The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeartRadio.

The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeartRadio.

Hey Darreon, Welcome Back.

Hey Darreon, Welcome Back.

It's the Book of Joe Podcast with Me, Tom Berducci, and Joe Madden. Hey Joe, There's a lot going on, So I'm going to give you basically our lineup for today. We're going to talk about the best pitcher in baseball, the best team in baseball, and the best prospect in baseball.

It's the Book of Joe Podcast with Me, Tom Berducci, and Joe Madden. Hey Joe, There's a lot going on, So I'm going to give you basically our lineup for today. We're going to talk about the best pitcher in baseball, the best team in baseball, and the best prospect in baseball.

It's not okay with you at lineup?

It's not okay with you at lineup?

Yeah, I like the best.

Yeah, I like the best.

Well, let's start with the best prospect.

Well, let's start with the best prospect.

Roman Anthony gets to the big leagues finally with the Boston Red Sox. I say finally, somewhat facetiously. He just turned twenty one years old, I mean three years ago. The dude is graduating from high school down in Florida, and people have been clamoring for this kid to get to the big leagues and just tear it up the minor leagues.

Roman Anthony gets to the big leagues finally with the Boston Red Sox. I say finally, somewhat facetiously. He just turned twenty one years old, I mean three years ago. The dude is graduating from high school down in Florida, and people have been clamoring for this kid to get to the big leagues and just tear it up the minor leagues.

And you can see why, Joe.

And you can see why, Joe.

I'm not sure if you caught his buwed last night, but it was pretty darn and impressive to watch this kid walk into Fenway Park. I mean, think about this, Joe. You're twenty one and as you step to the play at Fenway. You're getting a standing ovation. People have been waiting for you to get there and save this team that's been foundering. Not that that's going to be his job, but just because he's a great player, a great prospect, great talent, people have been waiting for him. He steps in there and listen, he had an RBI and a walk. He is the youngest Red Sox player ever to debut with an RBI and a walk. So that tells you something about how comfortably he was in the game.

I'm not sure if you caught his buwed last night, but it was pretty darn and impressive to watch this kid walk into Fenway Park. I mean, think about this, Joe. You're twenty one and as you step to the play at Fenway. You're getting a standing ovation. People have been waiting for you to get there and save this team that's been foundering. Not that that's going to be his job, but just because he's a great player, a great prospect, great talent, people have been waiting for him. He steps in there and listen, he had an RBI and a walk. He is the youngest Red Sox player ever to debut with an RBI and a walk. So that tells you something about how comfortably he was in the game.

Wasn't a headline, you know, home run.

Wasn't a headline, you know, home run.

Walk off, whatever, But I thought, just looking at the body language, Joe, I really like the look of this kid.

Walk off, whatever, But I thought, just looking at the body language, Joe, I really like the look of this kid.

Yeah, I was reading about him. I didn't actually see it, but I did read about it. And as you're setting that whole thing up, I'm thinking about myself, you know, to be at that age to walk into Fenway, but that kind of poise. I mean, that's the thing about these young guys, is they get there. The difference. I think there's more of the twenty one types that get to the big leagues and are able to handle the stage in a sense.

Yeah, I was reading about him. I didn't actually see it, but I did read about it. And as you're setting that whole thing up, I'm thinking about myself, you know, to be at that age to walk into Fenway, but that kind of poise. I mean, that's the thing about these young guys, is they get there. The difference. I think there's more of the twenty one types that get to the big leagues and are able to handle the stage in a sense.

Not overwhelmed. I don't know if that where that comes from.

Not overwhelmed. I don't know if that where that comes from.

Necessarily Is it the part of the way we're raising them these days.

Necessarily Is it the part of the way we're raising them these days.

Is it social media?

Is it social media?

Is it being asked to do more media type things at a younger age. Is it a I mean this and I think a good way of sense of entitlement. I don't know, but the way they're able to a lot of these young guys able to handle this, based on my memory of how I would not have handled it, I don't think nearly as well. As these guys have obviously overarching talent, having confidence in your ability being good. I mean, that's obviously the guy's good. But nevertheless, beyond all that, I'm a poised guy, I'm a makeup guy. I'm a character guy when it comes to evaluating my young players. So beyond all of his physical abilities, which are ominous obviously, but the his ability to handle the moment, to me, that's what stands out about him and a lot of the other young players involved. So when I see in that and the way he set it up, like I said, that was my first thought. So that's that would be the reason why he's going to be very good. Is this thing that he's got within himself that I belong here, I can do this, I should be here. I'm a Red Sox. That's gonna be the difference maker for him.

Is it being asked to do more media type things at a younger age. Is it a I mean this and I think a good way of sense of entitlement. I don't know, but the way they're able to a lot of these young guys able to handle this, based on my memory of how I would not have handled it, I don't think nearly as well. As these guys have obviously overarching talent, having confidence in your ability being good. I mean, that's obviously the guy's good. But nevertheless, beyond all that, I'm a poised guy, I'm a makeup guy. I'm a character guy when it comes to evaluating my young players. So beyond all of his physical abilities, which are ominous obviously, but the his ability to handle the moment, to me, that's what stands out about him and a lot of the other young players involved. So when I see in that and the way he set it up, like I said, that was my first thought. So that's that would be the reason why he's going to be very good. Is this thing that he's got within himself that I belong here, I can do this, I should be here. I'm a Red Sox. That's gonna be the difference maker for him.

Joe, I'm glad you brought that up. I've noticed that as well. I think it's an interesting point.

Joe, I'm glad you brought that up. I've noticed that as well. I think it's an interesting point.

I think young players, and this is guy's very young in terms of age, get to the big leagues and they are not overwhelmed those old stories that hey, wait until you see the third deck.

I think young players, and this is guy's very young in terms of age, get to the big leagues and they are not overwhelmed those old stories that hey, wait until you see the third deck.

Of a stadium. Well, most of these guys are playing in.

Of a stadium. Well, most of these guys are playing in.

Big ballparks and showcases and events and their whole lives.

Big ballparks and showcases and events and their whole lives.

It's not long, but that is the environment.

It's not long, but that is the environment.

They play, a pressurized environment in which all eyes are on them, like nobody comes up through the shadows anymore, especially if you're that kind of level talent. So and I think it is I think you want to something, you know, socially, societally, these players are used to being in the spotlight. Everybody's got a camera. Now we get that. They're comfortable. I don't see these young players overwhelmed. I don't see a need to protect players and the other thing, Joe, and you know this really well, the clubhouse environment has changed one thousand degrees. I mean it used to be you got to the big leagues, you had to pay your dues, You had to fetch coffee for guys. You weren't supposed to say anything unless somebody spoke to you. You were made to do demeaning things, whether it's carrying the pink backpack to the bullpen or getting the beers on the bus, which doesn't happen anymore at all. That's how rookies were treated, right, And I think it changed in the course of your managing career, Joe, where a young player got to the big leagues and the veterans finally realized, first of all, it's just a proper humane thing to do right, treat people like human beings.

