1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,240 Speaker 1: It's going to be difficult to remove him. And in 2 00:00:02,279 --> 00:00:05,200 Speaker 1: one sense, it's entertaining to have Angel in the game. 3 00:00:05,360 --> 00:00:08,520 Speaker 1: In another sense, it's kind of time for this to stop. 4 00:00:14,320 --> 00:00:17,360 Speaker 1: Welcome everyone to the Thursday edition of Fair Territory. I'm 5 00:00:17,440 --> 00:00:20,439 Speaker 1: Ken Rosenthal here with my co host Alana Rizzo, and 6 00:00:20,880 --> 00:00:23,320 Speaker 1: I want to start off by saying that this is 7 00:00:23,400 --> 00:00:25,680 Speaker 1: one of my many favorite times of the year in 8 00:00:25,760 --> 00:00:30,080 Speaker 1: baseball season because we're past the small sample size period. 9 00:00:30,080 --> 00:00:32,199 Speaker 2: We're still in a small sample size, I. 10 00:00:32,200 --> 00:00:35,600 Speaker 1: Get it, but the season is more than one tenth complete, 11 00:00:36,000 --> 00:00:38,280 Speaker 1: and now we can start to pass judgments on a 12 00:00:38,280 --> 00:00:40,920 Speaker 1: few things. And I wrote a notes Colin today, three 13 00:00:40,960 --> 00:00:44,360 Speaker 1: thousand words of pure poetry. I was holding back until 14 00:00:44,400 --> 00:00:47,120 Speaker 1: we saw a little bit more, but this is when 15 00:00:47,560 --> 00:00:49,280 Speaker 1: the meat really gets going here. 16 00:00:49,720 --> 00:00:51,680 Speaker 3: I love that you think we can now be officially 17 00:00:51,800 --> 00:00:56,240 Speaker 3: judgmental instead of just overreacting on this Thursday, Ken, don't 18 00:00:56,240 --> 00:00:58,600 Speaker 3: forget guys listening to us and watching us right now 19 00:00:58,640 --> 00:01:00,400 Speaker 3: to get your questions in for grilling. 20 00:01:00,480 --> 00:01:01,880 Speaker 4: Ken, and I agree with you. 21 00:01:01,880 --> 00:01:03,960 Speaker 3: We're about three weeks into the season and it's time 22 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:06,520 Speaker 3: for some meat and potatoes. And let's start with the lead. 23 00:01:06,959 --> 00:01:09,360 Speaker 3: And I want to talk to you Ken about the 24 00:01:09,400 --> 00:01:11,560 Speaker 3: New York Mets. Now, this is a team that we 25 00:01:11,680 --> 00:01:13,600 Speaker 3: wrote off. I wrote them off at the beginning of 26 00:01:13,640 --> 00:01:16,640 Speaker 3: the season in the National league'st they started zero and five, 27 00:01:16,800 --> 00:01:19,240 Speaker 3: but they seem to have turned things around. Is it 28 00:01:19,280 --> 00:01:20,800 Speaker 3: time to believe in the Mets. 29 00:01:22,200 --> 00:01:24,440 Speaker 1: I'm not sure, but I'm impressed by what they've done. 30 00:01:24,800 --> 00:01:27,399 Speaker 1: And the reason I'm impressed, Alana, is because this has 31 00:01:27,440 --> 00:01:30,480 Speaker 1: happened mostly because of the strength of their pitching staff, 32 00:01:30,560 --> 00:01:34,119 Speaker 1: even without CODEI Sanga now he's their number one starter, 33 00:01:34,240 --> 00:01:36,720 Speaker 1: he's out. He's been out since the start of the season, 34 00:01:36,760 --> 00:01:39,680 Speaker 1: much like across town with the Yankees missing Garrett Cole, 35 00:01:40,200 --> 00:01:43,240 Speaker 1: and yet their pitching has been outstanding. Their bullpen has. 36 00:01:43,160 --> 00:01:44,480 Speaker 2: Been really outstanding. 37 00:01:44,840 --> 00:01:47,240 Speaker 1: And I want to show people some stats here that 38 00:01:47,720 --> 00:01:50,680 Speaker 1: are kind of telling with regard to the Mets, because 39 00:01:51,000 --> 00:01:54,000 Speaker 1: it shows you just where their strength is at least 40 00:01:54,080 --> 00:01:57,080 Speaker 1: right now. Now, we start with their offense. Their offense 41 00:01:57,120 --> 00:02:00,360 Speaker 1: has been good. It's not been great, thirteenth in league 42 00:02:00,360 --> 00:02:03,440 Speaker 1: and runs per game. But here is where it gets interesting. 43 00:02:03,560 --> 00:02:08,079 Speaker 1: ERA sixth starter, ERA fifth, and that's with guys like 44 00:02:08,120 --> 00:02:13,040 Speaker 1: Sean Menia and Luis Severino. It's been impressive and then 45 00:02:13,080 --> 00:02:17,040 Speaker 1: the relievers opponents OPS. Now I use this stat for 46 00:02:17,120 --> 00:02:21,280 Speaker 1: relievers instead of RA because obviously when you use ERA 47 00:02:21,440 --> 00:02:24,040 Speaker 1: it doesn't account for inherited runners. But second in the 48 00:02:24,120 --> 00:02:28,400 Speaker 1: league and reliever opponents OPS. That is really impressive. So 49 00:02:28,880 --> 00:02:31,320 Speaker 1: here are the Mets. They're about to go to the 50 00:02:31,360 --> 00:02:33,920 Speaker 1: West Coast for a trip to Los Angeles and San 51 00:02:34,000 --> 00:02:37,679 Speaker 1: Francisco and Alto. Whenever you have a team that kind 52 00:02:37,720 --> 00:02:40,400 Speaker 1: of does some things that are interesting in the season, 53 00:02:40,480 --> 00:02:44,400 Speaker 1: even the strong teams, you always have surprises, and the 54 00:02:44,440 --> 00:02:47,320 Speaker 1: Mets have two of those as well, and one in 55 00:02:47,400 --> 00:02:51,000 Speaker 1: both the rotation and in the bullpen. And the two 56 00:02:51,040 --> 00:02:55,040 Speaker 1: guys I'm talking about, Jose Bhutto and Ree Garrett. Jose 57 00:02:55,120 --> 00:02:58,000 Speaker 1: Buto not with the team on opening day, comes up 58 00:02:58,080 --> 00:03:01,720 Speaker 1: as a twenty seventh and sticks with the team. Why, 59 00:03:01,800 --> 00:03:03,840 Speaker 1: you can see the stats right there. That's an earray 60 00:03:03,880 --> 00:03:07,560 Speaker 1: of point seventy five read Garrett. Now, this is a 61 00:03:07,639 --> 00:03:11,520 Speaker 1: dude who was claimed on waivers last June. Claimed on waivers, 62 00:03:11,639 --> 00:03:14,520 Speaker 1: was up and down, sent down to the minor league's 63 00:03:14,919 --> 00:03:18,080 Speaker 1: March fifteenth. It was he comes back to the major 64 00:03:18,160 --> 00:03:21,240 Speaker 1: league team on April first, because Tyler McGill went on 65 00:03:21,280 --> 00:03:24,160 Speaker 1: the injured list, and my gosh, you saw his statistics. 66 00:03:24,160 --> 00:03:26,880 Speaker 1: They were incredible. He is not allowed to run. He 67 00:03:26,960 --> 00:03:30,760 Speaker 1: has this cutter that has been absolutely revelatory, and you 68 00:03:30,880 --> 00:03:34,680 Speaker 1: have these things happening. I still wonder about their offense 69 00:03:34,720 --> 00:03:36,000 Speaker 1: a little bit. I'm not in love with it. I 70 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:40,080 Speaker 1: know Lindor has started slowly, but if Marte and McNeil 71 00:03:40,120 --> 00:03:42,520 Speaker 1: are good and they get contributions from guys like Bader 72 00:03:42,600 --> 00:03:46,040 Speaker 1: and Tyrone Taylor, you can start to see the makings 73 00:03:46,080 --> 00:03:49,680 Speaker 1: of what could be in an expanded playoff field, a 74 00:03:49,720 --> 00:03:50,640 Speaker 1: postseason team. 75 00:03:50,920 --> 00:03:53,400 Speaker 3: You know, it's funny that you mentioned both Budo and Garrett, 76 00:03:53,400 --> 00:03:55,760 Speaker 3: because those are guys that are not big names, they're 77 00:03:55,760 --> 00:03:58,960 Speaker 3: not superstars, but they're getting contributions from those two. 78 00:03:59,040 --> 00:04:00,640 Speaker 4: I think the same can he said Ken. 79 00:04:00,680 --> 00:04:02,480 Speaker 3: When you're looking at the Mets as far as their 80 00:04:02,480 --> 00:04:06,000 Speaker 3: lineup is concerned, it's not the stars, with the exception 81 00:04:06,080 --> 00:04:07,920 Speaker 3: of Pete Alonzo. I get that he's out of this 82 00:04:07,960 --> 00:04:10,960 Speaker 3: world right now, but the stars aren't doing much. It's 83 00:04:11,040 --> 00:04:13,800 Speaker 3: the bench guys that are giving them the boosts that 84 00:04:13,840 --> 00:04:14,280 Speaker 3: they need. 85 00:04:15,120 --> 00:04:18,800 Speaker 1: It's true, and again, Alana, you know this from all 86 00:04:18,839 --> 00:04:21,039 Speaker 1: your years of being in the game. You've got to 87 00:04:21,080 --> 00:04:24,040 Speaker 1: have that in a good year and a surprising year. 88 00:04:24,360 --> 00:04:28,240 Speaker 1: In any year, frankly, you've got to have contributions from 89 00:04:28,360 --> 00:04:31,960 Speaker 1: up and down the roster. It's especially true in this 90 00:04:32,080 --> 00:04:35,520 Speaker 1: day and age when injuries are so prevalent, when teams 91 00:04:35,560 --> 00:04:38,400 Speaker 1: cycle through players. So the Mets are getting that and 92 00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:41,279 Speaker 1: that's a big reason why they are in this position 93 00:04:41,400 --> 00:04:43,359 Speaker 1: as they go to Dodger Stadium. 94 00:04:43,760 --> 00:04:45,400 Speaker 4: Yeah, which leads me to my next point. 95 00:04:45,400 --> 00:04:48,440 Speaker 3: That's a great segue, because are they catching the Dodgers 96 00:04:48,520 --> 00:04:51,440 Speaker 3: at the right time? Ken, Because the Dodgers have scuffled 97 00:04:51,440 --> 00:04:53,040 Speaker 3: a little bit. I still think they're going to win 98 00:04:53,080 --> 00:04:54,800 Speaker 3: the West. I'm not going out on a limb by 99 00:04:54,839 --> 00:04:57,200 Speaker 3: saying that, but perhaps this is a good time for 100 00:04:57,240 --> 00:05:00,600 Speaker 3: the Mets to be facing La Maybe. 101 00:05:00,720 --> 00:05:02,919 Speaker 1: I'm not sure a lot of Because they started the 102 00:05:02,920 --> 00:05:05,400 Speaker 1: season the Dodgers did ten and four. That's a one 103 00:05:05,440 --> 00:05:08,120 Speaker 1: hundred and sixteen win pace. We'ren't going to keep that up. 104 00:05:08,520 --> 00:05:11,039 Speaker 1: They're twelve and nine, that's a ninety three win pace. 105 00:05:11,279 --> 00:05:13,680 Speaker 1: That's below where they've been in recent years. But it's 106 00:05:13,680 --> 00:05:16,760 Speaker 1: still okay. They have some issues, and I know you 107 00:05:16,839 --> 00:05:20,400 Speaker 1: want to get into some of those issues. They're pitching 108 00:05:20,680 --> 00:05:22,600 Speaker 1: all year long is going to be kind of a 109 00:05:22,640 --> 00:05:26,279 Speaker 1: patchwork situation, right, guys in and out of the rotation 110 00:05:26,480 --> 00:05:28,680 Speaker 1: coming off the il at Kershaw. 111 00:05:28,240 --> 00:05:30,080 Speaker 2: And Bueler, will Yamamoda. 112 00:05:30,120 --> 00:05:32,440 Speaker 1: They're pitching him once a week last now they're going 113 00:05:32,480 --> 00:05:35,719 Speaker 1: to have to monitor his innings. And yet it's probably 114 00:05:35,760 --> 00:05:38,279 Speaker 1: the offense I would imagine that, in your mind is 115 00:05:38,279 --> 00:05:39,160 Speaker 1: the greater concern. 116 00:05:39,839 --> 00:05:41,840 Speaker 4: I think so. And there's a couple of reasons ken 117 00:05:41,880 --> 00:05:42,480 Speaker 4: for saying that. 118 00:05:42,520 --> 00:05:44,839 Speaker 3: If you look at the bottom of the order for 119 00:05:44,880 --> 00:05:47,960 Speaker 3: the Los Angeles Dodgers, it's very much the same situation 120 00:05:48,080 --> 00:05:50,200 Speaker 3: that they were in in the twenty twenty three season. 121 00:05:50,200 --> 00:05:52,000 Speaker 3: The top of the order, you expect is going to 122 00:05:52,040 --> 00:05:54,719 Speaker 3: be good, even better this year with sho hey O Tani, 123 00:05:55,080 --> 00:05:56,960 Speaker 3: But look at what the bottom of the order is 124 00:05:57,000 --> 00:05:59,880 Speaker 3: doing right now. A two H five average with a 125 00:06:00,160 --> 00:06:04,039 Speaker 3: six H nine OPS. That is problematic. You need James 126 00:06:04,040 --> 00:06:05,039 Speaker 3: Outman to start hitting. 127 00:06:05,160 --> 00:06:05,600 Speaker 4: Obviously. 128 00:06:05,640 --> 00:06:09,440 Speaker 3: The Andy Pajis era has started with the Los Angeles Dodgers. 129 00:06:09,440 --> 00:06:11,960 Speaker 3: The first pitch he sees, he gets his first Major 130 00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:14,920 Speaker 3: League Baseball hit. But you can't imagine that that pace, 131 00:06:14,960 --> 00:06:17,400 Speaker 3: obviously is going to continue. In the fact that Pajes 132 00:06:17,520 --> 00:06:20,680 Speaker 3: is already up is problematic because they need him. My 133 00:06:20,839 --> 00:06:23,240 Speaker 3: other concern, and I'm sure that this is going to 134 00:06:23,360 --> 00:06:25,559 Speaker 3: change because two years ago the man had what forty 135 00:06:25,560 --> 00:06:28,800 Speaker 3: four home runs or last season was sho hey Otani 136 00:06:28,880 --> 00:06:32,719 Speaker 3: Ken is not hitting with runners in scoring position right now, 137 00:06:32,800 --> 00:06:36,000 Speaker 3: Show Hey at a point oh five to three with 138 00:06:36,120 --> 00:06:39,440 Speaker 3: runners in scoring position, he's one for nineteen and he's 139 00:06:39,480 --> 00:06:43,480 Speaker 3: had four k's in that time. Obviously that's going to change, 140 00:06:43,560 --> 00:06:46,080 Speaker 3: I hope. So it needs to for seven hundred million dollars. 141 00:06:46,400 --> 00:06:49,320 Speaker 3: Dave thinks he's pressing too much in those types of situations. 142 00:06:49,360 --> 00:06:52,280 Speaker 3: But it can't just be Mooky at the top of 143 00:06:52,320 --> 00:06:56,039 Speaker 3: the lineup. Show Hey, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Max Munsey, 144 00:06:56,400 --> 00:06:59,480 Speaker 3: you know, five through nine or six through nine need 145 00:06:59,520 --> 00:07:00,360 Speaker 3: to figure this out. 146 00:07:01,120 --> 00:07:03,479 Speaker 1: I would agree with that now on show Hey, I 147 00:07:03,520 --> 00:07:06,480 Speaker 1: am not so concerned. He's running a thousand ops or 148 00:07:06,520 --> 00:07:09,920 Speaker 1: whatever it is, and to me, that statistic is going 149 00:07:09,920 --> 00:07:12,000 Speaker 1: to balance out. I'd like to see the number of 150 00:07:12,040 --> 00:07:14,160 Speaker 1: hard hit balls in there, just kind of how it's 151 00:07:14,200 --> 00:07:17,640 Speaker 1: playing out right now. He is not a guy who 152 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:21,000 Speaker 1: seems faced by anything. We've seen that in recent weeks, 153 00:07:21,080 --> 00:07:24,720 Speaker 1: and I would think with runners in scoring position over 154 00:07:24,840 --> 00:07:28,040 Speaker 1: time over the course of the season, he'll get his hits. 155 00:07:28,200 --> 00:07:30,760 Speaker 1: I don't even really have any concern about that at all. 156 00:07:31,000 --> 00:07:33,240 Speaker 1: But I want to show you guys one thing too 157 00:07:33,800 --> 00:07:36,320 Speaker 1: about their statistical breakdown similar to the Mets. 158 00:07:36,320 --> 00:07:37,880 Speaker 2: But we're going to show you one thing that really 159 00:07:37,920 --> 00:07:38,800 Speaker 2: stands out here. 160 00:07:39,320 --> 00:07:42,680 Speaker 1: They're pitching right now. You can see seventeenth in the 161 00:07:42,680 --> 00:07:46,360 Speaker 1: era not great. Their bullpen has nothing great, and at times. 