162 thoughts on “Phillies Discussion, 9/29/24”

1. It is hard to say how the Phillies react in the playoffs. It is amazing to me how they have the second-best record. When they have been good, they are really good. Likewise, they are sometimes really bad. Anyone’s guess who is going to show up this weekend.

   Is this not a crazy scenario today. Three teams vying for two playoff spots. Arizona is done so they have no control over their destiny. So, if the Mets win 2 games today, they are in, and Braves are out, and Arizona is in. If Braves win 2 games today, they are in, and Mets are out, and Arizona is in. If they split, then both are in, and Arizona is out. Arizona loses tiebreaker to either. It was mentioned yesterday that the best scenario for both teams is to forfeit to each other one game and they are both in. Writer did not think Manfred would let that fly. I think Arizona might be more than furious if that were to occur. But Arizona has been like the Phillies. They look really good for a few games and then awful for the next few. So, they are where they are.

   Since Jim mentioned above the Dodgers and Tigers are playing the best it will be interesting how they do. Likewise, since the Phillies have been the worst of NL teams how they do as well.

   Guess technically the playoffs begin today. Since this is a crazy scenario more than likely one of these 3 teams makes the WS and eventually wins. Unless the Tigers do as Dan mentioned yesterday in how weird baseball is at times.

   Let the playoffs begin. Play ball!!!!

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2. 11 wins to go!!! We’ll play the winner of the Brewers vs the 6 seed, probably the Mets or Braves. I expect them to split today as the winner of game 1 will rest all its starters in game 2.

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3. friendly reminder – Make sure to recharge your ticker… and do whatever you can to appease the baseball gods … everyday :). 11-8 would be awesome but I’d really prefer a 11-5 or 11-4 record over the next so many games!

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4. Like Jim’s attitude and let’s turn the page. Hopefully things will get better.

   Go Phils !!!

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5. Schwarber-probably best overall season, running much better

   Turner-overall very solid season

   Harper-like the doubles and hrs totals, more rbi needed, solid defense

   Bohm-headed for a career year, hand injury effected end, better defensively

   Castellanos-plays hard, salvaged his season, hits when others aren’t

   Stott-very disappointing offensively but solid defense

   Realmuto-average season, tough dude

   Marsh-regressed against lefties, showed power potential

   Rojas-probably not a starter much longer, Crawford time

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   1. Agree pretty much with you with the exception of Turner. I thought he was good offensively, but disappointing defensively.

      I liked the 2024 version of Schwarber much better than the 2023 version.

      I thought you were spot-on, on the others.

      Anxious, to see your season evaluations of the starters and relievers.

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      1. Agree – pretty solid assessment.

         The thing we aren’t talking about is how much Harper’s power has suffered due to his injuries. If he’s healthy, he’s not far off his MVP 2021 season – and was on the way to that when the ailments started adding up. Even banged up, he’s a hell of player.

         So many on this site like to applaud Castellanos. He’s not really even a replacement level player although when he gets hot the hitting is fine. But that was still a bad signing and was far too long.

         On Turner, he’s a very good player, but is not as good as I thought he was when we acquired him – he chases a lot of bad pitches. Very concerned about the last 3-5 years of that contract, but that’s still very far away. Hopefully, we get the hot Turner in the playoffs. When he’s hot, he can almost carry the team.

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         1. Disagree on Castellanos signing, regardless of how I feel now. At the time, I loved the Casty signing. Was doing cartwheels. It was a great signing imo, at the time. He just hasn’t been the same player post signing. He was a doubles machine with 25-30 hr power. He looked like he could hit between 30-35hr at CBP. He had 58 doubles in. 2019. He was basically a .100 points higher on his OPS pre-signing. In 2021.. he was .200 higher. If he was either player at the plate… it was exactly what the team needed.

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            1. Perhaps he was, what some players are at Coors Field, he was at Great American in Cincy. He put up very good number in Cincy. I also liked the signing initially…then he struggled but…….he does go into those hot streaks. Now there is the defensive side of his game that cannot be ignored…..he does catch everything he gets to, however his range out there is below average.

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         2. I try not to begrudge people for having players they like more than others for no particular reason.

            But it is extremely odd to compliment Castellanos in the same breath as voicing disappointment in multiple players who were objectively better than him (not saying that has happened here, but I’ve seen/heard it a lot recently).

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            1. I’m just saying the signing hasn’t gone well. A replacement level player – basically, a Weston Wilson – gives you 2 WAR per year. Castellanos has averaged 0.8 WAR during his contract. I’m not pointing fingers on the signing, but it has NOT gone well. It’s not a Taijuan Walker level disaster but it hasn’t been a good contract, even if he has his good moments and even months.

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               1. Yes, Weston Wilson is going to give them 25 HRs and 85 RBIs just like Castellanos.

                  The Warlord crowd’s devotion to that one metric is impressive.

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               2. No, I don’t think Weston Wilson would be a 2 WAR player over a whole season, but I bet he’d bet similar to Castellanos. Castellanos was a slightly above average hitter this year, but he was a well below average fielder – like among the worst in the outfield Is he a little better than the metrics? Yes, I’ll give you that. Was he a “good player” – a close to $20 million a year player? Hell no.