They play, a pressurized environment in which all eyes are on them, like nobody comes up through the shadows anymore, especially if you're that kind of level talent. So and I think it is I think you want to something, you know, socially, societally, these players are used to being in the spotlight. Everybody's got a camera. Now we get that. They're comfortable. I don't see these young players overwhelmed. I don't see a need to protect players and the other thing, Joe, and you know this really well, the clubhouse environment has changed one thousand degrees. I mean it used to be you got to the big leagues, you had to pay your dues, You had to fetch coffee for guys. You weren't supposed to say anything unless somebody spoke to you. You were made to do demeaning things, whether it's carrying the pink backpack to the bullpen or getting the beers on the bus, which doesn't happen anymore at all. That's how rookies were treated, right, And I think it changed in the course of your managing career, Joe, where a young player got to the big leagues and the veterans finally realized, first of all, it's just a proper humane thing to do right, treat people like human beings.

But I think they also realized, hey, for us.

But I think they also realized, hey, for us.

To win, these young players have to be as comfortable as they can possibly be, So why make them uncomfortable. It made no sense that old school, you know, break them in a hard kind of attitude. And I think that's gone, and I think, well, I know baseball and these young players are better for it.

To win, these young players have to be as comfortable as they can possibly be, So why make them uncomfortable. It made no sense that old school, you know, break them in a hard kind of attitude. And I think that's gone, and I think, well, I know baseball and these young players are better for it.

As you started that, I wrote the word conversation. Then I wrote the word hazing down, and then I were dress code. After that, the conversation is completely different. You're on hundred percent right. I remember specifically, even as a young coach coming up when I was forty, I was. I was absolutely intimidated by all of that. And yeah, the third dec at Yankee Stadium was ominous, the real Yankee Stadium.

As you started that, I wrote the word conversation. Then I wrote the word hazing down, and then I were dress code. After that, the conversation is completely different. You're on hundred percent right. I remember specifically, even as a young coach coming up when I was forty, I was. I was absolutely intimidated by all of that. And yeah, the third dec at Yankee Stadium was ominous, the real Yankee Stadium.

And then on top of that, even.

And then on top of that, even.

Though I had spent my time in the minor leagues as a young coach, still written a little bit by you know, some veteran coaches as an example, and some of the players themselves that had a longer list of achievement. You had to prove yourself to these guys. There wasn't just there wasn't like this acceptance without any kind of proof that you belong there. You just you were accepted. Now, hazing thing was big. I mean it was the guys were meant or made to ride in the bathroom on the bus as you're going to and from a ballpark as an example, no good. The thing I wrote the dress code for. That was one of the things I picked up on when I became a manager. I wanted to get rid of dress codes. I thought that was an intimidating factor. Young guys come up, can't afford the clothes that these other guys could afford, and all of a sudden. You're supposed to dress in a certain way to and from the ballpark on airplanes in buses, but nobody could possibly see you.

Though I had spent my time in the minor leagues as a young coach, still written a little bit by you know, some veteran coaches as an example, and some of the players themselves that had a longer list of achievement. You had to prove yourself to these guys. There wasn't just there wasn't like this acceptance without any kind of proof that you belong there. You just you were accepted. Now, hazing thing was big. I mean it was the guys were meant or made to ride in the bathroom on the bus as you're going to and from a ballpark as an example, no good. The thing I wrote the dress code for. That was one of the things I picked up on when I became a manager. I wanted to get rid of dress codes. I thought that was an intimidating factor. Young guys come up, can't afford the clothes that these other guys could afford, and all of a sudden. You're supposed to dress in a certain way to and from the ballpark on airplanes in buses, but nobody could possibly see you.

And I felt the pressure of having to try to dress a.

And I felt the pressure of having to try to dress a.

Certain way where I really I mean, I didn't get a penny raise when I went from the minor leagues to the big leagues as a coach, and you have a having a place to live in both California and in Arizona at the same time, your kids, your family's back there, so that your money's even divided further and you can't afford anything. There's all these stressors involved that nobody ever takes into account. I remember them vividly, man, and these are the things that are my hang ups. When I first got to the big leagues as a coach, and then finally I got to the point and talked about this the I be longer, I can do this thing. I talked about the five levels of being a professional, and even as a young coach I had to get past.

Certain way where I really I mean, I didn't get a penny raise when I went from the minor leagues to the big leagues as a coach, and you have a having a place to live in both California and in Arizona at the same time, your kids, your family's back there, so that your money's even divided further and you can't afford anything. There's all these stressors involved that nobody ever takes into account. I remember them vividly, man, and these are the things that are my hang ups. When I first got to the big leagues as a coach, and then finally I got to the point and talked about this the I be longer, I can do this thing. I talked about the five levels of being a professional, and even as a young coach I had to get past.

I was happy to be there.

I was happy to be there.

Then I got to survival, which is really crazy, man, because you're just trying to not upset anybody.

Then I got to survival, which is really crazy, man, because you're just trying to not upset anybody.

And finally RVE at that point, you see he said, Man, I could do this.

And finally RVE at that point, you see he said, Man, I could do this.

The higher up I thought I got, the more confident I became eventually, because I saw what the competition was like regarding other people that were trying to do the same job. I was so all these were contributing factors regarding keeping you down, and like you're talking about keeping you down were today you sache in there, man, And it's completely different the old school methods of like you're saying, acclimatizing, these guys are breaking them in.

The higher up I thought I got, the more confident I became eventually, because I saw what the competition was like regarding other people that were trying to do the same job. I was so all these were contributing factors regarding keeping you down, and like you're talking about keeping you down were today you sache in there, man, And it's completely different the old school methods of like you're saying, acclimatizing, these guys are breaking them in.

It no longer exists. And I agree with you. I never liked it.

It no longer exists. And I agree with you. I never liked it.

My way of fighting against it was eradicating dress codes. But they did. They did thwart development. I absolutely believe that. And I think there's like you just suggested that that's not a hurdle anymore.

My way of fighting against it was eradicating dress codes. But they did. They did thwart development. I absolutely believe that. And I think there's like you just suggested that that's not a hurdle anymore.

Like it had been.

Like it had been.

Yeah, no, listen, I saw it, never liked it.

Yeah, no, listen, I saw it, never liked it.

I saw Bernie Williams break in with the Yankees and get hazed by Mill Hall because Bernie was just the sweetheart of a guy.

I saw Bernie Williams break in with the Yankees and get hazed by Mill Hall because Bernie was just the sweetheart of a guy.

That's what he held against him.

That's what he held against him.

I saw Greg Jefferies get folded into a veterans Mets team and they sort of rejected him because he was a guy who would cleaned his bats after every game with alcohol and make sure there were no marks on it, and travel in a special case.

I saw Greg Jefferies get folded into a veterans Mets team and they sort of rejected him because he was a guy who would cleaned his bats after every game with alcohol and make sure there were no marks on it, and travel in a special case.

They didn't like that.

They didn't like that.

Those days are over with as well. They should be so good riddance to those. Let's talk about the baseball side of things with Roman Anthony.

Those days are over with as well. They should be so good riddance to those. Let's talk about the baseball side of things with Roman Anthony.

Joe. He played four games in the minor leagues this year in right field.

Joe. He played four games in the minor leagues this year in right field.

He has played only seventeen of his professional games in right field.

He has played only seventeen of his professional games in right field.

He's a great athlete.

He's a great athlete.

I'm gonna say he can't play right field, but for his major league debut, the Red Sox start him in right field, which is the toughest right field in baseball.

I'm gonna say he can't play right field, but for his major league debut, the Red Sox start him in right field, which is the toughest right field in baseball.

