High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - What Is Going On With Bryce Harper & The Phils?

Episode Date: October 29, 2025

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to Bryce Harper's comments from over the weekend and try to figure out how the Phillies and their star player have gotten to this point. 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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Philadelphia celebrate responsibly, Fritzy. Always fun to hop on and talk about the pills these days, right? Good things happening. our star player isn't hurt and upset and you know it's good yeah how you how you doing how you're doing good i could really i could really use them uh just nipping this whole thing in the bud you know yeah yeah well the fact that they didn't i we're going to go in all of it but but just off the butt with the nipping in the bud the fact that they didn't talk to arper before he talked to gelb like doesn't seem

like they're really on top of nipping it in the bud, is it? Well, it seems like they're incurs. It seems like they they don't, they're, like they're antagonizing him. It's so weird. No one wants to, both sides are trying to win this is what

it, and neither side wants to give in because if he calls him. What is this? Jack, what is? That's the whole thing. It is a contract extension. Do you think that's what it is? You think It's just the Occam's razor. Bryce asked for more money. Dave publicly without saying the ass for more money is like, hey, you're not good enough. Show us you deserve more money.

And Bryce is busy about it. Because that's the thing. Like, I do think that if like the whole tone of this changes. If the fan base finds out that Bryce has for more money after this season, like I think Bryce loses all public sympathy. Yeah. Well, and that's why they're not saying it. I just just it's the only thing that makes sense to me they don't why the Phillies all of a sudden are being icy about Bryce and why they're not calling and making sure he's okay and why Bryce I think use the comments from heart from from from from Browski as a way to kind of pull the sympathy card so so why wouldn't the Phillies say all right dude well you ask for more money that's why because because they know that that's not going to that's a nuclear option well they're trying to protect they're trying

to protect themselves like both sides trying to protect themselves here you know i think that that's and that's why they haven't made the call because if they made the call then opens up the door and they're only talking to harper instead of talking to scott boris the agent and they're trying to like i just he's under contract for six more years what the hell is happening here like enough what are we doing this is crazy like why why does it have to be drama right now like this is it's so annoying i'm so annoyed by this jack like what the hell this season ended in the most upsetting, unfulfilling, disappointing way possible. And instead of us, hopefully, you know, how can we fix the team?

What can we do? Let's look ahead. We're talking about a feud between the face of the franchise and the franchise itself. It's an annoyed. Like, I'm annoyed right now. I'm annoyed. I totally agree. Not handling it well.

Wanted to go away. I mean, right now, we got three teams in this city. people are excited about all of a sudden and this freaking team that we love is is annoying us uh yeah i know so like that again i don't know anything but it's the only thing that makes sense to me is that it's about about the contract and why that it seems icy and why like because middleton is the one that i would think would be the most like not most like interested in having Bryce be happy, obviously. And the fact he hasn't even reached out

according to Matt Gellb was weird because I think Haman said that Middleton flew down there. It's really strange. It's really strange. But like I don't think I would trust Gelb on this more. I don't think Bryce would lie in that, you know, to whatever he said to Gelb. I don't think that would

be a lie. I don't. I really don't. And the other thing is a report. Like this is direct, like, Gelb spoke to Bryce Harper and is relaying what Bryce Harper said to the world, John Heyman is reporting something that there's no other verification for it.

Not to repayment, like I'm sure you got it from somewhere or whatever, but if I have to choose between believing one of the two, I'm going to believe the one that's directly from the source involved in the situation. Yeah. So it's the only thing that really, really makes sense to me.

And I think that they viewed it, you know, Nebraska, threw a challenge. Harper, his card was, he's hurt by it. And if we took it on its surface, right? Like, I, I think we would all understand if one of, if our boss here went in a publication

and was like, I don't know if those guys could be elite again or I don't like, I think we'd be like, whoa, that's a little like, relax, pal, you know, we're just, we're doing our, so if it was just the comments, he's hurt by the comments, I think I'd be, I'd be okay with it. The, the trade thing, which the Phillies are not looking to trade Bryce Harper, David Broussey said Thursday. There's internet rumors about every player always. Like, what are we doing here, dude? And they were fueled by WIP, mostly, of like, are they going to trade?

Because everyone's just like, this seems weird. Are they going to now trade them? This seems odd. It wasn't. And then Joel Sherman threw it out there. Honestly, Joel Sherman threw it out there. Okay. And he is a plugged in respected writer.

