1 00:00:04,078 --> 00:00:06,518 Speaker 1: The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of My 2 00:00:06,718 --> 00:00:17,438 Speaker 1: Heart Radio. Hey there, welcome back to another edition of 3 00:00:17,598 --> 00:00:21,038 Speaker 1: the Book of Joe Podcast with me, Tom Berducci and 4 00:00:21,038 --> 00:00:24,478 Speaker 1: my good buddy Joe Madden. Joe, we got a treat today. 5 00:00:24,958 --> 00:00:26,638 Speaker 1: I know you're looking forward to this as much as 6 00:00:26,718 --> 00:00:29,158 Speaker 1: I am. I have been. Good morning Tom and Good 7 00:00:29,158 --> 00:00:31,358 Speaker 1: morning Anthony. We have. We've been trying to get this 8 00:00:31,398 --> 00:00:33,718 Speaker 1: guy on. He's been done in Mexico, just hanging out, 9 00:00:33,798 --> 00:00:36,438 Speaker 1: vacationing a bit. He's like a man of the world, 10 00:00:36,518 --> 00:00:38,798 Speaker 1: so it's very difficult to nail Anthony down. Plus he's 11 00:00:38,798 --> 00:00:42,038 Speaker 1: been signing a big contracts, etcetera. But really pleased to 12 00:00:42,118 --> 00:00:44,678 Speaker 1: have Anthony Rizzl on with us today. Good morning Anthony, 13 00:00:45,038 --> 00:00:47,798 Speaker 1: Good morning fellows. How are you guys doing. We're awesome man. 14 00:00:47,878 --> 00:00:49,558 Speaker 1: You know, we've spent a lot of time on this 15 00:00:49,638 --> 00:00:54,478 Speaker 1: podcast Anthony talking about what we call glue guys and Joe. 16 00:00:54,518 --> 00:00:56,518 Speaker 1: I can only imagine what it was like for you, 17 00:00:57,078 --> 00:00:59,998 Speaker 1: not just the pencil Anthony's name into the lineup every day, 18 00:01:00,518 --> 00:01:02,558 Speaker 1: but to know that he was taking care of things 19 00:01:02,558 --> 00:01:04,678 Speaker 1: in the clubhouse and in the dugout. So let's start 20 00:01:04,718 --> 00:01:07,478 Speaker 1: with that. Yeah, I was kind of a special I 21 00:01:07,518 --> 00:01:09,598 Speaker 1: thought relationship. I mean, I've been doing this for a 22 00:01:09,598 --> 00:01:11,558 Speaker 1: bit and I've had a lot of wonderful players that 23 00:01:11,598 --> 00:01:15,198 Speaker 1: are both very good baseball players and good people. But 24 00:01:15,238 --> 00:01:17,678 Speaker 1: with Anthony and I, I just I felt like you 25 00:01:17,758 --> 00:01:21,638 Speaker 1: just suggested very strongly about uh conversations with him, and 26 00:01:21,678 --> 00:01:23,758 Speaker 1: then the influence that he had we had within the group. 27 00:01:24,118 --> 00:01:25,918 Speaker 1: He had a pretty good run there for several years 28 00:01:25,998 --> 00:01:27,998 Speaker 1: and it was, I thought, a very tightly knit group 29 00:01:28,878 --> 00:01:31,078 Speaker 1: as a whole, and of course having his influence in 30 00:01:31,118 --> 00:01:34,238 Speaker 1: the clubhouse was outstanding. But again it's it was different 31 00:01:34,238 --> 00:01:35,918 Speaker 1: because you know, we come from the same part of 32 00:01:35,918 --> 00:01:38,398 Speaker 1: the world actually, as parents are from New Jersey, and 33 00:01:38,718 --> 00:01:42,238 Speaker 1: it was very easy for me to kind of associate 34 00:01:42,278 --> 00:01:44,678 Speaker 1: mentally with Anthony and where he was from and how 35 00:01:44,678 --> 00:01:46,998 Speaker 1: he grew up, etcetera. So it was an easy conversation 36 00:01:47,078 --> 00:01:49,238 Speaker 1: the whole time, well it was about just anything in 37 00:01:49,278 --> 00:01:52,318 Speaker 1: general about his foundation or mine. Anthony. I really enjoyed 38 00:01:52,358 --> 00:01:54,718 Speaker 1: our time together. I would love for it to happen again. 39 00:01:54,758 --> 00:01:57,718 Speaker 1: But again, I really I wanted you to be on 40 00:01:57,758 --> 00:02:01,558 Speaker 1: this particular show because of what Tom just described, because 41 00:02:01,598 --> 00:02:03,198 Speaker 1: I saw you as that kind of guy and you 42 00:02:03,238 --> 00:02:06,798 Speaker 1: were such a big part of us winning it all, 43 00:02:06,878 --> 00:02:09,238 Speaker 1: including catching the last out of the game that I 44 00:02:09,278 --> 00:02:11,438 Speaker 1: thought was going to sail over your head but hit 45 00:02:11,478 --> 00:02:14,278 Speaker 1: you right in the face. Yeah, thank you. Yeah, I 46 00:02:14,278 --> 00:02:17,198 Speaker 1: mean I feel like I'll come together. Joe. Was amazing. 47 00:02:17,398 --> 00:02:20,038 Speaker 1: From the second you that it was announced that you 48 00:02:20,078 --> 00:02:23,478 Speaker 1: were coming to the Cubs, I feel like that really 49 00:02:23,478 --> 00:02:26,318 Speaker 1: turned the attitude of the organization around. And then the 50 00:02:26,438 --> 00:02:28,718 Speaker 1: next thing you know, we have John Lester're signing there 51 00:02:29,558 --> 00:02:32,838 Speaker 1: and bringing in guys to really try to win. And 52 00:02:33,158 --> 00:02:36,518 Speaker 1: it also included the trip to Ava. When I first 53 00:02:36,518 --> 00:02:38,998 Speaker 1: signed on, I had Anthony come up to Tampa. We 54 00:02:39,078 --> 00:02:42,638 Speaker 1: had some great meatballs and pasta, and Alva knew that 55 00:02:42,718 --> 00:02:44,158 Speaker 1: was near and deared it was hard. It was the 56 00:02:44,198 --> 00:02:47,838 Speaker 1: best way to to capture him immediately and have him 57 00:02:47,838 --> 00:02:50,358 Speaker 1: become an ally. So we had a wonderful night at 58 00:02:50,478 --> 00:02:53,558 Speaker 1: Alva two and that something that always remember. Also, so 59 00:02:53,638 --> 00:02:56,198 Speaker 1: the way to a first baseman's heart is through the stomach. 60 00:02:56,398 --> 00:02:58,838 Speaker 1: Anthony a couple of years ago was he's really he's 61 00:02:58,838 --> 00:03:01,118 Speaker 1: really slimmed down over the last couple years. Man, when 62 00:03:01,118 --> 00:03:03,758 Speaker 1: I see on TV right now, hardly recognized. I love that. 63 00:03:04,318 --> 00:03:06,718 Speaker 1: That's a the highest compliment you can give me. Yeah, 64 00:03:06,918 --> 00:03:09,318 Speaker 1: I mean, is it if a eating program, is it 65 00:03:09,438 --> 00:03:12,758 Speaker 1: exercise a combination? You look good man. Uh yeah, it's 66 00:03:12,798 --> 00:03:17,438 Speaker 1: just being more aware of uh when I'm putting in there, 67 00:03:17,878 --> 00:03:19,958 Speaker 1: that the times I'm putting it in the body, and 68 00:03:20,278 --> 00:03:23,038 Speaker 1: just eliminating more of the late night eating, which really 69 00:03:23,598 --> 00:03:27,638 Speaker 1: paid off for me just energy wise going forward throughout 70 00:03:27,678 --> 00:03:29,998 Speaker 1: the season. Let's stay right there, brother, because it looks good. 71 00:03:30,198 --> 00:03:33,438 Speaker 1: That's really good. Yeah, Anthony, I'm really curious in terms 72 00:03:33,478 --> 00:03:35,878 Speaker 1: of leadership and being a glue guy, how much of 73 00:03:35,918 --> 00:03:38,158 Speaker 1: it is nature, how much of it is nurture. There 74 00:03:38,238 --> 00:03:41,078 Speaker 1: has to be some combination of both. So why don't 75 00:03:41,078 --> 00:03:44,998 Speaker 1: you explain to us where your leadership skills came from? 76 00:03:45,118 --> 00:03:48,358 Speaker 1: And maybe it pre dates professional baseball some of the 77 00:03:48,398 --> 00:03:53,438 Speaker 1: influences on you. That's a great question. Um. I think 78 00:03:53,558 --> 00:03:57,798 Speaker 1: just naturally being myself, you know, in the in the 79 00:03:57,878 --> 00:04:02,638 Speaker 1: respectful way when I was very young and um in 80 00:04:02,798 --> 00:04:08,558 Speaker 1: San Diego, Um, for the for the short year, it 81 00:04:08,718 --> 00:04:12,118 Speaker 1: was just you learned a lot about you know, the 82 00:04:12,238 --> 00:04:16,198 Speaker 1: game and being a rookie and just questioning like I 83 00:04:16,238 --> 00:04:18,638 Speaker 1: don't understand I'm here to try to win. But then 84 00:04:18,678 --> 00:04:21,198 Speaker 1: you get the old school way of just kind of 85 00:04:21,238 --> 00:04:26,838 Speaker 1: belittling people. Uh still, so that was part of the game. 86 00:04:26,918 --> 00:04:30,558 Speaker 1: And then coming to the Cubs and Um immediately remember 87 00:04:30,958 --> 00:04:33,358 Speaker 1: Ryan Dempster, Pullius and I think the first day were there. 88 00:04:33,398 --> 00:04:35,758 Speaker 1: He's like, hey, we stink, but you're here to help 89 00:04:35,878 --> 00:04:40,678 Speaker 1: us win. You be you. If anyone gives you any problems, 90 00:04:40,758 --> 00:04:43,918 Speaker 1: let me know, but you're here and made me feel 91 00:04:43,958 --> 00:04:47,958 Speaker 1: welcome with open arms. And then you have Alfonso Storiano 92 00:04:48,038 --> 00:04:54,198 Speaker 1: doing the same thing, Starling Castro, Um, Read Johnson, Jeff Baker. 