He did make an error.

He did make an error.

There was a ball hit to him that's kind of skidded to him and just poor footwork. Really, there's no other reason, another way to put this. He should have stopped the ball.

There was a ball hit to him that's kind of skidded to him and just poor footwork. Really, there's no other reason, another way to put this. He should have stopped the ball.

He didn't. It's rare you see a ball get through.

He didn't. It's rare you see a ball get through.

An out fielder in the major leagues. You know that Joe, this one got underneath him all the way to the wall. I would rather see Jaron Durant in right field and Anthony left field.

An out fielder in the major leagues. You know that Joe, this one got underneath him all the way to the wall. I would rather see Jaron Durant in right field and Anthony left field.

What do you think he had played? Where was his most of his upbring?

What do you think he had played? Where was his most of his upbring?

Mostly in left field?

Mostly in left field?

Yeah, he can play center too, and he's a good defender, sure I get it, but I want my better defender, especially in fenway and right field, and Jared Durant to me, is the better defender.

Yeah, he can play center too, and he's a good defender, sure I get it, but I want my better defender, especially in fenway and right field, and Jared Durant to me, is the better defender.

No question I mean.

No question I mean.

And the other thing is I mean, you have to understand on the other side of the field, the ball reacts completely differently, and you have to, as a former outfield instructor, to very simply put, whatever side you're on, always understand one thing. The ball is gonna curve to the line, whether you're in left field the right field. It slice from a left, the hook from ariety, and vice versa. And you have to know that center field the easiest position to play among the three regarding just reading balls off the back, because the ball is normally straight, it may have some carry. Those are the kind of things that you have to get used to. But on the corners, ball is gonna sliceer hook depends on the right your left handed hitter. So your first step always you have to understand the movement when the ball comes off the bat. How this thing's gonna like I said, slice or hook number one. So if you're constantly playing on the other side of the field, you go to the other side to the right field side. Now it's different the reaction to the ball off the bat, and you got to get used to that. And now it's not rocket science. I understand that, but it's different. And so I'm sure he's as good as you were talking about, and I absolutely believe that he'll get over that. But in the beginning, it's weird. And whether it's a guy going from short to second base, third base to second base, whatever, the game presents differently, and when it presents differently, your mind look looks at it differently and it takes a little bit of adjustment period. So yeah, right field, Fenway, you want your best defender. Although they're probably maybe they were worried about the left field wall, maybe it was analytically conspired based on their lineup, but where the ball may be hit.

And the other thing is I mean, you have to understand on the other side of the field, the ball reacts completely differently, and you have to, as a former outfield instructor, to very simply put, whatever side you're on, always understand one thing. The ball is gonna curve to the line, whether you're in left field the right field. It slice from a left, the hook from ariety, and vice versa. And you have to know that center field the easiest position to play among the three regarding just reading balls off the back, because the ball is normally straight, it may have some carry. Those are the kind of things that you have to get used to. But on the corners, ball is gonna sliceer hook depends on the right your left handed hitter. So your first step always you have to understand the movement when the ball comes off the bat. How this thing's gonna like I said, slice or hook number one. So if you're constantly playing on the other side of the field, you go to the other side to the right field side. Now it's different the reaction to the ball off the bat, and you got to get used to that. And now it's not rocket science. I understand that, but it's different. And so I'm sure he's as good as you were talking about, and I absolutely believe that he'll get over that. But in the beginning, it's weird. And whether it's a guy going from short to second base, third base to second base, whatever, the game presents differently, and when it presents differently, your mind look looks at it differently and it takes a little bit of adjustment period. So yeah, right field, Fenway, you want your best defender. Although they're probably maybe they were worried about the left field wall, maybe it was analytically conspired based on their lineup, but where the ball may be hit.

I know when we.

I know when we.

Played the Pirates in Pittsburgh in some formidable years, we put Schoreburn right a postal left because of the size and the girth of left field and Pittsburgh. So I've done that before based on the field and competency of the outfield that moving them back and forth. But like you said, he'll get it, but it's completely different coming off the bat.

Played the Pirates in Pittsburgh in some formidable years, we put Schoreburn right a postal left because of the size and the girth of left field and Pittsburgh. So I've done that before based on the field and competency of the outfield that moving them back and forth. But like you said, he'll get it, but it's completely different coming off the bat.

Yeah, I just don't like the idea.

Yeah, I just don't like the idea.

You only had him four games in Triple A this year at right field, and now it's you know, he's out there before his major league debut taking balls in that right field corner at Fenway Park.

You only had him four games in Triple A this year at right field, and now it's you know, he's out there before his major league debut taking balls in that right field corner at Fenway Park.

Just one more thing to add to his day. That didn't love that.

Just one more thing to add to his day. That didn't love that.

Now in the box, his setup reminds me a lot of Christian Yelich and show Hey o Tani.

Now in the box, his setup reminds me a lot of Christian Yelich and show Hey o Tani.

He's very erect. He's got his hands held high.

He's very erect. He's got his hands held high.

Uh.

Uh.

It looks to me Joe like he's guy. He's gonna he's just gonna.

It looks to me Joe like he's guy. He's gonna he's just gonna.

Murder the ball up like show Hey. The way to get him out is going to be soft down. That's what I see from him.

Murder the ball up like show Hey. The way to get him out is going to be soft down. That's what I see from him.

I look at his.

I look at his.

Load and show Hey and yellis a little bit shorter with the load. Roman brings his hands down a little bit and has them a little bit behind them, whereas show Hey and Yelly are not going to take their hands behind them where they disappear behind the back. Not a big deal. This guy can absolutely match the ball. He'd a line drive last night one hundred and eleven miles per hour. The Red Sox team this year has hit only twenty balls one hundred and eleven miles per hour. Hit a home run on Triple A eight one hundred and fifteen miles per hour. Average Eason Bila was ninety five. This guy has got real, real power, and I guarantee you he's going to hit the ball up in the strike zone. And that's the other thing, Joe and I forget who the batter was, but I remember somebody came up to the major leagues with the Cubs from the minor leagues who was a dead fastball hitter. Immediately they fed him nothing but breaking stuff. You know, the old days of you know, let's see if this guy can hit major league velocity.

Load and show Hey and yellis a little bit shorter with the load. Roman brings his hands down a little bit and has them a little bit behind them, whereas show Hey and Yelly are not going to take their hands behind them where they disappear behind the back. Not a big deal. This guy can absolutely match the ball. He'd a line drive last night one hundred and eleven miles per hour. The Red Sox team this year has hit only twenty balls one hundred and eleven miles per hour. Hit a home run on Triple A eight one hundred and fifteen miles per hour. Average Eason Bila was ninety five. This guy has got real, real power, and I guarantee you he's going to hit the ball up in the strike zone. And that's the other thing, Joe and I forget who the batter was, but I remember somebody came up to the major leagues with the Cubs from the minor leagues who was a dead fastball hitter. Immediately they fed him nothing but breaking stuff. You know, the old days of you know, let's see if this guy can hit major league velocity.

Gone.

Gone.

