Phillies Discussion 8/14/2025

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Well hopefully the Phillies had a good first two series before going on to Washington.

This is your Phillies discussion.

Reminder, I’m away from internet access again, maybe as long as two weeks.  I’ll try and monitor the site as best as I can.  This is the first discussion to bridge the gap of my absence.  Generally open discussions close automatically within 7 days of being published.  So, there may be some overlap with earlier open discussions.

Important Dates

  • April 4, 2025: MiLB roster limits decrease from 175 to 165 players
  • July 24, 2025: End of FCL regular season
  • July 28, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET: Deadline to sign some 2025 draft picks
    • Deadline applies to players drafted out of 4-year colleges and HS
    • Players drafted out of JUCO are under a draft-and-follow policy, they can sign between the end of their JUCO season and the beginning of next year’s Draft for up to $225,000.
  • July 31, 2025: MLB trade deadline at 6:00 P.M. EST
  • August 12, 2025: Final day to assign draft picks to a roster
    • Draft picks must be assigned to a roster 15 days after signing a contract
    • UDFAs must be assigned to a roster when they sign a contract
  • August 15, 2025: Date prospects can be promoted and still retain rookie status
    • A player retains rookie status if he does not exceed 45 days on the active roster
    • A player retains rookie status if he does not exceed 130 at bats
    • A player retains rookie status if he does not exceed 50 innings pitched
  • August 19, 2025: End of DSL regular season
  • September 7, 2025: End of Threshers’ regular season
  • September 7, 2025: End of Threshers’ regular season
  • September 14, 2025: End of Reading’s regular season
  • September 21, 2025: End of IronPigs’ regular season
  • Note: These dates will be used unless/until notified differently.

Transactions 

Sorry, I’ll bring this up to date when I return.

209 thoughts on “Phillies Discussion 8/14/2025”

  1. Of the “Big 4” payroll teams — Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Phillies — the Phils are the only ones in first place in their division. Mets and Yankees each have a one-game lead for the third and last wild card spot in their league. Would be wild if they both missed the playoffs.

    Regarding Ranger, I’d give him a qualifying offer, aiming to get a free draft pick — worst case, he takes it, and the Phils pay $22M for one year — but not a long-term contract. And I’d keep Walker for his last year. You need 6 or 7 starters.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think you give him the QO and explain to him that he might not be a starter the whole season since we’ve seen breakdowns the last few years.

      Telling him that might dissuade him from taking the QO to rebuild his platform year.

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    2. I agree with Ranger & Walker. I think they’d be happy to have Ranger back on a 1 year deal given the value of the draft pick they’d receive in return. I have no interest in a multi-year deal with him. I would doubt Ranger accepting a QO would impact their Schwarber bid as they could get creative with that contract given the money coming off the books in 2026-2027 off season.

      I think Walker’s earned the 5th spot next year however a competition between he and Painter in the Spring makes a lot of sense. Only way I would consider moving him is if someone wants the entire contract.

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    3. Fellow WestCoaster!

      You give the QO to get the draft pick I like Ranger, but IF this is the shape and effort he extends in a contract season, I may want to look elsewhere.

      Flip Walker, bank the combined salaries of Ranger, Taijuan and Romano – that should be $35m and leverage for LF – $15m, 5th starter – $12m

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  3. In the series against the Reds we had a k/bb ratio of 26/1. Where have we seen these numbers before against good starting pitching? Oh yeah, the playoffs.

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    1. Yep. Seems like Phils score a high % of runs against weak SP and bullpens. If there is a stat on that, they may lead the league in it.

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  4. The Reds showed that they have one of the best young starting pitchers core in the league right now. If Francona had pulled Abbott after 7 innings, chances are the Phillies would’ve gotten swept and scored ONE run. They didn’t even face Lodolo who pitches the Phils tough.

    That brings me to what Andy J just wrote and what Thomson said. They have to find a way to beat good pitching. Turner is around until ’33 and Harper ’31. If they give Schwarber 5 years, he’ll be here till ’30. In the years to come how are these guys going to age and hit the fastball?

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  5. Keaton Anthony needs to have his MLB Website picture changed to a picture of a Rake. Good lord. Also, Mavis Graves is so very interesting. So much upside with that Frame. He hasent let up a run in over a month. He is someone that could absolutely pop at anytime. If he develops 2 more ticks on the heater he could be a monster.

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    1. Graves turned his season around…..April and May were horrific for him, but he persevered. Average Game Scores last 5 games is mid-60s. Next season will be Reading and another good test for him.

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  6. As it relates to this season, the Phillies are completely unserious about winning a WS if they continue to play Castellanos everyday. I get he’s a vet, and he’s making money, and he’s popular in the clubhouse, and maybe he’d pout about being pulled for defense or platooned, but come on the stats don’t lie. If this guy is playing RF in the 9th inning of Game 3 of the NLDS with a 2 run lead, what are we doing? If he’s starting against a tough RHP, what are we doing?

    None of out OF are stars, but I’d much rather see Crawford, Bader, and Marsh starting vs RHP and Wilson, Bader, and Castellanos starting vs LHP.

    And as far as Crawford goes, if they don’t call him up post 8/15, they clearly don’t believe in him. And if they don’t, the time to trade him was 7/31 while he’s hitting 330 in AAA. Let’s hope they believe in him and he’s up as a difference maker the next 2.5 months

    Liked by 2 people

    1. When given the choice, this manager will play the “proven veteran” over the youngster every time… often times to a fault.

      Personally, I’d bring Justin C. up and let him play. Maybe he’s the next Kevin Stocker… who knows ? If he can’t hit MLB pitching just yet, then sit him down and go with Marsh / Bader. I don’t see a downside to trying.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I don’t think it’s a “maybe” he would pout. His numbers have been down ever since Rob benched him for defense. At that point, I think you need to make a decision whether you’re not just better off cutting him and getting him out of the clubhouse. I don’t think it would be great for Crawford’s development to have that black cloud over him as he cuts his teeth.