But on top of that, like, of course, that's going to come up when we, like, if a player seems unhappy. If Dave Dombrowski makes a comment like that, like, of course you asked the question. It'd be nonsensical to not say, hey, is there something going on here with this relationship and this situation? Do they want to move him? Is this not

a long-term thing? Like, of course. Like, anyone would say that. Like, I don't think, I, like, ultimately, I think that is a, uh, a symptom of the actual problem. Like, which is whatever the hell is going on there. And the, Dave Dombrowski giving that

quote and of course people are going to think things after that like of course what are we talking about here we are sports fans and of course we do with any player in this situation like of course we would yeah so when he when he laid out the trade thing i was like price no one wants to trade you man affiliates don't want to trade you if fans are talking about it it's just because all of a sudden it seems like you know you're available i don't know so if you just left it at being hurt by the comments from Dave Nebraska, I would have understood it. Because I think that every other human being, you know, not only are athletes, human beings, but we're also

human beings, James. And if something came out where, you know, Lakin is running his mouth about how the afternoon show used to be produced at a high level, and it's not produced at such a high level anymore, I think I'd be a little taken aback by it. It was the, it was the,

now they want to trade me thing, that was a bit, a bit what was me. a hundred percent agree and look at her sympathy and look I'm kind of mixed on this whole thing like I've heard some people say that

it's super weak of Bryce to go to Matt Calum I don't I don't necessarily think that like I don't have a problem with Bryce getting his message his thoughts out there yeah and that's the way this works like so I I fully disagree with people are like what a baby going out there but I

agree with you I think that here's the issue that I would have and again like you said, you don't know anything. You are just looking at this situation saying what makes the most sense. And I totally agree with you. Again, to go back to what we said before, if it's not a contract thing, then is it, do the Phillies want to move on from him? Do they want to antagonize him?

Do they want to change your relationship so he's willing to accept moving on? Like, of course you ask those questions. That's the point. Like you try and figure out what's happening with the face of the franchise and the team, when the team comes out and says something like that. And then the star goes to a reporter and says, I'm hurt by this. And they haven't talked to me about it. Like, and that's a thing too where it's like, you know, if you go back to why Dave said it,

which we still have to understand. I think the contract thing makes the most sense. But it's like where people were like, oh, well, maybe he just said it. It's like he didn't call Bryce after. If he misspoke, he would have gotten on the phone. I'm like, hey, Bryce, just you know, dude, these comments were taking completely out of context. That's not what I mean at all. Right?

Like, I mean, again, they're humans. They understand these things. So I just, what I go back to is if you are correct and if logically, what makes sense is that Bryce asked for more money again after the season he had with six years left on his contract. It might not even like after season again. It might just be like they know the animosity. Yes, it might be that the reason Bryce has been in a bad mood is the contract.

Like it might be stuff like that. Like, who knows? Maybe it's something that has been a persistent problem, right? Like maybe this is something that boring. has been on John Middleton about, you know what I mean? Like, we don't know the behind the scene stuff, but if this is the cause of why Dave

Dembrowski said what he said, and obviously that, leading to what Harper said what he said, then I again, I go back to a point where, like, I understand Bryce being hurt by what Dave said, but I think Dave had every right to say it, if you're pounding them for more money six years from now.

So, like, I lose all like, again, if it's not the contract thing, and if it's the Phillies trying to play games, If it's the Phillies trying to motivate him. Why would, why would middle? Okay, okay. I would then the Phillies trying to motivate him. Let's say, that's been a popular theory right there.

Let's say it's the Phillies trying to say, hey, Bryce, man, we, we need to be great. You need to carry this team and we haven't seen you do it. And you have been great in the clubhouse. We want you to be more of a leader. Whatever it is. Like, let's say it's that motivation thing. Like, I, I lose the sympathy for Bryce to say he's hurt if he asked for the contract.

Like, I agree, human wise, I agree. But if he's, like, upset essentially because he's not getting a contract, then that, that I have a problem. You know what I mean? And using, and using it as a way to garner sympathy. Yeah, like create this, this, you know, me against the organization situation. It would make it feel, it would make it feel dirty. So there's, there's two things that, two things that I think are interesting when we're talking about this being Browsky versus Harper. because I could very well imagine

I could very well imagine Middleton saying to Nebraska should we just do it like should we just do it? Because I'm honest to God I don't I'm going to be thrilled about it but if you tell me it's two years 50 million at the end of the contract whatever

like if that makes the next I get your point Jack I get your point but I think that there would be a large portion of the fan base who would be really upset Of course it would be. And I do think that Middleton understands that he's running a business

and understands that he's not making decisions purely based on fan sentiment. But I think he understands that it would be a bad look that this city as a whole, for the most part, would be very upset about. And I also think it's a bad precedent to set. I mean, no one's ever done this in baseball. This has never happened.

