High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - We Thought Castellanos Should've Dropped The Ball Too

Episode Date: September 21, 2023

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to the Phillies taking two of three against the Braves, including yesterday's thrilling extra-inning win. 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. This is the High Hopes Podcast. High Hopes. It's a bunch of baseball nerds talking about the Phillies on Odyssey and Sports Radio 94 WIP.

Odyssey and Sports Radio 94. WIP. Yo! It is another edition of the High Ops Podcast. Don't catch it, Nick! What are you doing, you psychopath? How do you catch that ball? What a play.

How you doing, pal? Never a doubt.? How do you catch that ball? What a play. How you doing, pal? Never a doubt. Can you believe he caught that ball? Was there a single Phillies fan watching that and not yelling, don't catch it, at their TV or at the radio or whatever? Every single person was doing what Kruk did. Yeah. No, no, no, no. Yes!

Yeah, yeah. It was big. It was big. It was insane. Two homers, too. Cassie. Cassie! I'm just saying.

We've talked a lot about games this year and how they remind you of so many games from last year. Cassie making a big catch to save the game in Atlanta. It was just so poetic. It's absurd, actually. What is going on? It's so silly. It's just this team.

They're committed to the bit. They're committed to the bit. Yes, they are. I don't really believe him when he says there's a voice in his head telling him to catch it. I mean, it definitely could be real. I think he just thought, go catch the ball. I don't think he gave one second of thought to not catch the ball. I don't think at any moment heading to that ball did he think about the situation,

about what was happening in the game. He's like, catch ball, throw ball. Like, that was what he said. He just see ball, hit ball. It's the same thing fielding-wise. Yeah, yeah. But either way, it was, and I mean, I'm sure you were tearing up as Luke Williams was stealing second and third.

But yeah, nice of Craig Kimbrell to hold him on. Like, what's going on with that? Like, seriously, I don't know if you heard Franski. I heard it after. Franski was like, you never, like, it's usually LA, right? Like, LA, oh, what the, getting know if you heard Franski. I heard it after. Franski was like, it's usually LA, right? LA, oh, what the hell are you getting? Franski was angry. He was sitting there going, it's September.

Why is this happening? By the way, also Craig Kimbrell, the MLB leader in pitch clock violations. Well, that's not surprising. But he's a reliever. In a surprising tone. It's surprising because he's pitched way less innings than most people. Of course it's surprising. It should be someone who's pitched a lot of in a surprising it's surprising because he's pitched way less innings than most people of course it's surprising it should be someone who's pitched a lot of innings it seems like it seems like he had it figured out there for like three months and then all of a sudden last week it's

like it's back out of nowhere um and they're not holding runners on thing is weird yeah but he never i mean so i know but in that spot i agree i agree here's here's the way that i if i'm going in the mind of Craig Kimbrell, he hasn't been pitching well. He hasn't been pitching his best. I think he's just getting, he wants to make sure his mechanics are right. So he's just focusing on him to get the ball to home and everything else is not there.

Whatever. You can steal home. Whatever. Surprise, he didn't. He took second and third, no problem. Yeah, and his pick pickoff move kind of stinks yeah i just i think i think he's i think he's just so locked in on i need to get out pitching wise that i can't focus on that stuff it's it's not great you know i would an ideal spot but it's not like he's fast to home regardless no yeah it's easy to see on kimbrough anyway but still it's, like, of all the spots,

the one thing you don't want that guy to do is advance bases. Like, you know, what are we doing? Yeah. And I didn't appreciate Luke Williams doing that. No, I know. It was almost like a, you know, a little subtle little screw you to us. You trying to take a shot? I mean, you had the greatest moment of your career here in Philadelphia.

Yeah. That's what you'll be remembered for. A magical night. And for one podcast host, the biggest memory of the last 10 years. You quoting yourself and then people forget James Seltzer cried.

It was really funny. Thank you. It was really good work. I like tweeting out random things from the High Hopes account. I do too. It's like,

I tweet it out from the High Hopes account when I don't want to tweet it from my own account because not enough people will get it. So I tweet it from the High Hopes account. I don't want to tweet it from my own account. Because not enough people will get it. So I tweeted from the High Hopes account. I love that so much.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Because I feel like the people that follow High Hopes on Twitter are like... The diehards. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, they get it. You can do the little weird inside jokes and they'll be like, you did your own account. I mean, you're big time. Yeah.

Remember when I used to have more followers than you? You've got like 20,000 more than me. Yeah, we've left you in the dust, pal. Not tweeting seems to help my ability to gain money. Well, the problem now is everything that follows me is a bot. So I'm at 60K, and back in the day, I'd be like, oh, it's such a bad look at it. It's like, crypto, crypto, crypto, crypto, crypto. I was like, what are their takes on the Phillies?

Do they have a thought? How do they feel heading into the playoffs? You know? So, but, dude, like, for a September game, right, down in Atlanta, and it was a 12, like, the amount of stress I felt at a, like, the Phillies are going to. I mean, we talked about this last time, right? Like, these games more or less are meaningless. Like, they're going to be the fours.

But I needed it. I know. I felt the same way. And then, oh, God, like, I felt the exact same way. Well, and I think that, obviously, when people, because they like to bring down the Phillies. Oh, yeah. I feel like more than. That's a thing that happens.

More than most teams in this city, people look to point out their flaws at all times. They'll say, well, you know, the Braves had nothing to play for. That's not really true. They're still playing for the one seed, guys. Yeah, and they keep choking. I mean, the Dodgers might catch them. That's only two and a half back now out of nowhere.

Yeah. Like, they do it. So you're absolutely right. It matters. And I would give more credence to that, I guess, if the Braves didn't throw out their A lineup in every game. I mean, it's not like they're sitting players. Topper was the one that was sitting guys.

Their lineup yesterday was A. Hey, you're probably going to lose this game lineup from Topper. Braves are throwing out all their dudes. They play hard. They kicked our ass in game two. What about that game? Were they not trying all three? No, they wanted to turn it on for one game. Right. And they

fought back. They were down 4-0. They fought back. What are we talking about here? And then what happened? Did Michael Lorenzen out of the bullpen happen? Like, he's cooked. He just doesn't have it. He doesn't have it. It's as simple as that. He can't pitch. The fact, watching that guy two nights ago,

the fact that that guy threw a no-hitter is the single craziest thing that I've ever seen. Well, and it's going to, again, it's going to be a great trivia question at one point. You know, like, where were you for the Michael Lutter? Like, who's the last Philly to throw a no-hitter? It might be the new bit. If he sucks.

If he sucks, yes. In the postseason, if he has bad moments, it's like, all right, we got to get out. Yes. We got to see the cycle goes away this year. Then we got a new one in the same year. Now, the problem is I won't get worked up until like eight years in. Yes.

You know what I mean? So as long as this podcast is around. Well, it's good. Look, we made- In 2031. So it was a decade between the last two, right? Like Cole was 2013, is that right? No, 2015.

2015. So eight years. I mean- There you go. Hold on. Can we just pause? That's a bad job. You host this podcast. Yeah. 2015. So eight years. I mean, hold on. Can we just pause? That's a bad job. You host this podcast.

Yeah, that's a bad job. He was traded in 2015. It was his last star as a film. Bad job, right? I mean, I think actually to your, I'm going to bail you out here. I'm pretty sure. Those years were like the most meaningless years of the police fandom. Don't try to lead the witness.

Or I think, right? Am I the witness in this case? Yeah, I think so. I don't know. I believe 2013 is when they threw the combined no-hitter against the Braves. Thank you. I had it stuck in my head. It was a bad job.

Thank you for trying. It was a horrible job. It was horrible. Own it. Terrible. Because if they traded in 2014, they probably would have got Mookie for him. But who's counting? Can you imagine?