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      1. but then we can’t get the standing ovation on a fly ball he slides to catch instead of just being a good defensive OF and catching it on his feet instead of his backside

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        1. But I love how excited and proud TMac gets about his boy Nick makes one of those catches. Then we get to hear the analyst rave about how hard Nick has worked to “improve his defense”

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          1. Nick’s season OBP now below 300. His total numbers since the all-star game are absolutely awful.

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  7. This weekend should, should be big for transactions in Philadelphia. 4 players should/will be joining/rejoining the team and 4 should/will be dfa’d/ sent down to AAA. The powers that be hopefully will set the roster for the stretch run and play those that deserve to be played regardless of any contract situations such as $ owed or service time or what the hell ever.

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      1. Maybe I’m weird but I am hoping the race tightens up some the remainder of this month. I’d like to see us have to respond to some adversity in September.

        Also I think BH’s wrist is bothering him again. Just an opinion but he’s not looked himself. He’s not even generating BBs which he usually always does.

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    1. Phillies removed Griff McGarry from their 40 last fall….they may be tempted to select him to be put back on. Is there a pitcher on the 40 now that would be a candidate for a DFA if McGarry is selected back on?

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      1. Well… looking at the 40 man Roster, I see Josh Walker, Nolan Hoffman, Matt Manning and Daniel Robert. I’m assuming David Robertson will also be a FA. Hard to argue we can’t live without all of these guys.

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  9. Good pitching beating our fly ball, hope for a homer, hitting strategy. If only we had a super fast guy who hit the ball on the ground and to the opposite way who was great at stealing bases. If only….

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  10. Griff looking ready to contribute in the bullpen right now….He made those hitters look silly. His stuff was downright lively and nasty…wow

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  12. It’s nice to think McGarry has turned the corner. He just turned 26 and he’s pitching at AA. If he finishes the season with these same recent results, it stands to reason that the Phillies might add him back to the 40 and give him one last chance. I, like the rest of you, will be rooting for him.

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  13. In MLB, the probability of a team sweeping a four-game road series is roughly 10-12%…..however,  if one team is significantly better (e.g., 70% chance of winning any given game), the probability of a four-game sweep increases to about 24%. 

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    1. Romusl It is not a 4-game sweep. It is simply giving the game away. I would have been fine with Luzardo being done after 6. But I was ok with him going out to start the 7th. But once again Topper is glued to his seat and waits till the bases are loaded. Kerkering was put in a no-win situation. Walks late in a game almost always come back to bite you.

      Also, you are big in analytics and WAR. How much are Schwarber’s Ks and check swings worth on the FA market. Most likely if this team fails again in the playoffs, it will be this offense that goes silent once again. As Rueben said a pitcher cannot be expected to put 0 after 0 on the board the entire game.

      Let’s hope the 4-game sweep is not for the Nats. Casty is now 1 for whatever. That 1 should have probably been an error the other night but as Cone has said it is almost impossible to make an error anymore.

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        1. Yes. Reminds me of Dave Kingman in the 70s. Do not think Kingman walked much. He had a huge strike zone. Schwarber has 98 rbis. How many have come on HRs?

          I like to think of plays as winning or non winning plays. Turner not stealing with 1st and 3rd may have cost a run. Sosa trying to steal with a 2-0 count after 4 straight balls did cost a run. Plus Stott then swung at 2 pitches out of strike zone. Bases could have been loaded when Schwarber got the double. So some possible runs were not scored. In a 1 run game those come up big.

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  14. FYI: on broadcast last night Tmac was pointing out Nick’s terrible numbers. Those numbers were just featured on the pregame by Barkan and Davis. I doubt that’s not happening without them talking to the team.

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  15. I never saw someone hit themselves in the forehead with a baseball like Turner did tonight, but saw it done in fast pitch softball. A guy on our company took one off the bat right on the beak! He looked like the comic book character “Phantom” for about 2 weeks and his nose had an odd slant thereafter.

    Luzardo didn’t pitch that badly, certainly deserved a better ending . Our bats and the ability to score runs is pathetic! Need to shake it up!

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    1. I don’t think Turner has ever seen a pitch he didn’t think he could hit out of the yard. Only trouble is he is no Vlad Senior.

      Its crazy what he swings at. Only difference between he and Casty is that he connects more often.

      Noticed a handful of teams executing their DFAs of vets. I imagine that is so they have a chance to hook on to a team that might make the playoffs.

      Its August 15 so could our brass give into temptation and call up Justin? JC’s 414 OBP in AAA is an incredible feat. No illusion he would produce that at the MLB level as a rookie but man I’d like to give that a go at the top of our LU or even out of the 9 hole.

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  17. oldruff – Turner hitting himself in the head has me remembering when softball batters at all levels began wearing the cage on the front of their helmets. The girls were fouling too many pitches off of their kissers.

    Don – You beat me to it. I was just going to survey whether (a) should Luzardo have started the 7th (b) pull him after the 1st hit (c) replace him after the 2nd hit or (d) do what Thomson did and stayed with him.

    Hindsight is 20/20 but right now the Phillies have a stacked bullpen for the most part. If you pull the starter after six of one run ball, he feels really good. Was Thomson “saving” the bullpen for the weekend?

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  18. WCPhan – Gene Mauch would have scoffed at the 6 man rotation. Back in ’64, down the stretch, he had a 2 and a half man rotation.

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  19. I’ll be the one to rant about Rob’s game management decisions last night.  Allowing Luzardo to pitch the 7th was both careless and stupid. 

    Take the 6 strong innings that Luzardo pitched and turn it over to our newfound bullpen (we actually have one now!).  It was a one run game and he wasted a good outing by Luzardo and gave away what should have been a win against a very bad Nationals team.  You’ve got to know when to hedge – especially with a volatile starter in a tight game.  Even more baffling, he allowed him to load the bases with no outs before bringing in Kerkering.  If you are sticking with Jesus, that has to be a QUICK HOOK situation to get him out of there.  Especially after he issued a leadoff walk.  

