1 00:00:04,078 --> 00:00:07,358 Speaker 1: The Book of Joe podcast is a production of iHeartRadio. 2 00:00:15,118 --> 00:00:16,918 Speaker 2: Hey there, Ed, and welcome back to the Book of 3 00:00:16,998 --> 00:00:17,798 Speaker 2: Joe podcast. 4 00:00:18,198 --> 00:00:21,558 Speaker 3: It's me Tom Verducci and of course Joe Madden and 5 00:00:21,638 --> 00:00:24,238 Speaker 3: I am kind at you from Orlando, Florida and the 6 00:00:24,278 --> 00:00:29,878 Speaker 3: Baseball Winter Meetings Joe wasn't a signing festival of free agents, 7 00:00:29,918 --> 00:00:33,958 Speaker 3: but we did have some moves and seemed like it 8 00:00:33,998 --> 00:00:35,238 Speaker 3: was the top of the market with some of the 9 00:00:35,278 --> 00:00:38,118 Speaker 3: bigger teams. And let me start out with one of 10 00:00:38,118 --> 00:00:42,318 Speaker 3: your former guys, Kyle Schwarber. Not a surprise that Kyle 11 00:00:42,438 --> 00:00:46,238 Speaker 3: re signs with the Philadelphia Phillies five years, one hundred 12 00:00:46,238 --> 00:00:50,598 Speaker 3: and fifty million dollars. There are some surprises to the 13 00:00:50,638 --> 00:00:54,078 Speaker 3: negotiations there. But give you your first thought when you 14 00:00:54,118 --> 00:00:56,518 Speaker 3: heard that Kyle was going back after he was in 15 00:00:56,558 --> 00:00:58,278 Speaker 3: play for a bunch of teams, and why not after 16 00:00:58,358 --> 00:00:59,678 Speaker 3: hitting fifty six home runs? 17 00:00:59,998 --> 00:01:02,958 Speaker 4: As it should be. We've talked about this, I think previously. 18 00:01:04,478 --> 00:01:05,398 Speaker 5: It's very belongs. 19 00:01:05,478 --> 00:01:07,558 Speaker 4: I think you know, you have all the different things 20 00:01:07,598 --> 00:01:11,758 Speaker 4: about Cincinnati and these other groups, Pittsburgh, whatever, you know, 21 00:01:11,958 --> 00:01:14,638 Speaker 4: just knowing Schwerbs, it didn't make any sense. This is 22 00:01:14,638 --> 00:01:18,318 Speaker 4: a real loyal fellow. He loves being there. I think 23 00:01:18,358 --> 00:01:21,998 Speaker 4: he feels like there's unfinished business there. And of course 24 00:01:22,038 --> 00:01:24,158 Speaker 4: the dollars in years were probably right on the money. 25 00:01:24,158 --> 00:01:27,958 Speaker 4: I thought, you know, maybe four times forty, but then 26 00:01:27,998 --> 00:01:30,238 Speaker 4: it came down what five times thirty I mean, which 27 00:01:30,318 --> 00:01:34,078 Speaker 4: is still pretty good stuff, right, So anyway, I was 28 00:01:34,078 --> 00:01:36,798 Speaker 4: not surprised whatsoever. Again, I'm happy for him at Page. 29 00:01:37,158 --> 00:01:40,598 Speaker 4: It's the perfect landing spot for him. And honestly, I 30 00:01:40,598 --> 00:01:42,758 Speaker 4: think the Phillies need him more than he needs them. 31 00:01:42,838 --> 00:01:46,278 Speaker 4: So so I think it was Dave Dobroski doing Dave 32 00:01:46,358 --> 00:01:50,278 Speaker 4: Dombrowski kind of a thing. He understands the value with 33 00:01:50,358 --> 00:01:51,958 Speaker 4: what he does, not only on the field, but what 34 00:01:51,998 --> 00:01:54,158 Speaker 4: he does in the clubhouse, et cetera, and in the community. 35 00:01:55,398 --> 00:01:58,118 Speaker 4: You know, Philadelphia fans not easy. It's not an easy group. 36 00:01:58,158 --> 00:02:01,278 Speaker 4: And and he looks he looks good on them, and 37 00:02:01,278 --> 00:02:03,758 Speaker 4: they look good on him the same vice versa. Things 38 00:02:04,078 --> 00:02:05,678 Speaker 4: It just had made all the sense. 39 00:02:05,478 --> 00:02:05,918 Speaker 5: In the world. 40 00:02:06,118 --> 00:02:07,638 Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm with you. I didn't think he was going 41 00:02:07,678 --> 00:02:08,358 Speaker 2: anywhere else. 42 00:02:09,438 --> 00:02:11,478 Speaker 3: As you mentioned, his connection to the city, not just 43 00:02:11,518 --> 00:02:14,518 Speaker 3: the team, is really strong. There's nothing Kyle wants more. 44 00:02:14,518 --> 00:02:16,878 Speaker 3: And you know this Joe better than anybody than to win. 45 00:02:17,438 --> 00:02:19,958 Speaker 3: He's a guy who wants to win, pure and simple. Now, 46 00:02:19,998 --> 00:02:22,598 Speaker 3: this is part of being a pro. You have free agency, 47 00:02:22,758 --> 00:02:25,998 Speaker 3: you negotiate, you see what's out there. I never thought 48 00:02:25,998 --> 00:02:28,238 Speaker 3: he was leaving Philadelphia, so good on them. A couple 49 00:02:28,278 --> 00:02:30,238 Speaker 3: of things I want to run by you here. Number one, 50 00:02:30,638 --> 00:02:34,078 Speaker 3: A couple of teams interested in Kyle Schwerber, the Pittsburgh 51 00:02:34,158 --> 00:02:37,798 Speaker 3: Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles. Now, I was told Joe 52 00:02:37,838 --> 00:02:40,758 Speaker 3: that both teams were at the same level five years, 53 00:02:40,798 --> 00:02:43,958 Speaker 3: one hundred and fifty million dollars, and the Pirates actually 54 00:02:44,478 --> 00:02:48,038 Speaker 3: indicated they were willing to go even the one sixty five. 55 00:02:48,278 --> 00:02:52,598 Speaker 3: The Pittsburgh Pirates. I mean, it's groundbreaking that a Senate 56 00:02:52,638 --> 00:02:54,678 Speaker 3: can say, Listen, they knew they weren't going to get 57 00:02:54,678 --> 00:02:55,078 Speaker 3: the player. 58 00:02:56,598 --> 00:02:58,838 Speaker 2: Listen. As it turned out, it's probably true. 59 00:02:59,278 --> 00:03:02,358 Speaker 3: But I love the fact that Pittsburgh made I believe 60 00:03:02,398 --> 00:03:05,398 Speaker 3: an honest effort. Listen to clock is ticking on their 61 00:03:05,398 --> 00:03:08,278 Speaker 3: time with Paul Skeins. You know, four years left. They'll 62 00:03:08,278 --> 00:03:10,718 Speaker 3: probably trade him with one where you left on the contract. 63 00:03:10,758 --> 00:03:13,998 Speaker 3: We'll see about all that, but they need to step 64 00:03:14,158 --> 00:03:16,478 Speaker 3: up and pick up the payroll and who better to 65 00:03:16,558 --> 00:03:18,398 Speaker 3: have if your team trying to learn how to win 66 00:03:18,998 --> 00:03:21,078 Speaker 3: than a glue guy like Kye Schwarber. So I like 67 00:03:21,158 --> 00:03:22,958 Speaker 3: that deal, and I like the fact that Baltimore as 68 00:03:22,998 --> 00:03:25,918 Speaker 3: well has some money to play with here and new 69 00:03:25,958 --> 00:03:28,838 Speaker 3: ownership there seems to indicate that, yeah, they're a player. 70 00:03:28,878 --> 00:03:31,838 Speaker 5: Now. Well, I mean, I agree with what you're saying. 71 00:03:33,038 --> 00:03:36,718 Speaker 4: I just think enough Tony Soprano or Don Corleone right here, 72 00:03:36,918 --> 00:03:38,438 Speaker 4: you just got to make him an offer you can't 73 00:03:38,478 --> 00:03:40,918 Speaker 4: refuse if you really you know you're at this Schmes. 74 00:03:40,998 --> 00:03:42,878 Speaker 4: I mean, listen, they got to make you have to 75 00:03:42,878 --> 00:03:45,438 Speaker 4: like overpay dramatically I think right there, in order to 76 00:03:45,838 --> 00:03:49,438 Speaker 4: really set some kind of an example. It's nice, you know, 77 00:03:49,478 --> 00:03:52,718 Speaker 4: it's almost like the amelioration of the fan base that Okay, 78 00:03:52,798 --> 00:03:54,838 Speaker 4: we tried and listen, I get it. 79 00:03:54,838 --> 00:03:57,478 Speaker 5: It's not my money, that's it. I understand. 80 00:03:57,478 --> 00:04:01,638 Speaker 4: However, if you really believe this guy's going to make 81 00:04:01,678 --> 00:04:03,318 Speaker 4: that kind of difference, you walk in the room and 82 00:04:03,318 --> 00:04:05,838 Speaker 4: see what it's going to take. I think, I mean 83 00:04:07,318 --> 00:04:10,998 Speaker 4: another twenty million. I don't know if you truly believe that, 84 00:04:11,078 --> 00:04:13,398 Speaker 4: you know, got this shorter, smaller window with schemes and 85 00:04:13,438 --> 00:04:14,918 Speaker 4: you think this is the kind of guy or one 86 00:04:14,958 --> 00:04:17,998 Speaker 4: of the the absolute pieces of this puzzle that's. 87 00:04:17,838 --> 00:04:20,358 Speaker 5: Going to make you get over the top. 88 00:04:20,438 --> 00:04:23,118 Speaker 4: Yeah, you might have to do something industry wide that 89 00:04:23,158 --> 00:04:25,158 Speaker 4: people don't like. You say, it's crazy, Why do you 90 00:04:25,238 --> 00:04:28,358 Speaker 4: do that? Well, because we needed to. We had to 91 00:04:28,398 --> 00:04:30,638 Speaker 4: in order to get to this next level that we're seeking. 92 00:04:30,678 --> 00:04:34,278 Speaker 4: So yeah, I saw that. I read what you're talking 93 00:04:34,278 --> 00:04:37,998 Speaker 4: about specifically, and my thought is, you know the fact 94 00:04:37,998 --> 00:04:41,078 Speaker 4: that the numbers were real equal with the final offer 95 00:04:41,118 --> 00:04:43,758 Speaker 4: with the Phillies. Dang, I just I just got to 96 00:04:43,798 --> 00:04:45,718 Speaker 4: go back and say, listen, guys, what are we doing here? 97 00:04:46,238 --> 00:04:49,878 Speaker 4: And is this Do we really mean what we're saying 98 00:04:49,958 --> 00:04:52,878 Speaker 4: right here? Do we really want to get into this 99 00:04:52,918 --> 00:04:55,278 Speaker 4: other league with the big boys? Then I think you 100 00:04:55,358 --> 00:04:56,718 Speaker 4: just got to make a ridiculous offer. 101 00:04:57,078 --> 00:04:59,678 Speaker 2: I do well, I don't disagree with you there. 102 00:04:59,718 --> 00:05:02,278 Speaker 3: It reminds me of when the Washington Nationals stepped up 103 00:05:02,278 --> 00:05:05,238 Speaker 3: and got Jason Worth. Remember that people were like, yeah, 104 00:05:05,518 --> 00:05:07,558 Speaker 3: are they doing They're not ready to win and they 105 00:05:07,558 --> 00:05:08,318 Speaker 3: did overpay. 106 00:05:08,358 --> 00:05:09,278 Speaker 2: But that's what you have to do. 107 00:05:09,358 --> 00:05:10,798 Speaker 3: When you're a team that does not have a track 108 00:05:10,838 --> 00:05:14,158 Speaker 3: record winning and you're trying to win, what's the attraction there, 109 00:05:14,198 --> 00:05:17,158 Speaker 3: it's going to be money at that point. So in theory, 110 00:05:17,198 --> 00:05:20,318 Speaker 3: I agree with your premise. I think, specifically in this 111 00:05:20,358 --> 00:05:22,678 Speaker 3: case with Kyleege Schwarber, I don't think what they put 112 00:05:22,718 --> 00:05:24,238 Speaker 3: on the table is going to convince him to go 113 00:05:24,278 --> 00:05:27,238 Speaker 3: to Pittsburgh on the belief that they're going to contend. 114 00:05:27,478 --> 00:05:30,438 Speaker 3: This guy lives for the postseason. To me and the 115 00:05:30,478 --> 00:05:33,398 Speaker 3: comfort level in Philly, I think with this guy. With 116 00:05:33,478 --> 00:05:37,078 Speaker 3: most guys, I agree with you. The money talks, and 117 00:05:37,118 --> 00:05:38,838 Speaker 3: we break down a lot of these players based on 118 00:05:38,878 --> 00:05:39,638 Speaker 3: where they grew up. 119 00:05:39,518 --> 00:05:40,678 Speaker 2: Where they played in college. 120 00:05:41,198 --> 00:05:44,358 Speaker 3: You know, friends on the team, the agent's representatives, with 121 00:05:44,478 --> 00:05:47,918 Speaker 3: friendship with people in the front office. Let's not get ourselves. 122 00:05:47,958 --> 00:05:50,718 Speaker 3: It usually comes down to the best offer. I don't 123 00:05:50,758 --> 00:05:54,358 Speaker 3: think they could have bought Kyle Schwarber's loyalty if you 124 00:05:54,398 --> 00:05:56,158 Speaker 3: will away from Philly in this case. 125 00:05:56,678 --> 00:05:58,878 Speaker 5: You know, and I'm not disagreeing with that, but I 126 00:05:58,918 --> 00:05:59,438 Speaker 5: had to try. 127 00:05:59,478 --> 00:06:02,438 Speaker 4: I mean aggressing a big Going back in time, when 128 00:06:02,478 --> 00:06:05,118 Speaker 4: I first got to the Angels, everyone is after Garrett Cole, 129 00:06:05,878 --> 00:06:08,838 Speaker 4: and of course he is all that and he's that good. 130 00:06:08,838 --> 00:06:10,918 Speaker 4: But there was another guy out in the market that 131 00:06:11,358 --> 00:06:13,758 Speaker 4: was Zach Wheeler. Who I was really infatuated with. I 132 00:06:13,798 --> 00:06:16,718 Speaker 4: thought he was like, I can't even you know. He 133 00:06:16,838 --> 00:06:19,558 Speaker 4: was just a click below de Gram and he had 134 00:06:19,598 --> 00:06:20,958 Speaker 4: been heard at that time. There was a lot of 135 00:06:20,958 --> 00:06:23,398 Speaker 4: concerned about that. But I thought they threw the ball 136 00:06:23,838 --> 00:06:26,678 Speaker 4: in a very similar fashion where they just wound up easily. 