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               3. You just told me that a Weston Wilson basically give you a 2 WAR.

                  Castellanos is sub-par defensively because his range is limited. That is severely penalized in most fielding metrics which are a little too subjective for my tastes.

                  But either way, we are never going to agree on the value of WAR so it doesn’t really matter.

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               4. I was throwing you a bone and saying that even if you don’t think Weston Wilson is a 2 WAR player, he’s still as valuable as Castellanos. Also, you are making it sound like Castellanos is some great offensive player, but he’s not. At best, for the Phillies, he’s been slightly above average. But he’s a horrendous defensive player.

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               5. Well thanks for the bone.

                  For 2024, including a terrible start to the season, Castellanos season for all of MLB Qualified players

                  #66 is average
                  #44 in HR
                  #32 in RBI
                  #73 in OPS
                  #100 in OBP.

                  He’s basically a top 100 offensive player in most categories. Not great, but not exactly the disaster some like to argue.

                  His greatest weakness is that he’s slow.

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               6. Oh, and if you think you can replace that production with Weston Wilson for a full season, then I don’t know what to say other than every major league team doesn’t appear to agree since he was signed as a minor league FA.

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               7. I didn’t say he was a disaster as hitter, I said he was slightly above average. But that is offset by horrible fielding and also very bad base running. He’s not a very good player, which is fine, but he is being paid as if he is.

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6. I’ll take a stab at the pitchers. Evaluations here have to factor in expectations and roles.

   Wheeler – expectations factored in his huge contract extension. Wheeler was the ace the Phils were paying for. He’s not young but retains his stuff and uses the off-season to expand his repertoire of pitches.

   Nola – is a creature of his longevity, durability and long term extension. He’s a solid #2 but had enough misadventures to create concern what he’ll look like when his contract gets close to expiring.

   Suarez – Phils must have thought they’d caught lightning in a jar with Ranger by mid-June. He put himself at that point in a position for a major long term deal. Following back issues,Ranger fell off a cliff in the second half. Arbitration-eligible, the Phils may wait to see what 2025 produces before deciding on his possible long term phuture in Philly.

   Sanchez- Entered the season with modest expectations as a back-of-the-rotation piece. Now he’s seen as a #3 whom the Phils can pitch with confidence at home and with hopes on the road. He earned his extension and his modest salary tempers fan expectations.

   Taijuan Walker- The Phils couldn’t find a role that Walker could fulfill. His contract keeps him around but he no longer enjoys the benefit of a hometown crowd anywhere.

   Turnbull – not expected to see service in the post-season but hopefully did enough in an abbreviated season for the Phils to re-sign him. As a starter, he exceeded expectations and was the best #5 starter they had for multiple starts.

   Hoffman – was a reclamation project who has shown continued success in Philly. He’s probably the Phils best bet to close in the playoffs and re-signing him will bean off-season priority.

   Strahm – like Hoffman, an All Star this season. He’s a Swiss army knife useful in any reliever role. I wish Strahm had seen more 9th innings.

   Estevez – Carlos was good but not great i n his brief stint as a closer in Philly. Estevez coming in to protect a 1-run lead in the post-season doesn’t inspire confidence in all of us. If a team wants to pay him as a top-10 closer this off-season then he will be gone. He’s a creature of expectations based on his history in Anaheim and what the Philsw gave up to acquire him.

   Alvarado – No one can say for sure which Alvarado will show up week-to=week. Ride him when he’s hot and figure out quickly when he’s not.

   Kerkering – Orion took major strides forward. He’s been solid in 6th-8th inning work. The Phils likely see him as a future closer who might be a year away from assuming that role.

   Banks – Going from the worst team in baseball to one of the best should have brought out the best in Tyler Banks. I’m not sure it did. His value should be in burning multiple innings at a shot. He’s unproven as far as I am concerned.

   Ruiz -Recency bias may be involved but I’m not confident with Ruiz in high leverage situations. He’sgot good stuff but is less than the sum of his parts.

   Allard – With no need for a #5 starter in the playoffs, I see no value in having Allard (as a fourth lefty) or Tyler Gilbert (as a fifth lefty) in the pen.

   Lazar – I like him better than the Phils seem to do. Probably won’t be picked for a playoff roster.

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   1. ff ……… nice work ……. fair evaluations …. insightful and thoughtful.

      I think on Turnbull, that he will depart the organization after his contract expires and sail on other waters. I’m not convinced that his visions and the Phillies visions run parallel to each other.

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7. phils really screwed up taking Turnbull from the rotation.

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   1. How? He wasn’t going to be a starter in the post-season. They are the 2-seed with a 1st round bye. He was never going to replace any of the top 5 bullpen arms.

      What advantage was Turnbull going to give them now that they don’t already have?

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   2. Turnbull served his purpose, pitched well and helped the club, until the right lat strain at the end of June…after that long recovery and rehab, it just was not meant to be for him to be back in the rotation

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      1. He did this year what he did the last 4 seasons, he lasted 50ish innings before injury.

