High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - The Phillies Need To Learn That Fortune Favors The Bold

Episode Date: January 6, 2026

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz discuss the Phillies' current contract talks with JT Realmuto and wonder if moving off the catcher in favor of a better hitter would make this team more fun in 2026. Presented by Miller Lite. To purchase Ring The Bell by Jack Fritz and Kevin Reavy go to RingTheBellBook.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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On the Odyssey app and Sports Radio 94 WIP. Smiling through a broken nose. Oh, I can't tell the business is having a lot. I know. I feel a little less alone. Yo! It is another edition of the I have's podcast once by Miller Light, official partner of the Philadelphia.

Philly's tastes like Miller time, Philadelphia. you celebrate responsibly. We're like Mattingly time, right, Philadelphia? How are you doing, pal? I'm good. I'm good. It's good to be here. It's been a while.

It's been forever, actually. It felt longer for you. It felt like a long time. It felt like sure it did feel like a long time. I think we missed one week, but yeah. So it was a tough week without the bond. I was itching. I know you where I got text.

I got tax. I got tax. I got some talk about. Go on. Come on. Come on. Well, we're here. Yeah, we're here.

We're here. Lots to talk about. Listen, I don't care. It's playoff week. I know you know. There's just nothing for you. This is zero. So I tell you what,

he hasn't grounded into a double play in about three months, but I'm getting sick and tired of the catcher. I mean, can we make a decision or what? It's the time to, you know, bleep and get off the pot or whatever. Whatever the saying is,

you get it. Oh, we know it. Yeah, you don't get curse here. We don't curse on this spot. No, we don't.

We don't. This is by mistake. Yeah. And never you. I think one time. I think that one time. Not even after a playoff loss. Yeah.

Sharon. We had some brusky. You're a pros pro. Yeah. There are definitely times where I thought you were to go as he did. Well, the most shocking one. Yeah, you were like going for it. Well, the Kimbril one.

Yeah. The Kimbril. I felt like you were like a couple times we were like say it like stop yourself and like grab your hands like this and you're like, I'm not going to do it. Yes, yes, yes. Now the Kimbril one was probably the closest I've been because I remember, I remember after the game that he blew for the second straight game. I ran into Franzen in the, you know, in the press box area, or whatever.

And he looked me in the eye and he was like, don't get fired today. And I was like, do my best. I was so mad at him. I was so mad at him. That's probably our biggest fight. Oh, yeah. The Thompson or Kimbril. Oh, yeah.

I forgot about that. I'm still right. Both sides at fair points. Yeah. Yeah, I was right. Well, Kimbril needs to execute. Topper should never put him in there. It's your job.

It's your job. You couldn't do it. He's old. It's hard to work anymore. I hope it doesn't make the hall of fame. Anyway. Anyway, I just, I know in my heart of hearts, I'm trying, like, I know my heart of hearts that they're just going to resign JT.

Yeah, it's going to happen. And I'm this is, I wish the Bobichette thing were real and not just, them being like, hey, we'll sign Bo Bichette, JT. Because that's what I think it is. And maybe it's not. But I really think they're saying, all right, JT, let's sign. Because like, I so don't want it to be JT. Like, no offense, buddy.

Like, I just. The pass and notification that, that J.T. By the way, it's going to be lock three years. Oh, yeah, three years. With the fourth year option. Just whatever's, whatever's going to make the JT, whatever's going to make the JT contract infuriating, like the most infuriating, they will. Well, 100% do.

And I'm, I want to believe. I want to believe. And this is not really a knock on JT. I think it comes down to, I mostly want fresh blood and he's 35. And if you look at the numbers last year, it's just an age thing. It's an age thing.

And it's a fresh blood thing. I, I'm mostly over the, I would love this art. I can talk, even keratinie, whatever. Who cares? Carotini. I'm in on, I love that idea. I'm in on the idea.

Dude can catch. in on the idea of carotini. I would love to start talking about, like, Ryan Jeffers. Yeah, me too. He was in my perfect offseason, Ryan Jeffers. And the athletic link them to Ryan Jeffers today. I would love to start dreaming on a right-handed catch for the ticket, 25 home runs. And now, usually when a catcher can do that, he's probably not the best behind the dish.

But, you know, I broke down all of Ryan Jeffers' tape. But, but. You think of pitchers, though. It wasn't like he was that bad. It was a disaster. I mean, you got Joe. Ryan and DeRondos was good two years ago and, you know, Jack's a good pitcher.

They got guys pitch ball. Yeah. You can ruin a staff. So, you know, I would love to start dreaming on Jeffers. I would love to start dreaming of putting a package together for Shea Langalears, which is going to cost the moon. Yeah, no, I don't think Oakland, or they're not, Oakland now, I guess.

The A's are probably not moving Languars. I love to start looking at maybe like Ivan Arirah and like these other catcher possible trade candidates, right? Yeah. but I don't feel like wasting my time yet until he is because where's he going? Well that's the big thing is like I don't understand

where the market is. I don't understand like why like I get them if they're saying oh we'll pay someone out. I get the games that are paid. I just don't understand like why if they really want him back why it's taking us long. Who else is paying him? Who's giving him three years? Where's JT going?