Like, there has never been someone who has had years added on his contract when he's six years out. Like there's arbitration. You buy out years, all that type of stuff. But this has never happened before. So, like,

they would be setting a precedent both on the team and in the sport that is dangerous. So, like, I don't, I get your point, but if I had to guess, especially, you know, everyone to read Lords of the Realm to understand the history of owners and business and all, but like, really, honestly, like, I don't, I honestly think that's the kind of thing that, like, other owners would be concerned about. Like, this is the kind of thing that would be talked about within those circles. Like, so it's a much bigger deal than just that give them a couple years. No, I agree.

Yeah, that's a totally fair point. And other owners would not be happy with John Middleton if he did it. There's 100%. And who knows how like Trite would feel if he did it. That's my point. Yes, you're setting a precedent on both ends. Totally. So I understand that point.

I understand that point. So I think Middleton and Nebraska are probably more in lockstep than you think is my point. So I agree. No, I mostly agree with you. But I do think Middleton is the one where he would be like, I don't know, like I don't want him to be mad. Like, should we just do it? I agree. I think Debrowski probably is more.

to go against he's done this before this is what he does like this is his job i agree and there's been two things that i think have been really interesting to where i do think that there is something between dombrowski and harper about the contract and one is that there's been multiple times where dombrowski could have given him the cop out of it being the wrist and he's never he's not mentioning the wrist and he thinks the wrist is 100% now everyone else in the world is is using the wrist. Middleton used the wrist as a reason why it wasn't as good.

Boris used the wrist and Harper in the interview used the wrist. So I think that's interesting. And the other thing that I think is interesting is how in the quote to Matt Gelt Harper said, I trust John on this. So he's going right in trying to pull

the hard strings of John Middleton to give him extra money at the end of his contract. So those are the two that stuck out to me from an interesting standpoint of both picking their sides of how they want to go about this. Yeah, I absolutely think you're correct. I think that both Boris and Bryce are, and for lack of a better phrase, are looking to Middleton to be the one to cave, so to speak on this.

I agree. I think that, but I also think, especially with how, at least the impression I get from how Dave and John work together, I don't think there's any way Dave says what he says, unless Middleton we're on board with it. So I think he trusts Dave Nbrowski with his life. I agree. And look, I, I get it. I mean, Dave, Dave, he's in baseball since the 70s. He's been baseball for 50 years. I mean, like, Dave Nbrowski, find out about his starting baseball and lords of the realm with Bill Vec, a legend. But, like, I mean, like, this guy's been through it all. Like, I understand. And, like, And again, I think that they are making the right decision.

Like, I understand you're, you know, just given two years, whatever. Like, I would be really annoyed with the Phillies if they gave money at the end of this contract. Like, I almost said I would rather they trade Bryce Harper than giving the two extra. But, but like, I'm not, I don't know that I'm there, but Jack, like, I'm close to there. Like, that's not, like, I think it would be, I think it would be ridiculous to give him the money at the end of this. I think it would be bad business. I think it would be a bad precedent, and I think it would be nonsensical. And I think it would be unfair.

I think it's wrong. Like, this guy's got a $330 million contract. And I understand. I understand that, oh, but he's making more and he's making more. Talk about guys 50 years ago. Talk about guys 30 years ago. Talk about guys 10 years ago. Like, that's the way it works.

Bryce is actually incredibly lucky in the sense that he got to free agency at the age of 26 years old. Like, no, so rare. Like we saw a photo take advantage of that last year. like good for him like sorry the economics of baseball keep going up like you're going to be a deal at the end of the contract because you weren't at the beginning and that's the whole point of signing that freaking contract because by the end man you're probably not going to be very playable like i'm sorry age 38 39 like i have very little expectation from bryce harper in those years i'm adding years 40 and 41 like that's crazy i think it's bad business i think it'd be a massive mistake

And I would be upset with the Phillies if they do it. Like, that's my line on it. So it's all of that. I agree. I just want to get the best version of Bryce Harper for the next two years. And if it comes with the contract, comes with the contract. So like, I'm not willing to get, I wouldn't do that, though. I wouldn't say, all right, two good years of Bryce for an extra.