162 00:07:46,080 --> 00:07:47,679 Speaker 2: Their starters have faltered as well. 163 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:50,320 Speaker 1: Runs per game their ninth even with the bottom of 164 00:07:50,360 --> 00:07:54,520 Speaker 1: the order problems that Alana just cited. But the outfield ops, 165 00:07:55,320 --> 00:07:59,280 Speaker 1: they're combined ops from their outfielders. Now without Mookie Betts there, 166 00:07:59,280 --> 00:08:02,520 Speaker 1: it's a different story. Well, yes, they ranked twenty seventh 167 00:08:02,560 --> 00:08:05,920 Speaker 1: in the majors in outfield ops. That's why Andy Paez 168 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:08,800 Speaker 1: is here. That's why they decided that they had to 169 00:08:08,920 --> 00:08:12,000 Speaker 1: kind of change the equation a little bit. Tascar Hernandez 170 00:08:12,040 --> 00:08:14,000 Speaker 1: has been really good. But Alani, you mentioned the bench 171 00:08:14,040 --> 00:08:17,440 Speaker 1: players of the Mets. Some of the Dodgers bench players 172 00:08:17,480 --> 00:08:20,000 Speaker 1: or guys that they use in different ways have not 173 00:08:20,120 --> 00:08:21,440 Speaker 1: performed well as of yet. 174 00:08:21,440 --> 00:08:22,480 Speaker 2: I'm thinking about kik it. 175 00:08:22,880 --> 00:08:25,640 Speaker 1: I'm thinking about Chris Taylor, some others as well, so 176 00:08:26,360 --> 00:08:30,440 Speaker 1: I'm not worried about them per se, but it's going 177 00:08:30,480 --> 00:08:33,160 Speaker 1: to be really interesting to see how this season plays 178 00:08:33,160 --> 00:08:35,120 Speaker 1: out for them, because I do wonder this, Alan, and 179 00:08:35,160 --> 00:08:38,440 Speaker 1: I want to hear your thoughts on this expanded playoffs. 180 00:08:38,840 --> 00:08:42,600 Speaker 1: They're gonna get in. We almost all know that. But 181 00:08:43,360 --> 00:08:45,440 Speaker 1: because they're going to get in, do they take it 182 00:08:45,520 --> 00:08:48,440 Speaker 1: a little bit differently, a little different approach this season 183 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:51,400 Speaker 1: and then try to ramp up everything and point to 184 00:08:51,480 --> 00:08:54,920 Speaker 1: the postseason, where, of course they have had difficulties. I'm 185 00:08:54,920 --> 00:08:56,959 Speaker 1: not saying that's what they're doing now. They're just kind 186 00:08:56,960 --> 00:08:59,839 Speaker 1: of in a funk, but their approach to this is 187 00:09:00,200 --> 00:09:02,680 Speaker 1: to be really interesting. With Yamamoto, with Glass, now with 188 00:09:02,760 --> 00:09:04,720 Speaker 1: Kershol when he comes back with Bueler two. 189 00:09:05,440 --> 00:09:07,600 Speaker 3: Bueller is supposed to have his third, or excuse me, 190 00:09:07,640 --> 00:09:10,720 Speaker 3: his fourth rehab assignment today actually in Oklahoma City, And 191 00:09:10,960 --> 00:09:12,800 Speaker 3: when he got hit in the knuckle the other day, 192 00:09:12,920 --> 00:09:15,040 Speaker 3: my heart stopped because I was like, here we go again. 193 00:09:15,480 --> 00:09:17,679 Speaker 3: But he's fine and he's gonna throw. So he should 194 00:09:17,679 --> 00:09:20,800 Speaker 3: be back with the Dodgers early May. But to your point, Ken, yeah, 195 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:24,120 Speaker 3: do they try to slow play this to get to 196 00:09:24,160 --> 00:09:26,200 Speaker 3: the postseason? As we know that they are going to 197 00:09:26,240 --> 00:09:28,360 Speaker 3: do and try to ramp it up. My question is, 198 00:09:28,400 --> 00:09:32,000 Speaker 3: I think baseball is the hardest sport to flip a switch. 199 00:09:32,400 --> 00:09:35,560 Speaker 3: And I think what happens in the postseason, especially over 200 00:09:35,600 --> 00:09:38,880 Speaker 3: the course of a seven game series, is you have 201 00:09:38,960 --> 00:09:41,840 Speaker 3: to be playing the best baseball at the right time, 202 00:09:42,160 --> 00:09:44,160 Speaker 3: and if you're not, or if you're not healthy at 203 00:09:44,200 --> 00:09:47,040 Speaker 3: that time, it is very difficult to overcome a team 204 00:09:47,080 --> 00:09:49,360 Speaker 3: that is hot. And I don't care if they slow 205 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:51,319 Speaker 3: play it throughout the season because I think it's almost 206 00:09:51,360 --> 00:09:53,680 Speaker 3: a guarantee that the Dodgers win the West and get 207 00:09:53,720 --> 00:09:56,600 Speaker 3: into the postseason. It's what can they do beyond that 208 00:09:56,600 --> 00:09:58,680 Speaker 3: that makes me a little bit more nervous. And I've 209 00:09:58,679 --> 00:10:01,760 Speaker 3: been concerned about the Dodgers pitching coming into the season. 210 00:10:01,800 --> 00:10:03,679 Speaker 3: I wasn't certain that it was going to be enough. 211 00:10:03,720 --> 00:10:07,480 Speaker 3: And this was even before the extended injury and long 212 00:10:07,600 --> 00:10:10,720 Speaker 3: time of being out for Bruce dark Gratterol like China 213 00:10:10,840 --> 00:10:12,840 Speaker 3: is now hurt. I mean, there's a lot of different 214 00:10:13,200 --> 00:10:16,560 Speaker 3: injuries now. Bobby Miller's on the il with a little smoke, 215 00:10:16,600 --> 00:10:19,439 Speaker 3: as Dave Roberts likes to call it. So again, who's 216 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:21,880 Speaker 3: healthiest at the right time, Who's playing the best baseball 217 00:10:21,960 --> 00:10:22,640 Speaker 3: at the right time. 218 00:10:23,040 --> 00:10:23,680 Speaker 4: Time will tell. 219 00:10:23,760 --> 00:10:26,679 Speaker 3: And speaking of playing good baseball at the right time, 220 00:10:26,800 --> 00:10:29,040 Speaker 3: I want your opinion, Ken. I think both of the 221 00:10:29,080 --> 00:10:32,880 Speaker 3: central divisions in each league are kind of up for grabs. 222 00:10:33,200 --> 00:10:34,080 Speaker 4: If you look at the. 223 00:10:34,080 --> 00:10:36,560 Speaker 3: NL Central, you look at the Milwaukee Brewers and the 224 00:10:36,559 --> 00:10:38,840 Speaker 3: success that they're having early. And if you also look 225 00:10:38,840 --> 00:10:40,880 Speaker 3: at the AL Central, you look at the Guardians, who 226 00:10:40,880 --> 00:10:44,520 Speaker 3: are off to a good year, the best record in 227 00:10:44,559 --> 00:10:48,120 Speaker 3: baseball so far. How long can these two teams sustain that? 228 00:10:49,120 --> 00:10:50,880 Speaker 1: That's a great question a lot, and I wrote about 229 00:10:50,920 --> 00:10:54,360 Speaker 1: it today in my notes column, because both these teams 230 00:10:54,400 --> 00:10:57,400 Speaker 1: have pitching issues, and yet at the same time, you've 231 00:10:57,440 --> 00:10:58,959 Speaker 1: got to give them all the credit in the world 232 00:10:58,960 --> 00:10:59,960 Speaker 1: for starting the way they do. 233 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:01,240 Speaker 2: They both with new managers. 234 00:11:01,280 --> 00:11:04,400 Speaker 1: By the way, now, the Brewers they lost Creig Council, 235 00:11:04,920 --> 00:11:08,199 Speaker 1: they traded Corbyn Burns. There without Devin Williams. They're without 236 00:11:08,200 --> 00:11:11,280 Speaker 1: Brandon Woodruff, who they re signed, but he's not available. 