93 00:04:54,438 --> 00:04:56,918 Speaker 1: So all the guys when I first got called up 94 00:04:57,998 --> 00:05:00,518 Speaker 1: in Chicago, we're just welcome me with open arms. So 95 00:05:00,998 --> 00:05:03,798 Speaker 1: I always said to myself, I will always welcome guys 96 00:05:03,958 --> 00:05:09,518 Speaker 1: open arms and never really you know that old school ribbing, hard, 97 00:05:09,598 --> 00:05:11,958 Speaker 1: hard heart that you hear just story after story, And 98 00:05:12,038 --> 00:05:14,518 Speaker 1: I'm like, man, that's crazy because we're trying to win 99 00:05:14,558 --> 00:05:16,918 Speaker 1: a ballgame here, and I understand we're trying to toughen 100 00:05:16,998 --> 00:05:20,838 Speaker 1: them up, but we're also trying to get the best 101 00:05:20,958 --> 00:05:23,518 Speaker 1: we can. And that's why Joe and you came over 102 00:05:23,638 --> 00:05:26,078 Speaker 1: and you were you said right away that stuck with me, 103 00:05:26,198 --> 00:05:28,558 Speaker 1: is I can't I'm not gonna really start talking to 104 00:05:28,638 --> 00:05:32,078 Speaker 1: guys and criticizing their baseball game until I get to 105 00:05:32,158 --> 00:05:33,678 Speaker 1: know them and have a conversation with them. And then 106 00:05:33,918 --> 00:05:36,078 Speaker 1: once you build a relationship and a friendship with someone, 107 00:05:36,198 --> 00:05:38,878 Speaker 1: then when you go and say, hey, you know, what 108 00:05:38,998 --> 00:05:41,998 Speaker 1: do you think about this or I'm seeing this, guys 109 00:05:42,038 --> 00:05:44,438 Speaker 1: are really open to receiving it more and more than 110 00:05:44,998 --> 00:05:47,078 Speaker 1: just if you come at him and attack them kind 111 00:05:47,078 --> 00:05:48,878 Speaker 1: of percent. And let me ask you this too regards 112 00:05:48,918 --> 00:05:50,478 Speaker 1: to all of that, at what point do you think, 113 00:05:50,478 --> 00:05:53,158 Speaker 1: because it with San Diego and Boston right before you 114 00:05:53,238 --> 00:05:56,238 Speaker 1: got to the Cubs and when you got there, at 115 00:05:56,358 --> 00:05:58,518 Speaker 1: at what point in your career do you think it 116 00:05:58,518 --> 00:05:59,998 Speaker 1: could have been in the minor leagues? It could have 117 00:06:00,038 --> 00:06:01,518 Speaker 1: been early on in the big leagues. I don't know, 118 00:06:01,638 --> 00:06:04,398 Speaker 1: but the level three kind of situation where he really 119 00:06:04,558 --> 00:06:06,598 Speaker 1: felt I'd be long here, I can do this because 120 00:06:06,638 --> 00:06:09,278 Speaker 1: to me, until you arrive at that point, not only you, 121 00:06:09,398 --> 00:06:11,798 Speaker 1: any of us arrive at that point where I belong here, 122 00:06:11,918 --> 00:06:14,118 Speaker 1: I can do this. You really feel that and believe it. 123 00:06:15,118 --> 00:06:16,958 Speaker 1: That's the point that you really can't take off in 124 00:06:17,038 --> 00:06:19,718 Speaker 1: your career. In your career, they have any real recollection 125 00:06:19,798 --> 00:06:23,038 Speaker 1: of when you really felt you belonged in the big leagues. Yeah, 126 00:06:23,078 --> 00:06:25,278 Speaker 1: I did. So I got called up in two thou 127 00:06:25,478 --> 00:06:29,798 Speaker 1: eleven and I was awful, And I remember getting the 128 00:06:29,918 --> 00:06:33,678 Speaker 1: call from THEO that they were trading for me to Chicago, 129 00:06:33,798 --> 00:06:37,678 Speaker 1: and I was ecstatic. Um, I'm just more of a 130 00:06:39,198 --> 00:06:42,398 Speaker 1: East Coast you know, I'm not not the biggest West 131 00:06:42,438 --> 00:06:44,598 Speaker 1: Coast guy. Actually had grown to love the West Coast 132 00:06:44,678 --> 00:06:47,478 Speaker 1: now later on in my career, but early on it's 133 00:06:47,478 --> 00:06:52,398 Speaker 1: far away from home. Um. So, then spring training two twelve, 134 00:06:52,758 --> 00:06:54,238 Speaker 1: they told me right away I was gonna start in 135 00:06:54,278 --> 00:06:57,358 Speaker 1: triple A. So there was no disappointment not making the team. 136 00:06:57,398 --> 00:06:59,278 Speaker 1: I had a good spring, but I knew I was 137 00:06:59,558 --> 00:07:01,358 Speaker 1: going to start in triple A, which actually I thought 138 00:07:01,398 --> 00:07:03,878 Speaker 1: was the best thing for me. Um kind of made 139 00:07:03,958 --> 00:07:07,998 Speaker 1: a pretty big swing adjustment. So going to triple A, 140 00:07:08,838 --> 00:07:12,598 Speaker 1: I was doing really well, basically kind of counting down 141 00:07:12,638 --> 00:07:15,318 Speaker 1: the days once that super to cut off hits. That's 142 00:07:15,438 --> 00:07:18,918 Speaker 1: free agent cut off kind of new right around that 143 00:07:19,038 --> 00:07:22,078 Speaker 1: time period when you were getting called up, although of 144 00:07:22,158 --> 00:07:26,278 Speaker 1: course the teams will never admit that, but right um, 145 00:07:26,638 --> 00:07:29,198 Speaker 1: so I get called up. It was verse the Mets, 146 00:07:29,438 --> 00:07:34,158 Speaker 1: but it was a day later because Johan Santana was pitching, 147 00:07:34,198 --> 00:07:36,438 Speaker 1: and they wanted me to make my debut off alrighty 148 00:07:36,558 --> 00:07:41,118 Speaker 1: not a lefty. I was like, okay, fine. But the 149 00:07:41,278 --> 00:07:44,518 Speaker 1: next week or ten days later, we were at the Mets, 150 00:07:44,638 --> 00:07:48,238 Speaker 1: playing at their place, and Johan Santana was on the 151 00:07:48,318 --> 00:07:50,598 Speaker 1: mound and I think I ended up getting three or 152 00:07:50,678 --> 00:07:53,318 Speaker 1: four hits off of him, four hits in the game, 153 00:07:53,398 --> 00:07:56,078 Speaker 1: three hits off of him. One ended up being a homer. 154 00:07:56,998 --> 00:08:00,158 Speaker 1: And that was like I felt like, all right, I 155 00:08:00,278 --> 00:08:02,758 Speaker 1: could do this now, Like I know I can be 156 00:08:02,958 --> 00:08:05,598 Speaker 1: here because they were out saying we don't want to 157 00:08:05,638 --> 00:08:07,678 Speaker 1: bring him up first, Johan, we want them, we don't 158 00:08:07,678 --> 00:08:11,078 Speaker 1: wan him to face the lefty. And then you know, 159 00:08:11,198 --> 00:08:14,078 Speaker 1: ten days, two weeks later, facing him at City Field 160 00:08:14,518 --> 00:08:17,958 Speaker 1: in front of a lot of family for the first time. Uh. 161 00:08:18,398 --> 00:08:20,238 Speaker 1: That was really that was one of my big moments. 162 00:08:20,798 --> 00:08:25,718 Speaker 1: It's outstanding. I love that story. Um. I always think 163 00:08:25,758 --> 00:08:27,718 Speaker 1: of you too. Anthony is a guy who's obviously not 164 00:08:27,798 --> 00:08:30,238 Speaker 1: afraid to stand on top of the dish and I 165 00:08:30,358 --> 00:08:33,238 Speaker 1: almost invite pictures to come inside. You take that outside 166 00:08:33,278 --> 00:08:34,958 Speaker 1: pitch and make it seem like it's down the middle. 167 00:08:34,998 --> 00:08:36,998 Speaker 1: I'm not sure how long you've been doing that, Anthony, 168 00:08:37,158 --> 00:08:39,158 Speaker 1: but let it just walk us through. Maybe that was 169 00:08:39,278 --> 00:08:41,278 Speaker 1: part of your your comfort level in the big leagues 170 00:08:41,358 --> 00:08:44,078 Speaker 1: when you got to that point where this is the 171 00:08:44,118 --> 00:08:46,558 Speaker 1: way I want to hit right on top of the dish. Yeah. 172 00:08:46,958 --> 00:08:52,558 Speaker 1: Two thousand, Eric Kinsky was our first base coach, I believe, 173 00:08:53,038 --> 00:08:56,358 Speaker 1: and he was freshly removed out of the game, and 174 00:08:56,998 --> 00:09:02,038 Speaker 1: we would talk all the time about just approach, approach, approach, um, 175 00:09:02,478 --> 00:09:04,238 Speaker 1: even though he's the first base coach. We would just 176 00:09:04,638 --> 00:09:06,358 Speaker 1: he'd be like, hey, what were you thinking there. I 177 00:09:06,478 --> 00:09:08,358 Speaker 1: was able to relate to him so well, him being 178 00:09:08,478 --> 00:09:11,718 Speaker 1: left handed, and he's the one who talked to me 179 00:09:11,758 --> 00:09:16,238 Speaker 1: about moving up on the plate and with lefties especially 180 00:09:16,758 --> 00:09:19,718 Speaker 1: to make them uncomfortable. And I feel like it does. 181 00:09:19,798 --> 00:09:22,798 Speaker 1: I feel like they have nowhere to miss. So I 182 00:09:22,878 --> 00:09:25,678 Speaker 1: was struggling off lefties. I struggled off left these big time, 183 00:09:25,678 --> 00:09:29,518 Speaker 1: and two thousand their team and just that angle, I 184 00:09:29,558 --> 00:09:32,478 Speaker 1: see the ball so much better. Um, and throughout the 185 00:09:32,598 --> 00:09:35,598 Speaker 1: years I've backed off. It's kind of a cat and 186 00:09:35,638 --> 00:09:38,398 Speaker 1: mouse game at this point. But um, just depending on 187 00:09:38,518 --> 00:09:43,838 Speaker 1: the picture and what they're features are. But um, yeah, 188 00:09:43,918 --> 00:09:45,878 Speaker 1: it's just one of those things where you gotta stay 189 00:09:45,918 --> 00:09:47,638 Speaker 1: in there and be fearless. I know I'm gonna get 190 00:09:47,718 --> 00:09:51,758 Speaker 1: hit a lot um, but that's that's part of that's 191 00:09:51,798 --> 00:09:53,478 Speaker 1: part of my game. Really at this point, there's no 192 00:09:53,598 --> 00:09:56,438 Speaker 1: denying it and no armor. Joe, he doesn't wear any 193 00:09:56,518 --> 00:10:00,598 Speaker 1: armor there. No, there's nobody he used to have more 194 00:10:01,838 --> 00:10:04,478 Speaker 1: at the beginning of the show. Um, let me ask 195 00:10:04,518 --> 00:10:07,558 Speaker 1: you this too about Ski, because I had Ski, Hinski. 