Hittin' Season: A Philadelphia Phillies podcast

From WHYY & BillyPenn.com, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Liz Roscher from Yahoo! Sports discuss the Phillies' 4-1 loss in Game 4 of the NLDS to the Mets, ending what had been a storybook season. What happened? Should we have seen this coming? What will this team look like next year? That and many more thoughts on a depressingly disappointing finish.

From WHYY & BillyPenn.com, John Stolnis from The Good Phight and Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus break down Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS between the Phillies and Mets, recounting Game 2's heroics in an instant classic, while looking ahead to some key decisions to be made for Game 3.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about what to expect from the first-ever Phillies-Mets playoff series starting on Saturday, and go through some Mets trivia that will be good for everyone to know before the NLDS.

On Episode 872 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight and BillyPenn.com talks about the Phillies' intrasquad game on Wednesday, how hitters are dealing with the week-long layoff, potential roster and lineup decisions and recaps the first two games of the wild card round of the postseason.

Hosts John Stolnis of BillyPenn.com and The Good Phight, Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh & Liz Roscher of Yahoo! Sports react to Monday's doubleheader between the Mets and Braves, try to decide whether the Brewers or Mets will be the preferred match-up for the Phils in the NLDS, and react to the death of Pete Rose.

While there is still home field advantage to play for, the Phillies have put themselves in a good spot going into the playoffs. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the upcoming postseason, the Braves and Mets' weather debacle, the A's leaving Oakland, and the striking Aramark workers at Citizens Bank Park.

On Episode 869 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Liz Roscher of Yahoo! Sports and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh discuss the Phillies clinching the No. 2 seed and a bye past the wild card round of the playoffs. How aggressive should they be going for home field advantage this weekend in Washington? 
 
 Also:
 
 What is the biggest difference between this Phillies team and the 2022-23 versions?
 Who was the team’s MVP this season?
 Should Zack Wheeler or Chris Sale win the Cy Young?
 Most pleasant surprise?
 Most disappointing Phillie of 2024?
 Favorite moment of the 2024 Phillies season?
 Who would you most want to see come to the plate with the bases loaded and the game on the line in a playoff game?
 Who would you most want to see come to the plate if you needed to get a runner home from 3rd with less than 2 outs? 
 How badly did MLB screw up the Mets-Braves series this week?

On Episode 868 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight and BillyPenn.com recaps the Phillies' 6-2 win over the Cubs for their first NL East title since 2011. How did they get here and what's ahead for this year's #RedOctober?

On episode 867 of Hittin' Season, Justin Klugh recaps the Phillies' game one loss to the Mets in New York and the utter futility of a Taijuan Walker start. Then, Mets experts Jarrett Seidler and Jeff Paternostro of Baseball Prospectus stop by, followed by an interview with esteemed baseball photographer Jean Fruth, the keynote speaker at the 2024 SABR/IWBC Women in Baseball Conference.

Host John Stolnis of The Good Phight and BillyPenn.com recaps the Phillies series loss at the hands of the Brewers, touting two outstanding pitching performances by their top two starters, and why home field advantage is critical for the Phils in the postseason. Also, the 2024 Phillies bullpen is, by far, the best of this recent string of success, and what the playoff roster might look like.

On Episode 864, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh & Liz Roscher break down the many unsung heroes from the weekend's series victory over the Mets, as well as Bryce Harper's homer-less drought ending, where Cristopher Sanchez slots into a postseason rotation, and what this series means for the Phils' postseason aspirations.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher recap the Phillies' sweep of the Rays and look ahead to seven games against the Mets in the next ten days. Then, Allison McCague, Maggie Wiggin, and Linda Surovich from the Mets podcast A Pod of Their Own stop by to talk about their most and least favorite things about the Phillies.

On Episode 862, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher recap a disappointing and dispiriting end to the Phillies' road trip through Toronto and Miami, thanks to poor pitching performances by Aaron Nola and rookie call-up Seth Johnson. Also, the New York Mets present an interesting final chapter to the Phils' 2024 season. How worried should we be about them?

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about the Phillies' fifth straight win, the Braves and Mets in the postseason, and how clutch Kody Clemens seems to be. Then, Mitch Rupert stops by to talk about Aidan Miller's rise through the Phillies' farm system.

On Episode 860, host John Stolnis recaps Kyle Schwarber's insane two-game, four-homer blitz in Toronto, leading to a Phillies sweep. Also, Kody Clemens continues to be a revelation off the bench, injuries are a bit concerning, and why the Cubs no-hitter on Wednesday night shouldn't really count.

On Episode 859, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher recap a fantastic Phillies series win over the Braves in Philly. Did that end Atlanta's pursuit of another NL East title? Also, we pick the heroes of the series and look ahead to September's less challenging but daunting, at times, schedule.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the Phillies' comeback win in game one of their four-game set with the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park, as well as how Orlando Arcia, Brian Snitker, and the Braves always seem extra rattled to lose in Philadelphia.

