High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - We Thought the Season Was Over But Now It's Back On

Episode Date: July 12, 2022

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to a disappointing loss to the Cardinals while finding out in real time that the Alec Bohm injury wasn't as bad as they initially thought. Plus, the guys beg for Nick Castellanos to not suck, look ahead to a tough week of games, and more. Presented by Miller Lite. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the High Hopes Podcast. High Hopes! It's a bunch of baseball nerds talking about the Phillies. On Odyssey and Sports Radio 94 WIP. Yoooo! Oh, it is another edition of the High Hopes Podcast presented by Miller Lite. Celebrate responsibly. We love Miller Lite.

Certainly loving Miller Lite a lot more than loving the Phils tonight, Jack. I definitely had a few too many Miller Lites at Elliot Shore Parks' wedding this weekend. And I am definitely still feeling it because I'm 40 and I don't recover the way I used to. And it looked like the Phillies played like that tonight, Jack. Look, I was super ready to do a fully excitable three out of four in St. Louis pod coming out of this one and went the other way, pal. Yeah, I guess so. You can say that again.

Oh, man. Get ready. Well, I guess, all right. Yeah, I mean, you did text me, I'm despondent, like 10 minutes ago. So go ahead. Well, all right. Yeah, let me just explain to everyone

exactly where I'm at with this team. Is that like what has me so down, James, is that I genuinely feel like there's a different feel to this team. And I felt that way for a little bit now. And the first two games, St. Louis, it was like, yeah, this is good. Even when they lost yesterday, it was like, you know what? That's fine. It's not a disaster loss. It's not one of those losses that you are just despondent, I guess, after. It was a bullpen game.

I mean, you know? Right. And they were up late, and they should have won, and whatever. And then tonight happens, and it's not even that i'm at the mode of like oh same old philly is like this whole mirage it's just i feel like a special season as being taken away from us for like broken fingers and stuff and it's just like you know i i think they've been able to overcome the bryce thing pretty well uh they've been able to overcome the gene thing pretty well but like and it able to overcome the Gene thing pretty well.

And it's not even like Boehm was that unbelievable, although he was definitely heating up recently. But it's like they can't stay afloat with this many injuries. They just can't. And then now Ranger's down and Eflin's down. I know they said tonight Ranger might start a game before the All-Star break. It's like, fine, that's okay. But still, it's like we have to go two bullpen games in three days.

And it's like I'm battling between I really do genuinely feel like they have turned a corner as a team, as a franchise, and I think that they know how to win. I think they're figuring out ways to win. And also the reality of, like like they can't just keep over and listen if they do overcome these injuries and they they find a way to go on a run and they they piece this thing together and they they still go into the also our stop break like limping a little bit but it's not like as big of a disaster as we thought then then kudos to them and they get a standing o and all of that but it's just like a bone goes down and how i felt and i think how the team played

after that it was like it was a deflating feeling it was a straight up deflating feeling of like seriously we gotta do this again and i guess this is a massive jump to conclusions james uh but it's like i'm sitting here feeling like we might be playoff-less again because they just are too hurt. They are too banged up. I don't know why they keep breaking their fingers. I am shocked that Bryson stopped and didn't break his finger in the eighth inning when that ball went inside against them.

And I guess I just have this feeling of, I think that they're, they've turned a corner as a team. I like the direction that they're headed. I think they figured out mostly how to win. They've had a lot of special moments this year and I feel deflated that another key player got hurt and I don't know if they can overcome another injury. They're already really thin. And I just, that's where I'm at right now. And that's how I feel this way. You know, what's funny is in a, in a unexpected turn of events, a twist, you might say, I actually am okay right now. And I, you know, I earlier today was fully in on this team. I went on the radio and saying, this team's good. Believe in them. Dave

Dombrowski needs to go out and earn his money and add to this team because they deserve it. And they've proved that they're going to battle through adversity and we've lost Bryce Harper and continued to win series. They lose Jean cigar earlier that, and literally go on the run. You know, it coincided with the end of the Joe Girardi era, and obviously all that entailed. But this team, to your point, has shown that they have been able to fight and feel different. Look, every time the last few years at this point in the season and further into the season, this team's been in it.

Like, we haven't been out of it until September, every single year since 2018 when they've been pseudo competitive let's call it so you know it feels different this year though and that's even with losing these guys and I understand I felt it look I think you can even you know it's it's you don't want to make excuses for a loss but it certainly felt like to your point you know they're up one nothing they're cruising along boom rips one into the you know know, into the gap and, and we're feeling good. And then all of a sudden it's clear that he broke his finger, you know, you see the replay and it's ugly and he said it. And I think it deflated the team and you know, you know, me, athletes are humans, right? I think

it's tough when that stuff happens. And I'm sure the team in the moment felt that what you're saying like again really seriously but I do think that they've shown that they can rally you know and that this team especially with you know as long honestly you know who to who to thunk would be saying as long as Kyle Schwerber is out there you know I kind of feel like they can overcome anything just from a culture standpoint now which is which is amazing but I do feel like they can battle anything just from a culture standpoint now, which is amazing. But I do feel like they can battle. And I think, look, losing Boehm hurts. And he had been heating up.

Of course, they show the little graphic to start the game that he's like, you know, bang like 390 over his last 13 or whatever it was. So, you know, I get it. It's tough. But they do have guys who can be approximates of what Boehm can do, with Camargo coming back, with Maton potentially coming back, with the potential to add guys who are those type of fringe type guys you don't give up too much for, but who can contribute for a period of time and certainly be better defensively.