But who's bringing up that stuff? Nobody. Good thing they unhunted him. I saw Rube today. Maybe I should have. You should have said it. Yeah, I hate Rube. Seriously. It's awesome. If I could get him off there. You could. You see Rube all Maybe I should've You should've said Yeah hey Rube Seriously buddy

It's awesome If I could get him off You could You see Rube all the time You could ask him And Rube is super honest And we're close now Dude by the way

Rube is a great guy I'm a huge fan of Rube and Amaro The human being Lovely guy Yes A genuinely nice human being Who's thoughtful Yeah

Although there was a time period there Where I thought he didn't like me Yeah remember that bit I always think a lot of people don't like me You go in thinking people aren't going to like you See that's where we're opposite I go in thinking everyone's going to like me You go in thinking everyone's going to hate you

I usually think people don't like me They usually never like you Yeah because I didn't play Anyway Take us deep into the psyche there You were about to go deeper and you just taught yourself No The funny thing is,

is like you could absolutely ask, he was just out there. He would answer any question for you. Like he's super nice. Soft theory. Tell you whatever you want to know. I don't want to break it on the air

and break the big news. That's true. They probably could have got Mookie. Or they could have got Aaron Judge in 2014 too. I know. I know. I know.

Well, apparently, I don't know how true this is. And it seems like an appropriate time to talk about the Cole Hamels trade. I'm taking two or three from the Braves. But do you remember the story that he asked for Judge Sanchez

and Luis Severino for Cole in 2014? It's the all-time classic one. It's like anything else? And everyone's killing Cashman for not doing it, remember? It's like, this idiot. What are you doing? Who are these prospects? Yeah, nice.

Yeah, it's close. Kind of got it out a little bit. It's all right. By the way, Cole was on WIP yesterday. He's great. He was, like, great, right? And talked about a lot of stuff that I hadn't heard. Like, talked about the struggles in 09 and what that was like for him.

Talked about getting booed off the mound that first game. So I didn't remember that. So, yeah. See, that was an age thing, probably, because I remember that well. I remember Eaton getting booed. It was one of the most disgraceful moments. Was it opening day? It was his first start.

No, but was it opening day? I don't remember if it was him. Yeah, it would have been him, I think. Yeah, it must have been. Yeah. Because Cliff came. Cliff came in at the deadline. Yeah, the deadline.

So, yeah, it would have been him. Because I was there. I mean, I was there to boo Eaton. I remember that boo. Well, that is. That's probably my most proud fan moment. that is my favorite boo of all time. Well, besides, I did get in the head of Chad Qualls. Yes, you've told this story before.

When he was a Marlin. Yes. The dugout. Or the open. Yeah. So, but I didn't remember the boo off the mound. Yeah. It was not good.

That's not a great look. The guy just won the World Series MVP. It was tough. Yeah. It's not what you want to see. Great. Yeah. But no, Cole was great the World Series MVP. It was tough. Yeah. Is that what you want to say? Great. Yeah. But no, Cole was great.

He was great. He was great. And it gave us a good, I think it gave us a good glimpse into Nola. I agree. Well, that was what was so interesting about it. Yeah. And Nola went out yesterday and. Let's get to it.

Yes. So what did you think? I thought, especially early on, the swing and miss stuff, like actually getting some swing and misses early looked good. Like, you know, had the fourth and the fifth inning. And in each of those two innings, I, like, you know, had the fourth and the fifth inning. And in each of those two innings, I was like, here it is. Here we go. We're going to be losing

at the end of this inning. The five runs, six runs, I was texting buddies, here it comes. You know, and then, you know, gave up two runs. But he didn't. But he did it. He found his way through it. And he ended up pitching six, two runs, like the best start we've seen in a little while. What'd you think from what we saw from Aaron?

I was happy. I was happy for a couple. It was good. It was nice. That's a big take. 2-1-5. That was a take. He had what? Eight strikeouts. No walks.

I think it was eight. Eight strikeouts, no walks, and no home runs, which is big. First time all season that he's had two starts in a row with that home run. Whoa. First time all season. Pretty amazing. I mean, to make it to September and not go back-to-back starts, that could be a moment. We getting noels? We getting big game noels?

Playoff noels, he's back! Playoff noels, well, it's time. I told you, it's a chance to rewrite a season. And we said this last year for Cassianos, right, going into the playoffs, we were like, it's funny because he did, just not with the bat, but we were like, hey, you know, this guy has had an abysmal season. People have hated having him here, but all this guy has to do is have a month. And no one will remember any of that stuff. And you're right.

Aaron Nola has a chance to take a season that has been dog bleep. We don't curse on this pod. Except for you. A good amount. Yep, that's right. Meep. We don't curse on this pod. Except for you. A good amount. Yep, that's right. Me sometimes when I can't help myself. It's like a phuh. I know.

I stop myself. It is funny. You make a great point that I talk on the radio for a living and never come close. Never even come close. And never even come close. Yeah, but on this pod. Every day.

You can get me going, buddy. Thank you. So, yeah. So, no one has a chance to rewrite a season. I thought it looked good yesterday. Obviously, the swing and miss was good h right that's good no sure uh uh no home runs the biggest uh you know kind of thing there but i like that he battled his way in and out of those innings i know it's back to back i know it's annoying i know it felt like here comes

um and i think we all felt that way but his ability to get through that i think is going to be a big mental hurdle for him, hopefully. Against a great lineup. Against a great lineup. So if he can say, okay, I did it there. The avalanche didn't happen. I got through it. And if he can just unlock that, I think we can see a different Aaron Nola.

The other thing that I thought was really interesting, and I thought yesterday was a big day, if you wanted to get a glimpse into what Rob Thompson really thinks about this team. And who we trust and who he doesn't trust. I don't think you really trust Aaron Nola. The fact that he pulled him out for the sixth. I thought showed that. I thought it was a lock. He's going out there for the seventh.

I was shocked. I was floored. And he didn't. And I think that shows that. He's going to give him a chance. But his rope is tight. His rope is tighter. And then the other part of yesterday was there was two classic

Sir Anthony spots in the Hoffman inning and in the 10th, where Strom came in, that that's always been Sir Anthony's spot. He didn't pitch him. And I think that I've been asking for him to put Hoffman there instead of Sir Anthony. I was glad he did. It wasn't like – I thought he had a bit asking for him to put Hoffman there instead of Sarantini. I was glad he did. It wasn't like—I thought he had a bit of a quick hook on Hoffman, but at the same time, you want a lefty on Olsen so the game doesn't get tied up.

And Soto, for as bad as he's been this year— He's picking against lefties. Well, lefties are batting 110 of them. So he still can get lefty and hitter style. I thought it was an aggressive Rob Thompson, but I thought it was also a glimpse into what the postseason around here um uh might be like yeah no i think that's really fascinating and look i i think the the look i think we've all been kind of where we're at with nola and yesterday was encouraging the sir anthony one for me is is in some ways not

more concerning i do think nola is more, but in some ways more concerning in that I expected him to get back. Nola, it would be a pleasant surprise, but I'm not expecting it. Like Sir Anthony, I am surprised that he is still struggling. Yeah, and I know people now, the one caveat, and I don't think it's the case, personally. I guess, I mean, he threw Friday, Sunday, Monday? Friday, Sunday, Monday? Yeah. Friday, Sunday, Monday.

I think that's right. Whatever. So he had pitched like three out of the last five games, I'm pretty sure. But still, I mean, he has been known to push guys and put guys in. I mean, he has been known to push guys and put guys in. I mean, he pitched the night before. But I still think that at this point you need that win, and those felt like Serena Anthony spots. And it's not like Hoffman.

