The Book of Joe podcast is a production of iHeartRadio. Hey Daron, Welcome back to the Book of Joe podcast with me, Tom Barducci and Joe Madden. Joe, it's hard to believe, but this weekend we are coming up on the quarter pole of the twenty twenty five Major League Baseball season. So I want your perspective. Can I still say it's early or is that past its freshness date?

The Book of Joe podcast is a production of iHeartRadio. Hey Daron, Welcome back to the Book of Joe podcast with me, Tom Barducci and Joe Madden. Joe, it's hard to believe, but this weekend we are coming up on the quarter pole of the twenty twenty five Major League Baseball season. So I want your perspective. Can I still say it's early or is that past its freshness date?

At this point.

At this point.

There's trends that are definitely being created.

There's trends that are definitely being created.

When you're describing to me, always thought about it as slow time, and then it turns into fast time. Spring training a slow time beginning of the season's slow time. Then all of a sudden, this hamster wheel starts spinning and it becomes fast time, and all of a sudden, before you know it, it's the All Star break. Yeah, there's trends that are setting up, and you're looking at teams like an alas the Al East is kind of underwater compared to the Central as an example, and of course even on the western side of things, the athletics what they're doing makes that side even a little bit more pertinent.

When you're describing to me, always thought about it as slow time, and then it turns into fast time. Spring training a slow time beginning of the season's slow time. Then all of a sudden, this hamster wheel starts spinning and it becomes fast time, and all of a sudden, before you know it, it's the All Star break. Yeah, there's trends that are setting up, and you're looking at teams like an alas the Al East is kind of underwater compared to the Central as an example, and of course even on the western side of things, the athletics what they're doing makes that side even a little bit more pertinent.

But yeah, it's the.

But yeah, it's the.

Orioles having struggles last night, the watch the video of the Angels and the Blue Jays how the Angels came back against Hoffmann in the eighth inning as an example, blue Jay's not gaining any traction once again. So yeah, it's it's hard to think that if you aren't showing signs of being like exceptional in a sense this year, it's hard to think that all of a sudden, it's just gonna happen coming out of camp. The fast starters really always benefit on an annual basis, and there's those anomaly moments, Astros coming back, Nationals coming back years ago, the Rockies coming back. But it's hard to do that. It's like an NBA game. Although your Knicks, the Knicks did it the other night. They came back hard and they held on and won it. But it's hard to come back. It just is you expend a lot of energy in the process and it's difficult.

Orioles having struggles last night, the watch the video of the Angels and the Blue Jays how the Angels came back against Hoffmann in the eighth inning as an example, blue Jay's not gaining any traction once again. So yeah, it's it's hard to think that if you aren't showing signs of being like exceptional in a sense this year, it's hard to think that all of a sudden, it's just gonna happen coming out of camp. The fast starters really always benefit on an annual basis, and there's those anomaly moments, Astros coming back, Nationals coming back years ago, the Rockies coming back. But it's hard to do that. It's like an NBA game. Although your Knicks, the Knicks did it the other night. They came back hard and they held on and won it. But it's hard to come back. It just is you expend a lot of energy in the process and it's difficult.

So I think there are that are sitting up right.

So I think there are that are sitting up right.

Now, absolutely, and I want to dive into individual trends here, Joe, because I think the biggest story of this season so far as we reach the quarterpole is Aaron Judge, and we know he's been great, There's no question about it. But he's gone next level this year. And they also want to talk about vis A VI Juan Soto, because it's clear to me at this point, Joe, that Mon Soto misses Aaron Judge a lot more than Aaron Judge missus Mon Soto. You look at that Yankee lineup and it's top heavy. I mean, Bellinger really hasn't gotten on track. Gold Schmidt is getting his hits, He's not necessarily doing a lot of damage in terms of the long ball. So behind Aaron Judge, you know, there's not a whole lot of thump going on there in the Yankee lineup. But right now, Joe, I mean, he's hitting four to twelve, which is just ridiculous. His on base percentage is over five hundred. It's five oh three, and he's slugging over seven hundred, almost eight hundred.

Now, absolutely, and I want to dive into individual trends here, Joe, because I think the biggest story of this season so far as we reach the quarterpole is Aaron Judge, and we know he's been great, There's no question about it. But he's gone next level this year. And they also want to talk about vis A VI Juan Soto, because it's clear to me at this point, Joe, that Mon Soto misses Aaron Judge a lot more than Aaron Judge missus Mon Soto. You look at that Yankee lineup and it's top heavy. I mean, Bellinger really hasn't gotten on track. Gold Schmidt is getting his hits, He's not necessarily doing a lot of damage in terms of the long ball. So behind Aaron Judge, you know, there's not a whole lot of thump going on there in the Yankee lineup. But right now, Joe, I mean, he's hitting four to twelve, which is just ridiculous. His on base percentage is over five hundred. It's five oh three, and he's slugging over seven hundred, almost eight hundred.

Let me give you a couple of numbers here.

Let me give you a couple of numbers here.

Joe's the guy who's managed for a long time and done it well in the major leagues.

Joe's the guy who's managed for a long time and done it well in the major leagues.

How this is even possible?

How this is even possible?

Aaron Judge is hitting five to twenty against fastballs, five twenty against fastballs, and do you realize that Aaron Judge is seeing an above average rate of fastballs. The percentage of fastballs he sees is above major league average, and he is seeing and this is unbelievable to me, forty nine point eight percent of pitches in the strike zone, which is more than he saw last year, more than he's ever seen. I don't know why people haven't gotten the message, Joe, you just cannot pitch this guy right now. Tell me what you see and how you would approach Aaron Judge.

Aaron Judge is hitting five to twenty against fastballs, five twenty against fastballs, and do you realize that Aaron Judge is seeing an above average rate of fastballs. The percentage of fastballs he sees is above major league average, and he is seeing and this is unbelievable to me, forty nine point eight percent of pitches in the strike zone, which is more than he saw last year, more than he's ever seen. I don't know why people haven't gotten the message, Joe, you just cannot pitch this guy right now. Tell me what you see and how you would approach Aaron Judge.

Yeah, I mean just talking about the fastballs. I'm sure it has something to do analytically with these different groups because they all bring from the same well. But it sounds like, you know, let's challenge him with the fastball, and let's locate this fastball in a certain area. But the problem I ran into a lot the last couple of years. It's just overall fastball command. Guys are throwing balls. Baseball is hard, but it's hard for them to hit the exact spot that they're looking for. I start right there, so I'd have to look at it more deeply to see how badly these different pitchers are missing their targets while the ball's coming back to the middle or wherever, wherever that hotspot is for him.

Yeah, I mean just talking about the fastballs. I'm sure it has something to do analytically with these different groups because they all bring from the same well. But it sounds like, you know, let's challenge him with the fastball, and let's locate this fastball in a certain area. But the problem I ran into a lot the last couple of years. It's just overall fastball command. Guys are throwing balls. Baseball is hard, but it's hard for them to hit the exact spot that they're looking for. I start right there, so I'd have to look at it more deeply to see how badly these different pitchers are missing their targets while the ball's coming back to the middle or wherever, wherever that hotspot is for him.

That's the number one. Number two. Yeah, I listened.

That's the number one. Number two. Yeah, I listened.

