1 00:00:04,078 --> 00:00:07,318 Speaker 1: The Book of Joe podcast is a production of iHeartRadio. 2 00:00:13,798 --> 00:00:17,198 Speaker 1: Hey there, welcome back. It's the latest episode of the 3 00:00:17,238 --> 00:00:20,718 Speaker 1: Book of Joe podcast with me, Tom Berducci, and of 4 00:00:20,718 --> 00:00:25,798 Speaker 1: course Joe Madden and Joe. We've reached the League Championship Series, 5 00:00:25,838 --> 00:00:28,958 Speaker 1: so this episode we want to break down both what 6 00:00:29,158 --> 00:00:32,958 Speaker 1: happened in the division series and what will happen in 7 00:00:33,118 --> 00:00:35,638 Speaker 1: the LCS. How you doing, Joe, Good morning. 8 00:00:35,638 --> 00:00:37,478 Speaker 2: I'm doing well. How about you, sir? I know you're 9 00:00:37,518 --> 00:00:41,038 Speaker 2: doing a lot of traveling and not easy but also fun. 10 00:00:41,598 --> 00:00:44,558 Speaker 2: I'm in a petition that they start flying you everywhere privately. 11 00:00:44,798 --> 00:00:46,238 Speaker 2: Somehow we're going to get that done. 12 00:00:46,678 --> 00:00:49,878 Speaker 1: Yeah, thanks for that. Hey, listen to what jumps out 13 00:00:49,918 --> 00:00:53,398 Speaker 1: of me, Joe. Is the top five teams if you 14 00:00:53,438 --> 00:00:57,598 Speaker 1: go strictly by regular season records, they're all out. And 15 00:00:57,638 --> 00:01:00,278 Speaker 1: not only did they go out quickly, you know, they 16 00:01:00,318 --> 00:01:02,998 Speaker 1: went out winning one game. I'm talking about the Braves, 17 00:01:03,318 --> 00:01:08,198 Speaker 1: the Oriole, the Dodgers, the Rays, and the Brewers one 18 00:01:08,398 --> 00:01:12,638 Speaker 1: and thirteen this postseason. So we're left with an LCS 19 00:01:12,678 --> 00:01:17,478 Speaker 1: with three wildcard teams and the Houston Astros that won 20 00:01:17,918 --> 00:01:22,198 Speaker 1: ninety games. Listen, I know there's been some carping out 21 00:01:22,238 --> 00:01:25,598 Speaker 1: there from people. People love to complain. We all know that, right, 22 00:01:26,398 --> 00:01:29,998 Speaker 1: and now it's like, well, let's do something to advantage 23 00:01:30,038 --> 00:01:33,838 Speaker 1: the division winners a little more. Stop it, people, This 24 00:01:33,878 --> 00:01:36,878 Speaker 1: is postseason baseball. Nobody complains when you get upsets in 25 00:01:36,918 --> 00:01:41,038 Speaker 1: the NCAA tournament or the NFL playoffs, people say, oh, 26 00:01:41,038 --> 00:01:45,318 Speaker 1: this is great. Didn't see this coming. What happened was 27 00:01:46,038 --> 00:01:50,958 Speaker 1: in the LDS division series. Those games, those series did 28 00:01:50,998 --> 00:01:53,438 Speaker 1: not go to the maximum distance, so those teams didn't 29 00:01:53,438 --> 00:01:55,598 Speaker 1: get stretched in the first round, and we're able to 30 00:01:55,598 --> 00:01:57,798 Speaker 1: bring people back and listen, there's a lot of off days, 31 00:01:57,798 --> 00:02:00,798 Speaker 1: as you know, Joe, in the postseason, so I don't 32 00:02:00,798 --> 00:02:03,198 Speaker 1: think those teams were as harmed as much because we 33 00:02:03,238 --> 00:02:05,598 Speaker 1: didn't have series go the maximum number of games in 34 00:02:05,638 --> 00:02:09,758 Speaker 1: the first round. So just stop at people, stop the complaining. 35 00:02:09,758 --> 00:02:12,078 Speaker 1: There's nothing wrong with the format. You know, it's going 36 00:02:12,158 --> 00:02:13,958 Speaker 1: to change anywhere in a few years when we get 37 00:02:13,958 --> 00:02:17,558 Speaker 1: the thirty two teams where you don't have teams sitting around. 38 00:02:17,638 --> 00:02:20,398 Speaker 1: But listen, I don't think sitting around for five days 39 00:02:20,478 --> 00:02:22,918 Speaker 1: is big deal, Joe. When the other team you're facing 40 00:02:23,318 --> 00:02:25,918 Speaker 1: does get extended, has to really use up their pitching 41 00:02:26,198 --> 00:02:28,038 Speaker 1: and has to start the next round with their number 42 00:02:28,038 --> 00:02:30,438 Speaker 1: three or four against your number one. But we just 43 00:02:30,438 --> 00:02:33,958 Speaker 1: didn't get that. So listen, I don't think there's a 44 00:02:33,998 --> 00:02:36,478 Speaker 1: huge difference between a ninety win team and a ninety, 45 00:02:36,798 --> 00:02:40,278 Speaker 1: say four win team. I think the playoffs have been great. 46 00:02:40,838 --> 00:02:45,358 Speaker 1: Stop complaining about the postseason format. The Phillies beat the 47 00:02:45,398 --> 00:02:49,318 Speaker 1: Braves three out of four games, fair end square. What 48 00:02:49,358 --> 00:02:50,878 Speaker 1: do you got on that, Joe. 49 00:02:50,758 --> 00:02:53,358 Speaker 2: Yeah, one hundred percent agree. You know the rules of 50 00:02:53,398 --> 00:02:55,678 Speaker 2: engagement going into the season. You know how the playoffs 51 00:02:55,718 --> 00:02:58,478 Speaker 2: set up. You're happy as can be to get to 52 00:02:58,478 --> 00:03:00,438 Speaker 2: the playoffs in the first place, regardless if you won 53 00:03:00,438 --> 00:03:02,398 Speaker 2: one hundred games or if you're the last team in there. 54 00:03:02,558 --> 00:03:06,358 Speaker 2: What was that maybe the diamond with eighty four wins. Regardless, 55 00:03:06,358 --> 00:03:08,358 Speaker 2: you're there, you're you're at the at the tournament, you're 56 00:03:08,358 --> 00:03:10,878 Speaker 2: in the dance. You got to invite it to the dance. 57 00:03:10,918 --> 00:03:15,638 Speaker 2: So I was, having said all that, there's nothing to change. 58 00:03:15,638 --> 00:03:18,078 Speaker 2: I don't believe it's it's it's being done exactly as 59 00:03:18,078 --> 00:03:18,758 Speaker 2: it should be done. 60 00:03:19,438 --> 00:03:19,678 Speaker 1: Uh. 61 00:03:19,718 --> 00:03:22,038 Speaker 2: And like I said, you know, you know what's going 62 00:03:22,038 --> 00:03:24,438 Speaker 2: on when the season begins. You know what it takes 63 00:03:24,478 --> 00:03:25,878 Speaker 2: to get there. Once you get there, you know what 64 00:03:25,918 --> 00:03:28,998 Speaker 2: it takes to win. So that's that's even moved to me. 65 00:03:29,038 --> 00:03:30,918 Speaker 2: I don't even understand why that would be a consideration. 66 00:03:30,958 --> 00:03:35,398 Speaker 2: Everybody wants to attempt at some point to impose their 67 00:03:35,438 --> 00:03:38,598 Speaker 2: own methods or wills if they're not getting the conclusions 68 00:03:38,638 --> 00:03:40,598 Speaker 2: that they're looking for, it's just just leave it alone. 69 00:03:40,998 --> 00:03:43,598 Speaker 2: It's it's very good the way it is. And number two, 70 00:03:44,638 --> 00:03:48,478 Speaker 2: it's just serendipitous. I think this year with the wild 71 00:03:48,518 --> 00:03:50,758 Speaker 2: Cards kicking buck button, the teams are getting rest and 72 00:03:50,838 --> 00:03:52,518 Speaker 2: not I I love getting rest. 73 00:03:52,678 --> 00:03:52,918 Speaker 3: I know. 74 00:03:53,038 --> 00:03:55,198 Speaker 2: I give it a perfect example when we played the 75 00:03:55,238 --> 00:03:58,518 Speaker 2: Wildcard game in Cleveland several years ago. I can't remember 76 00:03:58,518 --> 00:04:00,958 Speaker 2: the year. I always forget my years on that was 77 00:04:01,558 --> 00:04:04,198 Speaker 2: Alex Cobb started it. But we had to beat Toronto 78 00:04:04,518 --> 00:04:06,918 Speaker 2: on a Sunday. We had to beat Texas and Texas 79 00:04:06,918 --> 00:04:09,598 Speaker 2: on a Monday night just to get to the wild 80 00:04:09,678 --> 00:04:11,918 Speaker 2: Card game against Cleveland on a Wednesday. I think it 81 00:04:11,998 --> 00:04:15,358 Speaker 2: was to play Boston in the playoffs as a wildcard 82 00:04:15,398 --> 00:04:18,958 Speaker 2: as a Alds and were weird beat. I mean, like 83 00:04:18,998 --> 00:04:21,958 Speaker 2: you said, your pitching is absolutely destroyed just to get there. 84 00:04:22,038 --> 00:04:24,198 Speaker 2: I guess you could say it's somewhat that it speaks 85 00:04:24,238 --> 00:04:26,958 Speaker 2: to the depth of your group and they're planning in advance. 86 00:04:27,318 --> 00:04:28,358 Speaker 3: Okay, I'll take that. 87 00:04:28,438 --> 00:04:31,558 Speaker 2: I'll take that under advisement to consideration, but I much 88 00:04:31,638 --> 00:04:33,798 Speaker 2: prefer getting our rest I do. I just think it 89 00:04:33,918 --> 00:04:36,838 Speaker 2: just happened this year this way, and I, like I said, 90 00:04:36,918 --> 00:04:38,758 Speaker 2: just you know, the rules will just play it that way. 91 00:04:38,798 --> 00:04:42,358 Speaker 2: And yeah, it just happened to turn out one and thirteen. 92 00:04:42,438 --> 00:04:47,438 Speaker 2: That's incredible, But that's the way the baseball cookie crumbles sometimes. 93 00:04:47,678 --> 00:04:50,478 Speaker 1: Yeah, well said Joe. I liked everything you said. And 94 00:04:50,598 --> 00:04:53,558 Speaker 1: listen to the purpose of the postseason is not to 95 00:04:53,638 --> 00:04:56,718 Speaker 1: rubber stamp the best regular season team, you know as 96 00:04:56,758 --> 00:04:59,398 Speaker 1: well as anybody, if not better. It's a different kind 97 00:04:59,398 --> 00:05:01,758 Speaker 1: of season. It's played in a different way. You shorten 98 00:05:01,758 --> 00:05:03,878 Speaker 1: your rotation, you shorten the guys, you're using your bull 99 00:05:04,278 --> 00:05:07,478 Speaker 1: you may do some thing strategically with your offense because 100 00:05:07,478 --> 00:05:10,518 Speaker 1: of the urgency. That's different than the regular season. It's 101 00:05:10,598 --> 00:05:13,638 Speaker 1: not nineteen sixty eight anymore, folks. We're not trying to 102 00:05:13,678 --> 00:05:17,438 Speaker 1: reb snap regular season winners with the World Series, all right. 103 00:05:17,478 --> 00:05:20,758 Speaker 1: If you go back the last two years, there's been 104 00:05:20,918 --> 00:05:25,198 Speaker 1: nineteen playoffs series. The team that had the fewer wins 105 00:05:25,358 --> 00:05:30,078 Speaker 1: in those matchups won twelve of the nineteen series. It's 106 00:05:30,198 --> 00:05:34,518 Speaker 1: not unusual, nor should we think it's wrong. So again, 107 00:05:34,718 --> 00:05:37,478 Speaker 1: if you hear someone complaining about the format and they 108 00:05:37,518 --> 00:05:39,398 Speaker 1: want to come up with their own format to make 109 00:05:39,438 --> 00:05:42,878 Speaker 1: things quote unquote better, like you said, Joe, they're essentially 110 00:05:42,918 --> 00:05:45,798 Speaker 1: looking for a result that they want, which is, hey, 111 00:05:45,918 --> 00:05:48,918 Speaker 1: let's get the better team through the postseason. That's not 112 00:05:48,998 --> 00:05:51,158 Speaker 1: what we have. That's not what we've had for years 113 00:05:51,798 --> 00:05:55,038 Speaker 1: people have accepted. Now when we get to postseason in sports, 114 00:05:55,638 --> 00:05:59,998 Speaker 1: it's about upsets. It's about the possibility that things will 115 00:06:00,038 --> 00:06:03,518 Speaker 1: not follow Chuck, and I think baseball fans are totally 116 00:06:03,518 --> 00:06:06,238 Speaker 1: cool with that. So again, you hear somebody carping about 117 00:06:06,278 --> 00:06:09,878 Speaker 1: the postseason schedule, cover your years, don't listen to them. 118 00:06:10,438 --> 00:06:13,638 Speaker 2: I also think that you're seeing the teams that really 119 00:06:13,638 --> 00:06:16,878 Speaker 2: did short up their holes or deficiencies towards the end 120 00:06:16,918 --> 00:06:19,158 Speaker 2: of the season when it got to the trade deadline, etc. 121 00:06:19,518 --> 00:06:23,518 Speaker 2: Or with they stockpiled leading into it. It was the 122 00:06:23,518 --> 00:06:26,398 Speaker 2: young hitter's name for the Rangers that's really shown up 123 00:06:26,398 --> 00:06:29,398 Speaker 2: the left end eder Evan Carter. He is impressive. 124 00:06:29,918 --> 00:06:30,718 Speaker 3: They've had this. 125 00:06:30,718 --> 00:06:32,518 Speaker 2: In their back pocket the whole time, knowing that this 126 00:06:32,598 --> 00:06:34,678 Speaker 2: guy was going to be available and be impactful when 127 00:06:34,678 --> 00:06:36,998 Speaker 2: it got to that point. You know, the trade of 128 00:06:37,038 --> 00:06:39,558 Speaker 2: Jordan Montgomery getting Montgomery is another. 129 00:06:39,318 --> 00:06:41,078 Speaker 3: Example with Texas. But see why I did. 130 00:06:42,478 --> 00:06:43,958 Speaker 2: I don't even want to send to the radar because 131 00:06:43,958 --> 00:06:45,278 Speaker 2: I've always been a fan of this fella. 132 00:06:45,398 --> 00:06:47,438 Speaker 3: So they shored up whatever holes. 133 00:06:47,198 --> 00:06:48,998 Speaker 2: They might have had, and they knew what they had 134 00:06:49,358 --> 00:06:51,038 Speaker 2: in their mind league system that was going to come 135 00:06:51,078 --> 00:06:52,998 Speaker 2: to bear at the end of the season. Also, that's 136 00:06:52,998 --> 00:06:56,398 Speaker 2: going to be very useful. So I think if you 137 00:06:56,438 --> 00:06:58,438 Speaker 2: look at the teams that did things like that, and 138 00:06:58,638 --> 00:07:00,278 Speaker 2: to a certain extent, I don't even know, like you 139 00:07:00,318 --> 00:07:03,038 Speaker 2: can't even say that about necessarily the Diamondbacks. I just 140 00:07:03,078 --> 00:07:05,438 Speaker 2: think that the they've they played so well and they 141 00:07:05,438 --> 00:07:07,398 Speaker 2: played so badly. It was almost like they were the 142 00:07:07,438 --> 00:07:10,278 Speaker 2: tale of two or three teams this year. But they're 143 00:07:10,318 --> 00:07:12,758 Speaker 2: playing with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and more 144 00:07:12,798 --> 00:07:16,398 Speaker 2: skill than people have given them credit for. Very athletic. 145 00:07:16,758 --> 00:07:20,278 Speaker 2: Their pitching has really stepped it up. But they're they're 146 00:07:20,318 --> 00:07:22,158 Speaker 2: like they have they're playing like they have nothing to lose, 147 00:07:22,198 --> 00:07:26,078 Speaker 2: and that's probably the uh, the real the one component 148 00:07:26,118 --> 00:07:28,918 Speaker 2: to their method right now. That's permitting them to be 149 00:07:29,158 --> 00:07:30,958 Speaker 2: this good right now. And if they just get to 150 00:07:30,998 --> 00:07:32,958 Speaker 2: the Dodgers, they're playing so loosely. 151 00:07:32,958 --> 00:07:33,958 Speaker 3: I mean the camera. 152 00:07:33,958 --> 00:07:35,438 Speaker 2: I love when the camera gets in there a little 153 00:07:35,438 --> 00:07:38,478 Speaker 2: bit tight sometimes and you watch, you know, the viscual 154 00:07:38,518 --> 00:07:40,918 Speaker 2: reactions of the players, and you can just see how 155 00:07:40,998 --> 00:07:42,998 Speaker 2: much fun and the moment these guys are where you 156 00:07:42,998 --> 00:07:46,118 Speaker 2: could absolutely see. The Dodgers are pressing, they're expected to win, 157 00:07:46,198 --> 00:07:49,078 Speaker 2: and we go again. We uh, we win World War 158 00:07:49,158 --> 00:07:50,918 Speaker 2: one World Series over the last how many years and 159 00:07:50,958 --> 00:07:53,478 Speaker 2: that was a COVID year, a shortened season. We got 160 00:07:53,478 --> 00:07:54,798 Speaker 2: to get this done. We got to get this done. 161 00:07:54,798 --> 00:07:56,358 Speaker 2: And the other team says, man, we're just happy to 162 00:07:56,358 --> 00:07:58,918 Speaker 2: be here, and they let it loose and a yeah, 163 00:07:58,958 --> 00:08:00,558 Speaker 2: we could go. We could make You could talk about 164 00:08:00,558 --> 00:08:04,278 Speaker 2: all these different buried reasons and and apply rack channel 165 00:08:04,398 --> 00:08:06,318 Speaker 2: to them. But I'm just saying, you got to show 166 00:08:06,398 --> 00:08:08,678 Speaker 2: up your holes. You got to figure out whether it's 167 00:08:09,158 --> 00:08:10,838 Speaker 2: you might need a pinch runner, you might need another 168 00:08:10,878 --> 00:08:12,878 Speaker 2: bullpen dude, or two, you might need a starting pitcher 169 00:08:12,958 --> 00:08:13,518 Speaker 2: or two. 170 00:08:13,718 --> 00:08:16,478 Speaker 3: Whatever that might be, because it's showing up. And final 171 00:08:16,518 --> 00:08:19,078 Speaker 3: point with I'm sure you're gonna get to the Phillies. 