196 00:10:07,678 --> 00:10:10,078 Speaker 1: I had Ski in Tampa Bay, and he had the 197 00:10:10,158 --> 00:10:11,838 Speaker 1: same kind of influence on a lot of the young 198 00:10:11,958 --> 00:10:14,278 Speaker 1: hitters there too. And and I don't even Ski in 199 00:10:14,358 --> 00:10:16,238 Speaker 1: the game right now, Anthony, or is he out right now? 200 00:10:16,238 --> 00:10:18,958 Speaker 1: Idea of any idea. I don't believe he is. I 201 00:10:19,118 --> 00:10:21,558 Speaker 1: talked to him every year. Uh, I love him, but 202 00:10:21,638 --> 00:10:23,278 Speaker 1: now I don't think. Yeah, I don't want to get 203 00:10:23,278 --> 00:10:25,238 Speaker 1: off track, but I just want to just give him 204 00:10:25,278 --> 00:10:27,638 Speaker 1: a plug here too, because I've been around him several times. 205 00:10:27,718 --> 00:10:29,798 Speaker 1: And uh, and here's a guy that I don't know 206 00:10:29,958 --> 00:10:32,278 Speaker 1: that you know, and he's not an analytical MAYBN, so 207 00:10:32,358 --> 00:10:34,958 Speaker 1: he's not going to sit there and pour over reports constantly. 208 00:10:35,038 --> 00:10:37,398 Speaker 1: But those are the kind of conversations that have a 209 00:10:37,478 --> 00:10:39,798 Speaker 1: huge impact on a young plair, young hitter. It's this 210 00:10:39,958 --> 00:10:42,398 Speaker 1: kind of stuff it's approach. It's the mental approach. It's 211 00:10:42,958 --> 00:10:45,078 Speaker 1: maybe it isn't adjustment, moving a little bit closer to 212 00:10:45,158 --> 00:10:46,718 Speaker 1: the play with your back foot and all of a sudden, 213 00:10:46,758 --> 00:10:48,998 Speaker 1: like Anthony saying he saw the ball better and he 214 00:10:49,038 --> 00:10:51,238 Speaker 1: felt more confident in that spot. I could I could 215 00:10:51,278 --> 00:10:54,078 Speaker 1: do more things from this position. And those those are 216 00:10:54,158 --> 00:10:55,998 Speaker 1: the kind of thoughts from a coach that I think 217 00:10:56,038 --> 00:10:58,918 Speaker 1: are really not spoken about enough, are very underrated in 218 00:10:59,118 --> 00:11:01,478 Speaker 1: in the in the larger sense. So this is just 219 00:11:01,598 --> 00:11:03,358 Speaker 1: a plug for Ski. I love hope that he gets 220 00:11:03,398 --> 00:11:06,878 Speaker 1: another job up somewhere because I feel the same way. Listen, 221 00:11:06,958 --> 00:11:09,238 Speaker 1: he's a lot of fun too. Man, Ski's life. You 222 00:11:09,238 --> 00:11:11,278 Speaker 1: don't want to know the answer, don't ask the question. Man, 223 00:11:11,318 --> 00:11:13,478 Speaker 1: He's one of those guys. He is straight up. But 224 00:11:13,518 --> 00:11:15,598 Speaker 1: he had a great influence on the Tampa Bay Rays 225 00:11:15,998 --> 00:11:17,838 Speaker 1: going to the World Series in two thousand and eight. 226 00:11:17,918 --> 00:11:21,038 Speaker 1: Also for an approach wise to just talking the game. 227 00:11:21,638 --> 00:11:24,198 Speaker 1: And this is an example of the game being passed 228 00:11:24,238 --> 00:11:28,358 Speaker 1: down from generation to generation. Carlos Delgado, he used to 229 00:11:28,398 --> 00:11:30,038 Speaker 1: tell him when he was on the Blue Jays, Hey, 230 00:11:30,118 --> 00:11:33,118 Speaker 1: I one oh auto take all the time, And for 231 00:11:33,398 --> 00:11:36,798 Speaker 1: probably five years, my percentage of swinging at a one 232 00:11:36,838 --> 00:11:40,638 Speaker 1: oh pitch was very low because of the benefits that 233 00:11:40,798 --> 00:11:43,678 Speaker 1: it was at that time in my career of just 234 00:11:43,998 --> 00:11:47,558 Speaker 1: not swinging at all one oh, and that was what talking. 235 00:11:47,798 --> 00:11:49,718 Speaker 1: I would wait for you to ambush the first guy 236 00:11:49,838 --> 00:11:51,198 Speaker 1: this year on the win and will count. I'll be 237 00:11:51,278 --> 00:11:54,598 Speaker 1: watching very closely. Oh well, the best is like the Orioles. 238 00:11:54,998 --> 00:11:57,358 Speaker 1: You know, guys I played against Hider knows that hydn't 239 00:11:57,358 --> 00:11:59,518 Speaker 1: will yell at me from the dogs. Nice auto take. 240 00:12:01,438 --> 00:12:04,518 Speaker 1: Now now it's you know, I gotta take my shots 241 00:12:05,198 --> 00:12:07,038 Speaker 1: on the one outcount. You gotta do it, man, But 242 00:12:07,118 --> 00:12:08,878 Speaker 1: you you're setting him up very nicely. I like it. 243 00:12:09,038 --> 00:12:11,798 Speaker 1: You know, you guys had an amazing staff in Chicago. 244 00:12:11,958 --> 00:12:14,478 Speaker 1: There's no doubt you win a championship. It's a team effort, 245 00:12:14,558 --> 00:12:18,638 Speaker 1: not just twenty six guys, but coaches, manager's front office. 246 00:12:18,678 --> 00:12:21,718 Speaker 1: And that was the epitome of teamwork in So yes, 247 00:12:21,758 --> 00:12:23,998 Speaker 1: we're gonna take a quick break and we will talk 248 00:12:24,038 --> 00:12:27,718 Speaker 1: to Anthony Rizzo about maybe a little bit about and 249 00:12:28,318 --> 00:12:39,958 Speaker 1: about the New York Yankees. Be right back. Welcome back 250 00:12:39,958 --> 00:12:41,718 Speaker 1: to the Book of Joe podcast. We are pleased to 251 00:12:41,758 --> 00:12:45,038 Speaker 1: be joined by Anthony Rizzo and Anthony I mean, I 252 00:12:45,078 --> 00:12:47,118 Speaker 1: don't know if it's as obvious as that last out 253 00:12:47,238 --> 00:12:49,958 Speaker 1: of Game seven, but I'm sure not too many days 254 00:12:50,038 --> 00:12:54,558 Speaker 1: go by when somebody mentions to you, championship team. What 255 00:12:54,798 --> 00:12:56,798 Speaker 1: kind of first floats to your mind when you think 256 00:12:56,798 --> 00:13:00,118 Speaker 1: about that year. I think just how much fun it 257 00:13:00,278 --> 00:13:03,518 Speaker 1: was from start to finish. Um, we go back to 258 00:13:03,598 --> 00:13:07,798 Speaker 1: the team and getting swept in the NLCS, and at 259 00:13:07,878 --> 00:13:10,238 Speaker 1: that time, we were convinced we're gonna win the World 260 00:13:10,238 --> 00:13:12,718 Speaker 1: Series in thousand fifteen, and we just ran into the 261 00:13:12,838 --> 00:13:15,718 Speaker 1: gauntlet of the Mets that year and they're pitching staff 262 00:13:15,718 --> 00:13:20,398 Speaker 1: and Daniel Murphy destroyed us. So getting into spring training, 263 00:13:20,438 --> 00:13:24,558 Speaker 1: we were just so confident that the championship was ours 264 00:13:24,598 --> 00:13:27,758 Speaker 1: to lose, and we really carried ourselves like that every 265 00:13:27,798 --> 00:13:30,998 Speaker 1: single day, no matter what. And I think that showed 266 00:13:30,998 --> 00:13:32,878 Speaker 1: throughout the year when we got off to a great start. 267 00:13:33,038 --> 00:13:36,238 Speaker 1: But going through the year, how much fun everyone had 268 00:13:36,278 --> 00:13:38,998 Speaker 1: in the in the dugout, how much fun everyone had 269 00:13:39,278 --> 00:13:41,678 Speaker 1: in the clubhouse, how much fun everyone had off the field. 270 00:13:42,198 --> 00:13:46,678 Speaker 1: It was just a a really enjoyable environment to come 271 00:13:46,718 --> 00:13:49,078 Speaker 1: to work to every day, and that is such a 272 00:13:49,158 --> 00:13:52,078 Speaker 1: big benefit throughout the grind of the season. I mean, 273 00:13:52,118 --> 00:13:55,118 Speaker 1: I can't agree with them more obviously. And again, these 274 00:13:55,158 --> 00:13:59,158 Speaker 1: are the kind of things that don't get enough credit 275 00:13:59,278 --> 00:14:01,318 Speaker 1: or spoken about enough, even right down to the fact 276 00:14:01,358 --> 00:14:04,358 Speaker 1: that we brought the Columbus Zoo into left field, had 277 00:14:04,398 --> 00:14:06,838 Speaker 1: them in left field that for one afternoon pre game, 278 00:14:06,878 --> 00:14:10,198 Speaker 1: and families came out, wives and kids came out with 279 00:14:10,278 --> 00:14:13,438 Speaker 1: the players and little things like that. And again, it's 280 00:14:13,438 --> 00:14:16,038 Speaker 1: about the fun component. It's about the human component. It's 281 00:14:16,078 --> 00:14:18,358 Speaker 1: not just about we always talk about the grind, and 282 00:14:18,438 --> 00:14:21,238 Speaker 1: it is that. I mean, people a hundred sixty two 283 00:14:21,318 --> 00:14:24,358 Speaker 1: games man, when you're playing every night, it's it's a 284 00:14:24,558 --> 00:14:27,598 Speaker 1: mental even more than a physical challenge. It's a mental one. 285 00:14:27,678 --> 00:14:30,798 Speaker 1: And if you I just want to pile on the 286 00:14:30,958 --> 00:14:32,998 Speaker 1: pressure or ever you want to call it and and 287 00:14:33,158 --> 00:14:36,358 Speaker 1: not try to hit that release value, let's some of 288 00:14:36,398 --> 00:14:38,678 Speaker 1: the steam up. It's it's just not gonna work. I 289 00:14:38,718 --> 00:14:41,198 Speaker 1: don't know that enough groups pay enough attention to things 290 00:14:41,278 --> 00:14:44,798 Speaker 1: like that, whereas it's it's access and knows absolutely, I'm 291 00:14:44,798 --> 00:14:46,838 Speaker 1: a fundamentalist when it comes down to teach you the