Both sides need each other. And that's where the negotiations get tough. Yeah. Because one side is J.T. probably still thinks he's at least a $20 million a year player. The Phillies. He's not.

He's not. He's not. I understand. Hard to tell an athlete that, you know. So, but the market, the market also.

But that's their job. Their job is to not pay him that. If they go, it's, I'm just, it's going to be, it's going to be infuriating, whatever the job.

Because it's probably going to be a little bit too much, and maybe an extra year. Yeah. Even though he's probably, like a $13 to $15 million a year player for two years. Yeah. The JT contract should be two years, 30 million.

Yeah. And we should call it a day with a third year option and go earn a third year. A club option. Very much. Yeah, it's important to see there. If you want to put the, statistical,

if you want to talk, yeah, but incentives options, that's fine. Say mutual. Yeah. Say mutual. Oh,

you go, mutual's fine. Mutual's fine. Mutual has been picked up since a round's from years in 2014. I know, right. Say mutual. I don't give a crap.

Mutual's fine. I, but man, it's going to be my my heart's going to sink to my stomach when it comes out that JT's back well especially because it's really

we've gotten to this point where now it feels like it's either JT or they do something fun I know I know I want fun so bad just do something fun don't do the same thing I really want Bogoshat like the more we've got

I would love Boba Shat I said I want to bragman the I've turned like I'm I want the 28 year old or 27 he's going to be 28 when the season starts. I know. I'm saying the 28-year-old for next year. Like, I want the younger guy.

Like, I'm, I'm in on the Bichette thing. I don't care if you can play defense at third or second or whatever. I don't care. I don't care. Give me Bobachette. I know you're Mr. Give me defense. I'm in on Bobichette. Give me Bumichet.

Yeah, yeah. I'm in. I've fully gone in. I want Bobachette desperately. January high host podcast. We don't care about defense. Oh, no. We want to know.

Yeah. It's just they've been a bad short for three years, even when they paid Trey. Yeah. The Cassiano. thing didn't work out. If he works out, you're not a bat short, but guess what? It didn't work out. And they just, they need a real bat. Like, imagine if they close this off season out with a trade for Ryan Jeffers, a 25 home run power threat. Jeffers can hit. Yes. Don't know if he

can really catch me. No, I don't know if I need them to. Offseason podcast. We don't care about the defense. That's right. And running and pitching staff. At the most important defensive position, not that important. Don't need it. Don't need it. And like, and they closed that with, with really getting Boba Shet? You talk about getting the deflating feeling in this city. It goes one way or the other. We're going to be so excited about the Phillies

or are going to be so disappointed. It's really one of it. Even if it's Karatini and Boba Shett. Yeah. It doesn't matter. Even anyone, if it's pregnant and not Pichette, like the point is like they need something. Something.

Something. And since you already committed to, like, it's either, it's either he's just got to push it in. I feel like they're going to, they're going to, they're going to half acid instead of whole assing. Yeah, I agree. And it's going to be Schwerber's back, JT's back.

Dolos Garcia, let's go. There it is. There's the 90 plus wins and whatever. Look, I, we know baseball. I do think the Dodgers should be the favorite are the favorite. But we know that, you know, you, the Phillies, I think, are as they're built now, a playoff team. And if you get in a dance, you get a shot, especially with their pitching and all that stuff.

But, man, from a fan perspective, if they, like, because that is running it back. Like, Adoles Garcia and Justin Crawford in the outfield or whatever. Like, that's Randall Gritchick. And wait, wait until Bones didn't clean up again. That's what I mean. Wait until Bones didn't clean up again.

I, I, like, that is going to be bad for the fan base. Like, it's going to, there will not be a more disappointing offseason that could have happened than that. Like, I mean, like, Ria might quit the Phillies on the show. I mean, like, she, like, there are going to be a lot of fans like that or, like, you can't do this. this is not okay and that would suck

because they will still be a good baseball team. I know. I know. I don't like this. I don't like it at all. I don't want to fun on our podcast. I just want fun. I want fun.

Sports are supposed to be fun. It's the whole thing. 35 year old catchers. Not the most fun. Not fun. And GT's just not fun anyway. Like it. Good player,

Wall of Fame. Yeah. Really nice career. I think he could make a Hall of Fame case. If you, if you look at war, catching war, he's like,

he's in there he's one of those guys who get some votes but i don't think he's i don't think he's quite there but i get your point like he's he was the best catcher baseball for a few years like there's a case you can make i don't think he's all famer but i get your point i don't think he's a hall of famer either i mean it's him or sails way more of all famer than him yeah just is the number's better so i want a world series like i know j t want to penn it take that take that take that no um i just 18 100 people forget

yes that one two pennants yeah there you go who could forget it to the royals going to back to back world series I know really wild anything at it royals Mets was a world series we saw it happen