137 00:06:26,718 --> 00:06:28,158 Speaker 4: The ball jumped out of their hand. It was like 138 00:06:28,318 --> 00:06:31,198 Speaker 4: was on a conveyor belt and it just exploded towards 139 00:06:31,198 --> 00:06:34,638 Speaker 4: home play. My point is that, Mike, my argument was 140 00:06:34,678 --> 00:06:37,598 Speaker 4: at that time that if we could sign Wheeler first, 141 00:06:38,398 --> 00:06:40,278 Speaker 4: that gives you a better chance of signing a Garrett 142 00:06:40,318 --> 00:06:42,638 Speaker 4: Cole because then all of a sudden, Garrett Cole believes 143 00:06:42,638 --> 00:06:46,758 Speaker 4: that the Angels are really trying, They're doing something differently here. 144 00:06:47,278 --> 00:06:49,318 Speaker 4: It could make a difference if we do this and 145 00:06:49,358 --> 00:06:53,398 Speaker 4: then it opens the other free agent's eyes. Hey, maybe 146 00:06:53,478 --> 00:06:56,678 Speaker 4: there is something here that is a different and that 147 00:06:56,798 --> 00:06:59,398 Speaker 4: is attractive to me. Now having been in part of 148 00:06:59,438 --> 00:07:02,918 Speaker 4: the process and going to Wheeler's house and Georgia, it 149 00:07:03,038 --> 00:07:05,318 Speaker 4: was obvious that pretty obvious that it wasn't gonna happen. 150 00:07:05,318 --> 00:07:06,918 Speaker 4: Billy up or have got that from the beginning, and 151 00:07:06,958 --> 00:07:10,438 Speaker 4: Billy was right. However, my point is the guy like 152 00:07:10,518 --> 00:07:13,638 Speaker 4: Schwerber if in fact, you want to build to this 153 00:07:13,758 --> 00:07:16,198 Speaker 4: point and you'd have to sell it to Kyle. Listen, 154 00:07:16,238 --> 00:07:19,118 Speaker 4: you're you're the first Domino man. Once we get you, now, 155 00:07:19,158 --> 00:07:21,558 Speaker 4: are really going to be able to attract these other 156 00:07:21,558 --> 00:07:24,798 Speaker 4: fellows that could put this thing together. Pittsburgh to me 157 00:07:24,878 --> 00:07:27,958 Speaker 4: one of the traditionally great franchises as a kid growing 158 00:07:27,998 --> 00:07:30,598 Speaker 4: up from Pennsylvania. They weren't my team, but they were 159 00:07:30,638 --> 00:07:33,238 Speaker 4: kind of like my second or third team. I love 160 00:07:33,278 --> 00:07:36,998 Speaker 4: their uniforms. Leverberta Clemente, a guy by name of Elroy, Face, 161 00:07:37,038 --> 00:07:41,318 Speaker 4: Bob Friend, Dick Roa did shortstop. There was an attract 162 00:07:41,318 --> 00:07:42,918 Speaker 4: on this there, man. And then you know, of course 163 00:07:42,958 --> 00:07:45,398 Speaker 4: in the late seventies Chuck Tanner put them together and 164 00:07:45,758 --> 00:07:47,678 Speaker 4: all of a sudden that we are family. There's a 165 00:07:47,718 --> 00:07:49,718 Speaker 4: lot to love to the Burg, the city itself, there's 166 00:07:49,758 --> 00:07:50,078 Speaker 4: a lot. 167 00:07:50,118 --> 00:07:53,238 Speaker 5: It really is. So I'm just saying. 168 00:07:52,998 --> 00:07:56,558 Speaker 4: I if I'm running the Pirates, I'm selling all this stuff, man, 169 00:07:56,598 --> 00:07:59,918 Speaker 4: I'm selling it all and whatever. Listen, Kyle, we want 170 00:07:59,958 --> 00:08:02,918 Speaker 4: you here as this centerpiece, and once we land you, 171 00:08:02,998 --> 00:08:05,238 Speaker 4: we really believe we're going to make a solid attempt 172 00:08:05,238 --> 00:08:06,998 Speaker 4: to sign these other pieces around you. 173 00:08:06,998 --> 00:08:09,718 Speaker 5: To make this viable. Maybe not this year. 174 00:08:09,718 --> 00:08:12,478 Speaker 4: We're gonna have to, you know, possibly make a you know, 175 00:08:12,758 --> 00:08:14,958 Speaker 4: some noise here and start building it. But you're the 176 00:08:14,998 --> 00:08:17,718 Speaker 4: guy that's here. You are, You're the cornerstone that's going 177 00:08:17,798 --> 00:08:20,238 Speaker 4: to build the whole thing. So again, I'm not saying 178 00:08:20,238 --> 00:08:21,878 Speaker 4: it would have ever happened. I don't even maybe that 179 00:08:22,038 --> 00:08:23,078 Speaker 4: was part of the conversation. 180 00:08:23,158 --> 00:08:27,038 Speaker 5: I don't know that. But I like Pittsburgh. 181 00:08:27,078 --> 00:08:29,358 Speaker 4: I mean, I just like the city itself and whatever, 182 00:08:29,678 --> 00:08:33,438 Speaker 4: and I see a lot going on. Schwarbss a Cincinnati guy, Ohio, 183 00:08:33,558 --> 00:08:37,078 Speaker 4: I'm not far removed. You know, There's there's some some connection. 184 00:08:37,198 --> 00:08:40,358 Speaker 4: So I saw that as being, you know, the blue 185 00:08:40,358 --> 00:08:44,078 Speaker 4: collar kind of interest. Probably appealed to his sensibilities. I 186 00:08:44,158 --> 00:08:46,358 Speaker 4: just don't know if they extrapolated far enough in the 187 00:08:46,358 --> 00:08:49,998 Speaker 4: future or really believe that he would be the cornerstone 188 00:08:50,318 --> 00:08:51,438 Speaker 4: that puts him over the top. 189 00:08:52,078 --> 00:08:52,278 Speaker 5: Yeah. 190 00:08:52,318 --> 00:08:52,998 Speaker 2: All good points. 191 00:08:53,078 --> 00:08:56,038 Speaker 3: And I'm not sure to flip it that Kyle Schwarber 192 00:08:56,118 --> 00:08:59,318 Speaker 3: or anybody can sit there and trust that Pittsburgh management 193 00:08:59,838 --> 00:09:01,638 Speaker 3: is going to spend at the level it's going to 194 00:09:01,678 --> 00:09:04,918 Speaker 3: take to get this team to contend. That remains to 195 00:09:04,918 --> 00:09:06,638 Speaker 3: be seen. But you've got to get that first guy 196 00:09:06,878 --> 00:09:07,958 Speaker 3: to start convincing people. 197 00:09:08,358 --> 00:09:10,518 Speaker 2: It's a really good point. Baltimore. 198 00:09:10,918 --> 00:09:13,398 Speaker 3: Let's talk about what stepping up here means for Baltimore, 199 00:09:13,518 --> 00:09:16,558 Speaker 3: because to me, this means that Baltimore, to me, is 200 00:09:16,558 --> 00:09:19,758 Speaker 3: a real player for Peter Alonzo. You know, having this 201 00:09:19,838 --> 00:09:22,358 Speaker 3: money on the table for Schwarbert and listen, I thought 202 00:09:22,358 --> 00:09:24,718 Speaker 3: it was a fair contract. It kind of jars you 203 00:09:24,758 --> 00:09:26,838 Speaker 3: when you see a DH only getting that kind of money. 204 00:09:26,838 --> 00:09:31,878 Speaker 3: But Schwarber's impact bat, no question about it. Alonso also 205 00:09:31,958 --> 00:09:35,278 Speaker 3: an impact bat, a couple of years younger than kyleeg Schwarber, 206 00:09:35,278 --> 00:09:37,558 Speaker 3: and he does play defense. You can knock his defense 207 00:09:37,598 --> 00:09:40,398 Speaker 3: all you want, but he does play first base, which 208 00:09:40,438 --> 00:09:42,598 Speaker 3: is not a thick position in the major leagues as 209 00:09:42,638 --> 00:09:46,598 Speaker 3: far as talent, and he plays literally every game. So 210 00:09:46,678 --> 00:09:49,078 Speaker 3: I look at Baltimore, Joe, and I think that's a 211 00:09:49,118 --> 00:09:51,198 Speaker 3: real option for pet Alonso. And there was a report 212 00:09:51,238 --> 00:09:53,798 Speaker 3: from Mark Feinzan that the Mets do not want to 213 00:09:53,838 --> 00:09:57,598 Speaker 3: go beyond three years for Peter Alonzo. But I think 214 00:09:57,678 --> 00:10:00,398 Speaker 3: this contract offered a Schwarber and after the trade for 215 00:10:00,518 --> 00:10:03,518 Speaker 3: Taylor Ward from the Angels, to me, that makes them 216 00:10:03,518 --> 00:10:04,918 Speaker 3: a true pla for pin A Lonzo. 217 00:10:05,438 --> 00:10:07,518 Speaker 5: Yes, that makes sense. 218 00:10:07,558 --> 00:10:09,798 Speaker 4: I mean I'm just as you're explaining all of this, 219 00:10:10,318 --> 00:10:13,038 Speaker 4: I'm thinking about the just the ballpark itself, the fact 220 00:10:13,078 --> 00:10:15,078 Speaker 4: that they made it, they brought it back a little. 221 00:10:14,838 --> 00:10:17,038 Speaker 5: Bit, and I see a lot. So Yeah. 222 00:10:17,078 --> 00:10:19,198 Speaker 3: In fact, I just to break in a minute, if 223 00:10:19,238 --> 00:10:20,998 Speaker 3: you look at the numbers, because you know that place 224 00:10:21,118 --> 00:10:23,158 Speaker 3: was the toughest part for any right handed power hitter. 225 00:10:23,718 --> 00:10:26,238 Speaker 3: Pete's thirty eight home runs last year would have translated 226 00:10:26,278 --> 00:10:30,038 Speaker 3: it into about forty five forty six in a season 227 00:10:30,038 --> 00:10:33,918 Speaker 3: in Baltimore. So yeah, it's if I'm a right handed hitter. Now, 228 00:10:33,918 --> 00:10:35,278 Speaker 3: it doesn't scare me like it did a couple of 229 00:10:35,318 --> 00:10:35,638 Speaker 3: years ago. 230 00:10:35,758 --> 00:10:37,398 Speaker 4: No, not only that, I mean he could power the 231 00:10:37,398 --> 00:10:38,478 Speaker 4: ball at the right center too. 232 00:10:38,518 --> 00:10:39,038 Speaker 5: I think it might. 233 00:10:39,318 --> 00:10:40,758 Speaker 4: I think when you got you know, that kind of 234 00:10:40,758 --> 00:10:44,038 Speaker 4: an off field situation, I think it makes some right 235 00:10:44,038 --> 00:10:46,478 Speaker 4: handed hitters better. I'm talking about the left field, I 236 00:10:46,518 --> 00:10:48,518 Speaker 4: mean the right field side of the field, when that 237 00:10:48,558 --> 00:10:52,158 Speaker 4: becomes more attractive. It's a high wall but not very 238 00:10:52,198 --> 00:10:54,518 Speaker 4: deep to right field. And even that little porch above 239 00:10:54,558 --> 00:10:56,878 Speaker 4: the bullpens where the ball hits the top like kind 240 00:10:56,878 --> 00:10:59,678 Speaker 4: of the roof and jumps into the stands that's right up, 241 00:10:59,718 --> 00:11:03,758 Speaker 4: as Alley pun intended. I mean, it's like he he 242 00:11:03,918 --> 00:11:06,758 Speaker 4: I think he could thrive in this ballpark. Now, don't 243 00:11:07,198 --> 00:11:09,398 Speaker 4: is Mount Castle still there the first basement isn't he's 244 00:11:09,398 --> 00:11:10,438 Speaker 4: still part of that or not? 245 00:11:10,678 --> 00:11:13,038 Speaker 2: He's a free agent now, okay at first base? Basically 246 00:11:13,078 --> 00:11:13,478 Speaker 2: open the. 247 00:11:13,598 --> 00:11:13,958 Speaker 5: I got you? 248 00:11:14,078 --> 00:11:16,718 Speaker 4: Then that makes all makes all the sense in the world. 249 00:11:16,798 --> 00:11:20,678 Speaker 4: It's a great fit. Now, where's Pete's mind at right now? 250 00:11:21,038 --> 00:11:22,398 Speaker 4: Because I mean, honestly. 251 00:11:22,198 --> 00:11:23,158 Speaker 5: You look at the Orioles. 252 00:11:23,198 --> 00:11:24,638 Speaker 4: I mean, just a couple of years ago, these guys 253 00:11:24,678 --> 00:11:26,638 Speaker 4: are in the thick of everything and then whoa, everything 254 00:11:26,678 --> 00:11:27,198 Speaker 4: blew up. 255 00:11:27,718 --> 00:11:30,318 Speaker 5: So I think it'd be it easy convincing. 256 00:11:29,878 --> 00:11:33,118 Speaker 4: To him that, listen, you're the guy that can get 257 00:11:33,198 --> 00:11:34,958 Speaker 4: us back to that point. We need what you do. 258 00:11:35,518 --> 00:11:37,758 Speaker 4: There's a lot of really good young players on that group. 259 00:11:37,798 --> 00:11:41,038 Speaker 4: They got to pitch better, obviously, but as a hitter, 260 00:11:41,198 --> 00:11:44,678 Speaker 4: as a power hitter as he is, that ballpark could 261 00:11:44,758 --> 00:11:47,638 Speaker 4: really played to his hitting sensibilities. And yeah, it can 262 00:11:47,758 --> 00:11:51,198 Speaker 4: highlight what he can do defensively. Listen, as long as 263 00:11:51,198 --> 00:11:53,878 Speaker 4: the guy works, and I would imagine that he does work, 264 00:11:54,398 --> 00:11:57,598 Speaker 4: and you know, I know that the metrics really don't 265 00:11:57,678 --> 00:11:59,718 Speaker 4: like him, and I saw make some bad throws, and 266 00:11:59,798 --> 00:12:01,398 Speaker 4: I saw make some good throws by the end of 267 00:12:01,398 --> 00:12:03,358 Speaker 4: the year. I think there's a work I think about 268 00:12:03,358 --> 00:12:07,558 Speaker 4: this fellow that he can improve even at this age 269 00:12:07,558 --> 00:12:09,998 Speaker 4: a bit just become a little bit more consistent in 270 00:12:09,998 --> 00:12:10,518 Speaker 4: some areas. 271 00:12:10,518 --> 00:12:12,798 Speaker 5: So it makes all the sense in the world. 272 00:12:12,598 --> 00:12:14,838 Speaker 2: And it is a good fit Kyle Schwarber. 273 00:12:14,878 --> 00:12:18,518 Speaker 3: By the way, Joe, I have mentioned three words to 274 00:12:18,598 --> 00:12:22,558 Speaker 3: you as it relates to Kyle Schwarber Hall of Fame. Now, 275 00:12:23,278 --> 00:12:26,518 Speaker 3: career probably didn't start that way, but he's starting to 276 00:12:26,558 --> 00:12:28,958 Speaker 3: put up some serious numbers. I mean, when you're throwing 277 00:12:29,038 --> 00:12:31,318 Speaker 3: up home run totals in the forties and fifties, they 278 00:12:31,318 --> 00:12:32,118 Speaker 3: add up quickly. 279 00:12:32,918 --> 00:12:34,558 Speaker 2: He's now three hundred. 280 00:12:34,238 --> 00:12:36,318 Speaker 3: And forty home runs and he just signed a five 281 00:12:36,398 --> 00:12:39,718 Speaker 3: year deal. I mean, if he averages thirty one thirty 282 00:12:39,758 --> 00:12:42,558 Speaker 3: two a year the course of this contract, the dude's 283 00:12:42,558 --> 00:12:46,278 Speaker 3: get into five hundred. Now you can come back and 284 00:12:46,318 --> 00:12:47,918 Speaker 3: you can say, hey, what about Adam Dunn. 285 00:12:48,478 --> 00:12:49,358 Speaker 2: You know, when Adam. 286 00:12:49,198 --> 00:12:52,078 Speaker 3: Dunn was thirty two years old, he had already had 287 00:12:52,078 --> 00:12:53,598 Speaker 3: four hundred and six home runs. 288 00:12:54,078 --> 00:12:55,918 Speaker 2: Looked like a lock for five hundred. 