It feels like he's pitched every game. So, you know, whatever. And also should theoretically be on more of an innings limit and all that type of stuff. Yeah. I just, the home run to Walker happened. I just think he's looked better. Like, I don't think he's looked like a complete,

now the home run thing is concerning, and I get it. And I think that's a product of trying to sacrifice stuff for control. Because I think he got so out of whack with trying to overpower people that it was costing him walks and he's giving up free bases. And now he's figured out how to rein it in. Like, you haven't seen him walking people much recently. But I think it's caused him to lose some of his stuff and maybe flatten out of some of his stuff.

So I think that's a bit of a process. But I think he is showing some signs. The problem is it might just be too late, and we might have to figure it out in the postseason. We might have to see if he has a red light, if he's a red light player. Yeah. No, and look, I mean, he was great last year.

You know, we certainly have seen him flip the switch before and just kind of go from struggling to awesome and the stuff is like that. You know, it's just frustrating

because we haven't seen all year really with him. No. At no point, and he had that nice stretch where he wasn't, he was getting outs and stuff, but at no point

have we watched him and been like, wow, that's the best pitcher on this team, which we have felt many times over the last few years. I mean, Peekster Anthony is the best reliever we've had here since. Yes. And Alvarado for the beginning of the season. Those two for like a month, but that's it.

Yeah. And current Jeff Hoffman. Well, obviously. Who could forget? I thought that was just accepted. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Respect Jeff Hoffman. So, yeah, yeah. Respect, Jeff Hoffman. So, yeah, it's definitely the big thing.

And it's funny because the way we talk about Sir Anthony and Nola is how we were talking about Trey Turner, where it's like, well, I'm not expecting it this year. Just chalk this one up as a lost season. But much like Nola, Sir Anthony has a chance to turn his season around. And I haven't given up on the idea of Seranthony being good. Who do you have more confidence in? Of the two.

If you had to say one of the two will end up turning it around and having a really nice playoffs for this team, which one would you pick of the two if you had to pick one? Seranthony. I would too. I know. Seranthony. Mostly because Nola has more opportunities in the mornings, whatever.

I just, I don't know. It's weird with Sir Anthony because I think if he gets into a tight game in a postseason series, I feel like he's still got a little something. Look, I think so too. I won't know how I feel until I actually feel it, but trying to put myself in that spot right now,

maybe it's just because it was great last year and we saw him do it, but I feel like if Sir Anthony comes into a playoff game, I'm not going to feel as good as I did last year, but I'm still going to, like, I'm going to need to see him fail before I'm going to believe he's going to fail. And obviously he has the stuff to still do it. And he kind of has, I mean, his inning on Friday in St. Louis

was just like, bang, it was over. The inning Sunday in St. Louis, it was trending in that way, and he made a bad pitch to Jordan Walker. Jordan Walker didn't miss it. Nope. So I don't know. There's still some part of me that has belief in Saranthony. Yeah, I think that's where I'm at, too.

Speaking of the wildcard thing, we haven't really talked at all on this pod about kind of who we want. We have not done that at all. We have done zero talk about the Cubs and the Diamondbacks and the Marlins. We mentioned that we don't want the Marlins, just because they're the freaking Marlins. I don't want that. Too much history, too much whatever.

But Cubs, Reds, Diamondbacks, Giants, it's not going to be the Giants. I think we can pretty much say that. They're two back of the last wildcard spot. I think they're four and a half back of that second spot or three and a half. Very unlikely to be the Giants. But how would you rank those teams? The Cubs, the Diamondbacks, the Reds. And if you want to throw the Giants in, fine.

But those three teams, the most likely opponents along with the Marlins, we all know the Marlins are the one we want to face the least. Just bullet, Marlins. How do you rank those? I would go from. Like most want to face versus least want to face. So most want to face Reds. I 100% agree.

I don't even think it's a question. It's not even close. It's the Reds. Not even close. Give me the Reds. I don't even care that Hunter Green looked awesome yesterday. Bring it. Ellie's calmed down.

Ellie's calmed down a lot. He's actually been pretty bad. If we're being honest, Ellie has been bad. Which is a shame. Which happens all the time. I know. Everyone relax out there. Ellie will be fine. Doesn't happen being honest, Ellie has been bad. Which is a shame. Which happens all the time. I know. Everyone relax out there. Ellie will be fine.

Doesn't happen to Corbin Carroll, apparently. No. Not Corbin Carroll. So I would go... Bobby Witt. There are guys that doesn't happen to him.

Reds, Cubs. I would feel okay if the Cubs come in here. I keep looking at the Cubs lineup and I'm like, I don't know. Nah. Nah.

Yeah, I can't. Again, Justin Steele got rocked yesterday. It's happening. Don't care about that. He's going to view it as coming. Anyway. But, I mean,. Again, Justin Steele got rocked yesterday. It's happening. Don't care about that. He's going to be coming. Anyway. But, like, I mean, come on.

Like, who's Jamison Tyon going to beat us in a playoff game? Marcus Stroman? Like, come on. Javier Assad in a playoff game? Nice. Thank you. It's the Mark Leder Jr. coming out of the bullpen? Oh, buddy.

Dude, if they got shut down. Can you imagine? If they got shut down. It'd be like Heath. coming out of the bullpen. Oh, buddy! Can you imagine? If they get shut down for the middle reliever appearance by Mark Leiter Jr., I would cease to be here. Okay. So I would go Diamondbacks. Diamondbacks

actually do worry me. No, I want them the least. So you go Reds, Cubs, Diamondbacks. I agree with that order. Diamondbacks have been playing good baseball. They have been playing good baseball. And they are the most talented of the bunch, to your point, between Corbin Carroll and Christian Walker and Kettle Marte

and even Gurriel and Pham. Like, they got dudes. They got some dudes. And obviously Zach Gallen and Merrill Cowley. Yes. So the Diamondbacks do legitimately worry me. I'm trying my best not to look ahead to a potential Phil's Braves series in round two because after yesterday and the last two weeks, it's like, man, that would be insane.

And it's different than last year for me. Last year, because we just got in, it was so fun, and we beat the Braves. Like, wow, this is the greatest thing ever. Last year, it was just like, we're in the playoffs and we're winning this. So it didn't matter who we were facing. This year, it's Philly's Braves. Philly's Braves. And the Braves had the edge of last year

you know and the the revenge factor revenge and look they've been substantially a better baseball team this year we can call it see it they've been the best team in baseball but i do think that they don't want to play the phil's i i think the phillies are the last team baseball they want to face in play i'm not kidding i think in all of baseball, I think the Phillies are the last team that break because they know we're not scared of them. And they know we can fight them. We know we have beaten them and we battle them. And like, you know, like I'm right there with you, man.

If I'm the Braves, I do not want anything to do with the Phillies. Plus going to Citizens Bank Park. Are you kidding me? The one shame of it is. I do think when Rob Thompson says four hours of hell and what team that was, I think that was the break. Of course it was. And guess what? It'll be way worse for the Braves than anyone else. It what team that was, I think that was the Braves. Of course it was. And guess what?

It'll be way worse for the Braves than anyone else. It just will. Like, I'm sorry. If it's the Dodgers coming here in the NLCS, like, we'll be with the Dodgers. It won't be the same. Like, we'll be relentless with the Braves. Maybe if tomorrow's in the first round, not quite the same.

Well, I mean, what are we, mad at you? Like, yelling at Jake Berger? We'll just be scared. Really. It'll just be our butts will clench up. Again, the Marlins are the team I want to face the least because they have the biggest upside of just despair. Yeah. Yeah.

Just like getting in our heads and just totally messing with us. Even the people in the building to the point, like, you know, they're not going to be as loud. Marlins go up 1-0. That building's a morgue. Oh, no. Not again. But my one, my one gumbly. And it is what it is.