You talk about respect. The Rays last night, through Roman Anthony eighteen pitches, they threw him only three fastballs in the zone fifty five percent of the pitches they threw this kid making his major league debut, or spin fifty five percent, And to his crew it he only chased two pitches. Both were fastballs that were actually just borderline fastballs, really not bad, so really good to swing decisions. But the respect Tampa Bay showed this kid tells you the world of information. Yes, it's in the minor leagues. Everybody's got the info and the respect for this kid. It was obvious in day one of the big leagues that was Robel.

You talk about respect. The Rays last night, through Roman Anthony eighteen pitches, they threw him only three fastballs in the zone fifty five percent of the pitches they threw this kid making his major league debut, or spin fifty five percent, And to his crew it he only chased two pitches. Both were fastballs that were actually just borderline fastballs, really not bad, so really good to swing decisions. But the respect Tampa Bay showed this kid tells you the world of information. Yes, it's in the minor leagues. Everybody's got the info and the respect for this kid. It was obvious in day one of the big leagues that was Robel.

Robel Robel? Was it Robel Garcia?

Robel Robel? Was it Robel Garcia?

Yes, exactly right. I couldn't believe it.

Yes, exactly right. I couldn't believe it.

Kid steps in and they're spinning the ball, spit of the ball, spit of the ball.

Kid steps in and they're spinning the ball, spit of the ball, spit of the ball.

I had been alerted to that he had been playing in Italy, and I'll tell you what, he had a couple home runs on fastballs. Their suckers are still going. But he comes up and his first at bat was, like you said, nothing but breaking balls. Items to be at least I would say weeks or maybe a month of a period in time when the guy gets called up, that at least he could feast on a pitch that he likes. Because the scott and report hasn't caught up yet. But these Scotty reports precede these guys as they get there. That's right, That's exactly what's going to happen. That is the world that we live in. And those are the adjustments these guys have to make right out of the right out of the womb. Because again, it normally took some time for people to catch up but they're caught up the moment these guys land on the Fenway Park field.

I had been alerted to that he had been playing in Italy, and I'll tell you what, he had a couple home runs on fastballs. Their suckers are still going. But he comes up and his first at bat was, like you said, nothing but breaking balls. Items to be at least I would say weeks or maybe a month of a period in time when the guy gets called up, that at least he could feast on a pitch that he likes. Because the scott and report hasn't caught up yet. But these Scotty reports precede these guys as they get there. That's right, That's exactly what's going to happen. That is the world that we live in. And those are the adjustments these guys have to make right out of the right out of the womb. Because again, it normally took some time for people to catch up but they're caught up the moment these guys land on the Fenway Park field.

Here's the other thing, Joe, this is a managerial check, and I really want interested in your opinion. Of course, you know these managers have more information than we do. Let's start with that. We know that, not second guessing Alex Corey here. I'm just I want to talk through the options here. You're batting this kid fifth for his major league debut.

Here's the other thing, Joe, this is a managerial check, and I really want interested in your opinion. Of course, you know these managers have more information than we do. Let's start with that. We know that, not second guessing Alex Corey here. I'm just I want to talk through the options here. You're batting this kid fifth for his major league debut.

That alone tells you how much confidence you have with this kid.

That alone tells you how much confidence you have with this kid.

We get to the eleventh inning, the Red Sox are down two runs. You have the automatic runner on second base, and there's a left handed pitcher on the mound. Alex core A pinch hits for Roman Anthony with Rob Refsnyder. Now ref Snyder is in the big leagues because he hits left handed pitching. He's lugging over five hundred against them.

We get to the eleventh inning, the Red Sox are down two runs. You have the automatic runner on second base, and there's a left handed pitcher on the mound. Alex core A pinch hits for Roman Anthony with Rob Refsnyder. Now ref Snyder is in the big leagues because he hits left handed pitching. He's lugging over five hundred against them.

I get that.

I get that.

The pitcher on the mound, the lefty, was Ian Seymour, who was making his major league debut. In other words, a couple of days ago, he was in the minor leagues with Roman Anthony.

The pitcher on the mound, the lefty, was Ian Seymour, who was making his major league debut. In other words, a couple of days ago, he was in the minor leagues with Roman Anthony.

I understand.

I understand.

You know you're looking the juice of ball over the wall there tied game, and Rob Refsneider did get a walk out on base, so now you've got the time runs on base. I just don't like the idea. I've got my fifth place hitter making his major league debut. I never want him looking over his shoulder late in the game to see if the manager has confidence in me against the lefty, and I'll go back to I saw Rafael Devers in the fifteenth game he ever played in the big leagues at the age of twenty, stepped in in the ninth inning, down one run against a Roldis Chapman, took the bat and hit a home run off a pitch that was one oh two point eight miles per hour. Rafael Devers never looked over his shoulder. I just don't like the idea for the top prospect. I'm gonna say any young prospect of saying it's all right, we're gonna have the right to take this at bat for you.

You know you're looking the juice of ball over the wall there tied game, and Rob Refsneider did get a walk out on base, so now you've got the time runs on base. I just don't like the idea. I've got my fifth place hitter making his major league debut. I never want him looking over his shoulder late in the game to see if the manager has confidence in me against the lefty, and I'll go back to I saw Rafael Devers in the fifteenth game he ever played in the big leagues at the age of twenty, stepped in in the ninth inning, down one run against a Roldis Chapman, took the bat and hit a home run off a pitch that was one oh two point eight miles per hour. Rafael Devers never looked over his shoulder. I just don't like the idea for the top prospect. I'm gonna say any young prospect of saying it's all right, we're gonna have the right to take this at bat for you.

What do you think, yeah, mud, Yes, I mean listen, I don't second guess guys. There's always reasons apparently, but no way, I'm thinking that's like Longo comes up, I'm gonna pinch it for Longo late in the ball game with the Rays back in oakb comes up first couple at bats, I'm going to pitch it.

What do you think, yeah, mud, Yes, I mean listen, I don't second guess guys. There's always reasons apparently, but no way, I'm thinking that's like Longo comes up, I'm gonna pinch it for Longo late in the ball game with the Rays back in oakb comes up first couple at bats, I'm going to pitch it.

For KB plate in the game. You don't do it. You just don't do it.

For KB plate in the game. You don't do it. You just don't do it.

I mean, that's the I think the potential negative effects are greater than the positives. Rest night are walking whatever. But this guy's got to know that. You believe he's a guy, he got his back, he's there for he's there for a reason.

I mean, that's the I think the potential negative effects are greater than the positives. Rest night are walking whatever. But this guy's got to know that. You believe he's a guy, he got his back, he's there for he's there for a reason.

My god, I don't know. I don't I don't get that one.

My god, I don't know. I don't I don't get that one.

Quite frankly, I could say with the assuredness I would never have done that, because it's just the negative components of that really exponentially outweigh what's going to happen positively in that one particular game.

Quite frankly, I could say with the assuredness I would never have done that, because it's just the negative components of that really exponentially outweigh what's going to happen positively in that one particular game.

I don't know this kid. He's probably pretty tough.

I don't know this kid. He's probably pretty tough.

I would imagine this, But maybe there was a conversation with the batting instructor. I'm sure the batting coach with this kid after as the as refsnyders going up to the plate, this conversation is taking place.

I would imagine this, But maybe there was a conversation with the batting instructor. I'm sure the batting coach with this kid after as the as refsnyders going up to the plate, this conversation is taking place.

But yeah, I don't know. I don't I don't see the positive there at all.