172 00:08:19,118 --> 00:08:22,998 Speaker 2: But god, I mean, it's attitude, brother, attitude. These guys 173 00:08:22,998 --> 00:08:27,398 Speaker 2: aren't afraid of anything like the stuff that's really unquantifiable. 174 00:08:27,398 --> 00:08:28,518 Speaker 3: What am I talking about? It? 175 00:08:28,638 --> 00:08:31,958 Speaker 2: Just watch, just feel, just see this. That's why the 176 00:08:31,958 --> 00:08:34,078 Speaker 2: Phillies are so good. That's why the Diamondbacks are so 177 00:08:34,118 --> 00:08:36,238 Speaker 2: good right now. They got this vibe going on. They 178 00:08:36,278 --> 00:08:38,158 Speaker 2: caught a wave and they're not going to give it up. 179 00:08:39,078 --> 00:08:40,918 Speaker 1: I'm glad you brought up Let's start with the d 180 00:08:41,038 --> 00:08:43,358 Speaker 1: Backs and the Phillies, Joe, and how they got there 181 00:08:43,358 --> 00:08:46,278 Speaker 1: and what we see going forward here. And I think 182 00:08:46,318 --> 00:08:49,678 Speaker 1: you do have to start with a Citizens Bank Ballpark. 183 00:08:50,238 --> 00:08:54,118 Speaker 1: I mean it is literally, if you go buy all 184 00:08:54,238 --> 00:08:59,158 Speaker 1: venues in postseason history, at least twenty games, it's the 185 00:08:59,278 --> 00:09:01,558 Speaker 1: toughest place to win a game. I think it's twenty 186 00:09:01,598 --> 00:09:05,598 Speaker 1: eight and eleven. Now the Phillies are at home. You 187 00:09:05,998 --> 00:09:08,598 Speaker 1: can feel that momentum. And I thought Trey Turner made 188 00:09:08,598 --> 00:09:15,038 Speaker 1: a great point that with the pitch timer, especially, momentum 189 00:09:15,478 --> 00:09:18,038 Speaker 1: is even more important. Baseball is even more of a 190 00:09:18,198 --> 00:09:22,118 Speaker 1: momentum game. With the pitch timer, you can't have these 191 00:09:22,198 --> 00:09:24,918 Speaker 1: veteran pitchers literally slow the game down like the way 192 00:09:24,958 --> 00:09:27,118 Speaker 1: they used to. As a manager, you better have people 193 00:09:27,158 --> 00:09:30,158 Speaker 1: up and ready in the bullpen, quicker with the pitch timer. 194 00:09:30,558 --> 00:09:32,798 Speaker 1: That being said, I just think the energy in that 195 00:09:32,918 --> 00:09:35,678 Speaker 1: ballpark really does help a kind of a team that 196 00:09:35,758 --> 00:09:38,598 Speaker 1: to me, Joe, the Phillies feed off of that energy. 197 00:09:38,918 --> 00:09:41,758 Speaker 1: It's a bunch of you know, baseball rats, a bunch 198 00:09:41,758 --> 00:09:44,718 Speaker 1: of extroverts on that team who love the attention, who 199 00:09:44,998 --> 00:09:46,678 Speaker 1: are going to look for chips to put on their 200 00:09:46,718 --> 00:09:49,838 Speaker 1: shoulder and play with them and use energy and emotion 201 00:09:49,998 --> 00:09:51,798 Speaker 1: to their advantage. As you know, it can be a 202 00:09:51,838 --> 00:09:54,758 Speaker 1: disadvantage if it gets away from you the postseason. We've 203 00:09:54,758 --> 00:09:57,438 Speaker 1: seen that happen with some young players. But this Phillies 204 00:09:57,478 --> 00:10:02,278 Speaker 1: team feeds off of that. So yes, Arizona's hot Tory 205 00:10:02,358 --> 00:10:05,198 Speaker 1: Levello has done a great job with that. They figured 206 00:10:05,358 --> 00:10:07,838 Speaker 1: some things out. Brent Strom is a difference maker as 207 00:10:07,838 --> 00:10:11,038 Speaker 1: a pitching coach that first round though, you know, you 208 00:10:11,078 --> 00:10:14,198 Speaker 1: get the extra off days. I just think that this 209 00:10:14,278 --> 00:10:17,958 Speaker 1: Arizona team going up against the Phillies team, which to 210 00:10:17,998 --> 00:10:21,758 Speaker 1: me is much deeper in a longer series, that's an 211 00:10:21,838 --> 00:10:24,678 Speaker 1: uphill climb for the Diamondbacks. Listen it, They've got this 212 00:10:24,798 --> 00:10:28,998 Speaker 1: far can they win, for absolutely, But I just think 213 00:10:28,838 --> 00:10:31,918 Speaker 1: the calculus is a little bit different having to play 214 00:10:31,998 --> 00:10:36,438 Speaker 1: in Philadelphia, and especially now having your depth tested in 215 00:10:36,478 --> 00:10:40,278 Speaker 1: a longer series to meet Philadelphia and Rob Thompson, they 216 00:10:40,318 --> 00:10:41,718 Speaker 1: have more better choices. 217 00:10:42,158 --> 00:10:43,518 Speaker 3: I agree. I agree with all that. 218 00:10:43,558 --> 00:10:46,078 Speaker 2: And just to speak to your what you had mentioned 219 00:10:46,078 --> 00:10:48,638 Speaker 2: earlier playing the playoff games, we played the World Series 220 00:10:48,678 --> 00:10:50,638 Speaker 2: there in two thousand and eight with the Rays, and 221 00:10:50,718 --> 00:10:53,238 Speaker 2: I don't think we blust both of our games there, 222 00:10:53,278 --> 00:10:57,358 Speaker 2: and especially the one that was delayed forever that eventually 223 00:10:57,478 --> 00:11:00,198 Speaker 2: came back and concluded and lost. 224 00:11:00,238 --> 00:11:03,638 Speaker 3: But it is it's a different it's different. It's different. 225 00:11:03,678 --> 00:11:06,158 Speaker 2: The the ballparks different in a sense the way it 226 00:11:06,238 --> 00:11:08,198 Speaker 2: kind of envelops you and the fans themselves as And 227 00:11:08,238 --> 00:11:11,678 Speaker 2: I'm from near there in Pennsylvania. You're not far away yourself. 228 00:11:11,718 --> 00:11:14,158 Speaker 2: And I've been down there. I've sat in the stands. 229 00:11:14,198 --> 00:11:16,638 Speaker 2: I know what's going on, and and you know, these 230 00:11:16,678 --> 00:11:19,078 Speaker 2: these folks really are rallying around their group right now. 231 00:11:19,118 --> 00:11:22,038 Speaker 2: They have energized and there's no question and like you said, 232 00:11:22,078 --> 00:11:26,118 Speaker 2: the players themselves, they're there, who they are, their makeup, 233 00:11:26,438 --> 00:11:29,478 Speaker 2: how they respond, they love, they love playing the crowd. 234 00:11:29,518 --> 00:11:29,958 Speaker 3: All of that. 235 00:11:29,958 --> 00:11:35,998 Speaker 2: Stuff absolutely morphs into this entire atmosphere attitude that's that's 236 00:11:36,078 --> 00:11:38,918 Speaker 2: been developed in that city over time. The thing I'm 237 00:11:38,958 --> 00:11:41,558 Speaker 2: curious about, and I don't that's it's it's hard to 238 00:11:42,158 --> 00:11:45,518 Speaker 2: we'd have to almost ask Dave Nebrawski whatever. But did 239 00:11:45,518 --> 00:11:47,598 Speaker 2: they really bear down on makeup like when you're making that. 240 00:11:47,638 --> 00:11:49,958 Speaker 2: I mean, I know so many times as a scout 241 00:11:49,998 --> 00:11:54,558 Speaker 2: and a minor league manager, when you talk about a player, 242 00:11:54,558 --> 00:11:56,598 Speaker 2: when you talk about Tom Berducci, a lot of it 243 00:11:56,678 --> 00:11:58,078 Speaker 2: comes out to what do you think about his makeup? 244 00:11:58,318 --> 00:12:00,518 Speaker 2: How's he going to handle different difficult situation, how does 245 00:12:00,518 --> 00:12:02,958 Speaker 2: he handle failure? What do you think about him in 246 00:12:03,038 --> 00:12:05,318 Speaker 2: Citizens Bank Ball Park, in a playoff game, in a World 247 00:12:05,358 --> 00:12:07,278 Speaker 2: Series moment? How do you think he's going to react 248 00:12:07,278 --> 00:12:09,078 Speaker 2: to something like that? We just to have those kinds 249 00:12:09,078 --> 00:12:11,398 Speaker 2: of conversations, and it just seems to me that they 250 00:12:11,518 --> 00:12:15,118 Speaker 2: nailed make up on this group. And that's that's the 251 00:12:15,118 --> 00:12:18,318 Speaker 2: part that really attracts my eye to this team. I mean, 252 00:12:18,358 --> 00:12:21,518 Speaker 2: I know Schwarbs, of course, I know Nikky Costianos, and 253 00:12:21,558 --> 00:12:24,358 Speaker 2: I know Brandon Marsh, I know Lorenz and Michael's there, 254 00:12:24,358 --> 00:12:25,358 Speaker 2: but he hasn't played yet. 255 00:12:25,398 --> 00:12:25,558 Speaker 3: There. 256 00:12:25,598 --> 00:12:28,278 Speaker 2: But I know the makeup of these guys, and of 257 00:12:28,278 --> 00:12:31,118 Speaker 2: course you know Harper et cetera. Stott start to me 258 00:12:31,238 --> 00:12:34,078 Speaker 2: is god, dang, that's that's I don't know where this 259 00:12:34,118 --> 00:12:36,118 Speaker 2: guy come from. I don't know who scouted him, but 260 00:12:36,158 --> 00:12:38,438 Speaker 2: that's great to me. That's great scouting right there. So 261 00:12:38,558 --> 00:12:41,398 Speaker 2: I love watching him play. Bohm is really established. Boom 262 00:12:41,438 --> 00:12:43,718 Speaker 2: a couple of years ago, was like ready to be 263 00:12:44,118 --> 00:12:46,758 Speaker 2: skewered by the affhilly fans, and he turned it around. 264 00:12:46,798 --> 00:12:48,158 Speaker 2: And look at him right now. He's playing to the 265 00:12:48,198 --> 00:12:51,078 Speaker 2: crowd like like like. 266 00:12:51,078 --> 00:12:53,958 Speaker 3: A co veteran, you know. And so I that's the 267 00:12:53,998 --> 00:12:54,718 Speaker 3: part about this. 268 00:12:54,638 --> 00:12:57,758 Speaker 2: Group that is interesting to me and is really good 269 00:12:57,758 --> 00:13:01,398 Speaker 2: old old fashioned scouting. I just like the makeup of 270 00:13:01,438 --> 00:13:04,678 Speaker 2: this group. And they do they they you run towards 271 00:13:04,718 --> 00:13:08,598 Speaker 2: the word pressure, and they do run towards the word expectations. 272 00:13:08,598 --> 00:13:09,198 Speaker 3: And I love that. 273 00:13:09,318 --> 00:13:11,718 Speaker 2: I think, you know, as a fan, if I'm a 274 00:13:11,718 --> 00:13:14,598 Speaker 2: baseball fan, I want to watch then till he's played baseball. 275 00:13:14,358 --> 00:13:17,278 Speaker 1: One hundred percent. Joe, I think you have to start 276 00:13:17,398 --> 00:13:19,958 Speaker 1: with Bryce Harper when you think about the vibe of 277 00:13:19,958 --> 00:13:24,478 Speaker 1: that team and the way that they that they accept pressure, 278 00:13:24,758 --> 00:13:28,478 Speaker 1: actually want pressure as Bryce said himself that dude's been 279 00:13:28,518 --> 00:13:31,558 Speaker 1: playing with pressure literally his whole life. I mean since 280 00:13:31,598 --> 00:13:33,718 Speaker 1: he started playing baseball. He was always the best player 281 00:13:33,758 --> 00:13:36,718 Speaker 1: on the field. Of course, I wrote the story about 282 00:13:36,798 --> 00:13:39,038 Speaker 1: him where he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated 283 00:13:39,078 --> 00:13:42,918 Speaker 1: at the age of fifteen or sixteen. You know, people 284 00:13:42,918 --> 00:13:45,638 Speaker 1: out of jealousy when he's competing against them, always wanted 285 00:13:45,678 --> 00:13:49,318 Speaker 1: him to fail. The expectations were always sky high. He 286 00:13:49,398 --> 00:13:51,838 Speaker 1: never played a game in his life where he just 287 00:13:51,918 --> 00:13:55,878 Speaker 1: walked on the baseball field like another player. Everyone always 288 00:13:55,958 --> 00:13:59,038 Speaker 1: knew who he was, even if they had not met him. 289 00:13:59,078 --> 00:14:02,118 Speaker 1: They had heard of Bryce Harper throughout travel baseball, throughout 290 00:14:02,158 --> 00:14:05,238 Speaker 1: the minor leagues. He's played with that pressure, and as 291 00:14:05,238 --> 00:14:07,958 Speaker 1: he said, now he doesn't have that pressure anymore. It's 292 00:14:07,998 --> 00:14:10,238 Speaker 1: just simply about going out there and playing and winning. 293 00:14:10,598 --> 00:14:13,158 Speaker 1: And I think they they follow his lead. Now. You 294 00:14:13,238 --> 00:14:16,598 Speaker 1: and I were both on the Phillies before this postseason began. 295 00:14:17,518 --> 00:14:19,358 Speaker 1: I said, the key for me with the Phillies, and 296 00:14:19,398 --> 00:14:21,678 Speaker 1: I love everything you said about their makeup and it 297 00:14:22,078 --> 00:14:24,918 Speaker 1: does show up in a postseason environment. I said, the 298 00:14:24,958 --> 00:14:28,318 Speaker 1: key for me was Aaron Nola and boy, you watch 299 00:14:28,398 --> 00:14:30,638 Speaker 1: the way he's throwing the ball right now, Joe, They've 300 00:14:30,718 --> 00:14:33,678 Speaker 1: got that strong one two punch with Wheeler and Nola. 301 00:14:34,158 --> 00:14:37,558 Speaker 1: Give credit Catleb Cotham, the pitching coach. He straightened out 302 00:14:37,598 --> 00:14:40,558 Speaker 1: mechanically Nola at the last two starts of the regular season. 303 00:14:40,598 --> 00:14:43,998 Speaker 1: He's carried that into the postseason. Listen, you and I, 304 00:14:44,038 --> 00:14:46,358 Speaker 1: as I said, we're both on the Phillies before this began, 305 00:14:46,478 --> 00:14:49,878 Speaker 1: and they're playing the way that I thought they would play, 306 00:14:49,958 --> 00:14:53,678 Speaker 1: maybe even better because now, as you mentioned Nick Castianos, 307 00:14:54,038 --> 00:14:56,318 Speaker 1: he's hitting the back half of your lineup. There is 308 00:14:56,358 --> 00:15:01,118 Speaker 1: a complete force. So it's a deep lineup. They can 309 00:15:01,438 --> 00:15:03,678 Speaker 1: run and Steele bases. Trey Turner is playing out of 310 00:15:03,718 --> 00:15:07,358 Speaker 1: his Harper. We know he loves the big spot. But 311 00:15:07,438 --> 00:15:09,598 Speaker 1: the big key for me now is they got there 312 00:15:09,598 --> 00:15:11,318 Speaker 1: one and two in place and Wheeler and Nola. 313 00:15:11,878 --> 00:15:14,238 Speaker 2: But the other thing absolutely about the pitching. But I 314 00:15:14,278 --> 00:15:16,078 Speaker 2: was curious about how they're going to set up the 315 00:15:16,118 --> 00:15:19,598 Speaker 2: lineup yesterday because Atlanta had some left handed relievers and 316 00:15:19,638 --> 00:15:24,078 Speaker 2: they kind of went left right, left, right, and then 317 00:15:24,118 --> 00:15:27,278 Speaker 2: I think it was left right, right left. My point 318 00:15:27,318 --> 00:15:29,158 Speaker 2: is it got great balance up and down the line. 319 00:15:29,158 --> 00:15:31,038 Speaker 2: If he got marsh hitting eighth and he's turning it up. 320 00:15:31,078 --> 00:15:32,958 Speaker 2: I mean, I really love what Brandon's doing right. I'm 321 00:15:33,038 --> 00:15:35,438 Speaker 2: very happy for him. This young man. I had him 322 00:15:35,438 --> 00:15:38,558 Speaker 2: in Anaheim. He just needed to settle into a couple 323 00:15:38,518 --> 00:15:42,038 Speaker 2: of things. When they were making that acquisition, Boa had 324 00:15:42,078 --> 00:15:43,718 Speaker 2: called me. Larry asked me about him, and I said, 325 00:15:43,718 --> 00:15:46,278 Speaker 2: he just needs more information. All Brandon need is more 326 00:15:46,358 --> 00:15:49,838 Speaker 2: Brandon needs was more information. He's got the athleticism. And 327 00:15:49,918 --> 00:15:53,438 Speaker 2: my interpretation of him when I first saw him Marshi 328 00:15:53,518 --> 00:15:55,238 Speaker 2: with the Angels was that I love the way his 329 00:15:55,278 --> 00:15:59,118 Speaker 2: body moves. That's that's that was my first impression of him. 330 00:15:59,118 --> 00:16:01,838 Speaker 2: And it just he just glides balanced. It's just very 331 00:16:01,878 --> 00:16:04,918 Speaker 2: athletic about him. So he's at them. And then Nikki 332 00:16:06,158 --> 00:16:10,158 Speaker 2: Castellanos only hits lines and gaps. That was again my 333 00:16:10,278 --> 00:16:13,478 Speaker 2: interpretation of him. It's incredible. When he swings the bat, 334 00:16:13,478 --> 00:16:15,918 Speaker 2: the ball goes on either line or an either gap. 335 00:16:15,998 --> 00:16:19,798 Speaker 2: Normally it's he stationed the ball so long and he 336 00:16:19,878 --> 00:16:24,278 Speaker 2: turned around one hundred mile an hour fastball elevated yesterday elevated, 337 00:16:24,478 --> 00:16:26,798 Speaker 2: and that ball was crushed. But the moment he hit it, 338 00:16:26,798 --> 00:16:29,478 Speaker 2: obviously he could see his reaction and like I said, Stott, 339 00:16:29,518 --> 00:16:32,158 Speaker 2: I in real Mudo's it was being real Mudo right now. 340 00:16:32,198 --> 00:16:34,638 Speaker 2: This guy's caught a lot this year. But this guy, 341 00:16:35,158 --> 00:16:38,918 Speaker 2: he's a cornerstone of any organization or group. He's a 342 00:16:38,998 --> 00:16:41,718 Speaker 2: throwback catcher and I like him a lot. So yeah, 343 00:16:42,278 --> 00:16:43,678 Speaker 2: you know, I'm going on and on about him, but 344 00:16:44,158 --> 00:16:44,438 Speaker 2: I do. 345 00:16:44,518 --> 00:16:45,838 Speaker 3: I believe all of that. They're bouncing. 