Talkin' Baseball (MLB Podcast) - Selecting Our July All-JM Team! 1012

Episode Date: August 6, 2025

Use code TALKIN2025 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TALKIN2025. Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountCheck out the Best Network in the Game at https://T-Mobile.com/NetworkLooking for a refreshing citrusy kick this summer? Grab a Mountain Dew! Find out where at https://www.mountaindew.com/find-dewDownload the DraftKings Sportsbook app and use promo code JMBASEBALL Talkin' Jake and Coach Trev take create the All-JM team for July! Do you agree with their lineup?? 0:00 Intro1:44 “No Bad Ball”2:30 AL Catcher4:20 AL 1B10:00 AL 2B14:16 AL SS18:30 AL 3B20:50 AL OF26:35 AL DH28:30 AL SP31:40 NL Catcher34:10 NL 1B38:22 NL 2B42:15 NL SS46:50 NL 3B52:35 NL DH53:50 NL OF59:24 NL Pitcher Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hello and welcome to talking baseball. It's award season, people. All JM team through August today. Let's talk ball. Good ball. No bad ball today. Yeah, no bad ball. Nice pipes.

A little hairy bader. Splitter. You're out. Former twin. Hello. And welcome to Talking Baseball, presenting you by Seeky Co-Talkin 2020. I am Jake Strombole. That is Trevor Goof.

Let's award people. The guys that are killing this season, we've got a couple runaways that we could continue to give their flowers to daisy petals along the way. It always does make me laugh at some point in this episode when I think if this is someone's first episode and they're like, what? They're giving out daisies and petals? How did that happen? We're trying to reward the best players in baseball.

And I like it as everyone else watches their team. This is a good way to know. Wait, is Jose Ramirez the best American League third baseman? Yeah, every year pretty much. So we'll get into it. How are you doing, Coach Trev? I'm doing great, Jackie Boy. We went over a few of these picks before we hopped on the mic,

so I'm happy we did that because there are some positions that are difficult. I mean, it always comes down to it with the pitchers here, but I think we've landed in a good space. No bad ball. All the guys are going to talk about good ball. No bad ball today. I like that. No bad ball.

I might make that a shirt at our store because I know the team I follow needs that message. No bad ball. No, dude, that's just a baseball player. They were trying to be aggressive. Enough about them. I think they've only got one player on this list.

Trev, let's dive right into it. And the good news is we normally go AL first. Is that just alphabetical? Just a L? It's just the way the sheet is presented, Pop. And I think we have a first easy decision if we're doing that. Tell the people then. Congratulations to Seattle's catcher, Cal Raleigh.

You're still in line for the Silver Daisy. You know, what he's doing is historic through the month of July, 42 homers. 88 runs driven in is almost double anybody else that we have listed here. 72 runs scored same there. He's just doing it and all fasts.

People forget that he has a fucking platinum glove as well. Not I, but maybe some of the people, yes. Snaps for you. He's won it every single month and such. He's got a pedal for each April, May,

June, and now July. So he keeps his for The Silver Daisy a lot. If he stopped playing baseball today, he still, it's over, right? Two months is a lot. 42 homers. If he stopped playing today, there'd be some discussion, I think.

Trev, the other catchers listed... I think he wins August, yes. The other catchers listed are Alejandro Kirk, Carlos Norvias, and Dylan Dingler. The three of them combined for 24, home runs. He has 42. It's very special, and if you're tuning into a baseball show, you know what Cal's doing. Just a reminder for all JM, like Trev mentioned, we give out a pedal every month.

The Silver Daisy is if you do it the whole season. Cal Raleigh is on a path to do that this year. Rob on the YouTube has the teams up on our screen. I'm not going to yell them off. I'm going to make you go to the YouTube. Check it out. Subscribe. And reminder, these stats are three.

Through the month. This is not an all-July team. This is through the month of July. And this is our All-J-M June team, just to clarify. And Rob is showing the All-J-M-J-J-M-June team to see who won it last. There are going to be some changes, just a heads-up. Oh, I think. A little foreshadowing.

Potentially, we could see one of these changes at American League First Base, Trev, because Jonathan Oranda, Randa, Randa, Randa, Randa. He had it last month. He's been having a great year. He's had it the past two months. Spencer Torkelson, remember that big April that he had. Now listed at first base, Jonathan Aranda and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.,

couple ALE's first baseman, with fairly similar arguments. Next on the table, the comma himself, big Amish, Kurtz, comma, Nick, is on here, Trev. 70 games. at the part of the season where things are getting interesting. I'd love to know how your brain initially chops this up.

We do typically, you know, we don't like when guys have a lot less games played. We like to reward guys that are on the field that post. Now, it's not Nick Kurt's fault that he wasn't on the team early in the year. I think I was actually at his debut, possibly. Oh, wow. I was. Jake, I got to be honest with you, man. This one, I'm not going to say it's a no-brainer.

I think it is between Vlad and Nick Kurtz, but I'm going to lend my vote to Nick Kurtz because this is what I want my first baseman to do. Hit homers and drive-in runs. And right now, Nick Kurtz has 23 homers to Vlad's 15, 59 runs driven in to Vlad's 57. So I'm going to, going with the big boy over there at first base.

Again, like we typically reward guys for games played, and he's at 70, and Vlad is at 108 through July. But I think what he's done is absolutely overwhelming. He's three, three, sixing it for the 1.039 on the year. I don't think that's a super long discussion. Trev, you know it's not my favorite thing to say, but you're right. Like the numbers are crazy, and I, hey, does, Does a four-homer game help that?

Absolutely. Even if you took that out, he would have the most home runs. He'd have four more than Vladdy. And you shouldn't take away a guy's four-homer game. That's one of the best games in baseball history people were saying. Yeah, I don't know if the people knew, I don't know if I knew that Kurtz was getting down like this the whole season. 302.

He wasn't getting down like this the whole season. It's true. He struggled initially, yes. It's true, which makes it even that much more. impressive. I don't think you were at his debut. It looked like he debuted against Texas. So I don't know. You could tell people you were. I thought I was. Okay. He just had gotten called out for something like that. Are you sure? I mean, you would, the only way you were at an athletics game is if they played Minnesota, right? Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I don't, I don't think he's

played against Minnesota this season. So really? You know what? Did he get called up and not play? I definitely have seen this guy. Unless I am just completely misreading this sheet, I don't think he's played against Minnesota.