    The decision to give away a precious out to advance the runner to second in the ninth inning with Sosa batting made absolutely no sense as well.  I know the offense is cold right now but this loss falls squarely on his shoulders.

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  20. PNWPhan – So your answer(s) is(are) a, b, and c with “a” being your preference. I have got to agree with you but what do I know? Has anyone heard/read Thomson’s explanation?

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  21. Ciada ….. a) or b), but a) is my preference. Rob needs to try to replicate a guy from the past, Sparky Anderson, the famous “Captain Hook”!

    In making sure I was correct on the moniker, I found it interesting that Johnny Bench claimed he was the catalyst in deciding whether the guy was cooked or not.

    So, ……. JT look over you shoulder and if Rob has his seat belt on ……. make the move!😇

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    1. Thinking another button on the “black signal box” that sends a electronic stimulation to a K9 training collar worn by Rob ……. Howdy!😂

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  22. Gore versus Wheeler. Opening day rematch. Gore was lights out. Just what this struggling offense needs.

    And to add on: In December of 1956, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee (the killer) Lewis, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley got together to jam. They were called “The Million Dollar Quartet”.

    That’s when a million dollars was a ton of money. Even today $1M is a lot to me and I’m sure to a bunch of guys on this site. For many people it is a life changing amount of money.

    To the modern day pro athlete star (especially basketball players), it’s chump change. Take the top five (or quintet) in the Phillies batting order. Their combined salaries add up to $117 million dollars.

    Bat Kepler sixth and add another ten million to the total. Salaries have gotten totally out of hand. I know it’s all “what the market calls for” but come on! And it all gets passed on to the fan.

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    1. ‘add up to $117 million dollars.‘……..like I told my buddy today, more than 8 other MLB clubs total payroll….Cincy and Rockies could be ten, as they are just on the other side of the cusp.

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    2. And do you know what $117M is to an owner who’s worth close to $3 BILLION?? Chump change. it’s about 3% of his worth. But then again, Comcast alone is giving the Phillies $100M for television rights.

      So are the salaries really “out of hand” and do they “all get passed on to the fan?”

      It’s entertainment. And the Billionaires do a whole lot better than the players.

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      1. IMO, it is not about the total revenue that the team generates and the owners worth……..it is the production from those select few players off the 40, who are expected to play to the level of their compensation….meritocracy.

        You are correct…it is entertainment…..but it is not a movie, or a concert but a bit more….what makes sport more than lust passive entertainment, it is a personal and emotional binding to a team.

        And my emotion with this team when they fail….is anger….not disappointment. Expectations have changed over the last 3/4 years. I expect more from certain players…that is just me.

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      2. IMO, it is not about the total revenue that the team generates and the owners worth……..it is the production from those select few players off the 40, who are expected to play to the level of their compensation….meritocracy.

        You are correct…it is entertainment…..but it is not a movie, or a concert but a bit more….what makes sport more than lust passive entertainment, it is a personal and emotional binding to a team.

        And my emotion with this team when they fail….is anger….not disappointment. Expectations have changed over the last 3/4 years. I expect more from certain players…that is just me.

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    3. To quote the late Sen. Ev Dirksen about federal spending back when a million dollars was a million dollars: “A million here, a million there and pretty soon it adds up to real money.”

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  23. Is Kepler finally fighting for his (roster spot) life? In his lat 5 games, he has 3 multi-hit games and is slashing .368/.400/.632.

    Too little too late, in my opinion. But if the FO refuses to cut him, then that kind of play would at least justify his platoon spot… in RF. Where Castellanos has quietly been hitting .187/.210/.306 since the start of JULY. Talk about a waste of a roster spot…

    Liked by 1 person

  24. With Nola due to be added on Sunday, that marks the end of Lazar. Perhaps he returns September 1. But with Alvarado also returning very soon, who goes next? Will it be Ross or Romano? Do you want a 1 inning or 2 inning guy?

    The good news about the relief staff is that the team will be going into 2026 with probably 6 guys set: Kerkering, Banks, and I believe Lazar because Thomson likes him a lot. Those 3 will all be paid the minimum, I think.

    Then you have Spiderman and Strahm and if they want to take on Alvarado’s option which is obvious. That makes 6. Add two more in the offseason or during spring training. That should keep the cost of pitching down a bit.

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    1. Unless thy get to the NLCS vs, what appears to be right now either the Dodgers or Brewers, Top is gone. I just do not see them bringing him back after losing in any series prior to the NLCS. They will want to make a change. IMO, they will pay out to him his last year of his extension-2026-and just look for another manager. It also sends a message to the three star position players retuning on their contract, and on either one or both Schwarber and/or JTR if they bring them back.

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  25. Ruff and Ciada. Few things. Regarding the softball deal. I am pretty sure a few years ago in the CWS or at least in the tournament that one of the best players fouled a ball into her face. I forget exact injuries but believe it was an eye and maybe broken nose. Here is where I am not sure what is mandated now. I think at that time they made it where all had to add that front piece to the helmet. Most do wear it but I am not sure it is required now or not.

    Luzardo. He had pitched great. 83 pitches in 6 innings. But have any of us forgot that he can lose it quickly. As I said, I was ok with 1st batter. I would have preferred Kerkering at beginning. He seems to struggle when he comes in with men on base. They said he had 8 who had scored. Add 2 more after last night. Absolutely no reason after hitter one except he did not have Kerkering up till then. It took him these next 2 batters to get ready. So basically Topper took a likely win and turned it into a loss for Luzardo by not being in tune with what was going on. Maybe no one turned off the snooze button. This is not the first and sadly will not be the last time he is not prepared with the game happenings. Also, they must have forgot to tell him he was only 6 outs from Duran and a W in the column.