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8. I’m not a Casty lover but I think some of these comments have been too harsh. His numbers since June 1 are very respectable. 25 and 80 players don’t grow on trees, and there’s no world in which Wes Wilson does that. And on defense he catches what he can reach but with poor range due to being slow. I actually think he’s been better there than I expected. Is he paid to do more? Of course but I also liked the signing at the time. He just hasn’t been that hitter. He’s a streaky hitter as are others on this team. That’s the fear, we go cold in a 5 game series and go out quietly after the 5 day break. Fingers crossed that doesn’t happen.

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   1. Even if 25-80 players are hard to replace, Casty isn’t a 25-80 player.

      He averages 21.9 HRs per full season in his career, and has reached 25+ HRs in one out of three years with the Phils.

      Also, he’s 5th (fewest) in errors of 10 qualified RF, and T-26 out of 54 qualified OF in general. So even his “catches what he gets to” isn’t true this year. He’s average at even the one thing people says you can count on him for.

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      1. 26 and 96 on average the last two years. I’ll take it.

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      2. He had 3 errors this season and zero last season.

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         1. I cannot properly state how disingenuous it is to average a players’ current year with a single other outlier year to determine his current worth.

            We may as well say Taijuan Walker wasn’t that bad because if you combine this year’s numbers with his 2022 numbers, he had a 4.74 ERA.

            Castellanos is a terrible defender. Has been for his entire career. He has also almost EXACTLY matched his career HR rate since coming to Philly (21.67). We know who he is. He is not being misrepresented by these stats. They are HIS stats.

            And I also don’t know why RBIs got brought into this in the first place. It’s a team stat and, honestly, he should have more than he does. The guys in front on him get on base at great-to-elite clips. He has the second most PAs on the team with men on (6 behind Bohm), yet Bohm leads him by 20, and Schwarber leads him by 6 in 59 fewer opportunities. Oh, and his batting average with men on is 11th on the team (min. 50 PAs).

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            1. And just so you know I’m not cherry picking his low average in regards to RBIs:

               With men on, min 50 PAs, his other teams ranks:

               11th in OBP

               9th in OPS

               T-8th (with Pache and Sosa) in wOBA and wRC+

               9th in BB%

               3rd in GIDP

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9. Amazing ….Giants replace PoBO Farhan Z. with Buster Posey. That is a leap of sorts…Buster does not have much leadership experience outside of what he did on the field. Then again Buster got Matt Chapman to re-up…though was a bit of an overpay….maybe the thought is he will be able to bring in the free agent stars that the Giants missed out with Harper, Machado, and Judge. They now may be able to keep Snell out there also and compete with the Yankees and Mets for Soto..

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   1. Its always odd when guys like Bloom and Zaidi fall out of very successful GM trees then go on to fail miserably LOL.

      That said we are starting to see a shift in the FOs around the league. Chris Young Rangers, Breslow Red Sox and now Posey Giants.

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      1. DMAR………but they seem to keep getting rehired…Bloom and the Cardinals now. I can see another team offering Zaidi.

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         1. Sure they do. You have to put some value on their knowledge of what successful organizations do even if they struggle to replicate it.

            Myopic views are rarely helpful and a consortium of ideas can be unproductive too if there isn’t a singular person to reel it all in.

            Knowledge is one thing but the real secret sauce is usually in the personality or the delivery of the information. Don’t care how much you know if you can’t get a team of individuals on board to execute your org is dead in the water at best and toxic at its worst.

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      2. I wanted them to hire Bloom so badly during the Klentak years lol

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         1. Yes….I remember Hinkie also wanted Bloom very badly. Not sure what happened in Boston, but caught up in that Betts situation was a real issue he had to deal with.

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            1. Just realized….Dombrowski was the PoBO at the time that traded Betts to the Dodgers…..so Bloom, after he was hired to replace Dombrowski, had to deal with the aftermath and the three players that came back from the Dodgers.

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               1. Think your calendar is off. Sox hired Bloom on Oct 25, 2019. They traded Betts in Feb 2020. It was Bloom’s first big move and damaged his reputation with the fanbase.

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               2. Yeah…..you are correct ..I was going by the Mayan calendar….the world should have over by now also.

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               3. Those Mayans were rhe first Negadelphians with their whole world ending thing.

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   2. I thought Bloom was a superstar GM and wanted him so bad. Thought for sure he was going to lead Boston to another dominant run.

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      1. Think Bloom suffered from thinking/operating like a small market guy in a big market city. Fanbase expects you to be chasing star players, not trading them away because they cost oo much.

         Think ownership wanted him to both rebuild but also keep winning which is a different needle to thread.

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10. RIP Pete Rose.

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11. I also like Lazar for playoffs

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12. I can’t stand seeing Mets fans at CBP so for that simple reason I hope we get the Brewers. Plus if we were to lose in this round it might sting less being Hoskins will get to move on…

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    1. DMAR…maybe the first two play-off home games will be Phillies fan for the sold out events

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    2. The BIG difference between you me, DMAR, is …….. I can’t stand to see Mets fans anywhere! Bring on the Brew Crew!