That'll be, so then we've got Bryce on top for six more after that. And what are these things? It's a thank you. It's a thank you on the way out. Come on, pal. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, 303 million is a thank you. That thank you is, you to do. You can make three.

to three million to play baseball like stop stop it 330 million like you in the life of your contract will make more than almost every person you've ever played with like what are we doing here like honor your contract and then talk about a new one well and he's he's totally misreading the what the fan reaction would be if he was given oh i am very much more on the fan like you're exactly right like people will be pissed well he asked for it two years ago when it was like bedlam was at the top of our minds so and people were still annoyed about it yeah yeah yeah so we'll say but certainly something that is going to be worth monitoring for the rest of the offseason slash spring training somehow with with uh schwarber and romino and

ranger and like a roster to retool or make over whatever like somehow the brice everything is easily the biggest thing right now in the last season, you know, it's totally, yeah, drama filled. I never thought the Phillies would be drama filled, but I know, it's like, well, you know, on the other pot I do,

my co-host has a line that is always true, but he's like, it's never boring with the Eagles. And it isn't, because they've always got something going on. Maybe we're never born with the Phillies. Yeah. The way it is. Yeah. Yeah. We'd like for it to be rectified. Would love for it to be rectified.

there's no and there's yeah i don't know man i don't know all right so like the only didn't make a sense is contract for me i i totally agree i totally agree i'm with you again i i know the motivating thing is a thought out there i just i don't buy that i think that there there are other ways to go about motivating price calculated too calculated but from both side the broussey's too calculated and then harper's too calculated yeah i agree all right so so so before we move on take bag whatever else we got going on quickly i know there's really nothing else to talk about So that's why I'm asking you one more question about this, even though it feels like we've really talked out.

And I don't really even love talking about it. But one more question, like put your, you know, I get your crystal ball out. How do you think this plays out? And obviously you are will, you are allowed to October 29th. By the way, a great day in Philly's history, October 29th. Let the city celebrate as Harry said. Shout out to the 2008 champs.

I didn't even watch it today. I just, I'm so. Well, the sad thing is we're, I mean, like, it's 18 years now. We're starting it to that point. And the video, the video looks grainy, dude. It's like, it's not even HD. That's the sad part. And the videos you see from around the ballpark, you know, they're shot on like a razor.

Oh, I know. It's so bad. It's so bad. Oh, goodness. Videos today of like, there's like, you can watch 15 different angles of the George Springer home run or show. Hey. It's like, come on.

Come on. You know, 18. It's a, that's a fast. 18 years. I know. Brother, tell me about it. As they say, the days are slow, but the years are freaking fast and they really are. All right.

So obviously you can, you know, October 29, I'm not holding you to this prediction. You can change your mind with new information. But if you had to guess today, like how this settles, anything happens. So I think they after, well, the problem with the work stop, there could be that work stoppage. So who knows what the money situation is going to be? I think they will again read lords the realm everyone you'll understand it a lot better yeah I'm gonna be I'm gonna be a valuable resource when this is all happening I'm gonna have all kinds of historical reference you wanna know why because I'm gonna be in the corner crying that's why I know and I'm really talking to the listening audience because I know Jack won't read the book zero percent chance yeah I haven't watched a movie in two years I'm watched a TV show in two years on time for books got in the gut the movie thing I don't watch TV either. So I get that. But I take my four hours a weekend that I have to myself

and I watch movies. Yeah. I don't. So I think that either next off season or the year after Wheeler's done, they redo it and they add some years at the end. I think they say, I would like for them to say to Boris, six years out, it's too bad for the league. We're going to

get crushed if we do this. But I think after 27, maybe, when Wheeler's off the books and maybe they do it then. But I think, and at some point with him getting a contract extension. Yes, I do. Listen, if he's still playing at 39 and he wants to keep playing, the Phillies are going to keep paying him.

But not $25 million a year. Pay him what he's worth at that time. Pay him like $5 million or $10 million or whatever. That's why it's a thank you now. I don't want to thank you now. Like, there's no thing. The thank you now was a $330 million. Like what we do it about again that he.

The Eagles gave Seekuan a thank you of $40 million. One year. He's going to be, yes, you're right. They paid Saquan for his age 29 season. What a risk. It was a thank you. It was a thank you. Well, let's be honest.

Let's be honest. It was not a thank you. It was Sequin going to them and asking for just like this situation. It was the Eagles protecting Zayquan after the greatest year of all time and just saying, oh, thank you. Howie Roseman did not say, say, say, hey, man, we just went up. Oh, yeah, buddy. Be the right there, buddy.

Yeah, no, it was say, pay me. It's just a crazier of all time. And they're like, no problem, buddy. We'll keep it tight. And you didn't let me get the record in week 18, you know. All of it. All of it. Like, and there was a, no doubt.

But that was, you know. Yeah. I mean, that to just like the contrast of the how the fan reaction is and obviously a very different situation. But even them selling it as a thank you. The fans were like, yeah, give them the thank you. This is great. It's the best. Now, if Bryce, all right, is the let's put it this way.