I know I know I know and that's fans act like they were they've been horrible since I know I know right okay he had the 50 whatever so I mean if you think about since 1986

the Mets of me as many world series we have yeah no one less I'm sorry we've been to oh no we've been the three we've been a two so one less but the point is it's not like that massive difference you know we've been a four 93 oh no oh I forgot oh that's a bad job that you're right tiger you go

that's why you're here yeah that's why you're here to talk about the one that I was alive for yeah I know I know so let's talk about Bichette yes yeah and and I want you to talk about Bichette but also like how real do you think it is because for those who didn't see it I'm sure most did but John Heyman putting out there that the Phillies are interested connected, whatever. And we know the Mattingley connection, all that. Sure. The Bobachette thing. By the way. Johnny, I used to, I used to, now in my, my, my, answering into my mid-30s as a 31, you're going on 32-year-old. That's not the way it works. Not at all. Yeah. The, the, the teams are interested in

tweets now drive me up a wall. Thank you. Yes. No way. They're all nonsense. No way. They're interested. Guess what? They're also probably injured in Augs Breggman. You know, should I tweet they're interested in Alex Breggman? Yeah, I do. Not bad. Not bad. So, so, first off, I do think that they're in on both Bichette or Bregman. I think it's like for real. You think it's real. I think, well, I guess I more want to believe that.

Because I, in my heart of heart, I think it's just going to be JT. Yeah. I do think that they are monitoring the situation, kind of situation. Yeah. Now, here's my thing on pregnant real quick. Because there's a lot of doomsday people over the weekend when it came out that apparently

the Red Sox have offered him six years 150 or something like that. If that's true, why hasn't he signed that? Yeah, there's no way. Why has he signed it? We would have signed that in a second. Of course. So we'll see with the Red So maybe it's out there, maybe it's not, maybe they leaked it to try to get more money

from elsewhere and it'll end up just going back to the Red Sox it's something around that number. But I would think that he would jump at that. I don't think he's getting a six-year deal. Yeah, maybe it's like a three-year deal of escalators. Yeah, I think it's going to be something similar to what he just signed in Boston last off-seat, you know, when he was looking for that six, seven-year deal, whatever, he ended up saying, what was like a three with an opt-out in the first year?

I think that's going to be something like that. Yeah. So, I, again, the only way that it is real is if they are fully ready to move on from JT and move on from Bonn because it's the only way it's going to work. Yeah, they need a spot to put the player they bring in. player, but also you knew the money. So you can free up 11.5 million with bone. You don't have to commit 15 to 17 a year to JT. And maybe something will eat like five million of Castianos. And there it is. Yeah. There's your, it's just there's a lot of moving parts that have to happen.

So I think that and it keeps, it keeps being written by a lot of people that the only way that they're interested in it is if the market craters, which the markets aren't going to create. I just, but I think they're in it regardless because I also don't, I think the market. Yeah, I think the market is, I agree with you. I don't, I don't think the market's going to create it, but I also don't think the market is high. Like, I don't think the market is starting high. No, and I, and the Phillies, so I guess what they, that could mean is they're not going to go above and beyond pay whatever it takes to get one of these guys. They're not getting a bidding war for one of them. Correct. Correct. So, I don't think it's something to just,

completely poo-poo the Bichet or a Bregman thing because I do think that I think that there maybe there's finally been a moment down at CBP where they were like, hold on,

we could do this probably definitely get a more impact bat or we could just resign JT. What should we do? And then it's the obvious choice is to go get one of the impact bats out there. So I think I think I'll play Bichette at second.

and I put Stott at third, just because Stott can play third. I mean, 2022, he opened the season as a third baseman. I hope I could forget. All of us did. All of us forgot. So, he can play third, and I know he's great at second, but I just, I guess I would trust his ability to be also really good at third rather than Bichette, who also was not a good defensive shortstop to go play third.

And I kind of think third is a more important defense positions because you're protecting the lines. I think it's more personally. I mean, you got to be able to turn double play well and lots of in the middle. But I think third is more important. Yeah. So I think I'll play the shit at second. I just, I'm guarding.

I'm trying to, I'm trying to not to let yourself go all in. And I get it. Because like, look, as we sit here today on January 6th, whatever it is, like I would bet that JT's back and they don't sign one of these guys. That would be like if I were betting my house on it or whatever.

Would you bet on bones hitting clean up? Yeah. I would. Again, I would bet on it being looking very similar last year. But I just. I'm just so hopeful. Grab me a pen.

We have seen like the cat, you mentioned Cassiano's like that was, that was a situation where like they weren't going to sign him, right? Like that was like, oh, we're not in on this. And then all of a sudden the market got to him. And they're all right, well,

let's take advantage of this. Like they will do those things and, you know, but that's not going to, but that's just not going to happen with the shed. No, I think this is more of a moving off JT idea, the idea of being like,

you know, we need to move off this thing that we were like locked in on and move to something else. I think that's possible that it could happen. I just, again, I think JT at the end of the day

if they're like like we'll move on whatever I think it's screw it I mean like I mean like because I don't I don't know where JT's like what's his leverage

where's he going is he going to play for the pirates like I just don't know who's signing JT yeah yeah I the Red Sox have been rumor some will sign him I just don't see like

this big like bidding war for here's here's the message I think this is the message that we need to get through down at the at CBP yep you guys have an opportunity

to choose two paths. One path really excites the fan base, puts you in a better spot to win a World Series, gives you a possibility to get younger, and also a real impact bat, or you can deal with miserable Philadelphia. I mean, I've already been annoyed by how miserable people are, but I do get it. You know, we've reached that point with the Phillies, kind of where we were were with the Sixers, where it was... Good thing you weren't here for Go Birds, because Elliot's back on his Sixers over Phillies thing and all that.