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       1. neuruff. Be nice. LOL

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    3. Negative, Team over players

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13. the team I fear most in the playoffs is the braves because their starting pitching first 3 of sale, swackenback and Lopez is scary.

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14. Padres scare me the most as they have an offense and a fabulous bullpen. Even their starters are pitching well now. But they are going to have to kill the Otani’s first which I think they can do. Even so, that could tax them !

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    1. Ditto. I fear the team that comes into the playoffs the hottest as you can basically throw the full season records out the window as well as any regular season player stats…

       We witnessed it 2 seasons in a row.

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       1. And DMAR…the Tigers are now proving your point…they came in hot with an ace LHP.

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    2. RU. Phillies would not admit it, but I think they agreed with you as to you they did not want to play. Believe their play the last few games indicated that.

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15. Cant be scared of teams at this point. If you wanna win it all you gotta beat whoever comes your way. Hoping for the best. Can’t say I’m overly optimistic but I thought they were out in rd 1 in 2022 so what do I know.

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16. No teams scare me. If the Phillies do what they are capable of doing… will all be happy as hell. I hope everyone is healthy, especially the the Showman & Ranger.

    They say you can’t turn on a switch for the playoffs…but when you are clutch … the light is always on! Let’s GOOOO PHILLIES!!! DO IT!

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17. Tarik Skubal is going to be a load in the playoffs. He’s super nasty.

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    1. Tarik Skubal is the poster child for why you go after velocity and hope that they can fix their command. He was a 9th round pick and his walk rate was 6.3 per 9 his final year in college. His career minor league rate is 2.5.

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       1. Baseball is so weird. Tarik Skubal turns into the big star and neither Casey Mize nor Spencer Torkelson have amounted to anything thus far.

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          1. Not sure why Torkelson has not come around, but in fairness to Mize, the TJ set him back a few years….he had it in the middles of the season in 2022….then he had back surgery just a little later.

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             1. Romus. I am going to brag a bit. I said at the deadline the Tigers were not going to let Skubal go. He is a stud. Mize actually struck out 10 Phillies in like 4 innings the night he pitched. He has been slow to come around. Plus, they have another starter who has been really effective going down the stretch. Forgetting name. My grandson could tell you. I was kind of thrown over the coals at the deadline. In fairness, I also got on the Pirate bandwagon a bit with the way Skenes was pitching. How did that turn out? Not so good. He did fine but not his supporting cast. Plus, Romus we like Hoosier Matt. I do think the Phillies do and will go after Crochet this Winter. It was stated they pursued really hard at the deadline. Crochet and Skubal are studs.

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          2. That just means that nobody knows what prospects will develop into. You give them an opportunity and you see what happens. That’s it.

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       2. I really want to see what transpires between the Boras Co and the Tigers management come this off-season in Skubal’s Arb 2 year. The 28-year old will get the pay raise he is entitled to …..but I wonder how hefty. And will Boras try to pull a power play on the Tigers in the arbitration process and try to get them to offer a 5 or 6 year LTC and buy-out his last two years….which is not really Boras’ MO.

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          1. Skubal has 2 more years of control left. If he wins the Cy, he’s going to get a hefty bump, likely into the $8-10M range. I don’t think Boras is going to do any buyout deals. It’s just not his MO. If Skubal stays healthy, he’s going to get seriously paid. And the Tigers I think will be willing to do it.

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             1. That is the key…if he stays healthy…throwing 100 mph, there is no guarantee that he can avoid TJ. He may want the LTC …he reaches free agency in his 30 year old season, so he has two more years before that time. Lots can happen. He can bet on himself to make it two more years with his YCL intact or try to sign up long term.

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                1. UCL

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          2. He is not going anywhere soon. Crochet and 121 losses probably is.

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18. I can’t the believe the Braves had to start AJ Smith-Shawver in Game 1. He only got 4 outs before he got pulled. This is a byproduct of Chris Sale being out with back spasms, although Sale was relatively healthy during the regular season.

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19. I watched game 1 of Mets vs Braves on Monday. Not a fan of either. But I am always glad to see the Braves lose. I do respect the fact of how many games they won without so many key players. I do not think the Phillies could have done the same losing those kinds of players. Probably culture.

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    1. Really like to see the Brew Crew rebound tonight and bring it to a game three decider.

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       1. What Iglesias has brought to the Mets is unreal. That guy has been super clutch for them down the stretch.

          Weird that 3 of the 4 away teams won last night. For our sake hoping all these games go the distance with lots of high stress IP so when they get to us we’re facing a lot of tired arms LOL

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          1. ………. spot-on and extra innings too, I want them to get the full experience right-up to losing to us!😅🤣😂

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             1. neuruff and guys. I too hope both series go 3 games and lots of pitchers are used. So most likely end tonight.

                Romus. You talk about strikeouts below. Seems to me the Phillies fall in and out of those ruts. When they have issues seems lots of Ks. Back when they began that hot streak around the same time Tigers did but not nearly as long, I mentioned that they had really cut down on the number of strikeouts. It is true in that one inning the Mets put 2 or 3 balls in play in gaps where there simply was no fielder. None were really hit that hard and most were 2 strike pitches.