I watched a little bit of the game last night, and how they rallied late was kind of exceptional against the pitching that the Padres had, But it happens. They just they strung together some singles and all of a sudden, here we go. But why again, you said, listen, I'm not denegrating anybody else on that team, but why would you pitch to this guy?

I watched a little bit of the game last night, and how they rallied late was kind of exceptional against the pitching that the Padres had, But it happens. They just they strung together some singles and all of a sudden, here we go. But why again, you said, listen, I'm not denegrating anybody else on that team, but why would you pitch to this guy?

Now?

Now?

They were forced to in that situation. Later in the game, I think they walked them. But yeah, there was an intentional walk, I think as it turned out. But yeah, it's listen, Analytics doesn't like the intentional walk. Analytics doesn't necessarily like pitching around people. You. I've always got a hard time from guys when I would do that. Even it started like with Harper when we walked them so many times back in once sixteen or sixteen, right, fifteen or sixteen.

They were forced to in that situation. Later in the game, I think they walked them. But yeah, there was an intentional walk, I think as it turned out. But yeah, it's listen, Analytics doesn't like the intentional walk. Analytics doesn't necessarily like pitching around people. You. I've always got a hard time from guys when I would do that. Even it started like with Harper when we walked them so many times back in once sixteen or sixteen, right, fifteen or sixteen.

And I didn't get any grief for that.

And I didn't get any grief for that.

But eventually it comes back to that these guys don't like that putting another runnerund base, and that's when you start treating everybody the same, just based on data. That makes no sense to me. And that's what we were just talking about.

But eventually it comes back to that these guys don't like that putting another runnerund base, and that's when you start treating everybody the same, just based on data. That makes no sense to me. And that's what we were just talking about.

The trends. We just opened up about trends. Trends exist.

The trends. We just opened up about trends. Trends exist.

Guys get hot, guys get cold, guys get better, they get worse. You know, something's bothered them. They're not talking about all these different things. So there's no reason to attack this guy, right I'd make Rice do his job. I would make Wells do his job. I would Grisham right now. I mean, Grisham's always been a fine outfielder, but what he's doing right now again is like crazy good. So I'd have to believe they're gonna regress it the mean at some point here, but for right now, playing the Yankees, I am not pitching to this dude.

Guys get hot, guys get cold, guys get better, they get worse. You know, something's bothered them. They're not talking about all these different things. So there's no reason to attack this guy, right I'd make Rice do his job. I would make Wells do his job. I would Grisham right now. I mean, Grisham's always been a fine outfielder, but what he's doing right now again is like crazy good. So I'd have to believe they're gonna regress it the mean at some point here, but for right now, playing the Yankees, I am not pitching to this dude.

I'm just not.

I'm just not.

I mean, And if you're gonna say let's attack him with the fastball, that's for those that really know how to command their fastball.

I mean, And if you're gonna say let's attack him with the fastball, that's for those that really know how to command their fastball.

I think.

I think.

So long answer, there's a lot going on there, but it just doesn't make any sense.

So long answer, there's a lot going on there, but it just doesn't make any sense.

He's he's hitting like Bonds right now.

He's he's hitting like Bonds right now.

He's just hitting like Barry Bonds and the kind of treatment we had to give him back in the day.

He's just hitting like Barry Bonds and the kind of treatment we had to give him back in the day.

You're absolutely right, and I like your point about the fastballs. I think that's a big part of it. You know, Aaron Judge has always been one of the best high fastball hitters in the game. And part of that to me is, you know, he's six foot seven and pitchers just don't elevate the ball enough to him. What they think is top rail to him is actually in his nitro zone. And the other thing I've noticed this year, Joe is he did have if there was one hole, and it's not really a hole, but one place where you can keep him in the ballpark and turn him into a singles hitter, is the pitch down in a way. If you can dot that up down and a way, he's not going to do damage. Well he is this year, he's hitting everything. And you look at Aaron Judge in his twenties. He was a two seventy six hitter in his twenties, And I know batting average is not the be all and end all, but just use that as a rule of thumb. Two seventy six hitter in his twenties. In his thirties, he's hitting three thirteen. He has become a pure hitter, a great pure hitter, and not just a slugger. We already always knew he was a great slugger. He's hitting four to seventy three when he puts the ball in play this year. Now, that's not sustainable. His career average is three fifty. He hits the ball really hard, so his ground balls, when he does hit them, they're going to get through for hits. But he can't hit four to seventy three on balls in play. But right now, I I'm with you, Joe, you have to walk him. I go back to a game where Alex Cora, the Red Sox manager, had a base open with load Guerrero up late in the game, decided to pitch to him. Guerrero wins the game hanging breaking ball three to two. Now, the pitcher, justin Slayton, did have moho and two. But alex Cora I liked his answer. He said, you know, if we're October, I'm walking him. But at this point, I want to find out about my guys and I want to trust him, and especially when the count got two, then you're full green light and go after him. So probably context matters too, but I think Aaron Judge right now is just so good the best hit are in baseball. I'm not tempted to try to get himself out. He's not going to do that.

You're absolutely right, and I like your point about the fastballs. I think that's a big part of it. You know, Aaron Judge has always been one of the best high fastball hitters in the game. And part of that to me is, you know, he's six foot seven and pitchers just don't elevate the ball enough to him. What they think is top rail to him is actually in his nitro zone. And the other thing I've noticed this year, Joe is he did have if there was one hole, and it's not really a hole, but one place where you can keep him in the ballpark and turn him into a singles hitter, is the pitch down in a way. If you can dot that up down and a way, he's not going to do damage. Well he is this year, he's hitting everything. And you look at Aaron Judge in his twenties. He was a two seventy six hitter in his twenties, And I know batting average is not the be all and end all, but just use that as a rule of thumb. Two seventy six hitter in his twenties. In his thirties, he's hitting three thirteen. He has become a pure hitter, a great pure hitter, and not just a slugger. We already always knew he was a great slugger. He's hitting four to seventy three when he puts the ball in play this year. Now, that's not sustainable. His career average is three fifty. He hits the ball really hard, so his ground balls, when he does hit them, they're going to get through for hits. But he can't hit four to seventy three on balls in play. But right now, I I'm with you, Joe, you have to walk him. I go back to a game where Alex Cora, the Red Sox manager, had a base open with load Guerrero up late in the game, decided to pitch to him. Guerrero wins the game hanging breaking ball three to two. Now, the pitcher, justin Slayton, did have moho and two. But alex Cora I liked his answer. He said, you know, if we're October, I'm walking him. But at this point, I want to find out about my guys and I want to trust him, and especially when the count got two, then you're full green light and go after him. So probably context matters too, but I think Aaron Judge right now is just so good the best hit are in baseball. I'm not tempted to try to get himself out. He's not going to do that.

You just got to get to oh and three and really get him out. You know, oh and two doesn't work sometimes. I understand Alex's point there, and I honestly have to have had those same thoughts.

You just got to get to oh and three and really get him out. You know, oh and two doesn't work sometimes. I understand Alex's point there, and I honestly have to have had those same thoughts.

The thing is that this is different.

The thing is that this is different.

