High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - Was That Good Enough For You, Schwarbabies?

Episode Date: July 17, 2023

Jack Fritz and James Seltzer react to the Phillies taking three games over the Padres this weekend. 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

All-star closer, Kenley Jansen, we have a question. What's the best podcast of all time? Baseball Isn't Boring, baby. I'm Rob Bradford, and every single day I'm sitting down with the biggest names to show you this great game is the greatest game. It's my podcast. It's my passion. It's a cause I started more than two years ago and is now the most prolific national daily baseball pod there is.

Another fact, so jump aboard the B.I.B. Express. Follow and listen to Baseball Isn't Boring, presented by Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. Yo! It is another edition of the High Hopes Podcast. Jack, what a difference a year makes. Last year, coming out of the All-Star break, get swept at home by the Chicago Cubs.

And on Friday night, I'm like, here we go again. Here we go. They looked exactly like the team that came out of the All-Star break last year. It's like, oh, come on, guys. And then they start Saturday. It feels that way again. And then all of a sudden, the comeback hits, baby. Never out of a game.

Three straight come-from-bind wins. Just a really thrilling weekend of baseball, Jack. The last two days were two of the most fun days of baseball we've had all season long. Thrilling games, fun wins, big hits, extra innings. We finally got to see Harper and Hayter. Should have happened last year. Thank you, Bob Melvin. Harper won. Harper won as he would have won last year. That moment

was his no matter what. Just like, burying the Padres. Like, this is good, man. We got a real team right now. They're better than they were last year. This is exciting. They are better than they were last year. They're better're all better than they were better they're better 100 they're 100 better and um you know what you're starting to see is them remembering how to win yeah and and i think the marlin series was a blip in the radar that felt honestly it felt like the patrick thing happened and they're like okay

all-star break let's go but this is how we felt after the race series. Yeah, no doubt. The race series was the same way where it's like they have that look again. They have that look again. And I just love that they came back in every game to win the last three. Because I think that, dude, Gelb had a stat today that they have blown six saves since May, and they've won every one. That's amazing.

That's amazing. That's amazing. And, like, dude, freaking, I know there's going to be more important things to talk about. Hopefully six since May? Yeah. They've blown six since May, but they've won every game that they've blown, which is hilarious. It's unbelievable. Listen, we'll get into the more important things at the weekend, but I just love that a guy like Jeff Hoffman has that moment,

and, like, he gives them two innings every week. Like, when you get moments, it's not just the star players carrying you. It's not just like... Well, it's Johan Rojas coming up and just having moments all weekend long. Moments, man. It's that kind of stuff. This is...

And having the confidence to go to Jeff Hoffman in that situation. Give us two innings. Even one inning, you're like, all right, that's a win. How about Marte coming in yesterday and just a super important... They could have lost the game there.

The game was about to be over. Marte comes in. boom, stems the tide. Like a lot of that, dude. A lot of that. And what I like is that they're finally starting to impose their will on teams. Like the way they're winning right now is like, sure, the offense is starting to do its thing. The starting pitching this weekend wasn't great.

No. No, actually. But it feels like they're starting to be like, all right, we're going to find a way to win this game. And what makes that exciting is that it felt like early in the season it was like, if they didn't go up big early, they weren't going to win. And if it was a tie game, they would find a way to lose it.

And what they're starting to do right now is they're starting to find ways to win games. And that's what we saw from June on last year, even when Harper got hurt, whatever, is they started to figure out ways to win games. And that's what they're doing right now. And they buried a team that doesn't believe in themselves, which is good.

They didn't let them have... Well, it felt like Friday, and then taking Leon Sarri, it felt like, alright, and then when Machado hit that homer, it's like, okay, so maybe the Padres do have it back. Like, maybe this team has it. And then the Phillies just run away with it. Yeah, and the Padres are a perfect example of like,

you can go get as many stars as you want. Dude, they have so much freaking talent. It is absurd. It's absurd. It's silly. Their bullpen is atrocious. Yeah. But I mean, like, that lineup is stacked.

And they got like high-end talent. Hold on. What about the Phillies lineup, man? Drew Ellis. I know. Johan Rojas. I mean, what the hell? They won two games this weekend.

Started by Drew Ellis, Johan Rojas. Yeah, it's a great, started by Jarrell as Johan Rojas. Yeah, it's a great point. Sosa. Yeah. It was so vintage. Garrett Stubbs started one of them. Dude, I love Stubbs, man. The Stubbs drag bun is my favorite.

It's the best thing ever. It's my favorite thing that the Phillies do. He's great at it. He's a phenomenal drag bunter. It's actually something that if they get into postseason games. It's like a weapon. That thing is a weapon. They can use it. Yeah, a weapon. They can use it.

Yeah, no doubt. They can use that. Like pinch hitting against a tough lefty or something. I mean, he can get the ball where it needs to go. Especially because lefties fall off the opposite side of the mound. You're damn right, buddy. That's what I'm saying. Yeah.

Garrett Stubbs, again, we've talked about this a lot. The guy won the Johnny Bench Award in 2015 for being the top college. So unbelievable. It's so funny how people talk about him. He's just like won the Johnny Bench Award in 2015 for being the top college and it's so funny how people talk about him. He's just like oh, it's so cute. He's a horrible little guy. Dude, he's the best catcher in baseball in 2015. What are we talking about? It is

crazy. But it just they are and being able to come back in three straight it tricks you into thinking okay, we can do this against anyone. And they stepped on a throat all weekend rather than like, okay, let the Padres have life. They swept a doubleheader, Jack! Well, that's not possible.

It's the first time it's happened in my lifetime, I'm sure of that. They've definitely never done it before. It has to be. it before it has to be um and just i i think the i think the the rojas call up like it reminds me a lot of when they would bring up mates on and he had that little bit of like spark and energy yeah and for and i think kyle schwarber talked about this he was like harper did too about how like when veterans are around for a while it's like you kind of not lose the love for the game but you're like ah just another day of playing and then they see a kid come up and be that excited, be that into it. It gives them a little bite.

Yeah, it's infectious. You know what? Baseball's great. Totally. We are, you know, major leaguers and all that stuff. I mean, think about first and foremost. I mean, this is the High Hopes podcast. Like, we watched Johan Rojas play in the major leagues.

I feel like we've talked about him for five freaking years on this podcast. Amazing he's only 21 or 22 or whatever. Yeah, 22. It's hard to believe that he's still that young for how long we've talked about him for five freaking years on this podcast. Amazing he's only 21 or 22 or whatever. Yeah, 22. It's hard to believe that he's still that young for how long we've talked about him on this show. Like, we saw him play, man. He had a great weekend. It was super. Like, he is a phenomenal fielder, man.

Like, that throw. Like, that's one of the better throws we've seen. Like, who's the last Phillies outfielder who made a throw like that? Ah, like Victorino. That's what I mean. Victorino. Dude, that's what I mean. Tyler Goodell to Cameron Rupp, obviously. Who could forget? mean. Dude, that's what I mean. Tyler Goodell to camera, obviously.

Who could forget? But Johan Rojas. Vince Velasquez. Vince Velasquez. Johan Rojas, a couple thoughts. One, if anyone throws him a fastball, they should be fired. I know. Just throw him a bunch of curveballs.

What are you doing here? See what happens. If he hits a home run off a slider like you just tip your cap so like you definitely have some ways to go with the play like 100 uh another thought is like just i need it one time i don't know if it's gonna happen because when he gets healthy we'll see a apache can you imagine just to see what that would look like we have our scene ever all time legitimately it's three center fielders and let me tell you imagine? Just to see what that would look like. It'd be one of the best defensive outfields we've ever seen. Ever. All time. Legitimately. It's three center fielders. And let me tell you something. Now, I don't remember young

I don't remember the young version of this player, so I'm curious to see if you buy it. A lot of Andrew Jones comps. Wow. I mean, look, Andrew Jones is legitimately one of the best defensive center fielders of our lifetime. When he was young, dude, the ground that dude covered was –

I can't go Andrew Jones. It's good. But, like, Rojas is phenomenal out there. Like, he covers a ton of ground. The arm's great. I still think Pache's better. He might be. I think Pache might be better, too.