    But the offense is still pathetic.

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    1. And Miller looks like the real deal once again…last 22 games….273/.381/.455. Back in June , I thought they may have restarted him at Reading next spring, but the way he has come on it could be LHV, and it may even be next month for a few ABs. Hopefully he gets selected for the AFL and gets to see more experienced pitching.

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      1. Romus. Your post always shows on my phone before it does here on PP. Must be that delay of greatness.

        Ok. 13 wins, 113 runs, 8.7 per game. What if they win the next 7? That would be a Brew 20. Cubs would be done in Central if not already. Ruff and I have a saying for that.

        Schwarber was true to his TTO form last night.

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          1. Appears the Cubs ship on Central has sailed. They are the farthest 2nd place team in MLB. 9 out. I am not a betting person, but I would think one could do well on your 5-game sweep. Not likely to happen. BC only needs to win a couple, and they have held serve.

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          2. Romus your neck must hurt, from turning on miller. First he’s young, for level. Then he can’t hit. Now he is going to LHV.

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            1. Rocco. That is really cruel turning on Romus. He got up early to post after lying awake all night thinking.

              Plus, it is really hot here so Romus may be under a heat advisory.

              So, after weekend who goes and who arrives? Bohm? Alvarado? Crawford? Departing? Believe it is after August 15th now.

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  31. Fact:

    Brewers peaking/peaked too early, they will not represent NL in WS; their 3 mid/late 20 something rookies will all return to earth when October kicks off.

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  34. The girl from the Atlantic, post Bohm flying in from lhv. I said it’s a hour drive.,why is he flying in ?

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    1. The Ironpigs are on the road in Buffalo, not at home in Lehigh. So it’s much more reasonable to fly that distance.

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          1. This lineup stinks. Plain and simple. We lose too many good pitch games. With lack of offense. Why in God’s name isn’t Crawford getting a chance .

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            1. rocco…factoid on Justin Crawford:

              “Of his 125 hits, only 27 have been pulled. He’s hitting .346 on balls to the pull side while hitting an obscene .517 (with 59 hits) on balls the other away”. –Sam Jellinek

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          2. The lefty platoon reeks. 1 — 9 today and baserunning too. Tough time ahead w/o Wheeler. We don’t hit and learn to score the curtain will close quickly.

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          3. Romus. I mentioned exactly that to Ruff after final. Nats go for 3 or 4. Believe it was you that stated Phillies needed that. Just not any consistency. I told Ruff after the Phillies left all those guys on base in the first few innings things usually do not end well. Amaro did not like where Trea was playing on the hit that could have been a DP just ahead of the 2 run single. Do not believe he is big analytic guy.

            Going forward it appears this team will go as far as those top guys take it. Problem they do not show up many games. In a short series 2 or 3 no shows and the season is over. Phillies began trip 4-0. Now may end 5-5. Not so good.

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          1. when I looked at the game day he had only pitched through the 3rd at that point. Definitely settled for the last few innings.

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    2. Lets hope Wheeler stays healthy even if he never pitches again. Hope he has quick recovery but blood clots can be dangerous.

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    • Would you take 64 lineup or ours.?

    Taylor Briggs, Allen, Sivers, Callison, wine, , Gonzalez, clay. Covington

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  39. Johnny Callison sold cars in 1964. In off season. Dealership was at end of broad street in north philly they made so little

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    1. Johnny Callison was my guy. I batted using his style. It worked really well for me. Plus, I only used his model bats when I could find them and buy one. His was a thick handled bat. I will never forget that I saved my money and bought a new one at Western Auto. Let one of my Babe Ruth teammates use it and he broke it first time. That was the end of the lending on my part. That was a long time ago, but I have been a Phillies fan ever since that 64 season.

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  40. In regard to Wheeler, I will hold off on thoughts other than to share my wife has had those 2 times. Not a good deal. Hope they caught it early and it is dissolved quickly.

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  41. Don – I started following the Phillies at the beginning of the ’64 season, also. I had just a couple of months earlier read a book entitled “A View From The Dugout” by a local Philly sports writer.

    It was about the 1963 season and how he followed the team day in and day out. I tried to buy the book a couple of years ago but the seller wanted about a hundred dollars for it on Amazon.

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  42. Check that: It was called “View from the Dugout – a season with Gene Mauch” (something like that). It was written by Ed Richter and it is now selling for $225.

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      1. Books with limited print runs or that are no longer in print become rarer over time, increasing their value. There is one for sale on ebay for $53. In good but readable condition

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  44. see too late Topper got away with it today. Makes no sense to leave Lazar in after he gave up the 3 runs in the 9th. Instead, he was a batter late getting Duran into the game.

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    1. He had to. Duran had just got up when they got the 2nd guy on. I mentioned to Ruff he was coming in whether he was warmed up or not. Really this simply goes to your starter going 2 innings. All the guys till 9th did nice job. I am not sure how many times Lazar has gone multiple innings this year. But not good today for it.

      Crews had a great at bat. Then Duran just overpowered Wood. A win is a win, and one just has to go with it. After game got tied at 6, I foresaw a 12-11 game. It got close.

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      1. well Don, that’s because he’s too slow to react. He was late getting Duran up. It’s not a criticism of Lazar, but manager needs to be thinking ahead.

        send out the catcher, pitching coach, etc. lots of ways to slow the train to allow time to get a reliever ready. But yes, the bullpen did a good job.

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        1. I agree on the timing. But we have seen Topper late to the party numerous times. Getting Alvarado back Tuesday should help as long as Topper is aware he is out there.

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          1. Don and others, you can’t use the same pitchers all the time. They will be but burned out by years end. Give Topper and Cotham a break – MLB pitchers should be able to perform. The Phillies still have one of the best pitching staff in MLB.