I mean, the Red Sox are trying to beat these guys or within that division, Guerrero Judge whomever. These games build momentum, where they take momentum away. I've always believed in that too, when you lose close games late, give up something late. And if you've had these like different internal struggles within yourself as a manager, should I do this or not? And then you choose to do the one thing and then it turns out not very good and even though you might have been leaning in the other direction. That's the old Zim thing. If it comes to your mind, do it. And I really try to train myself to do that as I moved it a little bit further along, because when you start having those internal debates, man, it's it's not good. It's not good. I think something like that. You have to make up your mind before the game. And if his mind had been made up before the game, as an example that listen, I'm gonna but still early. I'm and to make sure they're gonna try to give these guys every opportunity. But you know, it's the same thing we said with Bonds in this World series. I know it's a different time of the year, but these guys are you're when you're that good, you're gonna you're probably gonna bet wrong if you're gonna bet that your guy's going to get this particular guy in that moment, especially when they're playing as well as they are.

I mean, the Red Sox are trying to beat these guys or within that division, Guerrero Judge whomever. These games build momentum, where they take momentum away. I've always believed in that too, when you lose close games late, give up something late. And if you've had these like different internal struggles within yourself as a manager, should I do this or not? And then you choose to do the one thing and then it turns out not very good and even though you might have been leaning in the other direction. That's the old Zim thing. If it comes to your mind, do it. And I really try to train myself to do that as I moved it a little bit further along, because when you start having those internal debates, man, it's it's not good. It's not good. I think something like that. You have to make up your mind before the game. And if his mind had been made up before the game, as an example that listen, I'm gonna but still early. I'm and to make sure they're gonna try to give these guys every opportunity. But you know, it's the same thing we said with Bonds in this World series. I know it's a different time of the year, but these guys are you're when you're that good, you're gonna you're probably gonna bet wrong if you're gonna bet that your guy's going to get this particular guy in that moment, especially when they're playing as well as they are.

So I'm all about that.

So I'm all about that.

I I I don't I prefer not pitching to him. And you know, you've got a guy like with a lead control and command, whoever that guy is in today's game, uh you know the Gram or somebody like that. Maybe you let him roll with that fastball, try to dot him up down in a way. But listen, my my experience has been that with when you get guys out there and today's pitcher just tries to throw as spin and throw as hard as he can and not locate necessarily.

I I I don't I prefer not pitching to him. And you know, you've got a guy like with a lead control and command, whoever that guy is in today's game, uh you know the Gram or somebody like that. Maybe you let him roll with that fastball, try to dot him up down in a way. But listen, my my experience has been that with when you get guys out there and today's pitcher just tries to throw as spin and throw as hard as he can and not locate necessarily.

That's where I have an issue.

That's where I have an issue.

Yeah, I'd agree with you on that.

Yeah, I'd agree with you on that.

I think you trust your ace if you will or maybe your closer, but anybody else, you just don't try to attempt Aaron Judge. He's too good right now. As far as onan soda, I want to get your take on what you see, Joe. I'll give you just some numbers here, because he still gets on base right even when he's not going well. He controls the strike zone very well. He just passed Mickey Mantle for the most walks ever before the age of twenty seven, and he's still getting on base for the New York Mets.

I think you trust your ace if you will or maybe your closer, but anybody else, you just don't try to attempt Aaron Judge. He's too good right now. As far as onan soda, I want to get your take on what you see, Joe. I'll give you just some numbers here, because he still gets on base right even when he's not going well. He controls the strike zone very well. He just passed Mickey Mantle for the most walks ever before the age of twenty seven, and he's still getting on base for the New York Mets.

He's just not doing any damage.

He's just not doing any damage.

What I see here is his bat speed is down two miles per hour. His swing length is down. Those are also those numbers, by the way, top five in baseball in terms of the difference from last year to this year. What I see is someone who is not turning on the baseball and getting beat by velocity. And that to me is shocking to see Wan Soto not catch up velocity because I again high fastballs. He eats him for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But last year at this time he had twenty two hits to the pole side and slugged over eight hundred. This year pul side just fourteen hits and he's slugging five eighty five. Here's the big difference to me, Joe. Last year against pitches ninety five and above, he hit three forty seven and slugged over seven hundred, one of the best in baseball on elite velocity. This year, he's hitting one fifty eight and slugging five hundred. He's three for nineteen. He's got three hits against ninety five plus this year.

What I see here is his bat speed is down two miles per hour. His swing length is down. Those are also those numbers, by the way, top five in baseball in terms of the difference from last year to this year. What I see is someone who is not turning on the baseball and getting beat by velocity. And that to me is shocking to see Wan Soto not catch up velocity because I again high fastballs. He eats him for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But last year at this time he had twenty two hits to the pole side and slugged over eight hundred. This year pul side just fourteen hits and he's slugging five eighty five. Here's the big difference to me, Joe. Last year against pitches ninety five and above, he hit three forty seven and slugged over seven hundred, one of the best in baseball on elite velocity. This year, he's hitting one fifty eight and slugging five hundred. He's three for nineteen. He's got three hits against ninety five plus this year.

I just see a guy.

I just see a guy.

I don't see the swing that's changed, but I see a guy that timing wise, similar to Aaron Judge last year. First month of the season is simply not there. I don't know why it's happening. It could just be the ebbs and flows of this game. The baseball gods are saying, you're not quite right. But it's strange for me to see one Soto not on time. Tell me what you see of mon Sota this first quarter of the season.

I don't see the swing that's changed, but I see a guy that timing wise, similar to Aaron Judge last year. First month of the season is simply not there. I don't know why it's happening. It could just be the ebbs and flows of this game. The baseball gods are saying, you're not quite right. But it's strange for me to see one Soto not on time. Tell me what you see of mon Sota this first quarter of the season.

Yeah, I mean, I didn't realize those new eric those numbers, but yeah, it's just obviously something is not right. Just to to just interject, though, I'm watching Alonzo now, we're talking about missing Judge.

Yeah, I mean, I didn't realize those new eric those numbers, but yeah, it's just obviously something is not right. Just to to just interject, though, I'm watching Alonzo now, we're talking about missing Judge.

What about Alonzo?

What about Alonzo?

What this guy's doing right now is kind of almost Judge like, so it's like he's already he's already He's actually got Judge with him right now, it's just got a different last name.

What this guy's doing right now is kind of almost Judge like, so it's like he's already he's already He's actually got Judge with him right now, it's just got a different last name.

I mean.

I mean.

The think big thing about Alonzo that really stands out to me where I think Sodo has had an influence possibly although they haven't played a lot together, is look at a Lonzo's walks versus his strikeouts right now.

The think big thing about Alonzo that really stands out to me where I think Sodo has had an influence possibly although they haven't played a lot together, is look at a Lonzo's walks versus his strikeouts right now.

It's incredibly best played discipline of his career right right.

It's incredibly best played discipline of his career right right.

And that and I don't know where that has rubbed off on him or not, or this is part of his motivation from kind of being ostracized during the last off season in regards to teams.

And that and I don't know where that has rubbed off on him or not, or this is part of his motivation from kind of being ostracized during the last off season in regards to teams.

Wanting him or not.

Wanting him or not.

So Soto's got that now. The thing about Soda and I listen, I'm a Sodo guy, but you paid all that money for a guy that's an on base percentage guy, guy that does like to walk. So it's it's he's gonna hit. He's gonna hit more than he's hit right now. But I would keep an eye on the bat speed thing that is an analytical component I like because it's obviously he's not catching up the fastballs. Something's slowed down a bit. In there, and there's no reason too. He's young, he's not hurt. He's in a different ballpark. I don't even know what the weather's been like. But even in that ballpark there the way that sets up compared to the way the Yankee Stadium sets up.

