High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - What Is Casty Doing?

Episode Date: September 22, 2025

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to the rest of the Phillies' west coast road trip and discuss Nick Castellanos' weird postgame comments following his big night on Friday. Presented by Miller Lite To purchase Ring The Bell by Jack Fritz and Kevin Reavy go to RingTheBellBook.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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There was a little bit of a big yo for losing two or three in Arizona, but Jack, here's where I'm at today. I am so happy to not be a Mets fan. Ha! Can you believe it for the first time, what, since like April? The New York Mets, if the season ended today, would not be in the playoffs.

Like, the whole, like, everyone was like that Mets series in New York. We remember, which, by the way, the Phillies are going into the series this weekend, whatever. They were like, you know, 15 and 4, 15 and 5, whatever it's been since then, like something insane. And we were like, oh, that series in New York, it broke the Phillies. Actually, the series in Philly broke the frickin' Mets. And it's just been such a treat to watch. And look, the Phillies, it's funny because they lose two or three.

And yet with the L.A. loss last night and the way it plays out, like, they only cemented the two seed more this weekend. So it's weird. This last week of baseball kind of just, you know, get through it It's not as weird as looking you in the eyes again I know We don't really do

many podcasts In person anymore Especially if we are It's like on the video thing And we're like looking at the camera You love to do your clothes Like the camera on me look And all that

And we're like right in front of each other Oh look at these beautiful eyes No we This might be This might be an exaggeration I don't know if we've done a podcast In this studio Since the JT cycle

Against the Donovan So you know what's funny Is that was my first instinct Of what I remembered this room Because we're using in another room if we do do this. We also did lay out a trout, or trout fishing? I think so.

I think there was trout fishing. There's a lot of history in this room. It's true. It's funny. The air, like the JT cycle was in Arizona. It was. It was ironic. It was. And Weston Wilson hit one after him.

Yeah. So, you know, he decided the last cycle in Philly's history. Well, that's got that home one, which was nice to get the David Bell thing, you know, fully off the books, you know. And, and, uh. And Wes Wilson, obviously the guy we all thought would do it at home, you know. For sure. For sure. So, um, that was for.

only two people. No one knows exactly what we're talking about besides me and James. It's super deep guy. It's super super deep guy. So, yeah, not only is being a Mets fan right now, not great. On top of that, on top of that, they have to watch Russell Wilson play football. And if they, oh, I'm a Jets fan just as bad. Like, their own six in New York.

It's unbelievable, dude. It's ridiculous. Great. So, yeah. So on the Mets hand, I'm not jealous of that. But this is going to sound insane. I'm sort of jealous of what the Tigers fans are going through. So we were texting over the weekend inside baseball.

Jack and I were like, have you been paying attention to what's happening right now? And for those who haven't, the Tigers, I believe, have blown a 10-and-a-half game lead in like nine or 10 games, 10 days, it's 12 and a half in a month, 15 and a half since July. It would be the biggest blown lead in the history of the new era of divisions and all that stuff since like 90, whatever. and like so the guardians said they lost yesterday but they had won like uh nine straight like 15 or 16 or whatever the guardians are inevitable they are net it's the best front franchise of all time they just find ways to do it they are what the raise they're the actual raise it's it's jose ramirez and a bunch of guys it is it is and then like random pictures just pictures

they turn into freaking stud they lose like claus a fine no big deal lose beber fine like they're just there they're never going to go away Unbelievable. They're just the boogeyman. But yeah, imagine being, and you said you were jealous. I was like, man, I get it. Look, it's funny because I was actually talking to someone about high speaking, and I was like, you know, we started it, you know, 2017, 2018.

I was like, they sucked. I was like the whole ethos of this podcast was, man, it'd be cool to have a good team, but that's not going to happen for us. So. The ethos was basically, we care a lot about a bad baseball team. Yes, exactly. Imagine if we could ever be good, but that'll never happen. So, like, yeah, for us, we are, we are much more comfortable and it feels more, like, natural to do the pod when bad things are happening.

So I got what you were saying, but, like, dude, imagine if that were happening here. Imagine if we were up 12 and a half games a month ago, and now it's, like, one game, and they're playing each other this week. Three games against each other start tomorrow, so. Yeah, I mean, I called the Tigers fraudulent months ago when we played them. Yes, you did. Yes, you did. But, like, 1964, this is basically that as a modern version of 19604. Oh, without a doubt it is, yeah.

And it's seven, it's worse than seven, seven up a seven to play. Again, I said it before. This never happened. No, it's never happened. It's never happened. It'll be the biggest collapse in the history of the divisional rounds of playoffs. Kind of sounds fun to go through. You're never going to forget it.

I think the better way to put it is, is it's shocking. It's not us. Like, it feels like we should be the team that holds this. Listen, it's never going to happen to the Eagles again. So, like, the Phillies are the ones. You can never lose again, buddy. They're never going to lose a football game again. If they didn't lose yesterday, they're never going to lose again.