If they went in the World Series here, do you care if Bryce gets extended? Well, timing's everything, buddy, isn't it? Yeah. I don't know, man. I really am not a huge fan of it. I do not think he's getting traded. I don't think he wants to get traded. I think he wants to get traded either, and I don't think he's asking for a trade.

I don't, I agree with that. And if I was doing my, if I was doing my pure, like, Elliot slash WIP take, I would, this is what I would say. I would say, oh, this. The guy wants to stay here into his 40s and we're bashing him for this. Oh, he wants to stay here longer. Good spin. Good spin.

Like, he's asked for two years, 50 million at the end of his deal. You're not going to remember that, James. James, you're going to be in your 50s. Who cares? Who cares? That's what I care more is my last shots. I mean, I'm running out of championships, buddy. I'm paying $25 million to a broken down 40-year-old that I could be given to, like, you know,

players are actually going to help me win a championship. So, yeah, it was even worse. 592-94-94 Jason Kelsey and Fletcher Coxville in the Eagles book you know so come on come on I think football's very different yeah here how about this if they want to hire howie Roseman to come in and handle the contracts and stuff maybe I'll be more accepting of it because you know what they find a way to make it smart just like the biggest message would be if for some reason Bryce is listening to it to this to this yes so here price I would just say love you if you are listening but you know chill with the

But tread lightly. Yeah, but you got to tread that way, man. No one in the city. And this blue collar tank wants to hear. Oh, yeah. Yeah, he's making 3.30.

He wants how much more is it yet? So it's just, yeah, but now the thing is like Bryce is curating still really high, but it's on shaky ground for the first. Yes, it is. This is,

again, like I just joke timing is everything, Jack, lot of cases is everything and this is about the worst timing in his time in philly to do this you know if it's what it is you know what i mean yeah only time it's worse than than last year yeah and honestly i don't know that this isn't worse because it's the compounding of two years you know i know that the dodgers loss isn't as bad but he sucked worse this year than he did last year so uh yeah in the playoffs i'm talking yeah yeah like significantly like you stunk at them like let's call i mean he was

they lost Sears last year like he had the bat at bat but he was good overall in the playoffs numbers wise he stunk this year like this is the first time we've ever seen Bryce stink in the playoffs the worst time yeah yeah no it's fun it's good to be here sixers are safe flyers are back eagles are back and then here we are we Jadcum buddy this is what this podcast is built on though can Aiden miller be VJ Edgecombe that's the question dying for it dying for it need it more than I need oxygen it's crazy to think that we talk about how young Aden is and he is in baseball it's crazy the thing i young is but he's older and v jaco which is nuts to think about yeah it's good good for everyone good for everyone involved i dude i love you i'm really excited about me it's the first thing that's got me excited about the six years in a while anyway what you got to take back i mean is there anything else talking about i'm sure you got something well we should just talk about the world series real quick i mean sure yes i'd have something fun that i'm into dude it's been it's been a great world series and i think it's starting

to generate more public interest as the blue jays are keeping alive i think most people were like oh the dodgers are going to roll them i really freaking like this blue jays team i do you too dude i love them i love them there are a bunch of grinders even chris bass who i loath coming out of the pen and being being useful is is a nice treat sure's having like a throwback moment is awesome i uh and the lineup i'm just so jealous of like the grinders they have and this run that flattie's on and i'm so interested in I'm so interested in what they did hitting development-wise with this new hitting

coach who of course makes me want to gouge my eyes out O-Chart was about to hire here and oh my God and he said I guess the Dodgers hitting coach said no you're coming with me and then he got that job and then parlayed I believe into this Blue Jays hitting coach job

and I guess he's revolutionized their bat speed they all started swinging harder and you look at their decisions their swing decisions, and they're freaking mostly good. It's funny, when the Phillies swing first pitch, I want to die when the Blue Jay swing first pitch. I'm like, I get it.