But yeah, I don't know. I don't I don't see the positive there at all.

By the way, he hit three sixty seven against lefties and the miners.

By the way, he hit three sixty seven against lefties and the miners.

Yeah, well he's gonna do that. I mean, listen, it's it doesn't not even knowing that. I mean when you pet when you have left these like that minor league development wise and coming up. He's a guy exactly, and I would like, you know, I'm when I said, run the minor leagues. There's no way I would permit one of my managers to pinch it for a guy like that.

Yeah, well he's gonna do that. I mean, listen, it's it doesn't not even knowing that. I mean when you pet when you have left these like that minor league development wise and coming up. He's a guy exactly, and I would like, you know, I'm when I said, run the minor leagues. There's no way I would permit one of my managers to pinch it for a guy like that.

I had.

I had.

This was like that early on with Jimmy Edmonds Jarff Phillips, two good leftenant hitters.

This was like that early on with Jimmy Edmonds Jarff Phillips, two good leftenant hitters.

Both maybe to the big leagues.

Both maybe to the big leagues.

Of course, everybody remembers Jimmy, and even to the point where one of my managers wanted a bat him lower in the batting order they were struggling. I said, no, we're not doing that. We're not going to put Jimmy eighth or ninth or seventh. And the same thing with Charlie Phillips j R. Ain't happening. That's not where they're going to hit. I don't want their confidence shattered they're at all, especially on the minor league level.

Of course, everybody remembers Jimmy, and even to the point where one of my managers wanted a bat him lower in the batting order they were struggling. I said, no, we're not doing that. We're not going to put Jimmy eighth or ninth or seventh. And the same thing with Charlie Phillips j R. Ain't happening. That's not where they're going to hit. I don't want their confidence shattered they're at all, especially on the minor league level.

So even came down to that for me, I did not.

So even came down to that for me, I did not.

Want the better players left on left uh put down there now I didn't mind obviously back then, even you know, if the guys the stuff, you know, organizational kind of guy and you're trying to win the game. And that was the other thing I took the wraps off them in August, last month of the season, where I would say, go ahead and try to win the game. You know, you don't have to play as much for development. But there was certain untouchables, and it just like I said, psychologically, the devastation to that guy could be a lot more greater than just an out or losing a minor league baseball game. And in this situation, we'll see it plays out over the next week or so. I bet she doesn't do it again. That'd be my bet.

Want the better players left on left uh put down there now I didn't mind obviously back then, even you know, if the guys the stuff, you know, organizational kind of guy and you're trying to win the game. And that was the other thing I took the wraps off them in August, last month of the season, where I would say, go ahead and try to win the game. You know, you don't have to play as much for development. But there was certain untouchables, and it just like I said, psychologically, the devastation to that guy could be a lot more greater than just an out or losing a minor league baseball game. And in this situation, we'll see it plays out over the next week or so. I bet she doesn't do it again. That'd be my bet.

Yeah, And listen, everything that I've heard about this kid, the character is off the charts.

Yeah, And listen, everything that I've heard about this kid, the character is off the charts.

I mean, he's very composed.

I mean, he's very composed.

We saw that, as we mentioned in his comfort level, his swing decisions, everything, body language.

We saw that, as we mentioned in his comfort level, his swing decisions, everything, body language.

Last night. I wouldn't worry about what it does to him.

Last night. I wouldn't worry about what it does to him.

I just think sometimes chasing those incremental edges strategically within a game, you've got to look beyond that and just messaging to your top prospect, the top prospect in baseball in that case, to me is more important.

I just think sometimes chasing those incremental edges strategically within a game, you've got to look beyond that and just messaging to your top prospect, the top prospect in baseball in that case, to me is more important.

Well, it's also going to create some kind of a little bit of a conversation within the clubhouse, one of those like little innuendo field conversations that you don't need, especially with the fact that the Red Sox are like struggling. To Ben, I would almost believe that part of the decision making right there was the fact that they're sub five hundred right now. There's there's a lot of little things items going on within that decision making, but the conversation created from that moment within the clubhouse is never good.

Well, it's also going to create some kind of a little bit of a conversation within the clubhouse, one of those like little innuendo field conversations that you don't need, especially with the fact that the Red Sox are like struggling. To Ben, I would almost believe that part of the decision making right there was the fact that they're sub five hundred right now. There's there's a lot of little things items going on within that decision making, but the conversation created from that moment within the clubhouse is never good.

By the way, this weekend at the Fens, it is Yankees, Red Sox, the Roman Empire against the evil Empire.

By the way, this weekend at the Fens, it is Yankees, Red Sox, the Roman Empire against the evil Empire.

That will be his wealth, the big league moment.

That will be his wealth, the big league moment.

I love that. That's great.

I love that. That's great.

Hey, when we come back, we need to talk about Paul Skeins.

Hey, when we come back, we need to talk about Paul Skeins.

Is he the greatest pitching phenom of all time? Stick around for that right after this on the Book of Joe. Welcome back to the Book of Joe. I'm just amazed by Paul Skeins.

Is he the greatest pitching phenom of all time? Stick around for that right after this on the Book of Joe. Welcome back to the Book of Joe. I'm just amazed by Paul Skeins.

Joe.

Joe.

I mean, you've seen a lot of great.

I mean, you've seen a lot of great.

Pictures break into the big leagues, and you're and I never saw anyone better coming out.

Pictures break into the big leagues, and you're and I never saw anyone better coming out.

Of the Gate than Dwight Gooden.

Of the Gate than Dwight Gooden.

Dwight Gooden was the best pitching phenom I ever saw, and he was doing it at twenty years old.

Dwight Gooden was the best pitching phenom I ever saw, and he was doing it at twenty years old.

I mean, he was just two pitch guy, fastball, curveball.

I mean, he was just two pitch guy, fastball, curveball.

He overwhelmed major league hitters like nobody that I saw. So I have a hard time thinking that Paul Skeens or anybody is a better phenom than Dwight Gooden. Now, you can go Fernando Valenzuela, you can go Mark Fidgritch, you can go Steven Strasburg, the whole litany.

He overwhelmed major league hitters like nobody that I saw. So I have a hard time thinking that Paul Skeens or anybody is a better phenom than Dwight Gooden. Now, you can go Fernando Valenzuela, you can go Mark Fidgritch, you can go Steven Strasburg, the whole litany.

We all know the names. But I will tell you this.

We all know the names. But I will tell you this.

About Paul Skeens in his first thirty seven starts. It's all we have to go by right now, just thirty seven starts. He's a year and a month into his major league career. He has the lowest ERA of any pitcher in his first thirty seven starts, one point nine to three. He has the second highest strikeout rate of any pitcher in his first thirty seven starts. Only Steven Strasburg had a higher strikeout rate, and Strawburg already had blown out by the time he.

About Paul Skeens in his first thirty seven starts. It's all we have to go by right now, just thirty seven starts. He's a year and a month into his major league career. He has the lowest ERA of any pitcher in his first thirty seven starts, one point nine to three. He has the second highest strikeout rate of any pitcher in his first thirty seven starts. Only Steven Strasburg had a higher strikeout rate, and Strawburg already had blown out by the time he.

Made twelve starts in the big leagues.

Made twelve starts in the big leagues.

So when I watch him pitch, Joe, We're talking about a guy with seven pitches.