346 00:16:45,878 --> 00:16:48,358 Speaker 2: The lineup is so good, and I'm always going to 347 00:16:48,438 --> 00:16:50,558 Speaker 2: be curious because I like what their lefties. 348 00:16:50,998 --> 00:16:51,678 Speaker 3: Normally, I like to. 349 00:16:51,638 --> 00:16:54,558 Speaker 2: Had two rightings behind a significant lefty to try to 350 00:16:54,598 --> 00:16:55,638 Speaker 2: protect him, but they didn't. 351 00:16:55,878 --> 00:16:56,638 Speaker 3: They went away from that. 352 00:16:56,678 --> 00:16:58,998 Speaker 2: Part of it is their lefties hit lefties too. They're 353 00:16:59,038 --> 00:17:01,518 Speaker 2: not afraid of their lefties on lefties, and that's been 354 00:17:01,638 --> 00:17:04,118 Speaker 2: nurtured through the entire season. We talked about, you know, 355 00:17:04,158 --> 00:17:08,038 Speaker 2: the platoon advantage stuff, which really, you know, resonates nicely 356 00:17:08,078 --> 00:17:10,478 Speaker 2: and it sounds very good. But I'll tell you what 357 00:17:10,518 --> 00:17:12,598 Speaker 2: if you get like everyday guys that can go out 358 00:17:12,638 --> 00:17:14,958 Speaker 2: there left on left and show up and hold their 359 00:17:14,958 --> 00:17:17,198 Speaker 2: own and actually play really well. When he gets at 360 00:17:17,198 --> 00:17:20,358 Speaker 2: this time of the year, when the other team forces 361 00:17:20,398 --> 00:17:22,638 Speaker 2: you to turn your lineup over, they make you pinch 362 00:17:22,718 --> 00:17:25,838 Speaker 2: it earlier because of the game situation, I got to 363 00:17:25,878 --> 00:17:28,278 Speaker 2: go to my platoon guy. Then that sets up into 364 00:17:28,318 --> 00:17:29,918 Speaker 2: your advantage, and the latter part of the game is 365 00:17:29,958 --> 00:17:31,518 Speaker 2: you know, of course this guy's not going to come 366 00:17:31,558 --> 00:17:33,558 Speaker 2: through all the time, so you can flip them and 367 00:17:33,558 --> 00:17:36,238 Speaker 2: get back to advantage you based on the latter part 368 00:17:36,238 --> 00:17:37,638 Speaker 2: of the game and your relief pitcher. So all this 369 00:17:37,638 --> 00:17:40,678 Speaker 2: stuff is playing because the Phillies go out there, they. 370 00:17:41,318 --> 00:17:42,398 Speaker 3: Play their guys. 371 00:17:42,758 --> 00:17:45,838 Speaker 2: The guys have confidence against lefties two and that's the 372 00:17:45,838 --> 00:17:46,798 Speaker 2: difference maker for me. 373 00:17:47,358 --> 00:17:51,638 Speaker 1: Hey Joe, watching Game four of the NLDS Philly closes 374 00:17:51,638 --> 00:17:53,518 Speaker 1: it out against Atlanta and the way it ended, I 375 00:17:53,518 --> 00:17:55,678 Speaker 1: couldn't help but flash back to Game seven of the 376 00:17:55,718 --> 00:17:59,438 Speaker 1: twenty sixteen World Series because the game came down to 377 00:17:59,558 --> 00:18:03,478 Speaker 1: Matt Strom, who had Tuesdays all year pitching to Von 378 00:18:03,558 --> 00:18:06,478 Speaker 1: griss basically was in Triple A all year, and of 379 00:18:06,518 --> 00:18:10,718 Speaker 1: course Game seven and twenty sixteen was like Montgomery with 380 00:18:10,758 --> 00:18:14,318 Speaker 1: no saves in his career pitching to Michael Martinez. Martinez 381 00:18:14,438 --> 00:18:16,998 Speaker 1: was in the game because Terry Francona went to his 382 00:18:17,078 --> 00:18:19,038 Speaker 1: bench to take Coco Crisp out of the game in 383 00:18:19,078 --> 00:18:22,878 Speaker 1: a possible sack fly situation, and grissom was in the 384 00:18:22,918 --> 00:18:26,838 Speaker 1: game because Brian Snigger started running through his bench to 385 00:18:26,918 --> 00:18:29,958 Speaker 1: try to get this game tied, and it went back 386 00:18:29,998 --> 00:18:32,598 Speaker 1: to a decision he had. Curious to your take on this, 387 00:18:33,038 --> 00:18:36,838 Speaker 1: He had Michael Harris up against a struggling Jose Alvarado 388 00:18:36,958 --> 00:18:40,078 Speaker 1: and chose to hit Travis Darnault, which brought Craig Kimbrel 389 00:18:40,118 --> 00:18:42,838 Speaker 1: into the game, and Darnel wounded up getting a walk, 390 00:18:43,038 --> 00:18:45,558 Speaker 1: and then Kimberle got Acunya. By the way, Acunya had 391 00:18:45,598 --> 00:18:47,958 Speaker 1: three pitches to hit in that bet. He did not 392 00:18:48,118 --> 00:18:51,998 Speaker 1: have a good series. Kimberle left a couple of fastballs 393 00:18:52,038 --> 00:18:54,158 Speaker 1: over the middle. He's actually a little bit late on those, 394 00:18:55,598 --> 00:18:58,238 Speaker 1: but that's how Grissom wound up getting in as kind 395 00:18:58,278 --> 00:19:00,238 Speaker 1: of the twenty sixth man to end the game there. 396 00:19:01,518 --> 00:19:04,918 Speaker 1: To me, it was a questionable call. Alva was struggling. 397 00:19:04,998 --> 00:19:07,398 Speaker 1: You knew if you brought Darnaud up to hit for 398 00:19:07,478 --> 00:19:09,758 Speaker 1: Michael Harris that you were going to get right on 399 00:19:09,878 --> 00:19:13,958 Speaker 1: right Kimberle on Darnault. But I understand the thinking that 400 00:19:14,158 --> 00:19:16,598 Speaker 1: he thought that was his opportunity right there, and he 401 00:19:16,758 --> 00:19:18,638 Speaker 1: kind of damned the ninth inning because you don't know 402 00:19:18,678 --> 00:19:20,358 Speaker 1: what's going to come at that point. 403 00:19:20,278 --> 00:19:22,838 Speaker 2: Well, I'm betting, I'm betting dollars to donuts that he 404 00:19:23,078 --> 00:19:26,518 Speaker 2: like Darnaul and Kimberle much better than he liked Harris 405 00:19:26,558 --> 00:19:29,678 Speaker 2: and Alvarado, because Harris has been struggling offensively, there's no question. 406 00:19:30,318 --> 00:19:32,518 Speaker 2: And Darnaul, I mean, this guy hits home runs in 407 00:19:32,558 --> 00:19:36,238 Speaker 2: the postseason, and Kimberle's not sharp. I mean, I watched 408 00:19:36,318 --> 00:19:38,798 Speaker 2: him yesterday and I've been watching him. Agreed, He's making 409 00:19:38,838 --> 00:19:41,358 Speaker 2: a lot of mistakes. He's pulling a lot of pitches 410 00:19:41,398 --> 00:19:44,478 Speaker 2: out of his zone. So I think at that point 411 00:19:44,478 --> 00:19:46,798 Speaker 2: that actually wanted Kimberl in the game also, So these 412 00:19:46,838 --> 00:19:49,598 Speaker 2: are the kind of things you think about, who's bet 413 00:19:49,638 --> 00:19:52,038 Speaker 2: what's the better opportunity is the lefty on our lefty 414 00:19:52,318 --> 00:19:54,278 Speaker 2: or yeah, they're going to bring Kimberl in. But I 415 00:19:55,198 --> 00:19:58,238 Speaker 2: like Darnell's chances better, right, swinging the bat better, and 416 00:19:58,278 --> 00:20:00,118 Speaker 2: the guy likes hit home runs this time of the year. 417 00:20:00,438 --> 00:20:04,398 Speaker 2: And then furthermore, the people that right after him, the 418 00:20:04,478 --> 00:20:07,758 Speaker 2: pinch hitter, here comes a kuna and he swung at 419 00:20:07,798 --> 00:20:08,918 Speaker 2: a pitch underneath him. 420 00:20:08,918 --> 00:20:10,398 Speaker 3: I couldn't believe that one. I don't even know what 421 00:20:10,798 --> 00:20:11,198 Speaker 3: that was A. 422 00:20:11,198 --> 00:20:14,718 Speaker 2: Changeable whatever they Kimber threw that or a backdoor like 423 00:20:14,798 --> 00:20:16,438 Speaker 2: a backup breaking ball. 424 00:20:16,718 --> 00:20:19,078 Speaker 1: That was a backup breaking ball, exactly, a front door 425 00:20:19,158 --> 00:20:21,878 Speaker 1: breaking ball that he just he lost, you slipped out 426 00:20:21,878 --> 00:20:23,638 Speaker 1: of his hand and yeah, that was well out of 427 00:20:23,678 --> 00:20:24,038 Speaker 1: his own. 428 00:20:24,158 --> 00:20:25,838 Speaker 2: That was the pitch I mean, I mean, although he 429 00:20:25,838 --> 00:20:27,518 Speaker 2: almost hit went out anyway, but that was the pitch 430 00:20:27,518 --> 00:20:30,118 Speaker 2: because otherwise he gets it, he gets a much better count. 431 00:20:30,438 --> 00:20:32,638 Speaker 2: He got a much more aggressive posture at that point 432 00:20:32,678 --> 00:20:35,518 Speaker 2: of speaking of a kuna and that that that pitch 433 00:20:35,558 --> 00:20:37,438 Speaker 2: to me kind of turned it around because he actually 434 00:20:37,478 --> 00:20:40,798 Speaker 2: looked like like non plus a little bit uh a 435 00:20:40,918 --> 00:20:43,998 Speaker 2: kuna did after that swing. So I would have done 436 00:20:43,998 --> 00:20:45,758 Speaker 2: the same thing. I think Snid did the right thing. 437 00:20:46,238 --> 00:20:48,798 Speaker 1: Yeah, you know, it's interesting. Well, we talked to you 438 00:20:48,838 --> 00:20:52,358 Speaker 1: talked about Brandon Marsh and only needed some for some information. 439 00:20:52,518 --> 00:20:54,518 Speaker 1: Well he's got well, I think one of the best 440 00:20:54,558 --> 00:20:57,558 Speaker 1: hitting coaches in baseball there with the Phillies and Kevin Long. 441 00:20:58,198 --> 00:21:01,598 Speaker 1: Kevin Long is a difference maker. Brent Strom pitching goes 442 00:21:01,638 --> 00:21:04,798 Speaker 1: for Arizona Diamondbacks is a difference. I mean, you get 443 00:21:04,798 --> 00:21:07,278 Speaker 1: to this part of the season, folks, and it is 444 00:21:07,358 --> 00:21:11,398 Speaker 1: a lot about getting your guys ready having a game plan, 445 00:21:11,438 --> 00:21:13,558 Speaker 1: whether it's on the mound or in the batter's box, 446 00:21:14,158 --> 00:21:17,518 Speaker 1: and it's gonna be fascinating to watch those two essentially 447 00:21:17,598 --> 00:21:19,878 Speaker 1: go at it. You think about the Phillies offense against 448 00:21:19,878 --> 00:21:22,438 Speaker 1: Arizona's pitching staff. Those two guys have been around the 449 00:21:22,438 --> 00:21:25,358 Speaker 1: block a couple of times, know what they're doing. And 450 00:21:25,398 --> 00:21:27,398 Speaker 1: when we get back, I want to tell you about 451 00:21:27,438 --> 00:21:31,518 Speaker 1: a difference maker in the American League Championship Series and 452 00:21:31,558 --> 00:21:45,398 Speaker 1: it's a player, not a coach. Hey, welcome back to 453 00:21:45,438 --> 00:21:48,838 Speaker 1: the Book of Joe podcast. The American League Championship Series. 454 00:21:48,998 --> 00:21:52,998 Speaker 1: It's all Texas, Texas State Championship besides the American League 455 00:21:52,998 --> 00:21:56,918 Speaker 1: Penance on the line. It's the Rangers and the Astros. 456 00:21:56,958 --> 00:21:59,518 Speaker 1: And I mentioned difference makers. Joe and I do believe 457 00:22:00,038 --> 00:22:01,838 Speaker 1: that we get to this time of year and there's 458 00:22:01,838 --> 00:22:05,958 Speaker 1: so much information at the coaches have so much of 459 00:22:05,998 --> 00:22:09,358 Speaker 1: an impact on what happened. You see a lot of conversations. 460 00:22:09,398 --> 00:22:12,758 Speaker 1: You see it thurny regular season, but especially in the postseason. 461 00:22:12,878 --> 00:22:15,198 Speaker 1: You'll see Brent Strom go out to the pitching mound 462 00:22:15,398 --> 00:22:18,478 Speaker 1: whenever it's a critical spot in the game, and he 463 00:22:18,558 --> 00:22:21,598 Speaker 1: will run those conversations. That's not a listening session for 464 00:22:21,678 --> 00:22:24,078 Speaker 1: that coach. And the same with Kevin Long on the 465 00:22:24,118 --> 00:22:26,198 Speaker 1: other side. You look at the left handed hitters especially, 466 00:22:26,238 --> 00:22:28,438 Speaker 1: He's always been great with left handed hitters, and that's 467 00:22:28,718 --> 00:22:32,078 Speaker 1: that's Philly's DNA. As you said, lefties don't bother their 468 00:22:32,118 --> 00:22:36,518 Speaker 1: lefties hitters in the ALCS. I'm looking at Martin Maldonado. 469 00:22:37,118 --> 00:22:40,118 Speaker 1: I mean, it's amazing what he does in the course 470 00:22:40,118 --> 00:22:42,598 Speaker 1: of a game to run a game from behind the plate. 471 00:22:43,198 --> 00:22:46,718 Speaker 1: You will not see Euston pitchers shake him. They have 472 00:22:46,958 --> 00:22:50,798 Speaker 1: total trust in what he does behind the plate. And 473 00:22:51,278 --> 00:22:55,958 Speaker 1: I'm telling you there's nobody in baseball history, nobody who 474 00:22:55,958 --> 00:22:58,558 Speaker 1: has had as many at bats as Martin Maldonado in 475 00:22:58,598 --> 00:23:02,078 Speaker 1: his career and been such a poor hitter in terms 476 00:23:02,078 --> 00:23:04,198 Speaker 1: of batting average. And the reason for that is they 477 00:23:04,278 --> 00:23:06,558 Speaker 1: keep running his name out there in the lineup because 478 00:23:06,598 --> 00:23:09,198 Speaker 1: he's a difference maker behind the plate. I'm telling you, 479 00:23:09,238 --> 00:23:10,558 Speaker 1: I've seen it so many series. 480 00:23:10,678 --> 00:23:10,838 Speaker 3: Joe. 481 00:23:10,918 --> 00:23:14,878 Speaker 1: I talked to Carlos Correa after the Twins were eliminated, 482 00:23:15,238 --> 00:23:17,478 Speaker 1: and when I asked him, why is this team the 483 00:23:17,518 --> 00:23:20,118 Speaker 1: astro is so difficult to take out? Obviously, he spent, 484 00:23:20,438 --> 00:23:22,518 Speaker 1: you know, the last six seven years with the Astros. 485 00:23:23,198 --> 00:23:26,478 Speaker 1: He said, it's Martine Maldonado. He said, I hate to 486 00:23:26,478 --> 00:23:28,638 Speaker 1: give him credit because I know you don't going to 487 00:23:28,678 --> 00:23:30,838 Speaker 1: see and talk to him in the offseason and he's 488 00:23:30,838 --> 00:23:33,238 Speaker 1: going to rub it in. But he's the difference. He 489 00:23:34,078 --> 00:23:37,958 Speaker 1: exposes weaknesses of hitters like nobody else. He pitches backwards 490 00:23:38,038 --> 00:23:41,398 Speaker 1: in key spots. And think about this, Joe. The last 491 00:23:41,438 --> 00:23:46,918 Speaker 1: pitch a game for the alec Or al Ds, full 492 00:23:46,958 --> 00:23:51,238 Speaker 1: count to Max Kepler with Carlos Correa sitting on deck, 493 00:23:51,678 --> 00:23:54,478 Speaker 1: Presley did not want to get to Correa. He said 494 00:23:54,478 --> 00:23:56,598 Speaker 1: that after the game, all of us watching the game 495 00:23:56,718 --> 00:23:59,918 Speaker 1: new that, And it's a full count. He just struck 496 00:23:59,958 --> 00:24:03,638 Speaker 1: out two hitters on full, full count breaking pitches, and 497 00:24:03,678 --> 00:24:06,278 Speaker 1: it's Max Kepler at a full count. During up to that 498 00:24:06,318 --> 00:24:09,678 Speaker 1: point in the year, Presley had thrown breaking balls eighty 499 00:24:09,798 --> 00:24:11,798 Speaker 1: five percent of the time that he gets to a 500 00:24:11,798 --> 00:24:16,678 Speaker 1: full count. So what does he throw? Fastball? Kepler absolutely 501 00:24:16,718 --> 00:24:19,838 Speaker 1: locked up, frozen, called strike three. That's Martine Maldonado. 