So Soto's got that now. The thing about Soda and I listen, I'm a Sodo guy, but you paid all that money for a guy that's an on base percentage guy, guy that does like to walk. So it's it's he's gonna hit. He's gonna hit more than he's hit right now. But I would keep an eye on the bat speed thing that is an analytical component I like because it's obviously he's not catching up the fastballs. Something's slowed down a bit. In there, and there's no reason too. He's young, he's not hurt. He's in a different ballpark. I don't even know what the weather's been like. But even in that ballpark there the way that sets up compared to the way the Yankee Stadium sets up.

Who knows.

Who knows.

It's like you know, you know what it's like sitting on a t box and if of a whole fits your eye or not, and if it doesn't fit your eyes becomes more problematic as the one that if you look at the fairway and it fits your eye and all of a sudden you take a better swing. So give him time to really adjust to the background and the quirkiness of that ballpark.

It's like you know, you know what it's like sitting on a t box and if of a whole fits your eye or not, and if it doesn't fit your eyes becomes more problematic as the one that if you look at the fairway and it fits your eye and all of a sudden you take a better swing. So give him time to really adjust to the background and the quirkiness of that ballpark.

I do believe in that. I do believe that has issues.

I do believe in that. I do believe that has issues.

That you know, people never talk about, and if you did, you think somebody's crazy. So give him a little bit more time. He's got judge hitting behind him right now. So that's conversation I think needs to stop. I think it's more internal with him. I can't even think that the size of the contract. I don't think that has anything to do with that. I really don't. I mean, the guy just warphed into the city last year. Like it was nothing. He did all what he did all last year, like it was a big old yawn. He just he's got this wrapped up. So I just say, give him time, let him adjust, and I think adjust to the environment as much as anything matters.

That you know, people never talk about, and if you did, you think somebody's crazy. So give him a little bit more time. He's got judge hitting behind him right now. So that's conversation I think needs to stop. I think it's more internal with him. I can't even think that the size of the contract. I don't think that has anything to do with that. I really don't. I mean, the guy just warphed into the city last year. Like it was nothing. He did all what he did all last year, like it was a big old yawn. He just he's got this wrapped up. So I just say, give him time, let him adjust, and I think adjust to the environment as much as anything matters.

Yeah, I'm with you on that, Joe.

Yeah, I'm with you on that, Joe.

I mean, we always try to look for ways to get inside a guy's head and explain why he's hitting or why he is hitting. And this is the guy, as you mentioned, he got to New York last year with the Yankees and just hit the ground running.

I mean, we always try to look for ways to get inside a guy's head and explain why he's hitting or why he is hitting. And this is the guy, as you mentioned, he got to New York last year with the Yankees and just hit the ground running.

There was no break in period.

There was no break in period.

So you can't tell me that he's getting to New York, you know, with the Mets, and now he's struggling.

So you can't tell me that he's getting to New York, you know, with the Mets, and now he's struggling.

That doesn't make sense. Was it interesting?

That doesn't make sense. Was it interesting?

You know?

You know?

The other day I was talking to Carlos Mendoza, the manager, and I mentioned that Juan Soto has not done a full blown, on full blown Juan Soto shuffle at all this year, not once. So the body language just quite isn't the same. He's not just to my eye, Joe, he's just not feeling like the superman hitter that he is. And Mendoza said, I've noticed that, and you know, I believe the same thing that we're not seeing the body language, the confidence that you always saw, you know, looking the picture in the eye and doing that shuffle. And he's done a semi shuffle, but not the full on Juan Soto shuffle.

The other day I was talking to Carlos Mendoza, the manager, and I mentioned that Juan Soto has not done a full blown, on full blown Juan Soto shuffle at all this year, not once. So the body language just quite isn't the same. He's not just to my eye, Joe, he's just not feeling like the superman hitter that he is. And Mendoza said, I've noticed that, and you know, I believe the same thing that we're not seeing the body language, the confidence that you always saw, you know, looking the picture in the eye and doing that shuffle. And he's done a semi shuffle, but not the full on Juan Soto shuffle.

So that kind of body language.

So that kind of body language.

I don't know if you looked at that as a manager, Joe, but it's caught my eye.

I don't know if you looked at that as a manager, Joe, but it's caught my eye.

That's not quite the same.

That's not quite the same.

The thing that I really was curious, found curious was when that article came out about him actually admitting it's different without Judge hitting behind him, and that created a way bigger, a much bigger stir than it deserved. It's like everything else media wise today, that was like way blown, way out of proportion. But I don't know to what extent it might have gotten in his head a little bit. Confidence is such a tenuous situation, and we live and die by everybody does. Our whole world's always about confidence. The economy is about confidence, confidence in the dollar or not, regarding whether one investor or not, So it's it's it's all about confidence. And I think that article demonstrated how he was feeling. But then I think it might have the reaction to that might have hurt him a little bit. That's that's I thought that was kind of dumb actually, not that he said it, but how the reaction was and then how then maybe he processed it in the wrong way, or who knows, he's going.

The thing that I really was curious, found curious was when that article came out about him actually admitting it's different without Judge hitting behind him, and that created a way bigger, a much bigger stir than it deserved. It's like everything else media wise today, that was like way blown, way out of proportion. But I don't know to what extent it might have gotten in his head a little bit. Confidence is such a tenuous situation, and we live and die by everybody does. Our whole world's always about confidence. The economy is about confidence, confidence in the dollar or not, regarding whether one investor or not, So it's it's it's all about confidence. And I think that article demonstrated how he was feeling. But then I think it might have the reaction to that might have hurt him a little bit. That's that's I thought that was kind of dumb actually, not that he said it, but how the reaction was and then how then maybe he processed it in the wrong way, or who knows, he's going.

To come back. He's gonna be really good.

To come back. He's gonna be really good.

He's you know, the kind of hit or he is is going to show up once again.

He's you know, the kind of hit or he is is going to show up once again.

We don't know why.

We don't know why.

There's a little bit less than maybe something's bothering that he's not even talking about. And I wouldn't doubt that either there might be something going on with a hand or wrist or rib, something might be bothering him that he's not fessing up to. If in factor's a diminished bat speed, So just give him time, it's going to happen. But all these little micro things I think have conspired to make it a difficult start for him.

There's a little bit less than maybe something's bothering that he's not even talking about. And I wouldn't doubt that either there might be something going on with a hand or wrist or rib, something might be bothering him that he's not fessing up to. If in factor's a diminished bat speed, So just give him time, it's going to happen. But all these little micro things I think have conspired to make it a difficult start for him.

Well, next week, Joe the New York Mets go into the Bronx Swan Sota returns to Yankee Stadium. Mets Yankee, He's at Yankee Stadium. What do you think that scene is going to be?

Well, next week, Joe the New York Mets go into the Bronx Swan Sota returns to Yankee Stadium. Mets Yankee, He's at Yankee Stadium. What do you think that scene is going to be?

Like left the bed on? I think he's gonna he's gonna turn it on right there. I think he's gonna have a good series. He will rise to the occasion.

Like left the bed on? I think he's gonna he's gonna turn it on right there. I think he's gonna have a good series. He will rise to the occasion.