I think he's better. Yeah. You know, and it's not his – like, it was an insignificant play because of the ninth inning. I mean, he turned the wrong way on the Soto play on Saturday. So, I mean, it was awesome. I think his personality, I think how happy he was to be here, I think that lit a fire under the guys.

Like, you know what? This is cool. Like, let's go out and, like, I don't know, be a little bit excited for the game. Yeah. And I thought that – I actually felt like – now, I know the Pache thing happened and whatever, but I think it was a bit strategic, I know the Pache thing happened and whatever,

but I think it was a bit strategic, too, by Dave Dombrowski. Like, this kid is happy, and he knows the importance of adding in a dynamic like that into a locker room. Yeah, no, I'm with you, man. I think Dombrowski's got a great feel for that type of stuff, and I absolutely believe that. Initially, we had talked about when we first saw it, it was either an injury or it was at a showcase. Then the Pache news

comes out, which is upsetting because we were getting really excited about Pache. They say he'll be back this year. We'll see. A screw taken out of the elbow, but that was a bummer. It was protruding out of his elbow. Can you imagine, dude? Looking down and being like, oh, what? That's not supposed to happen. You probably get that

taken care of, huh? Yeah. Because Pache... It stinks. It feels like... He finally feels like he kind of got something going in his first time in his career, you know? Torm and Iscus

and then this. Yeah. It's like, unlucky season from hell. Yeah. Yeah. I don't know. It's...

I don't think it's showcasing because obviously now he can be done for the year. Yeah. But definitely when it first came up, I was like, maybe just say he played the major leagues and has that play and whatnot.

So I don't know. Yeah, look, again, the ability, if nothing else, in the Pache role, the ability, he's not as good a hitter, which is an absurd thing to say. We're talking about Pache's bat. You're talking about a 320 hitter there. That's a Hall of Famer. That is an important piece to come up because Pache did matter for this team. And look, especially now,

we haven't gotten to it, but apparently Bryce Harper's about to play first base this week. So like all of a sudden, the whole get Schwarber out of left field. Alright, who's playing left field now? They've got a lot of situations here to figure out. I know trades down the road were only wow, it's only like two and a half weeks, three weeks, dude.

Let's go! I was so consumed with draft stuff that I was like, oh, bleep only like two and a half weeks, three weeks, dude. Let's go! I was so consumed with draft stuff that I was like, oh, bleep. Two weeks later from the trade deadline. July's a big month. If your team's in it and you care about your team, you got the draft and the trade deadline in one year. I mean, that's a big month of baseball. It's a big month of baseball.

It's a big month of baseball. Yeah, it's especially for you. Well, I just, and we'll get, obviously. We'll get to the draft. Don't worry. No, no, no, no, no, no. I was not going to bring that up, although I do have all my notes. I know.

Well, I saw your tweet where your tweet for the pod was, we'll talk about the draft and the Phillies taking 3-4-2. Don't worry. I'll get there. A full breakdown of the draft. Can't wait. And obviously, as we get closer to the deadline we'll have like our finalized perfect trade deadline plans we always do but overall like

this is it reminds me so much now oh it was different because you know they didn't make the big splashes but it reminds me of the 09 10 11 deadlines where it's like i think they're gonna go get a dude like i think they're gonna go get some i don't i would be surprised if it's like, I think they're going to go get a dude. I think they're going to go get some... I would be surprised if it's just like Adam Duvall. Right. What they did last year, essentially. Although, I mean, a Duvall Paxton. Well, how long have we been asking for Duvall? It's almost like, just bring us Adam Duvall.

And there's no bigger sucker on planet Earth than me and James Paxton. Oh, yeah. Big Maple. I'll go back to Big Maple. Well, don't throw out Big Maple because you don't know what that is. Because I texted you and you read it at 3.30 in the morning. Yes, I was confused in the moment. All right.

Then I was like, oh, yeah, I remember. Oh, great movie. What are you talking about? I got confused. Then I remembered, oh, yeah, he's Canadian. Big Maple. Got it. Got it.

Going topper and Big Maple together? It's true. Canadian, like. Yeah, maybe they could put out the wildfires. Right, get Joey Votto down here. I'm sure the Reds are selling. Put out the wildfires. Yeah, the Reds are selling.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get Pavetta back, too. Oh! Oh, buddy. Pavetta's the new foals? Oh, God. What? Who said that?

Who said that? I don't know. What idiot? Who said that? Yeah, who said that? Nobody said that. No one said that. No one would say that. He would be the, I Oh, God. What? Who said that? Who said that? I don't know. What idiot? Who said that? Yeah, who said that? Nobody said that. No one said that. No one would say that.

He would be the, I mean, similar. Yeah. Both great. Both great, yes. Speaking of Foles. Clutch. Speaking of Foles, why don't we get to- How?

How are you transitioning this into a Nick Foles point? Because I'm a freaking pro. Let's get to someone who is clutch. Something we need to talk about. Yeah. Because he should be the leadoff hitter for this team. Because all they do is win when this guy is in the leadoff spot. Big

clutch weekend for Schwarber. I mean, the dude had a go-ahead homer, or a tying homer, a go-ahead homer, a walk-off sack fly, take the lead single late in the game. Obviously, we're talking about the three homers over the weekend. Oh, big single. Yeah, and the big single.

And then the sack. It wasn't just that he kind of got the power going. It was like, these were big hits Kyle Schwab had this weekend. Yeah, and he's in those positions because he's batting leadoff. Yeah, good point. He would not have had a three-run home run. He would not have had the, this is because he's batting leadoff. I thought he didn't hit home runs with runners on base.

That's what I was told. All he does is hit pointless solo home runs. No one cares about him. Yeah, you know, it was a tough weekend for the Schwab babies. Oh, I like this. Is this the complainers? Tough weekend for the Schwab babies. Oh, Schwab babies is strong.

Thank you. I'm in. Very in on Schwab babies. And I guess, so there's a couple things. One, obviously, I'm not an idiot. I know the pitching staff has been. I like how you. One, obviously, I'm not an idiot. I know that the pitching staff has been. They say it like, I'm not an idiot. Well, it's just like these people are so annoying that they're like,

the pitching's been great. I know. Yeah, thanks, buddy. We get it. I watch. I get it. I know. I know the pitching's been great.

I get it. I'm just saying that when you were 26 and 11 with the guy batting leadoff, you're not putting someone else there. Like, I'm sorry. It's over. I'm sorry he doesn't steal bases. I love that people bring up the OBP. It's like, okay, he's also fourth in the league in walks or whatever. So, like, yes,

the OBP could be higher. If he was batting 230, his OBP is, what, 360? Yeah, 370, something like that. Like, just relax. The batting average is ovp is what 360 370 something like that just relax the batting average is annoying i get it but when he does like like this weekend is what he can do and it's not lost on me that it was a you know they lose friday night and i feel like he was he was you know like let's let's figure this out yeah like let's figure it out um because he's usually you know, like, let's figure this out. Like, let's figure it out. Because he's usually a laid back, like, we'll get it going.

Don't worry. I saw a different demeanor from them. Like, I thought Friday night they played. Like, I was prepared. Yeah, again, do not handle Phil's loss. I was getting prepared to be like, dude, are they ever going to win games at home this year? Like, is that going to be their thing where they're just tight?