On Episode 857, host John Stolnis wraps up the final two games of the Phillies series win against the Astros, including Wednesday's scheduled loss with the struggling Taijuan Walker on the mound. Also, thoughts on Aaron Nola, Nick Castellanos and a huge four-game home series against the Braves that could determine the course of the NL East in September.

On Episode 856 of Hittin' Season, the Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher of Yahoo! Sports recaps the Phillies' weekend series victory over the Royals and Kansas City and reacts LIVE to Bryce Harper's big walk-off single in the series opener against the Astros. Also, Taijuan Walker is making his next start, and Jose Alvarado leaves the team indefinitely.

On Episode 855, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight and BillyPenn.com recaps the first two games of the Phillies' series against the Braves, including a 3-2 win aided by something we don't often see by the Phils... small ball! Also, we're pretty sure we already know who the 12 playoff teams are going to be.

On Episode 854 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus recap the Phillies weekend series against the Nationals, the feel-good first three games followed by Rob Thomson's bewildering decision not to pinch hit Bryce Harper in the bottom of the 9th on Sunday. Also, parity is rampant in MLB this year. Is that good news or bad news for the Phils?

Dramatic? Reactive? Hyperbolic? During a rough patch for the Phillies? We would never. In this episode of Hittin' Season, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about how Weston Wilson hitting for the cycle may have been the central cog of a Phillies turnaround and discuss the legacy of former team president and CEO David Montgomery, who is posthumously going onto the Wall of Fame as the Phillies celebrate Alumni Weekend.

On Episode 852 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis recaps Wednesday night's much-needed win over the Marlins. Was Kyle Schwarber's dramatic grand slam the thing they needed to turn their losing ways around? Also, John is joined by a very special guest to preview this weekend's Nationals series, and Justin Klugh stops by to speak with The Good Phight's Joe Edinger for an update on the players the Phillies could have, and didn't, trade for at the deadline.

The losing continues for the Phillies as they lose three straight to the hated Diamondbacks in Arizona this weekend. On Episode 851, hosts John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher of Yahoo Sports discuss the Phils' continuing struggles and what, if anything, can be done to shake things up.

On Episode 850, hosts John Stolnis and Liz Roscher react to the Phils' opening series win over Arizona and their series victory over the Dodgers, Kyle Schwarber's outstanding season, hope for Realmuto and Trea Turner and whether the Braves are going to miss the playoffs.

Hosts John Stolnis and Liz Roscher discuss Sunday's cathartic Phillies win over the Mariners and whether that indicates the team is finally done playing losing baseball. The Phils roll into Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers having lost six straight series, but will Sunday's victory help them right the ship?

On Episode 848 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis and Liz Roscher preview the upcoming 10-game road trip through Seattle, Los Angeles and Arizona, discuss Bryce Harper's ridiculous slump, the failures of the pitching staff in July, but also a Good News Happy Time Corner featuring some things that are actually going well.

The Phillies made three additions to the roster at the MLB trade deadline, and while they'll help, the stars already on the roster are the key to the Phils pulling out of their funk. Hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher recap the deadline, the moves the Phillies made (and didn't make) and agonize over Tuesday night's loss to the Yankees.

The Phillies are 4-9 in their last 13 games after Monday's 14-4 loss to the Yankees. Is it time to panic? Host John Stolnis of The Good Phight attempts to talk everyone off the ledge, grouse about the disappearing/reappearing offense and what final moves the Phils could make with the trade deadline hours away. Also, the Atlanta Braves made a move late Monday, is it a needle mover?

Host John Stolnis breaks down the Phillies trade for outfielder Austin Hays for Seranthony Dominguez and Christian Pache, how Hays fits into the team's outfield situation and reminisces over Dominguez' 2022 postseason run. Also, what else does Dave Dombrowski have up his sleeve before Tuesday's trade deadline?

As players start coming off the board, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about the MLB trade deadline and where the Phillies will fit into it.

On Episode 843 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis recaps a tough series in Minnesota against the Twins and tries to assess why the Phils have lost three straight series. Also, the latest rumors on the trade deadline, bullpen additions and outfield bats.

On Episode 842 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the Phillies' needs ahead of the August 1 trade deadline, outfield targets and potential bullpen additions, as well as the Atlanta Braves' mounting injuries and a sluggish start to the 2nd half of the season.

How good do the 2024 Phillies have to be to achieve the best franchise record of all time? How many doubles can Alec Bohm hit before October? On what day of the week do the Phillies play best? These and other questions are answered as Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher go through the numbers of the 2024 Phillies' first half. And with the trade deadline approaching, what players have popped up in recent trade rumors?