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            1. huh? No one was asking him to use the same pitcher every game. Duran threw to 1 batter in a week and was good to go after getting hit in the foot 2 days ago.

              The complaint is he’s too slow getting guys up who he eventually uses anyway. That’s not a problem of overusing guys.

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  45. Nola needs better location… he is floating an 86mph breaking ball over the a plate. Greg Maddux could use that same pitch, painting the corners. He’s going to need to study Greg Maddux a bit.

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    2. Nola may have to reinvent himself. He just does not have the stuff to get hitters consistently out, especially after the second time they see him. And for him to be effective in location….it all has to be low and away.

      And if Wheeler has to go on blood thinners for the clot, there is the chance he could be out well into September…it is a serious thing.

      I wonder if they are nulling it over about Painter and seeing what he could do if they decide to bring him up.

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      1. Romus. How many more years? Yikes. He is going to have to make some major changes. His velo is not going to go up now.

        As soon as Ruff told me about the blood clot bad memories came to the front. We have dealt with that, and it may be a long process. I know advancements are being made in medicine but our last was only 4 or 5 years ago and we are talking several weeks to a few months before things significantly improved. Hopefully it has been caught early and can be treated. Most likely blood thinners are in his future. My wife has had those now for over 20 years.

        Not sure on Painter but the length of the starters is really taking a hit. Thinking BP adjustments may be in the offing.

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  47. Phillies when Schwarber hits Homerun. 30- 10 Phillies 108- 79 since romus got his new Hair transplant

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    1. RH Danyony Pulido (Clearwater) shows an over powering fastball (95-98 mph) along with a slider/curve, cutter and change up. The 22 year old from Caracas, Venezuela was signed 2/2/21 and has been a solid starter in his career prior to switching to the bullpen this season as a closer. He had a delayed start to his season after being sidelined by shoulder discomfort in spring camp The young man has a very solid 6’1” frame and has always been a power arm to watch. Converting to a bullpen role seems to suit him and albeit controlling his arsenal and consistently throwing strikes is still a work in progress he’s certainly put himself on the radar as a developing back end reliever. 

      Steve Potter

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  49. A few random thoughts:

    On Nola & His velo. We know he is aging, but Im curious to how much of his preparation is focused on developing velocity. Trevor Bauer has some good programs. Im assuming Nola is doing all he can, but fingers crossed he’s not focused on it so that the rest of the 6 years has a chance not to be a waste. He doesn’t look the most muscular lol. So maybe there is a tick or two back from different weight training in the offseason.

    On Wheeler, family first, Im wondering if he might retire becaue of this. If it lingers, I can see it. Tough choice for him.

    With Nola & Wheeler likely not themselves for the Playoffs… it’s going to have to be either Sanchez & Ranger, or Sanchez & Luzardo. What was a strength is dwindling … I dont see them pushing Painter. Thats baseball as they say. I would have really preferred another bat at the deadline to minimize or Hedge the SR strength. . Stinks. Again…. Thank you Alvarado… crushed this team this year.

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  50. Don get you glove. Phillies are using old guys who stink at reading they got these old guys with high era at lower levels.i don’t get it Crowe is terrible. King .they are so bad and old. Funny but Walker is better option than Nola. I said that contract was bad. Best case is Nola will be a mop up guy. At 24 million a yr

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    1. rocco…Nola basically throws 5 pitches….Fourseam….Sinker….Cutter…Curve….Change. He may have to subtract one of the three different fastballs and try a split fastball. Which probably will not come until after this season and work on it in the off-season.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Rocco. I got my gloves. Where do I report? LOL BTW I sent a pic of them to Ruff. He could tell which one was used the most.

      I have a? Right behind home plate area outside the stadium are some flat top buildings. Maybe 20 or so. I just wondered what they are. You can see them whenever they do a drone shot of the area. I believe you have said you live close to CBP. Thanks.

      Doing my stretches now.

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  51. While I would never have predicted a medical condition would take out our WS hopes the odds had always leaned that way for those who were willing to see them.

    While I wish with deep sincerity a full and complete recovery for Zach and a long healthy life from here on out I said a week ago he should not be pitching in August.

    Some will say one had nothing to do with the other and medically that might be true but history also shows medically any type of shoulder issue for a pitcher should be followed with great caution.

    Whether you are a qualitative or quantitative person on this one you should have come to same conclusion.

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    1. Yes, one has absolutely nothing to do with the other. Getting a blood clot in his shoulder has zero to do with his pitching in August, it’s an unfortunate medical condition.

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  52. 3up. Very well stated in your post above. Going forward I have a feeling the BP will be called on sooner than has been up to this point. I do not see many 7 inning starts or more the rest of the season. Hoping at least 5 and no more 2 inning starts. That does tax the BP in time. I do hope things work out well.

    On a related note, I hear media and players mention that AJ Hinch is a good manager because he is always planning 2 or 3 innings ahead. I think that is a trait for all the good ones.

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  53. Dave Dombrowski has won one World Series in the last 26 years he has been a GM. And the one he won in 1997 was purely bought by Marlins ownership. While he is a good executive, his status making him some kind of legend is greatly overstated.

    His deadline moves to dot the I and cross the t on our roster each year have failed miserably. How much stronger is our farm system today vs 5 years ago? I would argue it’s better but not nearly as much as it should or could be. And how about his biggest free agent signings? Nick, Tijuan, Whit, Kepler, Nola extension, Kimbrel, and Trea have all been below average or worse while only Schwarber and Strahm have been above average external signings, and internally the JTR and Sanchez signings look really good. Jury is out on Zack’s extension at this point.

    So not really sure why this guy is thought of so highly for his work with the Phils. He is no Pat Gillick

    Liked by 1 person

    4. Huh?

      In what world are 1 year deals considered among his biggest free agent signings? If they were premiere FAs, they would have commanded more than 1 year deals.