They're just tight at home all year, and they can't get out of their own way, and they're trying to do too much and whatnot. So I thought they looked tight on Friday night. And then I just think that when Schwarber does what Schwarber does, it just causes an exhale effect on everyone else on the team, and they just let him go do his thing. And just, I don't know. I don't know what to tell people.

He's the leadoff hitter. Vibes. Like, it just matters. Like, we saw it last year. Like, this matters. It matters where people are comfortable. It matters that, like, he's the guy who gets them going. You know, we talked about it last year, but that, again,

that comment I think was one of the most impactful things that anyone said last year, the entire season. Dave Dombrowski saying that Kyle Schwarber was the best clubhouse guy he's ever been around in his career. Dave Dombrowski has been around a lot of amazing baseball players. He's won multiple World Series. He's been to other World Series. This guy has been on a ton of winning teams, been a part of a ton of amazing baseball players. He's won multiple World Series. He's been to other World Series. This guy has been on a ton of winning teams,

been a part of a ton of winning teams. He said that dude is the best he's ever seen in it. So I think we've done this in the past, but I'm trying to think. So Dalton, Dalton 97. He had Sean Casey for a lot of years. Who is beloved. I mean, you don't get the nickname, the mayor.

Yankee setting coach now, by the way. Things are going well up in New York. Yeah, I know. Things are going well. Well, the funny thing, funny thing i mean like i was about to say poor yankees that phrase will never come out of my mouth yeah but i mean imagine being in the alleys like what a kick in the junk oh yeah i mean they're five games six games over 500 or something they're in last place yeah i know it's tough now they can't hit but yes no i know but i mean they are like in the in the american league they're like firmly in the wild card j they're like two

games behind the phillies like in the in the american league they're like firmly in the wild card jay they're like two games behind the phillies like in the in the american league they're like you know eight games out or whatever it is tough tough scene um uh and then you go like i mean later they obviously had scherzer verlander whatever um and then with the with the red sox obviously a big poppy um he had mookie with the red sox too who's amazing that he brought in jd mart.D. Martinez. He tried for Steve Pierce at the deadline. Who could forget? World Series MVP Steve Pierce. Who could forget? Yeah, you're right. I wish they could go get Steve Pierce right now. You've brought up wanting Steve Pierce more than...

I didn't even know he's still around. He's not. No, he's not. No, he's not even close to being around. I think that was his last year. He's available. He's 100% available. He's five years removed. But yeah, that is not... That's pretty big praise for a guy who's been a part of so many winning teams. Yes, that is something that I don't take lightly.

Like, that was an impactful thing, and I think we saw it. Like, when Harper went down last year, Schwarber was the dude who saved the season. Like, I don't think he gets enough credit for what he did last year. And Billy Falter. And Billy Falter, the stopper. And Billy Falter. The former stopper.

But yeah, I just think, like, enough already. Like, enough. 26-11, the guy's a leadoff Falter. And Billy Falter, the stopper. And Billy Falter. The former stopper. But yeah, I just think like enough already. Like enough. 26-11, the guy's a leadoff hitter. The guy everyone wants. I mean, like look, Stott's great. And I really do think Stott could be a leadoff hitter. But, you know, Stott can hit anywhere in this lineup. Like he doesn't need to lead off.

Like he is valuable at any spot in this lineup. Schwarber clearly needs to hit off. Needs to lead off. Also, he has 25 homers. I know. Like it's not like he's batting 189 now with 15 homers. He's got like a 320 OBP or something like that. It's not horrendous.

It's not good. Don't get me wrong. But it's not like a disaster considering how low the average is. He's walking and he's hitting home runs. And he's the only guy on the team hitting home runs consistently. And I don't have the numbers. But I feel like he's still... I mean, listen.

It's hard to hit lefties but I feel like he is being a little bit more concerned with trying to put the bat on the baseball and also I think he's just having better at bats against them

in terms of like I feel like he's not flailing at pitches as much he's got a better command of the strike zone against lefties he's getting some good walks and good at bats

I think he's very close I think he's almost 50-50 on home runs versus lefties and righties it might have shifted no because I think he had one close. I think he's almost 50-50 on home runs versus lefties and righties. It might have shifted. No, because I think he had one against lefties. Either way.

It hasn't been like the average of the average. He strikes out more against lefties. But power-wise, it's relatively similar. So that's good to see. Yeah, it's great. Hey, fantasy football owners. The road to winning your fantasy football championship starts now. I'm Matt Harmon from Reception Perception.

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All right, let's get to Harper. Oh, welcome back, King. Finally. Tank shot. Obviously, the big at bat against Hayter. We'll get to the first base thing, but just from watching Harper over the weekend after the All-Star break, like, you back?

Yeah. You feel good? Well, and I think the most important thing that could have happened for this team this weekend obviously schwarber getting going going is important when we talk about vibes and this is not this is not negative bryce but it's i mean they talked they wrote i think one of the writers wrote about this about how like he does have the commanding presence around him where when when things aren't when he's not hitting home runs oh yeah like you can just you can feel it everyone can you feel through the. And even when he's not throwing his helmet into the dugout or whatever, like, freaking out, like, you just feel it.

Like, he's got, like, a grimace on at all times. And I think that, you know, he hits the home run. By the way, before we go any further. Don't catch the ball, Craig. Hey, Craig Campbell. Like, what are you doing? Could we lock in? It's the first thing I thought.

I'm like, what are you doing, man? I'm like, cool. Like, that was cool. What are you doing? You're a veteran. Like, what are you? It's not your first home run ball. Like, what are you doing, man? I'm like, cool. Like, that was cool. What are you doing? You're a veteran. Like, what are you? It's not your first home run ball.

Like, what are you doing, man? I don't know. Grab your glove and catch it if you have to. Whatever. Crazy. Yeah. So, calm down, Craig. Yes. Listen, I'm worried about between throwing 30 pitches in the all-star game

and then catching a ball barehanded. Like, he's on pace for Lidge, right? Yeah. I mean, he could take down Lidge, but I feel like we're teetering here. We're testing our luck. Pulled together. We're testing our luck.

And believe me, I was in a dark place when his first pitch was 92. I was like, oh, Jesus. Like, here we go. I mean, oh, my gosh. Anyway, Harper. So I think that getting that, Jesus. Like, here we go. I mean, oh, my gosh. Anyway, Harper. So I think that getting that weight off his shoulder, and I thought it was really important and cool how they essentially gave him

the silent treatment after he hit it. That was so great. And when you're talking about a superstar and one of the faces of the sport and, like, being able to be humbled and, like, you know. And those guys feeling comfortable enough. Making fun of him in a way. Exactly. Exactly right.

I think that's important. I agree. I love that. That was my favorite thing that happened this weekend was he has the home run, they give him a side of the treatment, and they party with their guy, which I think that's really important.

Calling the bullpen. Exactly. Like, yeah. Really, really important. And you get to see from Bryce, his energy is just way up. It changed completely. He was pacing around the dugout on the first game yesterday,

or on Saturday, no on the first game Saturday where he's like, I need to be in this spot. And then he went up there and he had his fastest run of the first base of the year. I think he was one of the fastest in baseball of the year, I believe. It's gritty. It was really fast. And then obviously it's the home run and then has the big hit yesterday. And you get to see his energy levels being raised.

And I think that when his energy levels being raised and i think that when his energy levels get raised and he's like really into it and being bryce freaking harper that's when this team plays at its best because they could be like all right we got our guy back and that's what we saw for a majority of the postseason last year yeah like when he hit the home run and basically until game through game three of the world series that's what we saw and then again it doesn't get— Listen, the Foles run of 17 was unbelievable. The Iverson run of 01, unbelievable.