237 00:11:11,920 --> 00:11:14,400 Speaker 1: It's amazing to me what they're doing because they are 238 00:11:14,440 --> 00:11:19,520 Speaker 1: so shorthanded, and they had twelve players twelve players of 239 00:11:19,559 --> 00:11:22,120 Speaker 1: their twenty six who were on an opening day roster 240 00:11:22,200 --> 00:11:25,120 Speaker 1: for the first time they're extremely young. They clearly do 241 00:11:25,240 --> 00:11:28,200 Speaker 1: not worry about this. They go out there and play, 242 00:11:28,280 --> 00:11:31,679 Speaker 1: and this is the Brewer's thing. Right under council, they 243 00:11:31,800 --> 00:11:35,920 Speaker 1: routinely exceeded expectations and so far they're doing it again. 244 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:39,600 Speaker 1: But I just wonder with the pitching how long it 245 00:11:39,679 --> 00:11:42,480 Speaker 1: can hold up. As Pat Murphy, their manager, said, they're 246 00:11:42,480 --> 00:11:46,240 Speaker 1: missing seven of their top fifteen starters. Seven of the 247 00:11:46,240 --> 00:11:48,920 Speaker 1: top fifteen guys that they had going into spring training. 248 00:11:48,920 --> 00:11:52,040 Speaker 1: They're all injured in one form or another. Freddy Perrault 249 00:11:52,120 --> 00:11:55,000 Speaker 1: has been great. He has stepped forward as a true 250 00:11:55,040 --> 00:11:58,480 Speaker 1: ace now. But can they sustain this? Can their bullpen 251 00:11:58,559 --> 00:12:01,800 Speaker 1: survive without Williams until late May early June. 252 00:12:02,280 --> 00:12:03,640 Speaker 2: I don't know, but you know. 253 00:12:03,559 --> 00:12:06,000 Speaker 1: What, at this time of year, you stack up as 254 00:12:06,040 --> 00:12:08,600 Speaker 1: many wins as possible and you see where it goes. 255 00:12:09,120 --> 00:12:12,440 Speaker 1: Same holds for the Guardians. The Shane Bieber injury, the 256 00:12:12,440 --> 00:12:14,880 Speaker 1: loss of him for the season to do Tommy John 257 00:12:14,920 --> 00:12:18,840 Speaker 1: surgery was absolutely crushing. They're also without Gavin Williams, if 258 00:12:18,880 --> 00:12:21,160 Speaker 1: you remember, he had a strong Rokie season last year, 259 00:12:21,520 --> 00:12:24,480 Speaker 1: and to this point the rotation has been a little 260 00:12:24,480 --> 00:12:28,360 Speaker 1: bit unsteady, unsettled for lack of a better word. Their 261 00:12:28,360 --> 00:12:31,280 Speaker 1: bullpen's been amazing, but their bullpen's throwing too many innings, 262 00:12:31,400 --> 00:12:34,440 Speaker 1: much like the Brewers is. So I'm interested to see 263 00:12:34,440 --> 00:12:37,079 Speaker 1: where these two teams go. I admire what they've done. 264 00:12:37,120 --> 00:12:40,439 Speaker 1: I've always been kind of not a fan of the Brewers. 265 00:12:40,480 --> 00:12:43,400 Speaker 1: I'm not a fan of any team, but I love 266 00:12:43,440 --> 00:12:46,000 Speaker 1: what they do. Every single year. They bring it out 267 00:12:46,080 --> 00:12:48,920 Speaker 1: and they go after it and in most cases get 268 00:12:48,960 --> 00:12:51,920 Speaker 1: it done. I just worry with each of these clubs 269 00:12:52,320 --> 00:12:54,360 Speaker 1: how long it is going to last to get to 270 00:12:54,360 --> 00:12:58,280 Speaker 1: your original question because of these various pitching concerns. 271 00:12:58,760 --> 00:13:01,320 Speaker 3: Yeah, and don't forget too with the Milwaukee Brewers can 272 00:13:01,400 --> 00:13:04,080 Speaker 3: on the position player side, Christian Yelich now on the 273 00:13:04,120 --> 00:13:06,679 Speaker 3: il with that lower back spasm issue, and you don't know, 274 00:13:06,840 --> 00:13:07,640 Speaker 3: backs are tricky. 275 00:13:07,679 --> 00:13:09,360 Speaker 4: They're like obliques and hamstrings. 276 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:11,440 Speaker 3: You don't want to rush him back, but you also 277 00:13:11,559 --> 00:13:14,640 Speaker 3: need him in that lineup as well. So we'll have 278 00:13:14,720 --> 00:13:16,440 Speaker 3: to keep an eye on what the Brewers are doing, 279 00:13:16,440 --> 00:13:18,320 Speaker 3: and of course what the Guardians are doing. I want 280 00:13:18,320 --> 00:13:20,000 Speaker 3: to ask you a bit before we get to some 281 00:13:20,080 --> 00:13:22,920 Speaker 3: Grill and Ken questions here, just your take on the 282 00:13:22,920 --> 00:13:25,600 Speaker 3: Boston Red Sox. This wasn't in our production meeting. This 283 00:13:25,720 --> 00:13:27,440 Speaker 3: wasn't on, but you can talk about every single team 284 00:13:27,440 --> 00:13:29,880 Speaker 3: in the league. Of course, So Rafael Devers is getting 285 00:13:29,920 --> 00:13:33,920 Speaker 3: an MRI because that knee is problematic. He was dealing 286 00:13:33,920 --> 00:13:36,480 Speaker 3: with the shoulder injury, now he's dealing with the knee injury. 287 00:13:36,840 --> 00:13:39,679 Speaker 3: He is on the shelf. Y'a Momoto or excuse me, 288 00:13:39,760 --> 00:13:42,360 Speaker 3: Yoshida is also on the shelf too. As far as 289 00:13:42,360 --> 00:13:44,760 Speaker 3: another position player is concerned, not on the shelf, but 290 00:13:44,800 --> 00:13:46,920 Speaker 3: on the bench, I should say, because he's been struggling 291 00:13:46,920 --> 00:13:47,840 Speaker 3: offensively a bit. 292 00:13:48,440 --> 00:13:51,079 Speaker 4: Are you surprised at the ten and nine start for the. 293 00:13:51,040 --> 00:13:54,120 Speaker 3: Red Sox and can they sustain much like we're talking 294 00:13:54,120 --> 00:13:56,000 Speaker 3: about with the Guardians and the Brewers. 295 00:13:56,559 --> 00:13:58,960 Speaker 1: Well, Tyler O'Neil just went on the injured list as well. 296 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:01,440 Speaker 1: He's been arguably the best hitter in baseball in the 297 00:14:01,480 --> 00:14:02,200 Speaker 1: early goings. 298 00:14:02,200 --> 00:14:04,720 Speaker 2: So yes, they have some serious concerns here. 299 00:14:05,160 --> 00:14:07,680 Speaker 1: Without Trevor's story who of course, they've lost for the 300 00:14:07,760 --> 00:14:11,000 Speaker 1: year as well. Their defense has suffered, and it's so 301 00:14:11,120 --> 00:14:14,640 Speaker 1: interesting seeing this team they're starting. Pitching has been the 302 00:14:14,679 --> 00:14:16,480 Speaker 1: best in the league, best in the majors. 303 00:14:16,520 --> 00:14:17,400 Speaker 2: No one expected that. 304 00:14:17,760 --> 00:14:20,640 Speaker 1: We all were writing all off season, Hey, The Red 305 00:14:20,640 --> 00:14:21,680 Speaker 1: Sox needs starting pitching. 306 00:14:21,720 --> 00:14:22,760 Speaker 2: They need to go get a starter. 307 00:14:23,240 --> 00:14:26,120 Speaker 1: They got one and he got hurt, Lucas Giolito. So 308 00:14:27,640 --> 00:14:30,360 Speaker 1: it seems like it's ominous for the Red Sox for sure, 309 00:14:30,440 --> 00:14:33,120 Speaker 1: even though Tanner Houck gave him that great effort last night. 310 00:14:33,760 --> 00:14:36,760 Speaker 1: I don't know how they sustain it, Alana, because of 311 00:14:36,800 --> 00:14:40,360 Speaker 1: all these injuries that are mounting. But I'm impressed by 312 00:14:40,360 --> 00:14:42,320 Speaker 1: what they've done on the pitching side with their new 313 00:14:42,320 --> 00:14:46,200 Speaker 1: pitching coach Andrew Bailey, clearly, with him and Breslow now 314 00:14:46,280 --> 00:14:49,080 Speaker 1: running the team, Craig Breslow, he's the chief baseball officer, 315 00:14:49,240 --> 00:14:52,560 Speaker 1: former pitcher himself. They've done some things on the pitching 316 00:14:52,640 --> 00:14:54,480 Speaker 1: side to improve and that's a good thing. 