502 00:24:20,358 --> 00:24:24,398 Speaker 2: Yeah, you're one hundred percent right about that. And that's 503 00:24:25,478 --> 00:24:29,598 Speaker 2: just paying attention. That's that's eyeballs, that's feel I saw 504 00:24:29,638 --> 00:24:31,438 Speaker 2: the exact same thing, and I said, damn, that was 505 00:24:31,478 --> 00:24:33,678 Speaker 2: good because that the hitter had no chance at that 506 00:24:33,678 --> 00:24:37,638 Speaker 2: particular juncture. Yeah, Maldonado is absolutely a throwback kind of 507 00:24:37,638 --> 00:24:42,358 Speaker 2: a player catcher. He's the rocking chair for that entire 508 00:24:42,558 --> 00:24:46,718 Speaker 2: entire pitching staff. If he's back there, they feel good 509 00:24:46,758 --> 00:24:48,558 Speaker 2: about it. You don't care what he does offensively. 510 00:24:48,638 --> 00:24:50,718 Speaker 3: He'll come up with a big hit now and then, 511 00:24:50,998 --> 00:24:53,838 Speaker 3: but that's the last thing you're concerned about. And I 512 00:24:53,878 --> 00:24:54,198 Speaker 3: love that. 513 00:24:54,238 --> 00:24:55,838 Speaker 2: I love that that he still fits in and that 514 00:24:55,878 --> 00:24:58,718 Speaker 2: he's still relevant in our game today. On the other side, 515 00:24:58,758 --> 00:25:00,558 Speaker 2: Real Mudo is kind of like that too, although Real 516 00:25:00,598 --> 00:25:03,278 Speaker 2: Modo is going to supply more offense and he could run, 517 00:25:04,038 --> 00:25:06,238 Speaker 2: uh part of this guy's packages that he he could. 518 00:25:06,318 --> 00:25:08,398 Speaker 2: He is a very good runner. And how about the 519 00:25:08,638 --> 00:25:12,998 Speaker 2: kid now with the Diamondbacks, the catcher. 520 00:25:13,038 --> 00:25:16,318 Speaker 1: Gabby Montero. Yeah, my goodness, I've been He is impressive 521 00:25:16,598 --> 00:25:17,238 Speaker 1: on both sides. 522 00:25:17,398 --> 00:25:18,918 Speaker 2: Yeah, I've been watching this because you know, I didn't 523 00:25:18,918 --> 00:25:20,638 Speaker 2: get the chance to see them a lot this year, 524 00:25:20,638 --> 00:25:23,638 Speaker 2: and uh, that kid provides a lot of energy and 525 00:25:23,678 --> 00:25:25,278 Speaker 2: he could really play for you know, for me, for 526 00:25:25,398 --> 00:25:28,358 Speaker 2: us we had I was always I've always been a wilsontrarassman. 527 00:25:28,358 --> 00:25:31,158 Speaker 2: I always thought we should plug into him and Wilson, uh, 528 00:25:31,238 --> 00:25:33,318 Speaker 2: you know, still learning possibly how to call the game 529 00:25:33,318 --> 00:25:33,918 Speaker 2: a little bit better. 530 00:25:33,958 --> 00:25:35,278 Speaker 3: But he's gotten better at that too. 531 00:25:35,558 --> 00:25:37,958 Speaker 2: But I just like the catching position to plug into 532 00:25:38,358 --> 00:25:42,558 Speaker 2: when you have when you have a pertinent catcher, somebody 533 00:25:42,558 --> 00:25:45,198 Speaker 2: that that for me, that would mean that he has 534 00:25:45,278 --> 00:25:48,398 Speaker 2: to have or be more concerned about his pitching staff 535 00:25:48,398 --> 00:25:48,678 Speaker 2: than he. 536 00:25:48,638 --> 00:25:50,198 Speaker 3: Is concerned about himself and his hitting. 537 00:25:50,598 --> 00:25:52,638 Speaker 2: When you get that guy behind the plate, that's when 538 00:25:52,678 --> 00:25:56,038 Speaker 2: your pitching staff could really take off and become a 539 00:25:56,398 --> 00:26:00,638 Speaker 2: dominator dynamic. And I've always I've had really good catching 540 00:26:00,678 --> 00:26:05,038 Speaker 2: prospects historically, uh, every organization and I've been in, whether 541 00:26:05,078 --> 00:26:07,998 Speaker 2: it's the miners or the major leagues, But if they're 542 00:26:07,998 --> 00:26:11,358 Speaker 2: not committed to that pitching staff, it's somehow there's just 543 00:26:11,398 --> 00:26:13,918 Speaker 2: a disconnect there and it never really wants to work out. 544 00:26:15,798 --> 00:26:18,358 Speaker 2: Pictures when a pitcher as a catcher, and the pitcher 545 00:26:18,438 --> 00:26:21,358 Speaker 2: says to you and he really means that he really 546 00:26:21,878 --> 00:26:23,638 Speaker 2: likes throwing to you, and I want to throw to you, 547 00:26:23,958 --> 00:26:25,918 Speaker 2: or he declares I want to throw to so and so, 548 00:26:26,518 --> 00:26:29,358 Speaker 2: My goodness, there's no higher compliment to a catcher in 549 00:26:29,398 --> 00:26:32,318 Speaker 2: baseball that when his pitching staff declares I want him 550 00:26:32,318 --> 00:26:34,838 Speaker 2: behind the plate, that there's I don't even know how 551 00:26:34,878 --> 00:26:36,798 Speaker 2: you can evaluate that except that you're gonna have a 552 00:26:36,838 --> 00:26:40,478 Speaker 2: much better pitching staff. So these guys you're right about Meldonado, 553 00:26:40,518 --> 00:26:42,838 Speaker 2: he brings it out. I think real Mooda does. The 554 00:26:42,878 --> 00:26:47,478 Speaker 2: young man with the Diamondbacks probably will eventually, and maybe 555 00:26:47,478 --> 00:26:49,318 Speaker 2: he's doing it right now. I just haven't watched them enough. 556 00:26:49,358 --> 00:26:53,758 Speaker 2: But that catching position is so it's just the quarterback. 557 00:26:54,318 --> 00:26:56,358 Speaker 2: Is that the quarterbacks at the middle linebacker. I've always 558 00:26:56,358 --> 00:26:58,678 Speaker 2: have a hard time with that because you know it's 559 00:26:58,718 --> 00:27:01,278 Speaker 2: you're playing defense, but you're still calling the plays. It's 560 00:27:01,318 --> 00:27:04,478 Speaker 2: a combination of both. So you're right on with that 561 00:27:04,798 --> 00:27:08,438 Speaker 2: last point. Coaches that make an impact. My first playoff 562 00:27:08,478 --> 00:27:09,758 Speaker 2: was in two thousand and two. 563 00:27:09,718 --> 00:27:13,798 Speaker 3: And we're in New York and Mickey Hatcher love love me. 564 00:27:13,838 --> 00:27:17,398 Speaker 2: So Mickey Hatcher, We're in a small coaches room having 565 00:27:17,398 --> 00:27:21,078 Speaker 2: our team meeting with the position players, and Mickey can 566 00:27:21,118 --> 00:27:24,918 Speaker 2: get really emotional, and he just implored our guys just do. 567 00:27:24,958 --> 00:27:26,958 Speaker 3: One thing, just do one thing only. 568 00:27:27,478 --> 00:27:29,118 Speaker 2: And I'm sitting there listening. I want you to do 569 00:27:29,198 --> 00:27:34,038 Speaker 2: one thing, and that's just run hard. Always run hard. 570 00:27:34,558 --> 00:27:36,918 Speaker 2: He said, if you do that, you'll never embarrass yourself 571 00:27:37,358 --> 00:27:39,798 Speaker 2: and the outcome is going to be good. And I 572 00:27:39,838 --> 00:27:42,998 Speaker 2: sat on the floor and I listened to Mickey say that. 573 00:27:43,158 --> 00:27:45,678 Speaker 2: And who's been in a lot of different playoffs scenarios, 574 00:27:46,198 --> 00:27:48,518 Speaker 2: that one little speech by Mickey I thought was really 575 00:27:49,318 --> 00:27:52,118 Speaker 2: helpful to our entire group. And of course that's something 576 00:27:52,198 --> 00:27:55,878 Speaker 2: I've carried through with all my managing. But Betty Black 577 00:27:55,998 --> 00:27:58,398 Speaker 2: as a pigeon coach, very dynamic. Ron Rennicky is a 578 00:27:58,438 --> 00:28:01,678 Speaker 2: third base coach. Wow, Rags did some stuff out there. 579 00:28:01,678 --> 00:28:04,678 Speaker 2: People have no idea, And of course Afraido at first 580 00:28:04,678 --> 00:28:07,878 Speaker 2: base Grip. We had this little tranulation going on among us. 581 00:28:07,918 --> 00:28:11,798 Speaker 2: And yeah, I've always thought that that coaching staff in 582 00:28:11,798 --> 00:28:15,998 Speaker 2: two thousand and two really help get that team over 583 00:28:16,078 --> 00:28:18,758 Speaker 2: the hump, whereas I've been on some coaching staffs that 584 00:28:18,838 --> 00:28:21,318 Speaker 2: could work exactly the opposite and tear it apart. 585 00:28:21,558 --> 00:28:24,278 Speaker 1: Yeah, a good point. That was an amazing coaching staff, 586 00:28:24,318 --> 00:28:26,958 Speaker 1: And of course many of you guys went on to 587 00:28:27,038 --> 00:28:31,478 Speaker 1: manage successfully other major league teams. You know, Mardonnado is 588 00:28:31,518 --> 00:28:34,478 Speaker 1: going to catch every game Verlander wants to throw to him. 589 00:28:34,638 --> 00:28:38,638 Speaker 1: Valdez always throws to him, Javier always throws to him. 590 00:28:38,638 --> 00:28:41,678 Speaker 1: Maybe if you get to a game four and Dusty 591 00:28:41,838 --> 00:28:45,518 Speaker 1: wants to go with the JP France, you might see 592 00:28:45,718 --> 00:28:48,478 Speaker 1: on your Diaz behind the plate, just to give Maldonado 593 00:28:48,518 --> 00:28:50,678 Speaker 1: a day because you are looking at three straight games 594 00:28:50,678 --> 00:28:53,438 Speaker 1: in the middle of a seven game series. But otherwise, 595 00:28:53,878 --> 00:28:56,558 Speaker 1: you know, Dusty, I can't say he took heat for it, 596 00:28:56,638 --> 00:28:58,998 Speaker 1: but a lot of Astros fans wanted to see the 597 00:28:59,078 --> 00:29:01,998 Speaker 1: kid Diaz behind the plate because he does have some pop. 598 00:29:02,478 --> 00:29:05,878 Speaker 1: He's going to be a really good major league player 599 00:29:05,958 --> 00:29:08,958 Speaker 1: and catcher, there's no question about it. But he's not 600 00:29:09,118 --> 00:29:16,038 Speaker 1: ready to call a major league playoff game above Martin Maldonado. 601 00:29:16,158 --> 00:29:19,278 Speaker 1: It's just not there. I mean, you know, he played, 602 00:29:19,318 --> 00:29:21,638 Speaker 1: he had got a start as at DH the other day, 603 00:29:21,678 --> 00:29:23,878 Speaker 1: one over five with four punch outs. But it's more 604 00:29:23,918 --> 00:29:27,678 Speaker 1: about running the pitching staff, and there's no way you're 605 00:29:27,718 --> 00:29:30,358 Speaker 1: not going to put Maldonado out there. He's a weapon 606 00:29:30,438 --> 00:29:34,238 Speaker 1: behind the plate. So when fans start looking at these numbers, 607 00:29:34,318 --> 00:29:37,078 Speaker 1: Joe and they see there's a young offensive player like 608 00:29:37,158 --> 00:29:38,998 Speaker 1: Diaz and you want to get you know, a little 609 00:29:39,038 --> 00:29:41,838 Speaker 1: more pop in the lineup as opposed to Maldonado, who's 610 00:29:41,878 --> 00:29:46,358 Speaker 1: basically a two oh seven career hitter. That's not where 611 00:29:46,358 --> 00:29:48,798 Speaker 1: the value is. And you know as a manager, as 612 00:29:48,798 --> 00:29:51,478 Speaker 1: a former catcher, what that guy can do for you 613 00:29:51,598 --> 00:29:55,478 Speaker 1: behind the plate in a postseason environment, especially, you can't 614 00:29:55,558 --> 00:29:57,478 Speaker 1: run away from that. You've got to embrace it. 615 00:29:57,958 --> 00:30:03,318 Speaker 2: Be careful if you wish for right. The thing about Moldonado, 616 00:30:03,958 --> 00:30:05,918 Speaker 2: you've seen it, and I know I've seen everybody's recognized it. 617 00:30:05,998 --> 00:30:07,518 Speaker 2: How he walks out to the mound when he has 618 00:30:07,558 --> 00:30:11,798 Speaker 2: to walk out to the mount there's an a severe 619 00:30:11,918 --> 00:30:15,358 Speaker 2: calm about him. He's so calm, and it really reeks 620 00:30:15,358 --> 00:30:17,918 Speaker 2: of Yaddi Molina what he did with the cardinal pitching stuff. 621 00:30:17,918 --> 00:30:18,998 Speaker 3: And I Alp often thought. 622 00:30:18,798 --> 00:30:22,838 Speaker 2: That Meldonado's kind of patterned himself after Yadi A in 623 00:30:22,878 --> 00:30:26,678 Speaker 2: regards to his mannerisms and how he moves, and there's a. 624 00:30:26,718 --> 00:30:27,838 Speaker 3: Calmness about him. 625 00:30:28,278 --> 00:30:30,398 Speaker 2: And for all these people that are clamoring for the 626 00:30:30,438 --> 00:30:33,238 Speaker 2: young catcher to play, go ass the pitching staff what 627 00:30:33,318 --> 00:30:36,558 Speaker 2: they think. I'm from every starter to the last guy 628 00:30:36,558 --> 00:30:40,358 Speaker 2: in the bullpen, and that's what matters the most when 629 00:30:40,358 --> 00:30:42,478 Speaker 2: it comes down to the offense. They have eight other 630 00:30:42,518 --> 00:30:44,838 Speaker 2: guys that they really need to garner their offense from. 631 00:30:44,838 --> 00:30:47,038 Speaker 2: If they have to re live the catcher this one 632 00:30:47,078 --> 00:30:49,758 Speaker 2: spot to provide the offense that they need to win 633 00:30:49,798 --> 00:30:52,598 Speaker 2: the games, they're missing the point because what he does 634 00:30:52,878 --> 00:30:56,718 Speaker 2: in regards to defending against runs from the other team, 635 00:30:56,838 --> 00:31:00,478 Speaker 2: run prevention, what he's able to do that, that's that's 636 00:31:00,518 --> 00:31:02,398 Speaker 2: the true value is that is that the equivalent of 637 00:31:02,398 --> 00:31:05,638 Speaker 2: a two run homer is a you know, blooper derived 638 00:31:05,998 --> 00:31:07,958 Speaker 2: with renaissants second and third and two outs. 639 00:31:08,278 --> 00:31:10,198 Speaker 3: What is that? What is it? How do you how 640 00:31:10,198 --> 00:31:10,958 Speaker 3: do you quantify that? 641 00:31:10,998 --> 00:31:14,238 Speaker 2: How do you how do you equalize that between what 642 00:31:14,358 --> 00:31:16,278 Speaker 2: he can do offensive and what he can do defensively. 643 00:31:16,558 --> 00:31:18,398 Speaker 2: That's how I look at it. Well, my catchers aren't 644 00:31:18,398 --> 00:31:21,598 Speaker 2: really good offensively. How does he drive in his runs otherwise? 645 00:31:21,638 --> 00:31:23,678 Speaker 2: How about balls in the dirt that he blocks? How 646 00:31:23,678 --> 00:31:26,398 Speaker 2: about controlling the running game? How about permitting your pitcher 647 00:31:26,558 --> 00:31:28,238 Speaker 2: just to worry about the hit or not worrying about 648 00:31:28,278 --> 00:31:31,078 Speaker 2: the guy first space because he does such a good job. 649 00:31:30,878 --> 00:31:32,118 Speaker 3: Of throwing and being accurate. 650 00:31:32,398 --> 00:31:34,438 Speaker 2: These are the kind of things that I mean, that's 651 00:31:34,478 --> 00:31:37,038 Speaker 2: that's part of my issue. When you're breaking down a game. 652 00:31:37,798 --> 00:31:39,718 Speaker 2: Get into it. If you really want to break it down, 653 00:31:39,758 --> 00:31:42,198 Speaker 2: get into it. Just because a manager brings in a 654 00:31:42,198 --> 00:31:44,118 Speaker 2: relief pitcher and a guy gets a hit doesn't mean 655 00:31:44,118 --> 00:31:47,118 Speaker 2: it's a bad decision. How about everything I'm just talking 656 00:31:47,118 --> 00:31:49,798 Speaker 2: about there regarding the catcher and why you utilized him, 657 00:31:50,158 --> 00:31:53,518 Speaker 2: or the move that you talked about with Harris hitting 658 00:31:53,518 --> 00:31:55,798 Speaker 2: and the lefty on the mount and bringing the pinch it, 659 00:31:55,918 --> 00:31:58,038 Speaker 2: or why did he do that? What are all the 660 00:31:58,078 --> 00:32:00,558 Speaker 2: ancillary components of that that you never even talk about. 661 00:32:00,798 --> 00:32:03,118 Speaker 2: That's what it is, and that's why Moldonado is so 662 00:32:03,118 --> 00:32:06,678 Speaker 2: important because this guy's just he's just dripping with intangibles. 663 00:32:07,158 --> 00:32:11,198 Speaker 1: Well, let's talk about how Houston can beat Texas, because 664 00:32:11,238 --> 00:32:14,758 Speaker 1: you know Texas's path to winning a postseason series is 665 00:32:14,798 --> 00:32:16,718 Speaker 1: going to be through their offense. I mean, that is 666 00:32:16,798 --> 00:32:19,678 Speaker 1: just a dynamic offense. You mentioned the kid Evan Carter. 667 00:32:19,838 --> 00:32:22,558 Speaker 1: To me, that's a lineup changer. I mean, he will 668 00:32:22,598 --> 00:32:24,838 Speaker 1: not go outside of the strike zone. But at the 669 00:32:24,838 --> 00:32:28,358 Speaker 1: same time, he's selectively aggressive. If you throw a cookie 670 00:32:28,398 --> 00:32:30,598 Speaker 1: in there, he's not taking for the sake of taking. 