It's ridiculous. I literally turned down when I'm like, when was the last time the Eagles got their asses kicked? Because I'm like... For the Niners game. Yeah, but by point being like... Bucks game. But either way, my point, yeah, the playoff game. But either way, but it was just as a general save, it was like, this feels so weird.

I know. I know. I know. And then, so that's where all the people are so thrilled with the football team, the ire is going to go right on the baseball team. I mean, I'm not the first nor the last person to say this, but there is no one luckier that this all happened the way it happened than

Nick Castiano's because he would be the story on WIP in Philly Media, like it's what we would talk about and right or wrong and we'll get into it obviously, but it's more nuanced than I think it is, I agree with you, I think it is more nuanced than it's gotten covered, but the point is like people would be talking about it

It was the biggest story over the weekend. Without it out. And then Jordan Davis, and it's like, oh, go birds. Yeah, let's do it. Of course he did. Like, of course I did. Why can't that some of the devil magic come over to the baseball team? Well, it feels like, you know, maybe it's a citywide thing right now.

I would love it. I would love it. Obviously, it doesn't count with the Sixers flyers. Let me get a World Series. Please. Let us get a world series. Please. And then everything's fine.

Okay. So Nick Castiano's. That's where we got to start. I mean, like, as we said before, like, from a baseball ber. And I did think the Friday one was a nice win, you know. Coming up to L.A., could have seen him just kind of like, you know, really not much to play for right now other than just staying in shape and being ready. The one scene's out of reach.

But, yeah, like, there's not much else that is like, we'll talk about it. We'll get into this up. But, like, Cassie is clearly the story of the win. Well, and my biggest fear, because I'm always looking for. What's going to ruin this for me? Yes, of course. Yes. The other shooter drop is, did him coming on being like,

that did it throw off the mojo of the team and i don't think it did saturday saturday was just a good baseball game they lost it was a great baseball game it was really fun it wasn't like they came out just rolled over and like weren't interested they were winning three too late like yeah and they were down early came back it was it was a really good baseball game so that was fine yesterday was just a i mean ranger happens right i mean like you know like it just happens ranger got roughed up and they never really recovered didn't want to see that right before the playoffs with ranger regardless he's been so good leading into that i i'm not going to overreact too much much, but I agree with it. I think his last start's going to be a really interesting one to look at.

Well, I thought yesterday actually was a lot of, it was a lot of soft contact that, other than Corby and Carroll. Other than Corbyn Carroll, who I can't, he's 30, 30 and I think there's other, some other ridiculous stuff in there. He's, and he's so tiny. It's just, why, when he, like, ripped that one out, I'm like, 30 homers for Corby and Carol? Pretty nuts, man. It's crazy. Yeah. Well, I can't believe they're even, like, they should be much better with Ketal and I know, it's insane.

And look, they are, like, they're only a game behind the Mets. They're only a game back of that. Now, they, I don't think they hold the Tiberger. The Reds do. Hold the Tiberger on some Mets. I don't think the NMAX do. I'm not 100% sure, but, like, it's, uh,

I feel like the last few years with this setup, and I'm, I like more teams being involved. I know the best team doesn't always win and all that. But I do feel like the last couple years, it's kind of been, like, pretty set heading in in terms of what teams were going to be in. There's some exciting stuff with, like, the, the AL Central, the A.L.

last mirrors kind of took it this past weekend, but like there's, there's, you know, four teams for three spots, wildcard division-wise and all that. And then this Mets, Reds, Diamondbacks thing, it's kind of like a fun last week. Yeah. It's good. No, and then Perdom was had a great year. It's like those three are really, really good. Yeah. Yeah. Honestly, Corbyn's, that injury killed them. Yeah. And they traded Merrill Kelly. And, and, uh, but yeah, like, my, my, my only real fear is, is him coming out and being like that. It's, it just throws off of the mojo of the team. Um, I would have liked to hear more. He could have easily also, he could have easily also been like, he could have shut it down more than he did. That was the thing. And he kept, he said a couple times, like,

I, like, I just want to do what I can to help this. We're trying to win a world series. We'll talk about next year, next or all that. But also I don't talk to Rod Thompson. That was the point.

Like, he said the right things in there. If he had just said those things, there would be no issue. And like, all right, so let's just get into all of it because I think, and it's fascinating.

I do think there is like real multiple camps in here. and I, I, the way it seems, it seems like you and I are kind of in the middle of both camps where it does seem, what we do, baby, is what we do. We are right in the middle. Ride the middle, you know. No one ever gets mad. That's why. You just say, you know, no takes, you know.