317 00:14:55,000 --> 00:14:58,040 Speaker 3: Yeah, they're starting staff one point eighty five, as you mentioned, 318 00:14:58,080 --> 00:15:01,120 Speaker 3: best in baseball, and that's even with Pave and Garrett 319 00:15:01,120 --> 00:15:02,400 Speaker 3: Whitlock on the il. 320 00:15:02,480 --> 00:15:03,280 Speaker 4: Now, all right, get to. 321 00:15:03,280 --> 00:15:06,680 Speaker 3: Your grill and ken questions in. We want to hear 322 00:15:06,720 --> 00:15:08,560 Speaker 3: from you and what you guys have to say. So 323 00:15:08,880 --> 00:15:11,280 Speaker 3: we're gonna start with this. Not a ton of questions 324 00:15:11,280 --> 00:15:14,680 Speaker 3: in here yet, but let's get them going. Stevenson first. Obviously, 325 00:15:14,720 --> 00:15:17,680 Speaker 3: we don't want another guy to go on the il 326 00:15:17,800 --> 00:15:19,160 Speaker 3: with a blown elbow. 327 00:15:19,240 --> 00:15:21,640 Speaker 4: But that's a big blow for the Angels. 328 00:15:21,680 --> 00:15:25,440 Speaker 1: Ken it is, and you almost could have anticipated it 329 00:15:25,480 --> 00:15:27,160 Speaker 1: to some degree Alna because. 330 00:15:26,960 --> 00:15:28,600 Speaker 2: Of the way his contract was structured. 331 00:15:29,200 --> 00:15:32,560 Speaker 1: They put in a club option for two thy twenty 332 00:15:32,640 --> 00:15:34,440 Speaker 1: seven would be a fourth year on that deal. 333 00:15:34,480 --> 00:15:36,240 Speaker 2: He signed for three years thirty three million. 334 00:15:36,800 --> 00:15:40,000 Speaker 1: The Angels get a club option for two point five million, 335 00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:42,520 Speaker 1: and that fourth year not very much money. If he 336 00:15:42,720 --> 00:15:45,440 Speaker 1: suffers an injury, that's going to keep him out for 337 00:15:45,440 --> 00:15:48,720 Speaker 1: an extended amount of time. And that's what has happened now. 338 00:15:48,760 --> 00:15:53,000 Speaker 1: The Angels have also played better than expected, I would say, 339 00:15:53,120 --> 00:15:56,480 Speaker 1: in recent weeks really since their zero and two start, 340 00:15:56,560 --> 00:15:59,640 Speaker 1: and this is a huge blow to them. But that said, 341 00:16:00,280 --> 00:16:02,240 Speaker 1: I kind of like what I'm seeing from this team now. 342 00:16:02,240 --> 00:16:04,400 Speaker 1: It's not going to be easy without Stevenson, of course, 343 00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:09,120 Speaker 1: but they're showing fight. Trout is playing extremely well MVP level, 344 00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:13,320 Speaker 1: he's back, and Rendon after a really slow start, has 345 00:16:13,400 --> 00:16:16,240 Speaker 1: also come around. So I'm not saying they're going to 346 00:16:16,280 --> 00:16:18,600 Speaker 1: be a great team, but can they be in the 347 00:16:18,680 --> 00:16:21,680 Speaker 1: mix here for a wild card? It looks that way 348 00:16:21,720 --> 00:16:24,720 Speaker 1: they're starting. Pitching has to stabilize a little bit debt. 349 00:16:24,720 --> 00:16:29,600 Speaker 1: Meurs has been great, but at the same time, without Stevenson, 350 00:16:29,640 --> 00:16:31,720 Speaker 1: that bullpen is going to be challenged. There's no doubt 351 00:16:31,760 --> 00:16:32,080 Speaker 1: about that. 352 00:16:32,120 --> 00:16:33,520 Speaker 2: They signed him for that reason. 353 00:16:34,520 --> 00:16:37,840 Speaker 3: Is this the Ron Washington effect? He's leaving notes in 354 00:16:37,880 --> 00:16:40,160 Speaker 3: their lockers before every single game. I mean, this is 355 00:16:40,200 --> 00:16:42,120 Speaker 3: a guy that I would have run through a wall for. 356 00:16:42,400 --> 00:16:44,960 Speaker 3: It seems like he's changing that culture pretty quickly. 357 00:16:46,360 --> 00:16:50,160 Speaker 1: I would agree. I do think that Wash has an 358 00:16:50,200 --> 00:16:52,240 Speaker 1: impact wherever he goes. He is one of the most 359 00:16:52,280 --> 00:16:54,760 Speaker 1: positive people and yet one of the most firm people 360 00:16:54,800 --> 00:16:58,840 Speaker 1: in the game. No nonsense, and he tolerates no fools. 361 00:16:59,040 --> 00:17:02,200 Speaker 1: But if you work and you do your job correctly, 362 00:17:02,240 --> 00:17:04,880 Speaker 1: he's right there with you. Now he's part of it. 363 00:17:05,240 --> 00:17:07,879 Speaker 1: I also see them as a team that has a 364 00:17:07,920 --> 00:17:10,320 Speaker 1: better position player group than many of us give them 365 00:17:10,359 --> 00:17:14,120 Speaker 1: credit for. Taylor Ward good player, Zach Nantel is starting 366 00:17:14,160 --> 00:17:17,600 Speaker 1: slowly good player, and they're kind of all over the 367 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:20,240 Speaker 1: roster logan O hoppy, I mean, forgot to mention him. 368 00:17:20,560 --> 00:17:24,480 Speaker 1: So I kind of like them from that perspective. They're 369 00:17:24,920 --> 00:17:28,200 Speaker 1: a team with some shortcomings, no doubt, but they can 370 00:17:28,359 --> 00:17:31,840 Speaker 1: compete and with Wash there there will be no tolerance 371 00:17:31,920 --> 00:17:33,920 Speaker 1: of a less than competitive approach. 372 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:36,520 Speaker 3: I love that you say he suffers no fools. Time 373 00:17:36,560 --> 00:17:40,480 Speaker 3: now for some questions for Grill and Ken, Drew Bows. 374 00:17:40,520 --> 00:17:43,560 Speaker 3: We're gonna have this question for you, Grill, Ken, and Alana. 375 00:17:43,640 --> 00:17:45,560 Speaker 3: What went wrong for the White Sox to go from 376 00:17:45,560 --> 00:17:49,280 Speaker 3: twenty twenty two World Series contender to three and fifteen 377 00:17:49,320 --> 00:17:52,080 Speaker 3: in twenty twenty four? Also, how long till they can 378 00:17:52,119 --> 00:17:54,280 Speaker 3: compete or will they ever compete again? 379 00:17:56,200 --> 00:17:59,000 Speaker 1: If you're a White Sox fan, I understand your feeling 380 00:17:59,080 --> 00:18:01,960 Speaker 1: on that, because right now it doesn't look like they'll 381 00:18:01,960 --> 00:18:05,199 Speaker 1: ever compete again. The main thing that went wrong, in 382 00:18:05,240 --> 00:18:08,359 Speaker 1: my opinion, is that the guys that they committed to 383 00:18:08,480 --> 00:18:11,560 Speaker 1: long term, With the exception of Luis Robert Jr. I'm 384 00:18:11,600 --> 00:18:15,680 Speaker 1: talking about Mancata and Jimenez, those guys have not become. 385 00:18:15,640 --> 00:18:17,399 Speaker 2: The players that we thought they could. 386 00:18:17,440 --> 00:18:20,720 Speaker 1: And some of the other players are good, but they 387 00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:24,760 Speaker 1: haven't really maybe erupted into stardom. Andrew Vaughan kind of 388 00:18:24,800 --> 00:18:28,600 Speaker 1: comes to mind there. They've also had a poor farm system, 389 00:18:28,640 --> 00:18:30,880 Speaker 1: there's no question about it. And what's interesting is their 390 00:18:30,920 --> 00:18:34,520 Speaker 1: general manager, Chris Getz was their farm director. Now they 391 00:18:34,560 --> 00:18:37,680 Speaker 1: have some young players coming and there are some interesting 392 00:18:37,720 --> 00:18:40,119 Speaker 1: things going on with the team. Garat Crochet as a 393 00:18:40,160 --> 00:18:45,280 Speaker 1: starter is one, but they just have not put it together. 