So I get where you're coming from, it's I think it's premature to say that this team can't continue to battle through adversity especially like bone matters but he's not like Bryce Harper you already lost that dude um I don't know I actually am not feeling as down as you are unbelievably yeah I mean again I I listen I would do anything for them to stay in. And listen, the season is not over. I refuse to believe that. And it's time for, I guess they're probably just going to try to make it through the all-star break and not try to add a piece beforehand so that they can just kind of get to that point and then, you know, figure it out post all-star break.

And yeah, I understand what you're saying. And like, listen, I, again, I want them to stay in this. post all-star break and yeah i understand what you're saying and like listen i again i i want them to stay in this i want them to to compete and yes and that's what honestly it comes from the standpoint of where i'm at actually with you is that i do think they turn a corner and i do think schwarber's been a main piece and like i do think that like reese has been ridiculous here for a good stretch now and it's's just, like, I want to see them rewarded, you know? And I want to see them. It's just, it's another.

It's not even Boehm is this ridiculous player right now. But it's just another piece that is just missing. And when you have, like, Didi and JT and Castellanos. Like, those are the heart of your lineup. But, like, the only interesting pieces of your lineup right now is Schwerber and Hoskins. And then the bottom of the lineup when it's Boehm, Bierling, I guess Munoz. Like that's the core of the lineup right now. It's like, okay, well, another key piece of that is out.

And it's one of those why us things. So, yeah, I think tonight was deflating. Bone goes out. I mean, the guy seems addicted to having his words caught on camera. It's just ridiculous. It's unbelievable. It's unbelievable. Yeah, it's ridiculous.

They always capture him right at that point. So, listen, they're tied for the third wild card. They just got to tread water. But, James, like, man, this week they have Barrios. They have Alcantara. They have Gaussman. Yeah, well, I think you're hitting on an important point like this week. You know, this is, I think, a really important week from that perspective.

Going to Toronto, shorthand it. you know, obviously we'll get into that. But, you know, and then you go to the House of Horrors. I mean, you know, heading into the All-Star break, especially with a week off to stew or bask in whatever happens, you know, I think both from a culture perspective, from a way the front office looks at them perspective, it matters. I think both from a culture perspective, from a way the front office looks at them perspective, it matters. But I also think like, you know, we talk about like the big moves Dombrowski has to make, but you know, if you look at what the Braves did last year and really how they won the

world series was with fringe moves, you know, it was with getting Eddie Rosario and getting Jorge Soler and, you know, making these moves for guys who, you know, no one's saying, wow, the Braves want Jock Peterson. Like the Braves won the trade deadline. They made these moves that, that got guys. And obviously who you know no one's saying wow the Braves want Jock Peterson like the Braves won the trade deadline they made these moves that that got guys and obviously you know you can't anticipate you know guys having career halves of seasons in certain cases or career playoff runs like Eddie Rosario or whatever but and a slayer for that matter too World Series MVP I mean you know those were the moves that won the Braves World Series not the like trade all

your and we we I want all types of moves like Dombrowski has an like he has to step up now and do some stuff in my opinion but but I do think that you know you get caught up in the big moves there can be smaller moves that can also make a big difference this time of year yeah and what they're trying to do I think is is try to rely on some of the younger guys because they've you know given them good energy uh so far this year but you know um there are little moves that that can be made that could help the team and just give them you know some breathing room you know just just keep them keep them afloat here for a little bit um and hopefully bone like man i don't know like i don't know what uh a broken finger i guess at this point is i mean segura's out for 10 to 12

weeks bryce might miss like you know six to eight weeks so like who knows uh however long these guys can be out it is unbelievable it is unbelievable yeah well it's like the bone one's annoying especially though because like i don't care if it looks cool or not like wear the stupid protective hand thing you know it helps it's a chance you won't get injured in that situation like i know it looks dumb but why wouldn't you wear that thing if you're a player in my opinion i mean this is so much worse. Yeah. You know, and also like, you know, slide in with your fingers up. Well, that's a whole separate issue.

You know, there was baseball for over 100 years or 120 years without having to have something on your hand. I agree, but I guess, you know, they don't teach fundamentals anymore. Like, people can't freaking bunt, Jack. Oh, the analytics. Jack, people can't bunt the analytics jack people can't people can't bun i mean you know anyway yeah so listen um i'm down tonight and i can tell like the life has been sucked out of me again um i was gonna come in and rip on you for that total you know jerk move poll you put out the totally biased schwerber castellanos poll like thanks buddy for that but now i feel bad doing that you know now i feel bad calling you out for being a bad teammate when you're so down well

here's the thing it's like dude imagine being a castellanos guy like seriously imagine imagine all right let me living and dying on that hill let me let me address this all right yes yes i was the castellanos guy jack was the schwerber guy you freaking win jack i schwerber's the best he's my favorite guy on the freaking team he's clearly the guy keeping this team afloat with like every thing that he has in his ability to try and keep a team together he's doing everything he can and and my guy is out there looking like feeble dude even when he gets hits they're like little check swing bs you know bloop drops like he looks horrible the guy batted 309 with 34 home runs last year jack all right i'm uh like i'm not a big one-time guy you know the like one time i never do the one time, but guess what? I'm doing one time. Nick freaking Cassie. I'm

going to wake Zoya. Nick freaking Cassianos one time, buddy. Can you please turn it the bleep around for me? Okay. Thank you. It's been addressed. I don't want any more. There will be no more comments on this situation until further notice. I need some time. Okay. Are we past this? Now, no more polls, teammate. Thank you, buddy, friend, close personal friend. Thank you.