Yeah, yeah, I called up at the end of April. Was he hurt when I went there? He was definitely there. Okay. Okay. Did you meet Nick Kurtz? Yes. Okay.

That counts. I mean, I know he was there. Oh, holy shit. When was that? Looks like they played June 3rd, 4th, 5th. The lineup. Yeah, he missed that time. He must be on the aisle then.

Look at that. So he was back on. So he missed a quick I.L stint. He gets called up end of April. He's still, like you said, your stats need to be head and shoulders above the competition. If you're going to be missing, about the 30 games he's missing between Aranda and Vlad. He's one dotting, though. That gap is there, and a lot of the counting stats, he's caught up that I think you're right.

I don't think this is a penalize him situation. He has been so good. I think Kurtz, comma, Nick is your AL first baseman. Since he came back in June, these stats are absolutely alarming. 337, 417, 763 for the 1.1. I mean, that's Judge Shohay stuff. 18 homers and 45 games played in that time period. Congrats to Kurtz Kamenik, your AL first baseman.

Sorry, Vladian, Irana. Maybe one makes the fan vote we'll see coming up. And the other thing you'll see coming up is Seekkeek, people. Baseball season is rolling. We're in the dog days right now. It's going to be MLB playoff chase season. And by the way, you know, this isn't me and Trev talking about this on talking baseball, but football season's coming.

And with Seekkeek, whatever you're looking to go. to go to a baseball game, see your new trade deadline assets, see your new prospects that got called up, or go to your summer concert, go to a football game. It's seek geek people, 70,000 events listed whatever you're trying to go see. It's the number one ticketing app. That's pretty good. Green means good, red means bad. Boom, you just learned how to navigate the app and find a good deal. And Seeky gives a great deal. Talking 2025, 10% off your next set of ticket. at C-Kkeek. That's it, whether you've used a code before. Talking 2025 at C-Keekeek. Trev, I have a situation.

Yes, you do. We originally came out with All-JM because the All-Star game was a little deceptive. Sometimes guys have first halves. Other times, you know, every team has to be represented, that sometimes guys get left off, that All-Star game wasn't always the best representation. So we came up with all JM. We wanted an honest vote for the people. I can't give an honest vote. Because the American League second baseman

the one and two are Glaibor Torres, my ex, and Jazz Chisholm, my current. Shout out to Brandon Lowe, who's had a power surge, 19 homers through the end of July. Altuve

is right there. But when you mix in the defense or Glabor's overall offensive production, I think it comes down to Jazz and Glaber, and I think I, for the people, I can't vote on that. Seems like a cop out to me, Coach. Sure is. Like right now. Sure is.

I'm trying to be honest for the, I would pick Jazz, but I can't tell if that's, he's my current second baseman. He has more war. He has more homers. I like the defense. Stolen bases. Yeah, I mean, if I'm looking at it objectively, I think that I very much enjoy Glabors' plate discipline and the 55 walks to 57 strikeouts.

Yes. If you're looking at runs driven in, yeah, Glabors got one more through July, but he's also played a ton more. Extra base hits, jazz has him by one. And again, many less games, 78 games to Glabors' 97. Strong defense by Jazz, not strong by Glac's. Leads in F-4 and B-Wore. Jazz also leads him in weighted runs created plus by one. So clearly, like, offensively, we're talking about two very similar players. They get there in different ways.

Jazz is a little more power, Glaver a little bit more on base. Yeah, I mean, I'm going jazz. It's got to be jazz. So if, you know, I think right now I'm thinking about jazz and that base ring play in Miami and the fact that he still hasn't said it's a bad base rainplay and it still, it kind of gets me. It really does. I'm just like, okay. That's like literally that's like insane behavior.

But I'm looking at the numbers right now and it's Jess. Trev, I'm not, I'm not doing this in a one-up way. If that's getting to you, picture what it's like watching this team every day. Make some of the worst mistakes you've seen on a baseball field and they just say, yeah, you know, long season. That's nothing. Congrats, Jazz. Jazz hands

Jake I'm a Minnesota Twins fan What are you talking about? You guys are going to miss the playoffs too? Are we ready? Are we ready for this show's dark turn? You and I Yeah We'll be in Cancun with our teams in October

Oh When can we do that? I don't know I'm going to combo like next week so Whoops Sorry about it And sorry to Glabor and Tigers fans But I do think jazz is

The correct answer If this was offense only, I think I'd lean Glaver. The overall profile, you're right. I do like that batter in my lineup better. I still don't. I think Jazz is better, has done more offensively and less time. 14 stolen bases to Claver's four. You know, jazz could strike out a little less.

That would probably help them overall. But then the power would come down. It's jazz. Congratulations to Jazz Chisholm. And wow, the second base position this year, it was Christian Campbell the first month of the year. People forget, Glaber, Glaber, and now Jazz Chisholm. So look at, would you look at that? Up the middle, Bobby Witt, Jr. had the first month of the season.

Bobby Witt Jr. had the second month of the season. Superstar Jeremy Pena caught him. Pena got hurt, and I think the shortstop position has now opened up that Bobby Witt Jr. is still there. It's good seeing Corey Seeger listed in 76 games. But we know what his offensive profile looks like. Gunner Henderson is back. And Jeremy Pena is still there with four worse, some stolen bases.

I guess where do your eyes jump, coach? You know, for some reason, am I? mind. I'm like, oh, Bobby Wood's kind of having a down year. But it's like, no, he's not. I mean, for Bobby Witt, like maybe, but he really isn't. I mean, he leads all of these guys in homers, in runs, and runs driven in, stolen bases. He lapsed the fields. He got doubled in the other guys. 28 to Jerry Pena is 15. Slash line is there as well for him. You know, the only one that's got him is Pena and then Seegers come on but again a little too not as many games not enough games in Seeger's instance and he doesn't overwhelm the stat book like the way that um who we just talking

about. Pena? Yeah, it's Bobby Witt. I mean his F-4's 49, his B-Wore's 4-4, he's playing absolutely elite defense. I mean, so was Pena. I think Bobby is a tick above him as well. They both run the base as well. But Bobby's, Bobby's. Bobby's just doing it at his level, which is superstar. And Pena, miss some time. Witt's at 108 games right now. Pena's at 82, or at least at the end of the month.