671 00:32:30,638 --> 00:32:34,398 Speaker 1: He's he's made that lineup so much deeper. So to me, 672 00:32:34,478 --> 00:32:38,238 Speaker 1: it's about controlling Texas's offense. How does Houston do that? 673 00:32:38,638 --> 00:32:41,118 Speaker 1: Think about this, and again this goes back to Maldonado. 674 00:32:41,838 --> 00:32:44,198 Speaker 1: In the last two years, you're going to see more 675 00:32:44,238 --> 00:32:47,758 Speaker 1: fastballs in the postseason than in the regular season. That's 676 00:32:47,758 --> 00:32:50,158 Speaker 1: because you're going to see more power relievers in the game, 677 00:32:50,238 --> 00:32:53,358 Speaker 1: right They're going to pick up more innings. Managers quicker 678 00:32:53,398 --> 00:32:56,718 Speaker 1: to go to those power arms, velocity plays. We get that, 679 00:32:57,238 --> 00:32:59,558 Speaker 1: But in each of the last two years, the Astros 680 00:32:59,598 --> 00:33:03,078 Speaker 1: actually throw fewer fastballs in the postseason than they do 681 00:33:03,118 --> 00:33:06,598 Speaker 1: in the regular season. That's Meldonado working backwards with the 682 00:33:06,638 --> 00:33:10,078 Speaker 1: staff that can control the breaking stuff. Watch Verlander pitch. 683 00:33:10,558 --> 00:33:13,118 Speaker 1: You know, if you're thinking that's Justin Verlander throwing high 684 00:33:13,118 --> 00:33:16,518 Speaker 1: four seemers at ninety seven, you know you're going back 685 00:33:16,518 --> 00:33:19,078 Speaker 1: to two thousand and six. That's not Justin Verlander. His 686 00:33:19,198 --> 00:33:21,838 Speaker 1: breaking stuff is off the charts good right now, and 687 00:33:21,838 --> 00:33:23,398 Speaker 1: he goes to it more than he ever has in 688 00:33:23,438 --> 00:33:26,158 Speaker 1: his career. So I expect you're going to see a 689 00:33:26,278 --> 00:33:29,358 Speaker 1: ton of breaking stuff against the Texas lineup. This is 690 00:33:29,398 --> 00:33:32,158 Speaker 1: what Houston does. They're good at it. It's Maldonado, the 691 00:33:32,198 --> 00:33:34,638 Speaker 1: way he calls a game and I know Joe here 692 00:33:34,678 --> 00:33:36,318 Speaker 1: on the show. In the past, you've talked a lot 693 00:33:36,318 --> 00:33:40,118 Speaker 1: about Corey Seger. Don't throw him a strike, controlling the 694 00:33:40,118 --> 00:33:43,198 Speaker 1: Texas lineup starts with Corey Seger, and I'm telling you 695 00:33:44,078 --> 00:33:46,358 Speaker 1: he's gonna see a ton of spin in this series. 696 00:33:46,838 --> 00:33:49,798 Speaker 3: Yeah, talking about all that. The thing that stands out 697 00:33:49,918 --> 00:33:52,918 Speaker 3: about the Astros to me, I just wrote. 698 00:33:52,678 --> 00:33:54,958 Speaker 2: Down three of their starters, Kyle Dez, Verlander, and Javier 699 00:33:55,038 --> 00:33:57,958 Speaker 2: I think all three of these guys have reverse split 700 00:33:57,998 --> 00:34:00,918 Speaker 2: in them. I think, like believe it or not, fran Bruvaldez, 701 00:34:00,918 --> 00:34:04,598 Speaker 2: I would start more lefties against them. This guy, that 702 00:34:04,638 --> 00:34:07,518 Speaker 2: breaking ball underneath his change up and then his elevated 703 00:34:07,518 --> 00:34:09,998 Speaker 2: fastball really plays well against righty's bar Lander. Watch how 704 00:34:09,998 --> 00:34:12,078 Speaker 2: he gets underneath lefties with that breaking ball that you're 705 00:34:12,118 --> 00:34:14,878 Speaker 2: talking about. And Christian Hobber, I know he's getting hit 706 00:34:14,878 --> 00:34:17,918 Speaker 2: by lefties this year, but this guy still when he's right, 707 00:34:17,998 --> 00:34:20,838 Speaker 2: he's able to elevate and do different things the left 708 00:34:20,838 --> 00:34:23,158 Speaker 2: tended hitters. I don't know what got him off of 709 00:34:23,158 --> 00:34:24,638 Speaker 2: his game, because when I first saw him, he was 710 00:34:24,638 --> 00:34:28,438 Speaker 2: more reversed in straight up I mean, being more conventional. 711 00:34:28,438 --> 00:34:30,958 Speaker 2: I would I always pay attention to this with pitching 712 00:34:30,998 --> 00:34:34,038 Speaker 2: staffs in lineup construction and moves that you want to 713 00:34:34,038 --> 00:34:37,398 Speaker 2: make during the game. So another thing that I think 714 00:34:37,438 --> 00:34:43,198 Speaker 2: should be spoken about more readily is that whereas the 715 00:34:43,278 --> 00:34:46,118 Speaker 2: conventional pitchers, you know, wrighty on right, you know I 716 00:34:46,158 --> 00:34:47,798 Speaker 2: want right he's on my right he's and lefties on 717 00:34:47,798 --> 00:34:50,838 Speaker 2: my lefties, sometimes it works the other way. I know 718 00:34:50,878 --> 00:34:52,758 Speaker 2: in the last yeison against the Twins, we talked about it. 719 00:34:52,838 --> 00:34:55,878 Speaker 2: Ber Lander against a couple of those lefties in that 720 00:34:55,918 --> 00:34:59,118 Speaker 2: lineup for the Twins was devastating. They were like one 721 00:34:59,158 --> 00:35:02,438 Speaker 2: for fifteen and one for sixteen. You'll remember the names 722 00:35:02,438 --> 00:35:05,198 Speaker 2: of the hitters that better than I. But I look 723 00:35:05,198 --> 00:35:07,838 Speaker 2: at stuff like that. I like to look at reverse splits. 724 00:35:08,718 --> 00:35:10,438 Speaker 2: I think Jordan Montgomery's a guy that can get a 725 00:35:10,518 --> 00:35:14,878 Speaker 2: right hand route, no question, as an example. These are 726 00:35:14,918 --> 00:35:17,358 Speaker 2: the kind of things that are interesting to me. And 727 00:35:19,078 --> 00:35:22,318 Speaker 2: if I could get my when I have reverse split 728 00:35:22,718 --> 00:35:25,798 Speaker 2: pitchers against, I really want to pay attention to my 729 00:35:25,838 --> 00:35:28,278 Speaker 2: lineup construction at that point is gonna make a big difference. 730 00:35:28,718 --> 00:35:30,958 Speaker 1: Yeah, and don't forget we'll probably I would think I 731 00:35:31,078 --> 00:35:33,318 Speaker 1: expect to see Max Scherzer in this series for the 732 00:35:33,318 --> 00:35:37,598 Speaker 1: Texas Rangers. That's another possible difference maker. Listen, he hasn't 733 00:35:37,638 --> 00:35:40,118 Speaker 1: pitched for a while with that strain, the muscle strain, 734 00:35:40,238 --> 00:35:45,678 Speaker 1: but he did throw to a live session simulated game 735 00:35:45,718 --> 00:35:47,878 Speaker 1: the other day. That tells me he's good to go. 736 00:35:48,238 --> 00:35:50,598 Speaker 1: I mean, unless he came out of that session really 737 00:35:50,638 --> 00:35:54,998 Speaker 1: feeling totally sore. I just don't see Max with a 738 00:35:55,038 --> 00:35:57,838 Speaker 1: possible seven game series lined up here saying no, I 739 00:35:57,878 --> 00:36:00,238 Speaker 1: can't go. He's going to take the ball, and then 740 00:36:00,278 --> 00:36:03,038 Speaker 1: it's up to Bruce Bochie to decide how he wants 741 00:36:03,038 --> 00:36:06,118 Speaker 1: to line him up. To me, Joe, I always look 742 00:36:06,158 --> 00:36:09,278 Speaker 1: at game three, your Game three starter, as a huge 743 00:36:09,358 --> 00:36:11,558 Speaker 1: pivot point in a seven game series. I know Joe 744 00:36:11,598 --> 00:36:14,798 Speaker 1: Torre always talked about this. If you look at umpire rotations, 745 00:36:15,198 --> 00:36:18,118 Speaker 1: that's why he puts the crew chief in that spot. 746 00:36:19,478 --> 00:36:23,078 Speaker 1: It's a swing game, right the series shifts venues, it's 747 00:36:23,078 --> 00:36:25,598 Speaker 1: either tied or one team is fighting for its life 748 00:36:25,678 --> 00:36:29,838 Speaker 1: down two to oh. And also typically you'll see the 749 00:36:29,878 --> 00:36:32,398 Speaker 1: game three starter come back lined up for a game 750 00:36:32,558 --> 00:36:37,678 Speaker 1: seven start. All those things come into play. So Verlander 751 00:36:37,838 --> 00:36:39,798 Speaker 1: sureser they start the year with the Mets. Here they 752 00:36:39,798 --> 00:36:43,158 Speaker 1: are in the ALCS former teammates, of course, not just 753 00:36:43,198 --> 00:36:45,998 Speaker 1: with the Mets, but with the Tigers. It'll be interesting 754 00:36:46,038 --> 00:36:49,358 Speaker 1: to see how the rotation is lined up for Bruce 755 00:36:49,358 --> 00:36:50,358 Speaker 1: Bochie and the Rangers. 756 00:36:50,398 --> 00:36:52,758 Speaker 2: Joe, Yeah, I could see Shreser being the opener in 757 00:36:52,798 --> 00:36:56,078 Speaker 2: that game. Really, I don't know how deep that would go, 758 00:36:56,198 --> 00:36:58,598 Speaker 2: but if he is able to pitch, just to say, 759 00:36:58,598 --> 00:37:01,118 Speaker 2: if he gets stretched out to sixty pitches, maybe seventy five, 760 00:37:01,158 --> 00:37:03,118 Speaker 2: I don't know, but that can set him up well 761 00:37:03,158 --> 00:37:05,038 Speaker 2: for the next time needed. And it's also going to 762 00:37:05,078 --> 00:37:07,878 Speaker 2: tell you a lot regarding where he's at physically. 763 00:37:08,038 --> 00:37:09,758 Speaker 3: So if they're not going. 764 00:37:09,758 --> 00:37:11,198 Speaker 2: To throw him out there unless they think they can 765 00:37:11,238 --> 00:37:15,158 Speaker 2: do it, I believe that wholeheartedly. I know Max is 766 00:37:15,198 --> 00:37:17,238 Speaker 2: going to say that he can. I didn't see the 767 00:37:17,238 --> 00:37:19,358 Speaker 2: bullpen like you talked about, but of course they did, 768 00:37:19,798 --> 00:37:23,198 Speaker 2: and they evaluated it very closely. So if he's the 769 00:37:23,758 --> 00:37:26,518 Speaker 2: quote unquote opener in that third game, you just ride 770 00:37:26,598 --> 00:37:27,998 Speaker 2: him as long as you can and then you just 771 00:37:28,078 --> 00:37:30,518 Speaker 2: line it up after that because they'll be coming off 772 00:37:30,518 --> 00:37:31,078 Speaker 2: of an off day. 773 00:37:31,078 --> 00:37:32,718 Speaker 3: Correct is going to play two games and there's an 774 00:37:32,758 --> 00:37:33,478 Speaker 3: off day, is that right? 775 00:37:33,878 --> 00:37:35,318 Speaker 1: Right? That's right, so. 776 00:37:35,238 --> 00:37:37,238 Speaker 2: There'll be a nice bullpen available to them to day 777 00:37:37,278 --> 00:37:41,038 Speaker 2: that he pitches. That could be rather interesting and he 778 00:37:41,118 --> 00:37:43,358 Speaker 2: could be uplifting, you know, to the Rangers. Not like 779 00:37:43,358 --> 00:37:45,398 Speaker 2: they need to be uplifted anywhere than they already have, 780 00:37:45,518 --> 00:37:48,798 Speaker 2: but I could see something like that happening. My last point, though, 781 00:37:48,798 --> 00:37:51,518 Speaker 2: he came out of the bullpen against US. I'm not 782 00:37:51,558 --> 00:37:52,958 Speaker 2: saying a bullpen righty, but he came out of the 783 00:37:52,958 --> 00:37:57,038 Speaker 2: bullpen against US in Game five Nationals versus the Cubs. 784 00:37:58,198 --> 00:37:59,158 Speaker 3: In twenty seventeen. 785 00:37:59,198 --> 00:38:02,238 Speaker 2: I think it was right that that knockdown dragon him 786 00:38:02,238 --> 00:38:05,638 Speaker 2: out game in Washington and did not perform well. 787 00:38:05,678 --> 00:38:06,638 Speaker 3: We got him. 788 00:38:06,678 --> 00:38:08,318 Speaker 2: I think Addison had a big hit down and left 789 00:38:08,318 --> 00:38:11,198 Speaker 2: field line. So there's you know, there's all these different things. 790 00:38:11,558 --> 00:38:13,798 Speaker 2: When the guy's out of his comfort zone, he's not right. 791 00:38:14,358 --> 00:38:16,758 Speaker 2: And just because his last name is a pedigree attached 792 00:38:16,798 --> 00:38:19,238 Speaker 2: to it, it's just you just can't one hundred percent 793 00:38:19,358 --> 00:38:22,238 Speaker 2: count on it. But I do think it's fascinating and interesting. 794 00:38:22,478 --> 00:38:24,678 Speaker 1: The game you mentioned in Washington, by the way, that 795 00:38:24,758 --> 00:38:28,038 Speaker 1: was a crazy game. If I remember this correctly, it's 796 00:38:28,078 --> 00:38:31,598 Speaker 1: the only game in history where there are four ways 797 00:38:31,598 --> 00:38:33,958 Speaker 1: of getting on base without putting the ball in play, right, 798 00:38:34,158 --> 00:38:36,958 Speaker 1: and it's the only game in history where all four 799 00:38:37,038 --> 00:38:42,438 Speaker 1: of those methods happened in a row. He obviously have 800 00:38:42,878 --> 00:38:47,718 Speaker 1: a walk, a hit by pitch, catcher's interference, and drop 801 00:38:47,758 --> 00:38:50,358 Speaker 1: third strike, oh happened consecutively. 802 00:38:50,958 --> 00:38:53,958 Speaker 2: Well, the win was when Hobby's completion of his backswing 803 00:38:54,318 --> 00:38:56,038 Speaker 2: hit the catcher's glove right and the ball went back 804 00:38:56,078 --> 00:38:57,678 Speaker 2: to the backs up and jury lane didn't see it. 805 00:38:57,758 --> 00:38:58,358 Speaker 3: Is that accurate? 806 00:38:58,518 --> 00:39:00,038 Speaker 1: That's it? Yeah? 807 00:39:00,278 --> 00:39:00,838 Speaker 3: Yeah, that was. 808 00:39:01,038 --> 00:39:03,078 Speaker 2: If there's been an instant replay back, then for that 809 00:39:03,158 --> 00:39:05,958 Speaker 2: particular play, the outcome could have been different, because we 810 00:39:07,198 --> 00:39:09,158 Speaker 2: that was a crazy game. We were playing the infield 811 00:39:09,158 --> 00:39:11,038 Speaker 2: in early Hobby made a great play at the plate. 812 00:39:11,118 --> 00:39:13,798 Speaker 2: He threw somebody out. I was going back and forth, 813 00:39:13,838 --> 00:39:15,558 Speaker 2: back and forth, and that was a good team. That 814 00:39:15,678 --> 00:39:19,238 Speaker 2: national team was a really good team. That's I've talked 815 00:39:19,278 --> 00:39:20,838 Speaker 2: to you about this before. That might have been the 816 00:39:20,878 --> 00:39:25,038 Speaker 2: most incredibly intense game I've had to manage in the play. 817 00:39:25,198 --> 00:39:28,518 Speaker 3: I mean, you know, seven game seven Indians, et cetera. 818 00:39:28,598 --> 00:39:30,958 Speaker 2: I get that, but this game had something attached to 819 00:39:30,998 --> 00:39:34,878 Speaker 2: it that you talk about exhaustion. That was the NLDS 820 00:39:34,998 --> 00:39:37,478 Speaker 2: by the time we got to the CS. But against 821 00:39:37,518 --> 00:39:40,638 Speaker 2: the Dodgers, we were pretty much our bullpen was exhausted. 822 00:39:40,918 --> 00:39:43,798 Speaker 2: I'd used Wayde Davis two plus innings just to get there, 823 00:39:44,078 --> 00:39:46,198 Speaker 2: and then we had a medical head to layover in 824 00:39:46,478 --> 00:39:48,798 Speaker 2: Albuquerque all night long. And then you go out and 825 00:39:48,838 --> 00:39:51,638 Speaker 2: try to beat the Dodgers in LA with full rest. 826 00:39:51,718 --> 00:39:56,318 Speaker 2: So all these little answer your components again conspire sometimes 827 00:39:56,358 --> 00:39:59,398 Speaker 2: against you. So yeah, rest can be very important. 828 00:39:59,918 --> 00:40:02,518 Speaker 1: Yeah, and that's why I've really looked forward to this 829 00:40:03,038 --> 00:40:06,678 Speaker 1: both LCS is because nobody's really disadvantaged when it comes 830 00:40:06,678 --> 00:40:08,758 Speaker 1: to going in there, Like you said, playing a full 831 00:40:08,758 --> 00:40:11,118 Speaker 1: compliment of games, going through your bullpen, and it's like, 832 00:40:11,158 --> 00:40:12,598 Speaker 1: how are we going to get through the first couple 833 00:40:12,638 --> 00:40:15,478 Speaker 1: of games of the LCS. Well, these teams all got 834 00:40:15,478 --> 00:40:18,878 Speaker 1: here in short time and with the pitching lined up, 835 00:40:19,318 --> 00:40:21,998 Speaker 1: and it's fascinating. We have a final four in which 836 00:40:22,438 --> 00:40:25,318 Speaker 1: none of the four teams has won more than ninety games. 