Bryce is batting like 450 and having big moments. Yeah, you're right. Hit the biggest homer in the history of the franchise, arguably. Again, we talk about this a lot during the run. It's a great point. It was so rare to see a baseball player— They always say, like, Oh, why can't you put the team on his shoulder? Because that not really how it works like if there's nine batters he bats three times

a game four times a game that's just not how it works it was the most i outside of like the september howards of like 06 and through 08 it was the most i felt a player just like carry a team totally man and and and for it to be the biggest like one of the biggest superstars in the game in that moment like that's special, man. And the fact that he got the opportunity to even come up in that spot, in that situation, with a chance to take the lead and all that, in, you know, a clinching game, in the eighth inning. Like, it was magical. And the fact that that guy could take advantage of those opportunities was, you're absolutely right. Like, that doesn't happen often.

So he's back. He's back. All right. So let's get to the backpack part of it because I am torn about this first base thing. Like, I don't want any extra pressure on the arm than necessary. You know, this is a big injury. I want him to, like, get back.

He came back before anyone expected all that stuff. But, look, I know that they're not going to – it's Bryce Harper and it's the Phillies. They're not going to risk his arm, I don't believe. They would put him in a situation where it was truly dangerous. I'm concerned about it is where I'm at. The one thing I will say to the point you just made, I do think that Bryce Harper, of all players,

just being in the game and being involved in all plays will help him. He's that type of guy who's just like you were just talking about, needs to be invested, wants to be involved in everything happening. At first base, he's going to be involved a lot more than right field, too. So I do like that part of it. Are you at all concerned, though, about, and obviously we know how it helps the team from a defensive perspective. And trade deadline-wise.

Yeah, because it totally opens it up. You're all concerned about it, though. Because I can't help but be a little concerned that Bryce Harper's going to be winging the ball around. Yeah, well, I think we're always going to feel that way. I think until we see it, I think it's fair to feel that way. But at the same time, I don't think they're just taking it. I think if they were being not smart about it,

they would have done it like a month ago. It feels like right away. Just have him come back and do both. No, but he's been back since what? Yeah, two months. Yeah, now. And he's been trying at first base for a while. So they could have just thrown him out there and do both. He's been back since, what, May 7th? Yeah, two months. He's been trying at first base for a while. So they could have just thrown him out there and see how it goes.

I think the fact that they've took in this amount of time to get it done I think is important. The arm thing is always going to be concerning. But I thought that Rob Thompson also said that there's a non-zero chance, essentially, that he could play right field by the end of the year. So they feel that strong about the arm. Which is crazy. It's crazy.

It's something. It's something. I just, the only throw he's really going to have to make is first to second. How many times do you see a runner go first to third? Very rarely. Now sometimes. Cut off. I guess they could change their cut off and just have Stott take more of the right field

line type stuff and all that. Which he has been doing. Yeah, he has. Maybe they've already thought about it and they're setting it up. But he's done it more, I think. But classically, the first baseman's going down the line to make the throw. I know. So maybe they just try and take him out of those situations where he would have to make those far throws.

And obviously infield in. Yeah, throw to home maybe or something like that. I just, I don't think they're I just I don't think they're being I don't think they're just Going to be like Ah your arm's still Partially torn Like go and play first base

Let's see what happens I agree I don't think they're Going to put him I'm more worried about I'm more worried about Like fielding the baseball Than throwing the baseball

Like he's never played before I don't really have any Like consistency But I do think that His background of being A catcher will help Agreed Because he obviously

Has the same kind of scoop So I guess I guess I'm probably Being naive of being a catcher will help. Agreed. Because he obviously has the same kind of scoop. So I guess I'm probably being naive because I haven't seen it with my own eyes yet to where I'm like, eh, let's see how it goes. Because then I start thinking about how the rest of the season goes if he can play first base. And I like that it is June 17th.

July. Whatever. July 17th. They should not have two J months back-to-back, by the way. It's a great take. J-U. I know. June, July. If he's going to play. Whatever. July 17th. Whatever. They should not have two J months back to back, by the way. It's a great take. It throws. J-U. It's a great take.

I know. June, July. I'm with you. It throws the whole thing off. It's outrageous. Yeah. At least put August in the middle. Yeah.

Yeah. We should petition. Yeah. See if we can make this happen. Only the important things. Yeah. So, July 17th. The trade deadline's August 1st.

Which, by the way, totally throws me off. It should be July 31st. Our whole lives. Yes. Now we're like, oh, let's make it August 1st. Why? It's July 31st. What, by the way, totally throws me off. It should be July 31st. Our whole lives in July. Now we're like, oh, let's make it August 1st. Why? It's July 31st. What are you doing now? I know. Anyway. At least he got rid of the... There's two things I'm glad they got rid of. The September-August 31st.

I know. I know. I'm with you. It's awful. It's so funny how... Do you remember how dreadful it was watching the Phillies under Gabe Kapler with the 40-man rosters? Oh, yeah. Like, why was that ever a thing, where it's just like, hey, you can bring up, like, 15 more players here,

and we'll see, and Gabe's like bringing out a pitcher or anything, essentially. It was awful. Anyway, thank you, baseball. But with 14 days until the trade deadline, you need to see if you can do it. Oh, I agree.

You could not wait until a week before. It changes everything. It opens up a whole new... If Bryce Harper can't stay at first base, then you can't trade for an outfielder. I mean, you can't trade for a starting outfielder. You've got to put your resources somewhere else. If Bryce Harper can play first base, you can trade for a left fielder. Do it on a right fielder. It makes everything way easier.

It makes everything way easier if you can play first base because it doesn't have to just be a left fielder. Look at him, a right fielder. It makes everything way easier. It makes everything way easier if you can play first base because it doesn't have to just be a left fielder. You just get Schwarber out of the field. You just get Schwarber out of the field. And you can go get another right hand. They need a right-handed bat that they can use off the bench or start, you know, whatever. That is one of the most important things.

They just don't have that. Yeah, they don't. They don't have that guy. I mean, Drew Ellis, Josh Harrison's hurt. It's all like infielders who are not going to give you a big hit when you need it, most likely. No. And I like Derek Hall, but just not.

He's not it. He's not it. He's fine. He's going to pop some home runs. Also, by the way, like we said the whole time, not that great defensively, is he, guys? No. No, he's not.

Get rid of Hoskins for a face. And guess what? Derek, is he, guys? No. No, he's not. You know, get rid of Hoskins first base. And guess what? Derrick Hall sucks there, too. Sorry. Not great. Not great. So, like, you know, it gets Hall out of the lineup. And if you can go on August 1st, you have Harper at first.

So you have JT at catcher, Harper at first, Stott, Turner, Boehm, blank, and left. Or right. I mean, if they can get somebody who plays right, they can move Cassie to left, which would be better for Cassie. It just depends on who you can trade for. I mean, it's another lefty, but Cody Bellinger is like... He's been great, dude. Cody's been great.

Can play first base if they need it. And he's a really good outfielder. Play center field. Dude, he could be another center fielder if they need it. Let's outfield positions. He can play center field. Dude, he could be another center fielder. If they need it. Let's get all center fielders. I love this. After the last few years, he's going to be a great defensive outfielder. I mean, Bellinger fits everything.

Yeah. If Schwarber wants to go play left for a game. No, Bellinger actually, I didn't think of it from the perspective of being able to have someone who can play outfield and first base is actually really nice. There's no one else. I mean, I don't think there's anyone else that can do it. I mean, like, yeah, off the top of my head no i mean duvall's played some first base in the past hasn't he here and there uh i think he was a third baseman i think so like i'm sure he could theoretically if you need but no no i'm good uh hunter renfro is only an outfielder

right only an outfielder yeah by the way and a badielder. Yeah, by the way. And a bad one at that. No, he's not. Is Hunter Renfro good at it? He's got a hose. That's all I know. Oh, he's got a cannon. He just doesn't cover a ton of ground. Come on, man. I've watched plenty of... He did some freaking tank shots.