And yeah, all of that is highlighted with Bobby Witt Jr. Still playing amazing defense at the position. It's crazy where he moved his bar to last season. And that's still attainable. It is down a little bit. But again, that was like a nine-war insane year. And the A.L. Shortstop position, my goodness, with Gunner being back and Seeger being held. Like the honorable mention list here is Bichette, Netto, and J.P. Crawford, who's been winning games for Seattle.

So the American League short, Jacob Wilson, who's now out for an extended period of time. But this is one of the deepest positions on the board right now. Well, I mean, short stops. It should be. It should be. are the premier athletes in baseball. You were an American League shortstop. I was an American shortstop.

I was. I take pride in that. It's pretty cool, Trev. What did I? I gave you my once a month compliment the other day. Yeah, I don't know why. What were you doing? I think I was just high on the couch.

And I was just like, you played in the show. That's pretty, that's nuts, dude. Like, I haven't really been getting high at all. I don't know what's going on with me. Like the pro, like, if you go probability and statistics, Like that's insane, man. Just amongst people. Like, I'm just, I'm really happy for you.

You know what's like now at this point in my life, nobody gives a shit. Yeah. I think that's the other reason. I think that's the other reason I sent the text. The only time people care about the fact that I played in the big leagues is like when I first meet somebody. Oh, okay. Oh, that's cool. Then they want to hang out with me a little bit.

And then quickly, they're like, oh, he's just a fucking guy. Yeah. Do you know James Loney? Yeah, I do. No, you know. No, Mike. Malcolm Mike Mustakis. I just played against tennis against another former big leger who is a friend of mine.

Mike Belfi. Wow. Oriel's. Okay. How'd you do? I beat him. Handily? It was like a seven person, like King the Court type thing that we always do.

And him, yes, Handily, yes. Okay. He's kind of getting into it. Okay. Congratulations to Mike Belfioree. And Bobby Wood Jr. our American League shorts up. Rounding out the infield at third base.

I mean, my God. I'm giving my snaps, bro. Just get over it. You can name the other guys if you want. I want to highlight that Alex Bregman won April and then started missing. He missed a chunk of games. And then Jose Ramirez. It was really close in May.

I remember that. Jose Ramirez last month. It's Jose Ramirez now. I tried to highlight him a little bit. last episode. As consistent, as good as a player can be at this level. Like, you just do not see it. I feel bad for young Mikel Garcia,

who's had his breakout season. And I think him and J-Ram were the debate, but, you know, Unk still got it. J-Ram's got third. He had 31 stolen bases at the end of July. 21 home runs, the most runs scored. Junior Camerero deserves a shout-out for his power. and run producing numbers, but J-RAM, he's five tool, man, and just a special all-time player.

Yeah, he continues to just absolutely put up numbers year in and year out. It's almost suffocating the numbers that he continues to put up. And, you know, Bregman did have that banger of an April or else we're looking at it. You know, he's a perennial silver daisy candidate. And that's tough because if we actually sent out silver daisies, I feel like J-Ram would be the guy that would wear the necklace. 100% proud and be like, yeah, I'm the best. This guy's got 21 homers, 31 stolen bases,

43 walks to 47 strike us might be my favorite thing about him. And the way he runs is also my favorite thing about it. It's kind of all over the place. Yeah, he's got. But he gets there. He gets there, man. My favorite stat that pops up on his page is the 31 stolen bases, because he's 32 now.

Like he's going to out steal his age in the 30s. There's a lot of season less. Like, could he get 50 steals? Like, he's... What? What? Yes. That's insane.

He shouldn't be doing that. Congrats to Cleveland. And congrats to Jose Ramirez as he rounds out our American League infield. The outfield, coach Trev. Luckily, and if you're new to the show, we need a center fielder, so it usually starts there and then we build off of it. Aaron Judge has been here the whole way,

and spoiler, it's going to continue, even though he missed about 10 games at the end of this month, the historic right-handed hitting all-time power season. Aaron Judge has been there throughout. Willier Abraeu and Cedric Mullins, in April. One of those guys is in a new league. Buck Daddy has been there the past two months as our center field representative.

Stephen Kwan and then Riley Green took it last month. Trev, I'm going to throw my Buxton vote out there because I think of the center fielder. Julio is catching him. Yes. They're very, very close, which almost makes me inclined to just choose those two guys as the other two outfielders. I think Buck. Yeah, there you are. We're showing Julio right now.

He's crushing it. As of late, that's kind of his MO, a little late start. And the defense is always going to be there for him. We saw him making plays all throughout the year. Him and Buxton, you know, together in the outfield, be just electric because they do go get it. I think for our center fielder, I was going to come out here and just say, it's obviously Buck, but dang, it is really close between him. 17 swipes through July for Buckson still has not been caught.

Julio's 20 swipes for caught stealing. I think the slash line is in favor of Buxton because that's kind of more his game. Julio's got a 742 OPS through July. He's been heating up in the first couple games of August, 904 for Buck. That's a different world. It's got to be Buck. Let me just. Is Buck still getting it in the outfield?

Defense is elite for both of them. I want to see who edges who. I mean, I'd assume Julio has it. I guess, is Buck playing with a restrictor played out there? No, not at all. That's awesome. He's in the 90th percent of all four outs above average, according to baseball, Savon, Julio's got to be number one.

Julio or PCA. Spoiler for the National League. That isn't the wrong Julio Rodriguez. I mean, how do you have the first Hulu Rodriguez not be Julio Rodriguez. That's insane. It's a right-handed pitcher that doesn't have a picture. Julio's got eight outs above average for the 97th percentile.

Do we just say it's those two guys? So I'm very interested in that. I would, I want to lock in Buck. I think Buck Daddy deserves it. A 904 OPS compared to a 742 OPS is a different hitter. I would say, yeah, let's go Buck. it's like, do you talk about Raphaelah, what he's doing out there in the outfield? And by the way...