837 00:40:25,318 --> 00:40:27,958 Speaker 1: It's the first ALCS in which neither team won more 838 00:40:27,998 --> 00:40:31,318 Speaker 1: than ninety I'm not sure about the NLCS, but I imagine 839 00:40:31,198 --> 00:40:34,438 Speaker 1: it's probably similar to that. But that's a good thing 840 00:40:34,798 --> 00:40:37,958 Speaker 1: and it should be really fun. Hey, we're gonna take 841 00:40:37,998 --> 00:40:40,798 Speaker 1: a quick break, Joe, and one thing we absolutely need 842 00:40:40,838 --> 00:40:42,238 Speaker 1: to talk about when we get to this time of 843 00:40:42,318 --> 00:40:44,918 Speaker 1: year in the LCS is the effect of the managers. 844 00:40:45,238 --> 00:40:48,798 Speaker 1: We get some real four interesting managers running these games. 845 00:40:49,038 --> 00:41:01,958 Speaker 1: We'll talk about that with Joe right after this. Hey, 846 00:41:01,998 --> 00:41:05,078 Speaker 1: welcome back to the LCS edition of the Book of 847 00:41:05,158 --> 00:41:09,918 Speaker 1: Joe Podcasts. Managers who made it to the final four. 848 00:41:10,758 --> 00:41:14,118 Speaker 1: The youngest of them Joe is Tory Lavello at the 849 00:41:14,158 --> 00:41:18,158 Speaker 1: age of fifty eight. You've got Rob Thompson at sixty, 850 00:41:18,878 --> 00:41:23,358 Speaker 1: Bruce Bochie at sixty eight, Dusty Baker at seventy four. 851 00:41:23,918 --> 00:41:26,158 Speaker 1: And this is after the last couple of years watching 852 00:41:26,558 --> 00:41:29,678 Speaker 1: you know, Dusty go up against Rob Thompson last year 853 00:41:30,478 --> 00:41:33,718 Speaker 1: Dusty and Brian Snicker in his mid sixties the year before. 854 00:41:35,478 --> 00:41:39,318 Speaker 1: Look around the game. There's a reason why these guys 855 00:41:40,078 --> 00:41:43,598 Speaker 1: are in these spots. The years of experience. You can't 856 00:41:43,598 --> 00:41:46,438 Speaker 1: tell me it doesn't matter, especially this time of year. 857 00:41:46,918 --> 00:41:49,278 Speaker 2: Yeah, listen, you're not going to get an argument from me. 858 00:41:49,318 --> 00:41:51,398 Speaker 2: And I'm so happy for all these guys and friends 859 00:41:51,438 --> 00:41:52,318 Speaker 2: with all of them. 860 00:41:52,558 --> 00:41:54,878 Speaker 3: They're all really really good at what they do. 861 00:41:55,798 --> 00:41:59,478 Speaker 2: I mean, toy, I had Torio's player with the Angels 862 00:41:59,478 --> 00:42:00,998 Speaker 2: when I was a young coach. I got to know 863 00:42:01,078 --> 00:42:02,878 Speaker 2: Tory back in the day in the batty cages out 864 00:42:02,878 --> 00:42:05,598 Speaker 2: at Genautry Park. Dusty and I have developed a good 865 00:42:05,638 --> 00:42:09,558 Speaker 2: relationship over the years based on you know, battling back 866 00:42:09,558 --> 00:42:12,758 Speaker 2: and forth obviously, and Robbie Thompson. I was just so 867 00:42:12,878 --> 00:42:16,598 Speaker 2: happy that he got that opportunity and he's the perfect 868 00:42:16,638 --> 00:42:18,438 Speaker 2: guy for that job. And philid Okay I listened to 869 00:42:18,518 --> 00:42:21,518 Speaker 2: him speak, and God, you talk about being able to 870 00:42:21,558 --> 00:42:24,958 Speaker 2: disarm immediately. And of course Boach, Boach and I go 871 00:42:25,038 --> 00:42:28,078 Speaker 2: way back. I've had some very good run ins with him, 872 00:42:28,598 --> 00:42:32,638 Speaker 2: including twenty run to the twenty sixteen World Series and 873 00:42:33,198 --> 00:42:35,278 Speaker 2: before and after that. My first time I saw Boach 874 00:42:35,278 --> 00:42:37,278 Speaker 2: as a manager was in Riverside. He was managing a 875 00:42:37,358 --> 00:42:40,678 Speaker 2: ball and I was roving with the Angels and I 876 00:42:40,678 --> 00:42:43,478 Speaker 2: was with Palm Springs playing. Drove over to Riverside and 877 00:42:43,518 --> 00:42:45,958 Speaker 2: watched the nurse Boach, Bruce Boch, He's managing the river 878 00:42:46,078 --> 00:42:48,638 Speaker 2: Side whatever they were at that time. So all these 879 00:42:48,678 --> 00:42:51,318 Speaker 2: guys have they've ridden the buses, you know, I like, 880 00:42:51,358 --> 00:42:54,398 Speaker 2: they've ridden the buses, they pulled tarps, they've probably burned 881 00:42:54,398 --> 00:42:57,398 Speaker 2: a baseball fielder to it at different points in their ascension. 882 00:42:57,518 --> 00:43:00,638 Speaker 2: So I like all that about it, you know, And 883 00:43:00,918 --> 00:43:06,918 Speaker 2: I'll always argue in favor of field and experience and 884 00:43:06,998 --> 00:43:10,318 Speaker 2: wisdom and whatever you and that blink moment where intuition 885 00:43:10,438 --> 00:43:13,078 Speaker 2: takes over and you can make decisions based on all 886 00:43:13,158 --> 00:43:15,358 Speaker 2: years of experience. And I think all these guys have that, 887 00:43:16,038 --> 00:43:19,998 Speaker 2: and I'll always argue in favor of that. They've seen 888 00:43:21,118 --> 00:43:23,598 Speaker 2: so many different situations and they've been through We've talked 889 00:43:23,638 --> 00:43:27,198 Speaker 2: about the meetings and evaluations of players, etc. And they're 890 00:43:27,198 --> 00:43:29,518 Speaker 2: going to go and they're going to make decisions based 891 00:43:29,558 --> 00:43:34,438 Speaker 2: on more human elements more consistently, And to me, that's 892 00:43:34,518 --> 00:43:36,078 Speaker 2: exactly the way it needs to be. You need to 893 00:43:36,158 --> 00:43:39,318 Speaker 2: utilize all information at your disposal. But at the end 894 00:43:39,318 --> 00:43:41,478 Speaker 2: of the day, it's one human versus another human. The 895 00:43:41,518 --> 00:43:45,478 Speaker 2: better baseball player making less mistakes or better baseball team 896 00:43:45,478 --> 00:43:48,798 Speaker 2: making less mistakes or being prepared in a moment is 897 00:43:48,838 --> 00:43:51,038 Speaker 2: going to win, especially when he gets this close. So 898 00:43:51,518 --> 00:43:53,758 Speaker 2: happy for all these guys. I'm looking forward to watching them. 899 00:43:53,838 --> 00:43:55,878 Speaker 1: Yeah, there's not going to be a lot of talk 900 00:43:55,918 --> 00:43:59,318 Speaker 1: about scripts when it comes to running games in these 901 00:43:59,518 --> 00:44:05,398 Speaker 1: lcs's versus Bochi and Rob Thompson in particular, they run 902 00:44:05,478 --> 00:44:08,038 Speaker 1: games similar to way you run games. If there's something 903 00:44:08,078 --> 00:44:12,478 Speaker 1: they see in a moment, they're prepared. Listen, I say, 904 00:44:12,558 --> 00:44:15,038 Speaker 1: we're not gonna hear about scripts. It doesn't mean you 905 00:44:15,118 --> 00:44:18,918 Speaker 1: don't go into a game prepared for scenarios. You do, 906 00:44:19,598 --> 00:44:23,438 Speaker 1: but you are not wedded to that script. You know, 907 00:44:23,918 --> 00:44:26,718 Speaker 1: as you know more than anybody, things change in the 908 00:44:26,718 --> 00:44:29,278 Speaker 1: course of a postseason game, and sometimes they can happen quickly. 909 00:44:29,318 --> 00:44:32,198 Speaker 1: You need to adjust. I think these managers do that, 910 00:44:32,478 --> 00:44:38,158 Speaker 1: and I think especially Bochie and Thompson are very proactive, 911 00:44:38,238 --> 00:44:40,918 Speaker 1: very aggressive when it term in terms of if there 912 00:44:40,998 --> 00:44:43,238 Speaker 1: is a matchup that pops up in the six or 913 00:44:43,278 --> 00:44:45,558 Speaker 1: seventh inning where they feel like the game is on 914 00:44:45,678 --> 00:44:49,918 Speaker 1: the line, they're going to go to their high leverage guys. Now, 915 00:44:50,318 --> 00:44:51,998 Speaker 1: you know you need a deeper bullpen to be able 916 00:44:52,038 --> 00:44:54,958 Speaker 1: to do that, and they have that, but just sort 917 00:44:54,958 --> 00:44:57,998 Speaker 1: of the gumption to say, you know what, this guy 918 00:44:58,078 --> 00:44:59,878 Speaker 1: is going to pitch in this spot because I feel 919 00:44:59,918 --> 00:45:03,438 Speaker 1: like this is equivalent to an eighth inning, high leverage situation. 920 00:45:04,038 --> 00:45:07,358 Speaker 1: They will not hesitate to do that. So it'll be 921 00:45:07,358 --> 00:45:10,118 Speaker 1: fascinating to watch these guys run a game. Dusty Baker 922 00:45:10,638 --> 00:45:13,478 Speaker 1: all right handed bullpen, A Bray who has just been 923 00:45:13,798 --> 00:45:16,478 Speaker 1: unbelievable for him out of his bullpen. I know without 924 00:45:16,518 --> 00:45:18,638 Speaker 1: a lefty, you think, well, we are thinking to match 925 00:45:18,678 --> 00:45:21,598 Speaker 1: up against Corey. Seeger doesn't matter. I mean a Braillo 926 00:45:21,718 --> 00:45:23,718 Speaker 1: is not giving up a run, folks, since the middle 927 00:45:23,718 --> 00:45:26,998 Speaker 1: of the summer. Since July, he's throwing a hundred with 928 00:45:27,078 --> 00:45:31,158 Speaker 1: a wipeout breaking ball. So this is not your cookie 929 00:45:31,158 --> 00:45:36,238 Speaker 1: cutter matchup left on left. You know, let's check the ops's. 930 00:45:36,318 --> 00:45:39,918 Speaker 1: These managers know where the holes are in swings, which 931 00:45:39,958 --> 00:45:43,678 Speaker 1: guys they trust in certain situations. This is not paint 932 00:45:43,718 --> 00:45:46,278 Speaker 1: by numbers managing. We'll be looking at here in the postseason. 933 00:45:46,558 --> 00:45:49,078 Speaker 2: Well, yeah, first of all, you start off. You always 934 00:45:49,078 --> 00:45:51,758 Speaker 2: go with theory, your theory as you sit down before 935 00:45:51,758 --> 00:45:54,478 Speaker 2: the game. For me, it would be in the morning. 936 00:45:54,878 --> 00:45:57,318 Speaker 2: I get all my information via PDFs. I sit down, 937 00:45:57,598 --> 00:46:00,478 Speaker 2: I map things out, go over different things, go for 938 00:46:00,518 --> 00:46:02,878 Speaker 2: the bike ride or whatever, and then you think about 939 00:46:02,878 --> 00:46:03,238 Speaker 2: this stuff. 940 00:46:03,238 --> 00:46:04,438 Speaker 3: And then you get to the ball park. Can you 941 00:46:04,478 --> 00:46:05,238 Speaker 3: get your lineups? 942 00:46:05,838 --> 00:46:08,438 Speaker 2: And then at that point you I started writing my 943 00:46:08,438 --> 00:46:12,638 Speaker 2: matchups down, whether it be blocks where I want different 944 00:46:12,638 --> 00:46:15,598 Speaker 2: relief pitchers in different blocks against their offense where I 945 00:46:15,638 --> 00:46:17,398 Speaker 2: think they might pinch it, or I might pinch it 946 00:46:17,438 --> 00:46:20,238 Speaker 2: for I write these things down on my card in advance. 947 00:46:20,558 --> 00:46:22,478 Speaker 2: Stolen the stolen base guys. If there's a hit and 948 00:46:22,558 --> 00:46:25,078 Speaker 2: run guy, what council they'd like to go on? I want, 949 00:46:25,118 --> 00:46:27,118 Speaker 2: I want to predetermine all this in advance so that 950 00:46:27,158 --> 00:46:29,918 Speaker 2: I'm not surprised by anything. So that's it all comes 951 00:46:29,918 --> 00:46:31,878 Speaker 2: down to theory. And then like you said, there comes reality, 952 00:46:31,998 --> 00:46:36,678 Speaker 2: here comes the game, and everything starts shifting. But but 953 00:46:37,238 --> 00:46:39,678 Speaker 2: the fact that you've done all this homework before slows 954 00:46:39,718 --> 00:46:40,638 Speaker 2: that moment down. 955 00:46:40,478 --> 00:46:42,318 Speaker 3: Because you've already prepared for this. 956 00:46:42,678 --> 00:46:44,918 Speaker 2: Okay, all of a sudden, you're getting that, and now 957 00:46:44,918 --> 00:46:48,958 Speaker 2: it's easier to make that adjustment. Talking about getting your 958 00:46:49,238 --> 00:46:52,758 Speaker 2: right relief pictures in high leverage moments earlier in the game, Again, 959 00:46:52,838 --> 00:46:55,718 Speaker 2: that has to be thought about in advance. And because 960 00:46:56,158 --> 00:46:58,678 Speaker 2: I guess what Turner said is accurate regarding the speed 961 00:46:58,718 --> 00:47:00,758 Speaker 2: of the game right now, So you have to really 962 00:47:00,838 --> 00:47:02,478 Speaker 2: you have to be in advance of this moment in 963 00:47:02,558 --> 00:47:04,838 Speaker 2: order to get that guy on this picture now, I 964 00:47:04,878 --> 00:47:07,118 Speaker 2: mean a certain hitter. And again you have to understand, 965 00:47:07,238 --> 00:47:10,678 Speaker 2: I mean, you hate hate hate wearing it up a picture, 966 00:47:11,198 --> 00:47:12,798 Speaker 2: getting him hot, and then maybe he does it go 967 00:47:12,878 --> 00:47:16,158 Speaker 2: in the game. So that's that's the bane of all 968 00:47:16,198 --> 00:47:19,238 Speaker 2: managers in bullpens, where you do that and you lose 969 00:47:19,238 --> 00:47:21,918 Speaker 2: some utility out of the guy just because he got hot. 970 00:47:22,158 --> 00:47:23,638 Speaker 2: He got hot, he didn't get in a game, but 971 00:47:23,678 --> 00:47:26,078 Speaker 2: that kind of counts almost as though he did. And 972 00:47:26,118 --> 00:47:28,638 Speaker 2: so you're trying to be ready but also avoid that 973 00:47:28,678 --> 00:47:31,678 Speaker 2: particular moment. It used to happen more with matchup left 974 00:47:31,678 --> 00:47:33,958 Speaker 2: handed pictures. I think lefties used to get abused more 975 00:47:34,278 --> 00:47:36,078 Speaker 2: because you're getting them ready, getting them ready for this 976 00:47:36,158 --> 00:47:38,598 Speaker 2: moment against the left handed hitter pom maybe a double 977 00:47:38,598 --> 00:47:41,078 Speaker 2: play happens to hit her before sit the guy down, 978 00:47:41,238 --> 00:47:43,398 Speaker 2: or maybe something happens and the game blows open a 979 00:47:43,398 --> 00:47:45,878 Speaker 2: little bit on the previous hitter, send him back down, 980 00:47:46,118 --> 00:47:47,958 Speaker 2: or the end he gets over this gets over with 981 00:47:47,998 --> 00:47:50,518 Speaker 2: the previous hitter, sit him back down. So these are 982 00:47:50,558 --> 00:47:53,438 Speaker 2: the kind of things that you really have to stay 983 00:47:53,478 --> 00:47:55,758 Speaker 2: on top of an advance, but you're also concerned about 984 00:47:56,158 --> 00:47:59,398 Speaker 2: getting guys hot and then sitting them down. Last point, 985 00:48:00,318 --> 00:48:03,358 Speaker 2: just talking about Astro's Alrighty's I think we went through 986 00:48:03,358 --> 00:48:05,958 Speaker 2: that too for a bit with the Angels, although if 987 00:48:05,958 --> 00:48:08,998 Speaker 2: shown Waits adventure got to the bullpen. When you have 988 00:48:09,198 --> 00:48:11,878 Speaker 2: reverse guys and a break, you don't care who's hitting. 989 00:48:11,998 --> 00:48:14,278 Speaker 2: It doesn't matter right he left the switch it, it doesn't matter. 990 00:48:15,318 --> 00:48:16,838 Speaker 2: This guy's got that kind of. 991 00:48:16,758 --> 00:48:18,758 Speaker 3: Stuff that beats both right and left handed hitters. 992 00:48:19,238 --> 00:48:21,598 Speaker 2: And when you get righty's that beat lefties too. I'm 993 00:48:21,598 --> 00:48:24,078 Speaker 2: always you're looking for neutral guys. What you're really looking 994 00:48:24,078 --> 00:48:26,878 Speaker 2: for if you look at all the statistical information, look 995 00:48:26,918 --> 00:48:29,238 Speaker 2: at the sheet, the statistical sheet, and you're looking for 996 00:48:29,278 --> 00:48:31,758 Speaker 2: a relief picture regardless if he's right or left handed, 997 00:48:32,078 --> 00:48:34,758 Speaker 2: that the numbers are kind of equally balanced on both sides, 998 00:48:35,118 --> 00:48:37,078 Speaker 2: and that's the guy those If you could get a 999 00:48:37,078 --> 00:48:38,798 Speaker 2: bullpen full of those dudes, man, you're not going to 1000 00:48:38,838 --> 00:48:39,558 Speaker 2: wear anybody out. 1001 00:48:39,798 --> 00:48:41,118 Speaker 3: You're gonna be able to match it up. 1002 00:48:41,118 --> 00:48:45,438 Speaker 2: Easier, get some you get guys up without any concern 1003 00:48:45,838 --> 00:48:48,358 Speaker 2: because if this pops, regardless of who they sent up there. 