The Phillies had a harrowing weekend in Washington, DC. They lost their ace, Zack Wheeler, potentially for the season. Aaron Nola got shelled in his first game back in three months. The offense was inconsistent. We all though Jhoan Duran was dead for a few minutes there. And yet, the Phils split their weekend series and went 6-4 on their 10-game road trip. On Episode 1000!!! of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher spend the first half of the show allowing their dark thoughts to manifest before turning things over to the light for an optimistic look at the first place Phillies.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about how Nick Castellanos' struggles are at this point just a part of the Phillies offense, Aaron Nola's return to the rotation, the Phillies' head-shaking loss to the Nationals on Thursday, and Matt Strahm's Pokemon cards.

The Phillies lost the final two games in Cincinnati as the offense scored in just 2 of the 27 innings played against the Reds this week. But resist the urge to freak out! On Episode 998 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight looks at the disappearance of the offense and some concerns about Ranger Suarez' second half swoon and recent velocity drop. Also, John is joined by his 14-year-old son Ethan, a die-hard Nationals fan, to help preview this weekend's four-game series in Washington.

After another late inning win over the Reds Monday night, the Phillies roll continues with contributions up and down the lineup and from the most pleasant surprise of the season - Taijuan Walker.

On Episode 997 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Liz Roscher of SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss the weekend sweep of the Rangers, the remarkable turnaround of the Jhoan Duran-led bullpen, Zack Wheeler's velocity drop and the freefalling Mets.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Hitting Season

02:52 - Phillies' Recent Performance and Winning Streak

08:18 - Taiwan Walker's Turnaround Season

15:03 - Impact of the Bottom of the Lineup

20:49 - Defensive Improvements and Managerial Decisions

25:57 - Comparing Impressive Sweeps: Blue Jays vs. Rangers

28:04 - Revitalizing the Bullpen: A New Strength?

35:01 - Zack Wheeler's Struggles: Concern or Confidence?

42:56 - Looking Ahead: August Schedule and Predictions

47:34 - Mets Meltdown: A Comedy of Errors

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about Zack Wheeler's shoulder scare, what some old friends can add to the Phillies as they return, and what lies ahead for the Phillies on their road trip that starts in Texas against the Rangers.

When will the Phillies call up stud prospects Andrew Painter and/or Justin Crawford? On this episode of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight chats with The Morning Call's Tom Housenick about the progress of Painter and Crawford and gives an update on Aaron Nola's rehab and David Robertson's progress to the big leagues. Also, the Phils take two out of three from Baltimore but fail to sweep. John is done piling on Max Kepler, and throws some flowers at Taijuan Walker as well.

00:00 - Show Introduction

02:14 - The Phillies Are Having Trouble Sweeping Teams

08:50 - Max Kepler's Last Gasp, John's Done Piling On

17:19 - Throwing Some Love At Taijuan Walker

20:28 - Ranger Suarez' Up and Down Season

24:47 - Introduction to the Iron Pigs and Key Prospects w/ Tom Housenick

25:00 - Andrew Painter's Progress in AAA

34:46 - Justin Crawford's Performance and Future

36:54 - Update on Aaron Nola's Rehab

39:04 - David Robertson Update

On Episode 994 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of SB Nation's The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and SABR's Liz Roscher discuss the Phillies' series win over Detroit and their Monday night 13-3 blowout of the Baltimore Orioles, highlighting key players like Kyle Schwarber and Christopher Sanchez. They delve into the MVP candidacy of Schwarber, compare his stats with Shohei Ohtani, and analyze the outfield situation, particularly the struggles of Max Kepler. The conversation also touches on Zack Wheeler's recent performance and injury updates for the Phils.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Game Overview

02:46 - Phillies' Performance and Player Highlights

05:27 - Kyle Schwarber's MVP Candidacy

08:37 - Comparing Stats: Schwarber vs. Ohtani

11:34 - Contract Talks and Future Considerations

14:30 - Outfield Dynamics and Player Decisions

21:09 - Max Kepler's Struggles and Stats

23:31 - Outfield Decisions and Roster Moves

25:56 - Power Surge: Phillies' Offense in the Second Half

29:29 - The Importance of Comeback Wins

33:42 - The Jhoan Duran Effect: A New Closer's Impact

39:26 - Christopher Sanchez: Rising Star in the Rotation

47:13 - Concerns About Zach Wheeler

54:28 - Injury Updates and Final Thoughts

On Episode 993 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight breaks down the Phillies' trade for outfielder Harrison Bader and what it could mean for the outfield situation over the season's final two months. Also, did Dave Dombrowski do enough, and who were the biggest winners across baseball at the deadline?

On Episode 992 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis and Justin Klugh break down the Phillies' newest closer, Jhoan Duran, for prospects Eduardo Tait and Mick Abel. Why he's a perfect fit at a very fair price. Also, Dave Dombrowski says he's not done yet, looking to add an outfield bat? What could be next on the horizon?

On Episode 991 of Hittin’ Season, powered by WHYY, the Good Phight’s John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and editor of SABR’s Baseball Research Journal Liz Roscher offer their predictions on what Dave Dombrowski will do at the Trade Deadline this Thursday. Relievers? Bats? Both? Neither? Also, Bryce Harper goes nose-to-nose with Rob Manfred in a heated clubhouse meeting over a potential salary cap, and we recap a mostly good series in the Bronx and a bad start to their series in Chicago Monday night.

Takeaways

• The Phillies are struggling to maintain consistent performance, especially against weaker teams.
• JT Real Muto's resurgence has significantly improved the Phillies' lineup.
• The trade deadline is approaching, and the Phillies need to prioritize bullpen help.
• Bryce Harper's vocal stance against a salary cap highlights player concerns about management's intentions.
• The dynamics between players and management are tense, especially with Rob Manfred's recent actions.
• The potential trade market is thinning, making it harder for the Phillies to acquire top talent.
• Players are increasingly aware of the economic challenges facing baseball and are willing to fight for their rights.
• The role of former players in management can complicate relationships with current players.
• The Phillies' management must balance short-term needs with long-term player development.
• The upcoming trade deadline could significantly impact the team's playoff chances.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Overview of the Phillies' Current Situation

04:47 - Trade Deadline Insights and Player Performance

09:49 - The Impact of Key Players on the Phillies' Lineup

14:53 - Analyzing the Phillies' Trade Needs and Strategies

19:47 - Recent Trade Rumors and Market Dynamics

24:48 - Injury Updates and Their Implications for Trades

29:30 - Final Thoughts on the Trade Deadline and Team Prospects

36:17 - Bryce Harper vs. Rob Manfred: Tensions Rise

42:29 - The Impact of Former Players on Current Negotiations

Keywords

Phillies, trade deadline, Rob Manfred, Bryce Harper, JT Real Muto, MLB, baseball, player performance, labor issues, team dynamics