289 00:12:56,678 --> 00:12:59,118 Speaker 3: He only played two more years or three more years 290 00:12:59,158 --> 00:13:02,318 Speaker 3: and wound up, you know, barely hitting four to sixty 291 00:13:02,358 --> 00:13:04,878 Speaker 3: two is what he wound up at. Never really got 292 00:13:04,918 --> 00:13:07,198 Speaker 3: close to five hundred on what we thought he was 293 00:13:07,238 --> 00:13:09,638 Speaker 3: going to do. To me, here's the difference, Joe. You 294 00:13:09,678 --> 00:13:12,238 Speaker 3: know how hard Kyle Schwerber works. It keeps himself in 295 00:13:12,278 --> 00:13:16,038 Speaker 3: great shape. He's supremely motivated, he loves the game. Those 296 00:13:16,078 --> 00:13:18,918 Speaker 3: things didn't apply to Adam Done at that stage in 297 00:13:18,958 --> 00:13:22,558 Speaker 3: his career. So I think this guy's got a real 298 00:13:22,678 --> 00:13:25,438 Speaker 3: good chance of hitting five hundred home runs and possibly 299 00:13:25,478 --> 00:13:27,558 Speaker 3: being a Hall of Famer. It brings me back to 300 00:13:27,598 --> 00:13:31,998 Speaker 3: when theo Epstein drafted Kyle Schwerber a catcher at Indiana, 301 00:13:32,838 --> 00:13:36,278 Speaker 3: and people weren't sure what his position was defensively, and 302 00:13:36,358 --> 00:13:38,478 Speaker 3: THEO said, what we're gonna do is I'm gonna stick 303 00:13:38,518 --> 00:13:39,838 Speaker 3: him in the left field and just let him put 304 00:13:39,918 --> 00:13:41,078 Speaker 3: up big poppy numbers. 305 00:13:42,278 --> 00:13:43,558 Speaker 2: Well, he's pretty much there. 306 00:13:43,558 --> 00:13:46,078 Speaker 3: I'm not saying he's poppy, but you know he's not 307 00:13:46,078 --> 00:13:48,198 Speaker 3: going to hit for that kind of an average. But 308 00:13:48,278 --> 00:13:50,918 Speaker 3: from twenty eight to thirty two, in this prime here, 309 00:13:50,998 --> 00:13:53,558 Speaker 3: Schwarber has hit more home runs than David Ortiz did 310 00:13:53,798 --> 00:13:56,798 Speaker 3: in those years. I just love the fact that the 311 00:13:56,798 --> 00:14:01,998 Speaker 3: way his career is playing out here, he obviously has 312 00:14:02,038 --> 00:14:04,358 Speaker 3: gotten so much better against left handed pitch. Last year 313 00:14:04,398 --> 00:14:06,758 Speaker 3: he hit more left down left homers than anybody in 314 00:14:06,758 --> 00:14:07,558 Speaker 3: the history of the game. 315 00:14:08,998 --> 00:14:10,518 Speaker 2: I think this guy is going to hold up well 316 00:14:10,518 --> 00:14:11,318 Speaker 2: over five years. 317 00:14:11,718 --> 00:14:12,398 Speaker 5: You just said it right. 318 00:14:12,438 --> 00:14:14,798 Speaker 4: There's the ascension, that is the that is why you 319 00:14:14,838 --> 00:14:17,198 Speaker 4: could even say what you just said. What he's done 320 00:14:17,238 --> 00:14:19,238 Speaker 4: with left tenant pitching. When we first had him with 321 00:14:19,238 --> 00:14:21,678 Speaker 4: the Cubbies, that I wanted to lead him off, we did. 322 00:14:22,318 --> 00:14:24,758 Speaker 4: I thought it was a good idea. You know, it 323 00:14:24,798 --> 00:14:27,398 Speaker 4: could be one nothing or if it's not on nothing, 324 00:14:27,438 --> 00:14:30,118 Speaker 4: I thought he had such a great handle on his 325 00:14:30,118 --> 00:14:31,718 Speaker 4: strikes on it could be just at least the runner 326 00:14:31,718 --> 00:14:34,278 Speaker 4: at first base. There's a lot I thought to like there. 327 00:14:34,358 --> 00:14:37,358 Speaker 4: I and even in the minor leagues and throughout my 328 00:14:37,518 --> 00:14:40,678 Speaker 4: managerial career, I didn't mind putting somebody like that in 329 00:14:40,718 --> 00:14:44,158 Speaker 4: the leadoff spot because again, it's it's it's instant, it's 330 00:14:44,238 --> 00:14:46,838 Speaker 4: instant numbers, and then of course he comes up more often. 331 00:14:47,278 --> 00:14:49,998 Speaker 4: So at that point it just was tough the lefty. 332 00:14:50,358 --> 00:14:53,118 Speaker 4: To make him your leadoff hitter was tough because there's 333 00:14:53,158 --> 00:14:55,118 Speaker 4: something you didn't want to play against all the lefties. 334 00:14:55,158 --> 00:14:56,678 Speaker 4: You wanted to give him a chance, which we did, 335 00:14:57,278 --> 00:14:58,558 Speaker 4: maybe not long enough. 336 00:14:58,558 --> 00:15:00,038 Speaker 5: But although he. 337 00:14:59,918 --> 00:15:01,678 Speaker 4: Just wasn't ready to hit lefties at that time, the 338 00:15:01,678 --> 00:15:03,918 Speaker 4: whole approach is different. The way he stays back right now, 339 00:15:04,478 --> 00:15:05,958 Speaker 4: he waits on the ball right now. I used to 340 00:15:05,958 --> 00:15:07,918 Speaker 4: really go out and get it a lot, which would 341 00:15:07,958 --> 00:15:11,518 Speaker 4: really permit that down in a way, pitch to be problematic, 342 00:15:11,838 --> 00:15:13,838 Speaker 4: The chase on the slatter you have to commit to 343 00:15:13,918 --> 00:15:16,678 Speaker 4: so and all those different things that did not permit 344 00:15:16,758 --> 00:15:19,398 Speaker 4: him to be a decent left on left hitter. It 345 00:15:19,518 --> 00:15:21,558 Speaker 4: wasn't ready. He wasn't ready for it. It just happens, 346 00:15:21,598 --> 00:15:24,038 Speaker 4: and then eventually grows into it, finds the right hitting coach, 347 00:15:24,758 --> 00:15:28,158 Speaker 4: and then he just you know, the light bulb goes on. Man, Oh, 348 00:15:28,238 --> 00:15:30,558 Speaker 4: that's what you meant. You know, I can remember that 349 00:15:30,598 --> 00:15:34,238 Speaker 4: from different points in my baseball meager baseball career, but 350 00:15:34,598 --> 00:15:38,678 Speaker 4: this this epiphany, the light goes on, That's what he meant. 351 00:15:38,678 --> 00:15:40,758 Speaker 4: Like you could hear the same words over and over again, 352 00:15:40,878 --> 00:15:43,838 Speaker 4: right and you understand exactly what your coach. Of course 353 00:15:43,838 --> 00:15:47,278 Speaker 4: I speak English, understand what you're saying. However, I cannot 354 00:15:47,278 --> 00:15:49,718 Speaker 4: make my body, feel or move in what in regards 355 00:15:49,758 --> 00:15:50,598 Speaker 4: to what you're talking about. 356 00:15:50,598 --> 00:15:51,558 Speaker 5: I just can't. 357 00:15:51,918 --> 00:15:55,718 Speaker 4: But one day, one moment, all poom, there it is, 358 00:15:55,918 --> 00:15:57,958 Speaker 4: I feel it, and your coach is standing right there 359 00:15:57,958 --> 00:15:58,958 Speaker 4: and says, that's it. 360 00:15:59,038 --> 00:15:59,518 Speaker 5: That's right. 361 00:15:59,758 --> 00:16:01,838 Speaker 4: So and all of a sudden you're combining knowledge and 362 00:16:02,278 --> 00:16:05,718 Speaker 4: feel together, and you, whomever is in charge of this moment, 363 00:16:05,718 --> 00:16:10,438 Speaker 4: which was Kevin Long, that's a real powerful moment. And 364 00:16:10,478 --> 00:16:13,238 Speaker 4: I think that's I'm sure that's exactly what happened. It 365 00:16:13,278 --> 00:16:17,038 Speaker 4: was just a constantly a redund the process of saying 366 00:16:17,158 --> 00:16:19,078 Speaker 4: a lot of the same things over and over again, 367 00:16:19,998 --> 00:16:22,638 Speaker 4: until finally it made sense to hit to the mind 368 00:16:22,678 --> 00:16:25,998 Speaker 4: and the body simultaneously. And now we hit lefties, and 369 00:16:26,038 --> 00:16:28,118 Speaker 4: now we know how to hit lefties, and that you're right, 370 00:16:28,158 --> 00:16:31,518 Speaker 4: that's what puts him in that conversation. I never even 371 00:16:31,518 --> 00:16:33,798 Speaker 4: thought about that, Tommy. I didn't even put that together. 372 00:16:33,838 --> 00:16:37,278 Speaker 4: Only you would. And I think what you're saying is legitimate. 373 00:16:37,518 --> 00:16:40,078 Speaker 4: He will take care of himself. He's actually looks more 374 00:16:40,078 --> 00:16:41,998 Speaker 4: fit now than he did as a youngster coming out 375 00:16:42,038 --> 00:16:45,918 Speaker 4: of Indiana. I know how, like you said, motivated he is. 376 00:16:46,718 --> 00:16:50,398 Speaker 4: And the city of Philadelphia will keep you motivated. 377 00:16:50,478 --> 00:16:51,158 Speaker 5: Also, so. 378 00:16:52,638 --> 00:16:55,958 Speaker 4: It's the right set of circumstances to see how far 379 00:16:55,998 --> 00:16:56,878 Speaker 4: it can go with all of. 380 00:16:56,798 --> 00:16:59,038 Speaker 3: This, and real quick, Joe, we got to bring up 381 00:16:59,318 --> 00:17:01,438 Speaker 3: one of the greatest the bats and Cobs history. After 382 00:17:01,478 --> 00:17:04,318 Speaker 3: the rain delay in Game seven and twenty sixteen. I 383 00:17:04,358 --> 00:17:06,878 Speaker 3: can still see, I'm sure you can in my mind's eye. 384 00:17:06,958 --> 00:17:10,118 Speaker 3: Swebber gets that base hit and he's running down that 385 00:17:10,158 --> 00:17:13,598 Speaker 3: first baseline pumping his arm, and to me, it was 386 00:17:13,638 --> 00:17:16,158 Speaker 3: a different game. It was a different team after that 387 00:17:16,238 --> 00:17:19,878 Speaker 3: rain delay. The amount of energy, but to maintain the 388 00:17:19,998 --> 00:17:22,638 Speaker 3: energy once the ball is actually in play and we're 389 00:17:22,758 --> 00:17:23,878 Speaker 3: playing baseball again. 390 00:17:24,318 --> 00:17:26,518 Speaker 2: It was Schwarber who jump started the whole thing with 391 00:17:26,558 --> 00:17:27,238 Speaker 2: that base hit. 392 00:17:27,278 --> 00:17:30,358 Speaker 3: I just see the just the enthusiasm and the energy 393 00:17:30,718 --> 00:17:31,318 Speaker 3: on that hit. 394 00:17:31,918 --> 00:17:34,278 Speaker 4: But Happle, we're playing in the Dodgers in the playoffs, 395 00:17:34,318 --> 00:17:37,518 Speaker 4: and he, being THEO, comes to me and says, sh 396 00:17:37,998 --> 00:17:41,678 Speaker 4: Shoreb's good Surob's going to go to Arizona and he's 397 00:17:41,678 --> 00:17:43,718 Speaker 4: gonna start working out. He's gonna start what he did. 398 00:17:44,198 --> 00:17:46,078 Speaker 4: I don't know if this is urban legend or not, 399 00:17:46,158 --> 00:17:48,518 Speaker 4: but apparently he would stand there and track a thousand 400 00:17:48,518 --> 00:17:51,078 Speaker 4: pitches a day off a machine or whatever, just to 401 00:17:51,078 --> 00:17:53,318 Speaker 4: see the ball, see the velocity, see it coming at him, 402 00:17:53,318 --> 00:17:55,918 Speaker 4: and of course then he would eventually hit. We didn't 403 00:17:55,958 --> 00:17:57,358 Speaker 4: know how well is lege was going to hold up. 404 00:17:57,398 --> 00:17:59,198 Speaker 4: We didn't know, but you know, the doctors assured us 405 00:17:59,238 --> 00:18:01,158 Speaker 4: that it would. You're not going to press him or 406 00:18:01,158 --> 00:18:03,558 Speaker 4: push them. And that's why after that big base hit 407 00:18:03,598 --> 00:18:05,118 Speaker 4: that we had to pinch run for him, which was 408 00:18:05,158 --> 00:18:08,158 Speaker 4: fortuitous because Albert Omoa made a great base running plan 409 00:18:08,478 --> 00:18:11,198 Speaker 4: on something that we worked on a lot in spring training, 410 00:18:11,198 --> 00:18:13,838 Speaker 4: that was tagging up on flyballs at the outfield, even 411 00:18:13,838 --> 00:18:15,918 Speaker 4: when you're at first base. It just was like it 412 00:18:16,078 --> 00:18:20,278 Speaker 4: just came together perfectly. But yeah, Schwerbs, he did. He 413 00:18:20,398 --> 00:18:22,838 Speaker 4: just had this. He has this different he does. He's 414 00:18:22,878 --> 00:18:27,478 Speaker 4: just different kind of a mentality. He's got that winning mentality. 415 00:18:28,438 --> 00:18:30,478 Speaker 4: He's no nonsense. Got a great sense of humor, but 416 00:18:30,558 --> 00:18:33,758 Speaker 4: he's no nonsense and he's gonna try to get the 417 00:18:33,798 --> 00:18:35,718 Speaker 4: best out of him and everybody else around him. He 418 00:18:35,878 --> 00:18:39,758 Speaker 4: just it's not a frivolous conversation. It's just he's just 419 00:18:39,838 --> 00:18:43,958 Speaker 4: he's got these real intense dark eyes and when he 420 00:18:43,998 --> 00:18:45,478 Speaker 4: looks at you, it kind of he's kind of a 421 00:18:45,518 --> 00:18:47,278 Speaker 4: guy looks right through you. And you've got to be 422 00:18:47,318 --> 00:18:50,198 Speaker 4: able to conversationally, got to be able to hold your 423 00:18:50,238 --> 00:18:52,118 Speaker 4: own because there's nothing you're gonna slide by this felt 424 00:18:52,278 --> 00:18:54,118 Speaker 4: not that you want to, but I'm just telling you 425 00:18:54,118 --> 00:18:56,558 Speaker 4: you ain't gonna slide anything by him. So all this 426 00:18:56,598 --> 00:19:00,598 Speaker 4: stuff is makes sense. And so for him to make 427 00:19:00,758 --> 00:19:04,238 Speaker 4: get that big hit and start that rally again makes 428 00:19:04,238 --> 00:19:07,318 Speaker 4: all the sense. Well, you go back to we kicked 429 00:19:07,598 --> 00:19:10,158 Speaker 4: the Angels butt opening series, we go to the Diamondbacks, 430 00:19:10,198 --> 00:19:11,918 Speaker 4: balls hit the left center and all of a sudden, 431 00:19:12,358 --> 00:19:14,878 Speaker 4: this collision occurs, and we're still able to survive and 432 00:19:14,918 --> 00:19:18,718 Speaker 4: do really well that year. But Swarb's just a different animal. 