His ability to come in and play infield as well, I think we take into account. And is he going to enter the second base chat at some point? Not yet. He hasn't played a night there. Belly makes an interesting case as well. The best to ever do it, Randy is there. He's been mashing the ball. And he also has 20 swipes to two stolen bases.

I think it comes down to the two Mariners' outfield. And I think if we ask Mariners fans, they would say Julio. Sheesh. Kind of crazy, right? Someone's going to end up in the fan vote. I will say that and remind people of that. I'm looking at Rafael's defensive stats. I mean, those have to be pretty damn good, too.

He's 14 outs above average and the 99th percentile. And just to, you know, just to show everyone who we're juggling, like I mentioned Riley, Green and Stephen Kwan, they're still in the mix here. Randy went nuts this month. Like George Springer still listed, he's been splitting his time at DH, but he has maybe the highest remaining OPS on the board. And Belly does deserve love. Like I'm not going to slam the table for him. I think Belly might have an argument for the fan vote. But yeah, I think it comes down to the two Seattle guys, and I think Seattle would pick Julio,

but I don't know if that's off reputation or performance. Randy, 21 homers to Julio's 19. 70 runs goes to Julio. Runs driven in goes to Julio. And then you're adding the defense. Swipes are about, though they are the same.

Randy's striking out more, walking a little more. I'm going Julio. I think if we were building an actual team, I think we'd want Julio. So I, I, I I think that's where I... Aaron Judge Julio and Barnbuckston, sign me up. I'd watch. Okay, I'm in.

Okay, I liked where that landed. Congrats. Congratulations to the outfield. A lot of good options out there. I mean, you could run a belly, Riley Green and Randy outfield would be pretty sick. But that's where all JM comes in. D.H. feels clean, I think.

Brent Rooker is who I would throw out there. He leads in home runs. He leads in runs. He leads in tied for the lead in RBI. I guess Yandi Diaz sneaking up, as always. Mike Trout listed as a DH, which that just kind of hurt my soul a little bit. Is it Rooker and it's not a convo,

or am I missing something? I think we shout out the other guys out. Yondi is doing a good job. thought he might be on a different team. He's not. And then, yeah, Mike entering the chat, 83 games played to 111, but still the counting stats are kind of there for him. But I think it is Rooker. Yeah. We get snaps. He's doing his job. Does he play at a bandbox for a park? Yes, but he's taking care of business. That's not his problem. Well, it is his problem in a lot of ways, but it's a good problem if you're the DH.

Congrats to Brent Rooker, who has been, you know, one of the more fun stories over the last couple years. So with that, Treff, that leaves our fan vote position open. Who got, I guess who should be the biggest arguments here? I think we could go Vlad. Okay. I think we go Vlad. I think we go Jeremy Pena. Okay.

and then I think we go Randy Okay Done I like all three of them Unless like belly is like there for me If you want to throw him in Do you watch him more than I do?

He's there He's a delight to watch I'll say this He's on the way up that I think he's going to get there I'm a little I'm a little down on the Yankees as a whole right now if I'm being for real. But no, I'm fine with those other guys.

Let the people decide. Belly will see you soon. So that is your AL fan vote. We post that on the Twitter sphere, Bobo. Yep, thumbs up from Rob. And rounding out your American League, I think we half announced this beforehand. Trevor and I linked up before this.

We're trying to get the episode a little tighter for the people. I think it's easier to crunch through than an hour 22 of us just saying this guy's good. We agreed on the pitchers beforehand, and it was actually pretty easy because in the American League, Trevor, the big dog, Terrick Scoobel

out there in Detroit, still doing it on our sheet, which includes Framberg, Garrett Crochet, Hunter Brown, Jacob de Grom, Max Fried, Nathan Evaldi, Terik, Wu, Bubik, and Ryan. He's got the lowest whip, which is kind of like what I look at. Yeah.

He also leads in opponents average against. He's up there at Homer's per nine, walks per nine. I believe he has the best note there. Kay's per nine has the best note there. To me, that's kind of a no-brainer. He also is close to the lead innings. He only trails Max Fried and Garrett Crochet. And I believe Garrett Crochet and Max both have an extra start.

So I am, yeah, it's Scoob all the way. Yeah, Crochet has a sneaky argument there with a couple more innings and very similar numbers, but that's the deal with all these pitchers. Nathan Neaaldi's got a 1-4-9 on the year, which just looks just so pretty. Crazy. That's crazy. How's he gotten better?

Hey, if you like the best and you like all JM, then you're going to like Team Mobile people. Based on hundreds of millions of real-world speed test, The experts at Ukla speed test have spoken. T-Mobile is now the best mobile network in America. So you can keep up with all the MLB action from the ballpark to the back country. Trevor and I, we've been talking about getting a place on the sticks.

Yeah. Split it. I don't know. Me. You. Well, you might want T-Mobile, America's largest and best network. Wherever you're at, when Trev's coaching the kids, he's trying to get his, you know,

trying to stay up to date on the game. He's got his phone out next to him. When I'm at Central Park, getting some fresh air for the first time all week, but I still want to get that action in. It's with T-Mobile, and it's the kind of coverage that keeps you locked in wherever you are on America's best network. So whether you're streaming the game out and about, checking stats on the road or experience ballpark perks with magenta status,

you're ready to stay connected wherever your fandom takes you. Head on over to T-Mobile.com slash network to switch to the best network. All right. The National League. Trevor, the National League kicks off with the catching position as well. And we had a delightful moment a couple months ago because Will Smith, the catcher from the Dodgers, always the Brides made Never the Bride.

He got it in May after Carson Kelly went absolutely loony tunes in April. By the way, the stats still hold. But it's been Will Smith the past two months, and I hate to get in the way of Trevor, but I believe Will Smith is going to continue as the National League's best catcher. I mean, a catcher that can produce a 171 WRC plus is just unbelievable.

if you like the traditional stats, 968 OPS. And if you like batting average, he's hitting 325. Like, it doesn't matter what kind of baseball fan you are. He is, he needs to be applauded more.

I think he has become, we've talked about this for, I think he has become the most underrated player in baseball. He has a great argument for it. I hope this is the year that stops because he has been, has he been the,

I guess people point to that show hey guy for Dodgers MVP. But Will Smith has an argument, right? The catcher? Like, in it every day? Andy Paa has early in the year. Will Smith has obviously been doing it. And then Show Hey is pretty damn consistent as well. Congrats to Will Smith.

