect guy. It was such an easy signing. Hits lefties.

He can play center field. He was raking for the Red Sox before he got hurt. I know. Just give us a call. Sometimes it's easy, man. Listen to the pod, Dave. Yes. Sorry.

Sorry. No, go. This is your pod. This is your pod, buddy. Two more things. I'm here for you. One, so it's official. I need to get it out there because if I don't,

it's all I currently am thinking about. And I was thinking about it even while JT was running first base going for a double to end the reign of terror. I found my official guy for the Phillies at 27. It's Chase Davis. Okay. And if you haven't looked up Chase Davis yet, he swings just like Carlos Gonzalez.

He drops the bat just like... Oh, he's a mini-cargo guy. I love mini-cargo. Yes, mini-cargo guy. I love cargo. I just... I've already envisioned him playing left field as his in Spank Park. It's the only thing I care about in the world right now.

Love it. Is getting Chase Davis. And final thing, I did text you this over the weekend. It is a shocking place to be at, but it's time to go get Michael Kopech. Yeah. Oh, I couldn't believe you said this. So for anyone who's listened to the pod long enough, you will know. Like, Jack saying go get Michael Kopech is, like, honestly, it's more shocking than a cycle happening last night.

We're being real about it. I need him. I can't believe this. I think I texted you that. I think I texted you, I need Michael Kopech. And I was like, what world am I living in? He changed his arm slot. Wow.

And you are a sucker for an arm slot change. I am a sucker for an arm slot change. Can I tell you what I was thinking about last night? While you were asleep or while you were watching the game? That I watch and then in the morning. Like, here's what I want. And it relates to your Chase Davis point. I want a Corbin freaking Carroll, man.

Like, what was the last time we... Like, Utley Rollins, those guys. That was the last time we had a freaking dude who came up and was like a superstar player. Supposed to be a painter. It was. He's a pitcher. I'm talking about here. I want a guy who's going to play every day for me.

That guy's going to be an all-star ten times. I want that guy. Where is that guy? We never get that guy anymore. Well, I mean. We bring them in. We get good players. We bring them in. But like, I think.

I know, and I love Staten Bowl. I'm like, I'm not, I'm not ripping those as good. But like, where's our like, and again, Dom Brown wasn't. But like, where's our like, oh, this guy's the best prospect in baseball. He's a left fielder and he's a freaking Philly. Like, where is that guy? Well, Starling Coppa's coming. William Bergola's

working his way through the system. And then Chase Davis eventually. I don't think a Ryan Kirkering's going to be there because he's a reliever, but I would make him

the number one prospect in baseball. But yeah, like, I get shit. You know what I mean? Now, I love Stott, obviously. They could have drafted Corbin Carroll

ahead of Stott. It's tough. have drafted Corbin Carroll ahead of Stott. It's tough. Well, Corbin Carroll was my first draft crush. There it is. We wonder why you love the draft so much. You nail it like that the first time. Yep, been wrong ever since. But yeah, no, it is.

I mean, Corbin Carroll. He's awesome. Dude, he's got a higher OPS than Okun, you know? Dude, he's awesome. Yeah, he's awesome. Like, he is really, really good. He awesome. Like, he is really, really good. He's really good. He's really, really good.

He's really good. Dude, did you see him get to that? I love the vibes, like everything about him. Did you see him get to that ball last night? Dude, it's unbelievable. In left field. I saw the condensed thing, yeah. And then how about the triple?

I mean, it's like, this guy is like, it's unbelievable. He was like, that was such a no doubt, like, for that guy, everyone else was like, oh, it's probably a double. Maybe they could squeeze it. For that guy, I'm like, oh, it's a triple. Like, off the bat, I was like That was such a no doubt Like for that guy Everyone else was like Oh it's probably a double Maybe they could squeeze it For that guy I'm like Oh it's a triple Like off the bat I was like oh triple

The Diamondbacks team is tough They're good They're actually good They are actually Their bullpen's a problem Other than Chavin Like we talked about Yeah

I guess because The Phillies have owned Miguel Castro Yeah But Castro's a good pitcher Yeah I've never been afraid of him Even though I've won The Phillies trade for him Like, but Castro's a good pitcher. Yeah. I've never been afraid of him,

even though I've won the Phillies trade for him like three times. He's a good pitcher. They clearly, I like watching timebacks. Yeah, man. Except against the Phillies when their speed is like, Jay McCarthy stinks. He's fast. He's really, like, disgustingly fast.

They got fast guys. They move, man. They move. Yeah, so. Yeah, Marte's good again. Like, Christian Walker can hit. Like, Gurriel's been great for them. Like, they're a fun team. Didn't even face Gurriel last night. I know. He wasn't Yeah, so. Yeah, Marte's good again. Like, Christian Walker can hit. Like, Gurriel's been great for them. Like, they're a fun team.

Didn't even face Gurriel last night. I know. He wasn't even in it. Yeah. I will say, I could go without Evan Longoria. I know. That's the annoying part. It's like, enough.

Come on. Get out of here. Come on, Evan. Enough. All right. This was much longer than I expected. It was. And I'm sorry.