394 00:18:45,560 --> 00:18:48,520 Speaker 2: And there's a culture issue there or has been. 395 00:18:48,680 --> 00:18:52,080 Speaker 1: Or at least was under Larusa. The players and LaRussa 396 00:18:52,119 --> 00:18:53,840 Speaker 1: were not necessarily on the same page. 397 00:18:53,920 --> 00:18:54,840 Speaker 2: But it goes beyond that. 398 00:18:55,280 --> 00:18:57,639 Speaker 1: It goes to talent, and it goes to the ability 399 00:18:57,680 --> 00:19:01,280 Speaker 1: to replenish talent. They haven't done that all Right. 400 00:19:01,320 --> 00:19:04,920 Speaker 3: Time now for a super chat on Andy Pajas and Ken. 401 00:19:04,960 --> 00:19:07,840 Speaker 3: You were talking earlier about the lack of production from 402 00:19:07,840 --> 00:19:11,440 Speaker 3: the Dodgers outfielders and perhaps that's why the Andy Pajs 403 00:19:11,440 --> 00:19:14,119 Speaker 3: Aaron has started soon. So this is from Nick in 404 00:19:14,160 --> 00:19:16,000 Speaker 3: the super chat. Thank you so much Nick for that 405 00:19:16,400 --> 00:19:19,040 Speaker 3: what we'll keep Andy Pajs up in the big league. 406 00:19:19,119 --> 00:19:20,959 Speaker 3: So basically, it's one thing to get here, Ken, it's 407 00:19:21,000 --> 00:19:22,880 Speaker 3: another thing entirely to stay. 408 00:19:23,359 --> 00:19:23,960 Speaker 4: Well a lot. 409 00:19:24,280 --> 00:19:25,600 Speaker 2: We know the answer to this question. 410 00:19:25,880 --> 00:19:29,879 Speaker 1: It's production, and young players come to the big leagues 411 00:19:29,920 --> 00:19:32,720 Speaker 1: and they're expected to produce. Jackson Holliday is going through 412 00:19:32,720 --> 00:19:34,679 Speaker 1: a difficult time right now in Baltimore. 413 00:19:34,760 --> 00:19:37,680 Speaker 2: Right he hasn't started the way they all. 414 00:19:37,560 --> 00:19:40,919 Speaker 1: Thought he would. It's typical of young players. Mike Trout 415 00:19:40,960 --> 00:19:42,880 Speaker 1: was sent back to the minor leagues. If you remember, 416 00:19:43,280 --> 00:19:48,080 Speaker 1: Andy pa has obviously has to produce now if he doesn't, 417 00:19:48,240 --> 00:19:50,520 Speaker 1: they send them back. Not the worst thing in the world. 418 00:19:50,440 --> 00:19:52,120 Speaker 2: Happened to Trout. He was fine. 419 00:19:52,200 --> 00:19:55,440 Speaker 1: It might happen to Jackson Holiday too, but that's the idea. 420 00:19:55,560 --> 00:19:58,640 Speaker 1: They want him to be the offensive player. He has 421 00:19:58,680 --> 00:20:02,760 Speaker 1: been a triple A really good offensive player, and he's 422 00:20:02,800 --> 00:20:06,240 Speaker 1: their number one offensive prospect. I would expect that it 423 00:20:06,320 --> 00:20:08,800 Speaker 1: might not happen necessarily this time, but it's going to 424 00:20:08,840 --> 00:20:11,520 Speaker 1: happen for him. He's too good, just like Jackson Holliday 425 00:20:11,560 --> 00:20:12,080 Speaker 1: is too good. 426 00:20:12,560 --> 00:20:14,919 Speaker 3: Yeah, Clayton Kershaw was sent down too, when he's a 427 00:20:14,960 --> 00:20:15,879 Speaker 3: future Hall of Famer. 428 00:20:15,960 --> 00:20:17,480 Speaker 4: So it happens to the best of them. 429 00:20:17,520 --> 00:20:19,879 Speaker 3: And you're actually going to have the Dodgers and Mets 430 00:20:19,920 --> 00:20:22,440 Speaker 3: game this weekend on Fox, so perhaps you'll have a 431 00:20:22,480 --> 00:20:25,560 Speaker 3: conversation with Andy Pajus at least maybe you'll be able 432 00:20:25,640 --> 00:20:28,960 Speaker 3: to see him in person. So all right, so another 433 00:20:28,960 --> 00:20:31,720 Speaker 3: Superchat question. We appreciate that. As we continue here on 434 00:20:31,800 --> 00:20:34,879 Speaker 3: Grill and Ken, Daniel Rothenberg on the super Chat says, 435 00:20:35,040 --> 00:20:38,320 Speaker 3: who are the biggest names traded before the deadline? We're 436 00:20:38,320 --> 00:20:41,120 Speaker 3: already talking trading here and we're three weeks into the season. 437 00:20:42,280 --> 00:20:44,200 Speaker 2: Daniel, I like, where you're going with this now? 438 00:20:44,680 --> 00:20:47,359 Speaker 1: It's interesting you asked that question because I've been thinking 439 00:20:47,359 --> 00:20:51,680 Speaker 1: about it a little bit already with starting pitchers, because 440 00:20:51,720 --> 00:20:54,280 Speaker 1: of the brave situation after losing Strider. 441 00:20:54,320 --> 00:20:56,160 Speaker 2: I was like, Okay, who's going to be out there? 442 00:20:56,600 --> 00:20:58,640 Speaker 1: One name I will give you right off the top. 443 00:20:58,480 --> 00:21:01,760 Speaker 2: Of my head. This guy will go is Jesus Lozardo. 444 00:21:02,320 --> 00:21:05,480 Speaker 1: He is the Marlins best pitcher. He is, I believe, 445 00:21:05,720 --> 00:21:08,679 Speaker 1: two years away from free agency after this season, and 446 00:21:08,840 --> 00:21:11,480 Speaker 1: it's a guy that entertained offers for all off season, 447 00:21:11,920 --> 00:21:15,160 Speaker 1: and I would expect that because of their competitive situation, 448 00:21:15,280 --> 00:21:18,040 Speaker 1: which is not too competitive, he is going to go. 449 00:21:18,680 --> 00:21:22,120 Speaker 1: As for others, we do need the races to sort out. 450 00:21:22,160 --> 00:21:25,280 Speaker 1: And I will say this too, as I looked the 451 00:21:25,320 --> 00:21:27,840 Speaker 1: other day to see which pitchers could go and try 452 00:21:27,880 --> 00:21:29,679 Speaker 1: to make a little bit of a list in my mind, 453 00:21:31,320 --> 00:21:35,159 Speaker 1: it's amazing now, not amazing, but it's interesting now how 454 00:21:35,200 --> 00:21:38,840 Speaker 1: many teams are trying to compete. It's not like maybe 455 00:21:38,880 --> 00:21:41,080 Speaker 1: five ten years ago when we had three or four 456 00:21:41,119 --> 00:21:43,280 Speaker 1: that were just not in it. Now, the White Sox 457 00:21:43,320 --> 00:21:47,560 Speaker 1: and Rockies are not very good, obviously, but they, in theory, 458 00:21:47,600 --> 00:21:49,679 Speaker 1: were trying to compete at a higher level than they are. 459 00:21:49,720 --> 00:21:52,960 Speaker 1: But I'm talking about most likely, or more likely teams 460 00:21:53,480 --> 00:21:57,159 Speaker 1: like the Royals, the Tigers, every team in the NL Central, 461 00:21:57,240 --> 00:22:00,000 Speaker 1: the Pirates, the Reds, the Brewers, the Cubs, the Cardinals. 