#23 | Can the Phillies Contend in a Stacked National League?

#24 | Phillies-Mets Preview w/ Shea Hello’s Casey Lynn

Returning home to Citizens Bank Park this week, Josh recaps the Phillies’ latest series against the Miami Marlins. The Phillies continued their strong play by taking care of business, taking two of three games against a divisional opponent, getting key contributions throughout the lineup, and building momentum heading into one of their biggest series of the season. Then, Josh and Austin are joined by Casey Lynn from the Shea Hello Newsletter to preview the first Phillies-Mets series of the season this weekend in Philadelphia. The guys talk with Casey about his journey covering the Mets and dive into New York's up-and-down first half, what's gone wrong, what's gone right, potential trade-deadline needs, and whether the Mets can make a second-half push in the National League. Plus, a full breakdown of this weekend's Phillies-Mets showdown at Citizens Bank Park, including key matchups, X-factors, players to watch, predictions for the season series, and a discussion about their favorite memories from this storied rivalry. Follow Casey and subscribe to the Shea Hello Newsletter [https://sheahellonewsletter.substack.com/] on Substack for more quality Mets coverage. 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]. 0:20 - Introduction 1:08 - Phillies vs. Marlins Recap 16:28 - Interview with Shea Hello’s Casey Lynn discussing the Mets and the upcoming series. 19:36 - Discussion on the Mets' season performance and challenges. 33:16 - Speculations on the Mets' strategy for the trade deadline. 55:06 - Reflections on memorable moments in the Phillies-Mets rivalry.

#23 | Can the Phillies Contend in a Stacked National League?

The Phillies returned from Milwaukee with more questions than answers after dropping two of three to the Brewers. We break down a frustrating weekend that featured a historic performance from Jacob Misiorowski, another shaky outing from Andrew Painter, and the first real stumble in months from Cristopher Sánchez. Can Aaron Nola still be trusted to provide quality innings down the stretch? Is the Phillies' opener strategy helping Painter's development? And just how much did Sánchez's Cy Young candidacy take a hit after Sunday's loss? Plus, we zoom out to the bigger picture. The Phillies remain firmly in the playoff hunt, but their struggles against left-handed pitching, lack of right-handed power, and concerning run differential raise legitimate questions about their championship ceiling. With the trade deadline approaching, we discuss potential targets and what Dave Dombrowski should be willing to part with to upgrade the roster. Finally, we preview a crucial series against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park, featuring Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo, and Andrew Painter on the mound. What should Phillies fans be watching for as Philadelphia looks to regain momentum? 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]. Chapters list:  00:00 Introduction to the Phillies Podcast 00:18 Introduction and Series Overview 03:13 Jacob Mizorowski's Historic Performance 06:05 Impact on Cy Young Race 09:25 Aaron Nola's Inconsistency 12:25 The Opener Strategy and Andrew Painter 18:15 Future Considerations for Andrew Painter 27:02 Developmental Pathways in Modern Baseball 28:10 Addressing the Phillies' Offensive Weaknesses 29:03 Trade Talks: Seeking Right-Handed Bats 31:52 Evaluating Potential Trade Targets 36:02 The Trade Deadline Dilemma 40:03 Assessing the Phillies' Contender Status 43:57 Looking Ahead: Series Against the Marlins

#22 | The Phillies Keep Winning—but at What Cost?

The Phillies keep stacking series wins, but the margin for comfort is getting thinner as injuries, roster shifts, and late-inning volatility start to creep into the conversation. In this episode of Catchin’ Phils, Josh breaks down another series win for the Phillies in Toronto, ending with a  7–4 series-clinching win over the Blue Jays, highlighted by a power display from their key sluggers, plus a sharp bounce-back outing from Jesús Luzardo. He also looks at another strong response from closer Jhoan Duran after his first blown save of the season—and what it actually says about his workload, not just the numbers. From there, the outfield picture gets complicated fast. The injury to Adolis García and the season-ending UCL tear for Johan Rojas immediately reshapes the conversation, especially after the Phillies moved quickly to acquire Derek Hill. Is this just depth insurance, or the first real signal of a bigger deadline strategy? He also digs into what’s quietly becoming one of the most impressive stretches in franchise history under interim manager Don Mattingly. Finally, Josh previews a looming road test against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers and their impressive pitching staff. 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].

#21 | The Streak Ends, The Legend Grows

After a week off, Josh and Austin return to the pod to discuss Cristopher Sánchez’s historic scoreless streak that finally came to an end, but not before rewriting both Phillies and MLB record books. They break down where Sánchez’s 50 ⅔-inning streak ranks among the greatest in baseball history, and if another dominant run could be starting in Toronto. Plus, Andrew Painter’s rollercoaster rookie season takes another turn after back-to-back rough outings. Should the Phillies consider making a change, or is there simply no better option right now? The guys discuss Painter’s recent struggles, what’s behind them, and how the organization can help him regain consistency. The Phillies are miraculously back in a playoff spot despite sitting 9.5 games behind Atlanta, and they've been playing the best baseball in the majors since Don Mattingly took over. They examine their playoff outlook and what has fueled the turnaround. Josh and Austin also dive into encouraging signs from the right side of the lineup, as Alec Bohm continues his resurgence and Adolis García finally shows signs of life at the plate. Is it enough to stabilize the offense, or will Dave Dombrowski still need to find a right-handed bat at the trade deadline? They also highlight Brandon Marsh’s remarkable start to the season as he continues to establish himself as one of the National League’s most consistent hitters. After Trea Turner captured the NL batting title a year ago, Marsh has put himself firmly in the conversation to make it back-to-back batting champions for the Phillies. Finally, ESPN's Buster Olney linked the Phillies to two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal ahead of the trade deadline. Is a blockbuster deal realistic? What would it cost? And could John Middleton’s ‘stupid money’ actually keep Skubal in Philadelphia beyond this season? 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].

#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].