game, 292 00:14:47,278 --> 00:14:50,838 Speaker 1: but beyond that, you have to really pay attention to 293 00:14:50,878 --> 00:14:53,438 Speaker 1: whether where your players heads are at in this sense 294 00:14:53,958 --> 00:14:56,318 Speaker 1: and what are they feeling you just just through a conversation, 295 00:14:56,478 --> 00:14:58,558 Speaker 1: lot to watch to come in the door, watch, come 296 00:14:58,598 --> 00:15:00,678 Speaker 1: back to the dugout after tough at bad, We're tough 297 00:15:00,718 --> 00:15:03,118 Speaker 1: outing on the mounta Um. These are the things that 298 00:15:03,198 --> 00:15:05,758 Speaker 1: I think make up big difference, and we did. We 299 00:15:05,838 --> 00:15:07,878 Speaker 1: had a we had a absolute blast that you had 300 00:15:07,918 --> 00:15:11,718 Speaker 1: an absolute blast from the spring training, our morning meetings 301 00:15:11,798 --> 00:15:15,158 Speaker 1: run by Tim buss Um, and then it includes every 302 00:15:15,398 --> 00:15:17,478 Speaker 1: day before game at home and on the road, and 303 00:15:17,518 --> 00:15:20,118 Speaker 1: then eventually start winning and you start expecting to win 304 00:15:20,198 --> 00:15:23,118 Speaker 1: on a daily basis because you're good. And I cannot 305 00:15:23,158 --> 00:15:25,838 Speaker 1: agree more with Anthony regarding all of that. Well, Anthony, 306 00:15:25,918 --> 00:15:27,558 Speaker 1: that leads me to a question now with the New 307 00:15:27,638 --> 00:15:30,358 Speaker 1: York Yankees, because you've seen what it takes, played a 308 00:15:30,398 --> 00:15:32,478 Speaker 1: lot in the postseason, what it takes to get through 309 00:15:32,518 --> 00:15:35,358 Speaker 1: a postseason. I understand that sometimes you do face a 310 00:15:35,438 --> 00:15:37,518 Speaker 1: hot team like you mentioned in fifteen with the Mets, 311 00:15:38,238 --> 00:15:40,078 Speaker 1: But when you look at this Yankees team that you're on, 312 00:15:40,198 --> 00:15:42,838 Speaker 1: obviously you ran up against a tough Houston team last year. 313 00:15:43,558 --> 00:15:45,838 Speaker 1: What is it going to take for this Yankees team 314 00:15:46,118 --> 00:15:48,478 Speaker 1: to be another version of a team that finishes off 315 00:15:48,598 --> 00:15:52,958 Speaker 1: like the sixteen Cubs. Yeah, what is it gonna take. 316 00:15:53,078 --> 00:15:57,958 Speaker 1: That's that's the golden question, right and throughout the run 317 00:15:58,118 --> 00:16:00,678 Speaker 1: from fifteen six and really the my old career of 318 00:16:00,798 --> 00:16:03,998 Speaker 1: just what it takes to win, Um, how hard it 319 00:16:04,238 --> 00:16:06,718 Speaker 1: is to win. So when you do go back to 320 00:16:06,838 --> 00:16:09,558 Speaker 1: that team that has won, how much went your way 321 00:16:10,198 --> 00:16:13,598 Speaker 1: and how special that group was. And you see that 322 00:16:13,638 --> 00:16:16,878 Speaker 1: with Houston. You know, everyone hates Houston. They get all 323 00:16:17,038 --> 00:16:20,798 Speaker 1: the booze on the road, all the you cheated scandal, 324 00:16:21,518 --> 00:16:23,558 Speaker 1: and they just wear it and it seems like that 325 00:16:24,398 --> 00:16:28,238 Speaker 1: pulls them together from afar and brings them together in 326 00:16:28,318 --> 00:16:32,678 Speaker 1: their own way. And I think that's what ultimately it 327 00:16:32,878 --> 00:16:35,758 Speaker 1: takes to win the last game of the year is 328 00:16:35,798 --> 00:16:40,278 Speaker 1: coming together in a way that is unexplainable. Because we 329 00:16:40,398 --> 00:16:43,438 Speaker 1: had a great group uh last year, and we came 330 00:16:43,518 --> 00:16:47,158 Speaker 1: together so tight, and as the playoffs went on, we 331 00:16:47,198 --> 00:16:49,958 Speaker 1: got closer and closer and we came up short. But 332 00:16:50,198 --> 00:16:53,278 Speaker 1: we have the ingredients there. It's just about mixing it 333 00:16:53,398 --> 00:16:55,798 Speaker 1: up the right way. And actually wrote this down before 334 00:16:55,838 --> 00:16:58,398 Speaker 1: we even started this conversation. I said that the Yankees 335 00:16:58,638 --> 00:17:00,838 Speaker 1: were the perfect You were the perfect fit for them. 336 00:17:00,918 --> 00:17:02,878 Speaker 1: It's not so much that they were the perfect fit 337 00:17:02,998 --> 00:17:05,038 Speaker 1: for you. I saw uh when you got when you 338 00:17:05,238 --> 00:17:07,638 Speaker 1: were sent to the Yankees, I immediately thought, this is 339 00:17:07,718 --> 00:17:09,758 Speaker 1: the perfect guy. You're the perfect guy for that group. 340 00:17:10,518 --> 00:17:12,798 Speaker 1: And not having been there, Actually we had that conversation 341 00:17:12,878 --> 00:17:14,278 Speaker 1: earlier in the year when I was still with the 342 00:17:14,358 --> 00:17:16,718 Speaker 1: Angels and I was out on the field talking to you, 343 00:17:16,718 --> 00:17:18,478 Speaker 1: and then Aaron Judge came by his first time I 344 00:17:18,558 --> 00:17:22,438 Speaker 1: met him, but I could tell uh, and again it 345 00:17:22,558 --> 00:17:24,078 Speaker 1: was almost like you brought a little bit of what 346 00:17:24,198 --> 00:17:26,918 Speaker 1: we had in the past, where there's like again the 347 00:17:26,958 --> 00:17:29,398 Speaker 1: release valve in the clubhouse. You were able to help 348 00:17:30,078 --> 00:17:32,718 Speaker 1: disarm some of the tension. And I and again just 349 00:17:32,798 --> 00:17:35,718 Speaker 1: from pictures and observation and I read the New York 350 00:17:35,758 --> 00:17:39,478 Speaker 1: Post only every day. Your your method with Aaron really 351 00:17:39,518 --> 00:17:41,758 Speaker 1: helped him a lot this year. And if you're helping 352 00:17:41,798 --> 00:17:45,518 Speaker 1: Aaron Judge, you're helping that entire organization. There's no question. So, um, 353 00:17:45,678 --> 00:17:48,238 Speaker 1: you were the You were perfect for them when they 354 00:17:48,238 --> 00:17:50,318 Speaker 1: were perfect for you, and that that was something that 355 00:17:50,398 --> 00:17:53,038 Speaker 1: to me that was obvious from the beginning. Thank you. 356 00:17:53,238 --> 00:17:55,478 Speaker 1: You know, Lester used to always say to me and 357 00:17:55,598 --> 00:17:58,358 Speaker 1: guys in general, right, Um, the grass isn't always greener 358 00:17:58,438 --> 00:18:00,398 Speaker 1: on the other side, and I used to say, well, 359 00:18:00,398 --> 00:18:02,958 Speaker 1: I got some pretty good damn soil, right, so I 360 00:18:03,038 --> 00:18:04,958 Speaker 1: can go sprinkle some good soil wherever I go and 361 00:18:05,078 --> 00:18:07,518 Speaker 1: make that make that grass a little greener. And I 362 00:18:07,638 --> 00:18:10,918 Speaker 1: used to always joke about that, and then getting traded 363 00:18:10,998 --> 00:18:15,238 Speaker 1: to New York and being in the clubhouse with you 364 00:18:15,278 --> 00:18:17,918 Speaker 1: know a lot of guys that are similar age, um, 365 00:18:19,078 --> 00:18:24,358 Speaker 1: with DJ Lo Mayhew, Judge, Stanton labor Torres seeing him 366 00:18:24,878 --> 00:18:27,638 Speaker 1: work every day, Brett Gardner. I go last year. I 367 00:18:27,718 --> 00:18:32,158 Speaker 1: loved Love Gardner. So being able to go there and 368 00:18:32,278 --> 00:18:33,838 Speaker 1: just be with guys who want to win and in 369 00:18:34,038 --> 00:18:38,598 Speaker 1: a very similar situation, um, just a little different structurally organization, 370 00:18:38,758 --> 00:18:41,638 Speaker 1: but it was such an easy clubhouse to walk into 371 00:18:41,718 --> 00:18:44,478 Speaker 1: and go and have fun and just be myself. So, Anthony, 372 00:18:44,558 --> 00:18:47,998 Speaker 1: you resigned there fairly quickly before this market went just 373 00:18:48,358 --> 00:18:51,998 Speaker 1: crazy with inflation. Clearly you love to fit there. Was 374 00:18:52,158 --> 00:18:54,758 Speaker 1: that your goal when the season ended, like, this is 375 00:18:54,958 --> 00:18:59,038 Speaker 1: my priority to get back to the New York Yankees. Um, yeah, 376 00:18:59,038 --> 00:19:00,838 Speaker 1: I mean I sat down with Emily and my wife 377 00:19:00,878 --> 00:19:04,318 Speaker 1: and we talked, and we really really enjoyed our time 378 00:19:04,598 --> 00:19:07,798 Speaker 1: in the city outside of Yankee Stadium, just being able 379 00:19:07,838 --> 00:19:11,078 Speaker 1: to walk around and go to Central Park and just 380 00:19:11,238 --> 00:19:16,998 Speaker 1: do just enjoy our mornings there. Um. And then getting 381 00:19:17,038 --> 00:19:20,038 Speaker 1: to play Yankee Stadium every day with the team, with 382 00:19:20,278 --> 00:19:23,398 Speaker 1: the guys. Um, you know, we're going to have a 383 00:19:23,518 --> 00:19:26,398 Speaker 1: chance every single year, year and year out. And I 384 00:19:26,478 --> 00:19:29,278 Speaker 1: had some conversation with Judge see what he was thinking, obviously, 385 00:19:29,758 --> 00:19:33,558 Speaker 1: but yeah, the really just Emily and I decided we 386 00:19:33,678 --> 00:19:37,198 Speaker 1: wanted to our our top priority was to stay in 387 00:19:37,318 --> 00:19:41,158 Speaker 1: New York and if that was an option early, we 388 00:19:41,238 --> 00:19:43,478 Speaker 1: would jump on it as long as everything felt right, 389 00:19:43,798 --> 00:19:46,798 Speaker 1: and it did, and we're pumped. We're happy to be 390 00:19:46,838 --> 00:19:49,838 Speaker 1: there for the next two three years, hopefully hopefully longer. 