#19 | The Phillies Are Good at Baseball

#20 | Grading the Phillies Through Memorial Day

The calendar hit Memorial Day, and that means it’s time for a full check-in on the Phillies. Josh and Austin hand out grades for every part of the roster — offense, defense, starting pitching, bullpen, bench, and coaching — and take a hard look at where things stand through the first two months of the season. Who’s carrying their weight, who’s slipping, and what needs to change as the summer heats up? On the mound, it’s been nothing short of dominant. Cristopher Sánchez is in the middle of a historic run — 37 ⅔ straight scoreless innings, the second-longest streak in franchise history behind Grover Cleveland Alexander — paired with four straight shutout performances. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler has been just as locked in, allowing one earned run over his last 20⅓ innings. Combined, they’ve powered a staggering 51 consecutive scoreless innings. But while the pitching has been elite, the offense has hit a wall. The guys discuss a frustrating six-game stretch at Citizens Bank Park, during which the Phillies were outscored 21–14 and dropped two straight series. The bats went ice cold, slashing just .174/.256/.303 against the Reds and Guardians — with limited power and too many empty at-bats. The absence of Kyle Schwarber due to illness loomed large, and even the stars struggled, including Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto. There were a couple of bright spots, though — Bryson Stott led the way with a .959 OPS over the stretch, and Alec Bohm chipped in with a pair of home runs. So, where does that leave this team heading into June? They’ve got grades, takes, and plenty to debate. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NoUbI6MGPd56jbtej2F9n?si=e7cf1113d4e848f9], ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catchin-phils-a-phillies-podcast/id1879593175]⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d35d365-0cb3-461d-8272-f19214a0145c/catchin'-phils-a-phillies-podcast]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-catchin-phils-a-phillies-p-324485666/about]⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠ [https://redpinstripepress.substack.com/]⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠ [https://philliesperspective.substack.com/]⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CatchinPhillies/featured].

#19 | The Phillies Are Good at Baseball

Josh and Austin break down a massive series sweep in Pittsburgh as the Phillies extend their winning ways to six straight series victories after dropping six in a row earlier this season — improving to 24-23 after a 9-19 start. The guys dive into the team’s incredible 15-4 run under interim manager Don Mattingly, a +37 run differential since April 28, and what’s fueling one of the best stretches of baseball in the league. The episode highlights a wild 11-9 extra-innings comeback win, back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 2022, and total dominance from Cristopher Sánchez — who may have officially entered the Cy Young conversation after three straight scoreless outings. They also discuss Zack Wheeler’s continued excellence after successfully outdueling Paul Skenes, Alec Bohm’s red-hot hitting streak, and lingering concerns with the back end of the rotation. Plus, the guys cover recent roster moves, including Otto Kemp’s call-up, the Phillies’ interest in Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato, and preview a three-game set at Citizens Bank Park against the Reds — including pitching matchups and players to watch like JJ Bleday and Chase Burns. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NoUbI6MGPd56jbtej2F9n?si=e7cf1113d4e848f9], ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catchin-phils-a-phillies-podcast/id1879593175]⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d35d365-0cb3-461d-8272-f19214a0145c/catchin'-phils-a-phillies-podcast]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-catchin-phils-a-phillies-p-324485666/about]⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠ [https://redpinstripepress.substack.com/]⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠ [https://philliesperspective.substack.com/]⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CatchinPhillies/featured].

#18 | Set Down the Sox, Preparing for the Pirates

Josh and Austin break down the Phillies’ gritty series victory over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park as the Phils secure their fifth straight series win after dropping six consecutive series earlier this season — becoming the first team since the 2005 Mets to pull off that turnaround. Despite an ice-cold offense that scored just five runs and hit .173 in Boston, the Phillies leaned on dominant pitching performances from Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo, and the bullpen to take two of three from the Sox. The guys discuss Kyle Schwarber’s historic home run pace, Bryson Stott continuing to come through in big spots, Brandon Marsh’s hitting streak ending, and an encouraging outing from top prospect Andrew Painter. Plus, they preview a weekend set in Pittsburgh against the surging Pirates, including a marquee Zack Wheeler vs. Paul Skenes matchup on Sunday, and which Bucs could give the Phillies problems this weekend. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NoUbI6MGPd56jbtej2F9n?si=e7cf1113d4e848f9], ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catchin-phils-a-phillies-podcast/id1879593175]⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d35d365-0cb3-461d-8272-f19214a0145c/catchin'-phils-a-phillies-podcast]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-catchin-phils-a-phillies-p-324485666/about]⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠ [https://redpinstripepress.substack.com/]⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠ [https://philliesperspective.substack.com/]⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CatchinPhillies/featured].

#17 | Uh Oh… Here Come the Phillies

It took a month, but the Phillies are suddenly playing their best baseball of the season. Josh and Austin break down another solid week for the Phillies, their fourth straight series victory, and what’s changed during this recent turnaround. From Cristopher Sánchez’s dominant stretch and Kyle Schwarber’s power surge to Brandon Marsh continuing to rake and Alec Bohm looking relaxed and refreshed, the Phillies are starting to look like a complete team again. The guys discuss the offense’s success up and down the order,  the team’s renewed aggressiveness on the bases, and why these Phillies suddenly feel like they have comeback ability again. Plus, they recap home series victories over the A’s and Rockies, talk about Andrew Painter’s continued struggles, preview an intriguing upcoming series in Boston against the Red Sox, and a reunion with Ranger Suárez set for Thursday. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NoUbI6MGPd56jbtej2F9n?si=e7cf1113d4e848f9], ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catchin-phils-a-phillies-podcast/id1879593175]⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d35d365-0cb3-461d-8272-f19214a0145c/catchin'-phils-a-phillies-podcast]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-catchin-phils-a-phillies-p-324485666/about]⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠ [https://redpinstripepress.substack.com/]⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠ [https://philliesperspective.substack.com/]⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CatchinPhillies/featured].

#16 | Three Aces, Two Question Marks

Before the Phillies took the field in Miami Monday night for the series finale, they took two of three from the Marlins on the weekend, but once again, the story is the starting pitching. Josh and Austin start the episode by honoring the life of legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling, who passed away Monday at the age of 87. They break down a Phillies series that featured dominant outings from Zack Wheeler and Jesús Luzardo, continued inconsistency from Andrew Painter, and an offense that looked explosive two days and completely lost the other. From Bryson Stott’s big swings to a one-hit shutout loss, they recap a 5–1 start to the Don Mattingly era as interim manager. The guys also dive into Justin Crawford’s recent surge, bullpen concerns, and what to make of a Phillies team that’s finally winning games—but still searching for consistency on the mound across the board. Plus, a look ahead to a tough matchup with the AL West Division-leading A’s and what the Phillies need to prove against a first-place team. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2NoUbI6MGPd56jbtej2F9n?si=e7cf1113d4e848f9], ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catchin-phils-a-phillies-podcast/id1879593175]⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠ [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2d35d365-0cb3-461d-8272-f19214a0145c/catchin'-phils-a-phillies-podcast]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-catchin-phils-a-phillies-p-324485666/about]⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠ [https://redpinstripepress.substack.com/]⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠ [https://philliesperspective.substack.com/]⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CatchinPhillies/featured].