It's just the way it shakes out is I said wrong on the radio, and you corrected me, and I was an idiot. I do wish it were a seven-gamer. I do wish that it was going to be in the NLCS, and we could do the full-on, real-deal series. I'll take what I can get. But it's a shame that they don't line up for the NLCS. Well, I just think that actually works out worse for the Phillies.

If it's a seven-game series, I don't... I think a five-game series is perfect for Phil's Braves. You mean in terms of the pitching and the... Yeah, I get it, but it's just so much more fun. You're right. The seven-game series helps the better team in that way. Yeah. That's a good argument. It made me feel better about it. It does feel like we're transporting ourselves back into 2011

and reacting to the Cardinals series, where if that's a seven-game series, it probably goes differently. Yep. But who's bringing up bad memories? So... All I'm going to say is the Phillies are 2-0 against the Babes in the playoffs. Like, that's it. Done.

They've never beaten us in the playoffs. We need to bring it back to 93. That's right. Yeah. This team is the exact same team. This is more 93 than any other. Just in terms of, like, the... Not in terms of talent.

But in terms... Like, we've talked about, like, I think 93 was the last team to connect with the city at any, and I don't think any team has connected to the city the way this group has, but I think 93 is the only comparison I have. Like, it's the only thing that's even close. Like, the old 7-11 connected with them because they were winning and they were great and we watched them come up and stuff, but I'm talking about in terms of like the back and

forth between the fans and the team and also just the lovableness of the team. You know what I mean? Yeah. I don't remember 93 like you do. Yeah, you don't. For me, a 12-year-old kid finally having a good baseball team, it was pretty special. So, yeah. I'm trying my best not to look at... I do not want to look past

the Diamondbacks because they do worry me. They're very fast. They're very athletic. 6'8 or 8'10. Like, they've been playing good baseball. They're fast. They're athletic. Corbin Carroll in a playoff series reminds me of, it reminds me so much of when Carlos Gonzalez came in here in 07 and just torched us. And like, Corbin Carroll's better than Carlos Gonzalez.

Like, Corbin Carroll is going to be a better baseball player. Corbin Carroll, like, that guy might be a Hall of Famer. Like, I mean, if he stays on the track, he's the first person ever to go 25-50 as a rookie, ever, in the history of the sport. It's never happened before. He's amazing, Corbin Carroll. I think you're underrating him. I know Cargo is great.

How am I underrating Corbin Carroll? Carlos Gonzalez was a monster for a bit. He was great, but not a Hall of Famer. I know he's not a Hall of Famer, but if Corbin Carroll plays six years, he's not a Hall of Famer. I know he's not a Hall of Famer, but if he... If Corbin Carroll plays six years, he's not a Hall of Famer. That's pretty much Carlos Gisales' peak was seven years. Corbin Carroll's not falling off. That's what I'm saying. It seems like you've relaxed.

And look, let's play this way. We're going to cut this audio when they play the Dimebacks, and you gushing about Corbin Carroll. He's great. No, he's great. He's great. And you know what? Look, we were joking about, like, oh, we'd rather face Merrill Kelly, Zach Gallin. He's great. No, he's great. He's great. And you know what? Look, we were joking about like, oh, we'd rather face Merrill Kelly,

Zach Gallin. Give us one. Zach Gallin is the best pitcher on any of these teams that we're talking about. The Cubs, the Reds, the Diamondbacks, the Marlins, the Giants. Zach Gallin is the best pitcher on all five teams. Boom. I mean, Sandy Alcantara, you could say he hasn't had that year, I'm saying, but... I'm debating him versus Logan

Webb, but that's it. That was the other name that popped my head, and Logan Webb has had playoff experience and looked good But I think it's still Zach Gallin, right? If we're just talking pure talent, it's still Zach Gallin By the way, is it weird to you That both Logan Webb and Brandon Webb Have like the same two-seamer? Dude, it is

And they're not related at all No, they're not It's the same pitch Brandon Webb had I loved Brandon Webb The heaviest baseball I've ever seen I think If I had to pick just one guy had the heaviest baseball I've ever seen. I think. If I had to pick just one guy with the heaviest ball I've ever seen,

the most balls just slam right into the dirt, it was that dude. He was Cy Young. I loved Brandon Webb. He's kind of a forgotten. Forgotten great, yeah. Yes, that's what I mean. He was one of the best pitchers of a generation. I would say him, Pete Dan Heron.

Yeah, Dan Heron was not as good as Brandon Webb. No, he was not. And Jake Peavy. Jake Peavy was as good as Brandon Webb. Jake Peavy is, that's the same, they're similar, I think Jake Peavy and Brandon Webb are perfect. Like two greats of a generation. Peavy lasted longer. Peavy lasted longer. Peavy had like a kind of bounce around career that you don't remember at the end. Like he was

kind of like played on a lot more teams than I thought. Yeah, me too. On the 07. Dude, you know my favorite Jake Peavy story? The 07 Padres. I went to three games out in Petco Park in 07. Shout out to my buddy Donnie McGeary. We went out there. We had a great time.

And the last game we saw, 07 Jake Peavy against J.D. Durbin. Wow, really? And J.D. Durbin threw a complete game shutout to beat Jake Beasley. Dude, me and my buddy in the ninth inning are literally standing up. The only two Phillies. Was this late in the season or early? It was like summer. It was like July, August, whatever it was.

Sitting there going, J.D. Durbin. Like the only two. There's no Phillies fans anywhere near us, and we're just like the loudest. It was awesome. It was an awesome time. Yep we're just like the loudest. It was awesome. It was an awesome time. Yeah. And a great park. It's great.

I haven't been there. It's worth the trip. It's a really neat place to watch a baseball game. My only random Padres Phillies memory from out there was I remember Antonio Bastardo's debut as a starter. His major league debut as a starter. By the way, Jake Beebe is a, if you ever want to see my Jake Beebe, I do a starter. His major league debut as a starter. Yeah. Yeah. By the way, Jake Peavy is a,

if you ever want to see my Jake Peavy, I do a perfect. Jake Peavy is one that you've got like on lockdown. Maybe on High Hopes Night on Saturday.

Oh, speaking of which. Well, watch out for the rain. Yes, we know there could be some rain, but as of now, High Hopes Night is happening on Saturday night

against the Mets. We'll be at the ballpark 2.30 at Liberty Landing, which is, you know, undercover. Which is good, you know, if you're looking for that. But we'll be hanging out, meeting people, meet and greet for, you know, an hour and a half before the game. By the way, it says 2.35. We've made it clear. We'll be there at 2.30.

We don't understand why there's an extra five minutes. I'm being completely honest about it. It's not a baseball game. Yeah, we're not weird like that. We're just going to be there. We did put in a request. Yes, we weren't like, we'll be there at 2.35.

Put 2.35 down. No earlier than 2.35. No, not 2.30. I'm serious about this. 2.35. Yeah. That's what we did. We're divas.

Sorry. For sure. Really full of ourselves. Yeah, it's what we do. Make it about us. Always. Yes. Cater to us.

Seriously, though, we are going to be hanging out at the game on Saturday. Rain or shine? Assuming there is. If there is a game on Saturday. Unless they cancel it that morning. Yes, if there is a game, we will be there. Yes. Simple.