433 00:19:18,758 --> 00:19:19,678 Speaker 4: And the Phillies know. 434 00:19:19,638 --> 00:19:23,278 Speaker 3: That he played in high school middle linebacker and he 435 00:19:23,398 --> 00:19:27,198 Speaker 3: was also on the spirit dance team in the school plays. 436 00:19:28,198 --> 00:19:28,838 Speaker 2: How about that. 437 00:19:28,838 --> 00:19:30,598 Speaker 3: That tells you all you need to know about a 438 00:19:30,598 --> 00:19:34,158 Speaker 3: guy who's comfortable with himself and will also knock you 439 00:19:34,238 --> 00:19:35,958 Speaker 3: in the next week if you get in his way. 440 00:19:36,358 --> 00:19:38,478 Speaker 4: He would always do the little dance and left field 441 00:19:38,838 --> 00:19:40,838 Speaker 4: when he went out there for the fans at Wrigley. 442 00:19:41,638 --> 00:19:44,398 Speaker 4: He's an entertainer man, and you know what, it's a 443 00:19:44,958 --> 00:19:45,358 Speaker 4: what is it? 444 00:19:45,438 --> 00:19:45,638 Speaker 5: Dance? 445 00:19:45,758 --> 00:19:49,358 Speaker 4: Like nobody's watching a singing like nobody's listening. There's another 446 00:19:49,358 --> 00:19:51,438 Speaker 4: component then live like it's heaven on Earth. There's one 447 00:19:51,478 --> 00:19:53,918 Speaker 4: I'm missing, but that's what he is. He dances like 448 00:19:53,958 --> 00:19:57,878 Speaker 4: no one's watching. He sings like no one's listening. Oh, 449 00:19:57,958 --> 00:20:00,518 Speaker 4: lovel like you've never been hurt, and and live like 450 00:20:00,558 --> 00:20:01,398 Speaker 4: it's heaven on Earth. 451 00:20:01,478 --> 00:20:02,238 Speaker 5: That's what he does. 452 00:20:02,958 --> 00:20:03,798 Speaker 2: Awesome stuff. 453 00:20:04,038 --> 00:20:06,398 Speaker 3: Hey, there was another big signing this case, it was 454 00:20:06,798 --> 00:20:09,838 Speaker 3: a free agent leaving his team. Edwin Diaz will talk 455 00:20:09,838 --> 00:20:12,518 Speaker 3: about what it means for the Dodgers and the New 456 00:20:12,598 --> 00:20:14,838 Speaker 3: York Mets. We'll do that right after this on the 457 00:20:14,838 --> 00:20:29,918 Speaker 3: Book of Joe. Welcome back to the Book of Joe. 458 00:20:30,238 --> 00:20:33,038 Speaker 3: Edwin Diaz is a Dodger. Joe, how about have you 459 00:20:33,158 --> 00:20:35,798 Speaker 3: Dave Roberts Right now, you've spent ever since ken Lee 460 00:20:35,878 --> 00:20:38,118 Speaker 3: Jansen the left, You've been running people through that ninth 461 00:20:38,118 --> 00:20:41,678 Speaker 3: inning like on a weekly basis, right, especially in the postseason. 462 00:20:41,918 --> 00:20:44,838 Speaker 3: You look at players who have closed games for Dave Roberts. 463 00:20:44,958 --> 00:20:48,838 Speaker 3: It's all over the map, including two starting pitchers ending 464 00:20:48,878 --> 00:20:51,558 Speaker 3: the last two World Series. Well, now, as good as 465 00:20:51,558 --> 00:20:54,278 Speaker 3: the Dodgers are, they have to me the guy who's 466 00:20:54,318 --> 00:20:55,838 Speaker 3: been over the last four or five years. The best 467 00:20:55,838 --> 00:21:00,518 Speaker 3: closer in baseball, Edwin Diaz three year contract sixty was 468 00:21:00,518 --> 00:21:04,518 Speaker 3: it sixty nine million dollars? A lot of people were surprised. 469 00:21:04,558 --> 00:21:08,118 Speaker 3: I really wasn't, Joe, But this is what the Dodgers do. 470 00:21:08,198 --> 00:21:10,358 Speaker 3: They had almost eighty million dollars coming off the payroll, 471 00:21:10,438 --> 00:21:12,878 Speaker 3: so it's not like they're blowing the payroll to another 472 00:21:13,278 --> 00:21:15,598 Speaker 3: huge level here. But boy, this is goin to hurt 473 00:21:15,638 --> 00:21:17,478 Speaker 3: the New York Mets. Give me your first reaction when 474 00:21:17,478 --> 00:21:19,358 Speaker 3: you first heard about Diaz to the Dodgers. 475 00:21:20,198 --> 00:21:21,638 Speaker 5: Not surprised, you know. 476 00:21:21,678 --> 00:21:23,998 Speaker 4: And again I read the New York papers constantly, and 477 00:21:24,038 --> 00:21:26,518 Speaker 4: you know, I think you know how much did the 478 00:21:26,598 --> 00:21:29,798 Speaker 4: Mets really cherished having him back there? The fact that 479 00:21:29,838 --> 00:21:31,638 Speaker 4: he is as good as you described, Plus he does 480 00:21:31,678 --> 00:21:36,118 Speaker 4: that there. You saw it Hellsley right when he came in, 481 00:21:36,158 --> 00:21:38,518 Speaker 4: and it did not work out like you thought it 482 00:21:38,518 --> 00:21:40,038 Speaker 4: would when he had been in Sing Louis. So it's 483 00:21:40,078 --> 00:21:42,278 Speaker 4: not for everybody. It's not for the weak of heart. 484 00:21:42,718 --> 00:21:44,718 Speaker 4: The only injury he's had is when he got injured 485 00:21:44,758 --> 00:21:47,198 Speaker 4: in that celebration right. Otherwise he's been pretty healthy during 486 00:21:47,198 --> 00:21:50,798 Speaker 4: this time too, I believe. And God, the fastball is 487 00:21:50,838 --> 00:21:53,358 Speaker 4: oppressive and so is the breaking ball. And on top 488 00:21:53,358 --> 00:21:56,158 Speaker 4: of that, I would bet that the Dodgers actually there's 489 00:21:56,158 --> 00:22:01,438 Speaker 4: something about what they've been recognizing regarding what they're seeing 490 00:22:01,438 --> 00:22:02,998 Speaker 4: that that they feel like they could help him become 491 00:22:02,998 --> 00:22:06,358 Speaker 4: even better. There's no that I'm sure that's part of it. 492 00:22:06,358 --> 00:22:08,798 Speaker 4: It's just a little bit surprising, not surprising that the 493 00:22:08,838 --> 00:22:11,318 Speaker 4: Dodgers did that at all, not even a little bit 494 00:22:11,838 --> 00:22:14,558 Speaker 4: surprising that the you know, the Mets, and all you 495 00:22:14,638 --> 00:22:17,998 Speaker 4: read about is like since Cohen took over that they're 496 00:22:18,078 --> 00:22:19,958 Speaker 4: competing with the Dodgers, they want to be the Dodgers 497 00:22:19,958 --> 00:22:23,518 Speaker 4: on East Coast, all this other stuff, and then this happens. 498 00:22:24,158 --> 00:22:27,278 Speaker 4: This not that there's not a whole lot of happiness 499 00:22:27,318 --> 00:22:30,518 Speaker 4: going around that Ivory Tower at City Field right now, 500 00:22:30,518 --> 00:22:32,918 Speaker 4: I don't think so. I don't know that this they 501 00:22:32,918 --> 00:22:35,838 Speaker 4: saw this one coming. And I guess the the amount 502 00:22:35,838 --> 00:22:40,238 Speaker 4: of money between the two places wasn't horribly different, right, 503 00:22:40,558 --> 00:22:43,198 Speaker 4: So it had to be something about internally about the 504 00:22:43,318 --> 00:22:46,558 Speaker 4: is somebody sold him with within a Dodge organization, or 505 00:22:46,598 --> 00:22:49,278 Speaker 4: there was something about the Mets side he wasn't quite 506 00:22:49,358 --> 00:22:51,878 Speaker 4: comfortable with that you would never hear about because I 507 00:22:51,878 --> 00:22:53,758 Speaker 4: don't think he's the kind of guy that's going to 508 00:22:53,838 --> 00:22:55,798 Speaker 4: open up about that. But that's that's the part that 509 00:22:55,838 --> 00:22:59,038 Speaker 4: I thought was interesting. Whereas the money was kind of 510 00:22:59,358 --> 00:23:02,678 Speaker 4: similar or very similar, almost exactly the same, that he 511 00:23:02,678 --> 00:23:05,798 Speaker 4: would leave that place to go there, other than the 512 00:23:05,798 --> 00:23:07,718 Speaker 4: fact that he might feel that they could win there 513 00:23:08,038 --> 00:23:10,598 Speaker 4: more than with the Mets, and again something that he 514 00:23:10,638 --> 00:23:14,158 Speaker 4: internally sees. That's the part of this that I'd like 515 00:23:14,158 --> 00:23:14,798 Speaker 4: to know more about. 516 00:23:15,398 --> 00:23:17,238 Speaker 3: Yeah, first of all, in the money, you're right, they 517 00:23:17,238 --> 00:23:21,838 Speaker 3: were both very close, and again it's it's not a 518 00:23:21,998 --> 00:23:25,078 Speaker 3: crazy deal when you think about, well, best closer in baseball. 519 00:23:25,078 --> 00:23:27,158 Speaker 3: I get it, he's in his early thirties, but keeping 520 00:23:27,198 --> 00:23:29,358 Speaker 3: that three years, that's a big win for the Dodgers. 521 00:23:30,358 --> 00:23:32,798 Speaker 3: And the fact that with a little bit of deferred money, 522 00:23:32,798 --> 00:23:34,958 Speaker 3: I mean it's not Otani deferred money, but there is 523 00:23:34,998 --> 00:23:38,838 Speaker 3: some deferred money that his average annual value is less 524 00:23:39,238 --> 00:23:42,678 Speaker 3: than what the qualifying offer was. So it's not an 525 00:23:42,718 --> 00:23:45,598 Speaker 3: outrageous deal at all for the Dodgers. And I said, 526 00:23:45,758 --> 00:23:47,438 Speaker 3: as I said, you know, with the money coming off 527 00:23:47,478 --> 00:23:51,958 Speaker 3: the payroll, listen, money's great because they looks like they 528 00:23:51,958 --> 00:23:54,398 Speaker 3: made a mistake on Tanner Scott last year seventy two 529 00:23:54,438 --> 00:23:57,958 Speaker 3: million dollars and you know, he got hit and at 530 00:23:57,958 --> 00:23:59,918 Speaker 3: the end of the year was hurt. We'll see if 531 00:23:59,958 --> 00:24:02,598 Speaker 3: they can fix him, but they didn't in the course 532 00:24:02,638 --> 00:24:03,318 Speaker 3: of last year. 533 00:24:03,638 --> 00:24:05,598 Speaker 2: But it doesn't matter. You can live with that when. 534 00:24:05,518 --> 00:24:06,798 Speaker 3: You have the money to go out there and get 535 00:24:06,878 --> 00:24:10,398 Speaker 3: Edwin Diaz. As far as the Mets here, are going 536 00:24:10,478 --> 00:24:12,998 Speaker 3: to give them a pass Joe until we hear more, 537 00:24:13,918 --> 00:24:17,038 Speaker 3: because from what I was told from a source that 538 00:24:17,478 --> 00:24:20,598 Speaker 3: this was a case where the Dodgers are just so 539 00:24:21,038 --> 00:24:24,478 Speaker 3: darned attractive right now that it wasn't a matter that 540 00:24:24,598 --> 00:24:26,798 Speaker 3: you know, he wasn't going to take the money from 541 00:24:26,798 --> 00:24:29,878 Speaker 3: the Mets. But if you're in your thirties like Edwin 542 00:24:29,958 --> 00:24:32,838 Speaker 3: Diaz and you haven't won a World Series, how do 543 00:24:32,918 --> 00:24:35,958 Speaker 3: you not sign with the Dodgers unless you're just in 544 00:24:35,998 --> 00:24:37,278 Speaker 3: love with the incumbent team. 545 00:24:37,558 --> 00:24:39,118 Speaker 2: And I'm not saying he was or wasn't. 546 00:24:39,158 --> 00:24:41,518 Speaker 3: I'm just saying right now, to me, the Dodgers are 547 00:24:41,958 --> 00:24:45,278 Speaker 3: what the Yankees were in the late nineties early two thousands. 548 00:24:45,478 --> 00:24:48,438 Speaker 3: I remember Mike Musina going to the Yankees, who were 549 00:24:48,558 --> 00:24:51,918 Speaker 3: loaded with starting pitching, and he had the Orioles wanting 550 00:24:51,958 --> 00:24:53,518 Speaker 3: to keep him. He had Boston in it, and he 551 00:24:53,558 --> 00:24:54,958 Speaker 3: had the Mets in it all kind of in the 552 00:24:54,958 --> 00:24:58,398 Speaker 3: same ballpark. But hop aboard the Yankees train if you 553 00:24:58,438 --> 00:25:00,478 Speaker 3: want to win the World Championship. As it turned out, 554 00:25:00,558 --> 00:25:02,878 Speaker 3: he didn't at that era with the Yankees. He got 555 00:25:02,878 --> 00:25:05,918 Speaker 3: on at the wrong time. But right now, the Dodgers 556 00:25:05,958 --> 00:25:09,438 Speaker 3: are the it team. And from my source telling me 557 00:25:09,638 --> 00:25:13,598 Speaker 3: this is what attracted Edwin Diaz that yeah, okay, the 558 00:25:13,638 --> 00:25:16,758 Speaker 3: Mets are spending right close to what the Dodgers spend, 559 00:25:17,358 --> 00:25:20,038 Speaker 3: but last time they won the World Series was eighty six. 560 00:25:20,118 --> 00:25:23,198 Speaker 3: You're coming off a really disappointing season in which the 561 00:25:23,238 --> 00:25:25,598 Speaker 3: team fell apart in the second half. There were some 562 00:25:25,798 --> 00:25:27,518 Speaker 3: chemistry and clubhouse issues there. 563 00:25:27,558 --> 00:25:28,558 Speaker 2: I think we all know that. 564 00:25:28,558 --> 00:25:32,078 Speaker 3: The Mets don't want to say that publicly, and again 565 00:25:32,078 --> 00:25:35,278 Speaker 3: I'm not saying Diaz didn't like it there. But right now, 566 00:25:35,318 --> 00:25:37,798 Speaker 3: the Dodgers and the way they treat their players as well, 567 00:25:37,998 --> 00:25:40,078 Speaker 3: word is out, man, that's the place to play. 568 00:25:40,118 --> 00:25:40,798 Speaker 2: That's tough for the. 569 00:25:40,838 --> 00:25:42,878 Speaker 3: Mets or anybody to compete with if they want to 570 00:25:42,918 --> 00:25:43,678 Speaker 3: sign a free agent. 