At first base, the story changes just a little bit. Peter Alonzo. Pete the meat. Meat Hunter. He had it in April. Freddie Freeman, got him. In May, Pete Alonzo was back in June. So a little back and forth between them.

And the board is pretty damn open, Coach Trev. Bryce Harper, Freddie Freeman, Matt Olson, Michael Bush, and Pete Alonzo are all listed for us. I'll let your brain run, because this might be the ugliest one on the board. Yeah, this one's tough. Because I want to go, like I said, traditionally, I like my first basement to hit homers and drive in runs. And if we were just doing that, then it's Pete Alonzo in a landslide. 22 homers through July leads all the guys you mentioned.

But the 81 runs driven in is, there's a sizable gap between him and the next person. But that's not all that gets it counted. I mean, Bryce Harper has 10 swipes, zero caught stealing through the end of July. there are guys that play a better brand of defense than Pete Alonzo, and the overall slash line is not for Pete. If I'm looking like overall players right now in this and it's kind of what we do here, oh man, I mean, the games aren't there.

So like the runs driven in, I, like I'm leaning Bryce, but I could be, I could be swayed. I think I might dish it off to you and see what you say. Trev, this is so close that it, you know, people might be at home. You haven't been talking about war a lot. War is what it is, and we use it. It's on the sheet, you know, and a lot of these guys are, you know, Cal Raleigh had the best war.

We just named a lot of the other stats. The best F-war and B-war is Matt Olson. Mm-hmm. But on our sheet, and this might just be the way it's listed, and that's throwing me off even more. Like Michael Bush's numbers are better than his. That I feel like I'm doing this first base, who's better at what,

and everyone just keeps one-upping each other, that I think the best offensive profile on this page is Michael Bush. Yes. Yes, I would agree on that. The RBI is not having all those runs. He's got guys in front of him getting on base. obviously. The RBI is really interesting, Trev, because that's really the only differentiator on this sheet. I'm looking at Bryce's defensive look. It's not great. Okay. Does any, I know you did this on one of the Twins

broadcasts. It's really hard to grate out well at first base. Well, you know what you do is you just play on the line. That's it. That's like literally what you do on the corners is you play on the line and you take extra base hits away. That is what you do. Um, I don't know, God, I should know this. I always get them mixed up. One is a, one is a, like, opportunity-based. Which one, Bob, I looked that up. Which one's opportunity-based, which kind of messes with some guys.

Like, if you have, you know, a pitching staff that doesn't get you a ton of chances, like your stats aren't going to be there. Your metrics defensively aren't going to be there. So I kind of throw out the window a little bit with first base, just because, like I said, you could really gain the system. Ty France did that with the twins I mean he was a bad defensive infielder then he just kind of moved towards the line a little bit

and it totally changed everything so I think for first base we have to go with offensive profile here and the 10 swipes are getting me with Bryce as well 10 swipes are getting you huh? Yeah they are because nobody has more than four Bush has 22 more games

Leads in O-B-P. He's second in Slug. So he's second in OPS. I've said it. This one's tough. Said it before. I've said it again. I think I'm a Bushman.

If I'm picking between all of these guys, overall player right now, it's Matt Olson. It's got more runs driven in, scored more runs. He's got more walks. No swipes, no cot stealing. But he's got three homers behind Bush 18 to Bush's 21.

But Matt Olson has 26 doubles to Bush's 15 doubles. Played six more games, got 13 more hits, more played appearances. I'm Olson, your Bush. Call somebody in. Put a text out. I'm sending the text to Jolly Aleph. John's running around. Oh, that's tough for Matt Olson.

I'd like to think Jolly's better than that. You, uh, I listed, I listed Matt Olson first in the text. Okay. Uh, let's move on. Text has been sent to Jolly Olive. That will decide your NL first baseman. At second base, I believe it's a clear picture. I'm interested to see how rowdy the speedster defensive guys get.

Trev, it feels like they are because Bryce Terang and Nico Horner, if it came down to them, I, I feel like we, could debate for days, although Nico Horner. Holy smokes. The wild card here, who has been winning it, is Citele Marte. Catele Marte won it last month.

It was Brendan Donovan, the first two months, and he's still listed here. He's still hitting. Trev, I'm interested to see what you talk yourself into, because Citell from a purely offensive power production profile, kind of crushes these guys. 20 home runs, nobody else has double digits. The walk-to-strikeout ratio is a beautiful thing. An OPS 935, everyone else is in the sevens,

which that kind of, that trumps everything else for me, but I know what you value out of second base. Ctele missed all of April. That's why the games played are so little compared to the other guys, but he has rebounded in a big way. this is this this is ridiculous man i hate i hate when it's like that because if we're if we're talking about what do i envision my second baseman on my team being it's a guy that can glove it can

steal bases and like you know if he has a offensive profile love that and that's nico honer to a freaking t elite defense 19 swipes but a 721 oPS 106 way to runs, Cratell is just like so far ahead of him offensively, but he's not stealing bags this year. Let me look at Catell's defensive metrics. I'm getting them up. Catell's defensive metrics coming right up, people.

This is why you're here. 77 percentile. He's got one ounce above average. One out above average, I guess you say. His freaking savant page is a beautiful thing as far as the batting goes. I understand where your brain's wandering to, Trev, but if you wanted one baseball player, I think it's a no-brainer. It's Cateau.

45 walks to 50 strikeouts that got me right there. It's a slugging, a 545. But, yeah, it feels like the rest of the guys are bringing a knife to a gunfight against Catell. And don't get me wrong, I value the defense. I value the speed, but I also value productive baseball. And what he's doing offensively, you take that guy. So sorry to my Midwest Kings and Terang and Horner, Brendan Donovan as well. Jeff McNeil listed.

That might have been a jolly olive move. Congrats to Cotel Marte, who won it last month as well. Snaps. One of the most contested positions this season, the shortstop position in the National League. We started off, it's been a different cat every month. Francisco Lindor in April. Geraldo Pardomo in May,

and then Trey Turner, Captain America. took it last month. Treff, there's a chance we could go four for four here. As Lindor, Pardomo, and Turner are still listed. They each have their arguments. Elie de la Cruz has not slowed down. And C.J. Abrams is listed here. That again, this is beautiful baseball.