Okay. Yeah, no, you just would have annoyed the hell out of years. Well, his existence, pretty much annoys the hell out of it. He's like, well, the Phillies are bad play after him. Like, the Sixers are the worst, but what are you talking about? I know. We don't need this. I know on this podcast.

You're right. You're right. You're on this podcast. I'm sorry. Positive. Still worked up over it. I can tell. Yeah.

It was annoying. It was annoying. Yeah. I don't like Elliot talking about the Phillies. I don't like many people talking about. I know. I know. And that's not the gatekeep. No, that's just you. I know. It just irks you. It does. It does. It does. It does. It's not even the, it's not. It's people here. Yeah, no, I know. I know. It's professionals more than fans. You're fine with fans talking. Like, whatever you want to do. Yeah. I get it. Yeah. Just a fan. But I don't like it. Well, I can even like, I can even like, I can even talk about it. Like, I'm, I'm not great to talk about the Phillies on on the air as like there. If I was leading the discussion, I think I'm back. I thought but I just because then they all get worked at

and then they start being like well Harper and I'm like no no interest yeah I'm out not looking to get into this you know what I do I just I just start saying

they're the best aren't I love them that's great I just love them yeah what do you want me to do what do you want me to do diffuses it

yeah like go get so mad yeah I know I know people really do get mad I know I know

what's good y'all is Vaughn Miller Super Bowl MVP, Sagmaster, and now your host of Free Range. This is where NFL meets Real Talk. Every week, I'm bringing you inside the game from locker room stories to league-wide headlines. You want football IQ locker room insight and real conversations with the people shaping the league. Welcome to Free Range with Von Miller, where nothing is off limits and every down counts. New episodes every Wednesday.

Listen and follow Free Range with me, Von Miller, wherever you get your podcast. Say what? you want to see them get mad re-sign J-T dude seriously though like I I they have two paths

they've two pass do the fun thing or do the boring thing the fun thing also helps you win I know and I do look 38 million

going out of the books next year and also like 48th count of dollars and also you know what like you're in man like your pot committed to this group this team whatever like money wise

like just freaking go for it like you know if you have to spend a few more million I think like it's Stan middleman it's probably word there Yeah, we're the other owner. Yeah, Millman.

Some, some money out. I don't know. I just, I'm trying to protect them against doing the thing. Yeah. That everyone will be annoyed out versus just, just really, like really changing the chemistry here. I mean, really changing it. It's fine. Because they need it to.

Like, we can all, like the fans, the fans are wrong about a lot of things and they're right about a lot of things. In this case, the fans are right. Like, I think the fans go too far with it and they can never get in the playoffs. And this and that. But the fans are right. They can't roll this back. Like, it can't be the same thing. It's not good enough.

Well, and I need the Phillies. I feel like they just sometimes don't trust themselves to try something new. Like, they're so worried about, well, we have something good. We have something good. We can't possibly. Like, you have to. Like, there's no, our football coach here. Yeah.

I actually like, so I like all of his real life things more than I. What do you mean? Like, is like, the way he talks and stuff? I love the sometimes you, sometimes me, always us thing. Yeah, it's great. I think that's actually a pretty good way to build a household. Yeah. You know?

I've laid that on Jill like three times. That's really good. You know? You know? To build the household. I do. I like his like building a found. Yeah.

He's a foundation guy. And he's a teacher and I like the way that he talks about like his kids. And like I don't care how you play as much you compete. Hell yeah. You know what I mean? Like I like that a lot. I'm sorry to do wheelbarrels with walk. You know, that's very good.

He's up like 10. shoulders are getting little jacks that's what's all about yeah it's anyway anyway anyway I even forget where I was going with Siriani but you too I don't think you like it yeah it was talks about you know like growth mindset yeah and who could forget the Fritz's growth mindset phase yeah I grew enough and I'm good I did it I did it I grew I grew I'm here to plits out I'll go a little bit but and how we always says I mean like this isn't how we have some quote you gotta be like uncomfortable or something like that you like you like you have to be able to take risk yeah and i feel like the phillies don't take risks i agree with you they take

they're safe there's a safe they've always been a safe organization and if there's ever a time to to to be a little risky it's now like i know the philly they need to be a more efficient franchise like they're running out a 300 million dollar payroll and they're yeah they're not a lot of bloated contracts no no they got to get smarter about that stuff but you got to get You got to take a risk and step out of your comfort zone a little bit because if you if you just do the same thing, then it's probably not going to work and it's going to turn the fan base into you just care about filling the stadium rather than really winning it. Which will ultimately not fill the stadium down the road. Like, you know, like that's my point. Eventually, like if you keep doing the same thing, people will stop showing up for it.

And I don't think that's happening yet. but I totally agree with you. I think it's... Fortune favors the bold. You're right. It's an aphorism. That's a good one right there. That's like two minutes to remind my...

You couldn't remember. I couldn't remember. I was like that, I don't want to say, yeah, it's good. Then we figured it out. Then we figured it out. Like, you've got multiple things

going outside your brain. It's like me and my brain figured it out. I'm like Schmeagle. It's like there's like there's no one else involved in the weed there. Does anyone understand Schmeagle on this podcast? Is that Schmeagle? Are we talking like a... Gollum action?