571 00:25:44,638 --> 00:25:48,758 Speaker 4: No, you're right correct all of that. You know, I 572 00:25:48,838 --> 00:25:51,918 Speaker 4: know how Andrew operates, and you know, un listen when 573 00:25:51,958 --> 00:25:55,118 Speaker 4: you have that kind of those kind of resources. It's 574 00:25:55,158 --> 00:25:57,958 Speaker 4: easy to replicate the easier to replicate that on an 575 00:25:57,998 --> 00:26:01,958 Speaker 4: annual basis. But it just speaks down to the Cohen 576 00:26:01,998 --> 00:26:04,438 Speaker 4: era there when he comes in and all the themations 577 00:26:04,438 --> 00:26:05,238 Speaker 4: that were made. 578 00:26:06,078 --> 00:26:08,718 Speaker 5: Uh again, this is a situation. I don't I don't. 579 00:26:08,758 --> 00:26:10,838 Speaker 4: I don't know it's sterns well at all, but I 580 00:26:10,838 --> 00:26:12,878 Speaker 4: mean I follow a lot of this. Is this another 581 00:26:12,918 --> 00:26:15,318 Speaker 4: situation we're just talking about with Schwerbur. I mean, the 582 00:26:15,318 --> 00:26:17,518 Speaker 4: Phillies wouldn't let Shuerber go. There's not gonna leave. We're 583 00:26:17,518 --> 00:26:20,998 Speaker 4: gonna keep him here somehow. You just described these as 584 00:26:21,038 --> 00:26:23,638 Speaker 4: the best closer in the game. Right now, the Mets 585 00:26:23,678 --> 00:26:26,438 Speaker 4: are trying to win. Uh, you know on that level 586 00:26:26,438 --> 00:26:27,998 Speaker 4: with the Dodgers, how do you let him get away? 587 00:26:28,078 --> 00:26:31,838 Speaker 4: I I don't know, Private Jetim, I don't know what 588 00:26:31,918 --> 00:26:33,438 Speaker 4: it would take. But again, this is one of those 589 00:26:33,478 --> 00:26:36,878 Speaker 4: situations that you may have to overpay because where's this uh, 590 00:26:36,998 --> 00:26:40,638 Speaker 4: where's this guy gonna come from? I don't know who 591 00:26:40,678 --> 00:26:43,678 Speaker 4: they have in mind to fill that role right now, 592 00:26:43,718 --> 00:26:46,598 Speaker 4: because once he's gone, it's like you know when you 593 00:26:46,638 --> 00:26:49,158 Speaker 4: when you fire somebody in essence or let somebody go 594 00:26:50,118 --> 00:26:51,638 Speaker 4: you have to know in advance, who are we going 595 00:26:51,678 --> 00:26:53,678 Speaker 4: to replace him with that's equally as good, And we're 596 00:26:53,678 --> 00:26:56,118 Speaker 4: trying to do this. We're not trying to compete. We're 597 00:26:56,158 --> 00:26:58,758 Speaker 4: trying to win this whole thing, not just the n 598 00:26:58,878 --> 00:27:01,198 Speaker 4: L or the or division. This is about what played 599 00:27:01,198 --> 00:27:02,638 Speaker 4: in the last game of the year and winning it. 600 00:27:02,718 --> 00:27:04,678 Speaker 4: So these this is what I think about when I 601 00:27:04,678 --> 00:27:07,798 Speaker 4: see situations like this. Yes, the Dodgers are very absolutely, 602 00:27:08,158 --> 00:27:10,318 Speaker 4: but the goal was to make the Mets as attractive 603 00:27:10,358 --> 00:27:13,838 Speaker 4: or more here. So that's what I'm saying. There's something 604 00:27:13,878 --> 00:27:16,878 Speaker 4: going on there beyond the money. I'm just be curious, 605 00:27:16,958 --> 00:27:20,518 Speaker 4: that's all because he is that good. You just talked 606 00:27:20,518 --> 00:27:22,958 Speaker 4: about it, you stated it. It's true, So why do 607 00:27:23,038 --> 00:27:27,078 Speaker 4: you permit that to happen? In a sense, because you've 608 00:27:27,118 --> 00:27:28,918 Speaker 4: had him. You had him, he was he was yours, 609 00:27:29,638 --> 00:27:31,398 Speaker 4: you knew, you know all this quirks, you knew everything 610 00:27:31,398 --> 00:27:33,358 Speaker 4: about him, knew how he reacted to the situations. 611 00:27:33,398 --> 00:27:35,478 Speaker 5: You knew, And maybe that's what they didn't like. 612 00:27:35,558 --> 00:27:37,478 Speaker 4: I don't know, maybe there's something that they're actually kind 613 00:27:37,478 --> 00:27:38,558 Speaker 4: of pleased with that he's gone. 614 00:27:38,678 --> 00:27:39,118 Speaker 5: We'll see. 615 00:27:39,518 --> 00:27:42,438 Speaker 3: Well, I mean, obviously they did sign Devin Williams, and 616 00:27:42,758 --> 00:27:44,318 Speaker 3: at the time it seemed like, well that was a 617 00:27:44,318 --> 00:27:48,478 Speaker 3: hedge against Diaz possibly leaving or best case scenario, they 618 00:27:48,478 --> 00:27:50,878 Speaker 3: have both of them and they have a lockdown eighth 619 00:27:50,918 --> 00:27:54,838 Speaker 3: and ninth inning situation. But no question now Devin Williams 620 00:27:54,958 --> 00:27:57,238 Speaker 3: is their closer. I happened to think his year last 621 00:27:57,318 --> 00:27:59,438 Speaker 3: year was better than a lot of people think. I 622 00:27:59,438 --> 00:28:01,918 Speaker 3: mean they look at the era at yeah, it's not good. 623 00:28:02,038 --> 00:28:06,478 Speaker 3: His worst year was it four to seven, And but 624 00:28:06,558 --> 00:28:09,198 Speaker 3: if you look at the underlying metrics, the swring and 625 00:28:09,198 --> 00:28:12,678 Speaker 3: miss especially, it was all there for Devin Williams. Listen, 626 00:28:12,718 --> 00:28:15,318 Speaker 3: he's still a good reliever. It's not like that's a 627 00:28:15,398 --> 00:28:18,878 Speaker 3: terrible fallback option that they're lost now. But the fact 628 00:28:18,958 --> 00:28:21,118 Speaker 3: is there's still going to have to fortify this bullpen. 629 00:28:21,558 --> 00:28:23,238 Speaker 3: You know, it's gonna take a lot more than Devin 630 00:28:23,278 --> 00:28:26,198 Speaker 3: Williams now to recover from the loss of Edwin Diaz. 631 00:28:26,438 --> 00:28:28,918 Speaker 4: You're right, I mean, and then Stern's had him with Milwaukee, correct, 632 00:28:28,958 --> 00:28:31,438 Speaker 4: I mean, that's part of the that's part of the 633 00:28:31,438 --> 00:28:33,998 Speaker 4: connection there. And again this is this is a situation 634 00:28:34,238 --> 00:28:39,158 Speaker 4: I think knowing somebody and Stearns now knows he knew 635 00:28:39,158 --> 00:28:41,278 Speaker 4: Williams and now he knows DEAs and maybe that was 636 00:28:41,318 --> 00:28:42,798 Speaker 4: part of the decision. We're not going to go over 637 00:28:42,838 --> 00:28:45,878 Speaker 4: this threshold because we feel as though we got this 638 00:28:45,918 --> 00:28:48,318 Speaker 4: guy that can be as good, if not better in 639 00:28:48,358 --> 00:28:51,358 Speaker 4: their mind to think about Williams that you're right. I mean, 640 00:28:51,398 --> 00:28:54,278 Speaker 4: I saw that stuff last year. I was just and 641 00:28:54,318 --> 00:28:55,918 Speaker 4: when a relief pitch, you have to understand that you 642 00:28:55,958 --> 00:28:58,718 Speaker 4: mentioned it. What are two or three even three bad 643 00:28:58,718 --> 00:29:00,918 Speaker 4: outings during the course of his season could really balloon 644 00:29:00,958 --> 00:29:04,078 Speaker 4: your numbers and it could make a look horrible, and 645 00:29:04,198 --> 00:29:06,718 Speaker 4: especially if it happens early, because it is something to your. 646 00:29:06,518 --> 00:29:07,598 Speaker 5: Psyche a little bit too. 647 00:29:08,238 --> 00:29:10,598 Speaker 4: So they have a lot of faith there obviously, and 648 00:29:10,638 --> 00:29:15,158 Speaker 4: maybe Stearns believes that with willimsbying the only guy there 649 00:29:15,358 --> 00:29:17,758 Speaker 4: that might be better for him in regards to how 650 00:29:17,798 --> 00:29:20,598 Speaker 4: he approaches the day. There's no confusion. He knows he's 651 00:29:20,598 --> 00:29:23,198 Speaker 4: got the ninth. Maybe that's been he's assured of all that. 652 00:29:23,238 --> 00:29:25,718 Speaker 4: There's a lot of this conversation that may have occurred 653 00:29:25,758 --> 00:29:28,238 Speaker 4: before they went the extra mile with the money too, 654 00:29:28,318 --> 00:29:32,158 Speaker 4: So you're right, they probably feel really good about that. 655 00:29:33,238 --> 00:29:36,198 Speaker 4: The thing, I'm such a face reader, I'm such a 656 00:29:36,278 --> 00:29:39,518 Speaker 4: gut guy. The thing I didn't like when I saw 657 00:29:39,518 --> 00:29:41,278 Speaker 4: Williams pitch last year. Was a lot of times this 658 00:29:42,278 --> 00:29:45,838 Speaker 4: frustration on the mound, where this concession almost on the mound, 659 00:29:46,278 --> 00:29:48,358 Speaker 4: and his look and I and I look at that 660 00:29:48,438 --> 00:29:49,118 Speaker 4: stuff like that. 661 00:29:49,798 --> 00:29:51,918 Speaker 5: I thought his armstroke was lower. I thought his arm 662 00:29:51,958 --> 00:29:52,558 Speaker 5: angle was lower. 663 00:29:52,598 --> 00:29:54,718 Speaker 4: You're telling me the swing and misses the same, you know, 664 00:29:54,758 --> 00:29:58,158 Speaker 4: because that pitch is ridiculously good. But my concern was 665 00:29:58,158 --> 00:30:00,798 Speaker 4: the arm kept getting lower, which makes the ball come 666 00:30:00,838 --> 00:30:03,638 Speaker 4: out flatter, which then, even if it's good, permission to 667 00:30:03,678 --> 00:30:05,558 Speaker 4: keep the bat on that plane a little bit longer. 668 00:30:05,598 --> 00:30:07,878 Speaker 4: These are the things I was seeing last year. So 669 00:30:07,918 --> 00:30:10,638 Speaker 4: that was my concern about Williams. Is more than even 670 00:30:10,678 --> 00:30:12,798 Speaker 4: the numbers indicated. I thought there was a reason the 671 00:30:12,878 --> 00:30:15,558 Speaker 4: numbers weren't good, and part of it could have been makeup. 672 00:30:15,598 --> 00:30:18,678 Speaker 5: Part of it could have been his arms strokes. 673 00:30:18,718 --> 00:30:21,598 Speaker 4: Something had gotten off mechanically that they were unable to fix. 674 00:30:21,638 --> 00:30:23,318 Speaker 4: Mebe his arm was bothering me, couldn't get it up 675 00:30:23,318 --> 00:30:26,278 Speaker 4: as high, those kind of things. That's what I think 676 00:30:26,278 --> 00:30:28,438 Speaker 4: about when I when I see a situation like that. 677 00:30:28,918 --> 00:30:31,238 Speaker 3: Well, I can tell you you're dead right, Joe Baden, 678 00:30:31,678 --> 00:30:35,038 Speaker 3: because I talked with Devon about this, and listen, we 679 00:30:35,078 --> 00:30:38,598 Speaker 3: talked about this with the Mets trading for Cedric Mullens 680 00:30:38,758 --> 00:30:41,078 Speaker 3: and Ryan Helsley, both of whom left their team for 681 00:30:41,118 --> 00:30:43,518 Speaker 3: the first time, and that was mid season, and that 682 00:30:43,638 --> 00:30:45,718 Speaker 3: is a tough adjustment. I'm telling you, folks, it's a 683 00:30:45,718 --> 00:30:48,038 Speaker 3: big deal. The one that stands out for me is 684 00:30:48,078 --> 00:30:50,358 Speaker 3: Jonathan Scope getting traded for the first time and fell 685 00:30:50,398 --> 00:30:53,438 Speaker 3: flat on his face. I think it was in Milwaukee. 686 00:30:53,998 --> 00:30:55,518 Speaker 3: It's a shock to the system for a lot of 687 00:30:55,518 --> 00:30:58,438 Speaker 3: these guys. And it was interesting when I spoke with Devan, 688 00:30:58,518 --> 00:31:01,518 Speaker 3: he talked about after opening Day with the Yankees, he 689 00:31:01,598 --> 00:31:05,118 Speaker 3: realized he didn't know how to get home. So it's 690 00:31:05,158 --> 00:31:07,158 Speaker 3: just a way of saying that he was a little 691 00:31:07,198 --> 00:31:10,038 Speaker 3: bit lost, you know, after being in Milwaukee system his 692 00:31:10,078 --> 00:31:12,438 Speaker 3: whole career. He's traded to New York, dropped into New 693 00:31:12,518 --> 00:31:15,718 Speaker 3: York after spring training and as he said, there's millions 694 00:31:15,758 --> 00:31:17,758 Speaker 3: and millions of people there, I don't might know my 695 00:31:17,798 --> 00:31:19,678 Speaker 3: way around. He did have that look on his face. 696 00:31:19,718 --> 00:31:22,278 Speaker 3: There's no question about it. There is an adjustment and 697 00:31:22,278 --> 00:31:24,638 Speaker 3: a period in life. And you could say, well, it 698 00:31:24,678 --> 00:31:27,638 Speaker 3: should happen overnight. What's the big deal for some guys? 699 00:31:27,638 --> 00:31:29,158 Speaker 3: If they've been in one place for a long time, 700 00:31:29,198 --> 00:31:30,918 Speaker 3: it's all they know, it's all the people they know. 701 00:31:31,358 --> 00:31:33,238 Speaker 3: It is a shock to the system, and New York 702 00:31:33,318 --> 00:31:35,918 Speaker 3: is very different, There's no question, especially when you don't 703 00:31:35,958 --> 00:31:38,318 Speaker 3: produce and all of a sudden you've got criticism on 704 00:31:38,358 --> 00:31:39,198 Speaker 3: your back as well. 705 00:31:39,598 --> 00:31:41,758 Speaker 2: So I think that explains a little bit of what. 706 00:31:41,718 --> 00:31:45,078 Speaker 3: Happened earlier in the season to Devin Williams, and you're right, 707 00:31:45,158 --> 00:31:47,358 Speaker 3: and we've talked about this each year in the last 708 00:31:47,398 --> 00:31:49,398 Speaker 3: four or five years, is arm angle has gotten a 709 00:31:49,438 --> 00:31:52,678 Speaker 3: little bit lower. He actually said one of the teams 710 00:31:52,758 --> 00:31:55,038 Speaker 3: he was talking to in the course of his free 711 00:31:55,078 --> 00:31:59,878 Speaker 3: agency mentioned that and said what was interesting was his 712 00:32:00,198 --> 00:32:03,598 Speaker 3: arm angle was lower, but his release point was actually 713 00:32:04,878 --> 00:32:07,918 Speaker 3: and Devin said, a light bulb went off and he said, 714 00:32:07,958 --> 00:32:10,718 Speaker 3: now I know what I need to do to fix that. 715 00:32:10,998 --> 00:32:13,518 Speaker 3: I thought that was fascinating. And it wasn't the Mets 716 00:32:13,518 --> 00:32:15,678 Speaker 3: who told him this. One of the other teams interested 717 00:32:15,678 --> 00:32:17,998 Speaker 3: in Devin Williams noticed something about the way he was 718 00:32:18,038 --> 00:32:20,358 Speaker 3: throwing a baseball, and all of a sudden he clicked 719 00:32:20,398 --> 00:32:22,958 Speaker 3: to Devin Williams like, I know exactly what you're talking about. 