Good way to put it, right? So coming out. Still have a couple more days. Or, no, a day. Oh, yes, today on Jack's show. You can win tickets On my show tomorrow I think on Jack's show tomorrow So tune in

Try and win tickets If not just buy tickets Coming out It'll be worth it Can I have one last On the Diamondbacks Real quick Yes you can

Yes you can I will let you do that But quickly Quickly Let me just give a shout out To the Miller Lite Bar of the Week While we're talking about Miller Lite

I Hope's Night Shout out to everyone That comes out And Jack You should appreciate this It's Timothy's in Westchester Love it How about that Today's Miller Lite Bar of the Week Is Miller Lite, I hope tonight. Shout out to everyone that comes out. And Jack, you should appreciate this. It's Timothy's in Westchester. Love it. How about that? Today's Miller Lite Bar of the Week is Timothy's in Westchester

where you can watch all Philly's games with $5 Miller 22, Miller Lite 22 ounce special. That is a great deal. Big old beer. It's a big old beer. That's the way I like it. Go to mytimothysrestaurants.com Shout out to Timothy's in Westchester. Our Miller Lite Bar of the Week.

Hey, fantasy football owners. The road to winning your fantasy football championship starts now. I'm Matt Harmon from Reception Perception. Join me and James Coe as we take a deep dive into the position that's going to make or break your fantasy roster. Wide receivers. We analyze route running, target share, and all the metrics that matter, giving you the insights you need to draft the best wide receivers. We analyze route running target share and all the metrics that matter, giving you the insights you need to draft the best wide receivers.

As you prep for your draft, let us give you the coverage you need. Follow and listen to reception perception on the free odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. So I have a funny story real quick about Timothy's in Westchester. Okay, good. And then we'll get to the night.

So look at this. So my, um, my cousin-in-law, is that what you call your, your wife's cousin? Yeah, yeah,

sure. So, so him and his family have gotten like, I mean, openly bandwagoned during the Phil's, Phil's this year. Love it,

love the mood board. At least you didn't gatekeep them, which was nice. No, no, I would never. I'm not, I'm not a gatekeeper.

But, so, like he goes to Timothy. I'm not a gatekeeper. So he goes to Timothy's in Westchester a good amount, and he texted in the group chat last night a picture of him like, look, they're already up 2-0. And I was like, the game ended four hours ago. No way. Yeah. He's like, damn it. So he's watching the replay he's like

I'd love to see them up to nothing early that is awesome yeah shout out to cousin love that is so awesome

hey look they're up to this great yeah they're up to nothing that's awesome he's like well what do you mean

I was like you're watching a rerun I was like but I need you at Timothy to be reacting in real time yeah let me know what's going on.

It's a good game. You're going to enjoy it. He texted the group at like, I don't know, nine and was like, what a throw by Cassidy. That's awesome. I really dig that. So Timothy's is a cool spot. And you can go rewatch the game later.

Yeah, just rewatch the game. Last on Diamondbacks before we move on is that the one thing that I would Like about facing them is The bullpen doesn't really worry me At all I think he's fine He's their best reliever

And he's like solid They have a bad bullpen Really good point In a playoff series here If it does go three As much as I know we have our own issues, like I will take Ranger over whoever's going to, Zach, Brandon Fott, or whoever the hell their third starter is going to be. I don't know who it is.

I need Zach Davies here in a playoff series. Zach Davies, exactly. Like any of those guys, like they have two great, and I hesitate to call Merrill Culley great, but he's been great. He's been great. They have two great starters, and then it really falls off. Yeah, and the key in those games is get them, like, I don't think they're

going to do well against them. Get them out after six. Yeah, I just... Keep it close and get them out after six. Merrill Kelly thing. I just, I can't. They can't hit him. I'm telling you. I know they can't. He is... The dude's like a strikeout machine. I don't, it doesn't make any sense. I've watched a lot of Merrill Kelly pitch. Yeah. And, like, normally I get it. I'm not a lot of Merrill Kelly pitch. Yeah. And normally I get it.

I'm not a pitching expert. Normally I'm like, oh, yeah, I see. Logan Webb, I see it. Yep. I see that. I don't get it with Merrill Kelly. I don't get it. Yeah, I mean, I don't think he's –

he's always just looked like an innings eater to me. Yes, he looks like a guy. He just looks like a guy. Him and Justin Steele are the two I want to face the least in a playoff series. Yeah, they're going to screw us. Yes. So yeah, that's my last thought on Diamondbacks. I think the athleticism, you know, I'm glad it's obviously not there. Unless they chase us down.

That would be, we all know. That is the biggest, don't let it be in Arizona. I would rather go to Wrigley. Honestly, I think we lose if we go to Arizona. Yeah, I think so too. Probably. I mean, the to Wrigley. Honestly, I think we lose if we go to Arizona. Ah, yeah. Probably. I mean, the history says we're not great. Hold on, they took three or four out of there, and JT as an inside the parker.

By the way, which was a... Yeah, JT. Yeah, road JT. Would you take a road series just to get the best version of JT Romito? No. He's the one guy that it really matters for one way or the other, you

know? So, I don't know. Would you start Gareth's subs all three games at home? Two games at home? Just so... Real quick, before we move on, what did you think about that yesterday? I know it's just a day game, but they almost never, I think it was only the third time ever that subs had caught Nola.

Never do that. Nola looked pretty good. Like, I don't know. I had it was only the third time ever that Stubbs had caught Nola. Never do that. Nola looked pretty good. Like, I don't know. I had it in the take back. So I was thinking, would you give Stubbs the start next week against the Pirates? Oh, absolutely. So I think you have to find out if this is a thing because, yeah, if you're asking me would I sit JT Romero in a playoff game

if I thought it meant that Aaron Nola would pitch better because of it? 100% yes. So I was thinking about that too. And I think people would say, well, then you're taking JT's bat out of the lineup. You could DH JT. You could put Harper at first. You could keep Cassie Nelson right. You can keep Schwarber on left.

You could. And then also, if they're at home, I don't care if his bat's out of the lineup. I just don't. Well, I know. I know. He's JT Romulo and he's got to play. I get it.'t. Well, I know. I know. He's JT Romito, and he's got to play. I get it. But, like, either way.

All right, whether you DH him or not, like, and I personally wouldn't, but I get it. But I'd rather have him in the lineup than, like, JK him. I get it. It's over JK him. I agree with you. Again, what is JK? Why is he still here? I just, I can't.

Why? He can't hit. No, he can't hit. And he can't lift the ball. And he's not even a good fielder. Like, he's okay. He's fine out there. But, like, he stinks. Yes he can't lift the ball. And he's not even a good fielder. Like, he's okay. He's fine out there. But, like, yes.

No, you're right. Like, JT will play. But either way, like, I would absolutely, if Nola pitches well against, again, with Stubbs, and there's something there and Nola likes it, in a second I would do it. Now, he did go seven innings of shutout baseball against the Cardinals with JT back there. So, while I'm a big fan of the game calling being. I think there's a 0% chance this happens. I disagree.

I think JT Romito will catch every game in the playoffs. I disagree. Okay. I think if they give Stubbs the start next week against the Pirates and Nola goes shove city, I think Garrett Stubbs starts game two. I don't. I'll bet you. You want to bet?

No, we already got our other bet Oh yeah I don't remember what it was Yeah we do Yeah you do Oh oh oh oh Our not on the air bet Yeah Yeah you're winning

You're winning so far Early winner I love Yeah that's great Yeah So yeah I don't think I think there could be a chance I think we can only have one bet

Yeah No we can't And no one can know about it It's a chance. I think we can only have one bet. Yeah. No, we can't have multiple bets. And no one can know about it. It's just our bet. And Elliot. Elliot can be there. Yeah, Elliot's allowed it. Yeah.

So yeah, I just... You think Elliot's going to listen to this podcast in Scotland, by the way? No. He's such a loser, man. I think Elliot listens to Iobes sometimes. But I think... Well, given his baseball takes, I would say he never listens. He never listens.

Once in a while. Like when the Phillies are good. But he tweets it out. He supports it. That's all we can ask for. Well, he's baseball takes, I would say he never listens. He never listens. Once in a while. Like when the Phillies are good. But he tweets it out. He supports it. That's all we can ask for. Well, he's a very supportive guy. He is. Elliott is about as good a friend hype man as you can ever ask.