Yeah, sure. I mean, Lord of the Rings, pretty deal. You see there's a new one coming? So is it like a TV show? No, they're making a movie. Elijah Wood and Ian McKellon are going to make out. It's like the Frodo Gallum. It's like for looking for Gallum or something like that.

Is Peter Jackson directing? I don't know. I'm not sure, but that's an important question. That is an important question because he was the goat in 2003. He was. Look at you. Of all the things that you're new, you being into Lord of the Rings is the thing that surprises me the most.

I know. It sucks. I love it. It does not. It does not. It would never read the books. Yeah, of course. as we know.

You could just say any books, except you're up. You know, I don't even know if you read yours. Yeah. Ring the bell. I glanced at it

every once in a while. Ring the bellbook. com. That's right. Yeah. I don't know if Peter Jackson's directing it, but if he does, then it's got a chance.

I just, I would never, you know, you, you just would never guess you be a Lord of the Rings guy. Like, I wouldn't,

any fantasy, it's just you're, you're a feet in the real world kind of guy. I did like Game of Thrones, too. Yeah. I'm a sword guy. I like sword fighting.

like swords and stuff. Swords and arrows. You're a dude. We like swords. What are we supposed to do? That's right. So that's the Phillies. Like they have two paths.

Sorry. So that's the Phil's right there. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, they have two paths. And I really hope that they just choose the fun one. Choose the fun one. Choose the fun one. Choose the fun one.

I'd be so happy. It would be, it would be so excited for the season. Everything would be so joyous and exciting. and I just I don't want to see JT anyway I didn't even that I don't want to see like booming right I'm like I'm like tired of it I'm tired of this group like I am bored very tired I guess I got especially like 162s lot games yeah I know a lot of time to spend with someone I know and all the double plays uh yeah very ready yeah very ready please seriously for all of us uh all right let's get to Bryce because but we haven't talked about

I know dude I'm exciting my first favorite thing that's having this off season. I love the Don Mattingly higher, which we'll get to in a second. I love the, the, you know, upside of Adolus and seeing him flip the bat and whatever. What about Brad Gellon? Of course. Thank you. My favorite thing that has happened in this off season is Bryce wearing the not lead chair. I think it's so awesome. I like, that's exactly what I want from the dude. That's what I want. Yeah, get pissed off. Get angry. Like, Debrowski a genius? Did he get what he wanted all along with this? I don't know. I don't know. But I freaking love it.

I'm so excited for Bryce over. I am too. I am too. I don't like, I like that he's taking it personally. I don't think he's going to use it in a negative way. I really don't. I don't think he's going to say at the end of the year.

It's either me or Debrowski, you know, because it's that bad or whatever. But I like that. I like that he feels now, on one hand, it's probably like, I don't think I needed to be challenged.

I'm a pretty motivated guy, you know, but if there was a little but it did something he wore the shirt like it's in arguable he wants everyone to wear the shirt and you're telling me that we haven't already had visions of everyone wearing elite shirts at the end of the season after he finishes

5 in MVP plus 3,300 by the way I mean it could turn into a great bit plus 300 with the odds that I got it at when he won MVP last time do you think I mean it could be 5 to win 165 my best bet ever nice yeah I mean not really

I don't bet a lot of money, but I was thrilled to win. But you could already see the, it'd be the title of next year's video yearbook, you know? Oh, of course it would be. I love that you just always think of video yearbook terms. We're all waiting for it. Where is it? Where's the video yearbook? Usually.

Usually. It hasn't come out yet. No. Oh my God. You don't think I would have texted? I've assumed, yes. I thought it should have been out by now. I would have thought so.

I would have thought so. What are they hiding? Certainly not you because you're never in. No, God forbid. God forbid. Make a guy's life. Yeah, yeah,

yeah. Let's just like you throw like a snippet of like five seconds of jack talking and it would make his life. But, you know, no, they would choose your yo for anything that I, that would be the real.

Nothing to do with anything. Just out of nowhere, yo and then no context. Yeah, yeah, just, you know, fans are excited about us.

Yeah. And then, you know, that's exactly what would happen. There's really good. There's, and now they're doing it on purpose. Now they're doing it on purpose.

I think it's becoming a bit. I don't, disagree. They're all laughing. I hope so. One citizen's bank park way. They're all just like, there he is that freaking idiot. He wants us so bad. I know. I know. I've been more Eagles side videos.

It is funny. So I was on this the Sequin signing. You forget, I was pretty excited about that one. I figured you met like when they put out all the people who hate on the Eagles and the us against the world. They still can't find out your voice in there. You still can't find those. Very positive.

Oh, you're a positive guy. so yeah where is the video yearbook and what are they hiding is a good discussion to have i agree maybe they won't put one out this year they want a couple of years stuff putting one out i mean look if there were you know i don't think anyone needs the irion kirkering breakdown in the video yearbook and the game ended i wonder if they show it the fillies lost nothing else happened they show that you're down home run i mean they have to show it if you're going to do it you got to show it like i don't know if they show it i think they show it i think they show, I think in my, if I had to, if I was editing it,

it's just going to be Kirkering walking off the field. That's not bad. They're not going to show the actual highlight of it. I'll be, I feel like they got to show that. That's a coward. Don't be cowards. Well, that's what we do.