Go ahead. Hey, got to be honest. Don't see it happening. I really don't. I don't see it happening i really don't like i don't see it happening dude it is like dude i've never seen him like he looks like he's half swinging it's unbelievable and like i hate and like i hate to do this i really do but i hate to pull the like does he even care card um but it's like it's so hard to watch him at the plate and think like oh he's definitely like cares um also like i mean the guy every single pitch now is on the outside corner

and like i you know i don't he keeps trying to like pull him and then every time he pulls him it's this weak little ground you mean You mean the king of double plays, Nick Castellanos? Between him and JT, it's like how many double plays? It's honestly like I just sit here and you and I both know baseball. We have watched Nick Castellanos. It is maybe the most shocking thing I've seen. I have no way that you do. It just makes – for as much as I get on you,

I love, I wanted Nick Castellanos all in. Yeah, we both did the pod being very excited they signed Nick Castellanos. I just didn't think they would because I didn't think they would surrender a draft pick. So this is me being a good teammate saying, hey, I'm not going to let you just go out there on the vine and go out this way. Thanks, buddy. I'm'm gonna stick up for you as well thanks as the schwarber guy you know yes because i did not do let's go back and also say i was very excited about college

forever too all right we're both on the record debatable debatable you probably were like ah career 237 average that was me um go back it's on tape. But, no, I just – genuinely, it's one of the most shocking things I've seen as a Phillies fan. We've seen a lot of things. But Nick Cassiano's, like, not being able to hit is, like, one of those things I just didn't account for, I guess, heading into this season. I think we could have accounted for a lot, but him just, like,

with just feeble uh hacks at the plate um him no i didn't anticipate him having to uh play the field that much um but yeah that sucks and who knows if that's weighing on him but i mean it not enough to be this i mean it's like it's interesting like he got hit i mean i i don't he got hit like uh on the wrist on like may 5th and he at that point he was batting about 3 11 i think yeah he started out great you know and like since he got hit on the wrist he's been i don't know the worst hitter in baseball i think oh that's not this is interesting i mean this is interesting no no not true but, I mean, it's pretty close, Jack. Well, I think he does have, like, the second. I'm not a huge war guy, but I think he has the second lowest war in all of baseball this year.

Oh, my God. Among the qualified hitters. Oh, my God. Yeah. And, like. Oh, man. And people are, like. I started out so positive tonight, Jack.

Well, it's funny. People are saying, oh, well, just put someone else in the three hole. It's like, dude, they're batting a guy clean up that was in the minors three weeks ago. And he should be there. And he should be there. Derek Hall should be batting clean up. That's the craziest part.

Yeah, I mean, who are you going to put there? Are you going to put Boehm there? Oh, wait, no, he's not around anymore. Are you going to put Deedee there? gonna put you gonna put Boehm there oh wait no he's not around anymore um like you're gonna put Didi there you wanna put Didi you wanna Veerling you're gonna put Veerling in the three hole is that is that the grand by the way like can we knock it off with the Veerling in the nine hole thing I mean why are we still acting like this guy's a platoon player oh it's crazy he's like everyday center fielder and he should be adding like sixth i mean like seriously it's it's the most jojo already thing i've seen from rob thompson is like this continued like oh well veerling we'll see doesn't it remind it's not the same

because he's not as good but it reminds me so much of what like worth in the first half of 08 oh this guy's so much better why are we playing jeff jenkins over him and then worth turned out to be a really good player also an all-star yeah also also in practice the third best player that run he was amazing he was amazing that run so all right now a serious baseball question is the best version of this i guess the best version of the team is Veerling at third base for the time being, and I guess Oduble back in center and Castellanos in right version. Well, until Camargo comes back, I would rather play Camargo.

I mean, I know. And Munoz. Yeah, and look, I like Jairo a little bit, man. Jairo's all right, but I'm with you. I think, look, Camargo's not is not back yet right he's on a rehab assignment so yeah but i'm pretty sure he i'm pretty sure he like very close okay all right well i mean also then i would rather have veerling and centering camargo at at third you know a veerling platoon or a camargo munz platoon, I guess, could work.

Also, I kind of forgot about him, frankly, James, because he was up for like two and a half games and was awesome. But can I get Nick Maton back? Yeah. I mentioned him before. Him and Camargo are both on rehab assignments. All of a sudden, give me Nick Maton, please. I think he's in clear water right now.

So seems a little bit further away than Camargo. But yeah, it's like like he came up and was like save the season for two games and then was taken away from me. And I could really use some Nick Mayton back in my life. Yeah. Look, it is. It is pretty wild how beat up they are. I mean, you know, especially just in the infield, losing Segura and Boehm and Camargo and Maton, like whoever they kind of bring up,

to the fact that they've had to get down to Jairo Munoz. And again, he's been really good, you know, given the opportunity. But the fact that Jairo Munoz even had to be called up has shown what a, you know, kind of injury-plagued, you know, infield. I mean, the fact – Hey, James. Yeah.

Alec Bone's finger is dislocated, not broken. Oh! X-rays were negative. Oh! And Rob Thompson doesn't know if he'll have to go on the io yo buddy we're back we're back playoff run is still alive and andrew pilates andrew pilates started tomorrow what what that sounds right hey i like bloody um what a what a ride the first 20 minutes of this podcast are going to be for everyone knowing like that we are despondent over thinking bum's going to be out

like four to six weeks or whatever the fill season's back on like should we redo should we restart the podcast or do you want to let people go on this roller coaster ride with us? Way too late for me. I got thrown off course. I actually was going to, at the beginning of the pod, openly start a feud with the Cardinals manager. Marmole? Is it Marmole?

I don't even know. The Cardinals manager guy for doing a pitching change in the ninth inning up 6-1. I was going to be like, I actually hate you, dude. I actually hate you. Between that and Nicholas. We are now mortal enemies. Like, you know, I'm done. You know?