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20. Turnbull throwing today

    https://x.com/ToddZolecki/status/1841452172380111040?t=4tOH8jQVoALmCp7-BPmzDg&s=19

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21. https://x.com/ToddZolecki/status/1841452172380111040?t=4tOH8jQVoALmCp7-BPmzDg&s=19

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    1. I’m a pretty big Spencer Turnbull fan, but the guy is a starting pitcher – being in the bp takes him completely out of his comfort and experience zone. I’d probably rather have a Max Lazar than a Walker or Turnbull at this point since Turnbull isn’t starting and has not really had a chance to build up his stamina and pitch meaningful prep innings. This is not a damning of Turnbull, it just doesn’t seem like a great option right now. In this opening series, if he we need a long man to give us 4 or 5 good relief innings, that’s going to be Ranger I suspect.

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22. Hate to say it but the Mets put on a clinic in hitting to the opposite field – and all in key situations in yesterday’s game. And per comment above, Iglesias is definitely “the man.”

    Ultimate irony – Sale who has barely pitched in 3 years finally pitches an entire season until playoffs and then breaks down. Who knew ? Everybody. That was a lit fuse burning down. Bravos still hung tough though.

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    1. Oddly…regular season Mets struck out 1382 times and Phillies 1370 times….both at approx, league average …..I never would have thought that. I assumed Mets had put contact on the ball more times than the Phillies.

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       1. Yeah, but it would be interesting to get splits on that. The Mets, as a team, really came on in the last couple of months of the season and they added some helpful players. Given that this was a shed salary, rebuild season, the Mets did a hell of a job. And it won’t get any easier when they do add some additional FA contracts. The Phillies will have their hands full with the Mets and Braves for the foreseeable future.

          Get here already Andrew Painter and Aidan Miller.

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          1. The splits for you:

             Post All-Star break, the Mets struck out 613 times (9th most), the Phillies 566 (15th), and league average was 565.3.

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          2. Painter, Miller and also include Crawford.

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             1. Yeah, true – but I think it may take Crawford a few years to hit on all cylinders. Or maybe not.

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23. Crochet is going to cost a lot. He’s still under control for 2 more seasons and he just posted 4 WAR at age 25. It will likely be (Miller and Caba) or (Crawford and Tait). And getting Crochet pretty much guarantees that Suarez will not re-sign with the Phillies.

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    1. Not even close. I think you and most of the readers here would be as surprised (maybe shocked or even appalled) as I was at the package of prospects and players the Sox turned down at the deadline.

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       1. Seriously? Can you at least tell us how many players the Phillies were willing to trade for Crochet?

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24. I hope the Brewers can overtake the Mets. New York has been a thorn in the sides of the Phillies for a long time. If it is the Mets, I can see the worst results. Tell me that I’m wrong,,,please.

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    1. Sorry…..but I also see it that way….a very determined Lindor frightens me,

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    2. I expect beating the Mets to be very tough. I think it’s pretty much a toss-up. Could have another game 5 in Philly – still trying to erase the Cardinals nightmare with their players jumping and dancing around an incapacitated Ryan Howard. Worst game I ever attended in professional sports. Nothing else is even close.

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25. So the White Sox finished with 121 losses but the highest pick they will get is #10. Oakland will get the #11 pick? Why? New draft rules which I didn’t know existed but I’m all for it.

    Revenue sharing teams (like the A’s) can only draft top 6 in consecutive drafts. For the 3rd year, they are ineligible for the lottery and the highest they can draft is 10th. A’s drafted 6th last year and 4th this year.

    Non revenue sharing teams (like the White Sox) can only draft top 6 once in 2 years. For the 2nd year, they are ineligible for the lottery and the highest they can draft is 10th. White Sox drafted 5th this year.

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    1. Well that sucks for Vegas and WSox fans……they make all kinds gimmicking rules around the draft…except the biggest one that can draw the most interest….being able to trade a Rule 4 draft choice, especially if it is a first round pick. Trades in the other pro sports concerning draft picks draw a lot of fan base interest.

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       1. They definitely should make picks trade-able, but I also like the anti-tanking measures.

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26. When you go down to “Reno’s Blazing Needles Skin Embroidery” for a sleeve with a Tiger in the brush, is it prudent to check your contract to see if you have a no-trade clause? I would think that you should!

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27. Man, there’s a lot of comments on who we are afraid of and who we don’t want to face. You want to win? Beat the best teams. I personally would like the Phillies to put a dagger in the heart of the Mets season. Let’s fire up the rivalry.

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28. Cannot believe those Tigers…….sellers at the deadline, trading their second best pitcher in July in Jack Flaherty…and then making the run to the play0offs and on the verge now of getting to the next round.

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    1. Good riddance to the Astros.

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    2. They moved on. Who picked the Tigers? LOL

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29. Good riddance to the O’s.

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    1. We will see how the O’s bounce back next year, but they are proof that there’s a huge difference between developing prospects and building a championship roster. The O’s had too many gaping holes, especially in the bullpen and they went cold at the plate at the worst time. There’s no reason to panic in Baltimore (that’s the worst thing they could do), but someone needs to balance out that roster, sign some reliable bullpen arms and fill out the rotation and the rest of the roster. In the meantime, if you want a hot young player and have a useful veteran available to trade, Baltimore is where you might get a great deal.