You just say nuanced and everyone's like, that is nuanced. I agree. It's like a gray area, you know. There are some people who were like, you know, what the hell, Nick, you know. Of course, yeah. Like, and I get it. And there are some people who thought the reporters were a little too much with the, And look, on a basic level, like, they have to ask that question.

Like, I don't care. They just say it's 250 home run. Like, it's the story. Like, what they're supposed to do is they have hats in the clubhouse? Like, it's their job. Especially when Nick, you've got to remember, this guy has not been talking much because he has not had moments to have a reason to be the guy that reporters are huddling around the end of the game.

So I don't think he had talked since early August? That's my point, because, like, you have to search him out. Like, you have to go get him. And if he's not, you know. Well, they have to make him available, too. And they have to make him available. And there was no reason. He's not getting big hits.

he's not getting big moments. So it's their first time talking to him in that situation. While, like, they have to ask the question. Like, and I get, like, maybe did they ask it too many times? Like, I don't know. Maybe. I know a lot of people are upset about that. Yeah.

But you go first. Your overall thoughts on the way the reporters handle it, the way Nick handle it, and kind of where you come out. So I thought the reporters were mostly fine. Yeah. Like, I don't, I'm not going to come on and be like, what, how could you ask? It's the most important thing to ask. It's their job.

And he is, he's been. one of the stars a stretch, but he's been one of the main Phillies for the last three years. He's one of the higher paid guys on the team. Yeah. Yeah. I thought maybe by the end it was like, I get it. Yeah, I agree.

And so, but at the same time, I think Nick could have answered it more to where it doesn't create a firestorm. I thought there was times where it could have been like, guys, like, I'm doing whatever I can to help this team win.

And at the end of the day, that's all I care about. Even it doesn't believe it. Yeah. And I don't even mind him saying, like, yeah, of course I'm not happy to be on the bench. Because you all know he's not happy. Of course. I'm fine with that. And I would not be happy either.

Like, I want to play. I appreciate competitive fire. What doesn't have to happen is, I don't know, me and Rob Thompson don't really talk. And when they ask them, when they say, well, it seems like other players get along with Thompson, fine. He doesn't have to say, who says that? Who says that? Exactly. Just leads into.

It creates a thing that. wasn't there before. And it has other players having to answer questions about it. And on top of that, to this specific point, first and foremost, like, and look, overarching caveat, we are not in that clubhouse. We don't have a relationship with the players and Rob Thompson the way they do. We don't really know what happens buying closed doors. But what we do know is that up until this Nick Cassiano's thing, we have only heard positive glowing things from players about Rob Thompson. Like, no player has ever come out and have one bad word. And we've heard extreme examples. like Kyle Schwerber, the whole, you know, 26 guys are going to be over the bar.

Like, we, you know, so it's kind of out of nowhere for us. And maybe it's true. Like, maybe we don't know. And maybe other players, whatever. But, like, it seems unlikely that players would talk the way they talk about Rob if they had the issues that Nick had. And the second part of it, it's like, Nick, man, like, own your role in this. Like, there's a reason you're not playing.

It's not because Rob Thompson wants to bench you. It's because you've sucked. It's because you don't deserve to play. It's because the Phillies are a better baseball team when Max Keppel is out there instead of you. And, like, I get it. I'm not, I think you should want to play. I agree with that.

And I understand that, you know, it's hard to, you know, notice your own failures and this and that. And you always think you can do better. But, like, there has to be some level of accountability there with the, the, it's almost like, well, you know, this is BS and I'll deal with it because I want to win. But, like, like, own it a bit. Own that you have not been good. And thus, that is why you're not playing. Well, and also, like, Thompson has, there's been more.

multiple examples of him sticking with Nick and he's given him a lot of rope here he gave him until August this year after the Miami thing he blew up on him on that he hasn't taken him out of a game like forever after that all that and stood by him after that said the right things

publicly after Castiano's was like let's be honest a baby in a baseball game in a situation where a manager is making a decision and if you really probably do it off the field like it's just yeah like yeah yeah and And I think this is, I think overall, I think I would hope the players in a clubhouse are like, that's just Nick.

Like that's, it's, because it's clearly just a Cassiano. To me, it's clearly just a Cassiano's problem. And this has never been a thing in the past. He's stuck with him in the past. And Nick, Nick, one of, I think Nick has a sense of entitlement because of his contract and because of what he's on his career and his tenure. And he doesn't believe that that should be screwed with. But also, you have to produce.

so I don't know why you would think that. And I think... Yeah, you've been around the game for a long time. Yeah. Like, you're not new to this. Also, you know, Thompson said in one... And I think yesterday, where he was like...

Some of this is a two-way street. Yeah. Like, you have to... You have to communicate with me too. Yeah. Don't just go to the media. Every single time that you have to complain about. And the whole, like,

dude, it's 250 home runs. I know. I know. It's like this girl double thing again. Like, all right, man. Like, what are we doing here? 300? Okay. Sure. You know, even 300. Again, like, what are we doing here? But 300? Okay. Like, that's, that's a number. I tried it 400 over the weekend. It's so, it's so baseball. We're so obsessed with the round numbers.