391 00:19:49,918 --> 00:19:52,318 Speaker 1: But take it, take it one year, one day at 392 00:19:52,358 --> 00:19:55,198 Speaker 1: a time. So how hard were you recruiting Aaron Judge 393 00:19:55,278 --> 00:19:58,518 Speaker 1: to stay there once you signed? You know, I wasn't 394 00:19:58,798 --> 00:20:01,958 Speaker 1: recruiting as hard as you would think. I just Emily 395 00:20:01,998 --> 00:20:05,398 Speaker 1: and I know him and Sam really well from last 396 00:20:05,518 --> 00:20:09,838 Speaker 1: year just getting closer. It was really what's gonna make 397 00:20:09,878 --> 00:20:13,918 Speaker 1: you happy? Is it gonna be ABC or D is 398 00:20:13,998 --> 00:20:18,118 Speaker 1: that here there or somewhere else? Um, And just kind 399 00:20:18,118 --> 00:20:22,478 Speaker 1: of being a more of a friend throughout the process 400 00:20:22,478 --> 00:20:25,358 Speaker 1: instead of a teammate thinking that zero hour when everything 401 00:20:25,398 --> 00:20:27,598 Speaker 1: would hit the fan. I was a little bit worried, 402 00:20:27,678 --> 00:20:31,518 Speaker 1: just like everyone else, but also Sue saying, you gotta 403 00:20:31,558 --> 00:20:33,958 Speaker 1: do what makes you happy and what's gonna be the 404 00:20:34,078 --> 00:20:36,518 Speaker 1: ultimately best for you. And I did set up a 405 00:20:36,558 --> 00:20:38,998 Speaker 1: couple of pictures of our dogs together because we both 406 00:20:39,038 --> 00:20:43,238 Speaker 1: have docsins saying that they we can't break them up. 407 00:20:43,278 --> 00:20:46,758 Speaker 1: But now it's just more encouraging of what's going to 408 00:20:46,798 --> 00:20:49,518 Speaker 1: be the best for you and Sam Well playing in 409 00:20:49,638 --> 00:20:51,838 Speaker 1: Chicago helped a lot of that transition for you to it, 410 00:20:51,878 --> 00:20:53,838 Speaker 1: Don and Antonami and I'm looking at the city, the 411 00:20:53,958 --> 00:20:57,798 Speaker 1: fan base, tradition, the media attention, all those different things 412 00:20:58,398 --> 00:21:00,958 Speaker 1: that you went through with Chicago and even to a 413 00:21:00,998 --> 00:21:03,678 Speaker 1: certain extent even briefly in Boston, and even health wise, 414 00:21:03,918 --> 00:21:06,118 Speaker 1: shoes that you went through in the past and on 415 00:21:06,238 --> 00:21:08,638 Speaker 1: a on almost a daily basis, what you do with 416 00:21:08,718 --> 00:21:12,238 Speaker 1: your family foundation, all those things I thought were possibly 417 00:21:12,358 --> 00:21:15,518 Speaker 1: tied into this decision as to stay there as well 418 00:21:15,638 --> 00:21:19,278 Speaker 1: as hitting and Wriggle Wrigley compared to hitting a Yankee 419 00:21:19,278 --> 00:21:21,798 Speaker 1: stayed in were two different places too, so there had 420 00:21:21,838 --> 00:21:24,518 Speaker 1: to be I think the preparation where you had been 421 00:21:24,558 --> 00:21:27,598 Speaker 1: before uh and eventually getting traded to the Yankees and 422 00:21:27,678 --> 00:21:30,078 Speaker 1: then playing there, There's got to be a lot of 423 00:21:30,158 --> 00:21:34,038 Speaker 1: similarities that were very comfortable for you to work with. Absolutely. Um. 424 00:21:34,878 --> 00:21:36,478 Speaker 1: I mean, I hit a few balls in April that 425 00:21:37,118 --> 00:21:40,558 Speaker 1: are outs at Wrigley and hands down, not even close, 426 00:21:40,838 --> 00:21:42,918 Speaker 1: and people look at me there like I'm crazy, but 427 00:21:43,758 --> 00:21:47,958 Speaker 1: I think, yeah, the market and Wrigley and being one 428 00:21:48,038 --> 00:21:52,718 Speaker 1: of the main guys for the Cubs was really easy 429 00:21:53,238 --> 00:21:57,638 Speaker 1: for me to transition to another major market and to 430 00:21:58,038 --> 00:22:01,038 Speaker 1: go in one and just be able to sit back 431 00:22:01,118 --> 00:22:03,758 Speaker 1: and just play with such a great feeling for me 432 00:22:03,918 --> 00:22:05,798 Speaker 1: because I didn't really have to deal with all the 433 00:22:07,718 --> 00:22:12,638 Speaker 1: all the logistics that go on in the sides conversations 434 00:22:12,678 --> 00:22:14,718 Speaker 1: that go onto the clubhouse the second half of that 435 00:22:14,798 --> 00:22:16,958 Speaker 1: season because I was so new, so I was just 436 00:22:17,118 --> 00:22:19,238 Speaker 1: kind of sat back, relaxed and see how it went. 437 00:22:19,918 --> 00:22:27,958 Speaker 1: And going into the two offseasons, I definitely wanted to 438 00:22:28,758 --> 00:22:31,038 Speaker 1: sign back with the Inks and try to make make 439 00:22:31,118 --> 00:22:34,998 Speaker 1: my mark more in the organization and just have fun 440 00:22:35,038 --> 00:22:37,518 Speaker 1: and win here. I mean, I think winning with the 441 00:22:37,598 --> 00:22:41,838 Speaker 1: Cubs was was amazing. The drought and it's the ultimate 442 00:22:41,918 --> 00:22:45,358 Speaker 1: championship and now I can't think of another place I'd 443 00:22:45,478 --> 00:22:49,838 Speaker 1: rather win than here in New York. UM, with the 444 00:22:49,878 --> 00:22:52,038 Speaker 1: passionate fan base, you know what you're gonna get from them. 445 00:22:52,278 --> 00:22:55,118 Speaker 1: If you suck, they're gonna boo you. It's part of it. Um. 446 00:22:55,278 --> 00:22:57,918 Speaker 1: If you do well, they love you. And that's kind 447 00:22:57,918 --> 00:22:59,638 Speaker 1: of the game of baseball in general. And when you're 448 00:22:59,678 --> 00:23:02,358 Speaker 1: doing well, everyone loves you. When you don't do well, 449 00:23:03,038 --> 00:23:06,398 Speaker 1: you really you really test test the people around you 450 00:23:06,438 --> 00:23:09,238 Speaker 1: a lot. It's a perfect fit the pin stripes and 451 00:23:09,278 --> 00:23:12,198 Speaker 1: Anthony Rizzo, and that includes the ballpark. By the way, 452 00:23:12,318 --> 00:23:15,638 Speaker 1: of course, you mentioned this, Anthony, and the highest launch 453 00:23:15,718 --> 00:23:18,878 Speaker 1: angle your career, highest poll percentage. You get rewarded for 454 00:23:18,998 --> 00:23:21,678 Speaker 1: hitting that balls left handed hitter. But I gotta ask 455 00:23:21,718 --> 00:23:25,758 Speaker 1: you now, next year, no shifts, Anthony. I mean I 456 00:23:25,878 --> 00:23:28,598 Speaker 1: went back and I looked at this in when you 457 00:23:28,678 --> 00:23:30,878 Speaker 1: hit a line driver or ground ball to the pull side, 458 00:23:31,318 --> 00:23:33,998 Speaker 1: the batting average on balls in play was three forty two. 459 00:23:34,638 --> 00:23:37,118 Speaker 1: Same thing last year with all those shifts it was 460 00:23:37,318 --> 00:23:40,638 Speaker 1: two thirty two. So I mean, how much you're looking 461 00:23:40,678 --> 00:23:43,678 Speaker 1: forward to the game next year, either offensively and defensively 462 00:23:44,318 --> 00:23:48,998 Speaker 1: without shifts. I really am looking forward to me as 463 00:23:49,118 --> 00:23:52,758 Speaker 1: every lefty is. Um. I've been saying this for a while. 464 00:23:52,838 --> 00:23:54,758 Speaker 1: It's been a right handed hitters game for a while, 465 00:23:54,958 --> 00:23:58,758 Speaker 1: just because of the way that they get shifted. If 466 00:23:58,758 --> 00:24:01,918 Speaker 1: they hit a ball, a little lazy groundball between the 467 00:24:01,958 --> 00:24:04,638 Speaker 1: third basemen the shortstop, they have a good chance of 468 00:24:04,718 --> 00:24:07,238 Speaker 1: being able to beat that out where we're just putting 469 00:24:07,278 --> 00:24:09,678 Speaker 1: our heads down and running the back to the dugout. 470 00:24:09,838 --> 00:24:12,238 Speaker 1: So we'll see. I know, I know these people in 471 00:24:12,278 --> 00:24:15,518 Speaker 1: the front office, the analytics are gonna have their own 472 00:24:15,878 --> 00:24:18,998 Speaker 1: ways of moving the outfielders and whatnot, but even that 473 00:24:19,158 --> 00:24:22,798 Speaker 1: will be beneficial than hitting. Uh. I think I had 474 00:24:22,838 --> 00:24:25,598 Speaker 1: like almost a hundred plate appearances to share with four outfielders, 475 00:24:25,638 --> 00:24:29,398 Speaker 1: So yeah, it'll it'll definitely be beneficial for all lefties 476 00:24:29,398 --> 00:24:31,678 Speaker 1: in my opinion. Joe, I know you're looking forward to 477 00:24:31,798 --> 00:24:35,118 Speaker 1: that where the game resembles more like it did, say 478 00:24:35,158 --> 00:24:37,878 Speaker 1: in the eighties and the nineties. Yeah, listen, I'm the 479 00:24:38,078 --> 00:24:39,958 Speaker 1: well I was at the forefront of bringing the shift 480 00:24:40,038 --> 00:24:42,718 Speaker 1: back I think in the nineties and Anthony, truth be told, 481 00:24:42,758 --> 00:24:44,998 Speaker 1: it started with Ken Griffe Jr. I was in the 482 00:24:45,078 --> 00:24:48,478 Speaker 1: Anaheim and I was going through my information before the game, 483 00:24:48,558 --> 00:24:50,998 Speaker 1: and I walk into see Terry Collins, who happened to 484 00:24:51,078 --> 00:24:53,358 Speaker 1: be talking to Sparky Anderson at the time, and they asked, 485 00:24:54,118 --> 00:24:55,878 Speaker 1: look at all this stuff, would you mind if I 486 00:24:55,998 --> 00:24:58,518 Speaker 1: put another one of the infielders, three guys on the 487 00:24:58,638 --> 00:25:01,918 Speaker 1: right side against Griffy, and TC says yead, I don't care. 488 00:25:02,358 --> 00:25:04,558 Speaker 1: So I went out there that and we did that, 489 00:25:04,718 --> 00:25:06,838 Speaker 1: and the first step batter it comes griffly after the plate. 