So, no. We're not starting over. I think it's fun. I think people will enjoy hearing the twists and turns of our emotions as it comes out. Yeah. So, I got to be honest. I feel much better now than i did you love alec bohm that's your guy well it's not that i like alec bohm i love i here's my my official stance on bohm like i want him to be good like i it's it's it's definitely

a want thing um him hitting the two home runs on Friday night and lifting the ball in the air, it was a weird sequence for me, James, because on one hand, I was very excited that it's a big win on the road, whatever. On the other hand, I was like, why can't you do that more often? I'm not saying you got to hit a home run, but hit the ball in the air. Especially the second one. He'll drive one sometimes that just kind of carries. The second one, it was so shocking to see him turn on one

and jack it out to left field. I feel like that's – and lift it out to left. That theoretically should be the easiest home run for him, and he never hits those. Right. that's, you know, theoretically should be the easiest home run for him. And he never hits those, you know? Right. So, and then I feel like after that, like his, his just like, he seemed like he was kind of hopping around the infield and you know, he was hitting the ball kind of all over the place a little bit.

So, you know, I was just, I was just kind of, I was in a good spot with Alec Baum and honestly, I kind of felt the big, this, this last stretch. I mean, 13 games, you mentioned he's batting three 90 was really the best I'd felt about him since, you know,

his, his rookie year. And to see him go down when they need his offense right now. Like, I mean, we just talked about Casiano's JT has been JT DD. I still can't believe hasn't hit the home run. I hit a home run yet.

You know, it's, it's kind of turning into miles Sanders last year where he was. yeah that's a great comp that's a great like like it's just you know um you know he's just been disaster and honestly i like the the the bottom of the lineup uh stott who i know hasn't been hitting great recently but i feel like it's kind of starting to make better swing decisions it doesn't look like like it. It's weird. Like he doesn't look like a total disaster. No, he looks like he works at bats.

You know, he looks like he knows what he's doing up there. It just feels like it kind of never. I mean, I actually was just had this conversation with Richie this morning when before the show, we were looking at numbers and Richie was like, how is Bryson Stott still only batting like one 80?

It feels like he's a better hitter than that. And I was like, right there with you, buddy. I don't know. Yeah. So, I mean, obviously you want to see the ball driven more. It seems like a lot of pop-ups. But, you know, his O swing percentage has gone down by the month and he's not chasing as much.

So that's good. But I want to watch him play because I want to see him develop. I'm in one of those modes with Bryson Stott. And you go Stott, you go Vierling, and boom, in some order at the bottom of the lineup, it's like, all right, I feel pretty good about that heading into Schwartz at the top. I think they've added good spark to this team. They've helped them win games. And I like the vibe at the bottom of the lineup, even though that it wasn't been like unbelievable offense.

I mean, they got their first runner in scoring position tonight in the ninth. They didn't have any in the game that bomb at two homers. So the offense is definitely struggling. And they won the other one, won nothing. Yeah. And, but they've been figuring out ways to win ball games. So really, I'm just, I'm just glad that I hope that he only missed a little bit of time here and can get back and, uh, you know, help out the, the Phil's daycare as they call

them. Yeah. Yeah. They definitely need it. And, uh, it's great news, especially if they're not talking about IL. I mean, with the, the, you know, all-star break coming up, that, that'd be a really good sign for, for his potential to get back and help him soon. And obviously won't be there the next two games.

Um, the, the four names, I was actually shocked. his potential to get back and help him soon and obviously won't be there the next two games um the the four names i was actually shocked it was only four uh you know to be honest of the people who couldn't play in toronto um you know romuto uh boom nola gibson and the way they set up the rotation obviously you get baladi starting because of that which is you know bummer but that that happens with the injuries now anyway but um you know obviously losing jt you know i'm excited to see garrett stubbs two nights but um it's annoying and you know you really uh you hope you don't see toronto in the world series if you get there um but um let's cross that bridge. Exactly. But, you know, it is frustrating going into these two games. And then again,

the Miami series, like, God, how much does it suck to look at the Marlins when we're going to Miami and just be like, man, this is going to be tough. You know,

we should be going into a Marlin series being, you know, confident. Um, but, um, uh, what was I going to say?

I totally lost my train of thought. See, I'm tired, Jack. No, you're doing a great job, pal. You're doing a great job. Thanks. All right. So question. So do you no longer want them to trade for Brandon Drury?

I'm assuming we're good on that. Well, I like Brandon Drury. I like Brandon Drury. Depends on the, depends on the trade value. I know. Honestly. So I had it written in the take back. Um, now granted, I thought that Bum was going to miss

the rest of the season at this point. I know. But. A little bit of injury luck our way. How about it? Is that allowed? I don't think so. By the way, so it's going to go Alcantara on Friday night.

Oh, great. I mean, Friday night. I'm already dreading watching that game. I'm not looking forward to a baseball game less than the Phillies on Friday night. That's a fact. They got Trevor Rodgers on Saturday against Chris Sanchez, which sounds like a loss.

And big game Knowles on Sunday heading into the All-Star break in Miami. What does that sound like, James? It sounds like the only game I feel confident about is the one Zach Wheeler is pitching. That's what I'm going to say. He's not pitching that series. No, I know. I'm saying this week, the rest of this week, the only game I feel good about is the one Zach Wheeler is pitching. That's what I say.