Elliott will go out and he will shout that you're the best of the heavens. He's a good friend. That's not you. I'm not. And you know when I do it? When? In private. I know.

I don't like it. I'm not a big public guy. I know you're not. I'm, yeah. And you know when I do it? When? In private. I know. I don't like it. I'm not a big public guy. I know you're not. You know? Yeah, we're different. Yeah, no, no, no, no. I don't like people knowing that I like them. You know what I mean?

I'm like, hey, how you doing? Emily's the same way. Emily's always like, so it's like, with Zoe, it's very funny. Because, like, I'm always like, you know like You know I love you Zoe You're the best It's me You know And Emily's much more Like

She loves her And tells her But she's much more like She makes Zoe come to her And all Zoe cares about Is Emily's love Like she couldn't care less About me

And it's all cause of that And it's like so much smarter So credit Me and Emily I'm giving you credit Me and Emily Are one on one people This is smart

I'm a one I don't like groups No Emily hates groups. I hate groups. Yes. Emily will be at High Oaks Night, by the way. Emily will be there. I'm good in those groups.

When there's a lot of people, I'm pretty good. But even at High Oaks, I guess talk to one-on-one. I know you do. I know you do. So High Oaks Night will be great as long as it doesn't rain. Yep. We can't wait for it. Yes.

All right. Take back. The old take back, huh? The old, old, old take back. It's actually a new one today. Yeah. Okay. I don't, this is not, this is not to sound negative.

Good start. Not to sound negative. But every time they show Brandon Marsh's stats, aren't you like, really? Yeah. I'm always like wow dude his OPS like he has 10 home runs

yeah and his OPS is like in the 820s it's still he's like only recently not been the OPS leader on the team

like for the season it's like every time I see him I'm like how? I also feel like he has not really lifted the ball in a month

no he's just been ripping it into the ground I know it's pretty wild. Yeah. He used to hit home run. He felt like, Marshall, you can hit

home run here. You're right. As everyone else, the homer numbers, all of a sudden, you look and it's like, oh, remember the whole season where they're like,

Schroeder's the only one who's hitting home runs. Now you look, it's like they're going to end up with five guys with 20 plus homers, which I did not see coming at all.

Well, and... 300 RBI guys? Which, again, seems impossible. It seems impossible. And I believe, I mean, both Cassidy and Trey Turner have an outside shot at 30. Yeah. Well, no, Trey Turner, I mean, he's got 26. So he needs it for...

And you have Cassidy, they both are at 26. Cassidy was 27 yesterday. I thought it was 26. Yeah, either way, they're both right there. I mean, again, Schwarber, by the way, is going to end up with a 4,800-100 season, which is no big deal. Guy stinks, right?

He's going to end up with 112 runs or 115 runs. What are we doing here? How does anyone still have an issue with this? That's what I wanted to put in the take back. Thank you. You're welcome. Because this is a true take, actually. You haven't had one of those in a while.

Look at that. I don't mean this to sound like I am ripping older players, which I would never do. I am pro the older generation. You never rip old. You never make fun of old people for being old. You never, you know, it's not your thing. But let me just make this abundantly clear. You can't convince me that at one point, Mickey Mantle hit a ball almost 100 feet further than that Schwarber home run.

They had to be picking it by eye test. 565 from Mickey Mantle? No way. There's no freaking way from Mickey Mantle. Like, no way. There's no freaking way that Mickey Mantle hit a ball. That home run was legend growing up. Like, when I was a kid, that was like the, every parent said that was the furthest home run ever hit.

That it went out of Yankee, or almost went out of Yankee. That's not, like, it's just, physics, physics. I couldn't agree with you more. Like, what are we doing? Were they measuring it? Did they get a tape measure out? Because I know they didn't have all these advanced stats back then. Like, what are we doing? Were they measuring it? Did they get a tape measure out? Because I know they didn't have all these advanced stats back then. And let's, can we be honest? I know we do the whole thing.

And I'm big on error dependent, like error specific. Like, I am no problem saying that someone who played in the 50s is the greatest player of all time. Like, I don't believe that per se. But, like, I could say it because I'm judging them against their error. that per se, but I could say it because I'm judging them against their era. But in all honesty, this is a discussion about physical ability and strength

and size and all these things. No one in the 1950s hit a ball like that. No one. No one. No one hit a ball probably within 100 feet of that or maybe 50 feet of that in the 1950s. Like 565. These guys were smaller. They were less strong.

They were not using the same sort of training regimen. This, that. This is crazy town. The bats are better. The balls are better. Like, stop. And pitchers weren't throwing as hard. Of course not.

Exactly. There's not as much philosophy to get it out with. Like, Jack, fully support this take. It's okay. 565. There's no way that's real. No. Zero percent. And maybe, maybe

it was after it stopped rolling. Yeah, maybe it landed and rolled another 100 feet. Sure, I guess that's possible. Yeah. Sure. Come on, man. Outrageous. Sure. Whatever. Thank you. Thank you. Again, I think the 20th furthest home run this year is probably further than that Mickey Mantle home run.

You know what I mean? I think it is so overrated in that sense. Yeah. Thank you. You're welcome. I've been waiting to put that one out there. So, I had this written down, had they lost yesterday. So, I like that you still brought it. I really appreciate that about you.

You're like, I'm going to do this if they lose. But you know what? They won. I'm just going to say I would have done it if they lost. I guess I'll do it. Yeah. Because I'm all about you you're like i'm gonna do this if they lose but you know what they won i'm just gonna say i would have done it if they lost i guess we'll do it yeah because i'm all about you know fairness yes so transparency fairness all these things if they if they if they come up short right are we talking like world series short world series shorter or even nlcs like they lose in the d. It's going to be because they just didn't do enough with the deadline. Yep. Like, I was thinking about it yesterday.

Dude, I was with Lorenzen. Like, I was thinking about Lorenzen. Their big moves and a chance. Like, if they really, no, no, they couldn't bank on the offense. They should have probably been able to bank on the offense, but whatever. Like, at that time, the offense was not doing very well. And after that time, they were the best offense in baseball. So that's a hard thing to kind of predict. But if you just, their deadline was Rodolfo well. And after that time, they were the best offense in baseball. So that's a hard thing to kind of predict.

But if you just... Their deadline was Rodolfo Castro and Michael Lorenzen. And both were misses. I mean, Lorenzen gave them a little bit. Obviously, a couple starts that helped them win games. Two. I said a couple. Literally, they were both unequivocally bad moves.

Like, unequivocally. And again, forgetting what Bailey Falter, it's not like he's been great or whatever. But, like, Rodolfo Castro has been a zero. He's been a literal zero. Like he doesn't play. He didn't barely pinch hits. Like he is useless.

And Lorenzen is a miss. Like it's a flat out miss, especially when we talked about like, you know what they should have freaking done? Go out and get a real bullpen arm, right? Like, wouldn't it have been nice if when we talked about them going out and getting one of these freaking guys and Alex Lang or the hell you want to say it is, and go get a guy who can actually come in and make a difference? Because wouldn't that be nice right now?

To have a dude who could throw likes for Anthony and actually looks like that now. Like, right? One arm short. Right? Like, that's what I look at the bullpen as. We said it in the minute, and we said it in the moment. And they might have to bring up a Ryan Kirkering, and maybe he can be that guy. And he had a scoreless AAA debut last night, which is good.

Because I guess their concern was they wanted to see how AAA debut last night, which is good. Because I guess their concern was they wanted to see how he'd do with the big league balls because they use big league baseballs in AAA.

Real quick. Yes. Why don't they use big league baseballs all throughout the year? I have no idea. Like, what are we doing here? Is this like high school?