720 00:32:23,118 --> 00:32:24,038 Speaker 3: Fascinating stuff. 721 00:32:24,438 --> 00:32:26,798 Speaker 4: Yeah, I mean, you got to make sure you get 722 00:32:26,798 --> 00:32:29,198 Speaker 4: the guy before you tell him everything, especially if he's 723 00:32:29,238 --> 00:32:29,958 Speaker 4: in your division. 724 00:32:31,238 --> 00:32:34,278 Speaker 3: We can fix you. I get that under two again. 725 00:32:34,678 --> 00:32:35,078 Speaker 5: Wow. 726 00:32:35,198 --> 00:32:36,638 Speaker 4: I know a lot of gyms that would really be 727 00:32:36,718 --> 00:32:38,918 Speaker 4: upset right now under those circumstances. 728 00:32:39,918 --> 00:32:41,158 Speaker 2: Giving ammunition to the end. 729 00:32:41,478 --> 00:32:44,278 Speaker 4: Oh my god, it's like proprietary information. 730 00:32:44,398 --> 00:32:44,718 Speaker 5: My god. 731 00:32:44,758 --> 00:32:47,558 Speaker 4: They jump in their bunkers at that point. 732 00:32:47,758 --> 00:32:48,078 Speaker 5: Listen. 733 00:32:48,118 --> 00:32:50,198 Speaker 4: I believe that kind of stuff as a as a 734 00:32:50,238 --> 00:32:54,878 Speaker 4: hitting instructor for years. You know, you when you're working 735 00:32:54,918 --> 00:32:56,958 Speaker 4: the minor leagues, you go from rookie ball all the 736 00:32:56,958 --> 00:32:59,438 Speaker 4: way up to the big leagues. You see hitters on 737 00:32:59,518 --> 00:33:02,238 Speaker 4: every level and every level in between. And the thing 738 00:33:02,278 --> 00:33:05,998 Speaker 4: that always might pretation was when you work with a 739 00:33:06,078 --> 00:33:09,118 Speaker 4: rookie ball guy or a low a ball hitter, it's 740 00:33:09,158 --> 00:33:11,958 Speaker 4: obvious what they're doing wrong. It's very obvious because they 741 00:33:12,198 --> 00:33:15,318 Speaker 4: do so many things wrong. Things might be off or this, 742 00:33:15,478 --> 00:33:17,918 Speaker 4: whether it's their feet, whether you're jumping at it, the 743 00:33:17,958 --> 00:33:20,678 Speaker 4: way they're dropping their hands early, their heads playing. 744 00:33:20,398 --> 00:33:21,718 Speaker 5: Whatever, obvious. 745 00:33:21,998 --> 00:33:25,278 Speaker 4: But as guys become more efficient proficient, it's harder to 746 00:33:25,318 --> 00:33:29,318 Speaker 4: see the flaws because they're really good at a lot 747 00:33:29,358 --> 00:33:30,758 Speaker 4: of the way their body moves and all of a 748 00:33:30,758 --> 00:33:33,038 Speaker 4: sudden there's a little thing and that's where this high 749 00:33:33,078 --> 00:33:36,318 Speaker 4: speed stuff filming wise and all the tech involved. That's 750 00:33:36,398 --> 00:33:39,998 Speaker 4: very helpful in narrowing down, well, what is off with 751 00:33:40,078 --> 00:33:42,598 Speaker 4: this fellaw right now? And that's why it's also wonderful 752 00:33:42,638 --> 00:33:45,638 Speaker 4: to have a benchmark at base when you first get 753 00:33:45,638 --> 00:33:47,638 Speaker 4: somebody to look at and have that on video whatever, 754 00:33:47,678 --> 00:33:49,478 Speaker 4: have about all the information so that when it does 755 00:33:49,518 --> 00:33:52,478 Speaker 4: go sideways, you can revert back. 756 00:33:52,918 --> 00:33:55,038 Speaker 5: So yeah, this that all makes sense to me. 757 00:33:55,518 --> 00:34:00,358 Speaker 4: The more efficient or more accomplished you become, you're normally 758 00:34:00,598 --> 00:34:03,038 Speaker 4: you move well what you do as well, so for 759 00:34:03,118 --> 00:34:06,318 Speaker 4: the naked eyed is see that stuff becomes more difficult. 760 00:34:06,398 --> 00:34:09,318 Speaker 4: I used to really drive me nuts with hitters coming 761 00:34:09,358 --> 00:34:11,958 Speaker 4: up through the Angel system and then eventually it wasn't 762 00:34:11,998 --> 00:34:13,918 Speaker 4: a major league hitting coach, but I'm still a major 763 00:34:14,038 --> 00:34:16,318 Speaker 4: league as a manager as a hitting coach. As I 764 00:34:16,358 --> 00:34:20,478 Speaker 4: watched everything, So that's that's kind of probably what happened there, 765 00:34:20,758 --> 00:34:23,838 Speaker 4: fell in between the cracks, because it's just I mean, 766 00:34:23,838 --> 00:34:25,598 Speaker 4: I'm so I'm so aware of that because like I 767 00:34:25,598 --> 00:34:27,958 Speaker 4: remember back with the Rays, I can't remember who it 768 00:34:27,998 --> 00:34:30,038 Speaker 4: was that was struggling, and the first thing I said, 769 00:34:30,078 --> 00:34:33,478 Speaker 4: it looks to me is though the arm is dropping 770 00:34:33,518 --> 00:34:35,638 Speaker 4: a bit. Eric Neander, Eric, could you check on that 771 00:34:35,718 --> 00:34:39,798 Speaker 4: for me, because that, to me, that's that's really that's 772 00:34:39,878 --> 00:34:42,718 Speaker 4: the kind of a mechanical adjustment you don't mind making 773 00:34:43,038 --> 00:34:47,718 Speaker 4: or talking about, because that's something that's not really going 774 00:34:47,798 --> 00:34:50,798 Speaker 4: to get in the guy's head necessarily when you're trying 775 00:34:50,798 --> 00:34:53,158 Speaker 4: to not necessarily make an adjustment getting back to he 776 00:34:53,198 --> 00:34:55,918 Speaker 4: had been. It's something his body used to do, so 777 00:34:55,998 --> 00:34:57,878 Speaker 4: these are That's that's where I think this tech is 778 00:34:57,958 --> 00:35:00,638 Speaker 4: really good. Moments like that, to get that snapshot when 779 00:35:00,678 --> 00:35:02,918 Speaker 4: the guy's really good. I remember talking to Jimmy Edmonds. 780 00:35:02,958 --> 00:35:05,838 Speaker 4: I'm a Jimmy up in Edmonton and he's going off. 781 00:35:06,318 --> 00:35:09,398 Speaker 4: He's just like tearing it up. And as any coach, 782 00:35:09,758 --> 00:35:12,238 Speaker 4: I would walk in and I would watch guys and 783 00:35:12,278 --> 00:35:14,278 Speaker 4: if they're going well. I eventually went up to him 784 00:35:14,278 --> 00:35:16,678 Speaker 4: and say, listen, brother, I'm not saying anything to you 785 00:35:16,758 --> 00:35:18,958 Speaker 4: this whole time I'm here because I can only serve 786 00:35:18,998 --> 00:35:19,678 Speaker 4: to confuse you. 787 00:35:19,958 --> 00:35:20,838 Speaker 5: I'm just here to observe. 788 00:35:20,878 --> 00:35:23,198 Speaker 4: And I wrote down my notes and I had my notes, 789 00:35:23,198 --> 00:35:24,998 Speaker 4: and sure enough, next time they came in, he wasn't 790 00:35:24,998 --> 00:35:27,638 Speaker 4: doing as well. And I had my notes to talk 791 00:35:27,638 --> 00:35:30,038 Speaker 4: to him about exactly what I observed the last time, 792 00:35:30,358 --> 00:35:32,558 Speaker 4: but that this is all part of it, man. So 793 00:35:33,478 --> 00:35:36,518 Speaker 4: if Williams really understood what they were saying truly and 794 00:35:36,638 --> 00:35:43,118 Speaker 4: could incorporate that into his armstroke again, you might see 795 00:35:43,118 --> 00:35:45,638 Speaker 4: that devastating stuff you saw at in Milwaukee, because it. 796 00:35:45,638 --> 00:35:49,278 Speaker 3: Was well along those lines. And this dovetails with the 797 00:35:49,278 --> 00:35:50,998 Speaker 3: New York Mets. They're sort of on the clock at 798 00:35:50,998 --> 00:35:53,038 Speaker 3: this point in the post. He's in the off season, right. 799 00:35:53,118 --> 00:35:56,438 Speaker 3: I mean, it's you lose Diaz, you traded Nemo for 800 00:35:56,598 --> 00:35:59,518 Speaker 3: Marcus Simeon, and you may be holding the line and 801 00:35:59,558 --> 00:36:02,678 Speaker 3: losing Pete Alonzo. So they are a team to watch, 802 00:36:02,718 --> 00:36:05,478 Speaker 3: no question about it, especially as the Dodgers and Phillies 803 00:36:05,518 --> 00:36:06,598 Speaker 3: continue to load. 804 00:36:06,438 --> 00:36:08,678 Speaker 2: Up, because that's your competition if you're the Mets. 805 00:36:09,998 --> 00:36:12,838 Speaker 3: But the Simeon trade was really interesting, And I know 806 00:36:12,878 --> 00:36:15,438 Speaker 3: we talked about this, Joe, but you know, in talking 807 00:36:15,438 --> 00:36:17,478 Speaker 3: to David Stearns about this, he just felt that the 808 00:36:17,518 --> 00:36:20,238 Speaker 3: minor league system was loaded with outfielders like backed up 809 00:36:20,278 --> 00:36:22,678 Speaker 3: behind Nimo, who had five years left on his contract, 810 00:36:23,198 --> 00:36:25,158 Speaker 3: and that's not going to be a pretty contract at 811 00:36:25,158 --> 00:36:25,678 Speaker 3: the end of it. 812 00:36:25,878 --> 00:36:28,158 Speaker 2: I think we all know that, so now is the 813 00:36:28,198 --> 00:36:28,798 Speaker 2: time to move. 814 00:36:28,838 --> 00:36:31,558 Speaker 3: But I asked him about Simeon, and this gets back 815 00:36:31,598 --> 00:36:34,638 Speaker 3: to what people now see with technology and the idea 816 00:36:34,638 --> 00:36:37,638 Speaker 3: that you're going to fix somebody. Is Simeon's playing second 817 00:36:37,718 --> 00:36:40,758 Speaker 3: base now what thirty five, thirty six, And we talked 818 00:36:40,798 --> 00:36:42,278 Speaker 3: about this. You've got to go all the way back 819 00:36:42,318 --> 00:36:45,078 Speaker 3: to ben Zoebers a decade ago to find a second 820 00:36:45,118 --> 00:36:49,398 Speaker 3: basement at that age who was even average offensively. And 821 00:36:49,758 --> 00:36:52,398 Speaker 3: the trend for Marcus Simeon right now not good as 822 00:36:52,438 --> 00:36:53,118 Speaker 3: you would expect. 823 00:36:53,318 --> 00:36:56,838 Speaker 2: Middle infielders go quickly in their mid thirties is a. 824 00:36:56,838 --> 00:36:59,798 Speaker 3: Fact of baseball life, especially those who played as much 825 00:36:59,918 --> 00:37:04,238 Speaker 3: as Marcus Simeon. But Stearns told me that in looking 826 00:37:04,318 --> 00:37:08,678 Speaker 3: at the hitting and swing metrics specifically not approach, but 827 00:37:08,758 --> 00:37:13,238 Speaker 3: swing metrics for Simeon, they saw something there that they 828 00:37:13,278 --> 00:37:15,758 Speaker 3: think they can fix and get them back to the 829 00:37:15,838 --> 00:37:16,638 Speaker 3: all star level. 830 00:37:16,918 --> 00:37:17,558 Speaker 2: So there you go. 831 00:37:18,118 --> 00:37:21,758 Speaker 4: Yeah, that's how it works. I mean, everybody, we always feel. 832 00:37:21,558 --> 00:37:22,798 Speaker 5: Like we have the answer. 833 00:37:22,838 --> 00:37:25,118 Speaker 4: We always do this, and I don't know how many 834 00:37:25,158 --> 00:37:27,558 Speaker 4: times I said that in meetings. Well, when he comes 835 00:37:27,598 --> 00:37:29,398 Speaker 4: in our locker room, we're going to make him well, 836 00:37:30,278 --> 00:37:32,278 Speaker 4: I always had a lot of faith in the clubhouse 837 00:37:32,318 --> 00:37:34,798 Speaker 4: culture of the teams that I had, and I thought 838 00:37:34,838 --> 00:37:38,518 Speaker 4: a combination of the acceptance or the guidance of the 839 00:37:38,558 --> 00:37:42,318 Speaker 4: players along with the coaching staff and the information available 840 00:37:42,318 --> 00:37:45,798 Speaker 4: because I knew what the information available was, and I've 841 00:37:45,798 --> 00:37:48,838 Speaker 4: always had a lot of confidence in myself my observation 842 00:37:48,958 --> 00:37:52,078 Speaker 4: skills in regards to breaking baseball movement down. I don't 843 00:37:52,118 --> 00:37:54,998 Speaker 4: care what the position was. It was a picture position player, 844 00:37:55,078 --> 00:37:58,438 Speaker 4: So always they would ask me. I would take videos 845 00:37:58,438 --> 00:37:59,718 Speaker 4: and I would break them down and we'd look at 846 00:37:59,758 --> 00:38:02,118 Speaker 4: him and I would try to give my input too. 847 00:38:02,118 --> 00:38:05,038 Speaker 4: But I think in general, everybody feels I think it 848 00:38:05,118 --> 00:38:08,158 Speaker 4: fixed somebody. Everybody does. We always feel as though we're 849 00:38:08,158 --> 00:38:10,998 Speaker 4: a little bit smarter, and then the guy gets there, 850 00:38:11,038 --> 00:38:13,398 Speaker 4: and sometimes it may occur and sometimes it may not. 851 00:38:13,478 --> 00:38:15,518 Speaker 4: I just it's just a flip of the coin. But 852 00:38:16,838 --> 00:38:20,118 Speaker 4: I don't know if that's their true reasoning for doing that, 853 00:38:20,158 --> 00:38:22,958 Speaker 4: because the contracts were pretty heavy, and they were pretty 854 00:38:22,998 --> 00:38:25,518 Speaker 4: late in their careers overall, and them a little bit 855 00:38:25,518 --> 00:38:28,278 Speaker 4: earlier Sime and he really came on later. 