It's Ellie. It's Ellie for me. It is. Yeah, there's been some really nice shortstop in the National League. Ellie tops these guys in weighted runs created plus at 131. He tops them in OPS at 852. Predermal has an 800 OPS, C.J. Abrams in 817. So shout out those guys.

Ellie's got him in swipes, 29 bags for him. It's just, it's a little bit of everything for him, second only to Francisco Lindor in homers he leads and runs and he's second to Perdomo and runs driven in like he's it's him it's him I don't think we need to think too much about it to be honest with you

you're right I'm trying to pay some proper respects and just make sure yeah I mean Trey Turner had a down July and Ellie had an up July that he's so impressive If the defense scared me, Reds fan said he's been a little, he can make him. He's erratic.

Erratic is the right word, which I don't, you know, that's not the word. If I was choosing a team, like a guy, like building a team, like I don't know if I'd have Ellie because I really want someone like super sure handed up the middle. But also I would feel stupid not choosing him because of how dynamic he is, like how dynamic as a player he is. Yeah, he is the answer. And yeah, it's, I guess if you're going to be erratic at shortstop, which is, I think, a great word, a Stanford word for it, Trev.

If you're going to be erratic at shortstop, you have to have the ability to make the high-level plays and he can make the highest-level plays in baseball because he's an absolute, he's a loony-tune. character out there. He's 6-5 and the fastest guy in the league with one of the strongest arms. Like it doesn't, it's just different. Congrats to Ellie Dela Cruz. Four different NL short stops for the first four months of the season. I'm sneaky now rooting for C.J. Abrams to just go nuts this month. Oh, why not

take it back? Before we get to third base, how about we grab a Mountain Dew? Thanks of Mountain Dew for sponsoring this episode. The bold flavors and refreshing citrus kick. Mountain Dew is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're going to the beach, a boat, a golf course, the park, or anything in between, we've done a bunch

of warehouse stuff with Mountain Dew. I think, I don't know how much I can tease it with, but Mountain Dew is getting heavily involved with a big project we have coming up in August and September. That's how you tease the people? I don't even know. How do I not know?

You do know you couldn't be involved, but we tapped in someone close to both of us. I think that that's kind of been announced, but maybe not their involvement. Yeah. So that's coming soon. But you guys know Mountain Dew. And I guess I challenge you to do whatever you do with a do. It pairs with anything. So whatever you're into, go grab a Mountain Dew and go do it.

I want to talk to their team because I feel like I've got something there. Go do what you want to do when you want to do it, you know? You got it. Oh, man. Trevades is a nightmare. Oh, okay. Then tell the people. Right now, list on the sheet, Austin Riley, Eugenio Suarez.

We're having him here at the NL because he played his games in the NL through July, right? It makes sense. No, that makes sense. That makes sense. You're right. Manny Machado, Matt Chapman, Max Muncie. Now, Max Muncie's missed so many games, so the numbers aren't really there for him. Again, you have to overwhelm us if you don't have the games played.

So really, it comes down to what do you like? Now, Matt Chapman's offensive numbers, not there compared to Machado and Suarez. Defense numbers are a Eugenio, Mani Machado. I think those are the two will be focusing on, have not had a great year defensively. So, like, you know, their numbers kind of, you know, come down to earth a little bit. Chapman's get elevated because of his defense. But I think we're looking here at the two offensive weapons in Aeohenio and Manny. And they're very, very similar.

Now, A. Euhino's got him in Homer, it's 36 to 20 there. But that doesn't tell the whole story. He also has been runs driven in 87 to 71. That right there is like, oh, yeah, it's Aeuhenio for sure. but man, he's still, he's just putting up an unbelievable year. 300 average, 362 on base, 510 sledging for the 871. He is a little bit better defender than A. Eugenio, as far as the metrics go. I would say I test, he's much better, but metrics say they're about the same.

He's got 10 swipes on the year, and I think that's where he's getting the extra value. Wow. Yeah, A. Euhini has got one, man. He's got 10. I think that's where the separator in F4 and B. B, War, R as Manny through July 38F436 B war, and Eugino, 3,2, 3.34. So I'm kind of, I'm kind of leaning Manny in this regard. Even the weighted runs created plus, 146 to 143. So if you're telling me, we're getting a little bit more value offensively, where the slash lines are very similar,

a power number compared to the OBP. But Mani's got the base running, and I think he is a better defender. I think I'm going Mani, and I could be convinced to Eugenio, but my vote's for Mani. Suarez, man, what a crazy season, and now the fact he's in Seattle

that I guess I don't want that to skew my brain because he bawled out in the National League this year with 36 home runs. Trev, at the end, you found it, and it's an argument that I can't argue against. The weighted runs created plus, it's just, again, it's a stat that balance it out with all the other stats like you did, that this is saying that Mani Machado is having a better offensive season than Suarez. Again, do with that what you will, and it becomes a contact and on base first the power. But if those are, if, let's just say it's even.

and if you want your 10 sullen bases to one, you can have that. Or if I just tell you, hey, we need three outs this inning. Who do you want at third base, Manny or Suarez? It's Manny Machado. And I don't know if people are talking about Manny and enough this year. Like when you look at- I got crushed by Padres fans because I said that, you know, Mani's not in his prime right now.

And they're like, of course, she's liquid everything. I'm like, dude, did you see him play in Baltimore? Right. Yeah, I see. He's having a great year offensively. I love it. I love it. There was something.

He, he, like, scared people with how good he was defensively in Baltimore. Yes. Yes. Josh Donaldson threw a bat at him. Yeah. That was a different time, huh? It was a different time. He leads the National League and hits this year.

That is nice. He's having an amazing. amazing season, and I think he should continue to be rewarded, and he will be. As for the third month in a row, he gets the All-JM-NL third baseman. Austin Riley clipped him up in that first month. Now, I have another special announcement for the people. As we head to the outfield, which you guys remember, Jung Hu Lee got it in April with Corbin, Carol, and Tatis.

The past two months, it's been Pete Crow Armstrong, Kyle Tucker, and James Wood. Wow. We have an announcement. This has never been done before, and this is why we're different people. We love you. The DH position has become very interesting in the National League.