490 00:25:06,918 --> 00:25:09,718 Speaker 1: He looks right in the dugout and he does attempt 491 00:25:09,718 --> 00:25:12,718 Speaker 1: to to bunt and it goes foul. And taught me 492 00:25:12,758 --> 00:25:14,718 Speaker 1: the result of that that that was a punch at 493 00:25:14,758 --> 00:25:16,278 Speaker 1: his first step out. Is that correct? I think he 494 00:25:16,318 --> 00:25:18,238 Speaker 1: actually popped up the bunt. I think he was out 495 00:25:18,318 --> 00:25:21,518 Speaker 1: on a bun attempt. Yeah, so that's where it began. 496 00:25:21,678 --> 00:25:24,878 Speaker 1: And I've always been a proponent of an organic shift 497 00:25:24,918 --> 00:25:27,758 Speaker 1: with all of this, meaning that lefties learned how to 498 00:25:27,798 --> 00:25:29,198 Speaker 1: hit the ball the other What you do, Anthony, you 499 00:25:29,278 --> 00:25:31,638 Speaker 1: do that as well as anybody. I mean, your ability 500 00:25:31,678 --> 00:25:33,998 Speaker 1: to move the ball the other side, especially with two strikes, 501 00:25:34,078 --> 00:25:37,318 Speaker 1: is uh superior to a lot of lefty hitters with power. 502 00:25:38,078 --> 00:25:40,958 Speaker 1: But it is what it is right now. I just again, 503 00:25:40,998 --> 00:25:44,078 Speaker 1: like I said, I like to see players organically shift 504 00:25:44,158 --> 00:25:47,598 Speaker 1: to make adjustments more than having things legislated, because I'm 505 00:25:47,598 --> 00:25:50,038 Speaker 1: always an anti legislation, if it could be, if we 506 00:25:50,158 --> 00:25:52,758 Speaker 1: can so, it's gonna be curious to watch all this. 507 00:25:52,878 --> 00:25:55,358 Speaker 1: Of course, your numbers are going to improve, Schwerber's numbers 508 00:25:55,358 --> 00:25:56,718 Speaker 1: are gonna prove a lot of the you left. These 509 00:25:56,758 --> 00:25:58,958 Speaker 1: numbers are going to improve with all of that, But 510 00:25:59,278 --> 00:26:03,198 Speaker 1: at last point, I'm curious the attempt by analytical people 511 00:26:03,238 --> 00:26:05,518 Speaker 1: how to sort convinced this. How do you get one 512 00:26:05,558 --> 00:26:08,078 Speaker 1: more guy on that side? Do you start moving as 513 00:26:08,118 --> 00:26:10,758 Speaker 1: the ball was pitched but you can't be everywhere. Um, 514 00:26:10,918 --> 00:26:13,158 Speaker 1: there's definitely gonna be a benefit to you guys this 515 00:26:13,278 --> 00:26:15,478 Speaker 1: coming year. I'm happy for you, I really am. I'm 516 00:26:15,478 --> 00:26:18,518 Speaker 1: happy for you guys, although I was always wanting the 517 00:26:18,558 --> 00:26:21,158 Speaker 1: minor leagues to be more held accountable in a sense 518 00:26:21,198 --> 00:26:23,678 Speaker 1: to get young left handant pull hitters to learn how 519 00:26:23,758 --> 00:26:26,398 Speaker 1: to work the ball the other way, especially with two strikes. Yeah, 520 00:26:26,598 --> 00:26:30,198 Speaker 1: I think, honestly, I think the biggest adjustment for most 521 00:26:30,278 --> 00:26:32,638 Speaker 1: of us in the big leagues is going to be 522 00:26:32,678 --> 00:26:36,198 Speaker 1: the pitch clock, hitting wise, just because a lot of 523 00:26:36,358 --> 00:26:40,638 Speaker 1: us have had our set hitting routines. You know, you 524 00:26:40,718 --> 00:26:42,998 Speaker 1: get out of the box, you readjust your batting loves 525 00:26:43,558 --> 00:26:46,878 Speaker 1: to where you really noticed last year, especially for the 526 00:26:46,958 --> 00:26:47,878 Speaker 1: end of the year when you get a lot of 527 00:26:47,878 --> 00:26:51,598 Speaker 1: the guys called up in triple A. Um, guys are 528 00:26:51,638 --> 00:26:55,078 Speaker 1: ready to go on the mountain and you're feeling rushed, rushed, rush. 529 00:26:55,158 --> 00:26:58,478 Speaker 1: So yeah, that this off season will definitely be a 530 00:26:59,158 --> 00:27:02,558 Speaker 1: an adjustment I make for making sure after a swing 531 00:27:02,958 --> 00:27:05,598 Speaker 1: to get back up right away and kind of mentally 532 00:27:05,638 --> 00:27:10,278 Speaker 1: resent a little quicker and looking forward to it. A 533 00:27:10,398 --> 00:27:13,358 Speaker 1: quicker game, I think, a more entertaining game. And we're 534 00:27:13,358 --> 00:27:16,718 Speaker 1: gonna take a quick break right here and we get back. Um, 535 00:27:17,118 --> 00:27:19,518 Speaker 1: we're gonna play one of our favorite games with Anthony 536 00:27:19,598 --> 00:27:31,358 Speaker 1: Rizzo Stick around, Welcome back to the Book of Joe 537 00:27:31,438 --> 00:27:35,118 Speaker 1: podcast and Anthony in previous podcasts. We like to play 538 00:27:35,158 --> 00:27:38,638 Speaker 1: a game we call a reading from the Book of Joe, 539 00:27:39,158 --> 00:27:41,838 Speaker 1: where we think, if you open any page in this book, 540 00:27:41,918 --> 00:27:44,318 Speaker 1: the Book of Joe with Joe Madden, Tom Berducci, you 541 00:27:44,358 --> 00:27:47,478 Speaker 1: will find something really interesting. So we have our guests 542 00:27:47,518 --> 00:27:54,158 Speaker 1: pick a number from one through three hundred and randomly, 543 00:27:54,278 --> 00:27:56,478 Speaker 1: we have not preordained what it might be. We will 544 00:27:56,558 --> 00:27:58,958 Speaker 1: then read from that page. So you're up at bat, 545 00:27:59,078 --> 00:28:01,358 Speaker 1: you're turning to hit Anthony you pick a number from 546 00:28:01,398 --> 00:28:03,838 Speaker 1: one to three sixty eight and see where it takes us. 547 00:28:04,278 --> 00:28:07,758 Speaker 1: Let's go number. Why is that your number? By the way, 548 00:28:08,118 --> 00:28:10,838 Speaker 1: because every other number in Nankee history is retired, so 549 00:28:10,998 --> 00:28:17,438 Speaker 1: you have real you never had it before. Huh no, No, 550 00:28:17,918 --> 00:28:20,198 Speaker 1: but I like, I like forty four, I like in 551 00:28:20,278 --> 00:28:26,398 Speaker 1: the forties, and I feel, yeah, well, this is one 552 00:28:26,438 --> 00:28:29,438 Speaker 1: of my favorite stories in the book. Actually, there's a 553 00:28:29,518 --> 00:28:31,958 Speaker 1: lot of I call them bull Durham moments in this 554 00:28:32,158 --> 00:28:34,598 Speaker 1: book where Joe's and you know this, Anthony is such 555 00:28:34,718 --> 00:28:36,998 Speaker 1: a long winding road to get where he's at in 556 00:28:37,078 --> 00:28:40,398 Speaker 1: this game that, as he said, the struggle is what 557 00:28:40,598 --> 00:28:43,118 Speaker 1: makes it all enjoyable. And this is about when he 558 00:28:43,318 --> 00:28:48,078 Speaker 1: was scouting and he wanted to go see Danny Jackson 559 00:28:48,758 --> 00:28:54,318 Speaker 1: pitch at Trinidad State Junior College in Colorado. Except the 560 00:28:54,398 --> 00:28:56,318 Speaker 1: problem was, and this is the last time Danny was 561 00:28:56,358 --> 00:28:59,678 Speaker 1: going to pitch before the draft, there was a rainstorm 562 00:28:59,918 --> 00:29:05,318 Speaker 1: that made the field unplayable. So Joe borrowed a trick 563 00:29:05,398 --> 00:29:08,398 Speaker 1: he learned while playing in semipro ball. I guess you'd 564 00:29:08,438 --> 00:29:11,638 Speaker 1: call it in Boulder, where they lit the field on 565 00:29:11,838 --> 00:29:16,678 Speaker 1: fire to make sure the game was playable. So here's 566 00:29:16,718 --> 00:29:20,358 Speaker 1: the story. Several players grabbed rakes, others fetched as many 567 00:29:20,478 --> 00:29:23,598 Speaker 1: gas kids that they could find, and under Madden's direction, 568 00:29:23,678 --> 00:29:26,958 Speaker 1: they raked the dirt into long furrows, poured gasoline all 569 00:29:27,038 --> 00:29:29,998 Speaker 1: over it, and struck a match. The infield burned for 570 00:29:30,118 --> 00:29:33,078 Speaker 1: half an hour. The field was dry enough for the game. 571 00:29:33,558 --> 00:29:37,678 Speaker 1: Jackson pitched, Madden filed his report. The Angels never had 572 00:29:37,718 --> 00:29:39,758 Speaker 1: a shot at him. The Royals took Jackson with the 573 00:29:39,838 --> 00:29:44,438 Speaker 1: first overall pick in the January draft. It was a 574 00:29:44,558 --> 00:29:48,598 Speaker 1: sense of duty, Madden says. I got it done, checked 575 00:29:48,598 --> 00:29:51,718 Speaker 1: all the boxes off, and then I flew back, and 576 00:29:51,798 --> 00:29:54,358 Speaker 1: of course I wrote my report. We had no chance 577 00:29:54,478 --> 00:29:57,278 Speaker 1: at him, but I burned the field myself, paid for 578 00:29:57,358 --> 00:30:00,478 Speaker 1: the gas. Of course, I expensed it, and had a 579 00:30:00,598 --> 00:30:04,518 Speaker 1: chance to watch Danny Jackson. I love