Speaking of the Marlins, I did have it in my take back, but I could really use a nice trade for Joey Wendell if they wanted to bring in another utility guy that I think is rehabbing right now. But if Bowen was missing time, I thought him at third base, shortstop, second, he can play all of them. So I don't know how he can't

cost that much in a trade you know he was like a waiver claim by the marlins and um they have like john birdie brian anderson miguel rojas like they have a bunch of guys down there that can kind of play so you know maybe they would give us him for for not much so joey wendell was my big uh trade idea of this podcast i like you getting in your your little trade ideas that are now defined even though we've we made a joke about how we did the whole pod before not knowing and then we found out that you still find ways to get in the other things you were going to do still knowing that the film is not going to be a long time i appreciate that i would trade for joey wendell regardless yeah and look like you said, it should not cost anything to get,

theoretically, to get Joey Wendell. Yeah. I'm with you. How about, do you care at all about the Wheeler snub, by the way? We just talked about Wheeler. Do you get offended by that type of stuff? Well, I don't care that much, but I kind of do for him. I think after losing to Cy Young, he's kind of do for him I I think you know after

losing the Cy Young he's kind of never gotten these type of awards and stuff like that I know he's an all-star last year but I uh I think I think he really got stuff well it's funny I guess you and I uh didn't read the fan base well when we weren't that upset he didn't win Cy Young so you know maybe maybe we're way off on this one. I guess my thing with Wheeler is that I think he's going to be two things. I think he's going to be there anyway because someone's going to pitch. Sure. So I think he's going to be there, too. It's a great point because he has to pitch that second game in Toronto.

He'll line up that he can pitch it. That's a good point. Well, I guess. I guess. Yeah. Yeah. Because it'll be Tuesday. So, yeah.

Right. So there's that right so there's that and there's also like the you know some of these teams do need to have an all-star so you know it's kind of going to happen um but at the same time i think his early season struggles have been held against them like i looked at it today and i was downright shocked. You know his ERA is 165 since May 1st? What? Yeah, he's got a 165 ERA since May 1st. I mean, he's been great.

I mean, it's like 246 for the season or something like that, which is really good still. I know. It's so funny how he just rolls out of bed now and pitches to under a 25 ERA for an entire season. It feels like we never put him in the Halliday, Lee. He's better than Hamels. But we never put him in the Halliday or Lee category when he's been not just as good,

but he's been a little bit below those guys really since the beginning of last year. So, you know, it's sometimes i i honestly james i think i take zach wheeler for for granted i really do um so yes he was snubbed 165 era since may 1st um but also there's some disgusting pictures in the nl so yeah i mean like it's like you see the name tony gonson on, and you're like, what? And then they're like, oh, he's 11-0 with a 1.62 ERA. It's like, all right, that guy should – Tony Gonsolin is single-handedly bringing back the pitcher wins conversation. He's 11-0, buddy.

Oh, my God. How do you not mention it? How do you not mention it? I mean, with a 1.62 ERA, Jack. I mean, we're the one six two era jack i mean we're talking like bob welch stuff back in the day listen hey this is this is i tell me how you feel about this but i genuinely feel his way i don't care what his numbers are oh yeah i mean zach wheeler is a way way way better pitcher than tony gunson no i have no interest in him starting the all-star game oh no no no well it's in. Well, it's in LA, so he probably will,

but I'm very with you. Look, I appreciate that the All-Star game rewards guys who are having career half seasons and stuff like that, but it's the Major League Baseball All-Star game. The stars of the game should be there, and it should be predominantly the stars of the game should be there and it should be predominantly the stars of the game so like i get it to balance but you know i want to see the all-stars in the all-star game and i think it's good for the sport when you see the all-stars in the all-star game so for what it's worth that's my take and i love the pools cabrera thing i think they should do more stuff like that i like the pool halls cabrera thing except with the home run derby yeah that it's a farce when

you put pools in the home run i'm very with you i was talking the all-star game unless unless you ready for my suggestion because this is the only way he's gonna compete let him hit with a metal bat well then he would win i mean he would absolutely win with a metal bat right the guy's got five homers on the year i mean the guy has the fifth most home runs in the history of the sport and you're giving him a metal bat i'm giving him a softball style pitching home run competition like you know come on dude i'm giving him a stealth comp and i am seeing a great one this is a great either or so you don't think you think that one of those guys schwarbs or whoever would would beat albert pools with a wooden bat while pools had a metal bat you

because i love this because i i feel i feel so utterly confident that Pujols would win. Like, I would probably bet almost everything to my name on this. I don't know, man. I really don't. I mean. I love it. I'm so excited. I don't know how much.

I mean, listen, he did hit a ball, like, somehow off the wall. I need people to let us know what do people again slow home run derby type thing not like you know you know live pitching whatever what are you tweeted us whatever like jack will see him more than i do but i need to know what people think because i am fascinated by this idea i think it's such a great idea jack i love it so much like i i love that you you came up with this so thank you listen give let pool holes hit with the stealth comp and see who wins well now i want it to happen just so i can find out i have another i have another uh home run derby take um i know this is probably

the right time for this um but this is a direct message for Kyle Schwarber. Yes, give it to me. Schwarbs. Schwarbs. Not the Schwarbarians. No, we've settled this on this pod. No Schwarbarian. Schwarbs, Schwarbo, they're Schwarboms.

We're done. I don't care if the Phillies miss the playoffs. I now. No, no, no. Oh, no. I need you to beat Pete Alonzo in the home run derby. I'm so with you. This is the best take you've ever had.

I can't handle the head movements. Thank you. Pete Alonzo is one of the worst things for baseball uh when it comes to making the sport cool or whatever um dear kyle please from the bottom of my heart it would mean the world to me if you could participate in the home run derby not let it ruin your second half swing and beat pete alzo. It's truly all I care about. Well, Jack, you know, I was the first one on the Pete Alonzo sucks in the home run derby corner. My most famous tweet of all time was about Pete Alonzo sucking in the home run derby.