He does. Some tank shots. He does it. And we finally trade for an outfielder from the Angels everyone wants. Hunter Renfro. Yeah, exactly. We finally do it. That's the guy we've all talked about forever.

Hunter Renfro. So, like, you know, Bellinger makes sense. I would. By the way, Hunter Renfro. So, you know, Bellinger makes sense. I would, by the way, Hunter Renfro, just from a profile, does make a lot of sense. Of course. You want to talk about a guy you could just comment and face left-handed pitching and absolutely crush it. There you go. And plays right field.

Yeah. But move Cassiano to the left. Cannon. Cannon. Absolutely. So, again, I've now moved past the draft. Yep. Giddy by the trade deadline.

Oh, I'm so excited. Straight up giddy by the trade deadline. Oh, I'm so excited. Straight up giddy by the trade deadline. Welcome aboard. Now we can all be giddy together. Yes, yes. Rather than just being like five people that care about the draft stuff. Yes. But, yeah, just like the Harper first base thing is very, very important.

Yeah. Because now they have two weeks to assess whether or not he can do it. Yeah. And if he can't, then you go get Goldschmidt. How's that? Boom. Set. Done. Nailed it. Or. And if he can't, then you go get Goldschmidt. How's that? Boom. Set. Done.

Or CJ Krohn, whatever. But like, then you have to be in the market for a first baseman. You can't, you could trade for an outfitter, but you can't.

Like you need, now if they got Bellinger and Harper can't play first, or it gives you a buffer though. Well, that's the point. It allows you, yeah.

So if he can, he can slowly work his way into it. Yeah. It's exciting. Yeah. A little maneuverability all of a sudden. It is wild how, because of Harper's injury when it happened, the Phillies really have become, from a lineup construction perspective,

the most hamstrung team in baseball. Yes. They just have no options because Harper has to be in the lineup every day and he literally can't play anywhere in the field. It's like, all right, so that that's it there's no other way around this yeah so it really would be massive like yeah and again also like shocking right like we were talking about this is the time where initially when they said when Bryce Harper would be back we should be seeing like Bryce Harper playing his like first couple games of the season if the

original timeline had helped and he's been back for two months and now he's playing first base like it's the guy's miraculous like we should not just glide past this without saying like what a marvel of a human this man it's unbelievable also a petition to let him wear that hat that he's been working at first i mean that is that is a clean i can never pull it off in a million years me neither he can pull it off yeah um so I just very, very excited to see what he looks like and see if he can do it. Because if he can do it, I mean, it just... It changes everything. It changes everything.

And look, it helps his career down the road, too. I mean, you never know, like, if he can get good at first base, that's a nice landing spot for him down the road. You know, like, eventually he's not going to cover as much ground in the outfield, all that type of stuff. First base is a nice kind of spot to slide him into down the road. And they don't have, like have prospects there and all that. So there is, it's an interesting one.

I thought JT was going to be the first base. Oh, yeah. He hits like a first. Oh, wait. No, he doesn't. Not right now. Although I feel like this is- A couple hits this weekend got going a little bit.

I feel like this is around the time where everyone's kind of annoyed by JT. And then he starts getting really good. And then he goes and he turns back. And he'll find a way to end the year 265 with like 22 homers or something. Something like that.

No, I'm with you. I forget when that Blue Jays game was last year. It was either June 15th or July 15th. I think it was June 15th. And then he turned around. I think we're a month

behind last year's schedule. That's alright. It's alright. Stubby can get in there and drag on. We're good. We don't even need JT. More Stubs.

I think last year, whenever we said play Stubs more was when JT went off. So, hey, play Stubs more. Yeah, play Stubs all the time. I think Stubs should play more. At least five days a week. I mean, Jack just told you he's the best catcher in the world. Yeah, 2015. 100%. It doesn't go away.

No, not at all. Come on. Bring him back. Bring him back. All right. Pitching this weekend. We haven't talked about it. Oh, no. I know, come on. Bring him back. Bring him back. All right. The pitching this weekend. We haven't talked about it. Oh, no.

I know. It wasn't great. Your thoughts on the pitching this weekend and also your thoughts on Topper's decision to go with Sanchez out of that thought. Dude, I thought the reaction to that was so insane. People got really upset. I think it's fine, but I also probably would have reset my rotation. Like, why not get your top guys more starts?

You know, theoretically, you know, you've got a certain amount of days left. You start the guy first, get another start, that guy's gonna get more starts than everyone else. Like, I don't know. So you didn't have as much of a problem with it? No. Because I think this is what they did last year, was they tried to extend days when they could. This is clearly one of their plans. Just get guys rest. I mean, they give

their addicted... No, you're right. The two days, this, that, you're right. Well, and there plans. Just get guys rest. I mean, they give their addicted... No, you're right. The two days, this, that. You're right. Well, there's an off day on Monday. I feel like they throw out a C line up on Sunday to see if they can win. I know, I know.

Just so they can get the two days. Oh, you don't think that Alec Boehm's bottom half was dehydrated? Yeah, it was. You don't think that's the real reason that he wasn't going? Didn't hear that one. I've heard a lot of lower body injuries,

like in hockey. How could you tell? Lower body dehydration? Now, that screams cramps. Yeah, that's what Richie Richie's like. He probably had cramps, which is fine. But why can't you just say you body dehydration? Now, that screams cramps. Yeah, that's what Richie Richie's like. He probably had cramps, which is fine. But why can't you just say you have cramps? Just say he has cramps or say he's dehydrated.

Like, don't give me the lower body dehydration. Yeah, it was weird. It was a weird one. It was a weird one. So, like, I just, they, whenever they could get Nola extra days last year, they did. And he was good on the stretch. And look, get Nola days. I'm fine with that.

As much as you can. It's a lot of injuries, man. As much as he can. Pitch a lot of innings, man. As much as he can. Give him a couple weeks off. If they can find a way to do that, yes. That's the other thing about the trade deadline, real quick, is like, let's say they trade for Stroman, or they trade for Blake Snell, or Jordan Montgomery.

Blake Snell. All three of those things are not the same. Like, Blake Snell would be like trading for a real... Yeah, I know. He's been maybe the best pitcher in baseball last month, too. Like, Blake Snell would be, like, trading for a real... Yeah, I know. He's been, like, maybe the best pitcher in baseball last month, too. Like, he's been phenomenal. Okay, so regardless. But if they trade for a starter... They trade for a guy who could pitch in the playoffs for him.

Let's say they trade for a two. I think Snell's, you could argue, would be the ace. Yeah, it would be him in one or two. And Stroman is more of a two. Yeah, Stroman's like a 2-3, I would say. Who's pitching really well this year, but I would say, like, a 2-3 guy. I just don't know where... Like, how does the playoff rotation work? Yeah, well, that's like a 2-3, I would say. He's pitching really well this year, but I would say like a 2-3 guy. I just don't know where, like, how does the playoff rotation go? Yeah, well, that's a great question.

Because the only one that I think can go to the bullpen is Ranger. Of course, yeah, but it's like, you know. Taiwan, I think, could be a long man. Theoretically, but yeah, I mean. And listen, if they try to first start it, I'll be happy because we know how important starting pitching is. Totally, and injuries and all that stuff. Would you just not start Nola in a playoff series? I mean, me personally?