You got to show that. No, no, no. Tucker, they got to show that. Do you remember how much of a, I don't think they're going to do one. A yearbook is usually released like, that's what I'm saying. It should have come out by now.

That's what I'm saying. I mean, it's like the 2015 Phillies got a yearbook. How often do they not do them? How often do it? So I don't think, I don't think there's a 2016 year book. I don't think there is. They've done every year since 2001. Okay, so there should be one.

No, but I can't. Okay, hold on. But I can't find the 13 through 15. Okay. But if they've done one for the last decade. One of them's called drilling pains. I know that. If they've done one for the last decade plus straight or whatever.

And it has since 97. Why would you think that they wouldn't do in this year? Just because it didn't come out on time. Is it just because it hasn't come out yet is what makes you think that? Do you have like some? Yeah, I just feel like it's kind of late in the cycle. I know, I know. We're all monitoring.

We are, yeah, apparently. No one's monitoring more than this room right here. Yeah, and neighbor down. Well, obviously in neighbor down. The 2013 is called Game of Adjustments. Okay. Oh, good one. Is there a 14 one?

Did they break down the AJ Burnett, Aaron Harang, Phillies? They might have. Dude, I was so excited about AJ Burnett. Barry Brug's back moving. Agent Burnett was a problem. It was. For the Yankees in 2009. Yeah, it was a real problem.

And then you remember we went back to the pirates and was sick again? I do. He's horrible here. Yeah. And he went back. He was awesome. Do you remember Michael Young was a Philly? Of course I remember.

How could I forget Michael Young a few weeks? Michael Young was going to be it. Michael Young was the guy. He's the guy's number retired in Texas. Yeah. It's unbelievable. He was great. You were talking about Whitmerfield.

No, yeah. He was like, Mike McBrill and steroids. Yeah. Yeah. So good times. I don't know if he was littered on steroids.

I forgot we're talking about baseball here. I'm just saying it. you know just thank you for clearing that up you never know all right don't madingley oh wait hold on the brys elite not elite shirt oh you still got more i don't know i i just i don't think he's using it negatively i think he's using it as positive motivation i'm very excited we did not talk about this either i didn't i didn't even call you talk about bryce and world baseball classic no you didn't so okay i'm happy you didn't call me because i might have submarine your excitement are we sure we want bryce playing in the world baseball classic sure

aren't okay sure i'm happy on the same because i don't love brice playing the i understand the negatives i understand that it's another price marketing tool i understand i understand all that but also no i'm at like yeah be fun to watch it it's fun and sports are supposed to be fun but like wait till he goes off mr mr you know if i got a nick here i've got this issue i'm out for a week i got this probably could you you know just i don't know worry about the baseball season that matters well and wait till it goes off and then does you know yeah it's Tray Turner. Well, last time. Yeah, Captain America. Remember that?

You're Captain America, Tray Turner? I do. That was a really fun thing. I do. So whatever is going to be the most painful way for it to go. It's probably going to happen, which means he's going to go off. And then they're not going to win the postseason. And people are going to say, oh, but you could do it for the World Baseball Classic, but he couldn't do it in October. So that's my official prediction. It's a good one.

Is that they're going to win at all. And he's going to be great. And then he's not going to do much for the Phillies. And then people say, well, you may, you know, just like with him beat in the Olympics. just like it made in the Olympics. But I can't wait. And it made it even funnier that Pete Alonzo was on foul territory, like the day before Bryce announced it. And he was like, it'd be cool, Dero, like I'll play.

Call me. Oh no. Oh, no. Still waiting. Still waiting. No way. Didn't he really? I haven't gotten a call yet.

We'd love to play. And then Bryce said, I'm here. So I like that. Okay. That's a good part. That's a good spin. I feel like I'm not going to hate Pete Alonzo as much that is. Yeah, he's bald around care anymore.

Go do your thing, Pete. Yeah, and I'm wrong. He's authentic. He's genuine. I love him. He would love him as a Phil. You know, he has himself.

He just does his own thing and I respect that. Yeah. He's comfortable on his own skin. Exactly. You got respect. Yeah, he doesn't mind being a nerd. He's fine with it. So Don Mattingly.

Yes, Donnie, talk about great for his basement. Well, I think he was actually, I think he's mostly brought in for Brice. Oh, I know. That makes, they don't have anyone else. I mean, Topper talked about that. Like I said, it was stars, not just surprised, but they don't have anyone else on the staff who can kind of understand those type of being a super.

I mean, Don Manningly was the most famous athlete in New York. He was, I mean, ahead of Ewing? But him and you, I mean, he won the MVP in New York. Like, he was in the, I mean, he's one of the best players of the 80s.