I believe.

I believe.

I think the confines there is gonna be Like I said, it's very It's a comfortable place for him to play baseball. We'll see what happens between now and then, but by the time he gets back there, I think he's gonna be ready to go.

I think the confines there is gonna be Like I said, it's very It's a comfortable place for him to play baseball. We'll see what happens between now and then, but by the time he gets back there, I think he's gonna be ready to go.

Well.

Well.

Aaron Judge is tied for the major league home run lead with twelve and when we get back after this short break, we're going to talk about somebody he is tied with, and I believe it's one of Joe Madden's favorite hitters. Welcome back to the Book of Joe Podcasts. Joe Menon, I want to take you back, and why not to your twenty sixteen Chicago Cubs, and that team was the youngest team to win the World Series, especially in a Game seven. And I look back on just the plethora of everyday players, position players you had from ages twenty two to twenty six right, just absolutely loaded with young up and coming or even early established talent. And when I look at those guys, Joe, the one who now is at the top of his game is Kyle Schwarber. Listen, we got Javey Baya is struggling, maybe a bouncing back a little bit, becoming a jack of all trades with Detroit. Chris Bryant his injury histories. We know about Hore Silaira was on that team. He's hitting two twenty one with the Angels. Anthony Rizzo doesn't have a job. Addison Russell's at a baseball, Albert Almore at a baseball. Wilson Contreras has been just an average hitter for the Cardinals. And here's Kyle Schwarber better than he's ever been, slashing two fifty two, four oh eight on base percentage, five eighty five slug and his home run the other night was number two ninety six of his career. Kyle Schwarber, like Judge, is getting better through his thirties, especially against left handed hitting.

Aaron Judge is tied for the major league home run lead with twelve and when we get back after this short break, we're going to talk about somebody he is tied with, and I believe it's one of Joe Madden's favorite hitters. Welcome back to the Book of Joe Podcasts. Joe Menon, I want to take you back, and why not to your twenty sixteen Chicago Cubs, and that team was the youngest team to win the World Series, especially in a Game seven. And I look back on just the plethora of everyday players, position players you had from ages twenty two to twenty six right, just absolutely loaded with young up and coming or even early established talent. And when I look at those guys, Joe, the one who now is at the top of his game is Kyle Schwarber. Listen, we got Javey Baya is struggling, maybe a bouncing back a little bit, becoming a jack of all trades with Detroit. Chris Bryant his injury histories. We know about Hore Silaira was on that team. He's hitting two twenty one with the Angels. Anthony Rizzo doesn't have a job. Addison Russell's at a baseball, Albert Almore at a baseball. Wilson Contreras has been just an average hitter for the Cardinals. And here's Kyle Schwarber better than he's ever been, slashing two fifty two, four oh eight on base percentage, five eighty five slug and his home run the other night was number two ninety six of his career. Kyle Schwarber, like Judge, is getting better through his thirties, especially against left handed hitting.

They used to own him.

They used to own him.

Last year he hit three hundred against lefties. This year he's hitting three to four. So, Joe, if you go back and you look at your twenty sixteen team in that version of Kyle Schwarber, of course, he had the knee injury and didn't come back until the postseason the World Series, but you knew what he was like as a player, as a young hitter. Tell me what you see now as Kyle Schwarber is just absolutely crushing it.

Last year he hit three hundred against lefties. This year he's hitting three to four. So, Joe, if you go back and you look at your twenty sixteen team in that version of Kyle Schwarber, of course, he had the knee injury and didn't come back until the postseason the World Series, but you knew what he was like as a player, as a young hitter. Tell me what you see now as Kyle Schwarber is just absolutely crushing it.

Watch him in the box.

Watch him in the box.

I mean he's always kind of like got the same routine going on. He walks into the box, he slides his one foot front and then back, and then he settles in whatever. But I'm telling you what, he cannot be more calm getting in the box right now. He walks in there like he's gonna sit down in his favorite chair to get ready to hit.

I mean he's always kind of like got the same routine going on. He walks into the box, he slides his one foot front and then back, and then he settles in whatever. But I'm telling you what, he cannot be more calm getting in the box right now. He walks in there like he's gonna sit down in his favorite chair to get ready to hit.

His confidence cannot be cannot be higher.

His confidence cannot be cannot be higher.

And his comfort level with his mechanics and how he's seeing things right now cannot be higher.

And his comfort level with his mechanics and how he's seeing things right now cannot be higher.

That's what I'm seeing. So it's like of standing in.

That's what I'm seeing. So it's like of standing in.

That box and he and he really feels extremely comfortable. And it's highlighted by the fact the navigated a lefty. When we first had him there, you wanted to hit him lead off when we did, I thought that was a very interesting concept. The problem with that was at that time versus the left hand, it was very difficult for him to really be successful. It's just just learning, just learning how to do it, that's all. But then again, if you're trying to win and you got other options, it's it's difficult to just put the guy out there against the better lefties at that time, so you're you're moving it back and forth. And when you do that, even especially to a young player, even though you know it's the right thing to do, you can just you know, nick their confidence just a little bit because they believe they're better than that. Why am I not good enough? How am I going to get to this next level? There's a little pressure involved, so there's Wow. The underlying dynamics involved in situations like that are so tumultuous, so you just you can't measure all that. So my point, but what I'm seeing is I'm seeing him walking in the box. Wow loose. I mean you talk about tension free. My god, He's he's got the most tension free approaching at the plate right now. He's never in trouble. You can strike him out five times and all he's going to come back and he's now he's going to rip you on the sixth time. So that's what I'm saying. Has been a difference. And whatever they're doing there regarding maybe it's just reps, but giving the information k Long might be doing. Whatever it is, there's a better approach versus the lefty. And they have a lot of lefties that are in that lineup a lot, so maybe there's a compilation of talking everybody whatever, but there's a different mental approach. But more than anything, man, if you want to look at somebody that has a tension free swing that walks into the box like he owns it, it's him. Yeah.

That box and he and he really feels extremely comfortable. And it's highlighted by the fact the navigated a lefty. When we first had him there, you wanted to hit him lead off when we did, I thought that was a very interesting concept. The problem with that was at that time versus the left hand, it was very difficult for him to really be successful. It's just just learning, just learning how to do it, that's all. But then again, if you're trying to win and you got other options, it's it's difficult to just put the guy out there against the better lefties at that time, so you're you're moving it back and forth. And when you do that, even especially to a young player, even though you know it's the right thing to do, you can just you know, nick their confidence just a little bit because they believe they're better than that. Why am I not good enough? How am I going to get to this next level? There's a little pressure involved, so there's Wow. The underlying dynamics involved in situations like that are so tumultuous, so you just you can't measure all that. So my point, but what I'm seeing is I'm seeing him walking in the box. Wow loose. I mean you talk about tension free. My god, He's he's got the most tension free approaching at the plate right now. He's never in trouble. You can strike him out five times and all he's going to come back and he's now he's going to rip you on the sixth time. So that's what I'm saying. Has been a difference. And whatever they're doing there regarding maybe it's just reps, but giving the information k Long might be doing. Whatever it is, there's a better approach versus the lefty. And they have a lot of lefties that are in that lineup a lot, so maybe there's a compilation of talking everybody whatever, but there's a different mental approach. But more than anything, man, if you want to look at somebody that has a tension free swing that walks into the box like he owns it, it's him. Yeah.