Shohei Otani and Kyle Schwerber are putting on a goddamn show. And if you look at the stats, and again, this is up until July 33. first, Shohei has Schwabes. And I can give you the speech that I've given you every time. Like he runs if you go to stolen bases. At this point, uh, Shohei had him in homers. He has them in runs by a significant, he has them by 25 runs. Um, the stolen bases actually aren't that crazy. Schwartz has nine. Show Hey has 13. But if we're just, if we were being honest and you erase the names, you'd still pick Shohei Otani. Like he just has him by a nose.

Schwabber has tightened that gap in the past couple days that haven't happened in our mind yet. We made an executive decision. Yes. Shohei Otani is going to get the DH spot. Snaps for Shohei. Is he running it the whole year? Let's see.

I think, okay, hold on. Okay. Let's give Schwabes the DH spot and give Otani the Util. Okay. Because that makes more sense to me. Okay. If people see Swarber on the utility position,

they're going to freak the fuck out. Engagement, bro. No, I'm fine with you. I'm fine with that. Why not? It doesn't get a lot of engagement. So what we were doing for the people, because we are men of the people, that's all we are. We're still having a fan vote.

And we're honestly having you clean up our own mess. Because in center field, it's still PCA. The numbers are loony tunes. The slugging is insane. The defense he plays, the stolen bases. It is not a discussion. He should continue with that the rest of the. the season barring something we don't know.

The second spot in the outfield starts to get a little trickier, but we discussed this before the show. It is King Tuck. It's Kyle Tucker. He has the best on base percentage. He grades out well defensively. The stolen bases are crazy. He's second to PCA with 23 steals.

Like we don't think of Kyle Tucker that way, but he is that way. The runs are there. 74 walks to 63 strikeouts. Hot. Oh my God. You Abe Lincoln motherfucker. Sorry, kids. It's what he looks like.

That's just what it is. That Kyle Tucker and PCA. Return to the outfield. The fan vote this month will be the final outfield position. Trevor, please. We are going to put the Yankee killer,

Kyle Stout. Well, what he's been able to do down there, what, I mean, that has to feel so freaking good. To go to a team, we're like, I'm going to Miami, and what's happening? To have the season he's having, All-Star, then also to get your club, you know, back into like almost playoff contention for, you know,

maybe, maybe not there yet, but dang close. Not a week away. What's that? About a week away from playoff contention if they stay high. So he's in there. I think we got to have one. Soto in there as well. Familiar.

This is where, like, did we decide between Tautis and James Wood? We said Tatease before the show. We said Tatees before the show. Corbyn Carroll and James would have arguments. Like, it's... It's a mess. It's a mess. I think I'm...

Yeah, it is Tatees. The defense is undeniable out there. It's where he kind of gets ahead of some of these guys. You know, nothing. to sneeze at is 820 OPS either. But I think defense does matter, especially in the outfield in today's game. I think it has to be accounted for. So it's those three guys. It's stauer, Soto, and Tatis. So again, was it gentlemanly of us to pass this vote to the people? Not really. I mean, partial cop out, if we're being honest. But yeah, I want to see what the people

come back with because you, you know, we've mentioned defense in this. And we go to, OAA and we look at the stats and it's all it's tough to fully put together. Tatis's defense you feel, man. Like I see that you don't want to hit it near that guy. You don't want to hit it over the fence near that guy because he might bring it back. And yeah, for all the James Wood stands out there, his July was pretty brutal. 564 OPS. He was down bad.

You know, partial sorry to Corbyn Carroll. But it's crazy. I'm this close to saying we should put Stowers in because I don't think he's going to get the vote and then have Tucker be on the outside because Tucker's defensive metrics aren't great actually this year. It's the swipes that have gotten his war up. I can't do it.

I think King Tuck and I think King Tuck deserves it. Stowers has some platoon stuff, which has been debated on this program before because that changes who you are on a given day. But we talk on base percentage 391. Oh, great. He's 380. I know.

I know. A 949. 570 slug. He's out slugging the entire outfield class. Trev, this is where we have to trust the people. Okay. We have to trust the people. That's a tough one.

I would even put Juan Soto out of the conversation if I'm being honest. I'm picking between Stowers and Tatease. It's impossible. Stowers versus Tatees feels tough for Stowers, doesn't it? Is Tatee still loved like that? He is, right? The kids love him for sure. But the internet is pretty gnarly.

Let's do it. Stowers Tatease straight up. It's a fucking Catalina wine mixer. If Jolly didn't return my text about first base, he's fired. Okay, he has. Your National League First Baseman between Matt Olson and Michael Bush, a vote that came down to Jolly Olive so make sure you tweet at him

he picked Michael Bush I told he's going to happen I know I told you sorry Atlanta that city they don't deserve anything right now I love you Atlanta great all-star game had fun

but that team is atrocious kind of how I felt about belly and belly doesn't deserve that hate he's like the only guy that plays good baseball on the field um Buxton you can probably say the same thing about Bucksston, my twins.

The Buxent is, he's just that good. He's just that good. This year. So, fan vote. Stowers versus T's. Throw soda in there. Throw them in there.

Excuse the vote. So not straight up anymore. That rounds out your National League team for the month. Well, we need a pitcher, Trev. Give it to that tall. guy, right? It's not Christopher Sanchez. It's not Andrew Abbott. No.

It's not even Zach Wheeler. Not full pension Piv. It's all Skeens. It is. It just is. I can't believe how many innings he has. Like it feels like I saw Skeen starts where they're like, yeah, we took him out a little early because we want

his point two away from Zach Wheeler for the most innings in the national National League. Let me double check that because Logan Webb not listed and it just feels like he does that every year. Yeah, he's ridiculous. Yeah, he's currently leading. So that's insane. But his ERA ballooned to 3-3-1. They will, like, he will not let the coach take him out of a game. Logan was like, no. Like, it's like in his contract or something. He's such a sneaky stud. He's awesome. He showed up in that Giants' Giants video with Francesa.

Chris Rose rotation. Like Logan Webb is just a guy. With all that being said, Paul Skeens has a 183. A 183 at the end of August, July. Where am I? He also leads, he's 0.01 in Witt behind Wheeler. He leads an opponent's average against only 0.005. Like, Wheeler is damn near there.