Yeah, I would not start Nola. He's the one I trust the least of the four. I think for a team... They would never. In a million years. They might start Nola in game two over whoever they acquired in game three. They might put Nola in game one. Like, you know, yeah, I'm with you. Yeah. So that's the one thing

to think about with the starter thing it's like okay well how does a playoff rotation shake out yeah and does Ranger go to the pen yeah do you want to take him out of the starting rotation

at this point I don't know so Painter again not great Painter more discomfort I just I'm not you cannot count on

Andrew Painter at all this year in my opinion I'm not thinking about Andrew Painter at all can't can't so I was fine

because I just want to get these guys as much rest as possible. And I thought for the most part it worked for Wheeler yesterday. Like I thought the fastball had some zip. I didn't, I think people were a little, like he still went seven innings. Yeah, and the strike,

like looked great the seventh. Like the seventh, he dialed it up when he needed to, so. Yeah, he's just, he's just been a little bit off. Like he's just been a little bit off. He has the one bad inning, which he didn't have last year, really. And then everything else is pretty good.

So it's been like a five-start stretch where it's pretty good, not great. So hopefully you can get it. But I think the fastball had more life than it's had in a couple weeks here. Sanchez, I thought was, again, I thought he was fine. It wasn't horrible. It was the, you know, it got away from, and then it got away from them, you know. Yeah. So I thought Sanchez was fine.

Ranger, I actually, that was the most encouraged I've been by him in a while because I thought he was bad early. Like, I thought he just, he looked like he was aiming all those pitches rather than throwing all those pitches. Like, he just short-armed a change-up, and I was like, yeah, there's something off. But then I think they saw film of it or something in the dugout because immediately after that, the change-up was back. So I feel pretty good about him getting on a roll here

because I thought after the bad inning, everything else was pretty bad, pretty much what we'd seen for that start or the stretch in June. And then Tom Walker kind of looked like he was fighting himself again. Like the velocity was down. That was mildly concerning. But all these guys, they all battled all weekend. I was going to say they battled. That was the phrase that came to mind.

Like they got more out of what they had than it felt like they should have. Yes. You know? So they battled. And you give them credit for that. And, you know, we'll see how Nola does tomorrow against the Brewers. Yeah. It's a big one. All right, we're getting into the take bag, the draft.

I have two more for you. One, real quick, just a comment that I meant to say earlier, but how funny, have you noticed this too? Tell me if I'm crazy, but doesn't it feel since, what was it, like three weeks ago when you made your The Phillies Never Get Double Plays comment on the pod, doesn't it feel like they get all the time now?

It's like, it was like that, and it's like, I feel like all the time. So I had to bring that up. Well, how about, I mean, Turner made an unbelievable play yesterday. Unbelievable play. Wow. Better than the, you know, game one on Saturday. That was tough.

I know, but I appreciate the try. And look, I appreciate what he said after. I appreciate how he owned it. But the other thing I wanted to bring up, because, you know, the bullpen has been great. It has been, like you said, I mean, only six blown saves since May is, like, impressive. Because blown saves, people might not know,

like, counts like seventh inning, eighth inning, all that too, so it's not just the closer. Well, I think they're the best ERA, bullpen ERA in baseball since June. Phenomenal. One dude, a little concerning, and we saw it again yesterday. Soto just can't seem to kind of get to that spot that we've seen him at you know certainly in the past and you know at

moments this year it seems like he's struggling what do you think's going on with Soto uh I'm actually more worried about Strom really interesting all right definitely more worried about Strom because like Strom look he's back to 92 well the innings thing with Strom is I mean it's a real thing yeah he's thrown way more than the last two years combined. And what's tough is that with Alvarado and Sarantini on the IL, they need to pitch him more, but I think the more he pitches, the less effective he's going to be.

He's the guy they could really use a month off before the playoffs. Yeah, if they could find a way to get Mastrom a month off, I think that'd be a major win. We can't do that until Alvarado and Sarandon come back. Soto, you know, he's...

I thought yesterday was weird because it felt like he started pitching around guys with the idea that he was going to get out the righty. I forget who was coming up. And he pitched around whoever that was a bigger threat to get to that. Oh, Cronenworth. Because he wanted to face Cronenworth. Mm-hmm.

Because he wanted to face Cronenworth. The lefty. The lefty, yeah. They wanted to face the lefty. So I felt like they got simply too cute. I thought that was an example of like,

oh, we're going to pitch around this guy because lefty on lefty and they lost it. I thought, I mean, Saturday he was, he let it up a run, right? But it was also like

a 9-3 game that I wanted to give him some work. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think as he gets back into a little bit of a rhythm, he's going to be fine. Because he barely pitched. I feel like the week getting into the offside break. I think that he just has to get back into a rhythm.

When they were using him a lot with Alvarado Hurd the first time, he was very, very good. Yeah, that's my point. It just seems like recently he's kind of... Yeah, it hasn't been as great. But I think he's a rhythm guy. So Strom's much more of a... Strom is 100% a concern. And it makes sense with the innings and stuff. Okay.

All right, take back. Junior Marte is not a concern, though. Dude, what a win, buddy. Neither is Jeff Hoffman. They're both really good. Dude, I like Jeff Hoffman. I like both those guys. Like, I, particularly Marte, though, like last night or yesterday or whatever,

I guess it was night by that time, when they brought in Marte, 5-5 was a first and third when they brought in mark tate five five was a first and third they brought in marty like i i honestly jack had every confidence that like i believed he was gonna get out of the inning i believed it i was like this dude's getting hoffman like he comes in i'm like all right he's got this like i have i have a lot of faith in those guys a lot more than i thought i would yeah and it's fast it's funny how fast it's come around, too, where it's like, oh, yeah, Jeff Oppen, your junior Maritite, 100%. Yeah, let's go. Lockdown, game over.

First thing I want to hit on is I do not appreciate the schedule makers for next year. Yeah, I saw you tweet about this. Dude, August of 2024, Mariners, Dodgers, D-backs, Marlins, Nationals, Braves, Kansas City, Houston, Atlanta. It's tough. It's a big month. It's a tough stretch. August this year, pretty easy, though.

So, you know, you take what you can get. I look at next year's schedule. Man, like having six straight road games after the London series. That's tough. They go at Boston, at Baltimore, home versus the Padres, home versus the Diamondbacks. That's a stretch, dude. Dude, they have a – and September next year, it goes Blue Jays,

Marlins, Rays, Mets, Brewers, Mets, Cubs, Nationals. Jeez. So they get off to a good start next year, boys. Well, yeah, because the month of March is – so it starts with Atlanta, which for some reason, I feel like they always start against the Braves. Reds, tough. And then it goes Nationals, Cardinals. Who would have th like they always Started against the Braves Reds tough And then it goes

Nationals Cardinals Who just thunk that Real quick It's just Reds tough Like coming into this year Like the Reds are a joke And like they've really Turned around

97 miles an hour Elliott LaCruz Across the infield yesterday Yeah Cardinals We'll see if they Bounce back next year But Pirates

Rockies White Sox Reds again for four Padres Angels We'll see where Otani is If he's back. He will not be.

So March of next year is going to be important because you just go through the rest of the thing. It's a pretty tough schedule next year. I'm going to go legitimately tough. All right. I feel like, you know what, though? I mean, other than like... This schedule this year has been pretty tough.

I actually feel, though, like the last two years, they've kind of been better. I feel like it doesn't really matter. Like, it just is how they're playing. Like, they handled good teams. I mean, they won all the tiebreakers against those teams, and then they'll, you know, get swept by the – it can't be the Cubs.

It can't be the Rangers last year who were bad last year, I'm saying. Like, so I don't know. That sounds tough, but also I feel like the Phillies – Oh, they play up the competition? Yeah. I think they do a little bit. Good. Certainly in the playoffs.

Just like a little antenna is going up. Just a tiny little? A little antenna on some of. That come out of like your head or your neck? How's that word? I guess neck. Okay. Neck.

Cool. So it's because they're in the central nervous system. Yeah. Oh, look at you, body. Never a doubt. Never a doubt. Pops right out. Antenna is a little up on Castellanos.