I think the work with Kevin Long you mentioned it goes back to Washington, and it really started then and ever since Kyle and Kevin Long have been together here in Philadelphia, they've got a routine going where, for instance, when the coach does straight on soft toss, he may sure he does it from an angle, from a left handed angle.

I think the work with Kevin Long you mentioned it goes back to Washington, and it really started then and ever since Kyle and Kevin Long have been together here in Philadelphia, they've got a routine going where, for instance, when the coach does straight on soft toss, he may sure he does it from an angle, from a left handed angle.

Kevin's lefty.

Kevin's lefty.

Anyway, when he sets up the pitching machine, it's always at the left handers release point.

Anyway, when he sets up the pitching machine, it's always at the left handers release point.

I think that's just a great idea where Kyle Schwarber.

I think that's just a great idea where Kyle Schwarber.

Because you know, coming up through the system and growing up in minor leagues, you're gonna see more right handers than left handers. You're gonna see about seventy five percent right handers. So what they've done is they've literally trained his eyes to see that ball coming from the left handed slot over and over and over again. He does it every single day, takes it like vitamins. And as you know, he's he's a guy who's dedicated to his craft. And Kyle Schwarber wants to get better. You know, he was embarrassed by his number of strikeouts a couple of years ago, striking out more than two hundred times. He made that a priority to try to get that down. He's still going to strike out, we get that, but he cares about that. He's not a guy who just chalks it up to well, I'm going to take my three hacks and if I strike out, I strike out.

Because you know, coming up through the system and growing up in minor leagues, you're gonna see more right handers than left handers. You're gonna see about seventy five percent right handers. So what they've done is they've literally trained his eyes to see that ball coming from the left handed slot over and over and over again. He does it every single day, takes it like vitamins. And as you know, he's he's a guy who's dedicated to his craft. And Kyle Schwarber wants to get better. You know, he was embarrassed by his number of strikeouts a couple of years ago, striking out more than two hundred times. He made that a priority to try to get that down. He's still going to strike out, we get that, but he cares about that. He's not a guy who just chalks it up to well, I'm going to take my three hacks and if I strike out, I strike out.

He wants to be a great player.

He wants to be a great player.

And he's also as you know, Joe, he's a great teammate and he's been a bunch of places, right. But you talk to anybody who's played with Kyle Schwarber and he's on their top five list of top five teammates.

And he's also as you know, Joe, he's a great teammate and he's been a bunch of places, right. But you talk to anybody who's played with Kyle Schwarber and he's on their top five list of top five teammates.

Yeah, he was not raised by wolves. I mean, this guy was raised properly and just is uh. The whole time there with the Cobs, there was a lot of real professional people around, whether the guys that were playing at that time, the coaching staff and also the alumni so he was a lot, he was around a lot of.

Yeah, he was not raised by wolves. I mean, this guy was raised properly and just is uh. The whole time there with the Cobs, there was a lot of real professional people around, whether the guys that were playing at that time, the coaching staff and also the alumni so he was a lot, he was around a lot of.

Greatness, and he's he's a great observer.

Greatness, and he's he's a great observer.

He's one of those guys he doesn't just shoot off his mouth and when he does speak, it's it's the words are measured. He's just not saying things. Comes from a blue collar situation where he grew up. I've been to all of his back in the day, the different fundraisers we had throughout Chicago. We all had different foundations, and Sharps was about first responders. That's what his family is, and I would obviously we'd all attend the event, and I was so impressed by the authenticity of this particular.

He's one of those guys he doesn't just shoot off his mouth and when he does speak, it's it's the words are measured. He's just not saying things. Comes from a blue collar situation where he grew up. I've been to all of his back in the day, the different fundraisers we had throughout Chicago. We all had different foundations, and Sharps was about first responders. That's what his family is, and I would obviously we'd all attend the event, and I was so impressed by the authenticity of this particular.

Group of people they got together.

Group of people they got together.

You could see the fact that the influence from the from the parents and through his wife and everybody else. It was just it was just a real solid foundation that he works from. It's just like he does as a hitter. So he's not gonna be denied ever. Like you said, the strikeout thing, I'm gonna fix it really focused and today, actually this is going to be great because our quote of the day is going to fit into this.

You could see the fact that the influence from the from the parents and through his wife and everybody else. It was just it was just a real solid foundation that he works from. It's just like he does as a hitter. So he's not gonna be denied ever. Like you said, the strikeout thing, I'm gonna fix it really focused and today, actually this is going to be great because our quote of the day is going to fit into this.

I just thought of that. But just tell him he can't do something, Brother and he'll show you that he can. I love that.

I just thought of that. But just tell him he can't do something, Brother and he'll show you that he can. I love that.

By the way, the last five seasons, the only two players who have more home runs than Kyle Schwarber Aaron Judge and Shoe Otani. Schwarber is third, and he's coming up on career number three hundred, just four away from that, Joe. We also have to talk about one of the quiet trends in the game. It should be getting more attention, but it's the Miami Marlins, so they don't get a lot of attention. What they are doing on the mound is stunning to me. We talked before about the Boston Red Sox and how they ran away from fastballs last season. It caught up to him in the second half of the season, and they're throwing more fastballs this year. Part of that is they do have Garrett Crochet right and Walker Buehler, who should be throwing their fastballs. The Marlins this year and I'm not using cutters here, just two seamers and four seamers. The Marlins are throwing thirty five percent fastballs. They're actually spinning the ball more than they are throwing fastballs. That's the lowest since Baseball has been able to record these things.

By the way, the last five seasons, the only two players who have more home runs than Kyle Schwarber Aaron Judge and Shoe Otani. Schwarber is third, and he's coming up on career number three hundred, just four away from that, Joe. We also have to talk about one of the quiet trends in the game. It should be getting more attention, but it's the Miami Marlins, so they don't get a lot of attention. What they are doing on the mound is stunning to me. We talked before about the Boston Red Sox and how they ran away from fastballs last season. It caught up to him in the second half of the season, and they're throwing more fastballs this year. Part of that is they do have Garrett Crochet right and Walker Buehler, who should be throwing their fastballs. The Marlins this year and I'm not using cutters here, just two seamers and four seamers. The Marlins are throwing thirty five percent fastballs. They're actually spinning the ball more than they are throwing fastballs. That's the lowest since Baseball has been able to record these things.

Since twenty fifteen.

Since twenty fifteen.

So I'll give you the three lowest fastball percentages, Joe, the twenty twenty five Marlins, the twenty twenty four Red Sox where just about thirty seven percent, and get this, the twenty twenty five Chicago White Sox at forty one percent. The Marlins are thirteen to twenty two. The last year is Red Sox were eighty one and eighty one, and the White Sox this year are ten and twenty six. I mean, come on, and where the Marlins ranks in terms of pitching staff Their last in the major leagues and earn run average last and walks. They throw the most pitches when they're behind on the count. And here they are throwing thirty five percent fastballs. You look at their starting rotation. Everybody other than Edward Cabrera is throwing fewer fastballs than they've ever thrown in their life, including Sandy al Cantre. I mean, you got a kid like Max Meyer, He's thrown thirty five percent fastball. He's a guy, the young player with a young arm. He's throwing it as his foundation pitch.

