Phillies Therapy

The Phillies made two moves ahead of Tuesday's deadline, for a reliever (expected) and an outfielder (also expected, but maybe not WHO was expected). And they may be done! Paul and Matt recap the moves, take stock of the new lineup and bullpen configuration options, and echo Bryce Harper's sentiment that it's time for the stars to step up.

With only a little over a week to go before next Tuesday's trade deadline, Paul and Matt take an updated look at the deal landscape (spoiler: Not a ton has changed), welcome back J.T., wonder if the division is all but over in light of the Braves' latest injuries (Whit Merrifield notwithstanding), and look ahead to the forthcoming six-man rotation.

The Phillies dropped their final series of the first half (whatever), and now get to send nearly a third of their roster to Texas for All-Star festivities. With the break upon us, eyes begin to turn even more toward the trade deadline later this month. Paul and Matt talk about a surging Gregory Soto, the lack of a fit for Brent Rooker (and a better fit for others), and how the Phillies view the upcoming second half.

It's a special All-Star edition of PT, as Paul and Matt talk about the team's seven(!) All-Star nods. Plus, Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering drops by to chat about the clear and widening gaps between the upper minors and the Major Leagues, the mental and physical adjustments it takes to work on an unpredictable schedule, and the MVP of the bullpen hat-toss game.

The Phillies, fortunate to escape last weekend's series with a split against the Marlins, now set their sights toward a far tougher stretch. Are these really "must-win" games against the Cubs, Braves, and Dodgers? How much comfort does the current division lead really afford the team? And how much clearer are the roster "problems" to be addressed this month? Paul and Matt dig in/

You know it's hot when the thermometer's reading is higher than Matt Strahm's ERA. The Phillies wrapped up a (literally) scorching homestand where they took 4 of 6 from NL West opponents — including a NLCS "rematch" with Arizona — and now swing out to Detroit before a weekend date with the Marlins. Paul and Matt review Cristopher Sanchez's new contract, Taijuan Walker's injury, and fondly remember the Steve Susdorf Game.

The quest for 100 wins and beyond had a minor setback this week in the Phils' first games back stateside since London, but they're really no worse for wear. Plus, the cavalry is coming in the form of Brandon Marsh (already returned) and Trea Turner (to be activated Monday). With a hot homestand on deck, the Phillies will look to right the ship and get back to their winning (more often) ways.

After giving Europe a taste of their particular brand of baseball in a characteristically weird two-game set, the Phillies return home from London for an American League road test against the Red Sox and Orioles. Paul and Matt look back on London — from David Dahl to Gregory Soto — and look ahead to the Injured List cavalry of Trea Turner and Brandon Marsh returning.

Hoby Milner! Oliver Dunn! Matt Klentak! And some guy named Rhys Hoskins. The Brewers are in town for the Phillies' last regular set before this weekend's London Series, with a warm welcome expected for (at least) one of those guys. Paul and Matt recap the injury situation, lament Whit Merrifield a little, and look ahead to the Phils and Mets unleashing their particular brand of baseball on some unsuspecting Europeans.

There is no greater equalizer, no force more compelling, no gravity more inescapable than that of some grating defeats out west. It is inevitable. The Phillies finish navigating their stretch out in The Forbidden Lands having finally lost a series and consecutive games. Now, with Ronald Acuña Jr.'s season ending prematurely, the onus is squarely on the Phillies to keep the Braves at arm's length.

The Phillies continue to capitalize with the cards they're dealt, sweeping the Nationals over the weekend to reach a ludicrous 20 games over .500 before Memorial Day. Paul and Matt go over how the schedule has helped (but not caused) the hot start, the useful Kody Clemens, and a growing fascination with Cristopher Sánchez.

Another week, another winning record. Despite some dings and dents, the Phillies kept their no-loss series streak alive. Now, they take on two more NL East rivals in what should be a slightly tougher test than the one the Marlins provided. Paul and Matt talk about roster fits and flexibility, the reemergence of Bryson Stott, and how to strategize for potential summer trade pickups.

Phillies Pitching Coach Caleb Cotham (@ceetwo35) joins Paul and Matt as his (practically) league-leading staff has helped carry the Phils to their best start in years. He shares his thoughts on preparation and injury avoidance, game planning and altering repertoires. Plus, Paul and Matt on the Trea Turner injury and what lies ahead for the middle of the infield.

Paul and Matt's first Twitch simulcast episode (of which you are hearing the audio-only portion, naturally) finds them evaluating the ups and downs, reals and not-reals of the season's first nearly-complete calendar month.

The Phillies did what they were supposed to, and then some, sweeping consecutive home series against two downtrodden teams. Now, the tests resume on a swing across the country from Ohio to California. Paul and Matt review the team's readiness for keeping the division close, the coming rotation shuffle with Taijuan Walker's return, and take a moment to appreciate the team being in the midst of a new "golden age."