Like, he's on the short list of best players in the 1980s. He was an awesome player. Yeah, I think in the mid-80s, well, Ewing didn't get there until 8586. I think a little bit before. I mean, 85, I think was one manning. the one the moment to be. And you would understand this because you're born. I'm so

old. Born and bred in New York. Yes. Yes. Some say still proof of the team. Yes. Yes. That deep deep routine. Yes. Love. Yeah, you do. Yes. You do. But yes. Donnie baseball. Donnie baseball. You can play. Do good play. But I do

think he's going to be a good sounding board for for, you know, Bryce and these older play. Because it really, because Thompson said that yesterday. Like, they don't have that guy on the staff. They have a god of, you know, good coaches but not someone who understands what the that spotlight is like so um i think i think most of it had to do with like bryce and and and and just being there well i think part of it i think they i think they're bringing in someone who is a manager i think they wanted someone who had managing

experience i think that was part of it and i think like they're you know i think they want to uh i'm not saying it's like someone i'm waiting i don't think they're thinking like oh we're going to fire top or and we want someone there ready but i do think they wanted someone there who could theoretically take over the team if they had to. If they had to. You know, he really didn't seem interested in that. No, not at all.

Yeah. Ever again yesterday in listening to him. Now that can change. And he also doesn't want to come into a situation where there's been consternation with the manager and be like, oh, it loves to manage again someday. You know,

it's not what you. I do think the interesting thing, we had a really interesting point that is interesting. And I hadn't thought about that. Do you have any concerns with the fact that players, because there is a front office player type thing, any concerns with the Preston being in the front office and players being worried about like

confiding in Don if they don't want to read. I thought that was, I hadn't thought about that. That was an interesting point for me. Well, yeah, he talks about that yesterday, about how he knows that he has to earn it,

to have the built relationships with the guys and like let them understand that I'm not going to go run to Preston with every little thing that happens. So I think it's a thing. And I think players will probably have their guard up at the beginning, as long as he's,

but he also seems like a very... He seems like a player's guy. And he's also got a lot of experience. There are a lot of players in the league that these guys can talk to about how he goes about his business and all the type of stuff. Yeah. He's done it for a while.

And he's been a manager. He's been a bench coach. He's done all these things. Yes. So not super worried about it, but I think that it's going to take, I think a little bit for the players to be like, all right, you're our guy.

I think it's a home run hire. Yeah, for, you know, well, it's exactly what you were. Well, I was a little, I thought, they could have gone one of two ways someone like Don Mattingly or a young up-and-coming guy.

You know, that, like a David Ross type. Yeah, that was a manager before, but, you know, so he doesn't scream manager and waiting. It's more like if things are a disaster, he could do it, but I thought they might go more, more, you know, but they they, it seems like they really believe in Rob Thompson. Yeah. As an organization.

Yeah. And they've, they're choosing. They gave another year. They, you know, they've, and they're choosing him over Cassiano's him over a player yeah which in baseball it feels like rarely they choose true i mean that Cassiano is a particularly bad player for them so and also it seems like a real you know bit of a headache to have in your in your building and all that totally totally but you're you're right normally the talent will win out i just don't know if there's enough talent there's not there's not i do think they're in on top of that i don't think madingley was brought in as like the manager and waiting i think it's just that he has that experience was a was a

something they wanted in that role. But look, I think it's a great hire. I really do. I think Don Manning is a great baseball guy. I love that they put out a graphic for it yesterday. Yeah. You know,

the biggest acquisition. So that was part of Elliot's whole take was he's like, the Phillies are going to sell mattingly as like not running it back. And that's what I'm saying. I'm like, that's nonsense. It's a coach. Like,

they would stop. Just because you live on social media. It doesn't make it the real world. So I think it's a great hire. I'm really happy with mine there. all right we got the bag so this is a very like me thing to what else do we do be worried about yeah but what's the deal with the Zach pop signing okay is a very you thing to be worried about yeah they gave him a 40 man spot yeah it was a weird one they're

at third he had he he he hasn't been good in three so he's actually one the guys I'm most interested in now it's a split contract so I think he's it's 700 thousand of you is on the big league roster and then 250s 250 visiting the minor leagues that's something like that's about the 40 man spot of course about the 40 man spot now he's cuttable like if they needed to create a spot for for for someone to be on there did he not have option i mean i mean what's the couple guys that are out of options yeah he's out of options well i just don't understand what like why did they have to give him the contract couldn't they have just i could what's the market for zach that's what i'm wondering that's what i'm wondering that he's not he

Did he have like a showcase and he pitched really well or something? That's what I can't figure out. I'm really curious to see if they can turn Zach. He's actually the guy on the roster. I'm most interested in. It's a great name. Is Zach Pop. Zach Pop.

Zach Pop was awesome. I love it. So I don't know. Tell the listeners about it. So I don't think anyone knows who Zach Pop was before and what he is now. Well, actually, I think, yeah, I think he was a Marlin when Don Mattingly was there. Oh, the Maddenly connection. He was a, he was a Blue Jay.

But so Zach Pop at his best is like. like a 97 mile an hour heavy heavy sinker guy that I like he would always pitch against the Phillies in spring training because they play the Blue Jays in spring training and I always always I would say like in 23 that he's in I don't know how you hit him because it's such a heavy sinker it's like a it's like Brad

Boxburger or or or or maybe not Steve Seashack but a little bit like Steve Seashack but I thought it used to be impossible to hit and he's just been dreadful stuff like a little bit flatter. I don't know how he did not get a like they say sign in the minor league roster. Bryce Wilson got a minor league.

That's what I mean. Like Bryce Wilson's been better since then Zach Bob. That's what's weird. More recently. So again, maybe they saw something. Maybe he's getting healthy. I'm guessing they saw something.