So I'll give you the three lowest fastball percentages, Joe, the twenty twenty five Marlins, the twenty twenty four Red Sox where just about thirty seven percent, and get this, the twenty twenty five Chicago White Sox at forty one percent. The Marlins are thirteen to twenty two. The last year is Red Sox were eighty one and eighty one, and the White Sox this year are ten and twenty six. I mean, come on, and where the Marlins ranks in terms of pitching staff Their last in the major leagues and earn run average last and walks. They throw the most pitches when they're behind on the count. And here they are throwing thirty five percent fastballs. You look at their starting rotation. Everybody other than Edward Cabrera is throwing fewer fastballs than they've ever thrown in their life, including Sandy al Cantre. I mean, you got a kid like Max Meyer, He's thrown thirty five percent fastball. He's a guy, the young player with a young arm. He's throwing it as his foundation pitch.

The slider.

The slider.

He's throwing that more than any other pitch. You know, Connor Gillespie's throwing the change up more than he throws any other pitch. It's unusual for me to see Joe. One thing if I was starting to see results, but I'm not seeing results. I'm seeing a team walking a lot of guys and last in the major leagues in era. It's just part of extrapolating a trend we're seeing, Joe, where everybody's trying to shape pitches and mis bats, and what you said earlier stands out to me. Just the fastball command isn't there. Does that mean you're gonna have command to your breaking It's just fascinating to me to see the Marlins go this far in this direction with such a young staff.

He's throwing that more than any other pitch. You know, Connor Gillespie's throwing the change up more than he throws any other pitch. It's unusual for me to see Joe. One thing if I was starting to see results, but I'm not seeing results. I'm seeing a team walking a lot of guys and last in the major leagues in era. It's just part of extrapolating a trend we're seeing, Joe, where everybody's trying to shape pitches and mis bats, and what you said earlier stands out to me. Just the fastball command isn't there. Does that mean you're gonna have command to your breaking It's just fascinating to me to see the Marlins go this far in this direction with such a young staff.

Yeah, I'm sure on paper it looks really good to throw those breaking balls, and I'm sure their their data supports that attempt. But at the end of the day, this is one of those things man that for me, for us as coming up, and I still believe it to be true. The number one thing I would want all my minor league guys coming into the organization be able to do is commander fastball number one, because everything still works off of that when you're when you're able to dot up a fastball, you know all the different quadrants are, or just go to wherever you wherever you dotted up the best normally when it comes to a fastball. My experience growing up as a catcher, and then even with different pictures with the Angel organization, primarily as they catch them all the time, a lot of guys have one spot they locate their fastball best too, and hopefully a lot of times it's down in a way. Sometimes it could be in elevated in sometimes it just maybe have to top of the strike zone. We're like becoming more of a trend, but you normally find a spot that you really can and back again. You would have bullpen sessions where you didn't move on to your next pitch until you really found that slot where you could command a fastball to that spot that you wanted to and then everything works off of that. I don't understand why you would think that everything works off a slider or an off speed pitch and then the fastball is held in your back pocket. Part of that also, and you kind of alluded to it, is that's part of why guys can't get into the third time to the banding order or pitch sixth inning or beyond, because you're showing all your stuff from Jump Street and you're not taking the advantage of the ability. You're working on the ability to get quick outs, quickouts in an any quickouts early in the game. That then permits you to pitch more deeply into the game and feel strong and be able to do things in the latter part. I like, for me, if I'm running it, I like fastball fastball command.

Yeah, I'm sure on paper it looks really good to throw those breaking balls, and I'm sure their their data supports that attempt. But at the end of the day, this is one of those things man that for me, for us as coming up, and I still believe it to be true. The number one thing I would want all my minor league guys coming into the organization be able to do is commander fastball number one, because everything still works off of that when you're when you're able to dot up a fastball, you know all the different quadrants are, or just go to wherever you wherever you dotted up the best normally when it comes to a fastball. My experience growing up as a catcher, and then even with different pictures with the Angel organization, primarily as they catch them all the time, a lot of guys have one spot they locate their fastball best too, and hopefully a lot of times it's down in a way. Sometimes it could be in elevated in sometimes it just maybe have to top of the strike zone. We're like becoming more of a trend, but you normally find a spot that you really can and back again. You would have bullpen sessions where you didn't move on to your next pitch until you really found that slot where you could command a fastball to that spot that you wanted to and then everything works off of that. I don't understand why you would think that everything works off a slider or an off speed pitch and then the fastball is held in your back pocket. Part of that also, and you kind of alluded to it, is that's part of why guys can't get into the third time to the banding order or pitch sixth inning or beyond, because you're showing all your stuff from Jump Street and you're not taking the advantage of the ability. You're working on the ability to get quick outs, quickouts in an any quickouts early in the game. That then permits you to pitch more deeply into the game and feel strong and be able to do things in the latter part. I like, for me, if I'm running it, I like fastball fastball command.

First.

First.

Off of that, I like straight change up or change up second. Those are the two foundation pitches I believe. And then off of that, how does this sky's arm work best? Some guys can't throw a natural curve. I like the natural curveball. Third, and then after that, if you can't really do that, then I do like slider and the last pitch I would want to teach as a cutter. And to me, that's like a poor man's version of a breaking ball. If your hand, wrist, arms just don't work well enough to throw those other pitches, then we could go to the cutter and just try to get the ball move a little bit at the end. So that would be my order of preference in building a young pitcher.

Off of that, I like straight change up or change up second. Those are the two foundation pitches I believe. And then off of that, how does this sky's arm work best? Some guys can't throw a natural curve. I like the natural curveball. Third, and then after that, if you can't really do that, then I do like slider and the last pitch I would want to teach as a cutter. And to me, that's like a poor man's version of a breaking ball. If your hand, wrist, arms just don't work well enough to throw those other pitches, then we could go to the cutter and just try to get the ball move a little bit at the end. So that would be my order of preference in building a young pitcher.

Coming to my organization. I would want him.

Coming to my organization. I would want him.

First of all, let's see where that fastball is going. And I would give you throw a change up. Throw Mikey, do you throw a change up?

First of all, let's see where that fastball is going. And I would give you throw a change up. Throw Mikey, do you throw a change up?

No? But here let's work on different grips.

No? But here let's work on different grips.

And I want to give you a change up number two, and then if you could spin a curve ball. Spinning a curveball to me like probably the most effective pitch of the opposite side hitter along with the change up.

And I want to give you a change up number two, and then if you could spin a curve ball. Spinning a curveball to me like probably the most effective pitch of the opposite side hitter along with the change up.

And what happens a lot of times.

And what happens a lot of times.

The demise of a lot of young pictures is the fact that they can't get out the opposite side hitter.

The demise of a lot of young pictures is the fact that they can't get out the opposite side hitter.

And to me, the change up and the curveball are the two best way up. And there.

And to me, the change up and the curveball are the two best way up. And there.

I could go on and on about this, but I believe in that I don't understand other than data that looks pretty on a piece of paper, it's been not supported in real life.

I could go on and on about this, but I believe in that I don't understand other than data that looks pretty on a piece of paper, it's been not supported in real life.