So when I watch him pitch, Joe, We're talking about a guy with seven pitches.

He throws his basketball in ninety eight.

He throws his basketball in ninety eight.

He has seven pitches and six of them are positive run value.

He has seven pitches and six of them are positive run value.

They're elite pitches.

They're elite pitches.

And right now, if you look at how pitching isn't the big leagues, and I always call this the three s's, it's shaping, it's sequencing, and it's spin, there's nobody doing it better than Paul Skean's.

And right now, if you look at how pitching isn't the big leagues, and I always call this the three s's, it's shaping, it's sequencing, and it's spin, there's nobody doing it better than Paul Skean's.

Now you can give me Trek School, Well, I get it.

Now you can give me Trek School, Well, I get it.

I wouldn't argue that, you know, this guy's right there, but no one's better right now than Paul Skeen. So I do think in a thirty seven game sample size, Paul Skeenes is the best pitching phenom.

I wouldn't argue that, you know, this guy's right there, but no one's better right now than Paul Skeen. So I do think in a thirty seven game sample size, Paul Skeenes is the best pitching phenom.

Ever, what do you think hard argue?

Ever, what do you think hard argue?

Right? I mean, the numbers support all of that. I watch him.

Right? I mean, the numbers support all of that. I watch him.

I mean, first of all, you know, the physical size, the deception, and his delivery. You know, I was concerned about the ways arm kind of worked when I first saw it, and then the fact that he throws like the split kind of a pitch where he splits his fingers a lot. All those things always bothered me with the young pitcher. But it just seems like he's on a different level strength wise, and the flexibility and the way he developed all this coming up through the collegiate ranks to get to the Major League's professional baseball and the major leagues. He's a different animal. I cannot disagree with that. I probably need to watch him a little bit more steadily often. However, this stuff is oppressive. It's just all like you said, And I was concerned that he's like adding too many ingredients in the mix with all these different pitches, and how that would because sometimes as you're throwing another pitcher and newer pitch, that something else that you do really well suffers. And I always was concerned about that when guys would want to do that. Pictures I had, especially with the Rays. But however, obviously he can do it. I mean, the guy just manipulates the ball so well. You Darbish does that really well, Shoiotani does that really well. These guys you could just give them a pitch before the game. I swear I saw it, and they take it into the game, and it's just that's as an additive, like walking out through the bullpen. The time that Darbish picked up Kyle Hendrick's changeup and then he brings it into the game. I was like staggering to watch this whole thing. Certain guys just have this different feel and it's all about feel.

I mean, first of all, you know, the physical size, the deception, and his delivery. You know, I was concerned about the ways arm kind of worked when I first saw it, and then the fact that he throws like the split kind of a pitch where he splits his fingers a lot. All those things always bothered me with the young pitcher. But it just seems like he's on a different level strength wise, and the flexibility and the way he developed all this coming up through the collegiate ranks to get to the Major League's professional baseball and the major leagues. He's a different animal. I cannot disagree with that. I probably need to watch him a little bit more steadily often. However, this stuff is oppressive. It's just all like you said, And I was concerned that he's like adding too many ingredients in the mix with all these different pitches, and how that would because sometimes as you're throwing another pitcher and newer pitch, that something else that you do really well suffers. And I always was concerned about that when guys would want to do that. Pictures I had, especially with the Rays. But however, obviously he can do it. I mean, the guy just manipulates the ball so well. You Darbish does that really well, Shoiotani does that really well. These guys you could just give them a pitch before the game. I swear I saw it, and they take it into the game, and it's just that's as an additive, like walking out through the bullpen. The time that Darbish picked up Kyle Hendrick's changeup and then he brings it into the game. I was like staggering to watch this whole thing. Certain guys just have this different feel and it's all about feel.

I mean, you get information, you do mechanics.

I mean, you get information, you do mechanics.

You think things through, but feel, to me is the ultimate reason why somebody's outstanding what they do. They just feel something and they're able to replicate it, repeat it more constantly than those that are pedestrian like myself. I mean, feel is what makes the world go around, I believe. So he's got this incredible feel for what he does, and then I think his workout with team being as unique as it is, he's built up this this method within his body that he's Like I said, there's a deception about it, but there's also a repeatability about it. And then this is innate feel for manipulating the ball by his fingertips. Really interesting to watch. Everybody wants one of those not easy to find.

You think things through, but feel, to me is the ultimate reason why somebody's outstanding what they do. They just feel something and they're able to replicate it, repeat it more constantly than those that are pedestrian like myself. I mean, feel is what makes the world go around, I believe. So he's got this incredible feel for what he does, and then I think his workout with team being as unique as it is, he's built up this this method within his body that he's Like I said, there's a deception about it, but there's also a repeatability about it. And then this is innate feel for manipulating the ball by his fingertips. Really interesting to watch. Everybody wants one of those not easy to find.

Yeah, you're right.

Yeah, you're right.

You mentioned you Darvish, and as you said that, I thought about David Cohne, Mike Mussina, two guys who literally El Duque Orlando Hernandez. They could almost invent pitches on the mound as they're going through the game.

You mentioned you Darvish, and as you said that, I thought about David Cohne, Mike Mussina, two guys who literally El Duque Orlando Hernandez. They could almost invent pitches on the mound as they're going through the game.

As you said, the key there is feel. So Skeens is a guy.

As you said, the key there is feel. So Skeens is a guy.

He is a physical beast, right, I mean it's he's built to pitch deep into games and he's doing that now with the governors off this year as opposed to last year. But he also has tremendous feel. I mean, the art of pitching, it doesn't get any better than what he's doing right now. You did mention, you know, the way he was kind of tinkering with some pitches. You know, spring training he sort of experimented with the cutter. That was one of his projects. I haven't seen them throw the cutter this year, which I'm happy about.

He is a physical beast, right, I mean it's he's built to pitch deep into games and he's doing that now with the governors off this year as opposed to last year. But he also has tremendous feel. I mean, the art of pitching, it doesn't get any better than what he's doing right now. You did mention, you know, the way he was kind of tinkering with some pitches. You know, spring training he sort of experimented with the cutter. That was one of his projects. I haven't seen them throw the cutter this year, which I'm happy about.

He doesn't need that pitch.

He doesn't need that pitch.

What he has added, though, is the two seamer, and it is just remarkable to watch Paul Skeen's carve up right handed hitters. Now, he's got a four steam fastball I mentioned at ninety eight that has carry at the top of his own. He's got that splinker, which is really a combination of a sinker and a split where he does split the fingers where that ball and he loves to throw it inside the Rady's drops so it goes below the barrel of the hitter. And now he's got the two seamer that runs in on the right handed hitter's hands. Now think about that, we're only talking about pretty much fastballs here. All these pitches are between ninety three and ninety eight miles an hour. So he's got the four steamer elevated with ride, he's got the splinker down that drops, and he's got the two seamer that runs in on the hands. There's no way a hitter can cover all those things. And we haven't even got to his breaking stuff yet. So I just think that Paul Skeens is on a different level than everybody else in terms of his ability to put people away.