You know, it makes sense when they do it because they're trying to jump on a pitch when the Phillies do it. It's the worst thing that's ever happened to me. But I'm so fascinated in the Blue Jay's hitting structure, and it does make me very annoyed that we have three more years of Kevin Long

when it seems like this sport is trending in a different direction yet again. So, I don't know, man. The Blue Jays hitting philosophy is fascinating to me. Of all the things that have happened in this series, but what they had done, like, last year they were the middle of the back to lower offense. Now they're like top four this year with mostly the same guys

and like Springer having to bounce back here. Yeah, they are, they are, awesome. Well, and they're also an offense that this town would love to watch. Like, you know, I'm sure there aren't that many Phillies fans who are locking in for the World Series. But I mean, they just, they just put the ball in play. Like, they just, they never strike out. They're, you know, they're just a fun offense that grinds. Like you said, they're so hard to strike out. And I mean, it's, I'm so with you. And they just got dude. And they got guys who rise in the moment. And, you know, and Vlad, we talked about last time, but just seeing someone.

and get the, like, you know, it's kind of like the show I thing, too. I mean, the show I thing is unique in it of itself and one of a kind, but just when you see guys get the opportunity in the postseason for the first time, who are, you know, the greats of the sport, it was like Holiday we talked about. You know, when you see them get their first opportunity and they just take it and run with it and such an, I mean, like, VICE got eight home runs this postseason. Eight. It's insane.

He's got the second most home runs ever in a post season. and he's got the second most total bases ever in a postseason. He's, it's been magical. And it's so, it's so cool to watch him. So he's, he's so likable.

The team is likable. And, you know, look, it's like, even though, you know, the Dodgers beat the Phillies and you want to,

you know, we lost the best team, all that. Like, it's just there, it's hard to root against this, this Blue Jay's team, especially with this Dodgers,

like, titanic thing they're going up with. It feels like they're such an underdog. Yeah. Yeah, I'm with you, dude. It's been really, really fun. By the way, this is Vladis' fourth playoff appearance. Did they make it early in his career?

They made it in 2020, which whatever. But they made it in 22 and 23. So. I think they made it in 22 and 23. It's a horrible job by me. Yeah. Now, they didn't win a game. Okay.

So his first time passed that. So he just went the wild card round? Yes. Yeah, all right. So that's my bad. But I don't count three game series as the real playoffs. Okay. Okay.

That's good. Those stats shouldn't count. The NLD. is when the playoffs. This is his first run in the actual post. I'm happy. When you first said that, I thought I was wrong, but now that it was just the three game series, I stand by my statement. That's good. That's good. So I think the nice part about where baseball feels like it's trending towards is really just getting back to baseball. I mean, the fact that the Dodgers now are invested in starting pitching and they want their starters to go deep in games again. what a revolutionary concept then I know there's still like power arms out of the bullpen

and that's not changing but the fact that they I think teams are realizing that bullpens wear down the more more you use them so it feels like with baseball right now some of the trends that are happening which is great is starting pitching pitching deep in games again defense feels like it's having a moment defense in baseball teams are I mean that 18 inning game had like six all-time play I mean that Edmund play it was unbelievable Yeah, I made it to 12.30 and then I was like, well, it's like, I'm doing the calculation in my head. I know Walker and Sutton or one of them is going to be up at six, like six, six, six, 30. It's like, I could just go to bed and get at least five hours or I could really stay up and see how long it goes.

And I chose the bed. I chose, I chose, I chose sleep. It's a smart to say, I mean, especially in that case, you had two and a half, three hours left. So, yeah, yeah, so it's a long, they play a second baseball game. so so but but defense i think is is starting to get valued more by teams again and the the not striking out thing i think i think teams still value home runs the most but it's no longer strike out home run walk yeah the three true outcomes thing it's getting to home run or like it's still slug like you still want to slug i believe that's still the main priority but

not being an easy out, putting the ball on play, things like that. And it's funny because teams like the Blue Jays will go on runs like this. And even the Mariners, I think, were like the Blue Jays. I thought those teams were the same, really. I thought they're the same. And they have stars, whatever. It's funny because they both entered the league at the same time in 1976. Did you learn that in the leaders of the realm?

I sure did. Well, I knew it all right, but I was reaffirmier, hey, Lord's of the Realm. They were the expansion teams at the same time. nice and then you watch the Phillies and the Yankees I feel like are just the same I'm trying to educate you on baseball all right can I help you here I'm just trying once they lock out you can talk to me all you want about labor strife I I'll be sitting here you'll be watching a dead man that's what you're going to be talking to on this podcast it's such a shame baseball's in such a good spot like they're so healthy it's the best

it's been in forever the pitch clock all of it's so good the playoffs actually feel like people talk about it like there's excitement i'm with you dude and what people miss about the salary floor is that the salary cap would also lessen the amount of money the middle tier players get too people are so obsessed with the big salary that's not happening the the salary got the players will strike for years before allowing a salary cap and can they all just get together and realize they don't they're not doing the salary cap thing so like just find something else just find something else and the owners that want to pay it will pay it and honestly the best thing that could happen for baseball is the blue jays winning the world series like just let the blue jays win the world

series and we won't have to maybe able to if the dodgers ran through the blue jays and swept them in four games i think there would be a higher percentage of a work stoppage if this goes seven and it's competitive by the way i love that they're labeled the little engine that could blue jays are the fifth highest payroll maze rod so silly it's It's awesome. So I just, gosh, just figure it out. It's going to be detrimental. It's good.