I don't know. Seriously though, right? Okay, so the seams are tighter. I have no idea. Whatever. Use the ball. It's like the idea that in high school

you play with a different size football or something, which they do. It's like, why? That's because their hands are smaller. I know. In high school. I'm no idea. Whatever. Use the ball. It's like the idea that in high school you play with a different size football or something, which they do. It's like, why? That's because their hands are smaller. I know. In high school. I'm talking college.

If you guys are going to play in the NFL, shouldn't you play with the same size ball? I don't know. So, yeah, I just... It's like the metal bat thing. We've talked about this before. It's like... You should get rid of them. Get rid of them.

But I was thinking about it yesterday. It's like, man, if they just... They just added one... Like, the starter thing, whatever. If they could just add one more legitimate. And eventually, they're going to have. And maybe it's this offseason. Maybe it's this offseason that they have the core set.

They know what they're getting. They don't have to deal with Harper missing whatever time. Everyone's under contract. So, you think organizationally they looked and said, all right, we're going to make some moves now. See what happens. We can still win. But we're going to really. It was a half-in. It was a half-end deadline.

If we do, we do, we don't, we don't. We said it in the moment. Like, it was a better version of that. And it's a shame, too, that the... And again, they didn't do enough. But it's also a shame that these moves didn't work out. Like, last year, Nebraska had a great trade deadline. You know, even though the Syndergaard thing wasn't great,

like, Brandon Marsh mattered for the Phillies last year. He mattered this year. Like, David Robertson had big moments. He was a part of the team and all that. Like, these are two moves and both misses, and a team that needed those moves. You need a guy

to get you one inning in a playoff game. Lorenzen or Sindergaard? Last year's Sindergaard. Like Lorenzen today? Yeah, this Lorenzen. Yeah, I think I'd take Last year's Cindergarten. Like Lorenzen today? Yeah, this Lorenzen. Yeah, I think I'd take last year's Cindergarten.

Wouldn't you? I don't know, man. I couldn't stand watching it. It's horrible. I know. But their stuff looks exactly the same. You mean they're nothing? They look exactly the same.

By the way, by the way. The lack of movement on these pitches when you watch it, it is not good. By the way. I almost did an Elliott. I was like, I could hit it. And then I was like, no, I couldn't. No, I couldn't. I'm not an idiot.

I know I couldn't. By the way, Dylan Covey should pitch before both of them in a playoff game. I know, dude. You know I said this a while ago. Before Tom Walker and before Mike Lorenzo. I did this a couple. I'm like, is Dylan Covey good? I know. He's not that bad. No. He's not that bad. Before Tom Walker and before Mike Lorenzo. I did this a couple, I'm like, is Dylan Covey good?

He's not that bad. No. He's not that bad. Again, I have more faith that he will not give up runs than other guys who pitch in bigger spots, without a doubt. Who's better? Dylan Covey or Britton Covey? I mean, Dylan Covey. Okay, good. Britton Covey is fine.

What are we doing here? I know. I know. Yeah. You know. Yeah. I'm with you a similar type of thing with like caring of making such a great roster and caring about it and not just getting this one little piece that could really help you yeah um so i want to talk about i want to talk about my interaction at wawa this morning oh good okay good what a great because you know my affinity for older

baseball fans right yes of course It's one of your things. This, uh... The one guy at Wawa working... Hold up, real quick. It's also funny because you have an affinity for older baseball fans and for younger baseball fans. You love the ends of the spectrum. You want young kids to be into it. You like baseball? I know, but it is funny. I never thought about the fact

that you love both ends of the spectrum. You're into when... Whenever we have young listeners, the pod we meet, kids are listening, you get so excited about it. Whenever we meet a dad who listens, you get so excited. I know. I get more excited about the dad. You do. No, you do. But still, it is funny that those are your favorites.

The ends of the spectrum. And everyone in between get lost. Yeah. If you're in New York. But yeah, so, older baseball fans, they're Just always angry Like they're never happy Like it's always

This guy stinks Accountability To be fair When you've lived 70 plus years As a Phillies fan Yeah These things happen

Built up over time Yes, these things happen You're not the biggest fan of me So So this guy At Wawa Who's working He sees this old guy

who I guess must have been a regular or whatever and he goes, hola. And the guy without missing a beat goes, you know, Noah's got good stuff.

And like, so the guy said, hola, like, hello, hola. And the guy was like, wait a minute.

Yeah, he was like, without missing a beat, he was just like, listen, Noah does have good stuff. So if you could just put it together.

Did you jump in? No, I just laughed. Hey, yeah. Yeah, I just laughed. Hey, yeah. Yeah, I just laughed. I was very happy. That's great, though. And then the guy was like, the worker was like, I just said hola.

Just saying hi. Yeah, yeah. And he's like, ah, well, you know, the game yesterday, whatever. To be fair, just say hi. Yeah. Like, don't do the hola thing. Like, come on. I don't blame the old guy for being like, who says hola?

Yeah. Like, enough. All right. So Nola. So he's like, who says it? Ola! Like, enough, alright So Nola So he just went right into a bit about Aaron Nola That's great work Shout out to that guy Maybe he's a listener Maybe he's a listener

I'm ready to put it out there Uh-oh A number one target Well, we're going there already We're already in the offseason One of my favorite long time items And now it's even better Because we have playoffs coming up Is you're already in the offseason. One of my favorite longtime items, and now it's even better because we have playoffs coming up, is you just looking into the offseason and the season,

which used to make more sense. It makes less sense now. I know. But the guy that I need. Just go right in. Like, I just, he's my number one target in free agency this offseason. Okay. And full disclosure, I know that he would come here and be horrible.

But I just. I mean, who doesn't, right? I mean, go on. I need Jesse Chavez to be a fill. Really? I was not expecting. I mean, I really like Jesse Chavez. Dude gets outs.

Dude. I did not expect. Of all the names. Number one. He seems quite likable, actually. I like him. And again, I will, at some point, get Adam Duvall in the Phillies. And now I need Jesse Chavez on that list.

Jesse Chavez is a lock to get big outs against us. Dude, all he does is come in when the Braves are down by two, pitch five innings of pretty good baseball, and then the Braves come back and win. It is a tale as old as time. I don't care that he's almost 40. I need Jesse Chavez. Jesse Chavez has been around forever. And then the Braves come back and win. Like, it is a tale as old as time. I don't care that he's almost 40. Yeah. I need Jesse Chavez.

I love it. Jesse Chavez has been around forever. So, I think most, like, longtime listeners, and I know me, were definitely expecting a weird name. Like, we were not expecting you to be like, man, they got to get Mike Trigert or whatever. You know what I mean? Like, we weren't expecting that.

We were expecting some off the beaten path. I did not expect that. You didn't see Jesse Chavez coming? No, no. I just, he is. Really, as your top free agent acquisition. He is everything I've ever wanted in a bullpen arm. He is.

Dude, you are absolutely, in the history of Jesse Chavez's life, the first person to say that. I disagree. And Thoughtfulness brings him back every year. Every year they bring him back when he's terrible that. I disagree. And Thoughtfulness brings him back every year. Every year they bring him back when he's terrible elsewhere. I know. And he turns into the best reliever in baseball again. So I know he's going to come here and be bad. But I need to know.

And then we'll cut him. We'll go back to the Braves. And be great and win the World Series. I need to know what it's like to have a middle reliever that can just come in and get outs for like three innings. Dylan Covey's not proven enough to you? He's not. Needs to be Jesse Chavez next year.

I need Jesse Chavez. I really like that. That made me happy. If this offseason is Adam Duvall and Jesse Chavez, you can just bank on the World Series. And a Corbin Burns trade, but that's third. That's the clear third. Far less important.