He does not give up homers, is what Paul Keens does not go up. Homers per 9.4.1. The next closest is our guy, Christopher Sanchez, at 0.69. Skeens is the guy. He's the best. He's one of the best pitchers of baseball. Well done. You can't say it, right? You want to say it, but you can't say it. Oh, okay. This is one game. You get the pick between Paul Skeens and Terrick Scoobal or any other guy.

I don't know. I don't know if there's a definitive answer there. This is the juicy shit that if we played straight up for clicks, that we would just post this. You'd have to know the opposing lineup, right? I don't think it matters. You don't think so? Like, I don't think those guys are split-oriented. You know, Scoob's got the freaking change-up.

Right. I... Yeah. Let me look at Scoob splits. Now we're just going. This is not part of the show, guys. This is talking baseball, though, baby. This is what the people like.

If it was one game, no question asked, I just have to pick a pitcher in baseball. It's scoble. Versus lefties. A 446 OPS 198 batting errors versus Rydies, a 534 OPS, a 193 batting average. She's split proof. I think it is scubal.

I think it is scubal. Which is crazy because we're looking at Paul Skeens and saying this guy might be one of the best to ever do it. I might just give the ball to the ball. of that MF or Logan Webb. Seriously, save my pen. I might just go down like that, bro. Chris Sanchez is un-

Jack Wheeler's like this. Yeah. I exist. Zach Wheeler constantly just being like, okay, I'll see you in October. Paul Steens against right-handers, 517 against left-handers, 557, 174 batting average against right,

198 left-handers. So they're both split-proof. I would pick Scoobo. I don't know why. I think you know why. He's that guy. Well, how about that, people? At the end of all of this, who we would start in one game,

somewhere Chris Rose is happy. The all-J-M team, rack them, the AL, Cal Rally, Kurtzcoma, Nick, wow. Jazz Chisholm Jr., Bobby Witt, Jr. Love that. Jose Ramirez, initials are JR, Aaron Judge, Byron Bucks, and Julio, and Brent Rooker with Terrick.

Scouble as the starting pitcher. The fan vote will be Jeremy Pena of Ladd Guerrero Jr. and Randy Orozerrana in the National League. Will Smith, find the dish. Michael Bush at first base, Citell 2nd, Ellie De La Cruz and Manny Machado on the left side. PCA and Kyle Tucker, your cubby's out there doing it. Stowers Tatis Soto in the fan vote for the final outfield position.

Schwaber. Hello. He's the D.H with Shohei at U-Till to make the people saying and Paul Skinness as the pitcher. Trev, well done. There's one last thing we have to give the people on Wednesday. It's time to bet the cycle. Brought to you by Draft Kings.

Use code J.M. Baseball when you sign up at the Draft King Sportsbook. Again, we've been on a little bit of a heater. We got our double last week after cleaning the board the week before that. Trev, I'll bat lead off. That's where they put the little guys. Logan Gilbert, he's really good. He strikes out six plus against the White Sox. In his last five outings, Gilbert has struck out seven,

seven, ten, nine, five. He basically has a 13K per nine this year against, and he's facing the White Sox that Thursday night, Logan Gilbert, six plus K's. Like that for us for the double, the Marlins. to take both legs of the doubleheader against the Braves on Saturday. It's a makeup of April 6th game.

The Marlins have been on a heater since June 13th. 30 and 14 is their record. The Braves 8 and 18 since July 2nd. That's the fourth worst record in baseball behind the usual, the Rockies, the socks, and the nationals.

And that's our doubles is what we got last week. It was Ryan McMahon, 2 plus bases against Pepio. And in the triple, is where the knob gets turned up and the juice is there if you want it. Randy, Randy Rosarana gets revenge against his former team,

the raise with four plus total bases. Randy went nuts in July. It's how we entered the fan vote, a 973 OPS. And he's 5 for 11 with two homers in just three games against the race. Randy seems to turn it up for the moment. He does.

That's why we like Randy a lot. And for the homeroom, this one I like actually a lot. It's Vladie, Vladimir Rivera Jr. and Shohei Otani to both Homer in the series opener between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays on Friday. Vladdy's been kind of going nuts, one dotting over his last 14 days. Otani's second in the NL and homers. He hasn't homered in the last seven days.

But is it at L.A. or is it in Toronto? Oh, let's double check. way it doesn't matter. If he's at home, it's like a guaranteed homer. And then Toronto, I've always said, you got to leave Toronto with a homer. You got to. In LA. In LA. It's guaranteed show it hits one. Vlad, just do it and we'll hit our home run, buddy. Thank you to you guys. And thank you to Draft Kings, baseball fans, all-star, all-star breaks behind us. Trade deadline behind us. It's playoff chase season. And there's no better place to get in the action than the Draft King Sportsbook. Right now, new customers who bet just $5, get $200 in bonus bets instantly.

So download the Draft King Sportsbook Gab now. New customers use our promo code J.M. Baseball. Bet just $5 on any wager and get $200 in bonus bets instantly. promo code J&M Baseball only at Draft King's Sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 1-800 Gambler. In New York, call 8778-8-Hope-N-Y or text Hope & Y-4-669. In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling.

call 888-7-8-8-8-9-7-77 or visit ccpg.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas, 21 and over, age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Boyd in Ontario. Bonus bets expires seven days after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see dkng.co slash audio.

An announcement for the people. No Friday episode with a big warehouse tournament this weekend, and it's just, it's too much to juggle. we will be having something go out on the YouTube right Bob Bo? Yeah, a new savant session with none other Kenley? Kenley? fine in a way onto the ice.

A little teaser. Coach Trev doesn't even know about that yet. That it's just a lot. And we just got through the deadline, which was a lot. So we appreciate you guys letting us take those kind of liberties. We'll be back on Monday. Maybe a super recap. Who knows where we'll be?

On Monday? Like the Yankees franchise could be done. I know where the twins will be. I stink. Thank you, everyone. I missed it. You suck. Oh. Wow.

All right, guys, that was fun. I'm filming tonight. Wow. Baseball today. LA boys. Are you flying out with Rosie? That's my favorite.