      Also, claiming Trea has been below average is absolutely delusional. It’s fair to worry how he’ll look at the back end of his contract, but to this point he’s been worth every penny and more. Heck, he turned his biggest question mark (his defense at SS) into a strength this year. He’s on pace to have one of his best seasons EVER, and that’s in spite of the oddity of him having zero homeruns at CBP this year (which is sure to change at some point).

      And on that point, Kimbrel was good for us. Obviously the implosion in the playoffs soured things quite a bit. But there’s basically no chance we make it that far to begin with if not for that signing. Our bullpen without Kimbrel that year was only 3 deep. Kimbrel was super important in not absolutely destroying the arms of Alvarado, Strahm, and Hoffman.

      DD isn’t without his faults. But you’re short changing him quite a bit. Despite our hemming and hawing, we are currently way ahead in the Marsh trade. He may not be a star, but he’s been a very solid player for us and is clearly an excellent teammate and good soldier taking on whatever role is asked of him. Meanwhile O’Hoppe has yet to become an above-replacement level player.

      Likewise, the Alvarado trade was a robbery. Despite how angry or upset we might be with him right now, he’s been an absolute stud for us. And we got him for Garrett Cleavinger.

      The Sosa trade has been much more even, but can you imagine where we’d be without him on the team? Super subs can be extremely important, and Sosa has certainly been super for us.

      Carlos Estevez, David Robertson, and Tanner Banks are all relievers that he traded for that have had positive impacts on the team. There’s still time for us to regret losing the prospects in those deals, but thus far none of them have done much to worry about.

      Him taking a shot on Gregory Soto didn’t work out, but his pivot to turning Soto into Moises Chace was brilliant. I don’t think we appreciate enough how DD maneuvered that deadline.

      And now he went out and got us arguably the best closer in baseball who is still under contract for multiple years. And he’s done all of this without emptying our farm system or even trading our consensus best prospect.

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      1. Other major part of DD’s term with the Phillies beyond the player moves is that he is the man who oversaw the restructuring of the entire player development operation which by most accounts is much better today than it was before he arrived.

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        1. You know, in terms of player selection and development, I feel the team has done a good job selecting and developing pitchers, and even established pitchers like Zack Wheeler have become better. But I have a difficult time concluding that the team has become much better in the overall player selection and development process. The team was ranked in the bottom half of minor league farm systems this year (before the Abel/Tait trade) and I generally feel this is accurate. While I think they are a lot better than they were in the Johnny Almaraz days (what a disaster) I really don’t know if they’re much better than they were 4 or 5 years ago. I guess we’ll see and I hope I’m wrong, but I’m still waiting for some real hitters. It feels like every trade deadline the Padres trade away more hitters than we’ve developed in the last 20 years or so. It’s pretty damning (both of the Phillies AND the Padres).

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          1. When was the last time the Phillies had up to 6 players ranked in the top 100 prospect rankings before this year (including 4 position players?)? They’ve traded a couple of them away to get Duran but it’s pretty obvious they’ve gotten better in their player development program, especially on the pitching side.

            Phillies top 5 preseason MLB prospects in 2021 (DD’s 1st year)

            Spencer Howard #42
            Mick Abel #76
            Bryson Stott
            Francisco Morales
            Raphael Marchan

            Phillies top 5 pre-season prospects in 2025

            Painter #8
            Miller#27
            Crawford #64
            Tait #93
            Wood
            Chance

            The 2025 group is significantly better than the one from 2021 and doesn’t even include Escobar who’s jumped significantly.

            The main area they are still behind is getting international talent which is why they are still lagging overall.

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        2. I get all this, but he has still continued to not make the splash move that takes this team from playoff team to WS winner. Thats my biggest gripe with him. He seems to be completely content building like 85% of a true contender and then bails on making the final move. I love Duran and Baders been solid, but I still think they needed one more move. Same with last year, Austin Hays being the only bat he went out and got was ridiculous.

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          1. Not many play-off contending teams made any ‘splash’ moves. Maybe the ‘Stros bringing back Correa but al the rest made moves that seemed on the margins. In the nL, the Mets, Brewers, Dodgers, Giants and Cubs did not seem to go all out. The Padres did as usual….and who knows how Miller will do for them going forward.

            IMO, Duran was the icing on the cake. In the play-offs nowadays…starters only go 5 innings 45% of the time vs over 70% 10/15 years ago. So tightening up the pen was critical.

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            1. would say that Duran was a pretty big splash, especially since he’s under team control for 2 additional seasons.

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  55. Never saw Top so disheartened and dismayed post game yesterday talking about Nola, and no less after a win. Can understand the concern with Wheeler and now even Nola not producing in his return.

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  56. As most of us reasoned, Lazar is back at AAA. Most of his outings were very good with the exception of yesterday and the final game versus the White Sox. I believe he’ll be back in September if he works well these next few weeks at LHV.

    Numbers for relievers are precarious. One bad appearance and the ERA balloons and then it takes 6,7,or 8 scoreless innings to bring it down. What confused me Sunday is why Lazar was even out there pitching in the bottom of the ninth.

    Ross is the 2-3 inning reliever for the most part. With the big lead I can see why Lazar was sent out to “finish” the game even though he had pitched a perfect eighth inning. What puzzles me is why Romano didn’t come in to mop up. Any ideas?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I asked yesterday how many times Lazar had gone more than one inning. I am sure the 5 run lead was a factor. Maybe he told Topper in dugout he could do it. No idea if that happened. I was surprised a bit as well. One other factor is when your starter only goes 2 innings it throws everything out of whack. Hopefully no more of those outings from a starter.

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      1. I’m not mad or fired up… I just don’t understand any benefit of having Jordan Romano on this team. He really only had one good “streak” earlier in the season and everything else has just been awful. Is there some kind of record we’re going for here?