I know. It's like 250. That's now something. You know? Rather, like, what's the really difference between 249 and 250? I know. I know. It's just because it's a round. It's so base. It's such a, what a simple game. Oh, I know. really do every aspect throw the ball hit the ball kill the ball like round numbers

exactly no salary cap we got to worry about just pay whatever you know it is it really we we sometimes say the thinking man's game yeah i don't know if it is not always not everywhere yeah it's just roll the ball on and play sometimes you know what i mean 250 home runs it's what we need to stop the presence yeah don't don't ask me questions about anything other than I'm like 200, because this is a momentous day for me. What are we talking about? Like, seriously.

It's 250 home runs. And like, congratulations. I hope you get 300 in maybe a Royal's uniform or Marlins uniform. That's actually the most likely. Maybe, yeah. Go home. Come on. One year 18 million for old casting. Yeah, we'll pay 15 of it. Yeah. Yeah, we'll see. But man, I hope that tomorrow and the series against the Marlins and this weekend, it's a good, it's a good time. time to get right you know you have you have six games left that really don't matter you know bad teams

you just want to stay in shape stay stay stay stay warm all that yeah and and also you know regain some some footing here i saturday was disappointing yesterday was a disappointing or you know not even showing up to play i i hope this is not something that we look back on and be like that was a moment that that ruined the mojo i think it's on the table i think it's on the table because they go to freaking Arizona every single year and it feels like and momentum just dies at that stupid ballpark so

I don't know obviously this feels like this is going to end in a divorce at the end of the year between the Phillies and Nick Castellanos I think Rob Thompson does a really good job with these guys there's been way more examples of him doing a good job the Kepler thing earlier in the year was the first time where it was like that's not what we're used to hearing

but also I think the one thing that's also happened this year is that Rob Thompson has changed you know and I think he's changed I think this Cassiano's thing throughout the whole season has been an example of that but I think he's also changed

for mostly the better and maybe it's caught some guys off guard but overall I mean that's what he had to do they're going to win 95 plus games are going to be a two seed and a lot of his stuff

a year in which they've been without a lot of some of their guys they've dealt with injuries they dealt with the Alvar The Wheeler thing, which is about as big and as like just, you know, like we've talked about, like a life injury, not just, you know, that's a big thing for, you know, a team that they love that guy and, you know, and Thompson. Thompson has navigated this entire thing. And platooning guys, this in and out, totally. They're getting contributions up from kids from Lehigh Valley. I just, I can't let one discrowna player over, overseed what has been a really good year for Rob Thompson. I think if it weren't for Pat Murphy, he'd be the manager of the year.

Like, I think he said that good a year, and Murphy, I think, deserves it. I mean, you know. By the way, it was a fake letter from Bob Yooker. Yeah, by the way, yeah. Which is so weird. I'm sorry. Like, that's weird, guys. It's weird.

And say it's fake the moment you read it. The Brewers tweeted it out. I know. That's what I mean. The Brewers tweeted out to the heartfelt message from Yuk with the welling up emoji. What are we doing here? Are we crazy? It's like, honestly, it's, it's, it's, I can't believe it.

Like, it's like, I'm stunned that they did this and that it's not a bigger thing. that's adorable why it's weird like what are we talking about if I'm Euker's family I'm like this is weird like what are we doing here guys well if Pat Murphy could laugh his way through it yes or just said hey guys message from you

yeah yeah yeah the Brewers social team acting like it was a real beautiful moment it was a you call the best road record in baseball yeah I see you knew all right and speaking of the Brewers also just want to anyone see that celebration yesterday no did they go for it

Oh, they're slipping sliding in the in the clubhouse. Go for them. So again, I know because a lot of people only watch the Phillies and like, wow, they're celebrating like, it's crazy. It's what they do in baseball. 100%. It was so funny. Milata was in last week.

And he came up to me. And he was like, what's the deal with like the baseball celebrations? And I was like, it's just the sport. I don't know what to tell you. And he was like, could you imagine? Like they didn't celebrate the hour when they won the Super Bowl. Like, you see those videos. They're just kind of like hanging out,

listen to some rap music, you know, whatever. Cigars were out. Yeah, cigars were out. They're kind of like just toasting each other. Like, they're not like, oh, huh, huh. Like, oh, it's, it's something. He was like, that's so different. Yeah.

Yeah, it's so funny. Oh, this is it. The day you finally ask for that big promotion. You're in front of your mirror with your Starbucks coffee. Be confident. Assertive. Remember eye contact. But also remember to blink.