Uh-oh. Oh, no. I mean, he hit a ball off the ground. You know what I mean? I know. It was a weird weekend. Yeah, it was a weird weekend. The All-Star Game got to his head a little bit.

I just, you know, I'm not worried. Antenna's up a little bit. Okay. Like, I could use a big Brewers bounce back. Big series. Yeah. Yeah. Because I think he went 0 for 10 on Saturday.

He had a rough series. He was rough this weekend. Yeah. But, I mean. He had the off day yesterday. He was in Seattle. He didn't have any downtime. It's true.

So, I'll calm down. But Antenna's definitely up. It is funny how meh Trey Turner's been. But I feel like in RBI spots, he always comes through. I feel like the little, like, you the little soft single to right scoring a run, we've seen that a lot. He's a bit of an RBI guy. That's why we brought him here.

I thought it was a good Trey Turner weekend. I thought he hit some balls hard. And some of those plays, like the one in the ninth was huge. He hit some really nice defensive plays, too. The ball on Saturday that he almost hit out to right field was one of his best swings of the season. Hopefully, he can just, I don't know, be Trey Turner. How about be like 80% of Trey Turner?

That would be an awesome player to have. Yes, I agree. Bryce joking around with Trey, I thought was fun. Talking about you're 30, you can't score in that situation. One of those where he's had a tough year, and maybe that's like a bit of a relaxer. Like, it's okay. I can go beat your turn.

I thought that was important. I'm glad they won at home. We're a little nervous. I was very worried. They just didn't end at home. And it feels like they always try to do too much at home. A lot of pressure with all the crowds and all. They're not used to it.

I mean, other than playoffs, like, when was the last time the building was packed? And again, shout out, dude. Essentially, like, yesterday with a four-hour, three-hour delay, whatever it was, two and a half, whatever it was. Like, for that many people to wait that out and be there, like, the place was packed. Like, the whole weekend, the place was packed. This is exciting, man, especially considering that, like, it's really just been the last month they've been playing, month and a half they've been playing good baseball. Like, people have shown up all year. All year.

And I think that if they can go on a run again this year and, you know, get to the World Series or do something special again this year, I think we could be back to next year where it's like, boom, every game. Sellout. It's pretty much been that this year. That's what I mean. But, like, I'm talking, like, you know, the heyday. Like, where I feel like we can get back there.

It already has been close this year. Yeah, and I hope that – I hope the players saw they came back in three straight and could feel the crowd getting into it, and were like, oh. Yes, this is good. They are on our side. They like us. They really like us. We don't need to have all this pressure.

So I hope it was a bit of a – Exhale. Yeah, like just – we can play at home. We're a good home team. Like they were a great home team during the playoffs. Yeah, and they were a great home team to start the year. The road was there.

So remember, they were like 10 games under on the road, and then, you know, the road winnings. Yeah, now they're road warriors.

That's all they do, man. They just go on the road and dominate. I watched the, the, the 93 High Hopes thing during the drain delay

yesterday. it's great. And, it's so good. Again, I just can't believe the city is still standing. How is the city still standing after blowing loose? I was at the game.

A 14-day lead in the 8th inning, Jack. Like, everyone talks about Joe Carter. And, like, I get it. That has to be way worse. That's way worse. You know what that is? That game is like the Cliff Lee blowing a 4-0 lead. People bring up Howard.

Except worse. Way worse. 6-0 in the eighth inning at home in the World Series. You're tied 2-2 if you win that game. I feel like that game does not get brought up when it talks about the heartbreaking. You're right, dude. And I don't understand how. It's a great point by you.

It should be. It should be talked about with about with jojo vicious and all these games we always talk about in philly sports like the worst losses of philly's like it's it is right there with all and for people that are obviously like a lot of us of joe carter i think it's because it's like the one you know that mazarski like like because it ended on a walk-off home run and all that like people just focus on that you are so right they. They lost the... When you said in Game 5, when Jack said that Chaz McGrady... The Phillies just lost the World Series. There. Right there. You knew it. The Phillies lost the World Series in Game 4.

And for the people that are too young, because me too, but a lot of our audiences... I was at that game. 12-year-old James at the game. The Phillies in 1993 were in the World Series. And in a Game 4, where they had a chance to tie up the series. 2-1,

down 2-1 at home in game four. They had a 14-8 lead at Veterans Stadium in the eighth freaking inning and they blew it. They lost 15-14.

Highest scoring World Series game of all time. if I had to sit there, dude, I don't think, I'm trying to imagine how I would handle it

in the moment. If I was at the vet, I'd probably leave. Yeah. I think so. I was just old enough to know how bad it was, but just young enough to not have enough experience to like really conceptualize it in terms of like history and just how horrible it was.

And you're probably like, I'll be back next year. Yeah, exactly. I was a kid. I was like, we'll be all right. Like we're going to go get them in the next one.

You know, I was, you know me, I'm optimistic. I had to a kid. I was like, we'll be alright. We're going to go get him in the next one. You know me. I'm optimistic. I've got to begin with. I was like, in hindsight, it's legit. A top five loss in the history of the season. 14-8. That's insane. Alright, that's all I got

on that. Draft time. Oh, buddy. Clear out. It's go time. I watched. Again, having off before we went to the aisle from Wednesday on. Having off the first two days of the draft was a problem. Like 100% a problem. I watched so much Aiden Miller games.

I feel like I know him. He's your good friend. Yeah, my good close friend Aiden Miller. The dude just freaking rakes, man. Like he just rakes. He hit 478 for Team USA. I have one question coming up. Okay. Because this is the question I didn't ask you before,

and I've been thinking a lot, and I'm excited about him. He rakes a lot. My one question is, being a year older, like, how big a deal is it? I'm glad you brought that up. Yeah. I'm glad you brought that up. Because you would think he's a year more developed, especially at that age, you know, 18, 19.

That could really matter. Right. But, but, his birthday's in June. So it's like the middle, it's like the middle of summer, and like, so, I, so I loved Walker Martin. I would've taken him, but, he was

born, for example, in February in 19, which is basically a full year. Yeah. Like, Aiden Miller is two months, he's two months older than some of the other kids. So Blake Mitchell got drafted eighth overall, who I think's great. He's two months older than Blake Mitchell got drafted eighth overall, who I think is great. He's two months older than him. Okay.

All right, good. I like this. Believe me. I was like, who cares about 19? But then it's like, well, hold on. If you're a player. Yeah, you're playing against kids who are not as big and strong. And I think that being halfway through the year, rather than have them play up a year

in competition. Yeah, I think it's a really good point by you. His parents are probably like, because they did. There's a story that they held him back for baseball reasons. think it's a really good point by you. His parents are probably like, because they did, there's a story that held him back for baseball reasons. Because it's smack dab in the middle. Oh, it's the Netherlands there. Like, totally.

Yeah. So I was concerned about, not concerned about it anymore. So yeah. He's not like a full year older than the 18-year-olds. Good. That's why I asked.

That's good. But yeah, just like, no one set up with the bat on the baseball, can drive it, do it with power. Like, he won the home run derby out in Dodger Stadium

and then won it in front of the whole packed crowd before the home run derby like the next night. That's just special stuff. So, do you think he sticks

at third long term? I think he can. I think it depends. I mean, it's obviously projecting, but it depends what Boehm does. You know, because I think if they want to move Boehm... What's the other option? Like left field or

something? He played right field for some Team USA stuff, so I think he can play the outfield. He's got to fill out a little bit. He's definitely still... I think he can get stronger. You look at his build. He's like 6'2". He honestly... I think worst case scenario is that he's Adam Duvall.

Worst case? I mean, that's like a really good worst case scenario. Very similar swings and all that. That's like a really good worst case scenario. Well, I mean. No, I'm just saying, like, if you're talking like worst case, he's like a major league player. Like, most of the guys drafted will not be, so.