462 00:22:00,119 --> 00:22:03,520 Speaker 1: They all want to compete. That hasn't always been the case, 463 00:22:03,560 --> 00:22:07,119 Speaker 1: and that complicates the deadline because teams are less willing 464 00:22:07,160 --> 00:22:09,920 Speaker 1: to sell, and what you see at that point are 465 00:22:09,960 --> 00:22:14,000 Speaker 1: perhaps more trades between contenders to fill needs. It's a 466 00:22:14,000 --> 00:22:17,359 Speaker 1: little early to assess all this yet, and certainly teams 467 00:22:17,440 --> 00:22:20,560 Speaker 1: will fall out of contention and then become sellers. But 468 00:22:22,800 --> 00:22:25,240 Speaker 1: we'll see. We'll see what happens. Because the other element 469 00:22:25,320 --> 00:22:28,760 Speaker 1: here as I think about this, the number of potential 470 00:22:28,800 --> 00:22:32,000 Speaker 1: free agents in the mix. Jim Bowden just wrote a 471 00:22:32,040 --> 00:22:35,760 Speaker 1: column for The Athletic listing one hundred potential free agents, 472 00:22:36,160 --> 00:22:38,720 Speaker 1: and many of them are opt outs. We're not sure 473 00:22:38,760 --> 00:22:41,960 Speaker 1: about them, but some of those guys will stay, obviously 474 00:22:42,040 --> 00:22:44,280 Speaker 1: most of them will, but some will get traded as well. 475 00:22:44,720 --> 00:22:46,679 Speaker 3: And ninety nine of the one hundred are Scott Boris 476 00:22:46,760 --> 00:22:48,719 Speaker 3: is no doubt. I'm just kidding. All right time now 477 00:22:48,840 --> 00:22:51,720 Speaker 3: for dude and dork. I love this segment, especially for 478 00:22:51,760 --> 00:22:54,440 Speaker 3: the dudes. We got to give some props to these folks. Ken, 479 00:22:54,960 --> 00:22:56,040 Speaker 3: who is your Dude of the week? 480 00:22:57,080 --> 00:22:59,359 Speaker 1: Lots of candidates. I want to mention Cedric Mullens of 481 00:22:59,359 --> 00:23:02,520 Speaker 1: the Oils, who had amazing series against the Twins. I 482 00:23:02,560 --> 00:23:06,560 Speaker 1: want to mention Pete Alonso for his attire yesterday on 483 00:23:06,760 --> 00:23:10,399 Speaker 1: MLB Network with You Alana. He wore a Foul Territory 484 00:23:10,440 --> 00:23:13,160 Speaker 1: T shirt that was amazing. But to me, there can 485 00:23:13,200 --> 00:23:15,920 Speaker 1: only be one Dude of the Week, and it's John Sterling, 486 00:23:16,000 --> 00:23:19,720 Speaker 1: the Yankees legendary play by play broadcaster. He is eighty 487 00:23:19,720 --> 00:23:20,440 Speaker 1: five years old. 488 00:23:20,480 --> 00:23:21,320 Speaker 2: He is retiring. 489 00:23:21,400 --> 00:23:23,199 Speaker 1: He has called his last game. They're going to have 490 00:23:23,200 --> 00:23:26,600 Speaker 1: a ceremony for him Saturday at Yankee Stadium. And I 491 00:23:26,600 --> 00:23:28,840 Speaker 1: want to relate a conversation I had with Mike Takman 492 00:23:29,200 --> 00:23:31,679 Speaker 1: of the Cubs the other day. He was a former Yankee, 493 00:23:31,920 --> 00:23:34,880 Speaker 1: and he told me that the Yankees would listen to 494 00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:38,080 Speaker 1: Sterling like in the clubhouse instead of putting the TV 495 00:23:38,200 --> 00:23:40,240 Speaker 1: on because they wanted to hear the funny calls. 496 00:23:40,280 --> 00:23:41,640 Speaker 2: They just wanted to hear him. 497 00:23:41,920 --> 00:23:45,080 Speaker 1: And what's heartwarming to me about all this, Alana is 498 00:23:45,119 --> 00:23:48,200 Speaker 1: the outpouring of affection for Sterling because he's taken heat 499 00:23:48,280 --> 00:23:50,720 Speaker 1: over the years. He doesn't get every call, right, whatever, 500 00:23:51,440 --> 00:23:54,960 Speaker 1: My goodness, the man is eighty five, He's done this forever. 501 00:23:55,200 --> 00:23:58,280 Speaker 1: He is, without question, the dude of the week. 502 00:23:58,760 --> 00:24:00,439 Speaker 4: Yeah, he's a legend. 503 00:24:00,520 --> 00:24:02,040 Speaker 3: And you know he was with the Yankees behind the 504 00:24:02,080 --> 00:24:04,080 Speaker 3: mic for thirty six years and that was a kind 505 00:24:04,119 --> 00:24:06,560 Speaker 3: of a swan song, if you will. It was a 506 00:24:06,680 --> 00:24:09,199 Speaker 3: second career for him because he had brilliant careers with 507 00:24:09,280 --> 00:24:12,360 Speaker 3: other teams prior to even getting to the New York Yankees. 508 00:24:12,400 --> 00:24:14,320 Speaker 3: I also want to say thank you to Pete Alonzo. 509 00:24:14,560 --> 00:24:16,560 Speaker 3: Every time he hits a home run, he donates one 510 00:24:16,560 --> 00:24:20,280 Speaker 3: thousand dollars to an animal rescue organization in the New 511 00:24:20,359 --> 00:24:22,080 Speaker 3: York area and that's very close to my heart. So 512 00:24:22,119 --> 00:24:24,720 Speaker 3: thank you for Pete Alonzo. Mine is Byron Buxton, and 513 00:24:24,720 --> 00:24:26,800 Speaker 3: the reason being ken is I actually had an interview 514 00:24:26,840 --> 00:24:29,360 Speaker 3: with him yesterday before I even knew about the story. 515 00:24:29,720 --> 00:24:32,200 Speaker 3: There was a young man that went to a game 516 00:24:32,520 --> 00:24:35,800 Speaker 3: and Byron Buxton signed the ball for him as the 517 00:24:35,920 --> 00:24:38,680 Speaker 3: usher was sending the ball back up to the young boy. 518 00:24:39,200 --> 00:24:41,320 Speaker 3: Another I don't even want to call him a fan. 519 00:24:41,400 --> 00:24:44,640 Speaker 3: Another jerk stole the ball away from this little boy 520 00:24:44,720 --> 00:24:46,959 Speaker 3: and ran with it and took the ball away from him. 521 00:24:47,040 --> 00:24:50,240 Speaker 3: So the little boy's mom posted on social media the 522 00:24:50,560 --> 00:24:53,880 Speaker 3: positive power of social media, and Byron Buxton made it right. 523 00:24:53,920 --> 00:24:55,400 Speaker 3: He said, I'll make sure that you get a ball, 524 00:24:55,560 --> 00:24:57,720 Speaker 3: and I've got you basically hope to see you today 525 00:24:57,760 --> 00:24:58,800 Speaker 3: or meet you at some point. 526 00:24:58,840 --> 00:25:00,960 Speaker 4: We'll make it right. I got you. That's cool. I mean, 527 00:25:00,960 --> 00:25:01,760 Speaker 4: that's the class act. 528 00:25:01,760 --> 00:25:05,280 Speaker 3: And I remember interviewing Byron Buxton in twenty twelve, before 529 00:25:05,320 --> 00:25:09,560 Speaker 3: he was even drafted. I was in Baxley, Georgia interviewing 530 00:25:09,600 --> 00:25:11,840 Speaker 3: this kid before he was drafted. Ended up being the 531 00:25:11,880 --> 00:25:15,119 Speaker 3: second pick in the draft. He debuted in twenty fifteen. 532 00:25:15,160 --> 00:25:17,000 Speaker 3: He's been in the league for ten years, which makes 533 00:25:17,040 --> 00:25:17,920 Speaker 3: me feel ancient. 534 00:25:18,240 --> 00:25:18,920 Speaker 4: But good for him. 535 00:25:18,960 --> 00:25:21,920 Speaker 3: He's still awaking those amazing catches. Him and Cedric Mullins 536 00:25:21,920 --> 00:25:23,479 Speaker 3: are trading catches. 537 00:25:23,480 --> 00:25:25,760 Speaker 4: All right. How about your dork of the week. 538 00:25:26,920 --> 00:25:31,679 Speaker 1: The John Fisher dork of the week? Yes, Anna, you 539 00:25:31,720 --> 00:25:34,040 Speaker 1: go first. I want you to go first, all right. 540 00:25:34,119 --> 00:25:38,879 Speaker 3: So mine is an umpiring situation, probably different than yours, 541 00:25:38,920 --> 00:25:41,199 Speaker 3: but this was a very interesting case. So in the 542 00:25:41,240 --> 00:25:44,040 Speaker 3: Giants and the Marlins game on Monday, Ken bottom of 543 00:25:44,080 --> 00:25:47,200 Speaker 3: the eighth inning man on first, two out, two relievers 544 00:25:47,200 --> 00:25:49,960 Speaker 3: are warming up. The Giants had a one run lead 545 00:25:50,040 --> 00:25:53,919 Speaker 3: at that point. Okay, so manager Bob Melvin, veteran manager, 546 00:25:54,080 --> 00:25:56,600 Speaker 3: good baseball man, we're not talking about a rookie as 547 00:25:56,600 --> 00:25:59,440 Speaker 3: far as this is concerned, wanted a pitching change. He 548 00:25:59,520 --> 00:26:02,640 Speaker 3: made the call to the pen and lefty Taylor Rogers 549 00:26:02,680 --> 00:26:06,639 Speaker 3: came trotting out, but then he was actually not wanting 550 00:26:06,800 --> 00:26:10,160 Speaker 3: to bring him in. He summoned his closer Camillo Dovall instead, 551 00:26:10,240 --> 00:26:13,960 Speaker 3: so before Rogers could reach the mound, umpires intercepted him, 552 00:26:14,240 --> 00:26:16,960 Speaker 3: sent him back to the bullpen, calling out Doval. Well, 553 00:26:16,960 --> 00:26:22,000 Speaker 3: then Skip Schumacher rightfully so lost his mind because they 554 00:26:22,320 --> 00:26:24,159 Speaker 3: brought out a different reliever. There must have been some 555 00:26:24,240 --> 00:26:29,000 Speaker 3: miscommunication on the bullpen exchange in that area on that 556 00:26:29,119 --> 00:26:31,920 Speaker 3: side of the phone, and Skip Schumacher blew his top. 557 00:26:31,920 --> 00:26:34,200 Speaker 3: But I don't blame him. That's not something that can happen. 