On Episode 840 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight and BillyPenn.com recaps all the Phillies excitement at the MLB All Star Game, as well as Alec Bohm's tremendous performance in Monday night's HR Derby. Also, John says there's a relief pitcher he'd trade Andrew Painter for right now, and he previews the Phillies' very difficult July schedule.

On Episode 839 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher take a look back at the remarkable Phillies run to the All Star break as the best team in baseball. They'll discuss their favorite moments, players who surprised and disappointed, and what comes next. Also, Brent Rooker destroyed Phils pitching this weekend, should he be the team's big trade deadline target?

On episode 838 of Hittin' Season, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break down the Phillies' big series sweep of the Dodgers. As the Athletics come to town, historian Matt Albertson talks about the old Philadelphia City Series the Phillies and A's used to play, and Bryan Johansen of Last Dive Bar explains how he and his partners are taking it to A's owner John Fisher as he tries to move the team to Las Vegas.

Sure, there wasn't a lot of drama in the Phillies' 10-1 win over the Dodgers, but Justin Klugh recaps the action anyway. Then, Noah Gittell, author of "Baseball: The Movie," talks about his new book and why they just don't make baseball movies much anymore.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break down the Phillies' irritating losses in Atlanta and gush over the SEVEN all-star spots the Phillies have locked down. Then, Dodgers beat writer for the L.A. Times Jack Harris stops by to talk about the Phillies, the Dodgers, and a series everybody has been waiting to see between the NL's best teams.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about how the Phillies took two of three from the Cubs in Chicago and how they could wipe out the Braves in Atlanta this weekend. Then Phillies prospect evaluator Matt Winkelman stops by to discuss prospects Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford being named to the MLB Futures Game.

On Episode 834 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps the first two games of their series against the Cubs, both of them wins in Wrigley Field. Also, Bryce Harper and Cristopher Sanchez (!!!) win NL Player/Pitcher of the Month honors, Trea Turner and Alec Bohm join Bryce Harper as All Star Game starters, and we open up the mailbag to talk trade deadline targets for the Phils!

On Episode 832 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and John Stolnis from The Good Phight recap the Phillies series against the Marlins and what the Phils need to do to score runs with Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto all out of the lineup for another week. Also, 3/4s of the NL All Star infield is likely to be filled with Phils, how many players will go to Texas in two weeks? And have you seen the Phillies' July schedule yet? Yikes!
 
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Justin Klugh recaps the first two games in Detroit for the Phillies before talking to Marlins writer Ely Sussman of Fish on First about the upcoming four-game set with the Phils... and just what has happened to this Miami franchise since last fall.

On Episode 831 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis of The Good Phight and BillyPenn, Liz Roscher from Yahoo! Sports and Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and BillyPenn recap the Phils' series win against Arizona. Why didn't this NCLS rematch have much juice? Also, Christopher Sanchez signs an extension, what does it mean for the future of the rotation, and is Ranger Suarez next? And just how bad is Taijuan Walker's blister really?

Cole Hamels is coming back to retire with the Phillies, and the Diamondbacks are in Philadelphia to give everyone nightmares about their last visit in the 2023 NLCS. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk their favorite Hamels memories, and Diamondbacks beat writer Nick Piecoro talks about the 2024 version of the team that knocked the Phillies out of the 2023 postseason.

On Episode 829 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis is joined by Dan Szymborski of Fangraphs to chat about the Phillies' unexpected race to the top of the NL East, the play of the Braves and Dodgers, and whether Willie Mays is the greatest player of all time.

On Episode 828 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher recap a fun-filled win over the Padres Monday night and explain what was behind a 2-4 road trip through Boston and Baltimore. Also, the first round of All Star voting is out and the Phils are really well represented thus far. And the latest Phillies trade rumors. Should they be going all-in at the trade deadline this time?

On Episode 827 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher lament the Phillies' series loss to the Red Sox and talk about former closer and 2008 World Series hero Brad Lidge's post-playing career. Then, Orioles beat writer Andy Kostka gives a sense of what to expect from the rampaging O's this weekend.

On Episode 826 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis is joined by Leo Morgenstern to discuss how the Phillies will miss J.T. Realmuto, on the shelf with a knee injury for at least a month. Also, are the Braves in a real decline, which Phils will be All Stars a month from now and a recap of the first two games of their series against the Red Sox in Boston.

On Episode 825 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher from Yahoo! Sports recap a fun-filled weekend in London for the Phillies. They discuss some of Rob Thomson's moves, Bryce Harper "The Showman," and the prospects of making the London Series a longer event. Also, how much should the Phils be willing to give up in trading for a stud young outfielder like Luis Robert Jr. or Kyle Tucker? And we look ahead to a challenging week with series in Boston and Baltimore.