I don't think. I don't think you'd like it's throwing money away. It's a 40 man spot. Yeah. It's not you're at 38. No, I was surprised they use a 40 man spot. It's great.

never heard of him, so. You never heard of him? No, he's a spring training legend. He was good. He was really good in 23. Okay. I had never heard of him when they brought him. And Bryce Wilson was good in 24.

Bryce Wilson was all right, yeah. Heavy fastball. Former brave. Former brave. So him and Luke Jackson, I was felt like with it. I like Luke Jackson. He had a good year last year. He was like an older guy though, right?

Wasn't he like when he was successful? Yeah. I mean, he figured it out the last couple years. He was like, it's like mid to late 30s. No, he's like 31 or like 31 or two? 301 like Sean Newcomb who was also a great great. It had a great year last year as well. All this guys

have figured it out. So I really am intrigued by Zach Pop. Okay. If they found something, will he pop? He's great. If they didn't, what was the point? We'd love to know the bidding war on Zach Pop. I mean, my guess is there was probably another team that offered him a 40 man spot and that's the only thing I could think of.

You know what I mean? Like that he had two teams, one of them off. And he was like, I want to go to you guys we got to offer me a 40 man i mean it's only thing i think of i don't know why it's so weird it's a favor for an agent i don't know but it feels like it's something weird like it doesn't be like there's a or they they're like we two teams or three teams saw something in this guy and there was a war bidding war for Zach pop we want it we want it let's go win a bidding war for for another blue jacket yes yes Zach pop a 40 man spot holy gal that was a very you little three four minutes or not really interested yeah i know he's probably the guy I'm most

interested in the roster. You are the only one. That is Jack Pop's family, maybe. I don't know. I can't wait for spring training. I know. You see what Zach Bob looks like. We know.

What if he's back? No one loves spring trading more. I know. I know. And the boys are starting to go to bed a little earlier now. Oh, buddy. I'll be able to go back home and rewatch it. I do hate the WBC spring training part of it.

The WC is everything, but I hate like it kind of does ruin spring training all of it. But it does open the opportunities for a bunch of random guys. Oh, so you left. I should have known. more names for you to add the ad list, yeah. And yeah, we're going down before.

Yeah, we're going like late like in February. Yeah, yeah, yeah, looking forward to it. Can't wait. Oh, I can't wait. Clearwater is the best place on Earth. I know. You just went for the first time two years ago. I know.

Now I'm like a veteran. Emily and Zoe you're coming. We got a family thing. It's going to be amazing. They went last time. It was the best time ever. We had like a lovely weekend in Clearwater. It was awesome.

A fun time. That would mean, when should Walker's first trip to Clearwater to be. So Zoe was six. Yeah. So three years. I can't wait.

It's going to be glorious. All right. All right. That was a small bag. Well, most of what we already covered. Yeah, we do.

Oh, Randall Gritchick, they're interested in, which is weird. It's fine. I like Gritchick. I mean, for what he is.

He was horrible last year. Was he? If they left in pitching. He wasn't even good. I would rather, I would rather just roll thought okay. Yeah. But I know,

I liked Gritching in the bass. I have no idea we did last year, but if, if, If they give him, like, if they happen to sign him and give him six million and Rob Reff Snyder is a mariner for six and a half million, I will be beside myself. Robbie Reff was right there, was right there. Yeah, he was. I mean, Robbie Ruff for $10.

Like, I don't know, Jim. Am I doing Robbie Rapp on that one? No. No, my dog is younger. It has some pop more, more potential. I'm in. I'm in. I love Adela.

You know, we're hanging out with our buddy BLG and I'm showing. one of my highlights of Adoles in the playoffs. I'm excited. He's also like, I don't love the Kepler comparisons because Kepler was never really good. Kepler never had anything like what Adolus did in 2020. I mean, Adoles has had a couple 30 home run seasons.

Yeah. And he had eight homers and 15 playoff games. Like the dude was a superstar in the playoffs. I know. I know. Let's go. I know. Let's go.

That's your cleanup better. That's right. I mean, if he's going to homer every other playoff game, like that, that works for me. Bunking at fifth. bump fifth for the pirates royals he should really be a pirate he should be in a market like

pittsburgh there is no question he is a pirate a royal or whatever somewhere where they just don't care that's not fair the royals fans care yeah pirates just just know this pittsburgh you're starting their basement right now is jared triolo who just trade for bone give us dennis santana i don't care honestly i don't i don't really need anything back just take him sure do the Kerry Leidenberg, a bag of baseball. All right. We'll be back next week. Jack will freak out if we're not.

So don't worry, we will be there. Every week. Yeah, that's right. As the Eagles plow towards the Super Bowl. Yeah. As long as you don't, you know, missed time a jump through a table. Yes. Thank you.

Yes. I didn't miss time. Well, I guess I missed the pod last week. But I was going to not do the pod last week anyway. It was just the table was a nice excuse to get out of it. I was always going to just say, now I need a week off. Yeah. Yeah.

All right. We'll see. Yeah. Yeah, we'll see. Okay. Okay. I can't wait. Maybe I'll jump through a table next week to get out of the pub.

We'll mind now. Nice. Now, all right. We'll be back next week. Or, or maybe if they freaking do something, we'll be back immediately. How about that?

Until that, please rest themselves.