1004 00:48:48,358 --> 00:48:50,598 Speaker 2: I feel pretty good about this. So when you're when 1005 00:48:50,638 --> 00:48:52,958 Speaker 2: you're putting your team together in the off season, and 1006 00:48:52,998 --> 00:48:55,158 Speaker 2: the guys you're looking forward to build a cachet with 1007 00:48:55,198 --> 00:48:58,758 Speaker 2: them would be neutral relief pictures. Second, I would take 1008 00:48:58,758 --> 00:49:02,518 Speaker 2: the reverse guy. The specialists really gone kind of like 1009 00:49:02,638 --> 00:49:05,158 Speaker 2: to the wayside based on the three batter minimum. So 1010 00:49:05,358 --> 00:49:06,758 Speaker 2: these are the kind of things that I look to 1011 00:49:06,838 --> 00:49:11,438 Speaker 2: prepare for before the game, and theory and reality obviously 1012 00:49:11,438 --> 00:49:12,358 Speaker 2: are two different things. 1013 00:49:12,638 --> 00:49:15,078 Speaker 1: Yeah, to me, the big matchup, Joe is a Brew 1014 00:49:15,158 --> 00:49:18,158 Speaker 1: on Seeger. That's the key matchup to watching that series 1015 00:49:18,158 --> 00:49:21,278 Speaker 1: in the ALCS. I just think the way a bra 1016 00:49:21,518 --> 00:49:24,318 Speaker 1: is throwing the ball right now. I like the Astros 1017 00:49:24,358 --> 00:49:27,318 Speaker 1: bullpen in general. In the first round. They allowed the 1018 00:49:27,358 --> 00:49:31,118 Speaker 1: Twins a one point eighty six batting average from the 1019 00:49:31,158 --> 00:49:34,678 Speaker 1: seventh inning on, and he certainly certainly saw that in 1020 00:49:35,558 --> 00:49:37,758 Speaker 1: the clinching game where the Twins just had trouble even 1021 00:49:37,798 --> 00:49:40,758 Speaker 1: getting the ball in play against neris a braw and pressley. 1022 00:49:41,878 --> 00:49:43,958 Speaker 1: I think there's an edge there for Houston. The other 1023 00:49:43,958 --> 00:49:46,518 Speaker 1: thing I like here, Joe is that when any of 1024 00:49:46,518 --> 00:49:51,238 Speaker 1: these managers sits in that postgame conference room and explains 1025 00:49:51,238 --> 00:49:55,278 Speaker 1: a move, you as a fan, should feel really confident 1026 00:49:55,438 --> 00:49:58,598 Speaker 1: that he's telling you the truth about a move that 1027 00:49:58,758 --> 00:50:01,598 Speaker 1: he made, that he in the course of the heat 1028 00:50:01,598 --> 00:50:06,118 Speaker 1: of the moment the manager made them, and not somebody 1029 00:50:06,478 --> 00:50:10,398 Speaker 1: wearing a polo shirt upstairs, because that happens way too much. 1030 00:50:10,918 --> 00:50:13,438 Speaker 1: And you know, I didn't like it with John Schneider 1031 00:50:13,878 --> 00:50:15,718 Speaker 1: taking Barrios out of that game when they had a 1032 00:50:15,718 --> 00:50:17,798 Speaker 1: script to go to the lefty Kakuchi to flip the 1033 00:50:17,798 --> 00:50:20,958 Speaker 1: Minnesota lineup in the wildcard round. I didn't like when 1034 00:50:21,038 --> 00:50:24,158 Speaker 1: Ross Atkins the GM came out and basically, you know, 1035 00:50:24,238 --> 00:50:29,158 Speaker 1: didn't take responsibility. I mean to me, leadership also means 1036 00:50:29,198 --> 00:50:33,318 Speaker 1: putting people in position to lead and empowering them. John 1037 00:50:33,318 --> 00:50:36,398 Speaker 1: Schneider is a young manager, right if you're a front office, 1038 00:50:36,438 --> 00:50:38,598 Speaker 1: you have to empower him to make decisions in the 1039 00:50:38,638 --> 00:50:40,278 Speaker 1: course of the game. And you could sit there as 1040 00:50:40,278 --> 00:50:42,238 Speaker 1: a GM and you could say, you know what, we 1041 00:50:42,318 --> 00:50:45,078 Speaker 1: don't tell our manager what to do. And you could 1042 00:50:45,078 --> 00:50:48,638 Speaker 1: say that and that would literally be true. But if 1043 00:50:48,638 --> 00:50:51,558 Speaker 1: you're putting thoughts in his head and giving him information, 1044 00:50:52,278 --> 00:50:54,758 Speaker 1: and this guy is not an established big league manager, 1045 00:50:54,838 --> 00:50:57,438 Speaker 1: what is he going to do. The path of least 1046 00:50:57,518 --> 00:51:00,118 Speaker 1: resistance is what he's going to choose. He's going to 1047 00:51:00,198 --> 00:51:02,878 Speaker 1: speak to in the heat of the moment, the ideas 1048 00:51:02,918 --> 00:51:05,358 Speaker 1: that were put into a head by the information you're 1049 00:51:05,398 --> 00:51:09,158 Speaker 1: giving him as his boss. And so I tell trying 1050 00:51:09,158 --> 00:51:11,878 Speaker 1: to tell fans all the time when you're second guessing 1051 00:51:11,918 --> 00:51:14,078 Speaker 1: the manager. Most of the times in the big leagues 1052 00:51:14,118 --> 00:51:17,478 Speaker 1: these days, you're second guessing the front office. Don't lay 1053 00:51:17,478 --> 00:51:19,358 Speaker 1: it on the manager. Don't always put it on Dave 1054 00:51:19,438 --> 00:51:21,358 Speaker 1: Roberts if he's taking his picture out of the game 1055 00:51:21,398 --> 00:51:25,278 Speaker 1: in the fourth inning. So I think I feel good 1056 00:51:25,278 --> 00:51:28,078 Speaker 1: in this situation with these four managers that if they 1057 00:51:28,158 --> 00:51:31,278 Speaker 1: make a move, they're doing it based on their years 1058 00:51:31,278 --> 00:51:34,518 Speaker 1: of experience in the game and what they're seeing at 1059 00:51:34,518 --> 00:51:35,078 Speaker 1: that moment. 1060 00:51:35,318 --> 00:51:38,038 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean, I'll give you an amen on that one. 1061 00:51:38,118 --> 00:51:43,118 Speaker 2: But also to just try to complete the thought. Yeah, 1062 00:51:43,398 --> 00:51:46,638 Speaker 2: all these guys want information, but there's always been information. 1063 00:51:47,078 --> 00:51:49,158 Speaker 2: We said what we called an advanced scout, and the 1064 00:51:49,198 --> 00:51:51,838 Speaker 2: advanced scout would go out in advance of the team 1065 00:51:51,878 --> 00:51:54,638 Speaker 2: that you're going to play, and he would compile information 1066 00:51:54,678 --> 00:51:56,958 Speaker 2: regarding their hitters, what do you want to play people 1067 00:51:56,958 --> 00:51:59,438 Speaker 2: on defense, how do you attack their pitchers? 1068 00:51:59,918 --> 00:52:01,998 Speaker 3: If there's any signs you could pick up. You've always 1069 00:52:02,078 --> 00:52:03,038 Speaker 3: had information. 1070 00:52:04,158 --> 00:52:07,198 Speaker 2: Now is that you can accumulate more because now every game, 1071 00:52:07,798 --> 00:52:10,118 Speaker 2: every team, every game is being tracked. So you got 1072 00:52:10,158 --> 00:52:12,918 Speaker 2: this bank of stuff where before it was maybe not 1073 00:52:12,998 --> 00:52:17,558 Speaker 2: as exact, it was more observational as opposed to GPS. 1074 00:52:17,598 --> 00:52:20,198 Speaker 2: Good and at this time of the year, and when 1075 00:52:20,198 --> 00:52:21,798 Speaker 2: he got to the playoffs, they had more than one 1076 00:52:21,798 --> 00:52:25,198 Speaker 2: guy covering each team, so they try to split the responsibilities. 1077 00:52:25,238 --> 00:52:27,878 Speaker 2: They would report back, they'd come back to the city 1078 00:52:28,758 --> 00:52:30,558 Speaker 2: and they would sit there with the manager and the 1079 00:52:30,558 --> 00:52:33,358 Speaker 2: coaching staff and say, this is what I saw. And 1080 00:52:33,398 --> 00:52:36,398 Speaker 2: when the coaching staff would have the meeting with the players, 1081 00:52:36,718 --> 00:52:38,958 Speaker 2: who remember these advanced scouts where if they could be 1082 00:52:38,998 --> 00:52:40,598 Speaker 2: there at that time, or at least one of them 1083 00:52:40,998 --> 00:52:42,838 Speaker 2: or at least on the phone, would sit there to 1084 00:52:42,878 --> 00:52:46,158 Speaker 2: support if there was anything that they've forgotten about whatever. 1085 00:52:46,558 --> 00:52:49,798 Speaker 2: I love that method. I do love that method. I'm 1086 00:52:49,798 --> 00:52:52,278 Speaker 2: not saying I don't like the method of accumulating information 1087 00:52:52,438 --> 00:52:57,598 Speaker 2: via video or just a little marks data whatever. I 1088 00:52:57,718 --> 00:52:59,958 Speaker 2: like that too, because again, it could be more accurate 1089 00:52:59,998 --> 00:53:02,918 Speaker 2: when it comes to what you're talking about. However, it 1090 00:53:02,998 --> 00:53:05,398 Speaker 2: just comes down to how is it dispensed among the group. 1091 00:53:05,958 --> 00:53:09,438 Speaker 2: So you give information to coaches and managers, absolutely, give us, 1092 00:53:09,638 --> 00:53:10,198 Speaker 2: give us as. 1093 00:53:10,198 --> 00:53:11,558 Speaker 3: Much as you got. We'll take it. 1094 00:53:11,918 --> 00:53:13,798 Speaker 2: We want it, we want it, we want to work, 1095 00:53:13,958 --> 00:53:17,478 Speaker 2: we want to work in conjunction with all the analytical 1096 00:53:17,518 --> 00:53:19,798 Speaker 2: groups we do. But then there's at some point we 1097 00:53:19,878 --> 00:53:22,998 Speaker 2: got to say thank you and we'll see tomorrow after 1098 00:53:22,998 --> 00:53:27,158 Speaker 2: you've accumulated more information regarding tomorrow's game. But to to 1099 00:53:27,238 --> 00:53:31,798 Speaker 2: stand there and just to kind of dictate strategy to 1100 00:53:31,878 --> 00:53:35,678 Speaker 2: you as the manager, again, it only serves the confuse. 1101 00:53:35,958 --> 00:53:38,878 Speaker 3: I promise enough. The manager asks that, Like. 1102 00:53:38,878 --> 00:53:40,718 Speaker 2: If I'm the man and I you know, you said 1103 00:53:40,758 --> 00:53:42,278 Speaker 2: some different things to me, and I say, okay, Now 1104 00:53:43,158 --> 00:53:44,998 Speaker 2: give them a scenario like okay, we get to this 1105 00:53:45,038 --> 00:53:46,958 Speaker 2: particular juncture in the game and it comes like this, 1106 00:53:47,118 --> 00:53:51,318 Speaker 2: the situation you're talking about Alvarado and Harris hitting and 1107 00:53:51,518 --> 00:53:53,638 Speaker 2: you know the potential for pinchionting. Do you have any 1108 00:53:53,638 --> 00:53:55,598 Speaker 2: suggestions there should we get should we get Kimberle in 1109 00:53:55,638 --> 00:53:58,798 Speaker 2: the game, or do you like Alvarado facing a left tender? 1110 00:53:58,838 --> 00:54:01,318 Speaker 2: As an example, if I ask that question, I don't 1111 00:54:01,318 --> 00:54:03,678 Speaker 2: want them to tell me that unilaterally. I want to 1112 00:54:03,718 --> 00:54:06,518 Speaker 2: weigh to Let me ask the question, let the coach 1113 00:54:06,598 --> 00:54:08,958 Speaker 2: ask the question, and then and then tell us what 1114 00:54:09,038 --> 00:54:10,958 Speaker 2: you think God to me is the right way to 1115 00:54:10,998 --> 00:54:14,598 Speaker 2: do this. But to constantly fill your put your thoughts 1116 00:54:14,598 --> 00:54:18,838 Speaker 2: in the head of whomever. Last point unless and again 1117 00:54:18,878 --> 00:54:20,238 Speaker 2: this has got to be like really delicate. 1118 00:54:20,278 --> 00:54:21,638 Speaker 3: But you have a great. 1119 00:54:21,438 --> 00:54:24,198 Speaker 2: Relationship as a manager who the members given you the information, 1120 00:54:24,958 --> 00:54:28,198 Speaker 2: and then you you're you're more at ease with this 1121 00:54:28,238 --> 00:54:31,518 Speaker 2: person making suggestions to you, but you know it's a suggestion, 1122 00:54:31,598 --> 00:54:33,158 Speaker 2: and you know it's not one of those things I 1123 00:54:33,158 --> 00:54:35,198 Speaker 2: can ed it like you got to do this, and 1124 00:54:35,238 --> 00:54:37,358 Speaker 2: like you said, then a young manager is going to 1125 00:54:37,438 --> 00:54:39,718 Speaker 2: want to do this because he doesn't want to disappoint, 1126 00:54:40,158 --> 00:54:42,158 Speaker 2: doesn't want to do something wrong. I don't want to 1127 00:54:42,158 --> 00:54:43,718 Speaker 2: make a mistake. I don't want to have to answer 1128 00:54:43,758 --> 00:54:45,958 Speaker 2: to this. It doesn't and it's not even answering to 1129 00:54:45,998 --> 00:54:48,638 Speaker 2: the public. Don't want to answer to people upstairs. This 1130 00:54:48,678 --> 00:54:53,318 Speaker 2: is the tricky part about all this. So information's always 1131 00:54:53,358 --> 00:54:55,678 Speaker 2: been gathered. We didn't call it analytics. We called it 1132 00:54:55,718 --> 00:54:56,638 Speaker 2: advanced scouting. 1133 00:54:57,158 --> 00:54:57,278 Speaker 3: Uh. 1134 00:54:57,438 --> 00:54:59,958 Speaker 2: Now they call it analytics. It can be more precise. 1135 00:55:00,038 --> 00:55:02,798 Speaker 2: I understand that. However, it's kind of the same thing. 1136 00:55:02,838 --> 00:55:05,438 Speaker 2: And please stop calling a slur of the sweeper. 1137 00:55:08,958 --> 00:55:11,238 Speaker 1: I've actually come around on that. I'm okay with it 1138 00:55:11,278 --> 00:55:14,798 Speaker 1: because a lot of these pictures they want their pitches 1139 00:55:14,798 --> 00:55:18,478 Speaker 1: to be called the sweeper. So, but I think Joe, 1140 00:55:18,718 --> 00:55:21,638 Speaker 1: the bigger point here is we're looking at a final 1141 00:55:21,718 --> 00:55:25,238 Speaker 1: four here in Major League Baseball, where it's been reinforced 1142 00:55:25,478 --> 00:55:30,038 Speaker 1: that information is great. Knowledge is great, but it's even 1143 00:55:30,158 --> 00:55:33,318 Speaker 1: better when it's combined with wisdom. And I use that 1144 00:55:33,398 --> 00:55:36,678 Speaker 1: distinction all the time, that there is a huge distinction 1145 00:55:36,838 --> 00:55:41,478 Speaker 1: between knowledge and wisdom, and they're not competing forces, they're 1146 00:55:41,558 --> 00:55:47,118 Speaker 1: complementary forces. And why wouldn't you want both at your disposal. 1147 00:55:47,998 --> 00:55:50,278 Speaker 1: It's kind of like you as a manager, Joe. I 1148 00:55:50,318 --> 00:55:53,678 Speaker 1: know you've always said this, you want as much information 1149 00:55:53,798 --> 00:55:56,638 Speaker 1: as possible, and this is what we're talking about here. 1150 00:55:56,718 --> 00:55:59,478 Speaker 1: Wisdom is a piece of information. It's a piece of 1151 00:55:59,678 --> 00:56:03,478 Speaker 1: the decision making tree here. And I think having these 1152 00:56:03,518 --> 00:56:06,638 Speaker 1: four managers remaining here in Major League Baseball and as 1153 00:56:06,638 --> 00:56:09,438 Speaker 1: we've seen the last couple of years, is a reminder 1154 00:56:09,558 --> 00:56:13,038 Speaker 1: that that is valuable, that it matters, and that leads 1155 00:56:13,118 --> 00:56:14,718 Speaker 1: me and I'd be remiss if I didn't ask you 1156 00:56:14,758 --> 00:56:18,358 Speaker 1: about this. You know, stories popped up about your interest 1157 00:56:18,398 --> 00:56:21,118 Speaker 1: and getting back to the dugout. We do have certain 1158 00:56:21,198 --> 00:56:25,518 Speaker 1: jobs available. Not sure what's happening here with them, Joe, 1159 00:56:25,718 --> 00:56:28,718 Speaker 1: how far along teams are, But why don't you just 1160 00:56:28,758 --> 00:56:32,638 Speaker 1: tell our listeners here of your interest in getting back 1161 00:56:32,638 --> 00:56:33,398 Speaker 1: into the dugout. 1162 00:56:33,838 --> 00:56:36,038 Speaker 3: Oh? You know, I've believe me. Man. 1163 00:56:36,078 --> 00:56:38,878 Speaker 2: I've sat and I'm watching these games like we're talking about, 1164 00:56:38,878 --> 00:56:42,918 Speaker 2: and I've really done a lot of deep reflection on 1165 00:56:42,998 --> 00:56:46,478 Speaker 2: all this stuff and what I like to get back 1166 00:56:46,478 --> 00:56:48,918 Speaker 2: into Doug. I would, but it's got to be the 1167 00:56:48,998 --> 00:56:51,918 Speaker 2: right marriage. It's like anything else. It's got to be 1168 00:56:52,118 --> 00:56:55,758 Speaker 2: a group that I would be compatible with that understands 1169 00:56:55,758 --> 00:56:59,038 Speaker 2: that absolutely. Gosh, I was like at the forefront of 1170 00:56:59,078 --> 00:57:02,238 Speaker 2: all the analytical movement. I want information, absolutely, but I 1171 00:57:02,238 --> 00:57:05,918 Speaker 2: also want to be impact. I want I want the 1172 00:57:05,958 --> 00:57:09,118 Speaker 2: ability to do what I wanted, but what I think 1173 00:57:09,158 --> 00:57:10,958 Speaker 2: is the right thing to do in a moment. I 1174 00:57:10,998 --> 00:57:14,198 Speaker 2: want to be able to build the philosophy within the 1175 00:57:14,198 --> 00:57:18,598 Speaker 2: clubhouse and within the team on the field. I want 1176 00:57:18,598 --> 00:57:21,678 Speaker 2: that autonomy to be everything that I've learned over the 1177 00:57:21,718 --> 00:57:23,078 Speaker 2: last I don't know how many every years I've been 1178 00:57:23,118 --> 00:57:27,798 Speaker 2: doing this. But I do want collaboration. I do want cooperation. 