Smile, but not too much. That's weird. What if you aren't any good at your job? What if they dim out you instead? Okay, don't be silly. You're smart, you're driven, you're going to be late if you keep talking to the mirror. This promotion is yours. Go get them.

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and then we'll get to take back and stuff but I do think just to like kind of closed loop on the I agree that the only real issue

from this is if it mess with the mojo and the mojo has been so great. My biggest hope but also belief that it won't mess with the mojo

is that even though we're hearing this and it's like what the hell's going on my stuff about like Nick's probably been like this for a month and a half

you know so like I think like this is not like they're probably like Nick You don't have to say it to the media like that or whatever. But I don't think that the way Nick is acting or the way he's feeling or something is anything new to those guys. So I'm hoping that the mojo's been the mojo with Nick like this in the locker room anywhere at the clubhouse anyway. So like that's my hope that it's kind of like, oh, well, you know, we knew he's how he feels, you know, whatever, you know.

Yeah, well, I mean, we've seen the reactions after walkoffs. Totally. I mean, in the, when they clinch the division, it's not like he was number one, you know, running around the clubhouse. so yes I think that they are well aware that this is how it's kind of been so that's why I'm not really concerned I think they like him too I do think they like or at least you know yeah well I think they respect them respect him whatever the point is I don't think he's like I don't think those guys like look at him like a problem you know what I mean it's just yeah it's just dumb yeah just was could it could it easily have been talked around you're you again I'll go back to what I said

he said like five times during it I'm just trying to help us win a world series of talking like if you really really want to win a world series then don't do that other stuff because that other stuff could possibly hinder it whereas you just saying like hey listen i wish i was playing every day but you know what when i got my opportunities i just want to go in like tonight and and help the team win a game and that's awesome and i hope i can keep doing it boom done move on yeah pretty easy pretty easy now one's a monitor one's a monitor is i won he's probably gonna stick with it if i had to guess but man kepler's like gone back into the toilet i know I know. Don't love it.

I just, I wonder if they just, I wonder if they can, I wonder if Thompson can come back from this and just say, okay, go play right field every day. Look, I think, I think he can because, you know, Nick will be happy that he's playing and I think he can work. But also Nick could be like, no, no, no, bleep you. You know what I mean?

But I think he wants to win. I think he wants to win. I do believe, I do believe, and I think we've seen enough over the last few years. I mean, let's not forget, like Nick was the first person to do that ring thing. I know. Even Bayer still do the ring.

Yeah. So I, and Nick, again, like, whatever else we want to say, the guy has been in the league for over a decade. He's been in the playoffs before. He's had chances. He's had a really great career, you know, overall. Like, I do believe that he wants to win. I really do. I agree.

So I'm hoping that whatever happens ever this plays out, that wants, like, you know, supersedes everything else. Yeah. I don't know that it will. I'm just saying that's what I hope. There's, there's, there's, it's, there's, it's going to go one up to do it. Yeah. One is he's like, pumped and like, let's go. Or he's going to be a baby.

Or he's going to be like, no, you don't want me. Yeah. Which I could also very, very easily see. I could very easily see that. But the right feel now, I mean, because I think Kepler's won for his last 17. Mm. Something along those lines. And the one was the home run in, uh, in L.A.

So, look, we just saw it yesterday. You can have your worst half of football. I know. We've always said when the light shine brighter, Max Geppler is the guy that you want. To the history says, all his big playoff moments. He said three Ks yesterday, O for four. So, and he had some ugly hacks against Zach Allen,

where it was, come on, man. Go long spend his own. But that's one that's like, is he just going to go back to Cassie? And look, that's the thing that we've been talking about a lot. And I do feel really good with where Stott's at and Marshes at and stuff like that. But, you know, at the end of the day, I think any Phillies fan who doesn't say that when the playoffs start and those guys come up, like, there'll still be a bit of a question mark, or these guys going to do it in the biggest spots, like, would be lying to themselves. Like, of course you have to ask that. I believe in.

Like, I think Bryson's out going to be good in the playoffs. I do. I'm not too worried about it. Right. But at the same time, you know what? He's got to go do it. So I think that's kind of where we're at, you know? Yeah.

Well, you know what else helps? Mm. Getting old Rafi back at their days. Four for four yesterday. What if he goes... It'd be hilarious. It's the funniest. It's the funniest.

The funniest possible outcome is like, like, Alec Bohm as a Joe Flacco, like, you know, 2012 Joe Flacco type rum where he's just the best player in the playoffs and is a superstar. Like, can you imagine. I really can't. I can't see it. I was just painting the picture. I was like, it won't paint.

It just stops. Yeah, it just stops. I could actually see Cassiano's more than I can see. Me too. I've seen it. I've seen that, you know? Then I could see Bill. I would love it.

Again, he's not my favorite. Guess what? I don't care who it is. I don't care if Don't Evan Walton comes up and they, somebody was on the roster and becomes a star. Don't care. Don't care. Don't care.