Like, relax, pal. All right. You're a major league baseball player and you're acting acting like this is the single greatest moment of your life. You play Major League Baseball for a living. Act like you've been there a little bit. You loser. I couldn't agree. Jack, yes.

Schwarber, I co-sign Jack's take. I really want you guys to make the playoffs. I'm all in on that. But this is, in fact, more important. Thank you. It's an important... We need to be on the same page on this, and I am fully behind you.

Nothing has felt more like this podcast is ethos, I guess, in a way, than choosing Kyle Schwarber beating Pete Alonso in the home run derby over making the playoffs so it's good to be back yeah yeah and honestly it's probably more likely um all right um take back in a second again shout out to miller light and shout out to everyone who's been freaking amazing with the miller lights for phil's wins like we love every time we see those. It just makes us so happy. It's awesome.

And Miller Lite's the best, so it's fun to do. Official partner of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miller Lite Restaurant of the Week this week. Miller Lite's Restaurant of the Week is Ron's Original Bar and Grill in Exton, PA. You can check out Ron's for all Phillies games with the $3 Miller Lite Draft Special. That is a deal.

From homemade pastas to pizzas, I'm a fan of both of those things. Made with imported Italian flour, Ron's Original, serving real food for the health of it. Go to ronsoriginal.com. Shout out to Ron's. Big fan of pasta and pizza. Two of my, if not my favorite foods, Jack. Well, and I will say this, you know, Miller Lights, you know,

you and I did a live Miller Lights for Phil's Wins on Saturday at Elliot's wedding. Sure did. Which was suited up and Miller Lights for Phil's Wins. It just, because we should, like, you know, that's how much we love Miller Lights for Phil's Wins. We're at Elliot Cherparks' wedding and we're like, hold know, that's how much we love Millerites for Phil's wins. We're at Elliot Chirparks his wedding and we're like, hold on. Let's do the thing. So, yeah.

And frankly, we look like snacks in our in our. It wasn't too bad. You know, guy, you know, just say and not everyone has a face for radio. OK, not these guys. I agree. And even though you're aging rapidly, it's still not too bad. Yeah, you couldn't see quite how gray my hair is in the pictures. That was good too. Yeah. I tell you what, great wedding beer, Miller Lite. Is this an endorsement? I woke

up the next day feeling good. I think it is. I think that's a big, big sign. next day feeling good i think it is i think that's a big big sign i i the miller lights were amazing i may or may not have partaken in a few hard uh liquor uh beverages as well but you know that was my mistake the miller lights were perfect and i should have only had miller lights yeah big fan of turning into an ell Elliot wanted me to do shots with him. All right. Let's blame the groom. All right. He says,

will you do shots with me? What am I supposed to say? No, sir, I will not do shots with you. And that was my mistake. Jack, cause shots and old guys,

his shot. Yes, he sure did. I did Joe shot. I'm happy. Someone saw that I wasn't going to out it, but yes, Joe handed me his shot as well.

So my mistake. If I had liked Jack, all I drank otherwise was Miller Lights. But, you know, old guys and shots. Not a great combo. Fun in the moment, Jack. Less fun after the moment. What is going on? Are you in like a tornado or something?

A wind tunnel? No no my window's open and a really loud car just i love it he's such a professional uh so again go go to ron's original bar and grill to watch some phil's games in xmp and also a reminder we still have a 25 gift card from screwball sports bar in king of prussia which you can still win go to the contest page at 94wip.com to register to win fritzy take bag it up buddy at least you know what you have left from all your alec bone related trades that you've already given us yeah so i have one note that i wrote down on saturday with a couple mill Miller lights in me at the wedding, which I don't know if I totally feel the same way,

but I will get to that. I love this. Yeah. We'll get to that in a second. Oh, and you're teasing it too. What a pro status back on. Yep.

I'm drawing people in. Yeah. Teasing in a podcast, maybe exactly a little different than teasing in radio no you know commercials to mess with it but yes go ahead i'm addicted to teasing um did you go back and watch the ninth inning on saturday or no i did not i was too i know beat up the next day jack yes. Yes, I watched Sunday. I watched what was happening live on my television.

All I'll say is this, is that the Bryson Stott play on Saturday in the ninth inning was one of the more heads-up plays I've seen in my baseball watch. Wow. It gives me a lot of hope about his future. So basically what happened, bases were loaded. No, runners on first and third. And balls hit to Reese. And Reese faked to go to home.

But the pitcher wasn't covering first. So Stock came over and covered first. And they got the very important out. And it was like a cheater if he did it. Oh, my gosh. He's thinking three steps ahead. So it was a really smart baseball play. So that made me excited.

The little things, James, the little things. So what I wrote down on Saturday, and I still mostly feel this way, and I feel even better about it post uh boom not being done for the season or whatever is that i genuinely believe that this is going to be the worst phillies team for the next like five years like i think that like i think this is just the start of a of a really good five-ish year run of phil's baseball like i like where the team is when it comes to Schwarber, Harper, Boehm hopefully showing some signs. Reese has been really good here for a good stretch

and is weirdly even better when Bryce is in the lineup. I refuse to believe Castellanos is just not good, so I hope that this is one of those weird down Castellanos years where he bats 230 for no reason. So that's where I'm at with him. And then I look at Wheeler, Nola, but I also look at, you know, the drafts have been getting better. There's more talent coming into the system. They've pretty much rebuilt the whole pitching side of their player development in like two years when it comes to getting some high level arms that can help this team um now they might use some in trades you know i think ben brown's a guy they're going to use in trades um i'd be surprised if they moved one of abel painter or griff but like even if they did i not not abel or painter and griff

but let's say hypothetically they can go get a Brian Reynolds or go get a Cedric Mullen. Well, obviously they want to do that now because the Orioles have like back to 500. But like, let's, so let's say they have to use one of those guys to go get a real big

upgrade. I have confidence for the first time in a while that they'll be able to replenish that in the drafts. So, you know, I just, I, I like the trajectory of the team.