856 00:38:28,638 --> 00:38:29,558 Speaker 5: And who knows, I. 857 00:38:29,518 --> 00:38:33,118 Speaker 4: Mean, how we liken him at second base because he 858 00:38:33,158 --> 00:38:34,438 Speaker 4: still move at second base or not. 859 00:38:34,678 --> 00:38:37,638 Speaker 3: Yeah, really, well, defensive metrics at least, and just the 860 00:38:37,678 --> 00:38:42,078 Speaker 3: eyeball test is defensively yeah, it's really the big upside 861 00:38:42,118 --> 00:38:43,278 Speaker 3: here for the Mets getting him. 862 00:38:43,638 --> 00:38:46,038 Speaker 4: I thought, maybe, you know, with if Alonso goes, do 863 00:38:46,078 --> 00:38:48,038 Speaker 4: they like somebody else at second base and talk about 864 00:38:48,078 --> 00:38:49,838 Speaker 4: moving him in the first base kind of a thing 865 00:38:49,878 --> 00:38:52,318 Speaker 4: and just slit him hit and play first base. Is 866 00:38:52,358 --> 00:38:54,158 Speaker 4: that's something in the back of their minds. Also, I 867 00:38:54,158 --> 00:38:58,198 Speaker 4: don't know, but I've always liked Simey and I I 868 00:38:58,278 --> 00:39:01,318 Speaker 4: really you know, I thought in the first when he 869 00:39:01,358 --> 00:39:03,838 Speaker 4: was at shortstop, but Oakland, I thought his defense was overplayed. 870 00:39:04,358 --> 00:39:07,838 Speaker 4: When he went to Texas in the beginning, I really 871 00:39:07,838 --> 00:39:10,278 Speaker 4: thought his offense made his defense look better. And I 872 00:39:10,318 --> 00:39:14,438 Speaker 4: haven't seen him enough in the more recently. 873 00:39:14,118 --> 00:39:16,678 Speaker 5: And I have to look at it. But the guy 874 00:39:16,718 --> 00:39:17,118 Speaker 5: can hit. 875 00:39:17,198 --> 00:39:17,358 Speaker 3: Man. 876 00:39:17,358 --> 00:39:19,638 Speaker 4: When I saw him, this guy can hit the ball, 877 00:39:19,798 --> 00:39:23,038 Speaker 4: jumped really jumped, and when he got hot, he got 878 00:39:23,158 --> 00:39:25,758 Speaker 4: like uber hot. This guy was like on a different 879 00:39:25,758 --> 00:39:28,518 Speaker 4: planet when he gets hot. So I don't know, And maybe, 880 00:39:29,118 --> 00:39:30,758 Speaker 4: you know, give him some days off. I mean, that's 881 00:39:30,798 --> 00:39:33,358 Speaker 4: another thing. When the guy gets that age, maybe plan 882 00:39:33,558 --> 00:39:36,718 Speaker 4: in more days off to keep Fresher talked to him 883 00:39:36,718 --> 00:39:40,318 Speaker 4: about maybe swinging less regards to his work and how 884 00:39:40,318 --> 00:39:42,438 Speaker 4: many swings he takes on a daily basis, all those 885 00:39:42,478 --> 00:39:43,398 Speaker 4: things would be a factor. 886 00:39:43,438 --> 00:39:46,998 Speaker 3: I think, Yeah, there's other signings, of course, and maybe 887 00:39:46,998 --> 00:39:48,798 Speaker 3: not as large as this, but there's one I want 888 00:39:48,838 --> 00:39:52,558 Speaker 3: to talk about, smaller market team under the radar signing 889 00:39:52,598 --> 00:39:55,278 Speaker 3: who they seem to hit on these signings all the time. 890 00:39:55,598 --> 00:39:57,878 Speaker 2: We'll talk about that and get Joe's. 891 00:39:57,638 --> 00:40:00,038 Speaker 3: A thought of the day right after this break on 892 00:40:00,078 --> 00:40:05,998 Speaker 3: the Book of Joe. 893 00:40:14,718 --> 00:40:16,158 Speaker 2: Welcome back to the Book of Joe. 894 00:40:16,238 --> 00:40:19,678 Speaker 3: I was looking at the Rays signing Stephen Metz Joe, 895 00:40:19,718 --> 00:40:23,118 Speaker 3: and they have a history of just you know, acquiring people, 896 00:40:23,198 --> 00:40:27,158 Speaker 3: sometimes in trades, but even lower level free agent deals, 897 00:40:27,158 --> 00:40:29,878 Speaker 3: and the guy's stuff just plays up. Stephen Mattz, he's 898 00:40:29,918 --> 00:40:32,558 Speaker 3: been around a while. It's a very interesting career to me. 899 00:40:32,998 --> 00:40:36,198 Speaker 3: He actually pitched really well for the Red Sox after 900 00:40:36,238 --> 00:40:38,398 Speaker 3: he was traded from Saint Louis last year down the 901 00:40:38,438 --> 00:40:41,638 Speaker 3: stretch and pitched some high leverage spots for Alex Korra 902 00:40:41,798 --> 00:40:44,958 Speaker 3: and did well. And it's sort of been his career Joe, 903 00:40:44,958 --> 00:40:50,278 Speaker 3: where Stephen Metz has at times looked really good but 904 00:40:50,358 --> 00:40:52,758 Speaker 3: you look at the entirety of his career and you 905 00:40:52,798 --> 00:40:55,598 Speaker 3: remember the hullabaloo when he signed or first came up 906 00:40:55,598 --> 00:40:57,198 Speaker 3: with the Mets and was so good, so early. 907 00:40:58,758 --> 00:41:03,118 Speaker 2: But his adjusted e E ra Plus. 908 00:41:02,958 --> 00:41:04,758 Speaker 3: Is in ninety eight, which means he's been a little 909 00:41:04,798 --> 00:41:07,878 Speaker 3: bit below average in the course of his career. But 910 00:41:08,038 --> 00:41:10,398 Speaker 3: get this, he's signed a two year deal for fifteen 911 00:41:10,438 --> 00:41:14,558 Speaker 3: million dollars. That's going to bring his career earnings to 912 00:41:14,838 --> 00:41:19,638 Speaker 3: seventy three million dollars. Steven Mattz, I know he's left handed, 913 00:41:20,118 --> 00:41:23,118 Speaker 3: and I know he has started and he's lasted long 914 00:41:23,238 --> 00:41:27,318 Speaker 3: enough to cruise service time like this. But that's the 915 00:41:27,398 --> 00:41:29,918 Speaker 3: name of the game, is it lasts long enough, and 916 00:41:29,958 --> 00:41:32,598 Speaker 3: they'll keep throwing contracts at you. I remember years ago 917 00:41:32,798 --> 00:41:37,038 Speaker 3: Rick Honeycutt, left handed reliever at the time, he said, 918 00:41:37,158 --> 00:41:39,638 Speaker 3: you know what, I wanted to retire, but they kept 919 00:41:39,638 --> 00:41:40,958 Speaker 3: offering me contracts. 920 00:41:41,478 --> 00:41:43,438 Speaker 2: He kept coming back on one year deals. 921 00:41:43,518 --> 00:41:44,118 Speaker 5: It's funny. 922 00:41:44,438 --> 00:41:46,118 Speaker 4: Well, I was just thinking that there's got to be 923 00:41:46,158 --> 00:41:49,638 Speaker 4: a lot of old pros out there looking at Mats's accomplishments, 924 00:41:50,198 --> 00:41:53,038 Speaker 4: and you know, they start playing the math game. Had 925 00:41:53,078 --> 00:41:54,878 Speaker 4: they been born at a different time. I mean, it's 926 00:41:54,878 --> 00:41:58,158 Speaker 4: just amazing. Like even a Dylan ceized the amount of 927 00:41:58,198 --> 00:42:00,078 Speaker 4: money this guy's getting. I know he's got a great arm, 928 00:42:00,118 --> 00:42:02,878 Speaker 4: I get it, but overall numbers are not you know, 929 00:42:02,958 --> 00:42:07,318 Speaker 4: Hall of Famous esque, but the salary certainly is. So Yeah, 930 00:42:07,358 --> 00:42:10,958 Speaker 4: that's be regardless. I like, I've always liked Matt's I 931 00:42:11,038 --> 00:42:12,878 Speaker 4: did when he was coming up. I thought he saw 932 00:42:12,958 --> 00:42:15,478 Speaker 4: like Jerry Kusman, John Matt Lack, you know, all the 933 00:42:15,478 --> 00:42:18,518 Speaker 4: mets of Yesteryear. I really liked him a lot. I 934 00:42:18,558 --> 00:42:19,838 Speaker 4: like the way the ball came out of his hand. 935 00:42:19,838 --> 00:42:22,278 Speaker 4: I liked his breaking ball. I didn't know him a 936 00:42:22,278 --> 00:42:24,198 Speaker 4: whole lot. If he broke good in a game, man, 937 00:42:24,278 --> 00:42:26,758 Speaker 4: heads up, you're you're not getting nothing. So I don't 938 00:42:26,758 --> 00:42:28,598 Speaker 4: know if there was some kind of issues with what 939 00:42:28,678 --> 00:42:30,678 Speaker 4: he was sneaking and how he went about, you know, 940 00:42:30,718 --> 00:42:33,838 Speaker 4: the mental game. But nevertheless, I really liked his stuff. 941 00:42:33,878 --> 00:42:37,198 Speaker 4: And yeah, it makes for the race perspective. It makes 942 00:42:37,318 --> 00:42:40,198 Speaker 4: a lot of sense. He's there, he is there, He's 943 00:42:40,238 --> 00:42:42,638 Speaker 4: their kind of guy. He's there, Huckleberry man. This is 944 00:42:42,678 --> 00:42:47,598 Speaker 4: the kind of guy they're looking for, and with good health. 945 00:42:47,638 --> 00:42:50,478 Speaker 4: And I'm sure they did their due diligence on that. 946 00:42:50,558 --> 00:42:51,638 Speaker 4: I think it's a good sign. 947 00:42:51,718 --> 00:42:52,718 Speaker 5: I like this guy. 948 00:42:52,758 --> 00:42:54,598 Speaker 4: I don't know what they have in mind right there, 949 00:42:55,238 --> 00:42:57,518 Speaker 4: but as if you're going to fill in the rest 950 00:42:57,558 --> 00:42:59,798 Speaker 4: of your pitching staff with some veteran guys that may 951 00:42:59,838 --> 00:43:02,678 Speaker 4: still have some upside, I would put in probably at 952 00:43:02,678 --> 00:43:03,438 Speaker 4: the top of a list. 953 00:43:03,718 --> 00:43:06,398 Speaker 2: Yeah, I agree, especially because he's a good swing guy. 954 00:43:06,638 --> 00:43:10,118 Speaker 3: You know, he's starting pitching depth, he's you know, I 955 00:43:10,118 --> 00:43:13,438 Speaker 3: don't think they have especially long guys like they used to, 956 00:43:13,598 --> 00:43:15,638 Speaker 3: but he's a multiple inning relief guy. 957 00:43:15,878 --> 00:43:18,198 Speaker 2: He can do a lot of different things. So yeah, 958 00:43:18,278 --> 00:43:18,798 Speaker 2: good addition. 959 00:43:18,838 --> 00:43:21,998 Speaker 3: And by the way, the Rays tell everybody that the 960 00:43:22,038 --> 00:43:24,838 Speaker 3: repairs of the TRUP are on schedule, that they will 961 00:43:24,838 --> 00:43:27,238 Speaker 3: be back home next year at the Trap. 962 00:43:27,318 --> 00:43:29,638 Speaker 2: After let's face it really difficult year. 963 00:43:29,718 --> 00:43:31,798 Speaker 3: Kudos for that team for just grinding through it, But 964 00:43:32,038 --> 00:43:34,158 Speaker 3: for me, Joe, the schedule caught up to the Rays 965 00:43:34,198 --> 00:43:37,358 Speaker 3: in twenty twenty five, eight home games in July, only 966 00:43:37,438 --> 00:43:41,798 Speaker 3: eight in August. The ballpark played really small. The Rays 967 00:43:41,838 --> 00:43:44,478 Speaker 3: are not built that way to win those kind of games. 968 00:43:45,838 --> 00:43:48,238 Speaker 3: They pitch well in that ballpark. I always thought it 969 00:43:48,278 --> 00:43:51,238 Speaker 3: was especially dark at the trop and I thought it'd 970 00:43:51,278 --> 00:43:51,878 Speaker 3: helped pitching. 971 00:43:52,918 --> 00:43:54,838 Speaker 2: So they'll be count on it. 972 00:43:54,878 --> 00:43:57,398 Speaker 3: Man, they'll have a bounce back season after what seventy 973 00:43:57,438 --> 00:44:02,438 Speaker 3: seven wins in twenty five. Getting home is you'll see 974 00:44:02,478 --> 00:44:04,398 Speaker 3: the truer version of the Rays, I believe. 975 00:44:04,918 --> 00:44:06,838 Speaker 4: I drive by there often on my way to Saint 976 00:44:06,878 --> 00:44:09,678 Speaker 4: Pete Country Club and the roof's up, and what you 977 00:44:09,718 --> 00:44:12,518 Speaker 4: see are these dudes up there with like little orange 978 00:44:12,678 --> 00:44:15,278 Speaker 4: tops on. They look like ants on the top. You 979 00:44:15,358 --> 00:44:18,478 Speaker 4: realize how massive the top of that building is when 980 00:44:18,518 --> 00:44:20,198 Speaker 4: you see a human up there. I don't know if 981 00:44:20,198 --> 00:44:22,278 Speaker 4: they're sewing it together, whatever they're doing to put that. 982 00:44:22,358 --> 00:44:24,558 Speaker 4: I think it's a it was tough on I think 983 00:44:24,598 --> 00:44:26,838 Speaker 4: back in the past, but it's looking you know, it's 984 00:44:26,878 --> 00:44:30,398 Speaker 4: real clean. It's looking good. No reasona believe they're not 985 00:44:30,438 --> 00:44:32,158 Speaker 4: going to be on time. I don't know what the 986 00:44:32,198 --> 00:44:34,518 Speaker 4: field looks like below, what's going on inside the building, 987 00:44:34,518 --> 00:44:36,558 Speaker 4: but from the top, it's kind of fascinating to watch. 988 00:44:36,558 --> 00:44:39,718 Speaker 4: Every time you see somebody up there doing some kind 989 00:44:39,758 --> 00:44:41,558 Speaker 4: of work in an orange top and they got to 990 00:44:41,598 --> 00:44:43,118 Speaker 4: be tethered to the roof because it is. 991 00:44:43,598 --> 00:44:44,758 Speaker 5: That's got to be scary. Man. 992 00:44:44,798 --> 00:44:47,238 Speaker 4: You cannot pay me enough money to do something like that, 993 00:44:48,198 --> 00:44:50,878 Speaker 4: you know, So kudos to those guys. But from what 994 00:44:50,958 --> 00:44:52,758 Speaker 4: I'm seeing naked eye, looks like it's going to be 995 00:44:52,838 --> 00:44:53,238 Speaker 4: just fine. 996 00:44:53,398 --> 00:44:53,718 Speaker 2: All right. 997 00:44:53,758 --> 00:44:55,838 Speaker 3: We spent a lot of time talking about Edwin Diaz. 998 00:44:55,878 --> 00:44:58,758 Speaker 3: Now it's handing the ball to our closer, Joe Madden. 999 00:44:58,798 --> 00:45:00,118 Speaker 3: What do you got for us this week? Got the 1000 00:45:00,118 --> 00:45:00,678 Speaker 3: Book of Joe? 1001 00:45:00,718 --> 00:45:01,558 Speaker 5: You know, thought about it. 1002 00:45:01,558 --> 00:45:03,118 Speaker 4: And again it's like this time of the year where 1003 00:45:03,118 --> 00:45:07,758 Speaker 4: it's like going on and you know, conversationally and you 1004 00:45:07,798 --> 00:45:10,118 Speaker 4: know what's going on over there at the winter meetings, 1005 00:45:10,158 --> 00:45:13,838 Speaker 4: things like that. And again with the advent of you know, 1006 00:45:13,878 --> 00:45:15,798 Speaker 4: the analytics, we've talked about that. We've mentioned it like 1007 00:45:15,958 --> 00:45:18,958 Speaker 4: trying to fix somebody's mechanics. A lot of it relies 1008 00:45:18,958 --> 00:45:21,518 Speaker 4: on tech et cetera. So I know recently you and 1009 00:45:21,518 --> 00:45:24,718 Speaker 4: I had spoken about I told you about this lady Laurahong. 