Just win. Just win. All right. The NOAA thing, and then we're going to take back because I think, again, you know, not too much to take away from the weekend, but I do think we're getting to the point where, and you and I've both been on the record saying like, almost doesn't really matter what happens. Noel's going to start a playoff game.

Although I did look at. Every once in a while, I do look at a ZRA. That's what I'm saying, dude. And it's like... It's 6.75. And then, like, you watch him again and just another one. Like, at what point... Because Walker Beeler looked good.

You know, I know it was like a piggyback in his face and then, like, later in the... Whatever, but, like, you look pretty solid. I don't think you're expecting him to give you more than four or five if you're going to go Bueller or whatever, but... I would even say... I would even say three or four. Whatever. The point... Like a Noah Sendergarde type of thing.

Where are you at with Aaron Nola today? Noah's Intergard started game five of the World Series, by the way. That's why I said it, yes. Because, I mean, look, Noel's going to have one more start, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah. And then they're going to have to make a decision. Yeah. So I think the way I would play is this, and it's risky, but I think it's how it's going to happen.

And I do mostly agree with it. I think they give him the NLDS. And if he stinks to the NLDS, then they... You're saying you would pitch him in the DS, not even the CS? Well, it's a game four. They only need three guys, though. They're not going to need them. Yeah, because of the off days.

So they wouldn't need him until the CS. Ah, okay, then. moot point. Yeah. Then... Now the issue is if the DS goes longer and they can't set up

Sanchez or whoever for like he could have to pitch earlier in the CS theoretically. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. I would give him one playoff start. I think he's,

I think his tenure, I'd give him one playoff start. Now, in that playoff start... You'd be ready with Walker Bueller at a moment's notice. Like that's where... You have a quick cook. That's where the piggyback thing

stuck out to me is that felt like a plan for Nola. Or Lazardo. think it was, to your point, it was very interesting that they made Walker Buehler the second part of the piggyback. I think that was as good a sign that they, like, or at least that they might use him that way. Now, it could, that could change if they start him the next time out. They talked about that, like they might start in the next time out. But I thought that was very clear, because I think the Phillies have done a much better job this year,

organizationally, of, of protecting themselves in a lot of instances. So they go and get, they go and get Tim Mesa just in case. Like just in case Strom doesn't get it back or Banks falls off. Or one of those guys gets hurt. And it's not even like, you know, Maze is great, but it's just a, it's a lefty. It's someone there.

Going and getting, you know, Lou Trevino just in case. Going and getting Walker Bueller just in case. So I think they have a lot, they feel more whole this year heading into the post season. So I think the biggest thing, and I was going to save this in the take bag,

but whatever, my my biggest fear or concern heading into this postseason I guess there's a couple but one of them is is Thompson getting guys out at the right time so I would have let Nola start the 6th on Saturday but even watching the game it felt a little bit like you're you're stretching yourself here now I think Thompson also has to manage a bullpen

also has to still see can he work his way through it. So it's not as black and white as get him out of there after five because you have to manage the game. I thought he did that with Walker Bueller too and the last inning Bueller was in and started to struggle a bit. I thought he let him pitch through that for the specific spot of seeing him work through it. Correct.

So I think that's a lot of what Rob Thompson is doing at this point. But I need that to change in the postseason. Of course. And it's been something that has been it's been his number one but you know like not taking pictures out too early or not early enough and not pinch hitting for guys in big spots who need to be pinched for those have been like the two kind of you know

things yep so there's there's been instances where I can excuse it away because I do think that he's still getting more research getting more numbers seeing how guys work through things I just hope that when October 4th rolls around that it should not happen to Sanchez but you know it could you've had a year a whole season of of data points now it's time to really manage your way through it and and get guys out don't extend guys dude if he if if one of these lefties gives you a six shutout or six whatever and they're all emotional and the next big strikeout 10 to six everything the next batter to open up the next thing's a lefty and he sticks

with him, and it pulls him back out there because it's the smart thing to do, I'm going to blow a gasket. He did it in the Lazzardo start, where Lazzardo was great. I would say it really good, left him in there for Otani because of the smart thing to do, and Otani hit one 700 feet. Yeah, it's a monster. I just hate it. There is an emotional letdown after you get a big out in a big spot. You cannot, you very rarely are able to get it back up, and it happened with Hoffman in the postseason last year. I mean, you've talked about for years with the dirty inning guys where they come into a, you know, bases loaded, one out, get a double play, huge out, then they have to sit

on the bench for 15 minutes, come back out and try and ratchet it back up to that level that they're never going to reach again, you know? So, yeah, that is, and even, yeah, the NOLS start the other night felt pretty, pretty, it felt like that. Yeah, it did. So I just hope that when the playoffs rule around, that is something that is fixed. Yeah, and look, I think that's the biggest question mark. Topper going into the playoffs and, you know, I think he has gotten better each, like last year,