It's all right. We had to do the cycle justice. We can't talk about it for seven, six years, whatever it is on the podcast, bring it up a million times, and then not show up when it happens. Honestly, again, the fact that it happened at 12.45 in the morning is the only reason it didn't. I've been waiting. Honestly, I should be happy that it was, because I've been waiting for one of those, like,

up, it's 9.30, and I was going to go to bed, but now I have to record a bobby because I'm awake, and they have the cycle. I knew it was happening at some point, so honestly, I'll it's 9.30, and I was going to go to bed, but now I have to record a pop because I'm awake and they have to cycle. I knew it was happening at some point. So, honestly, I'll take the 12.45. My thing is now is what do I pivot to? I know. Now you need a thing. I know.

Oh, this is great. So this would be a thing. We're going to have to figure this out. Could it be the Palabon Save record? Yeah, but that's less. Like, I feel like. David Bell's personal. Yeah, David Bell's personal yeah David Bell's personal

plus also and I don't know this probably just impossible but like the fun of the cycle thing was they could have it any night it was like the same thing it's like oh he's getting close he could do it in three months or whatever whereas like the fun of the cycle thing is like any night this could happen like any night you watch a game this thing that drives me

crazy could end and it didn't for 19 years so yeah that's the beauty of it yeah and I just I like Brad Miller enough to know that the three home run game thing that drives me crazy could end. And it didn't for 19 years. So that's the beauty of it. Yeah. And I just, I like Brad Miller enough to know that the three home run game, like it's fine. Fine. It's cool. Who cares? I like Cole Hamels.

Also, yeah. So like the last no hitter. I agree with you. It's like. And the last no hitter is like, that's a cool moment. Yeah. His last star is a Philly. In Wrigley, no less?

Yeah. Like that's, yeah, that could stay for a while. Damn it. I'm screwed, man. You're going to have to dig. I can't wait for it. So my new one is... It's going to be too obvious, though.

What about a six-hit game? Who's the last Phillies to hit a six-hit game? Well, I actually have no idea. I know. Vierling's the last five-hit game, guy. Yeah, five for five? Five for five. Part of the reason why the Phillies made the playoffs last year. I mean. Vierling's the last five-hit game, guy. Yeah, five for five. Five for five. Part of the reason why the Phillies made the playoffs last year.

I mean, that was a massive game. It's great. They hit it. They had a walk-off. Yeah, the walk-off. That was great. All right. David Bell.

I feel like we've gotten there. David Bell. See ya. Your name will never be said on this podcast again. That's not true. No. We'll play the Reds. Either way.

Suck it. Maybe I'll go, and next will next time the bell's here. Oh, get a little credential pass. Get down to the field, grill them. It's an important question. I love this. How do you feel? That's what we're going to do.

We'll play it on I-O, so it'll be great. And then I'll try to say your reign of terror. Yeah, you have to. You've ruined this fan base for 19 years. You held something that is frankly one of the most important things in baseball as you can tell by the fact that they clearly won the game when the cycle happened last night it's important

exactly right do you feel bad would be my first question do you feel bad for ruining 19 years of my life yeah World Series happened they've been to three I've seen no hitters in my car i've seen no hitters in the playoffs i've seen a perfect game i've seen a

my beloved philly have no hitters last game i've seen uh bryce harper made the biggest home run in philly's history but let me tell you about what you did for the last 19 years now it's over now it's over jt hashtag thank you jt yeah thank Hashtag thank you, JT. Yeah, thank you. Seriously, thank you, JT. Honestly, I feel very confident saying that everyone who listens to IOPs is super grateful for you. Yeah, think of that. All right, come to Coco's. We're going to celebrate the cycle. Wouldn't it be funny if, like, Trey got the cycle that day or something?

It would be funny if they get one quick. Just what they do now is the Hibbert cycle. I think we should call it. I know it's called Bedlam at the Bars. It's Bedlam at the Bars, yes. But I also think it should be slash Celebrate the Cycle. Celebrate the Cycle. Bedlam at the Bars slash Celebrate the Cycle, Thursday at Coco's.

It's going to be awesome coming out with us. You got anything else? Walker saw his first rain yesterday, and I can't stop looking at the picture of it. It's like the funniest thing in the world. Adorable. Yeah, oh my God, yeah. I kept looking at it. I kept looking at the picture of it. It's like the funniest thing in the world. Oh, adorable. Yeah. Oh my God. Yeah. I kept looking at it. I kept looking at it.

So you live in the, the first time Zoe was sat on grass, that was a big one. Some are saying you need to touch grass because of your lack of ball knowledge. Oh, is that true? No. And I'm talking like a 21 year old right now,

which I know that you're 41. You're so confused by the term touch grass. Yeah. Touch grass. Yeah. Cause you're probably thinking of something else. Grass related. You were so confused by the term touch grass. Yeah, touch grass. Yeah, because you're probably thinking of something else. Grass related. You touch grass. It basically means just like go outside. Okay. Okay. Get outside. Yeah. I'm gonna.

I'm gonna go and take a nap maybe. Yep. Wait, can't do that anymore. You're such a baby. I am. I'm such a baby these days. I'm tired all the time, Jack. Every second of my day. I know. I was like, oh, the schedule's not going to be so bad. It's pretty bad. Good. All right. All right.

Thank you, Jake. He's friends with himself. We'll see you next time.