I think worst case is major league player. He's the same size as Ryan Braun. Okay. Similar kind of swings. There's like, listen, I can't. Ryan Braun might add a little help on the way's the same size as Ryan Braun. Okay. Similar kind of swings. Listen, I can't get this. Ryan Braun might have a little help on the way there. Yeah, he sure did. He sure did.

He sure did. Dude can rake, though. He could rake. Dude can rake. You know, I think it was suspicious when he was hitting lasers 430 feet. They didn't get off the ground. I know. Number one Phillies killer, Ryan Braun?

Yeah, I think he probably is. Hank Conine. Yeah. McCann. Freeman. Freeman. Laconia. I know. Number one Phillies killer, Ryan Braun? Yeah, I think he probably is. Hank Conine. McCann. Freeman. Laconia. Every brave that's ever lived. Devin Saltaban I admittedly didn't know much about. Yeah, last time we spoke

he was the one you had the least knowledge of. But the people that I really like in draft circles had him rated higher than Tayshaun Watson which is surprising for me rated higher than Tayshaun Watson, which is surprising for me because I love Tayshaun Watson. Reminds me a ton of Yandy Diaz where

does not struggles early in lifting the baseball but hits the ball really, really hard. So he fits the profile. Stod and boom of like, just put the bat on the ball. But down south of the band, all the exit velo know, stod and boom of like, just put the bat on the ball. Let's see what happens. So, uh, but then it's not the band, like all the like exit VLO stuff, like swings the ball

hard, uh, or swings the bat hard, hits the ball hard. Um, so I, I don't know. We'll see. But, but people I like seem to like him a little bit or just knew him better than I did. Love Tayshaun, Tayshaun Walton. Um, I just, he just, again, the fact that he is so big and so strong but hasn't tapped

into his power yet I think is the reason why he fell and I think they gotta bet on their coaches to get the most out of him so very excited about him

George Klassen is kind of like the he's like the Griff project of this class where no idea where the ball's going

at all but he throws 102 but he throws 102 and I was like yeah this stuff just pops so it's a good shot in the dark.

Jake Eddington, similar kind of guy. Throws really hard. Great slider. One of the best sliders in the Midwest is what I heard. So that's exciting. Bryson Ware. One of the best sliders in the Midwest. That's right. Bryson Ware. Does that include like players on the Cardinals and the Royals? Sure.

Bryson Ware is a senior kind of signing, but at 24 home runs for Auburn last year. So you take a shot on that. Bryson. Yep. Bryson Ware. I'm going to mess it up, but Avery Owusa-Asaido. I even sound good to me. I know.

He is... I can't see it, so I don't know how close you were. He is a massive project. Okay. But massive power. And all the super data-driven model teams, this is a smart thing to do. I heard from some people, they're like, that's a really smart pick. So I'm excited to see what he can do. Admittedly, I didn't watch much Southern Illinois.

No? I'm shocked to see what he can do. Okay. Admittedly, I didn't watch much Southern Illinois. No? Yeah. I'm shocked. I know. Cam Brown, another guy that throws high 90s but has no idea where it's going. But when I watch his games, it seems like a pretty easy fix. Okay. So I don't think it's a big project. Okay.

But I love the fastball. I love the fastball. Cam Brown's a good name. Cam Brown. It looks like a big starter. Yeah. Caden Hedinger reminds me a ton of Logan Ohopi.

Okay. Logan Ohopi was a late round draft pick. They turned into... This kid can hit. Okay. He was a switch hitter, which I think people threw some teams off.

Left-hand swing is great. So if he's just a lefty and just hones in on that, I think they have a chance to get a steal there. Brandon Beckle, actually, there was a guy

that throws strikes. Ooh. Yeah, he throws 95. Matt Klintag pick? Yeah, he throws strikes. At. Yeah, he throws 95. Matt Klintak pick? Yeah, he throws strikes. At least he throws 95. Yeah, Matt Klintak would be 85. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Well, dude, they used to just draft Cal State Fullerton kids every single year. Yeah, dude, what a program. Brandon Beckle, he just screams like, like every video you watch, he's getting hype. You know, and he's like, he seems like a good look. I think he'll be a big leader. An org guy. Yeah, but I think there's some upside there. There upside there or guys matter they do or guys matter uh marty gare is the uh he's a nice name he's an extra alito though he's an extra alito there's no doubt in my mind his mechanics are the exact same as

marty gare marty gare marty gare. Marty. Marty is a... Marty's tough. Marty's not a popular name in today's society. No. No, it's not. Yeah, it's one of those names. You don't meet a lot of young Martys, you know? No, there's no one under the age of 20 named Marty. Yes, no. Or 30. No. Or maybe 40. Or 40.

But the next G Alito is, so I'm excited about him. And then the last one is, because I have 14 rounds on I just put Zach Arnold is a guy who like has like X of V low numbers people love him

also started at LSU and then transferred to Houston which I like I like having some LSU people you like that yeah

how come I don't know because LSU is great but he transferred yeah but listen he's a fill now he was able to get in to begin with

yeah this is good if he was good enough to. We were able to get in to begin with. Yeah. This is good. If he was good enough to play at LSU, get him in the system. This is an in-depth breakdown. Well, I'm excited. I know. I'm really excited about Aiden Miller, though. I know you are, buddy. I was like, wow, like, 27th pick. Like, I thought

he'd be going in the top 15. That's amazing. Yeah. A little broken bone. That's an easy fix. Threw some teams off. Well, that's my favorite thing. When you said that, I was like yes. What a dumb reason to slide. The 19 thing, I get that. That's what I asked you about.

The handmaid bone, the fact that he slid it all, because that is just crazy to me. It's going to be great. Next Philly great. Barber does it again. He's the goat, dude. He's the absolute goat.. Next Philly great. Barber does it again. Barber does it again. Brian Barber does it again. No, he's the GOAT, dude. He's the absolute GOAT. So, love him.

I do, too. I love Brian Barber. I'm excited, dude. One of our more underrated things that we did well for this organization was push them to sign Brian Barber. Yeah. I think it might be, yeah, one of the more underrated. Yeah.

We did push for that. Doesn't get talked about. It doesn't. No one ever heard of Brian Barber. We're just saying. They wanted to hire the Cubs old guy that was there before Theo. Oh, God. There was Jim Hendry.

Jim Hendry. Oh, God. What are we doing? Thank God. You're welcome. Thank God. Like we always said, trust Dave. The day he got here.

Never doubted him once. Thank goodness. An adult in the room. Yeah. That was a good breakdown. Thank you, buddy. I appreciate it. You got anything else?

No. That was it. Go Phils. We're done. Yeah, we're done. Go Phils. Yeah. All was a good breakdown. Thank you, buddy. I appreciate it. You got anything else? No. That was it. Go Phils. We're done. Yeah, we're done. Go Phils. Yeah. All right.

Brewers this week. Oh, Thursday's a day game. We can do a Thursday pod. What? Oh, ho, ho. We'll be back on Thursday. I won't be done until six. Oh, gosh.

Darn it. What are you doing? That's fine. I'll make it work. Can you go right at six, and then I'll go to bed right after? No. Oh, you got to go at seven. No, I won't, because I'm hosting. Oh, you're hosting. I said maybe we could go at six. Yeah, we could go right at six. Okay,'ll go to bed right after? No. Oh, you gotta go at seven? No, I won't

because I'm hosting. Oh, you're hosting. So maybe we could go at six. Yeah, we could go right at six. Okay, because I'm hosting the next day. Oh, look at us. I gotta go to Borgata.

I gotta go to bed like super early that day. We'll figure it out. Congratulations. Thanks. All right. Any final thoughts? Final thought is

go Phils. Go Phils. Let's get some salsa.