Yeah, I think you're onto something there, Joe, because we're going through another iteration of how pitching is changing and evolving. Because for a while there, as we know, when the launch angle era hit for hitters, that high four steing fastball really played right, getting a lot of swings and misses and pop ups, top of the zone, velocity began to increase and pitchers could live up there. Now what I'm seeing is everybody wants to move the ball in different directions. If you watch now, especially for starters, they have separate menus of pitches for right handers and left handers.

Yeah, I think you're onto something there, Joe, because we're going through another iteration of how pitching is changing and evolving. Because for a while there, as we know, when the launch angle era hit for hitters, that high four steing fastball really played right, getting a lot of swings and misses and pop ups, top of the zone, velocity began to increase and pitchers could live up there. Now what I'm seeing is everybody wants to move the ball in different directions. If you watch now, especially for starters, they have separate menus of pitches for right handers and left handers.

And everybody now wants to move the ball. Everybody has.

And everybody now wants to move the ball. Everybody has.

Alex Cord told me he has three fastballs. Now, you know, the for seamer, the sinker, and the cutter. Everybody's got three breaking balls. Everybody throws a breaking ball to a right handed hitter or a left handed hitter. And I think, just there's this approach now that let's move keep moving the ball and shaping pitches on analytics and data and spin rates and all these things. Not everybody can do it that well, but people want to go into pitch shaping I think more than commanding the baseball.

Alex Cord told me he has three fastballs. Now, you know, the for seamer, the sinker, and the cutter. Everybody's got three breaking balls. Everybody throws a breaking ball to a right handed hitter or a left handed hitter. And I think, just there's this approach now that let's move keep moving the ball and shaping pitches on analytics and data and spin rates and all these things. Not everybody can do it that well, but people want to go into pitch shaping I think more than commanding the baseball.

And that's what I'm saying, Joe is really good.

And that's what I'm saying, Joe is really good.

Pitchers now are throwing just a whole suite of pitches now that they would not have thrown before.

Pitchers now are throwing just a whole suite of pitches now that they would not have thrown before.

Even like Skeins.

Even like Skeins.

We talked about that Skins wanting to add a pitch this year. See here's what I always wanted to do too with But all my guys, you have all these different pitches, right breaking balls. Let's says breaking ball specifically, which works better against if your right hand? Which works better against the lefty? Which works better against the righty? Fat? I guess I would say that your slider works better against the righty, and your curveball should work better against the lefty. Like I said, change up, I like when it works against both sides. James Shields outstanding, Kyle Hendricks outstanding, Alex Cobb outstanding. To get underneath the right handed hitter. Proliferation of elevated fastballs being thrown, which really causes I say, right on right, you're trying to really get over top of that ball. A lot of times that leaves a hole underneath. You find where the hole is, and if the holes underneath the right handed hitter, a right handed changeup is devastating to that particular hitter if you if you could move it down and down and in. Alex Cobb, Kyle Hendrix, James Shills were really good at this particular pitch.

We talked about that Skins wanting to add a pitch this year. See here's what I always wanted to do too with But all my guys, you have all these different pitches, right breaking balls. Let's says breaking ball specifically, which works better against if your right hand? Which works better against the lefty? Which works better against the righty? Fat? I guess I would say that your slider works better against the righty, and your curveball should work better against the lefty. Like I said, change up, I like when it works against both sides. James Shields outstanding, Kyle Hendricks outstanding, Alex Cobb outstanding. To get underneath the right handed hitter. Proliferation of elevated fastballs being thrown, which really causes I say, right on right, you're trying to really get over top of that ball. A lot of times that leaves a hole underneath. You find where the hole is, and if the holes underneath the right handed hitter, a right handed changeup is devastating to that particular hitter if you if you could move it down and down and in. Alex Cobb, Kyle Hendrix, James Shills were really good at this particular pitch.

So identify, just don't throw a bunch of pitches.

So identify, just don't throw a bunch of pitches.

What do I do well against the writing, and what do I do well against the lefty. The cutter to me, to me is more more, should be more of an opposite side pitch, and I like it When it's elevated. In Mariano Rivera, it was like a buzz stop. Left handers couldn't get to it because it would just cut in. It would be about bell time, maybe a little bit.

What do I do well against the writing, and what do I do well against the lefty. The cutter to me, to me is more more, should be more of an opposite side pitch, and I like it When it's elevated. In Mariano Rivera, it was like a buzz stop. Left handers couldn't get to it because it would just cut in. It would be about bell time, maybe a little bit.

Better than that.

Better than that.

Nothing you can do with it, not a thing you can do with it. So the figure that out first, and I have to believe people are smart enough to understand that. But that would be where I would begin with all my pitches too, left you hit left, your right handed pitcher versus the lefty versus writing, Where does the shape of my break and ball work best against these guys? And not try to force the round peg into the square hole? Whatever? What works best? Based on this? And how do I see the plate? How do I see hitters? And then also just let's start getting deeper into ballgames whatever? How do we get deeper into a ball games? Is it even discussed? I could go on on, man, these are the things that I'd like. I'm not around enough to see it firsthand, which I really wish I was. This is stuff that I see on occasion when I'm watching a game, I like to be on the field.

Nothing you can do with it, not a thing you can do with it. So the figure that out first, and I have to believe people are smart enough to understand that. But that would be where I would begin with all my pitches too, left you hit left, your right handed pitcher versus the lefty versus writing, Where does the shape of my break and ball work best against these guys? And not try to force the round peg into the square hole? Whatever? What works best? Based on this? And how do I see the plate? How do I see hitters? And then also just let's start getting deeper into ballgames whatever? How do we get deeper into a ball games? Is it even discussed? I could go on on, man, these are the things that I'd like. I'm not around enough to see it firsthand, which I really wish I was. This is stuff that I see on occasion when I'm watching a game, I like to be on the field.

I like to.

I like to.

Scout, like use my scouting ie to really tell you exactly how I feel. But this is what I believe in right here. I would start from these premise and then it would work from there.

Scout, like use my scouting ie to really tell you exactly how I feel. But this is what I believe in right here. I would start from these premise and then it would work from there.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I almost think of it as designer pitching, right you know. Yeah, people just want to design pitches, and as I said, it's hard to do to execute it as good as it looks on paper. But I think given the technology and the tools, people are really into that now and real quickly. Joe in twenty fifteen, so ten years ago, hitters would see fifty seven percent fastballs. That number this year, ten years later is down to forty seven percent. It's the lowest percentage ever. So we'll keep an eye on the Marlins. As I mentioned, the Red Sox did this last year and their ERA went up a full run in the second half of the season. The Marlins are already starting from the worst ERA in the league.

I almost think of it as designer pitching, right you know. Yeah, people just want to design pitches, and as I said, it's hard to do to execute it as good as it looks on paper. But I think given the technology and the tools, people are really into that now and real quickly. Joe in twenty fifteen, so ten years ago, hitters would see fifty seven percent fastballs. That number this year, ten years later is down to forty seven percent. It's the lowest percentage ever. So we'll keep an eye on the Marlins. As I mentioned, the Red Sox did this last year and their ERA went up a full run in the second half of the season. The Marlins are already starting from the worst ERA in the league.

So we'll see how that develops when we come back.

So we'll see how that develops when we come back.

I am just about ready to write off the Baltimore Orioles.

I am just about ready to write off the Baltimore Orioles.

I want to see if Joe Madden agrees with me on this. We'll do that right after this at.