that story, Joe. 580 00:30:04,958 --> 00:30:06,878 Speaker 1: It's all true. I mean, I can see it as 581 00:30:06,958 --> 00:30:09,798 Speaker 1: you're describing, and I raxal. I ran into Danny not 582 00:30:09,958 --> 00:30:11,758 Speaker 1: too long ago. I'm trying to remember where, and I 583 00:30:11,838 --> 00:30:14,198 Speaker 1: tried to describe the story too, and but he was 584 00:30:14,278 --> 00:30:15,878 Speaker 1: kind of in a hurry, so I didn't get it 585 00:30:15,918 --> 00:30:18,038 Speaker 1: all the way out. But yeah, I did it. In Boulder, 586 00:30:18,398 --> 00:30:20,318 Speaker 1: we fled at the field intentionally one time because I 587 00:30:20,398 --> 00:30:23,358 Speaker 1: was catching too often and me and Stan Jacobowski and 588 00:30:23,438 --> 00:30:26,238 Speaker 1: Rod Bocksburger flooded it. But then Baldi brought in some 589 00:30:26,358 --> 00:30:29,038 Speaker 1: helicopters to drive that field off. And then I had 590 00:30:29,078 --> 00:30:32,078 Speaker 1: to catch that night regardless. And then this day and um, 591 00:30:32,558 --> 00:30:34,718 Speaker 1: it was in Trinidad, and I was the last game 592 00:30:34,758 --> 00:30:36,998 Speaker 1: of the year. I had to leave instructurally to go 593 00:30:37,158 --> 00:30:39,758 Speaker 1: see it. I flew up there and Larry Haymes was 594 00:30:40,438 --> 00:30:42,198 Speaker 1: I don't even know if you've ever met Larry. Ri 595 00:30:42,358 --> 00:30:44,398 Speaker 1: is kind of a test master, kind of a guy. 596 00:30:44,518 --> 00:30:46,638 Speaker 1: But I got up there and I saw the game. 597 00:30:46,718 --> 00:30:48,638 Speaker 1: Like I said, I checked all the boxes. No chance 598 00:30:48,758 --> 00:30:51,438 Speaker 1: for Danny. Of course he deserved to be number one. 599 00:30:51,518 --> 00:30:53,878 Speaker 1: But that's the kind of things you did back then. Man. 600 00:30:53,918 --> 00:30:57,518 Speaker 1: You were just you had you had to You had 601 00:30:57,598 --> 00:31:00,038 Speaker 1: to perform the duty at hand. You just cannot call 602 00:31:00,118 --> 00:31:02,438 Speaker 1: in and say, listen to the field was wet, um 603 00:31:02,718 --> 00:31:06,078 Speaker 1: and I didn't get it as to see him. I'm sorry, 604 00:31:06,278 --> 00:31:08,558 Speaker 1: all that kind of stuff that just doesn't work. There's 605 00:31:08,598 --> 00:31:10,718 Speaker 1: you've got to be creative. You've gotta find with your 606 00:31:10,758 --> 00:31:13,318 Speaker 1: imagination how to get things done. And again part of 607 00:31:13,358 --> 00:31:16,398 Speaker 1: the struggle, of course, I probably would think about it 608 00:31:16,438 --> 00:31:18,758 Speaker 1: differently today if a young man, so listen, I couldn't 609 00:31:18,758 --> 00:31:20,438 Speaker 1: do it because of this, I probably would have been 610 00:31:20,518 --> 00:31:22,398 Speaker 1: fine with it. But I didn't want to take that 611 00:31:22,518 --> 00:31:25,558 Speaker 1: chance with Larry, so I I did what I did. 612 00:31:25,798 --> 00:31:29,158 Speaker 1: And I could still see sitting in those rickety stands. Um, 613 00:31:29,278 --> 00:31:31,038 Speaker 1: and I think it was Rick Zimmerman was the manager 614 00:31:31,078 --> 00:31:34,278 Speaker 1: of that particular team. Um. Just it's one of those 615 00:31:34,318 --> 00:31:37,038 Speaker 1: things you do, man, because you, like Tommy said, you've 616 00:31:37,038 --> 00:31:38,678 Speaker 1: got to check the boxes. You don't want to let 617 00:31:38,678 --> 00:31:41,638 Speaker 1: anybody down. Yeah, I mean that's the game of baseball. 618 00:31:41,678 --> 00:31:44,638 Speaker 1: And it's the beauty of the involvement of the game too, 619 00:31:44,838 --> 00:31:48,638 Speaker 1: is I think been amazing just you know, hearing all 620 00:31:48,678 --> 00:31:51,958 Speaker 1: the stories of the old ways and even Joel, you're 621 00:31:51,958 --> 00:31:53,958 Speaker 1: a bridge in this game, and talking to you about 622 00:31:54,678 --> 00:31:57,398 Speaker 1: scouting and when you're in the minor leagues and when 623 00:31:57,398 --> 00:32:00,278 Speaker 1: you're at the Angels hearing those stories and just you've 624 00:32:00,318 --> 00:32:02,958 Speaker 1: seen and YouTube as well. Tom I've seen this game 625 00:32:03,118 --> 00:32:07,798 Speaker 1: probably change every ten years or so. So um, It's 626 00:32:07,958 --> 00:32:09,958 Speaker 1: it's really one thing I love about baseball. It's just 627 00:32:10,198 --> 00:32:13,998 Speaker 1: the constant involvement of the game. And Anthony reminds me 628 00:32:14,158 --> 00:32:16,518 Speaker 1: and you know, fancy you out there playing as they 629 00:32:16,518 --> 00:32:20,158 Speaker 1: see major league players and they see such really finished 630 00:32:20,238 --> 00:32:24,078 Speaker 1: products that sometimes the work that goes into it is 631 00:32:24,198 --> 00:32:27,398 Speaker 1: not recognized. And I'd like to ask major league players 632 00:32:27,478 --> 00:32:30,558 Speaker 1: this question, as you're coming up, either as an amateur 633 00:32:30,798 --> 00:32:34,278 Speaker 1: or through the minor league system, how much doubt did 634 00:32:34,398 --> 00:32:38,238 Speaker 1: you have to work through? Like can I really make it? Yeah? 635 00:32:38,278 --> 00:32:41,118 Speaker 1: I mean I think there's the self doubt and the 636 00:32:41,318 --> 00:32:45,758 Speaker 1: the self talk is huge. Things need to go your way. Uh, 637 00:32:46,198 --> 00:32:50,838 Speaker 1: for of baseball players, you know, the first picks, the 638 00:32:51,798 --> 00:32:54,118 Speaker 1: top top prospects that get a lot of money in 639 00:32:54,198 --> 00:32:56,638 Speaker 1: the draft, even things need to go their way as well. 640 00:32:56,758 --> 00:32:59,598 Speaker 1: They're going to get more of an opportunity. But things 641 00:32:59,718 --> 00:33:02,558 Speaker 1: need to go their way in order to succeed at 642 00:33:02,638 --> 00:33:06,558 Speaker 1: the level that we all expect to succeed. So coming up, 643 00:33:07,158 --> 00:33:10,318 Speaker 1: you know, with the being with the Red Sox, it 644 00:33:10,438 --> 00:33:13,678 Speaker 1: was always, you know, I always hear guys saying, I 645 00:33:13,758 --> 00:33:15,758 Speaker 1: need to get out of this organization. I'm blocked to 646 00:33:15,838 --> 00:33:18,878 Speaker 1: the big leagues. And I that always stuck with me. 647 00:33:18,918 --> 00:33:20,838 Speaker 1: And I always told that the guys that I played with, 648 00:33:21,398 --> 00:33:23,758 Speaker 1: no one's no one is keeping you from the big 649 00:33:23,878 --> 00:33:26,598 Speaker 1: leagues except yourself. You are not blocked, you are not stuck. 650 00:33:27,198 --> 00:33:29,718 Speaker 1: You just need to keep playing and keep producing, and 651 00:33:30,918 --> 00:33:34,038 Speaker 1: one of the thirty teams will want you. Obviously things 652 00:33:34,078 --> 00:33:37,358 Speaker 1: need to happen, but there's always that self talk that 653 00:33:37,478 --> 00:33:39,838 Speaker 1: creeps in that says, oh, this might not work or 654 00:33:39,918 --> 00:33:42,678 Speaker 1: this is hard, but he's just got to keep putting 655 00:33:42,758 --> 00:33:45,478 Speaker 1: one ft in front of the other. That's great stuff. 656 00:33:45,558 --> 00:33:47,638 Speaker 1: So Anthony, before we get out of here, give us 657 00:33:47,918 --> 00:33:50,678 Speaker 1: a kind of a a thumbnail sketch of what the 658 00:33:50,798 --> 00:33:54,238 Speaker 1: rest of your offseason is like. We've heard about hopefully 659 00:33:54,318 --> 00:33:58,078 Speaker 1: well deserved vacation for you in Mexico, and when you 660 00:33:58,238 --> 00:34:01,318 Speaker 1: start getting that baseball, that body baseball ready, and what 661 00:34:01,398 --> 00:34:03,558 Speaker 1: the calendar looks like before we get the spring training 662 00:34:03,598 --> 00:34:06,558 Speaker 1: for you. So we're gonna enjoy the holidays and then 663 00:34:06,958 --> 00:34:11,798 Speaker 1: once you know, mid mid January usually is when I'll 664 00:34:11,838 --> 00:34:16,278 Speaker 1: start picking up the bat again and start throwing. Um. 665 00:34:17,758 --> 00:34:21,318 Speaker 1: Usually you said never throw before spring training, but um, 666 00:34:21,718 --> 00:34:24,198 Speaker 1: I was. I got sick of my arm being sore 667 00:34:24,238 --> 00:34:28,158 Speaker 1: in spring training, so I've started throwing beforehand. Um and 668 00:34:28,318 --> 00:34:32,838 Speaker 1: just going back in and uh, I've dissected the year 669 00:34:32,998 --> 00:34:35,558 Speaker 1: last year and kind of my thoughts and then I 670 00:34:35,558 --> 00:34:38,478 Speaker 1: would dive back into that again to see my strengths 671 00:34:38,518 --> 00:34:42,118 Speaker 1: and weaknesses and start putting it all together to uh 672 00:34:42,518 --> 00:34:46,278 Speaker 1: start hitting again and just that slow ramp up too. 673 00:34:46,798 --> 00:34:49,198 Speaker 1: I think it's March thirty this year to be ready 674 00:34:49,238 --> 00:34:52,318 Speaker 1: for them, and even getting the spring, I will start 675 00:34:52,398 --> 00:34:56,398 Speaker 1: questioning myself if I worked hard enough, because you always 676 00:34:56,438 --> 00:34:58,318 Speaker 1: have guys that are there that are trying to make 677 00:34:58,398 --> 00:35:01,278 Speaker 1: the team, that are launching home runs in live BP 678 00:35:01,438 --> 00:35:06,038 Speaker 1: when I'm just trying to make contact, but just it's 679 00:35:06,078 --> 00:35:09,318 Speaker 1: just part of the process of getting ready for opening Day. Well, Joe, 680 00:35:09,518 --> 00:35:12,638 Speaker 1: I think obviously I know Anthony, but I think our 681 00:35:12,718 --> 00:35:14,718 Speaker 1: listeners and maybe we're not familiar with that, they can 682 00:35:14,798 --> 00:35:19,558 Speaker 1: see why this guy is. I call him a manager's dream, teammates, 683 00:35:19,798 --> 00:35:22,078 Speaker 1: best friend in a lot of ways. But for a manager, 684 00:35:22,238 --> 00:35:23,998 Speaker 1: this has got to be the epitome of what you want. 685 00:35:24,038 --> 00:35:27,518 Speaker 1: You take twenty six Anthony Rizzos on your ball club. Yeah, 686 00:35:28,158 --> 00:35:31,598 Speaker 1: absolutely and your I think that was demonstrated through this conversation. 