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30. Then there are 10. Romus. I would like to see Erceg on the Phillies. I liked him when A’s were in Philly.

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    1. Do not think the Royals are moving him. But one thing about relievers, like Forrest Gump once alluded to, from one year to the next they are like a box of chocolates.

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31. Romus. I am tired. I said it wrong. I meant at the deadline I would have liked Philly landing him. I liked him in that series at the break.

    Also, Mets may blast Brewers.

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32. Guys It looks as though we all got at least part of our wish. Mets vs Brewers is going 3 games. See Mets guy getting grilled for not using Diaz. I was tired and went to bed. Credit is due to the Brewers bullpen guys. Max Fried is also getting fried by the media I see. Soon there will only be 8 and the Phillies begin. Personally, I think either the Brewers or Mets will be a handful, but I lean to prefer facing the Brewers. Going to know now soon enough. Funny these two teams faced off the last weekend and now this week. Who is going to win game 6 and move on and who goes home?

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    1. Looks like Fried will be leaving Atlanta as a free agent. He is a SoCal guy so he probably heads back out there….maybe join high school teammate Flaherty.

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       1. First time FAs will go where the money is. Remember when people thought that Rhys was ticketed for the west coast?

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          1. Dodgers and San Diego seem to have plenty of the money when it comes to free agents…even the new management team in SF are looking to pay out…Posey wants to give out the $$$$, maybe evn the Angels, their owner is a bit money goofy….so Fried has some good options on the West coast..

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             1. The Orioles need to start spending money. If they can’t re-sign Corbin Burnes, then Max Fried should be in play.

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33. The Phillies should easily handle either team. The Brewers twice had some really big defensive miscues in each game. Luckily for them they escaped with a win last night.

    Rarely do you survive self inflicted wounds like that in a short series.

    The longer the series the more it favors the better team and the team with more playoff experience.

    The Dodger Padres match-up is going to be great theatre 🙂

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34. LOL Will Smith the relief pitcher has won the WS in 21-22-23 and guess which team he is on this year…

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    1. Bel-Air?

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       1. Jim…..that is something rocco, the fresh prince of south philly, would post.

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       2. Can’t tell if you know and are playing with me but you can mail it in KC is winning it all…

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          1. He was making a joke. It’s a reference to Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the TV show that launched Will Smith’s acting career.

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35. Jose Altuve is trying to to get the Astros to re-sign Alex Bregman, an impending FA who averaged over 4 WAR per season. And his agent is Scott Boras. Matt Chapman, another Boras client, got 6/151. You figure that Boras will be asking at least 6/175 for Bregman.

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    1. Bregman does not have Posey running interference for him. And Houston’s payroll is currently third is the majors at $255M….that will be a very interesting negotiations.

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36. Being reported that the Marlins have fired over 70 members of their organization so far with additional staff expected to be gone when contracts expire at the end of October.

    New POBO is cleaning house.

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37. Brewers choke it away in the 9th. Bring on those Mutts.

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38. Well, the Metropolitans aren’t coming into the Bank with a lineup of hot bats. Who will they tap as their Game 1 starter?

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39. I know it is easy to second guess after the fact. Williams has been great. He actually had a 48% K rate and like a 1. something ERA. But for me I would have liked to have had McGill and his 100 velo going at the Mets in the 9th. Again, the killers for the Brewers though were the walk and the hbp. Those 2 runs ended up being the difference. If you make the team at least earn their way on it becomes more difficult

    Now it is the Mets. Let’s go Phillies. to have a big inning. But it was a good game.

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    1. Right now…….The Mets  (+160 underdog on the money line) …. the Phillies (-192).

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       1. I don’t ever bet against my own team, but those are fantastic odds for the Mets. I view this series as a toss-up. If the Phillies can get past the Mets, I think they have as good a shot as anyone to win it all and I think the NL teams are better than the AL teams, including the Yankees, who have a few great stars, then little beyond that.

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          1. Agreed….IMO, the Mets may be the biggest hurdle for the Phillies to get to that ring.

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             1. Romus. The other day I was at a friend for a different matter, but he had the game on Mets vs Braves. I told him the big thing that is so different with baseball compared to basketball and football there is not a clock that ends the game. You have to get out 27 to put the game in the W column. Both the Braves and Brewers were unable to do that in each game. There are times that out 27 just does not happen in time.

                I am concerned about the Mets. But I disagree they are biggest hurdle. I believe the Padres are. I watched them the other night and they have one stud hitter after another. I know they have a lights out bullpen and starters are pretty good. I will be surprised if they do not beat the Dodgers in NLDS. They have been my biggest concern for a while but last week when they had a chance the Dodgers beat them the last 2 games. So, we will see.

                So how about my Tigers and Royals. What if they meet in ALCS? That would be amazing on both fronts. There was a guy named Romus back in the day who told me KC schedule would do them in. LOL. But he had no clue Minny would lose almost every game the last two weeks. So, I give a little slack.