And I think that we are on the verge of, of going on a nice little run here. Do I know if it's going to end in a world series? Do I know that it's going to be like 2008 or 2007, 2011? I don't, but I think for the next couple of years, we're actually going to have good baseball here. And I think if we said that a year ago or two years ago we would have sounded crazy um but i i have a really good feeling about the how this kind of whole thing is turning i love rob thompson i think dave dembrowski knows how to win i think ani is is really important from finding the the fringe pieces on the roster the andrew belatis the the the gyro munio says is the Johan Camaro,

like those little pieces they just haven't had in years past. So I know I wrote this on Saturday when they just won a game in the ninth inning when can able at first and third, no outs. But two days later, post bone post two losses. I still mostly feel that way. Yeah. And look, I think we've talked about it so many times, but as much as we live and die with the day-to-day of the team and it's hard to look past wanting to win in the moment,

I think the far more important developments with the team over the last two years or year and a half or whatever it's been since Androwski has been in charge has been the stuff that's happening behind the scenes, the development of the front office, the Preston Mattingly's, the Ani's, Brian Barber here before, but his growth and the driveline growth of that and all the stuff they've done to make this a first-class organization that runs functionally, the Phillies way like you always talk about.

I think that's been the far more important stuff than on the field and and to your point about the the being able to replenish through the draft yeah i mean think about the fact that their last two first round picks are both already you know top fringe 50 prospects in baseball you know they're what like 55 and 57 on mlb lists like they're going to be you know top 60 70 on almost every list i mean and those are just their last two first picks. I mean, so, you know, I think that's such a good sign to see. I mean, we're talking a missing on a lot of first-round picks, much less later picks.

You know, you need to hit on the later ones too, but certainly a good sign that they're, you know, starting to evaluate guys right, you know? Well, and the most frustrating part for me, James, is that, like, i've watched a talent in the last couple of drafts and it's like you know if they had these kind of players in the 2015 to 2019 drafts we're probably not talking about totally this franchise that like totally there's some players who they might get on 17 that i would have had you know way higher up when they

um you know when they were in this position a couple years ago. So, yeah, it's just I believe in the trajectory of the team. I believe in what they're doing in the front office. I believe they're starting to unearth some interesting pieces. You know, their bullpen, I don't know how it got affected tonight, but I think it was just started. I think Nola allowed all the runs tonight, so whatever. tonight um but i think it was just start i think nola allowed on the runs tonight so whatever um if they're bullpen era uh since gerardi's been fired is is 3.02 like that's almost that's almost

in the twos james it's crazy um so they're starting to find oh who'd have thunk like having you know roles and pitching guys in the right situations and you know moving guys who are struggling to lower leverage situations and all that type of stuff would, I don't know, make them better. They would be put in better positions to be successful, letting guys go multiple days in a row if you trust them. I just think they're, to your point, I love the phrase used early on and I think it's proved out except with a couple exceptions like the Veerling thing. I think it's just a lot of common sense managing.

You know, I think there aren't that many times you watch Thompson manage and say, wait, what? You know, which we used to do every game with Girardi. So and even even the questionable ones where they usually work out, you know, even when I'm like, I don't know about this. They usually kind of work out. Also, how could I forget Michael Kelly, Jack and the Phil's's era up tonight or the phil's bullpen era up tonight with the one run uh off of lars newt bar in the ninth um but yeah i just i large new bar definitely has the single like the worst name yeah the most not like the most not believable name in major

league baseball it sounds like it sounds like a rolled doll character or something like it's crazy. Yes. It's a, it sounds, it sounds like a candy bar. Sure. That too. Newt bar.

Yeah, that works. Lars, Lars and newt bar. Uh, all right. I got two, two more things for letting you get out of here.

Oh, look at you. Um, we are now six days away from the MLB draft. I will have a full breakdown on Thursday. We'll do a pod Thursday. And then Seltzer and I will record Sunday after the draft. Which, by the way, on vacation, starting our vacation then,

taking the week off from our day jobs as it were and we are doing it because jack could literally not start his vacation without potting about the draft as soon as possible and that's what's happening because well i mean that's what jack needs to happen i do you want me to sit on thoughts while i'm literally without i need you to i need you to go to your your cabin in the woods you know your tent glamp thing whatever it is in the woods i need you to go there and not have that weighing on you i need you to unburden yourself before you leave. So I'm right there with you Sunday night, buddy. Don't worry. Whatever it takes, okay? Whatever

it takes. Well, the good part for you is that the game will be over by then. The draft that Phil's will have picked by at least 8.30. So, um... Look at that. I'm off the next day, so I can't, you know, I can't complain too much. And I will will be you know it's

interesting if they draft one of my guys i have three guys and i think i said this last podcast but i don't care they haven't it hasn't changed gilbert hasn't changed tennessee's number one drew gilbert zach nito and chase de lauder uh de lauder love it yeah i will be in the woods in in shenandoah uh national park in a in a tent and hopefully uh i can hopefully i can disconnect whatever i probably can't because i'm bad at it but i'm only 25 minutes from jmu so like go over see my guy chase the water talk about you know being phils and how you know we're gonna go on this journey together to the big leagues and um i'm sure chase the water would really appreciate that even though there's a zero chance we'll be at jmu a man can dream james i'm with you buddy i i think it's a fantastic point just

i'm right there with you pal yeah you sure that that'll be our well that'll be our classic once a year jack talks the entire pod, and I say, cool, yeah, it sounds good. And on that, that'll be my contribution to the pod. Yeah, it's okay. You don't need me that way. It's like an ISO. Give me the ball.