687 00:35:31,678 --> 00:35:34,838 Speaker 1: Anthony and I have enjoyed that relationship from the very beginning. 688 00:35:35,518 --> 00:35:37,958 Speaker 1: And Tony, thank you for coming on today. Can not 689 00:35:38,078 --> 00:35:40,958 Speaker 1: thank you enough. You are one of the glue guys, 690 00:35:41,038 --> 00:35:43,478 Speaker 1: And that's why when we came up with the concept, 691 00:35:43,558 --> 00:35:45,278 Speaker 1: I talked to Tom and I wanted to have you 692 00:35:45,478 --> 00:35:48,078 Speaker 1: on the show as quickly as we could. We couldn't 693 00:35:48,118 --> 00:35:50,998 Speaker 1: get you to this particular moment, but we'll take it. Also, 694 00:35:51,038 --> 00:35:52,398 Speaker 1: I just want to wish you in your family and 695 00:35:52,438 --> 00:35:55,078 Speaker 1: Mary Christmas and happy holidays, Emily and your mom and dad. 696 00:35:55,158 --> 00:35:58,078 Speaker 1: Please give them my best. And I'm looking forward to 697 00:35:58,118 --> 00:36:01,038 Speaker 1: our next opportunity to sit down at Alva and have 698 00:36:01,118 --> 00:36:05,158 Speaker 1: another wonderful meal. I can't wait. Thank you, guys, Thanks brother, 699 00:36:05,518 --> 00:36:08,198 Speaker 1: have a good holiday. Guys. Well, Joe, that was as 700 00:36:08,518 --> 00:36:11,678 Speaker 1: even more enjoyable than I knew it would be. Anthony 701 00:36:11,838 --> 00:36:14,558 Speaker 1: is is one of the true gentlemen in the game today, 702 00:36:15,198 --> 00:36:18,118 Speaker 1: and in a lot of ways, he's a role model 703 00:36:18,398 --> 00:36:21,158 Speaker 1: if you're a not just a kid falling in love 704 00:36:21,198 --> 00:36:23,238 Speaker 1: with the game, but I actually think if you're a 705 00:36:23,318 --> 00:36:25,758 Speaker 1: fellow major leaguer, just the way he carries himself. So 706 00:36:25,918 --> 00:36:29,118 Speaker 1: hopefully our listener has got a chance to peek through 707 00:36:29,158 --> 00:36:31,838 Speaker 1: that window of who Anthony Rizzo is. Just a treat Yeah, 708 00:36:31,838 --> 00:36:34,398 Speaker 1: I think it all came through he could, just the 709 00:36:34,478 --> 00:36:38,758 Speaker 1: way he speaks, very calmly, very slowly, I described himself 710 00:36:38,838 --> 00:36:42,918 Speaker 1: extremely well. We had conversations in the on deck circle 711 00:36:43,438 --> 00:36:45,798 Speaker 1: when he was sitting in the hole. We had conversations 712 00:36:45,798 --> 00:36:48,758 Speaker 1: about defense all the time. We had conversations about everything, 713 00:36:49,558 --> 00:36:52,758 Speaker 1: and it was always an easy conversation. Uh, he comes 714 00:36:52,798 --> 00:36:54,718 Speaker 1: into my office, he might be struggling a little bit, 715 00:36:54,758 --> 00:36:57,158 Speaker 1: he comes, sits down, We go over a few things, 716 00:36:57,318 --> 00:36:59,998 Speaker 1: whatever it might be that's bothering him. And uh, he 717 00:37:00,038 --> 00:37:01,718 Speaker 1: would always give me a big hug as he left 718 00:37:01,798 --> 00:37:05,318 Speaker 1: the room. M Yeah, and I I do believe he 719 00:37:05,438 --> 00:37:07,638 Speaker 1: is a very big He's an important cog with that 720 00:37:07,798 --> 00:37:10,558 Speaker 1: Yankee team going forward. I thought it was wise for 721 00:37:10,678 --> 00:37:13,078 Speaker 1: them to try to get him back, and they did because, 722 00:37:13,118 --> 00:37:14,798 Speaker 1: like I said, when he walked in there, I could 723 00:37:14,918 --> 00:37:18,198 Speaker 1: I easily. You can see in the dugout a little 724 00:37:18,278 --> 00:37:21,318 Speaker 1: more fun, a little less tension. He brings that although 725 00:37:21,438 --> 00:37:23,678 Speaker 1: like listen, when he's playing, he's competing. Man, this guy 726 00:37:23,758 --> 00:37:26,118 Speaker 1: is always competing, but he does it in a non 727 00:37:26,198 --> 00:37:29,518 Speaker 1: stressful way. It's uh, it's a manner by which or 728 00:37:29,678 --> 00:37:31,838 Speaker 1: with which he could utilize all of his abilities. So 729 00:37:31,878 --> 00:37:34,598 Speaker 1: there's nothing there's not anything uptight about him during the 730 00:37:34,638 --> 00:37:36,678 Speaker 1: course of a game. And I really appreciate that, so 731 00:37:37,318 --> 00:37:39,038 Speaker 1: I want to continue to wish him well there, and 732 00:37:39,078 --> 00:37:40,918 Speaker 1: I think he's going to really flourish for the next 733 00:37:40,958 --> 00:37:43,158 Speaker 1: couple of years. A lot of the reasons too, is 734 00:37:43,198 --> 00:37:45,758 Speaker 1: it's a much better ballpark and that than Rigley Fields 735 00:37:45,798 --> 00:37:48,118 Speaker 1: to hit him well. John'm glad you mentioned that about 736 00:37:48,238 --> 00:37:51,558 Speaker 1: how it's visible how much fun he has playing this game. 737 00:37:51,958 --> 00:37:54,518 Speaker 1: If you pay attention and watch a Yankees game, and 738 00:37:54,598 --> 00:37:58,078 Speaker 1: you'll see how many times Anthony Rizzo smiles in the 739 00:37:58,158 --> 00:38:00,318 Speaker 1: course of a game, whether it's on the rail with 740 00:38:00,398 --> 00:38:02,838 Speaker 1: Aaron Judge telling a story, whether it's on the field 741 00:38:02,878 --> 00:38:07,038 Speaker 1: with umpires in the batter's box. Personally, I love to 742 00:38:07,078 --> 00:38:09,718 Speaker 1: see that that. I know it's a very difficult game. 743 00:38:09,798 --> 00:38:13,678 Speaker 1: It requires intense concentration focus. He's able to do that 744 00:38:13,718 --> 00:38:15,878 Speaker 1: at the same time play with a smile in the space. 745 00:38:16,238 --> 00:38:18,918 Speaker 1: You know, little leaguers as us as little leaguers, we 746 00:38:18,958 --> 00:38:21,278 Speaker 1: all imagine that if we got to be big leaguers, 747 00:38:21,318 --> 00:38:24,038 Speaker 1: we'd have that same attitude. Well he does it, So 748 00:38:24,678 --> 00:38:27,478 Speaker 1: kudos to Anthony Rizzo. Joey, you got something to take 749 00:38:27,558 --> 00:38:29,878 Speaker 1: us out here. I don't know if I've used this 750 00:38:29,998 --> 00:38:32,718 Speaker 1: one before. They used the one by the Rivers of 751 00:38:32,798 --> 00:38:36,918 Speaker 1: Babylon by Nelson Demil No, please drop it on us, 752 00:38:37,198 --> 00:38:39,798 Speaker 1: because this is one of my all time favorites I read. 753 00:38:40,118 --> 00:38:42,398 Speaker 1: I'm a big Nelson Demio fan. I read a lot 754 00:38:42,478 --> 00:38:44,998 Speaker 1: of his stuff, charm School, which is going on right now. 755 00:38:45,078 --> 00:38:49,318 Speaker 1: It's about Russians coming to the United States and going 756 00:38:49,358 --> 00:38:53,118 Speaker 1: to this particular school to infiltrate and becoming part of society, etcetera. 757 00:38:53,238 --> 00:38:55,318 Speaker 1: But this was by the Rivers of Babylon, and this 758 00:38:55,478 --> 00:38:57,878 Speaker 1: was a great book, I thought. And in that he 759 00:38:58,078 --> 00:39:03,438 Speaker 1: said a society would survive if every day people did 760 00:39:03,518 --> 00:39:07,238 Speaker 1: every day things every day. And I I mean that 761 00:39:07,398 --> 00:39:10,398 Speaker 1: just comes down to stay in a moment, present, tense, etcetera. 762 00:39:10,798 --> 00:39:13,158 Speaker 1: I've always always loved that. I'll write it down and 763 00:39:13,318 --> 00:39:16,678 Speaker 1: remind myself when things get kind of hectic or a 764 00:39:16,758 --> 00:39:18,958 Speaker 1: little bit quick, because I do tend to get quick, 765 00:39:18,998 --> 00:39:21,398 Speaker 1: like we all do at times. But we will survive 766 00:39:21,478 --> 00:39:24,398 Speaker 1: if we do everyday things every day. And I thought 767 00:39:24,438 --> 00:39:28,118 Speaker 1: that was outstanding perfect. We'll see you next time, Joe, 768 00:39:28,398 --> 00:39:36,558 Speaker 1: all right, brother. The Book of Joe podcast is a 769 00:39:36,638 --> 00:39:39,558 Speaker 1: production of I Heart Radio. For more podcasts for my 770 00:39:39,678 --> 00:39:43,198 Speaker 1: Heart Radio, visit the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, 771 00:39:43,478 --> 00:39:45,238 Speaker 1: or wherever you get your podcasts