and there were only four games, but, like, I didn't, I didn't blame Topper for what happened last year. It felt very clear the players, two years before, obviously, we had these massive moments, the Wheeler decision, the Kimbril, like, all these things, you know, not pinch hitting for Marsh or Ross, all this stuff. It does feel like this year, Topper has a really good feel for the club. And, you know, to the point you made, I think he's done a really nice job with all the pieces and the injuries and the mixing matching and all that. So it's going to be fascinating because you know, he, Rob Thompson has had some whoppers in the playoffs. And this, you know, I, I go into the, he is low on my list of concerns for the playoffs. That's what I'll say. Sure. Sure.

Yeah. I have more faith in him than, like, I don't, it could happen again. We could see it, but I'm not expecting Rob Thompson to have a Kimbrill moment or a Wheeler moment or whatever. No, they're just, they're, they're much more well equipped to handle. than they were the last. I mean, they were deficient in 22. They were hanging on by a thread. Alvarado's arms hanging on by a thread. I mean, Kimbril was just kind of, I don't know, there wasn't like a super trustworthy arm. They didn't know what left. Yeah, it was just what it was. So, yeah, it's not number one, but it's definitely something I'm thinking. Totally.

Thinking about. Other thing I need fixed by the playoffs. Okay. What's up, guys? I'm Jordan Robinson, host of the podcast, The Women's Hoop Show. We're heading towards the home stretch of the WMBA season and there is so much to get into every episode. Twice a week, I'm joined by one of my amazing co-hosts as we dissect the biggest games, performances, and even some off-court drama. The playoffs are quickly approaching and now is the best time to tune in. Who will come away is this year's champion? The competition is heating up and so are we. Listen to and follow the women's hoop show available now, wherever you get your podcasts.

Should we just start the take bag? Yes, this is all take back. All right, good, go ahead. So, I don't know if he's going to do it, but there's just, and JT's great, the framing thing is going to, is going to drive me up the wall. Stick a low pitch, man. Like, there's just times where he takes it out of the strike zone. It happened in the Lazzardo start.

There's been, he's by the numbers, and I don't love catching metric numbers, whatever. But he's the worst framer in baseball. Wow, I didn't realize he said, wow, that's, it's. That's wild. That's pretty nuts. Yeah, wow. He can do it. He's been finding it.

I don't know why. All of a sudden, it's just like, nah, I'm not going to stick that. I'm going to take that one right out of the strike zone. I hope that it's, you know, a long season. Maybe you get a little, like, dog days-ish, and, you know, going down the end of the year, and you're like, eh, you know, whatever, we'll fine.

But when I said, like, we, those pitches are too important. Totally. The pitches are too important. And look, let's be honest. We've talked about it way too much, but like umpires struggle these days. We've seen more and more bad calls on balls and strikes than I ever remember in my lifetime. And maybe it's just, you know, you feel it more. But it feels like there are so many, like anything you can do to trick the umpire's eyes,

to make the umpire think it was a strike if it wasn't or whatever. Like it's big stuff, you know? It's like the kind of thing where you'll almost never see an umpire call a strike if the catcher doesn't catch the ball. Even if it's right down the freaking pike, if the catcher misses it, like his gloves and wrong spot, whatever. They won't go a strike, but it's like, that was a strike. Because the catcher didn't catch it, they don't call it. Like, it must have not been a strike if you didn't catch it.

You know what I mean? Like, that happens. Yeah. So, we'll say, but that is definitely one. I think that's an interesting thing to bring up because it's going to be really important. Yeah. Well, it happens, especially like, especially some of these guys are coming out of the, I mean, Tehran has got to be a bear to catch. Totally. So, you've just got to just bear down and just stick some of these.

So, yeah, there's, there's a, I know that we're heading into the last week, and it is, it's, I'm so just, I need it to be October 4th. Oh, October 4th. I, like, we know, we know the day, the place, like, we just need the time. I'm ready. I can't wait to be there. I'll camp out. Like, I, I'm ready.

Like, this last week, I don't need it. Like, the week off while the other teams are playing, don't need it. Like, let's start the playoffs today as far as I'm going to. I'm so ready. I know. This week's going to be excruci. It's going to be excruci. And the next two weeks are.

Yeah. At least next week, the week after we'll get to watch playoff baseball and watch a series now and we're playing that team. Like there's some fun in that. But waiting two weeks for playoff baseball right now feels like a torture. Do you want the Reds? Reds the Reds.

And look, I know the Reds are, I get it. Like Hunter Green and Abbott and like. And Tito, who you know I think is the greatest manager in my lifetime. Like I think that due to him and Bochie obviously. But I think Tito it's like tactically in games is so impressive.