It's horrible. I mean, like, let me tell you, dude. I mean, you were, I guess not alive. I was alive. I was born in March of 94. Okay. So you were, okay. So you were alive.

Remember it well. Not going to support. Like, like, it really hurt the sport, man. I know you've heard about it. But like it really like the McGuire Sosa thing. and Ripkin, but really McGuire-So, like, really brought people back to the sport. Like, there was a 95, 96, 97, it started 96, 97 to start pick up. Like, 95 felt like no one cared about baseball.

I felt like no one cared. Like it was, people were mad at the sport and mad at the players, at the owners, at all them. So, yeah, I'm with you. It's the best, the healthy at the sport has been a while. It's not, not ideal. They need to figure this out for the good of everyone. Let me just tell you one thing, bud.

I won't be mad at baseball and baseball comes back. I know a lot of people. Oh, I know you won't, pal. You're kidding me? I wasn't either. I was right there. I was right. You're old.

Yeah. A childlike love for the sport. I'll be back no matter what. But, you know, we care about the sport. So, you know, don't F it up. Yeah. No, but I, but, but yeah, now I'm ready for the Blue Jays for the second baseball. Yeah.

I don't, I love that, you know, I don't think it'll, I don't think that would. I mean, the Blue Jays are still a half, you know, as far as it goes, they are. They always have. been read lords of the realm you learn about it um one of the most successful franchises of all time in terms of profitability but um yeah i never talk so much about owners until you started talking about like you you've long been the most anti like owner thing in the world oh i'm still i'm i'm pro player we're pro middleton though very well yeah we have the best i love john middleton i'm saying bob nuttig and some of these

other you know owners who like to spend and you know don't put a winning prize on the field and take the revenue sharing money and don't necessarily contribute to the product that they should that that bothers that bothers me but look I it's going to be a thing like this lockout is going to be a thing let's hope that you know let's hope that it doesn't happen I mean flat out like there's no way but it but I'll tell you all about I'll school you along the exact only and let's get a game seven let's get a nice game more than anything give us a game seven and I'll talk about next week we're back yeah anything else yeah so a couple thanks real quick.

You need three outs right now. You're in the dugout. For some reason, you have 2023 Craig Kimball in your bullpen or you have 2025 Blake Trinan in your bullpen and you need three outs. Who are you giving the ball to? Yeah. I mean, I think it's still Trinanin, but I get your point. He's horrible.

Yeah. And he used to be awesome. He's the man. He was the nickname was the witch. You know, because I've never seen... Yeah, I agree with you. I think, like, he's up there with the most I've ever seen someone make a ball move in ways where I'm like, how is it possible that the ball move that way?

Yeah, it's crazy. But right now, he's just food. I mean, when he gets out there, he's just, yeah, he's banged by this. I think 12 of 24 batters have got a hit against him in the middle season, something like that. And so maybe Kimberl, actually, if it's that bad. It might be a camera ball. Like, how is the best team that money could buy? How is he their only right-handed option out of the bullpen?

It feels like he's in the most important. important spot in every single game. Blake Trinan, who is Dunzo. Dunzo. It's crazy. It's crazy. Blake Trinan versus Vladi in the game seven in a big spot. Who wins? 500. 500 home run. 500 foot home run. That's how it ends.

Dante Norris. Real quick, real quick, because we both want the Blue Jays. When Joe asked this on the year today and I would like them to win a different way, would you be okay with the Blue Jays walk off home run to win the World Series? Off of Blake Trina. anyone just the point of seeing that stadium a walk off home run like

I want them to win like make it a single or something or not a walk you know no Carter means nothing to me so yeah again born in March of 93 you should have mattered you're alive for it March and that we all felt March of 90s oh never mind 94 oh so yeah I mean

whatever it's the worst any coincidence that I came into the world it is pretty funny actually I never thought about it not great It's not great. Again, the Phillies will in the World Series the year after this podcast retires. Yeah, I would lock it in, lock it in. The luckiest lock of the century.

Dante Norrie is playing on the Arizona Fall League. I'm monitoring it very closely. I saw like the three hits the other night. Me too. I'm all over. Yeah, I'm going to stay up late and watch. I'm a Norie's man. Come on, man.