What he has added, though, is the two seamer, and it is just remarkable to watch Paul Skeen's carve up right handed hitters. Now, he's got a four steam fastball I mentioned at ninety eight that has carry at the top of his own. He's got that splinker, which is really a combination of a sinker and a split where he does split the fingers where that ball and he loves to throw it inside the Rady's drops so it goes below the barrel of the hitter. And now he's got the two seamer that runs in on the right handed hitter's hands. Now think about that, we're only talking about pretty much fastballs here. All these pitches are between ninety three and ninety eight miles an hour. So he's got the four steamer elevated with ride, he's got the splinker down that drops, and he's got the two seamer that runs in on the hands. There's no way a hitter can cover all those things. And we haven't even got to his breaking stuff yet. So I just think that Paul Skeens is on a different level than everybody else in terms of his ability to put people away.

I mean, he.

I mean, he.

Literally has strikeouts on seven different pitches this year. There's just too much to cover well completely. You have to honor the ninety eight miles per hour. He's fun to watch pitch because he's always thinking out there, it's not here, it is hit it. He forces swing decisions because he does not spray the ball. His misses are almost always good misses. There's almost nothing you can rule out out of the hand as being non competitive.

Literally has strikeouts on seven different pitches this year. There's just too much to cover well completely. You have to honor the ninety eight miles per hour. He's fun to watch pitch because he's always thinking out there, it's not here, it is hit it. He forces swing decisions because he does not spray the ball. His misses are almost always good misses. There's almost nothing you can rule out out of the hand as being non competitive.

Just to get a chance anytime.

Just to get a chance anytime.

This guy pitches for me, it's it's musty because it's it's pitching.

This guy pitches for me, it's it's musty because it's it's pitching.

It's not just power, it's not just below.

It's not just power, it's not just below.

Agreed, and you kind of touched on it the wanting to an ability to pitch inside in general, What does his numbers look like against lefties on the inner part of the plate.

Agreed, and you kind of touched on it the wanting to an ability to pitch inside in general, What does his numbers look like against lefties on the inner part of the plate.

Do you have that information?

Do you have that information?

Uh, that's where he goes a lot with the four steamers up and end.

Uh, that's where he goes a lot with the four steamers up and end.

Okay to the lefty.

Okay to the lefty.

He's got the slider once in a while, throw there, but curveball is just okay, that's probably his seventh pitch.

He's got the slider once in a while, throw there, but curveball is just okay, that's probably his seventh pitch.

Doesn't show that a lot. That's more of it just to can get me over once in a while.

Doesn't show that a lot. That's more of it just to can get me over once in a while.

But I'd have to dive into specifically what the average Listen, nobody hits Paul Skins like everything against Paul Skins, the numbers are low, so you're looking at any kind of vulnerability. And the split splinker he generally keeps the same on arm side the entire time.

But I'd have to dive into specifically what the average Listen, nobody hits Paul Skins like everything against Paul Skins, the numbers are low, so you're looking at any kind of vulnerability. And the split splinker he generally keeps the same on arm side the entire time.

Whether it's right he's or lefties. So that's a good pitch against lefties.

Whether it's right he's or lefties. So that's a good pitch against lefties.

To exactly the down and way. I'm just curious because you're he's just dominating the inner part of the plate against the rightings. I mean the two seamer or this.

To exactly the down and way. I'm just curious because you're he's just dominating the inner part of the plate against the rightings. I mean the two seamer or this.

It's a lot like Zach Wheeler doing it.

It's a lot like Zach Wheeler doing it.

Yeah, yeah, I love that stuff. I love pitches underneath.

Yeah, yeah, I love that stuff. I love pitches underneath.

James Shields, Alex Cobb, Kyle Hendrix, all these really good change up guys, not splinkers, whatever, but guys that could dive balls underneath.

James Shields, Alex Cobb, Kyle Hendrix, all these really good change up guys, not splinkers, whatever, but guys that could dive balls underneath.

Righty's.

Righty's.

Part of the thing is as a right handed hitter, it's a little bit different now maybe, but predominantly you're really like more of a flat swing inside the ball kind of a swing. And whenever you had a flat swing underneath, this really good place to go. So that would be a lefty slider breaking ball at the back foot of a righty or a right hander that's willing to throw that change up or a sinker down and down underneath.

Part of the thing is as a right handed hitter, it's a little bit different now maybe, but predominantly you're really like more of a flat swing inside the ball kind of a swing. And whenever you had a flat swing underneath, this really good place to go. So that would be a lefty slider breaking ball at the back foot of a righty or a right hander that's willing to throw that change up or a sinker down and down underneath.

That's why guys they hate that pitch.

That's why guys they hate that pitch.

They're going if they hit it, it's going to be off their shin or they're there their big tone on the left foot. I mean, it's an uncomfortable at bat when you get guys, lot of guys power guys sometimes and they're not willing to throw inside.

They're going if they hit it, it's going to be off their shin or they're there their big tone on the left foot. I mean, it's an uncomfortable at bat when you get guys, lot of guys power guys sometimes and they're not willing to throw inside.

At least a.

At least a.

Hitter is willing to and can look more away, which helps him a little bit. But when you're when you're able to pound that inner edge of the plate, it opens up so much. And so again, you're right, he's a thinking kind of a guy. Is not just a thrower. He has ability to pitch with all kinds of magnificent weapons.

Hitter is willing to and can look more away, which helps him a little bit. But when you're when you're able to pound that inner edge of the plate, it opens up so much. And so again, you're right, he's a thinking kind of a guy. Is not just a thrower. He has ability to pitch with all kinds of magnificent weapons.

Yeah, keep an eye on now.

Yeah, keep an eye on now.

I'm just looking up the numbers here, Joe against lefties on pitches away outer half of the plate one eighty on pitchers inner half of the plate one ninety.

I'm just looking up the numbers here, Joe against lefties on pitches away outer half of the plate one eighty on pitchers inner half of the plate one ninety.

There you go.

There you go.

I mean, he just covers every quadrant in every shape. Yeah, I mean, it's just he's a nightmare for me to watch. I used to think Pedro Martinez had the best put away stuff I ever had, because he had three elite pitches that he would throw with equal confidence with skeins. It's just you never know what's coming.

I mean, he just covers every quadrant in every shape. Yeah, I mean, it's just he's a nightmare for me to watch. I used to think Pedro Martinez had the best put away stuff I ever had, because he had three elite pitches that he would throw with equal confidence with skeins. It's just you never know what's coming.

I'm gonna make sure I watch his next start. I'll check it. Do you know when he's starting again? Is it? Well?

I'm gonna make sure I watch his next start. I'll check it. Do you know when he's starting again? Is it? Well?

He pitched Sunday and generally they're gonna keep him on the sixth day, so it should be coming up this weekend of Friday.

He pitched Sunday and generally they're gonna keep him on the sixth day, so it should be coming up this weekend of Friday.

Okay, yep, check, I'm gonna check it out.

Okay, yep, check, I'm gonna check it out.

And speaking we mentioned we're talking about the best of the best and here the best team in baseball.

And speaking we mentioned we're talking about the best of the best and here the best team in baseball.

Maybe we put that in quotes the La Dot.

Maybe we put that in quotes the La Dot.