But I just, I can't get there. Like I just, I can't, a T.J. Friedel letoff team. I just, I can't get there. So I would go Reds, Diamondbacks, Mets, but they're close. And then I want to play the Dodgers loose. You're not having a team of Destiny vibes from this Reds team? Nope.

I'm not. Their lineup on Saturday that they won and beat the, beat the Cubs. Friedel, Spencer Steer, Gavin Lucks in the three-old. That's what I mean. I just can't get scared. Austin Hayes in the cleanup That's what I mean Like we can't be scared

Of an Austin Hayes lead Cleanup team Like I just can't have Will Benson and Wrightfield Ellie Tyler Stevenson Good Brian Hayes Matt McLean And that is

That's come on dude Yeah Yeah Like if they lose to that You know I don't know what to say Chase Burns out of the pen He could be their new Andrew Miller

They have arms They have arms There's no doubt But like it's like It's like you talk about With the Brewers Like and the Brewers Like in the Brewers are

A much better version of that Like you know It's like I just can't get there With the Brewers And like the Brewers And like the Brewers could beat the Phillies, obviously, but I can't get super scared of the Brewers.

They got one-and-a-hitter's, like real star hitters. Like, the Reds have none. They got zero. They got a fun shortstop. It was nowhere close to, you know, a bad year. Like, they're nowhere close. They have zero, like, really good hitters. Wow.

Yeah, I can't believe the Mets are going to be really. It's unbelievable. They lost two or three of the, that Jacob Young catch yesterday was one of the most insane catches you'll ever see, ever, ever, ever, ever. More improbable. That Jacob Young catch. or two blocks field goals.

Two block field goals. Did you see the stat? Two block field goals. The last time the Eagles had two block field goals in a game was the same day. September 21st, 50 years ago. Yeah. Yeah, it's crazy. Oh, how can you not be romantic about football?

Oh, oh, babe. Look, you know, take some of those vibes, Philly, all right? Please. Please. And look. Well, hey, hold on, AJ and Kasty. And no, you know what? For real, though, like, we've talked about all year, and you love to do the references

because you're Mr. like, look at the Eagles and let's model that. but like the mental toughness like that's real man like that team is so mentally tough and that's been a flaw of this philly's group the last few years in the playoffs certainly like 2023 and last year like they just they've not been mentally tough they've not fought they have not like when their backs are against the wall it's and even 22 really when they're backs against the wall they folded and it feels like this group is different it's felt like it all year the adversity they battled off the field and obviously in games and stuff like I just see you will do that

I'm like I just I so desperately want to see the feeling I want to see that so bad I know believe yeah I know I know I know I know I know I know I know I can trust me I'm not I know I know I know and I and I I could really use a good six games here to to put the little the little stench from the the the Dback series behind us

oh yeah buddy because I don't need that I don't need a lingering we don't need a lingering stench from from the well the 2023 series it's still lingering so yeah we don't need more lingering you know Oh, I know. Oh, well. Oh, well. You got anything else?

No, not really. It's good. So here's it. By the book. Oh, we're two weeks away from the playoffs. Come on, man. Let's go. Yeah, if you want to, like, get ready for the playoffs, read about, you know.

Ring the Bell Book. Exactly. The history of the Phillies. Here's what I want from you. Buy the next pot. I want your plan. Ooh. For what the Phillies should do for the freaking week off to make sure that they don't come in cold.

Okay? I want a plan. I want, if we know the Phillies listen, we want, I want you to tell them, whether it's simulated games, whether it's real games,

whether they got, you know, old timers coming out to play, Mike Schmidt coming in. Like, whatever they got to do. Like, I want,

I want a plan because I do think that, as this is coming up, like, that is going to be a really, it's something we're going to talk about and a really important thing because we saw last year, like,

definitely hurt the time off. So. I guess my plan would be figured out. Oh, good. Yeah. So we didn't need to take the week to do that. Just figure it out. Don't suck.

Yeah. I like that Harper didn't in the postgame comments yesterday. He was just like, I don't want to hear anything about time off. It's just an excuse. That's what I want. I want them to think that way. You know, like, yeah, Nick, look at the, that's called accountability. Right.

Yeah, learn. And I need Harper as healthy as possible. Oh, big time. Yeah. Big time. All right. So is it Marlins first? Oh, yeah.

Marlins twins. I knew it's twins. I didn't know which, like, the order. of the two. It's such a shame that we didn't get. It's all like, oh, if we need those last six games, they could really, you know, clinch a playoff spot against those terrible teams.

Like, oh, no, no, just. Now it's get right time. That's right. Get right time. Maybe you let the Marlins win one or two and I hurt their draft picks at us, you know what I mean? Wow. Jazz not checkers.

You've always cared about the end of the draft. Yeah, I do. All right. We'll be back later in the week. Get us freaking October. I know. All right. Until done.

He's fruit themselves.