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  57. Romus – About your Nola-Thomson comment: I think Thomson is that kind of guy who feels so much for each of his players. He was probably more upset FOR Nola than Nola was for himself. I believe, and hope, that Nola will get it right eventually. But, you’ve got to believe his confidence is near the bottom.

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    1. Yeah….he seemed to struggle on finding an answer…mentioned something like…..four days off may have been a factor…..with Wheeler done for a long while it seems, and Nola’s inauspicious return…when it rains it pours.

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      1. Romus. I would be very surprised if Wheeler pitches again this season. This is a serious issue, and his health is the main concern at this time. Hopefully it was caught early and maybe that helps for all involved. Only time will tell.

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  58. I don’t feel confident that RT can navigate the roster issues moving forward. Not confident at all.

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    1. This may a good thing…..from a medical source…..”thrombolysis is not considered major surgery. It is a minimally invasive technique that may reduce the risks of bleeding or other complications that come with major surgery. This is because minimally invasive surgery uses a small cut or cuts and just a few stitches.”

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      1. Hope it goes well for Zack. On that note the two grandkids of mine the incisions for both were very small for their surgeries. Both are doing well so far.

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          1. Most likely. We have dealt with that since the early 2000s. Two instances. No fun in either situation.

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            1. i really wonder ., why is Romano still on this team. Sorry hoffman you go back tomorrow. What has happen to Strider?

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            3. I don’t know why Jordan Romano is still on this team – he’s not even close to a major league pitcher right now.

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  60. We do not mention Kerkering enough on this thread. Sure when he was coming up we were all excited, when he faltered a little in the postseason in 2023 and wasn’t throwing his fastball enough he was discussed. But now that he’s a reliable and near dominant bullpen arm? We barely mention him. Going to need everyone to step up without Wheeler and if he can help shorten games by two innings with Duran, that makes me feel much better.

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  61. Has Jose Alvarado been called up yet? Who would be taken off the roster by DFA or sent down to Lehigh Valley?

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    2. No one has to be DFA’d the roster spot is available. Expect that Hoffman will be returned to the minors and Romano will live another day.

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      1. I would agree there. At least Hoffman got his 1st ML K ball last night. I have never seen him pitch but one could tell he was really nervous. I am sure he is better than he showed last evening. I do think Alvarado will really help shorten some of these games for the Phillies going forward. I also agree that Kerkering has done a nice job. One thing I mentioned he seems more at ease starting a clean inning as opposed to men on base. He was put in an impossible spot last week with the bases loaded. He did his best.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. One guy they may like to look at in these last six weeks….is Griff McGarry. He seems to have turned it around on his career. Perhaps Romano will have an ailment pop up, and put him on the 15-day IL Pitchers have that 15-day option IL. Wheeler may have to be put on the 60 day IL the doctors recommend he be shut down for the season.

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            1. No idea how this plays out. But I would think with little knowledge I have they will hope to find out what was cause and best way to prevent recurrence. Then all the other stuff that follows. As I said earlier, I will be surprised if he pitches this season, but things have moved rapidly in the medical field. So, we just have to wait and see and hope for the best for Zack all around.

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            1. 5 walks in 3 1/3 in AA – let’s pump the brakes on the McGarry hype train. Wake me up when he dominates in AAA for a month.

              Liked by 1 person

            3. Just because Romano sinks doesn’t mean that McGarry is ready – it’s not a binary decision. Until he can prove that he can dominate AAA hitters, I don’t think McGarry should be promoted. But, right now, Seth Johnson is a much better option than Romano. Johnson has shown potential and a very big arm (regularly hitting 98 and 99). That’s who I would promote. By the way, I’m not burying McGarry, but he’s got to show decent control with some consistency in whatever role he fills for him to make the major leagues and 2 really good games in a row in AA doesn’t necessarily mean he’s turned a corner.

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            4. I disagree….give the guy a chance. Like I said earlier…place Romano on the 15 day IL, for whatever ailment they can come up with,….and then make the move. And actually it has been McGarry’s last 5 of 6 games were his Game Scores have been averaging close to 60 . The guy deserves his chance.

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            5. Yeah, we’re going to have to agree to disagree. It’s nice he’s doing generally well (and there’s no doubt he has good stuff), but he’s in AA for a reason. My guess is that the Phillies don’t think he’s ready either. But it’s nice to see that he’s now got a path forward because, for a long time, that did not appear to be the case.

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  62. How many times does RT need to see Kerkering come in with men on base and fail to stop bringing him in? The whole city knows this.

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    1. Agree. I have mentioned this a few times. I do not have the stats but sure seems he does much better when he starts a clean inning. Maybe he just focuses better. No idea.

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      1. I believe I read that he’s now allowed 25 inherited runners to score this year, the most on the team by far. Don’t hold me to that. Only 13 ER of his own doing. If those numbers are accurate, I’d really have to consider never bringing him in with men on base.

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        1. According to the announcers when he came in with the bases loaded a few games back they said he had allowed 8 at that time. Two scored to win the game. If that is correct, I believe 3 more have since then. So, 13. My thing is he just looks more comfortable with a clean inning. No idea why.

          That was my only thing last night was if they were not going to let Sanchez finish the 7th just let Kerkering begin it. But JT saved the day and let Duran finish the job.

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          1. Wow those are two different numbers. I hope what I think I saw was wrong. I’m not savvy enough to look those numbers up my self. Anyone know how to find the accurate number?

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            2. CBS guys normally pretty good. I honestly do not know. It was not the Phillies guys who said it. Regardless of what is correct he does better IMO when he starts a clean inning.

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            3. Kerkering has inherited 24 runners with 10 of them scoring according to baseball reference game logs

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  63. Big fly by the washed-up catcher. Time for the Spider show..

    oh, and the home plate umpire was horrible tonight.

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    1. Realmuto is gonna get re-signed for 2 or 3 years. The way he’s been going, it looks like he’ll put up 3 WAR this year. If you look at his average exit velocity, strikeout rate, walk rate, hard hit rate, and line drive rate over the 2023 – 2025 time period (age 32 through age 34 season), there is no evidence of a slowdown this year compared to the past couple years. None.