Brief overview of the Rockies' and White Sox's struggles Concerns on offense Measuring how much more leash to give the lineup Pitching staff's powerful performance looking pretty real

A quick review of the first full week of games Spencer Strider's injury, among many high-profile pitching injuries last week, and its ripple effects on the Phils in the short- and long-term Lineup broadly lacking the punch of hard-hit balls/barrels Why a messy first week isn't enough (yet) to draw strong conclusions, or pull any levers (e.g., demoting Johan Rojas)

The Braves bolt out of the gate looking like a regular season power again, while the Phillies scrape together a salvaging Sunday win. Plus some thoughts on stated intentions (generally speaking) and how it'll be "still early" for the likes of Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh for a little while yet.

Roster reviews! Positional breakdowns! Over/unders and props! A little bit too much laughing about Edmundo Sosa's aggressive approach! It must be time for the 2024 Phillies season preview. Join us on the journey and get ready for the opening series against the Braves.

As we begin the final week's worth of spring games, the Phillies have a couple of injury contingencies to think about: How will Bryce Harper's ability to play 1B impact the bench spot battle, and how long will Orion Kerkering need to ramp up? Plus, Ranger's early availability and the impacts the Giants' Blake Snell move could have on the Wild Card race.

Nearing the home stretch of the spring, the focus is squarely on health. As long as everyone stays healthy, this time is all about "swinging through it." Paul and Matt dig into what that means for Johan Rojas's slow start and the positional dominoes around him, as well as the Spring Breakout coming up this weekend.

Paul and Matt hop on to talk through Monday's news of Zack Wheeler's long-awaited extension, implications for the talent development pipeline, and how the somewhat unique deal for a somewhat unique pitcher stacks up to others across the league. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

It's Matt's last check-in on location in Clearwater, and with just a handful of games in the bag, the guys chat about a back field game invention, Cris Sánchez's reinvention, and a lack of apprehension around Bryce Harper's (entirely too early) Gold Glove case. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Spring games are only days away, and we're feeling it. We chat about Whit Merrifield, money maneuvering, a long-term crystal ball outlook for Alec Bohm, and the drive to resemble Chase Utley from the scalp up. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

We kick off our third(!) Spring Training on PT the best way we know how: Remembering some guys. David Buchanan is back! Namedrops of Brandon Kintzler, Corey Knebel, Mario Hollands, and more! Zack Wheeler's gonna get paid! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

When we decided to record a new episode for this first time in roughly six weeks, very little had happened. So we asked what was on your mind...then the team immediately decided to sign Kolby Allard, and we watched Rhys Hoskins officially leave and land in Milwaukee. So Paul and Matt had a few things to talk about after all: Who's left to add? What's the team's long-term faith in the outfield and Alec Bohm (who's yet to sign his '24 deal)? Plus, one last round of extra appreciation for Hoskins. Thank you again to everyone who replied with ideas. We love you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Paul and Matt stop in for one more check-in here in 2023 to talk about Scott Boras's desire to extend Bryce Harper's deal with 8 years remaining (and what that extension could possibly look like), where Rhys Hoskins might end up, Joc Pederson's strange Instagramming, and narrowing the gap between the Phillies and Braves. Thanks for listening everyone, and a special thanks to supporters Michael, Mary, Matt, Benjamin, and Robert for their kindness this season. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Paul and Matt hit their first offseason checkpoint of this winter on the heels of Aaron Nola's new seven-year agreement. What does the rest of the offseason look like now? Are the splashes done? What about Yamamoto, Montgomery, Imanaga and co.? Dive in. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

The offseason is here, sooner than it should've been. Paul and Matt (briefly) revisit Game 7 before looking ahead to some of the storylines (and sneaky subplots) to watch for as the offseason goes into full swing for everyone in November. A big thank you to those whose questions and thoughts on Twitter helped guide our chat. In no particular order: @Schneckvillemom / @BrentH22510775 / @PhightForRedOct / @testthesoftware / @PhilsTailgate / @hall126 / @MDub_20 / @marklarue2635 / @jayPB08 / @Gourbot3000 / @frankfran29 / @medeajm / @PaddyMac276 / @_Philly_Talk / @AnthonyEsbensen / @phila_fan_, and the jokers (you know who you are). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

It's the first Game 7 in Phillies history, and it's one that comes with a chance to repeat as NL Champions and face the Texas Rangers in the World Series. How they got here no longer matters; it's all about who's ready to step up and turn themselves into a legend. Who makes themself immortal tonight? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

It's hard to complain about the first two games of this year's NLCS, and we're not about to try. The Phils go west for (if necessary) three games and the chance to repeat as National League champs. Paul and Matt extol the play of the "machine" and look ahead to the next two games, where the Phillies again hold the paper advantage. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

It's a bit like looking at yourself in the mirror: In the '23 DBacks, the Phillies surely see shades of themselves from '22. Now, they have to put a stop that visage as their pennant defense continues. The National League Championship Series kicks off tonight; Paul and Matt walk through the names and all the looming matchups. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Citizens Bank Park continues to be a place where magical, legendary things happen. Paul and Matt look back on an incredible Division Series full of huge hits, huge pitching performances, and huge drama. Yooge. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