1010 00:45:24,678 --> 00:45:25,758 Speaker 5: That I have been in touch with. 1011 00:45:25,838 --> 00:45:28,278 Speaker 4: She wrote the book you already know, and it's pretty 1012 00:45:28,318 --> 00:45:33,398 Speaker 4: much about the intuitive process, gut feeling, intuition, et cetera. 1013 00:45:33,798 --> 00:45:35,238 Speaker 5: So I just if you don't mind. 1014 00:45:35,118 --> 00:45:39,038 Speaker 4: I'm just gonna read like a paragraph and it was 1015 00:45:39,038 --> 00:45:43,518 Speaker 4: from the title of the paragraph was who who is 1016 00:45:43,598 --> 00:45:44,198 Speaker 4: gut feel? 1017 00:45:44,478 --> 00:45:46,598 Speaker 5: I thought that was kind of cool and just. 1018 00:45:46,718 --> 00:45:51,278 Speaker 4: Briefly, if gut feel is the outcome and intuition is 1019 00:45:51,318 --> 00:45:54,798 Speaker 4: the process, then there must be an individual in whom 1020 00:45:54,958 --> 00:45:58,918 Speaker 4: this is taking place. Gut feel is you. As a professor, 1021 00:45:58,998 --> 00:46:01,438 Speaker 4: This is from her. She's a professor at Northeastern University 1022 00:46:01,438 --> 00:46:04,598 Speaker 4: and Boston. As a professor, I often say to my students, 1023 00:46:05,038 --> 00:46:07,678 Speaker 4: the most beautiful story you ever tell should be the 1024 00:46:07,718 --> 00:46:10,718 Speaker 4: story of who you are and the collection of all 1025 00:46:10,758 --> 00:46:14,198 Speaker 4: you love. Gut feel is informed by the entirety of 1026 00:46:14,198 --> 00:46:21,238 Speaker 4: your lived experience, your knowledge, observations, background, memories, truths, relationships, feelings, 1027 00:46:21,638 --> 00:46:26,958 Speaker 4: emotional intelligence, disappointments, losses, and trauma. Gut feel is you 1028 00:46:27,038 --> 00:46:30,918 Speaker 4: because it stems from your individual interpretation of the external 1029 00:46:30,998 --> 00:46:33,918 Speaker 4: data that you are receiving and acquiring, and is the 1030 00:46:33,958 --> 00:46:39,718 Speaker 4: culmination of everything that takes place during your intuiting process. 1031 00:46:40,718 --> 00:46:43,198 Speaker 4: The gut feel breakthrough as you have will be distinct 1032 00:46:43,358 --> 00:46:47,438 Speaker 4: and personal, specific to just you. They cannot be explained, 1033 00:46:47,878 --> 00:46:53,198 Speaker 4: they cannot be transferred. God, I believe all that when 1034 00:46:53,198 --> 00:46:57,318 Speaker 4: I read that the stuff that we talk about and 1035 00:46:57,358 --> 00:47:01,118 Speaker 4: to me, when you are able to overlay that over 1036 00:47:01,278 --> 00:47:07,118 Speaker 4: data information, then you really got an exciting process that 1037 00:47:07,158 --> 00:47:10,158 Speaker 4: can really benefit whether it's you personally or you as 1038 00:47:10,158 --> 00:47:13,758 Speaker 4: a group, as we're talking baseball as an organization. She 1039 00:47:13,878 --> 00:47:18,798 Speaker 4: really does a wonderful job of describing and defining what 1040 00:47:18,958 --> 00:47:21,878 Speaker 4: all of this is. She puts it in some really plain, 1041 00:47:22,358 --> 00:47:27,278 Speaker 4: wonderful language. And I'm saying all this because you know, 1042 00:47:27,478 --> 00:47:31,078 Speaker 4: we've gotten so far off the path where people like 1043 00:47:31,918 --> 00:47:35,798 Speaker 4: nobody really wants to give credit to this method of 1044 00:47:35,878 --> 00:47:39,038 Speaker 4: decision making. It only has to go. Credit always seems 1045 00:47:39,078 --> 00:47:42,958 Speaker 4: to want to go just to numbers, math, data, and 1046 00:47:43,158 --> 00:47:44,518 Speaker 4: and and tech those. 1047 00:47:44,438 --> 00:47:44,958 Speaker 5: Kinds of things. 1048 00:47:44,958 --> 00:47:48,518 Speaker 4: And you know, AI is going to really personify that 1049 00:47:48,598 --> 00:47:52,638 Speaker 4: even more so. I've spoken with this woman. We're going 1050 00:47:52,678 --> 00:47:54,278 Speaker 4: to try to get her on the show at some point. 1051 00:47:54,918 --> 00:47:56,918 Speaker 4: I love my conversations with her, and what I'll do 1052 00:47:56,958 --> 00:47:59,758 Speaker 4: as a reader book on my iPad and I'll highlight 1053 00:47:59,878 --> 00:48:02,798 Speaker 4: some things and then I'll write my interpretation and send 1054 00:48:02,878 --> 00:48:05,038 Speaker 4: it to her and she gets right back to me. 1055 00:48:05,838 --> 00:48:08,798 Speaker 4: I just think that we can't get away from this, 1056 00:48:09,358 --> 00:48:11,238 Speaker 4: and we're on the verge of getting away from this 1057 00:48:11,358 --> 00:48:15,118 Speaker 4: kind of thinking or interpretation of who we are because 1058 00:48:15,118 --> 00:48:20,638 Speaker 4: we're just handing over everything to math and information and 1059 00:48:20,718 --> 00:48:24,918 Speaker 4: machines and computers whatever however you want to describe it 1060 00:48:25,318 --> 00:48:27,558 Speaker 4: and I don't think that's right, and I'm really concerned 1061 00:48:27,598 --> 00:48:30,718 Speaker 4: about that. So if you really want to check into 1062 00:48:30,758 --> 00:48:33,638 Speaker 4: a really good book that makes a lot of sense 1063 00:48:33,718 --> 00:48:37,278 Speaker 4: and is really well written and research larahuang. 1064 00:48:36,958 --> 00:48:39,398 Speaker 5: H u a n G, you already know. 1065 00:48:39,798 --> 00:48:41,518 Speaker 4: And so I thought it might be a good day 1066 00:48:41,558 --> 00:48:44,398 Speaker 4: to throw that out there based on the Winter meetings 1067 00:48:44,398 --> 00:48:46,518 Speaker 4: and how decisions are being made. 1068 00:48:46,638 --> 00:48:48,998 Speaker 3: Absolutely, and thanks for those words, Joe, and I think 1069 00:48:49,038 --> 00:48:51,318 Speaker 3: your own words are important here too, and mentioning. I 1070 00:48:51,318 --> 00:48:54,238 Speaker 3: think you use the term overlay. You can use the 1071 00:48:54,238 --> 00:48:57,918 Speaker 3: word blended as well. It should not be a case 1072 00:48:57,958 --> 00:49:02,158 Speaker 3: of either or where we are and unfortunately, we are 1073 00:49:02,198 --> 00:49:06,798 Speaker 3: in the process of doing this, placing emotional intelligence with 1074 00:49:07,078 --> 00:49:11,678 Speaker 3: artificial intelligence, and we're doing that blindly. We're raising now 1075 00:49:11,798 --> 00:49:16,078 Speaker 3: generation of young students who are just automatically and the 1076 00:49:16,078 --> 00:49:20,958 Speaker 3: word is automatically, going to check GPT to outsource their 1077 00:49:20,998 --> 00:49:24,598 Speaker 3: own critical thinking, give me the answer, plug it in. 1078 00:49:25,078 --> 00:49:26,838 Speaker 2: I don't have to do the work. 1079 00:49:28,198 --> 00:49:31,998 Speaker 3: It's super important to realize that, yeah, technology is great. 1080 00:49:32,078 --> 00:49:35,198 Speaker 3: No one's talking about shunning it and being a luddite here. 1081 00:49:35,758 --> 00:49:39,758 Speaker 3: It's about blending the emotional intelligence with the breakthroughs that 1082 00:49:39,798 --> 00:49:44,518 Speaker 3: we've had with technology, and for some reason, people just 1083 00:49:44,638 --> 00:49:48,318 Speaker 3: can't hold both concepts in their head for the most part. 1084 00:49:48,358 --> 00:49:49,918 Speaker 2: And we're going a. 1085 00:49:49,838 --> 00:49:55,078 Speaker 3: Little too fast, too far in on the artificial intelligence 1086 00:49:55,118 --> 00:49:58,638 Speaker 3: side for me anyway, especially when it comes to our young. 1087 00:49:58,518 --> 00:50:04,718 Speaker 4: People expediency making things easier. Okay, where do I like 1088 00:50:04,798 --> 00:50:07,958 Speaker 4: that in my life? I do like you the internet 1089 00:50:07,998 --> 00:50:08,758 Speaker 4: to research things. 1090 00:50:08,798 --> 00:50:10,118 Speaker 2: I don't have to look at it another DMV. 1091 00:50:10,518 --> 00:50:13,198 Speaker 5: Yeah, right there you go. That'd be awesome. But I 1092 00:50:13,238 --> 00:50:14,798 Speaker 5: don't have to, Like I don't have to go to 1093 00:50:14,838 --> 00:50:15,558 Speaker 5: the shelf. 1094 00:50:15,278 --> 00:50:17,878 Speaker 4: And get an Encyclopedia Britannic. It'll look something up right, 1095 00:50:18,438 --> 00:50:21,358 Speaker 4: it's right here. We're talking through it right now. And 1096 00:50:21,398 --> 00:50:24,558 Speaker 4: that's a wonderful thing. But even like back in the 1097 00:50:24,638 --> 00:50:26,718 Speaker 4: day libraries you have to go through those little cards 1098 00:50:26,758 --> 00:50:28,838 Speaker 4: and research in the library, find the book, et cetera. 1099 00:50:29,078 --> 00:50:31,318 Speaker 5: You have to work to get your information. Is that 1100 00:50:31,358 --> 00:50:31,958 Speaker 5: good or bad? 1101 00:50:32,038 --> 00:50:34,678 Speaker 4: I don't know, but I know from my own personal 1102 00:50:35,758 --> 00:50:38,678 Speaker 4: journey and when Uncle Chuck turned me onto reading Centennial 1103 00:50:38,678 --> 00:50:41,358 Speaker 4: in the mid seventies, that opened my mind, and that 1104 00:50:41,478 --> 00:50:46,558 Speaker 4: really made me a more creative person, a more curious person. 1105 00:50:47,198 --> 00:50:48,998 Speaker 4: And because I sought my own answers, you know, you 1106 00:50:49,038 --> 00:50:51,678 Speaker 4: seek your own answers. And when you do that, it 1107 00:50:51,718 --> 00:50:55,238 Speaker 4: doesn't it apply you to the conclusions. I mean, all 1108 00:50:55,278 --> 00:50:59,718 Speaker 4: this stuff here, you're not creatively trying to find an answer. 1109 00:51:00,038 --> 00:51:03,118 Speaker 4: You're easily looking for an answer. Let somebody else tell 1110 00:51:03,118 --> 00:51:05,078 Speaker 4: me what I want to think. And that's you know, 1111 00:51:05,118 --> 00:51:06,758 Speaker 4: tell me what you think. Now, what you've heard. That's 1112 00:51:06,758 --> 00:51:09,998 Speaker 4: a big part of my existence. And so now it's 1113 00:51:09,998 --> 00:51:12,358 Speaker 4: about I'm gonna tell you what you think and this 1114 00:51:12,438 --> 00:51:15,118 Speaker 4: is this is what you've heard. That's scary. And I 1115 00:51:15,118 --> 00:51:18,678 Speaker 4: don't understand why that's attractive whatsoever. It's a lazy form 1116 00:51:18,718 --> 00:51:22,318 Speaker 4: of being a human being. So I'm I am concerned. 1117 00:51:22,478 --> 00:51:24,718 Speaker 4: I'm concerned. I you know, I watch you listen. I 1118 00:51:24,798 --> 00:51:27,478 Speaker 4: read all this stuff all the time, and. 1119 00:51:27,878 --> 00:51:29,278 Speaker 5: There's it's it's attached. 1120 00:51:29,398 --> 00:51:31,438 Speaker 4: Yes, there's a lot of benefits that there's no question, 1121 00:51:31,478 --> 00:51:33,278 Speaker 4: but it's all of it's attached to power and money, 1122 00:51:33,478 --> 00:51:36,518 Speaker 4: and that's always a scary thing. It's not an altruistic thing. 1123 00:51:36,558 --> 00:51:38,758 Speaker 4: I don't think it was just all about altruism. 1124 00:51:38,798 --> 00:51:39,318 Speaker 5: You give it a. 1125 00:51:39,238 --> 00:51:42,478 Speaker 4: Different grade, but it's more about power and greed and 1126 00:51:42,518 --> 00:51:43,798 Speaker 4: money absolutely too. 1127 00:51:44,198 --> 00:51:45,998 Speaker 5: So that's that's my concern. 1128 00:51:46,598 --> 00:51:49,598 Speaker 4: And to think that people are just going to blindly 1129 00:51:49,638 --> 00:51:53,038 Speaker 4: adopt it without challenging the concepts or what's really going 1130 00:51:53,078 --> 00:51:53,478 Speaker 4: to happen. 1131 00:51:54,118 --> 00:51:55,878 Speaker 5: That is a very naive approach. 1132 00:51:56,278 --> 00:51:58,878 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's scary to allow the machine to be doing 1133 00:51:59,038 --> 00:52:03,638 Speaker 3: learning because when you're using automation to quote unquote learn things, 1134 00:52:04,038 --> 00:52:07,038 Speaker 3: actually just borrowing that intelligence. As you mentioned, Joe, when 1135 00:52:07,078 --> 00:52:09,718 Speaker 3: you have to do the work yourself, you're actually absorbing 1136 00:52:09,758 --> 00:52:11,878 Speaker 3: it and learning it. It's part of who you are, 1137 00:52:12,038 --> 00:52:15,758 Speaker 3: as you referred to, so really important stuff. Appreciate all 1138 00:52:15,798 --> 00:52:17,558 Speaker 3: those words, Joe, Thank you brother. 1139 00:52:17,478 --> 00:52:19,878 Speaker 2: Great stuff. We'll see you next time on the Book 1140 00:52:19,878 --> 00:52:20,198 Speaker 2: of Joe. 1141 00:52:20,318 --> 00:52:28,878 Speaker 4: All right, Tommy, see you later, buddy. 1142 00:52:23,598 --> 00:52:32,758 Speaker 1: And The Book of Joe podcast is a production of iHeartRadio. 1143 00:52:32,958 --> 00:52:37,958 Speaker 1: For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, 1144 00:52:38,078 --> 00:52:39,838 Speaker 1: or wherever you get your podcasts.