      Of course, ages 35 to 37 will likely be different, but I’d guess he gets like 3 years, $50M.

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          1. All of you may be correct. But JT really takes a beating. Somewhere I do not know when it is going to catch up. I am sure the Phillies will look at the entire body of work. He has been great the last couple months and that bodes well if he can continue. Lengthening the lineup puts lots of pressure on the opposing pitchers.

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  64. Is there any way that the Phils can make Alvarado look like Romano in appearance and vise versa in time for the playoffs? Maybe a fake mustache? Maybe a handful of cash for umpire at pitching change? (worked on Bench warmers)

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    1. 80 games suspension is a longtime … they had the results in March but waited that long to make it official. Im probably missing something ,but I don’t see MLB’s punishment is working here…

      They don’t want the player or team to benefit from the players steroid use… well then why allow him back at all this year? He could help the Phillies secure one of the top 2 seeds in the NL. Seems ineffective in the “punishment” area.

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  65. While my criticisms of the length of his contract remain, you’ve got to hand it to Trea Turner. They wanted him to work this year on his defense and also on using the whole field and making contact and getting on base more – figuring the power issue would generally take care of itself. Boy has he worked to do exactly what they wanted and as a result he’s in the top 7 of fWAR. It’s fantastic to see and he’s a big reason why the team has played so well this year.

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  66. I think 3 yrs 60 is in the ball park, for Realmuto. But I won’t do that, secret is knowing when to walk away. The Eagles are doing it. At his age 2 yrs is tops at 15 a yr Wondering has anyone asked Duren if he got the same reception.in Minnesota, when he came. What he thinks of the crowds?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I wouldn’t do it either, but my guess is that DD will do it. If there’s any criticism I have of DD it’s the overly long, large contracts – he seemingly always gets over his skis on these contracts – and it seems to happen over and over again – making the aggregate effect of these agreements simply massive. This works while players are performing at their peak, but when they all get old at the same time, it could be nightmarish.

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    2. rocco……..IMO, two years would be the max deal for JTR. Naturally the AAV will be $20M plus or so…maybe $22M. His latest production surge helps his AAV cause for sure. And after two years there will be a catcher to step up to become the starter or maybe in a trade again like JTR was….I would try to pry Dalton Rushing away from the Dodgers, since Will Smith looks to be around for another 4/5 good years.

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      2. On Realmuto, i give him the 3 year deal. Why? You gotta get your offense elsewhere. Therefore I can take a declining Realmuto. The other 2 reasons are… which have been stated recently is just how much the gameplan/pitch selections are being run through JT. From what was talked about on air, it didnt soudn like they have any type of plan to replace him. Last season… I’d bet you might be able to squeeze an extra year out of Wheeler with Realmuto out there.

        Look.. you traded Tait, so unless you get Rushing, or BAL catcher … it seems him back, 3 yrs @ 18mil yr when it’s all said and done. They can easily resign both Schwarber & Realmuto. So money shouldn’t be the issue,even if the deals are too long. Thats said, ideally 2 years, but he’ll get 3 for sure.

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  69. Ruff asked me this earlier today. Does both KS and JT get resigned. One thing if they do the Phillies pretty quickly become the oldest team in MLB. Number 2 now. I have no idea what Phillies or either player is thinking. I told Ruff maybe. If they only resign one, I think it will be Schwarber. Thoughts from anyone.

    I agree Rocco that Romus needs a new thread. LOL Also Rocco I think I can put my gloves back up for a few more years. If JR could get anyone out this BP is pretty solid now.

    On a lighter note. Topper was ready today. He had Robertson warming up in the 5th inning.

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    1. Alvarado looked like his old self in the 8th. Going down the stretch they can use his stuff…..it is also well rested. Those seven remaining games vs the Mets–three away and four at home, and then six away games between the Dodgers and Brewers will be critical. And maybe Alvarado will come up big.

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      1. Agree. I made me a copy on my phone of the schedule the other day. Then it was 23 and 15 home and away. Now 20 and 15. The ones that may be pivotal at the end are the 9 with Miami, Zona and Minny. 6 are at home. Those are ones you have to go at least 6-3 into close. Hopefully they will be not meaningful but most likely for the 2 seed possibility they will.

        A major thing now is how well does Walker and Nola pitch. Need some quality starts those 2 days.

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        1. If it is a wild card issue …Cincy and the Cubs hopefully one negate the other….in the West it is LAD and SD, Central, Brewers and then either Cincy or Cubs, and Philly and the Mets in the East.

          Cubs have four away at Cincy next month, then three at home vs the Mets……the rest of their schedule is pretty mild with teams checking out their prospects going down the stretch..

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      2. Just looked at standings and WC. Mets will have to keep looking closely at Reds. Appears it is 7 teams for 6 spots in NL. Also, how things can change. KC has made up 5 games in standings and WC in 5 games on Mariners. Only 2 out now. Seems KC has a way of peaking late in the season.

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        1. Lets hope it is the Mets looking at Cincy and not Philly….Mets will be hungry for bear when they play the Phillies…Lindor, Soto and the Polar Bear will be there as they usually are . And probably without Wheeler, the rest of the starters have to do it…..hopefully Nola rebounds.

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          1. Watching Mets. Their guys going over their schedule. Nats, Braves and Philies to end August. Then 10 game road trip to begin September. Tigers, Reds and Phillies. Also, Cubs and Pads in September. Looks like a difficult task. Nimmo just got hurt and left game.

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            1. Yes, does appear tough road for them…..but they seem to give the Phillies fits lately, like last season…cannot go let up or they will pounce on you.

              Stott has been hot…OPS over .800 over the last 27 games. The three of Bohm,. Stott and Marsh have been playing great ball.

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