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40. Romus. I am not a betting person or an analytical person. I am a performance and eyeball person. I believe the Phillies match up well, but the Phillies must win game 1 with Wheeler. If that is not done, I see potential storm clouds on the horizon. Phillies simply cannot waste a Wheeler start like they have done so many times this season I have not heard the Game 2 guy, but I hope it is Sanchez. It may be Nola, and he may be fine. Actually, the outcome of game 1 may dictate who Toppers sends out in game 2. Game 1 win maybe Sanchez. Game 1 loss most likely Nola. Experience.

    I have mentioned good fortune many times. How about the Mets having Lindor come up in the top of the 9th both at Atlanta and last night that lineup for the 9th was the top of the batting order. Sometimes you just get lucky.

    It is almost time to play ball. Let the games begin.

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    1. My heart is with the Phillies….but my gut and feel is that an upset is in the brewing…..and then there are all those northern jersey objectionable Met fans that will be at the ball park and listening to them, even thru the TV audio …ugh.

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       1. Romus. You and neuruff can easily buy out all those tickets Mets fans may gobble up. Be like a drop in the yacht for you. You could even then just put the ones you cannot give away at Will Call window for those poor fans from Indiana like Hoosier Don. It is time to splurge a bit. I am sure Rocco can find some good use. Maybe he can bring some ponies to fill the seats.

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          1. Romus can afford it ….. he got the insurance check for the S.S. Minnow yesterday!

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             1. I agree. Nice that Romus does not take care of his friends with his good fortune.

                Has the roster for the NLDS been released yet? I saw an article here on my computer hoping the Phillies did not add Neu Man to the list. But I have not seen yet. Maybe they have till game day to announce.

                I did see where the intra-squad game went well. Believe there were a few home runs. Think score was 5-5.

                So, let’s hope that is a positive sign.

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41. This year’s Mets team reminds me so much of the Phillies in 2022. They came on late and secured a post season slot in their final couple of games like the Phils did in Houston. Then, they went on to a come from behind game to beat the Brewers to earn a position in the NLDS like the Phillies did with the Cardinals. Will the Mets be that Cinderella team of 2024 or will our boys put a stop to all of this nonsense?

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42. I was watching the Mets/Brewers game, and as the Brewers were trying to close it out, I want led the Mets comeback. Mets are an inferior team. Also turns out that Alonso got a nice tip from the doughnut. Williams was tipping his pitches. Clear as day. It allowed him to identify the change up and wait for it. Mets went how many innings before scoring?

    it’s Red October time! Phils in 4

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    1. “from the doughnut”?…….Krispy Kreme variety!

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       1. Did you get enough from the “Minnow” to lock down that hospitality suite for the playoffs?

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          1. neuruff. I am waiting on my call from Romus. I am at the airport on Standby. It says Stand by Romus all the Way! Is there room for one more. I was in the ARCO suite a couple times back in the day at the Vet. It was just behind the 3B dugout. Phillies v Cubs one of the times I was there. Believe it was 72.

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             1. Romus bet the Mets in Series. You will finally get the money, for that dream house. That you always wanted to buy in Beruit

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                1. Romus, doesn’t seem to be actively engaged with us Rocco …….. was that the house with the big bullseye on it!

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43. tough break for SD, TJ for Musgrove. will miss all 2025

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44. Senga starting game 1 for NYM; 2nd start of year and hasn’t pitched in 2 months.

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    1. Senga is only expected to pitch a few innings. David Peterson will be piggybacking the start.

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45. Nice write up on Aidan Miller. Comps include: Trevor Story, Ryan Zimmerman and maybe even Gunnar Henderson

    https://www.mlb.com/news/jackson-jobe-rotation-spot-for-2025-tigers?partnerID=web_article-share

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    1. I suppose we will know ore on where he will eventually play once the season starts at Reading. If he starts at shortstop, assume that is the long range plans for him when he gets to the majors. Though just before the Phillies brought in Turner, Stott was given some games at 2B where he played little at all in the minors. In theory, if a guy can play shortstop, he very well can be moved to anywhere in the infield.

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    2. If Aidan Miller turns into the next Trevor Story, I would take that in an instant. Even with all his injury issues, Story has had a very good career (30.9 WAR). The last time a Phillies IF generated that much WAR was Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley.

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46. Phillies announced their Division Series roster this morning:

    C: J.T. Realmuto, Garrett Stubbs,
    1B: Bryce Harper
    2B: Bryson Stott
    3B: Alec Bohm
    SS: Trea Turner
    OF: Nick Castellanos, Austin Hays, Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas
    INF: Kody Clemens, Edmundo Sosa, Weston Wilson
    DH: Kyle Schwarber
    Rotation: Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez
    Bullpen: Carlos Estévez, Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, José Alvarado, José Ruiz, Tanner Banks, Kolby Allard

    As anticipated, Tijuan Walker is absent.

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47. I guess the Tigers are finding out that it’s a lot easier to win when Tarik Skubal is on the mound. Tigers gave up a 5 spot in the 1st inning.