I'm on your take on the Dodgers, Joe, because I'm not impressed. Listen, they're a good team. Don't get me wrong, Dodgers are one of the best teams. I'd still think they're the favorites to win the World Series. But they're not the juggernaut that we thought we were going to see this year, right. I mean, obviously a big part of that is injuries. The Dodgers have run through thirty pitchers to cover sixty seven games. I mean, that's just ridiculous. Give me your take on the Dodgers and what you see here. It's hard, I understand to evaluate them because they're working through so many injuries. Offense is carrying this team. They're scoring more runs per game than any team in baseball. But give me your kind of thirty thousand foot view here on the La Dodgers and where they're at.

I'm on your take on the Dodgers, Joe, because I'm not impressed. Listen, they're a good team. Don't get me wrong, Dodgers are one of the best teams. I'd still think they're the favorites to win the World Series. But they're not the juggernaut that we thought we were going to see this year, right. I mean, obviously a big part of that is injuries. The Dodgers have run through thirty pitchers to cover sixty seven games. I mean, that's just ridiculous. Give me your take on the Dodgers and what you see here. It's hard, I understand to evaluate them because they're working through so many injuries. Offense is carrying this team. They're scoring more runs per game than any team in baseball. But give me your kind of thirty thousand foot view here on the La Dodgers and where they're at.

You know, the fact that they did last year, all the preseason hype about them, there's a certain little hangover that they're still experiencing. In general terms, however, it's been exacerbated by the pitching the pitching. I think if they have their regular guys out there all the time, well healthy, you would see a more dominant for foremans on their on their side if they're scoring that many points.

You know, the fact that they did last year, all the preseason hype about them, there's a certain little hangover that they're still experiencing. In general terms, however, it's been exacerbated by the pitching the pitching. I think if they have their regular guys out there all the time, well healthy, you would see a more dominant for foremans on their on their side if they're scoring that many points.

They're pitching has been I watched once in a while.

They're pitching has been I watched once in a while.

You know, Gonsolin looks just stillkaman uh Snell being out, all these guys being hurt, it's different. They just don't have their regular guys out there, and you have to God, I can't even imagine spreading that many pitchers out over this part of the season, this this early this season, have that many guys towing a rubber for you. That's that's a difficult concept of thoughts. So I think part of it is that the fact that they the hype and what they had done last year, all that stuff. The other part is everybody's shooting for them. I mean, you come in to play the Dodgers. I mean, the Angel swept them this year and that's like unheard of at any time.

You know, Gonsolin looks just stillkaman uh Snell being out, all these guys being hurt, it's different. They just don't have their regular guys out there, and you have to God, I can't even imagine spreading that many pitchers out over this part of the season, this this early this season, have that many guys towing a rubber for you. That's that's a difficult concept of thoughts. So I think part of it is that the fact that they the hype and what they had done last year, all that stuff. The other part is everybody's shooting for them. I mean, you come in to play the Dodgers. I mean, the Angel swept them this year and that's like unheard of at any time.

But they came in a sweep them.

But they came in a sweep them.

So there's there's there's a certain uh like maybe playing to their level of competition right now, they just haven't like.

So there's there's there's a certain uh like maybe playing to their level of competition right now, they just haven't like.

Fully engaged overall.

Fully engaged overall.

They will, Like you said, I think they will at some point right now, but there's a lot of little like shin kicking kind of things that are going on there, just keeping them from getting to the point where they everybody believes that they can be. I think it starts with the pitching, obviously, and I think again, I know, if I'm playing the Dodgers right now, I'm definitely gonna be jacked up about that whole thing and probably going to play a little bit above my skis because I want to beat them. You always want to beat the best.

They will, Like you said, I think they will at some point right now, but there's a lot of little like shin kicking kind of things that are going on there, just keeping them from getting to the point where they everybody believes that they can be. I think it starts with the pitching, obviously, and I think again, I know, if I'm playing the Dodgers right now, I'm definitely gonna be jacked up about that whole thing and probably going to play a little bit above my skis because I want to beat them. You always want to beat the best.

So there's there's a.

So there's there's a.

Conspiratory thing going on with a lot of different stuff. But I think there's a hangover component to it.

Conspiratory thing going on with a lot of different stuff. But I think there's a hangover component to it.

I do. I've experienced it. I've been part of that.

I do. I've experienced it. I've been part of that.

And then I think that the pitching is so important to their success. And then finally, competitively speaking, everybody wants to beat them.

And then I think that the pitching is so important to their success. And then finally, competitively speaking, everybody wants to beat them.

I love that last point, Joe. We're seeing that with San Diego. San Diego has been that way for a while, right The Padres love to look them in the eye. I mean to borrow from the ads in the back of the comic books in the old days, they're kicking sand in their face, where those Charles at let's adds had some muscle. Yeah, that's the padres man. They're not intimidated by the Dodgers. You know, it's a great series every time they play. But I think you're right. Teams, the Angels or anybody look at the Dodgers right now and rightfully so say that team is not a juggernaut. They're gettible. The Dodgers are gettable. And again I'm not gonna be like they're not a good team. They're a really good team, but they're not a juggernaut. Let me just throw some numbers here at you, Joe. We mentioned the pitching injuries. They're tied with the Marlins for the fewest innings per start. They get four point seven innings per start on average. Their starters throw an average of eighty pitches to start. Only the White Sox at seventy nine, are out there less than Dodgers starters. They're fifteen and fifteen in their last thirty games. They are nine and eleven against left handed pitching. That's certainly something I think some team in the postseason might be able to exploit. I'd much rather throw a lefty against the Dodgers. They're sixteen and fourteen against teams with a winning record. They've had an easy schedule, that's not a lot of games. Sixteen and fourteen. The Pirates have as many wins against winning teams as the Dodgers. Let me say that again, the Pirates have as many wins against winning teams as do the La Dodgers. They're also, by the way, the oldest team in baseball. This is the second oldest Dodger team in baseball.

I love that last point, Joe. We're seeing that with San Diego. San Diego has been that way for a while, right The Padres love to look them in the eye. I mean to borrow from the ads in the back of the comic books in the old days, they're kicking sand in their face, where those Charles at let's adds had some muscle. Yeah, that's the padres man. They're not intimidated by the Dodgers. You know, it's a great series every time they play. But I think you're right. Teams, the Angels or anybody look at the Dodgers right now and rightfully so say that team is not a juggernaut. They're gettible. The Dodgers are gettable. And again I'm not gonna be like they're not a good team. They're a really good team, but they're not a juggernaut. Let me just throw some numbers here at you, Joe. We mentioned the pitching injuries. They're tied with the Marlins for the fewest innings per start. They get four point seven innings per start on average. Their starters throw an average of eighty pitches to start. Only the White Sox at seventy nine, are out there less than Dodgers starters. They're fifteen and fifteen in their last thirty games. They are nine and eleven against left handed pitching. That's certainly something I think some team in the postseason might be able to exploit. I'd much rather throw a lefty against the Dodgers. They're sixteen and fourteen against teams with a winning record. They've had an easy schedule, that's not a lot of games. Sixteen and fourteen. The Pirates have as many wins against winning teams as the Dodgers. Let me say that again, the Pirates have as many wins against winning teams as do the La Dodgers. They're also, by the way, the oldest team in baseball. This is the second oldest Dodger team in baseball.

The only older Dodger.

The only older Dodger.

Team the nineteen twenty five Brooklyn Robbins who went sixty eight and eighty five. So you know, listen, San Diego second, by the way in terms of the oldest team and the Phillies or third age.