Yes, yes. You're James Harden. We'll be coming up. You're James Harden, not the one we saw in Philly, but old school James Harden saying, hey, get the hell out of my way. I got it. And we'll be coming off a nice, inspiring series in Toronto.

Oh, buddy. Oh, and then I don't know. Well, that pot will be coming off the Miami series. So even better, buddy, even better. Well, I was talking about Thursday. Sunday, frankly, they could get swept for all I care if they take one of my guys. Well, that's my point.

I'm saying I was thinking about the Sunday night one, like after your guys are taken. Actually, that would really be two pods in a row. I won't do much talking. So this is going to be the Fritz special the rest of the week. Get excited. I like it. Yep, yep.

And wait till I come back from Virginia with all all those takes um buddy all right last thing here before we get out of here is who do we blame more for this these last two losses do we blame one tom mccarthy um for when the Phillies were up 3-1 heading into the sixth inning on Sunday. He uttered the phrase, yeah, the Cardinals were having sage on their field and it's not going well. And then ever since then, it's been a disaster of a series. Tom, Tom, Tom, Tom. I mean, oh, man. Sheesh. And your son listens to the pod.

Pat's hearing this and having to relive this, which is tough, too. I'm sorry for that, Pat. Yep. So do we blame one TMAC or do we blame the two at Philly's Twitter? I know that they're probably listening to the podcast as well. After the game on Saturday, they tweeted, I saw that. I saw it.

I saw it. I saw it. It's tough. I was in the elevator going up to the wedding, back from the wedding, and I was opening Twitter, and I saw that. Or no, it was on the way down to the wedding. Yeah, no, the night of the wedding when they won that game. It was when we got back, when I was going up in the hotel,

and I'm all, you know, a little maybe drunk at the time, and I saw it, and I was like, oh, no, that's not a good one. Honestly, I mean, both big and fall. I mean, but if we have to be honest, as much as I love, love the Phillies social media crew and what they do, I mean, at Phillies, I mean, it's just a bigger one. It just is. Simply can't happen. Right.

It simply can't happen. I mean, you know, the Tom ripping Sage, that's, you know, not great, but I can understand that. You know, I could. It's the wrong time. Like, do it after the game's over. I agree. It was a mistake.

But if I have to pick which, I mean, again, both mistakes, both culpable. But if I have to pick the more egregious sin, I mean, the Dob, you know, serious Dob in a four-gamer when you won two is not great. It's not great. Yeah. So, yeah, that's strictly on Phil's Twitter. We keep it real here. We got to be honest.

We love our people. So, nevertheless, thank God. This has been a roller coaster of emotions, this podcast. It felt good, you know, by the end, being able to talk about Drew Gilbert andbert and chase lauder and zach nito and now one of them better be a fill by the end of the week i'm glad that alec bohm uh you know hopefully avoided an il stint um worst case scenario though like if it's not broken fingers he'll miss the rest of the week and then be back post all-star break you would think so um yeah you know i it it's frustrating because they lost the last two

games after winning the first two but i think if we headed into the series saying they split in st louis we're not totally despondent like i was the beginning of the podcast but can't lie to people that's how i felt yeah we never lie that's the beautiful thing we never lie to the iops listeners all right i I have three final thoughts on the way out. One is a PSA. Did you know, did everyone know that the trade deadline's August 2nd this year? Yeah. I did not know that.

I've been saying, oh, 20 days till the deadline today. And welp, look at this idiot. So unlike Jack, I think there are probably people out there just know it's July 31st every single year. It's not this year. So PSA for those people, unlike Jack, who knows everything. All right. I just figured I'd throw that out there, Jack, because I just found out.

Well, honestly, it's just another example of how it's borderline shocking. You're even allowed on a baseball podcast. All right. All right. Second thing. second thing. Has anyone ever looked more like a beer league softball player than Kyle Schwarber when he's wearing those like old school Oakley or whatever they are, wraparound sunglasses in a day game?

Has anyone ever looked more like a beer league softball player than him in those moments? I say no. Anyone ever looked more like a beer league softball player than him in those moments? I say no. Well, yeah, but also like Daniel Vogelbach and they're definitely dudes.

And I know that was a great picture, but I, uh, I mean the, the Schwarber with those old school Oakley wraparounds on, I just, I love it. Um,

all right. And last, he needs to, first off the Schwarber has to be a Phil like I need at least one big home run like I need a Stairs level Schwarber home run except he's a way better player than Stairs

alright last thing as we finish out somehow almost an hour long podcast it always happens let the record show that there was one member of this podcast who never doubted the phillies tonight all right we ended up in the same place but i just want to make sure everyone remembers how this podcast started all right just throwing that out

there got it uh and my final thought oh you get a final thought now? I thought you were done. Yeah, I do. No, I didn't plan on having a final thought until two seconds ago. Lay it on me. Let the record show that there's one member of this podcast that wanted Kyle Schwarber this offseason, and there's one member of this podcast

that wanted Nick Castellanos. So, hmm. Yeah. One time, Nick! One time! Wow. Nick Castellanos. So, yeah. One time, Nick. One time. He spritz himself through a ceiling. We'll see you next time.