The Phillies and Braves find themselves in familiar territory, locked up at a game apiece heading to Philadelphia for Game 3. Paul and Matt are here to check in and (only briefly) look back at Games 1 and 2 while considering whether the Phils hold the advantage in 2 of the possible 3 games remaining. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

The Marlins have been taken care of. Now, the real test begins: A date with destiny and a rematch with the Braves. Paul and Matt look back on how the Phils took care of business against Miami, and what they need to do to topple the Braves again. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Red October is back. The Phillies kick off their Wild Card series tonight, and Paul and Matt dive in to look at how the teams stack up, what the Marlins would need to do to pull off the upset, and the impacts of the Phillies playing at home. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

The Phils swept 4 from the Mets, and are lined up to clinch their spot in the playoffs this week. Paul and Matt take a look at the barren landscape of their fellow contenders' pitching, Orion Kerkering, the mercifully easy travel schedule ahead, and wonder a bit more about how Cris Sánchez fits into all this. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Breathing (a bit) easier after the start to the Cardinals series, Paul and Matt size up and rank the top current contenders for the Phillies' opponent in the Wild Card round. Plus a look at how (and with who) the playoff rotation might shake out behind Zack Wheeler. Is Nola still #2? Does Taijuan Walker make a start before Cris Sánchez? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

The Phillies still have a top Wild Card spot to solidify, and a little bit of pride to save by keeping the Braves from clinching the division on their turf this week. Paul and Matt survey the pitching situation, the full-unit offensive turnaround since The Ovations, and think about the best outfield combinations as the playoffs creep closer. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

With the long holiday weekend in the books, Paul and Matt hop on to talk about the fascinating season that is Kyle Schwarber's 2023, why the bullpen's recent struggles shouldn't conjure too many memories of last September, and a couple Old School vs. New School debates that are sure to go over well. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

The Phillies can't stop hitting homers and padding their Wild Card position, and you know what? That feels pretty good. Now the Ohtani Sho(w) comes to town, pitting two franchises who could not be on more different paths against one another. Paul and Matt regroup to extol the virtues of multi-run homers, Bryson Stott possibly turning into an s-word (not that one, the good s-word), and the not-so-impossible feat of winning 90 games. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

It's time for another Giants series, and you know what that means: Paul has a normal one. Matt recaps the spectacle of the Little League Classic from out near Williamsport, and the guys take stock of the team and Wild Card scenarios as they head into the end stages of August. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Even a flat ending to last weekend's Twins series can't take all the shine away from the Phillies' current positioning. Their play the past month-plus has helped push them to the top Wild Card seed, with a couple games' cushion to boot. Paul and Matt test the waters of confidence and extol the team's play, while thinking ahead to some upcoming rotation strategy and roster configuring. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

It was a productive week in Wild Card Land, as the Phillies surged ahead while some others began to fall off. Paul and Matt check in on post-ovation Trea Turner, the remarkable production of the young bats, the upcoming week-plus of a Frankenstein('s monster) in left field, and local vs. national expectations four months in. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

The trade deadline has passed, and the Phillies made their moves. Are Michael Lorenzen and Rodolfo Castro enough to keep this team in playoff position? Will the choice not to add a righty corner bat come back to bite them? Did the rest of the National League Wild Card contenders do enough to make the Phils sweat? Paul and Matt dive in. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Trades are picking up league-wide, but the Phillies have yet to make their move(s). Does the relative silence mean something different is cooking? Is a new pickup as important as getting the guys already in-house to play better? Paul and Matt check in on the even of Tuesday's trade deadline after an uninspiring weekend against the Pirates. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

After a disappointing two-series-loss week, Paul and Matt regroup to talk surgery impacts for Andrew Painter, Bryce Harper's immediate doubt allaying, the side effects of rostering Noah Song, and a Hall of Fame diversion. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Paul and Matt run through Bryce Harper's imminent debut at first base, the latest shifts and shake-ups in the trade market, and even a little dabble in Immaculate Grid (spoilers 36:19-42:00). Editor's note: If the Phillies picked up the #4 seed, they'd likely be in line to face Atlanta if they advanced, despite what we say in the episode. The new format still gets us every now and then. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Paul and Matt hit the All-Star break to talk first-half MVPs, set the stage for the July trade market, and more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Bryce Harper's power outage has been a bit of a concern, but he's not alone. The Phillies are lacking consistent pop up and down the lineup, which has Paul and Matt scratching their heads a bit despite the team's recent 15-5 stretch. Also, what does Alec Bohm's future hold? Plus, with the landscape of buyers and sellers still in flux, a broad look at what July's trading season could bring and why Paul Goldschmidt almost certainly won't be the play. Also new this week: We've partnered with the folks at Phillies Nation to expand our office hours and bring the therapy to more folks. Check out their awesome content over at philliesnation.com! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support

Hey! Two good weeks in a row! Paul still isn't totally convinced, but wins are wins and the Phils are banking them. Meanwhile, Matt's got lots of good news and notes, including a note on a Braves player that shook Paul to his core. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phillies-therapy/support