1179 00:57:27,838 --> 00:57:30,558 Speaker 2: I've always been about that one hundred percent. But when 1180 00:57:30,598 --> 00:57:31,798 Speaker 2: it comes to the day of the game, when it 1181 00:57:31,838 --> 00:57:36,158 Speaker 2: comes to the actual game, the less noise, the better 1182 00:57:37,078 --> 00:57:41,038 Speaker 2: to be permitted to work among the coaching staff, the 1183 00:57:41,078 --> 00:57:44,638 Speaker 2: players and just kind of like, for lack of better term, 1184 00:57:44,678 --> 00:57:47,518 Speaker 2: do your thing, because what happens is when you get 1185 00:57:47,518 --> 00:57:53,518 Speaker 2: too many folks wanting to be part of the recipe. Again, 1186 00:57:53,558 --> 00:57:57,318 Speaker 2: the too many chefs thing, it just confuses, It does 1187 00:57:57,358 --> 00:58:00,558 Speaker 2: not clarify. It confuses when there's too many voices wanting 1188 00:58:00,598 --> 00:58:04,198 Speaker 2: to be part of the decision making process. So, yes, 1189 00:58:04,238 --> 00:58:06,118 Speaker 2: I'd like to do it. I'd love to do it 1190 00:58:06,118 --> 00:58:09,518 Speaker 2: with the right dance partner. Absolutely, And again, like I said, 1191 00:58:10,518 --> 00:58:13,158 Speaker 2: I would want to be empowered to do what I've 1192 00:58:13,198 --> 00:58:15,478 Speaker 2: learned over the last I don't know, thirty forty years 1193 00:58:16,518 --> 00:58:19,718 Speaker 2: with total collaboration, cooperation with the front office hundred percent. 1194 00:58:20,318 --> 00:58:23,398 Speaker 2: But when it comes down to game day and you 1195 00:58:23,438 --> 00:58:25,998 Speaker 2: get to the ballpark and after I've gotten everything I 1196 00:58:25,998 --> 00:58:28,798 Speaker 2: needed to be given that then you left your own 1197 00:58:28,798 --> 00:58:32,758 Speaker 2: devices to interact with your coaching staff, with your players, 1198 00:58:32,758 --> 00:58:35,238 Speaker 2: with the press, and not always have to ask the 1199 00:58:35,318 --> 00:58:38,158 Speaker 2: question could I say this to so and so? You 1200 00:58:38,318 --> 00:58:40,358 Speaker 2: just do it because you've been empowered by the group 1201 00:58:40,398 --> 00:58:43,838 Speaker 2: to do it and they trust in your judgment to 1202 00:58:43,998 --> 00:58:46,278 Speaker 2: say the right thing and do the right thing. That's 1203 00:58:46,278 --> 00:58:46,998 Speaker 2: what I'm looking for. 1204 00:58:47,238 --> 00:58:51,878 Speaker 1: Well, again, this is a reinforcement here. That's that's what works. 1205 00:58:52,438 --> 00:58:55,518 Speaker 1: These final four managers. I think if you watch these games, folks, 1206 00:58:55,558 --> 00:58:57,918 Speaker 1: and listen, we all love it this time of year. 1207 00:58:57,918 --> 00:59:00,358 Speaker 1: We all are managers ourselves in our hearts, and we 1208 00:59:00,478 --> 00:59:02,838 Speaker 1: manage along with them. We love the second guest. It's 1209 00:59:02,878 --> 00:59:05,558 Speaker 1: part of the fun of the game. But I think 1210 00:59:05,598 --> 00:59:08,398 Speaker 1: in these these four, with these four managers, you can 1211 00:59:08,438 --> 00:59:12,238 Speaker 1: feel confident that they're making decisions they truly believe in 1212 00:59:12,958 --> 00:59:15,118 Speaker 1: and they will all and I mean to a man, 1213 00:59:15,158 --> 00:59:18,958 Speaker 1: they will all step up and take responsibility whether it works, 1214 00:59:18,998 --> 00:59:21,238 Speaker 1: but especially if it doesn't work, and they will give 1215 00:59:21,278 --> 00:59:25,638 Speaker 1: you reasons why they did it. So it's kind of 1216 00:59:25,638 --> 00:59:28,678 Speaker 1: an old fashioned postseason coming up here, Joe, the LCS 1217 00:59:28,758 --> 00:59:31,318 Speaker 1: battle of wits. Yeah, that's that's a big part of it. 1218 00:59:31,398 --> 00:59:34,278 Speaker 1: We talk about matchups, pitching on hitting and vice versa, 1219 00:59:34,318 --> 00:59:38,438 Speaker 1: and catchers running a game. But eventually, you know, the 1220 00:59:38,438 --> 00:59:41,318 Speaker 1: managers come to the four. In postseason baseball, there's just 1221 00:59:41,358 --> 00:59:46,358 Speaker 1: so many decisions. Everything has consequence to it. They can't 1222 00:59:46,398 --> 00:59:48,118 Speaker 1: help but be part of the story. And that's what 1223 00:59:48,398 --> 00:59:50,958 Speaker 1: makes baseball so much fun this time of year. Really 1224 00:59:50,998 --> 00:59:53,198 Speaker 1: looking forward to these lcs's. 1225 00:59:53,078 --> 00:59:56,078 Speaker 2: Same here and again, maybe like just a time put 1226 00:59:56,078 --> 00:59:59,838 Speaker 2: a ribbon on all this joy. The word joy, the 1227 00:59:59,878 --> 01:00:04,118 Speaker 2: word fun, the word pleasure the word, you. 1228 01:00:04,078 --> 01:00:07,598 Speaker 1: Know, the. 1229 01:00:06,518 --> 01:00:09,078 Speaker 2: Thing that you've been striving to do or be your 1230 01:00:09,238 --> 01:00:11,758 Speaker 2: entire life, and there's got to be a joy attached 1231 01:00:11,798 --> 01:00:14,518 Speaker 2: to it. And that's that's that's really what I would 1232 01:00:14,518 --> 01:00:17,318 Speaker 2: want within this group that I would work for. 1233 01:00:17,358 --> 01:00:22,198 Speaker 3: Again, it's a joy for the day. This interaction is cooperation, 1234 01:00:22,358 --> 01:00:23,158 Speaker 3: this collaboration. 1235 01:00:23,998 --> 01:00:26,718 Speaker 2: Uh that when when somebody walked, if you're if you're 1236 01:00:26,878 --> 01:00:28,598 Speaker 2: if you're sitting there, if I'm sitting there talking to 1237 01:00:28,598 --> 01:00:30,998 Speaker 2: Tomboro Ducci in a room, that don't have to like 1238 01:00:31,078 --> 01:00:32,718 Speaker 2: really be staring at the door as he is going 1239 01:00:32,758 --> 01:00:34,838 Speaker 2: to walk in, so I have to alter my conversation 1240 01:00:35,678 --> 01:00:37,718 Speaker 2: when you get to that point and joy subtract it. 1241 01:00:38,478 --> 01:00:42,158 Speaker 3: That's not leading. Whoever's it's ever caused me to look 1242 01:00:42,158 --> 01:00:42,638 Speaker 3: at that door. 1243 01:00:42,678 --> 01:00:46,678 Speaker 2: You're not leading, You're you're you're attempting to control. I 1244 01:00:47,118 --> 01:00:50,358 Speaker 2: really love open dialogue as a manager. I want to 1245 01:00:50,438 --> 01:00:53,118 Speaker 2: be disagreed with. I want to be disagreed with with. 1246 01:00:53,198 --> 01:00:54,918 Speaker 2: They just give me a good reason why you're disagreeing 1247 01:00:54,918 --> 01:00:55,158 Speaker 2: with me. 1248 01:00:55,678 --> 01:00:57,878 Speaker 3: Uh, And I love that. I don't like that. I 1249 01:00:58,038 --> 01:00:59,158 Speaker 3: love that. I love. 1250 01:01:01,038 --> 01:01:06,118 Speaker 2: The altering an alter toinion. And I love a real 1251 01:01:06,198 --> 01:01:10,358 Speaker 2: good lively discussion based on disagreement and we're all going 1252 01:01:10,398 --> 01:01:12,518 Speaker 2: to get better by it. And I don't know that 1253 01:01:12,518 --> 01:01:15,718 Speaker 2: that's happening anymore because there's we used to have meetings. Man, 1254 01:01:16,798 --> 01:01:18,998 Speaker 2: I'm telling you, brother, no hol's barred. You can see 1255 01:01:18,998 --> 01:01:20,918 Speaker 2: whatever you want it with respect. I mean, you're not 1256 01:01:20,918 --> 01:01:23,318 Speaker 2: going to start attacking people. You're just you're just you're 1257 01:01:23,838 --> 01:01:27,758 Speaker 2: you're you're strongly presenting your opinion on something and you're 1258 01:01:27,798 --> 01:01:31,478 Speaker 2: being heard. I think that's all a real baseball person wants. 1259 01:01:32,198 --> 01:01:34,198 Speaker 2: The people that I grew up with, they could be 1260 01:01:34,198 --> 01:01:36,518 Speaker 2: in a room where they just cannot wait to get 1261 01:01:36,558 --> 01:01:39,238 Speaker 2: to this room with a bunch of other dudes and 1262 01:01:39,318 --> 01:01:42,478 Speaker 2: discuss what's happening with this organization, with this team, with 1263 01:01:42,518 --> 01:01:45,598 Speaker 2: these players, and just love every second of it because 1264 01:01:45,638 --> 01:01:49,078 Speaker 2: you don't have to withhold anything from within because you 1265 01:01:49,238 --> 01:01:51,478 Speaker 2: know it's not going to be taken the wrong way 1266 01:01:52,078 --> 01:01:54,518 Speaker 2: and somebody's actually gonna have their ears open to listen 1267 01:01:54,558 --> 01:01:58,038 Speaker 2: to you. That's what I know is missing a lot 1268 01:01:58,038 --> 01:02:01,438 Speaker 2: of situations and talking to different players, coaches and managers 1269 01:02:01,438 --> 01:02:04,238 Speaker 2: and even players, and that's what we're seeking. And that's 1270 01:02:04,238 --> 01:02:08,078 Speaker 2: what if you talk about baseball, folks that have been 1271 01:02:08,078 --> 01:02:11,118 Speaker 2: doing this well. They just seeking that openness, that open, 1272 01:02:11,158 --> 01:02:14,758 Speaker 2: fraank conversation. That's what you really get somewhere, and that's 1273 01:02:14,758 --> 01:02:18,078 Speaker 2: how you get better thick skin with respect. 1274 01:02:18,518 --> 01:02:21,838 Speaker 1: Joe, you always have some great quotations to take us out. 1275 01:02:22,318 --> 01:02:24,438 Speaker 1: I just wanted to before we get to you throw 1276 01:02:24,518 --> 01:02:27,278 Speaker 1: one out there that really resonated with me. And it 1277 01:02:27,318 --> 01:02:31,398 Speaker 1: comes from Twins picture. Pablo Lopez just a fantastic dude. 1278 01:02:31,398 --> 01:02:35,598 Speaker 1: By the way, besides being a great picture. Pressure is 1279 01:02:35,638 --> 01:02:39,518 Speaker 1: a privilege. I love that, the simplicity of it and 1280 01:02:39,678 --> 01:02:42,598 Speaker 1: just the way it rings so true this time of year. 1281 01:02:42,678 --> 01:02:46,238 Speaker 1: Pressure is a privilege. What does that mean? That means 1282 01:02:46,438 --> 01:02:49,638 Speaker 1: you want the big moment and you use that word joy. 1283 01:02:50,038 --> 01:02:53,278 Speaker 1: I think about players playing with joy in the heat 1284 01:02:53,318 --> 01:02:56,318 Speaker 1: of the moment. Not an easy thing to do. But 1285 01:02:56,478 --> 01:02:59,438 Speaker 1: I when I hear pressure as a privilege, I think 1286 01:02:59,478 --> 01:03:02,718 Speaker 1: of the two teams that I picked before this tournament 1287 01:03:02,798 --> 01:03:06,398 Speaker 1: began to match up the World Series, and that's Philadelphia 1288 01:03:06,438 --> 01:03:08,638 Speaker 1: and Houston. It's not to say the other teams don't, 1289 01:03:09,038 --> 01:03:11,238 Speaker 1: but there's just a little bit more that I see 1290 01:03:11,278 --> 01:03:15,758 Speaker 1: from those two teams. Battle tested, absolutely, but the DNA 1291 01:03:15,878 --> 01:03:19,638 Speaker 1: of these teams, you know, the extroverted nature of wanting 1292 01:03:20,038 --> 01:03:23,318 Speaker 1: the spotlight on them, wanting the pressure of a situation. 1293 01:03:23,678 --> 01:03:29,118 Speaker 1: Pressure is a privilege. That's why I went with Philadelphia 1294 01:03:29,158 --> 01:03:31,558 Speaker 1: and Houston. And I'm still there, so. 1295 01:03:32,958 --> 01:03:35,798 Speaker 3: I'm halfway there. Actually I had Philadelphia and Baltimore. 1296 01:03:35,918 --> 01:03:40,038 Speaker 2: But will, I mean, this is another incredible moment because 1297 01:03:40,398 --> 01:03:42,358 Speaker 2: again I don't know what Tom's going to ask me 1298 01:03:42,398 --> 01:03:43,478 Speaker 2: at this particular juncture. 1299 01:03:43,478 --> 01:03:45,358 Speaker 3: I didn't know you're going to come up even. 1300 01:03:45,158 --> 01:03:50,958 Speaker 2: With the managerial thoughts excuse me, or this Pablo Lopez quote. 1301 01:03:50,998 --> 01:03:53,838 Speaker 2: But I went with this and it's written down right 1302 01:03:53,838 --> 01:03:57,878 Speaker 2: here and it comes from Leo Leonardo da Vinci. 1303 01:03:58,718 --> 01:04:02,278 Speaker 3: That's crazy. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 1304 01:04:04,118 --> 01:04:06,718 Speaker 2: I wrote that down about an hour ago, and then 1305 01:04:06,758 --> 01:04:10,198 Speaker 2: here he comes with the pressure is a privilege quote. 1306 01:04:10,198 --> 01:04:13,158 Speaker 3: It's true, man, I have my T shirt. Do simple better. 1307 01:04:13,198 --> 01:04:17,558 Speaker 3: I always thought that that somewhat rival. Just do it. 1308 01:04:18,518 --> 01:04:21,798 Speaker 2: And when I thought about that years ago, and I've 1309 01:04:21,918 --> 01:04:23,838 Speaker 2: always been aware. 1310 01:04:23,638 --> 01:04:26,118 Speaker 3: Of reduce, reduce, reduce, make. 1311 01:04:26,038 --> 01:04:29,078 Speaker 2: Things simple so that if you want to present it 1312 01:04:29,078 --> 01:04:32,558 Speaker 2: to your guys in a hot situation, they can use it. 1313 01:04:32,918 --> 01:04:37,718 Speaker 2: They cannot use complicated. They cannot use a glut or 1314 01:04:37,918 --> 01:04:40,958 Speaker 2: a pile of information. They need a simple nugget thought, 1315 01:04:41,318 --> 01:04:45,158 Speaker 2: So do simple better, or as mister da Vinci said 1316 01:04:45,838 --> 01:04:49,798 Speaker 2: yours prior. To me, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 1317 01:04:49,918 --> 01:04:53,358 Speaker 1: And I love that, love that. Joe looking forward to it. Hey, listen, 1318 01:04:53,398 --> 01:04:55,518 Speaker 1: we'll be back in the course of the LCS is 1319 01:04:55,558 --> 01:04:58,358 Speaker 1: to dive into what's been happening. I will be on 1320 01:04:58,598 --> 01:05:02,718 Speaker 1: the Unit Houston Texas series, So for me, you'll get 1321 01:05:02,718 --> 01:05:05,158 Speaker 1: an inside behind this, his look of what's going on 1322 01:05:05,278 --> 01:05:08,838 Speaker 1: in the dugouts, in the clubhouses, and with Joe, certainly 1323 01:05:08,918 --> 01:05:12,438 Speaker 1: you will get a perspective from inside the manager's head 1324 01:05:12,478 --> 01:05:14,638 Speaker 1: and what's going on in these games. He's lived it, 1325 01:05:14,678 --> 01:05:17,758 Speaker 1: he's done it, he's been there. So stick around. We'll 1326 01:05:17,798 --> 01:05:20,518 Speaker 1: probably take a look midway through the series at how 1327 01:05:20,558 --> 01:05:23,638 Speaker 1: we got through the first couple of games, and stick 1328 01:05:23,638 --> 01:05:26,318 Speaker 1: around with us throughout the postseason. On the book of Joe. Joe, 1329 01:05:26,318 --> 01:05:28,198 Speaker 1: It's always a privilege. We'll see you next time. 1330 01:05:28,438 --> 01:05:29,118 Speaker 3: Same here, brother. 1331 01:05:29,198 --> 01:05:33,118 Speaker 1: Enjoy the bus rides back in the old Texas League. 1332 01:05:33,238 --> 01:05:34,638 Speaker 3: Brother, I did it. I did it. 1333 01:05:34,718 --> 01:05:39,238 Speaker 2: Man first front seat on the right, pillows, blankets, air 1334 01:05:39,278 --> 01:05:41,878 Speaker 2: conditioning cranked up, and a good book. 1335 01:05:41,678 --> 01:05:46,518 Speaker 1: On my lap sounds good by me. Take care, it's you, buddy. 1336 01:05:50,758 --> 01:05:53,998 Speaker 1: The Book of Joe podcast is a production of iHeartRadio. 1337 01:05:54,198 --> 01:05:59,078 Speaker 1: For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, 1338 01:05:59,318 --> 01:06:01,078 Speaker 1: or wherever you get your podcasts.