I am too. I like Dante. I wish I had more. Oh, I'm not going to give away my perfect off season yet. I don't want to do that. Why would you? defeat the purpose of doing the podcast

monitoring idea and with all the well this is boring bods we've done last the last couple off seasons we might really need the purpose might do multiple part of it I'm not going to do it

I'm not going to do it I'm not going to throw out an idea no don't yes I don't step on all of our offseason nor should you nor should you it's called being a pro right there yeah but I have so many thoughts

in the off season I'll bet you do buddy I'll bet you I'll bet your mind has just been racing I mean all I think about is is Alex pregnant pregnant yeah and I'm so you did it anyway you just stepped on it no it's not

it's not and this is I just want to get pregnant okay do you like that I do I see what you're doing there the Boston said the Boston thing

but I I'm stealing it for down here it's 100% happen good and then this is a personal favorite favor for people. So if you go on Amazon and if you just type and ring the bell book, if you could give it like a five star and a review, help us climb that chart. Come on. Look at this. Come on. Now again. Tamara was talking about his chart climbing and yellow jelly. Was he? I don't know. He talked about how his book was above Bill Belichick's book for like football books. Oh,

really? That's funny. I was really excited. I did not see that. But it doesn't seem like the Amazon charts are a thing. also listen if you want to give a book for the holidays that's right holidays coming up oh I'm happy you brought that up because I have a personal I know as well yeah

don't give out organic candy on Halloween you psycho like what a horrible thing to do what a horrible thing to do children it's great no no it's not great it's not great it's not great it's not great why it's not because it's Halloween

it's the night you let them enjoy it's still gummy bears dude there there is nothing like there might be nothing on this planet that Zoe gets more excited for than Halloween like it is her favorite holiday I don't think it's much here hey sugar sugar got to eat it I got a little sugar it's Halloween like let them enjoy it by giving them freaking real candy it is real candy no it's organic candy what so what throw it in the trash no it's great you should eat it it's phenomenal

It's still bad for you, but it's a little bit better. Like the reaction to this, I found insane. They are organic gummy bears. They don't have some of the extra stuff, the other things add that make them taste good. Yes. Help. Dude, I'll give you a bag. I'll leave a bag for you.

Okay. I will try. And they'll be, this is phenomenal. Because they're just, I'm an ex-candy, the psychopath. He's a crush candy. and I'm telling you they're just as good except they don't have

some of the nonsense in it it's and I don't care for the greater good I'm looking out for my neighborhood and I hope that they view me as a hero in my new neighborhood they're not going to view

as whatever the opposite of viewing as a hero is the like you're going to be the house that gave out organic candy just know that don't care that will be said derisively

fine I live for bits I live for It's true. It's true. I live for people talking about me. There are things that are bits, and then there are things that are just wrong. Like morally, emotionally, human, like on a human level, you're ruining a kids of night. I'm not.

People really have to, people, it's actually a shame how far behind the country is when it comes to, like, understanding or. All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. All right, all right. Food literacy is a proselytize to me about your food. Yeah, your food tags. We're good on that. Good. Good. Good. All right. Give out real candy. Everyone listening, give out real candy on Halloween. It's Halloween. It is real candy. It is real candy. Candy. It is real candy on other nights. Give out a kick cack. Give it a snickers. Give it a freaking real govy bears. I'm going to go. Guess what? I'm stop. my way home. I'm going to get some organic chocolate. But not dark chocolate because dark chocolate is disgusting. Dark chocolate is disgusting. So is organic chocolate.

You're such a psychopath. You're getting older, bud. You got to start what I am is I'm not I know. I'm talking about for children on Halloween. I'm talking about for you. I'm talking about for you.

You should do the right thing too and give out organic. Yeah, okay. And fruit sticks. I'm just going to give out fruit. I'm going to give that apple slices. Is that what you want to? Did you imagine? Could you imagine if I give out apple slices? No, it would be so horrible.

I would. All right, we're done. They're going to view me as a hero in my neighbor. They will not. They're going to talk about you. That's sure. I'm sure they've heard on the radio for the last two days, the obsession with the idea of still giving out candy,

but it's a little bit better for you. That's the PSA. It's the PSA about the organic gummy beer. Jack, taking it upon yourself to make people healthier on Halloween. It's great. Again, really good.

Again, as I've said, I like to force my beliefs on people. We know. And if they disagree with my beliefs, then that's on them. This has been good. Thank you.

Public apology to anyone in Jack's neighborhood. the parents are going to thank me that's why sure yeah yeah they probably won't though probably be like who's this guy think he is yeah come on was he what was he what you think you better than me eh you think you bet at me maybe they should be better at me yeah i'm actually spending more by the way okay good now okay we're done