558 00:26:34,240 --> 00:26:36,760 Speaker 3: That's a Little League mistake. If you call for the 559 00:26:36,960 --> 00:26:39,160 Speaker 3: if you call for the lefty, the lefty. 560 00:26:38,880 --> 00:26:39,600 Speaker 4: Has to come out. 561 00:26:40,440 --> 00:26:43,200 Speaker 3: You can't make that choice to have Doval come out. 562 00:26:43,200 --> 00:26:45,040 Speaker 3: And then he took forever warming up because he wasn't 563 00:26:45,040 --> 00:26:45,640 Speaker 3: warming up to. 564 00:26:45,560 --> 00:26:48,879 Speaker 1: Begin with, all right, Alta, I wanted to save the 565 00:26:48,920 --> 00:26:49,560 Speaker 1: worst for last. 566 00:26:49,560 --> 00:26:52,440 Speaker 2: That's why I ask you to go first. Angel Hernandez 567 00:26:52,520 --> 00:26:53,720 Speaker 2: is the door of the week, Jackie. 568 00:26:53,840 --> 00:26:57,760 Speaker 1: He's he's been universally reviled for a while now by 569 00:26:57,840 --> 00:27:01,119 Speaker 1: fans and players and managers and coaches. And he outdid 570 00:27:01,200 --> 00:27:04,520 Speaker 1: himself last Friday with the Wyatt Langford at bat, in 571 00:27:04,560 --> 00:27:07,040 Speaker 1: which he called three straight pitches out of the zone 572 00:27:07,040 --> 00:27:09,560 Speaker 1: for strikes to call out this rookie struck him out 573 00:27:09,560 --> 00:27:12,760 Speaker 1: looking and the last of those pitches in the history 574 00:27:12,840 --> 00:27:16,960 Speaker 1: of the X account Umpire audit was the biggest miss 575 00:27:17,200 --> 00:27:19,200 Speaker 1: of a pitch of all time, well at least since 576 00:27:19,280 --> 00:27:22,800 Speaker 1: umpire Audit came into existence in twenty fourteen. Now, I 577 00:27:22,840 --> 00:27:25,000 Speaker 1: wrote a little bit about Angel in my Notes Calm Today, 578 00:27:25,320 --> 00:27:28,200 Speaker 1: and I pointed out that the umpires like him a lot. 579 00:27:28,359 --> 00:27:30,920 Speaker 1: They think of him as just a really outstanding person, 580 00:27:30,960 --> 00:27:34,000 Speaker 1: and there's some examples in there, and I mentioned in there. 581 00:27:34,080 --> 00:27:35,200 Speaker 2: Listen, I know fans and. 582 00:27:35,240 --> 00:27:37,040 Speaker 1: Other people don't want to hear this. I just thought 583 00:27:37,040 --> 00:27:40,480 Speaker 1: it was an interesting perspective and the comments were amazing. 584 00:27:40,560 --> 00:27:42,399 Speaker 1: They were like, no, Ken, we don't want to hear this. 585 00:27:42,480 --> 00:27:43,160 Speaker 2: He's terrible. 586 00:27:44,119 --> 00:27:46,520 Speaker 1: I also wrote about how it's going to be difficult 587 00:27:46,560 --> 00:27:50,080 Speaker 1: to remove him, and in one sense, it's entertaining to 588 00:27:50,119 --> 00:27:53,400 Speaker 1: have Angel in the game. In another sense, it's kind 589 00:27:53,440 --> 00:27:55,040 Speaker 1: of time for this to stop. 590 00:27:55,200 --> 00:27:57,399 Speaker 2: So Angel Hernandez dork of the Week. 591 00:27:57,800 --> 00:28:01,080 Speaker 3: Well, Wyatt Langford can't say anything because he's a rookie. 592 00:28:01,160 --> 00:28:03,520 Speaker 4: But you're thinking, you've got to be kidding me with this. 593 00:28:03,680 --> 00:28:07,160 Speaker 3: And it's funny because I did hear you on Foul Territory, 594 00:28:07,160 --> 00:28:09,760 Speaker 3: which is coming up right after us talk about this, 595 00:28:09,880 --> 00:28:13,479 Speaker 3: that you had called and texted an umpire asking about 596 00:28:13,560 --> 00:28:16,760 Speaker 3: their relationship and why do you guys let this continue? 597 00:28:17,200 --> 00:28:19,760 Speaker 3: And to your surprise, Ken, they said, hey, we really 598 00:28:19,840 --> 00:28:23,000 Speaker 3: like the guy. We all make mistakes. There's a situation 599 00:28:23,080 --> 00:28:28,160 Speaker 3: where we all make mistakes, but for Angel Hernandez it's 600 00:28:28,240 --> 00:28:30,480 Speaker 3: the rule, not the exception to be wrong. 601 00:28:31,520 --> 00:28:34,359 Speaker 1: Agreed, And there was a game his last plate job 602 00:28:34,359 --> 00:28:37,119 Speaker 1: he got ninety percent accuracy and I looked and I 603 00:28:37,160 --> 00:28:39,959 Speaker 1: averaged out the other umpire's performances that night. They were 604 00:28:40,040 --> 00:28:43,000 Speaker 1: ninety five percent accuracy. It's a big difference in a 605 00:28:43,040 --> 00:28:46,280 Speaker 1: baseball game, and again, this is not a first time thing. 606 00:28:46,360 --> 00:28:49,200 Speaker 1: This is a regular thing. Angel was injured for a 607 00:28:49,200 --> 00:28:51,640 Speaker 1: lot of last year. And I don't want to sit 608 00:28:51,680 --> 00:28:54,720 Speaker 1: here saying this guy needs to be fired immediately. 609 00:28:54,760 --> 00:28:56,200 Speaker 2: I kind of hate talking about that. 610 00:28:56,160 --> 00:28:59,280 Speaker 1: Kind of thing. But the bottom line is we all 611 00:28:59,280 --> 00:29:01,800 Speaker 1: are judged, right, everybody is judged. 612 00:29:01,440 --> 00:29:04,120 Speaker 2: In their jobs by their job performance. He has not 613 00:29:04,200 --> 00:29:04,960 Speaker 2: performed well. 614 00:29:05,920 --> 00:29:09,000 Speaker 3: Yeah, accountability is important, and you're taking the bat out 615 00:29:09,000 --> 00:29:11,480 Speaker 3: of the player's hands and you're you know, you're messing 616 00:29:11,520 --> 00:29:14,400 Speaker 3: with people's careers too. You're messing with people's you know, 617 00:29:14,560 --> 00:29:17,480 Speaker 3: seasons and production and that type of thing too, and 618 00:29:17,520 --> 00:29:21,000 Speaker 3: that's unfortunate. All right, So Foul Territory is coming up next. 619 00:29:21,040 --> 00:29:23,640 Speaker 3: The guys are live in Cincinnati, so Scott Braun and 620 00:29:23,920 --> 00:29:26,479 Speaker 3: folks will be coming up in a little bit. We're 621 00:29:26,520 --> 00:29:29,000 Speaker 3: gonna have much more on the Dodgers on Dodgers Territory 622 00:29:29,000 --> 00:29:31,480 Speaker 3: at three pm Eastern. Ken is covering the Dodgers and 623 00:29:31,600 --> 00:29:34,720 Speaker 3: Mets game this weekend on Fox on Saturday, and Ken, 624 00:29:34,760 --> 00:29:38,120 Speaker 3: we'll be back with you live on Monday on Fair Territory. 625 00:29:38,200 --> 00:29:39,040 Speaker 4: Ken, thanks so much. 626 00:29:39,080 --> 00:29:41,680 Speaker 3: I appreciate you as always all of your insight and 627 00:29:41,720 --> 00:29:44,760 Speaker 3: if you guys want subscribe like us, go to YouTube 628 00:29:44,760 --> 00:29:47,160 Speaker 3: and wherever you can get your podcasts on Foul Territory. 629 00:29:47,160 --> 00:29:48,920 Speaker 4: We appreciate it. Then we'll see you Monday.