You can win without Corbin Burns. Jesse Chavez? Probably can't. It's hard. I mean, look at all he does is win in Atlanta. So Jesse Chavez, number one target. I really enjoyed that. Thank you.

And then my final thing to take back, and I don't know how you're going to feel about this, but it's how I feel, is rolling nights on Friday. And I just think we have such positive momentum after the Trey thing that we don't need to take a step back with the boo fest of Scott Rowland.

Like, just, it doesn't need to be a standing ovation. It doesn't need to be this. Just a round of applause. I don't need a ton of

boo. Like, I think people, I think there's gonna be a couple people that are gonna boo. But I just think that, like, think about how great of a run this has

been for the Philly sports fan. Like, it feels like we're getting stories written about how, like, oh, brotherly love's real. And, like, they're not the meanest people. There's been way less snowballs of sand in those conversations. Way less batteries at J.D. Drew. Way less of this. And, like, I just think it would be a step back.

I think it would be a step back if Friday night, on a good moment for Roland and his family, if it turned into a boo fest. All right, so you're correct. I don't agree with you on this. I don't need it to be a boo fest, but I can't, like I feel like it would be disingenuous to not let some people boo at this. Well, people, I think people are going to boo at it. Boo Scott Roland. That's how I feel as a human being and as a Phillies fan.

Like boo that guy. I hate that guy. I don't want to cheer him. I think it's a massive mistake the Phillies are putting him on the wall of fame, the silly thing that they have to begin with. Like, it's a mistake. No one wants to go celebrate Scott Rowland. Like, I have zero, zero, like, hope or want or whatever to go cheer that guy.

Like, screw that guy. So, look, I agree it should not be a loud chorus of boos, but I am fine with some polite claps and a smattering of boos. That's what the guy deserves. Give him what he deserves. I think it's going to turn more into— Look, the ovation was perfect. It was a great idea.

I don't want to— I'm so happy it happened. I know. I know you're not, but I'm saying we still have to be real. We still have to be genuine. I don't want to step back. We still have to be who we are as Philadelphians. I don't want to step back.

It's not step back. It's a righteous boo. He deserves to get booed. There's a difference between just booing to be a J-O and booing because the person deserves to hear your ire. And that's what Scott Rowland is. Does he, though? Too soft.

Does he deserve to hear it? Does he deserve to hear it? Because they weren millennial. Does he deserve to hear it? Because they weren't going around him. As a comeback, Jack, what did you say last pod and you were two pods ago? You're damn right.

Boomers have the best baseball takes. I guarantee you the boomers are not cheering for Scott Rowland. I'm not saying cheer. I'm just not saying, I just don't want to boo. Okay, I would be fine

if people want to sit there in silence. If you want to just sit and honoring Scott Rowland. And it's like... I don't think that want to just sit. I'm sure that'll fit. And honoring Scott Rowland. And it's like. I don't think that's going to happen. I'm fine with that. If they want to just sit silently.

I just. I know there's not going to be. I don't want a standing ovation. I don't want that. No, no, no, no. I get the role. No, no, no. Enough.

And also like everyone out there. Sal Licata. Who I actually think is really good. I like Sal Licata. Love Sal. Yeah, I think he's great. Enough. Enough.

With the standing ovation for Zach Wilson. And the standing ovation for Carlos Cor good. I like Salah. Love Salah. Yeah, I think he's great. Enough with the standing ovation for Zach Wilson and the standing ovation for Carlos Correa. Like, enough! They tried to do it for Jack Flaherty in Baltimore. Dude, enough! Like, do these people not understand what this was? This was a particular moment in time with a particular person

who signed a $300 million contract who was trying his hardest. Like, there was a million little factors that went into this being the perfect thing for the perfect guy in the perfect spot like stop like stop but i appreciate it um good try good effort so we'll see what happens on friday i just you know i think we're in a good spot and i don't think we need to have a big old uh i think i don't think because you know the national media can't wait to like turn it back on and be like oh see, see, they ruined Scott Rowland night.

Again, shouldn't be having Scott Rowland night. That's the big thing, right? Yeah. What are we doing here? Like, it's, again, your point. Like, we've got to have a freaking Hall of Fame ceremony. Like, no one wants this. Well, at least they're not retiring his number.

He's a Hall of Famer. Nobody wants this. Hoskins comes back next year wearing, like, 19. Nobody wants this. That's all Next year wearing God Like 19 Nobody wants this That's all Alright By the way Johan Rojas is the Everyday center fielder

How wild is that From like the From like From like the days Of original high hopes When he's a 16 year old And you're talking about him On high hopes

17 year old Yeah it's pretty crazy man And we're here And he's been great Defensively Yeah And I know He's been good offensively

Which is I still am shocked I don't believe it Every time he comes up I don't expect him to get hit And he's been great. Defensively. Yeah. And he's been good offensively. I still am shocked. I don't believe it. Every time he comes up, I don't expect him to get hit. But he's been good, man. And he hit a homer off an actual real pitcher the other day. That's his first career home run. That's his first career home run.

The other one. When you have to apologize, when you're apologizing to the guy on the mound for your home run, I don't think we count that one. When he's like, my bad. Shouldn't have done that. Sorry. That was fun, though, to see him get one. That was a big home run. I don't think we count that one. Yeah. When he's like, my bad, shouldn't have done that. Sorry. That was fun though to see him get one.

That was a big home run. So, I mean, game one of the World Series might be him and, or not game one of the World Series, sorry, game one of the wild card round. I like where your head's at.

Could be Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh in center and left. And Schwarber de-aging. Schwarber de-aging. Yeah, which I think that will be the one. Now, do you think

that he can do that every day? Do you think that Johan Rojas has played well enough to where he can be the everyday center fielder next year? Now, I know this is not every day. It's not really going to work out like this. But is it enough to not bring Reese back and put him at first base to where you have Harper at first base

the majority of the time, Schwarber left, or Martian left, Rojas center field, and Schwarber the DH? I think so. Which is a big spot where we've gotten to. Yeah. I think it is though.

It makes the overall team good. It just makes the team better and it also gives you more versatility moving forward. It just makes so much more sense from a

roster construction standpoint. And I think Harper likes it over there. It's kind of the vibe I'm getting from the way he's talked about it, from playing it,

all that. It seems like he's into it. There's no really other way to make it work with bringing Reese back. You put Reese at first, Harper in right. No, and then Cassian left,

forward DH, but then you're... Rojas in center. Yeah. Or Marsh. But then Rojas isn't playing. Yeah, exactly. There's no way to make them both. That's going to be the biggest, one of the biggest questions of this offseason. Yeah, it's fascinating. How regal do they think you are on Rojas? Yeah, it is. And also, can you, you know, get by, they did this year, but they didn't for a while,

get out without the extra big kind of bat in the lineup with Reese. You know, you're trading a big bat for a big glove. You know? What a time. Phillies! Wow, what a big defensive club. I love it.

All right, any final thoughts? Let's just not mess around with the Mets. They're playing decent baseball. They keep winning, dude. They keep winning. And you know, you know, in what has been a season of hell for that team, there is nothing they want to do more than end their season by beating up on us. They're going to bring it.

Don't let that happen. Don't let that happen. All right. And I guess don't boo Scott Rowland. But if you really want to, just go for it. Don't let that happen. Don't. Don't let that happen. Alright. And I guess don't boo Scott Rowland. But if you really want to just go for it. Don't boo Scott Rowland. And we'll see you Saturday. And we'll see you Saturday. Maybe. Coming out. Maybe. 2.30. Yeah. We'll be

there if there is a there to be there. Alright. And if not, I'm sure we'll figure something out. But either way, coming out, it's going to be awesome. Until then, he's for some salsa.