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48. Posting after game 1. I don’t care what happens during the playoffs, as long as the Phillies win 11 games. Nothing else matters.

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    1. Agree. Ain’t over until I hear Miss Nassau County herself sing.

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       1. I wondered where Kate Smith went …….. kinda lost track of her ……. you’ll let us know when she sings ……. “God bless America” ….. right?

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49. As much as I want to blame the bullpen, I think the bigger issue is that the hitters didn’t do much vs Senga and Peterson. The starters have to hit and it has to begin tomorrow.

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    1. Yep, bullpen failed but offense has to create some space before it gets to the pen. $$$ guys need to produce some offense.

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       1. Did anyone expect anything different from the $20M+ Club Superstars….they have been inconsistent hitters for the past two months. Enough already, …Mets will probably win this now and Dombrowski will need to make some magic because he cannot come back next season with this same lineup. However, not exactly sure how he will do it.

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          1. Romus. For me the most disappointing aspect of the game today is the Phillies wasted another great effort from Wheeler. Zack may have won near 25 games with some run support this season.

             It is going to be difficult now. One simply never knows what this team will do. As you mention inconsistent play has been for awhile.

             Plus, it seems the Mets have now got some of that 22 Phillies magic going for them. They could have been eliminated on Monday. Again, on Thursday. Now kind of in the driver’s seat at the moment. But baseball is a weird game. Sometimes absolutely no carryover from one day to the next. Phillies need to hope for that. Plus, they simply have to score some runs if they are to stay around for long.

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50. This is what I’m talking about. We can talk (and complain) about backups all season but in the end, if the starters don’t show up and start hitting in the postseason, the Phillies will not reach the ultimate goal.

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    1. Hey, we’ve complained about the starters all year, too.

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       1. That’s not what I meant. The starters will determine if the Phillies win it all. All this banter about which backups should be on the team is moot because they won’t play in the postseason i.e. it doesn’t matter if Stubbs or Marchan is the backup because Realmuto will play every game in the postseason. And if he doesn’t, then the Phillies will be in trouble.

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          1. I was just making a joke. But the conversations about backups are generally not meant for the postseason; just getting us there and/or planning for the future (in the case of giving young guys MLB experience instead of going with the veteran journeyman).

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51. Like the Arizona series last year, Nick and Turner continue to chase the unhittable low and outside pitch. They did it in the first inning and I knew it would be the same old same old. I don’t know how you get veteran hitters to be more disciplined but I guess you can’t.

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    1. Bingo…they are zebras….cannot change their stripes now. Thomson and Long can preach what has to be done when at the plate…..but just does seem to register with some of them when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.

       It has been the last three play-off games at home now and they have come up short.

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       1. ….just does NOT seem to register……

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          1. yep, ……. they are what they are …….. too much swing & miss …….. if the Mets win this series ……. I’m going to jump out of the basement window …… no use compounding the tragedy by hurting myself!😅

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52. I’ve been a diehard Phillies fan since 1963. Growing up in Connecticut and still living here, my other favorite teams are the Red Sox and … the Mets. Do I want to see the Phils beat the Mets? You bet, every single game they play each other.

    However, in my opinion, right now the Mets are the best team in baseball. I know the vast majority of you will lambast me for writing this. The Mets are the hottest team in baseball right now and they are playing with tons of confidence.

    Their starting rotation is at the top of the league. The ERAs for their top five range from 2.90 to 4.04. Now, they even have Senga back who can give them 2 or 3 innings when called upon. The offense is solid as is their defense.

    I truly hope that the Phillies can get it together as soon as possible. The way they chase is plum for the way the Mets are pitching them. It’s now up to Sanchez, Nola, and Suarez to step up. It is time for the $20+M guys to earn their money.

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53. I try not to be reactionary, but last night’s game was absolutely a gut punch. And I have exactly 0 confidence that we are capable of winning two in New York. Which means today’s game is must-win, which is extremely odd for a game 2. If the offense doesn’t show up today, we’re done. If the pitching can’t stem whatever bleeding we allow, we’re done. If we lose, we may as well not travel tomorrow and just forfeit to save ourselves the embarrassment.

    All that said, this team has taken a beating in the playoffs before. And more often than not, they come back with a knockout punch. I know he won’t say it, but Wheeler is pissed. Bryce is pissed. Schwarber is pissed. Now it’s just a matter of those three getting the rest of the team to wake up.

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54. Speaking in general, over the course of the season timely hitting is our biggest weakness. Pitching is usually consistently good and actually our starters should have attained more wins. I know Wheeler had some good outings that resulted in no decisions or losses and lost count at 5 for Nola.

    The bats, as mentioned, I don’t think they have the ability to change anymore than a leopard can change his spots. I think the guys who have the ability to stay within themselves are the guys that stay more consistent with their game. Trying to do too much, taking the big hack, to make something impressive happen, doesn’t get it done. The Mets beat us yesterday with base hits, singles ……8 hits, 5 walks and a hbp.

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55. Wow, Thomson just benched Bohm for Sosa.

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56. I’m closing this before the game starts. New discussion at

    Phillies Discussion, 10/6/24 | Phuture Phillies

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