Hittin' Season: A Philadelphia Phillies podcast

On Episode 782 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss how the Phillies famous vibes are going into spring training, Griff McGarry's adjustments as he makes his way back from a disastrous 2023, and how the NL East is looking with the 2024 regular season on the horizon.

On Episode 781 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis talks about Phillies team owner John Middleton's rallying cry to his players in Clearwater this week, and whether or not he might take the plunge and sign one of the "Boras Four" in the next week or two. Also, MLB Network's top-10 players ranking is interesting, how many Phils made it?

On Episode 780 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss Bryce Harper's arrival to Phillies spring training and the continuing push from his camp for an extension on the end of the remaining 8 years of his contract. Also, is Harper or Trea Turner a better MVP bet? And this week's Phillies Where Are They Now features a guy whose calling card was to urinate in MLB center fields. Yep, that's right.

On Episode 779 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about player reactions to the terrible new MLB uniform jerseys, how the Phillies' culture has changed during Zack Wheeler's tenure, and hey--the Phillies signed Whit Merrifield!

John Stolnis from The Good Phight and BillyPenn.com celebrates the return of baseball, as Phillies pitchers and catchers officially report for spring training, with a number of position players in Clearwater, too. John runs down the five players he's most interested in watching this spring, shares some thoughts on the bullpen and the latest on the Zack Wheeler contract extension talks.

On this episode, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher with Yahoo! Sports talk about the Phillies' recent additions to the back of the 40-man roster and talk about why depth is so important. Also, are the Phils ceding the division to the Braves, or is Atlanta due for some regression from their historic offensive performance last year? And this week we debut a new feature "Where Are They Now?" featuring former closer Gene Garber!

On episode 776 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about the Phillies' hot new batting practice caps, as well as the team's depth at outfield with news that Brandon Marsh has undergone knee surgery (but is expected to be ready for opening day).

Host John Stolnis of The Good Phight & BillyPenn.com chats with MLB.com Statcast guru Mike Petriello about the Phillies' quiet off-season, where they stack up in the National League, and the possibility of more moves coming this off-season. Also, five key takeaways from Dave Dombrowski's interview on WIP, Phils playoff projections are out from Fangraphs and PECOTA, and the Phils add three new players to the 40-man roster this week.

On Episode 774 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh discuss the latest USA Today rumor that the Phillies could be a sleeper team to acquire free agents Jordan Montgomery or Cody Bellinger and why you should take those rumors with a grain of salt. Also, another reliever comes off the board, why we're not worried about a Zack Wheeler extension... yet... and some pitcher over/unders!

On episode 773 of Hittin' Season, host Justin Klugh throws in some commentary on the big trade that sent Corbin Burnes from the Brewers to the Orioles, and shares some stories from former bench coach (and co-manager) of the 2007 and 2008 Phillies, Jimy Williams, who passed away this week.

On Episode 772 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis reacts to the big Brewers-Orioles trade that sent ace right-hander Corbin Burnes to Baltimore for two prospects. Could the Phils have made a better/similar offer? Also, conflicting reports on whether Dave Dombrowski has a big move in him yet this off-season, and John's reaction to the potential leaked City Connect jerseys.

On Episode 771 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Yahoo! Sports' Liz Roscher take a look at some over/under numbers for some key Phillies offensive players this year. Also, the latest on the relief pitching market, and how analytics nerds that once RUINED baseball are now ruining the NFL too! Ugh NERDS.

On Episode 770 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins' Hall of Fame odds down the line, as well as who--and where--the Phillies may turn to in their search for further bullpen depth.

On this episode, host John Stolnis profiles the Phillies' newest pitching acquisition and wonders why anyone would think Rhys Hoskins isn't a no-doubt Wall of Famer. Also, Craig Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus stops by to share his thoughts on the Phillies' off-season thus far and which players available could help the Phils in 2024. Also, some thoughts on former Phillies' Hall of Fame voting.

On Episode 768, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the dwindling relief pitcher market and what Craig Kimbrel replacement possibilities remain in free agency, which fanbases are having the most fun this off-season and which are having the least, and we continue in our quest to bring Doorknob Johnson to Philadelphia in the continuation of our Choose Your Own Adventure baseball championship quest.

There's still not a lot of movement out there for the Phillies, but on episode 767 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break down all 15 of the non-roster invitees to spring training, talk a little Robert Stephenson, and discuss not just what data the Phillies collect, but how they use it.

On this episode, host John Stolnis from The Good Phight and Billy Penn opens up the mailbag for a little Hot Stove chatter, talking Johan Rojas' future, what a Wheeler contract extension could look like, Orion Kerkering as a future closer, bench additions, and lots of Hot Stove and mid-season Trade Deadline possibilities!

On Episode 766, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh revel in the Cowboys' demise at the hands of Justin's beloved Packers and reminisce on past instances Phillies rivals bit the dust. Also, has there ever been a Phils playoff game we knew they were going to lose before they played it, and should Kyle Schwarber continue to hit leadoff in 2024?

A lot of very important things to discuss this week: The Phillies came to terms with all but one of their arbitration-eligible players: Alec Bohm. Is this bad news, or terrible news? Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss. Also, can you BELIEVE the Phillies weren't scheduled to play on Sunday Night Baseball? This is also a big deal. Hear it all on Episode 765 of Hittin' Season.

On Episode 764 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis chats with chief prospect writer for Baseball Prospectus, Jeffrey Paternostro about his Top-10 Phillies prospect rankings. Also, John discusses an interesting idea posited by MLB Trade Rumors of making Alec Bohm a bench player. Is that ludicrous, or brilliant?

On Episode 763 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh & Liz Roscher debate whether the '23 Phillies or '23 Eagles choked harder at the ends of their respective seasons, and analyzed moves made by the Mets and Dodgers over the weekend. Also, why do people think the Phillies are interested in starting pitchers like Marcus Stroman? And Liz guides Justin & John through a Choose Your Own Adventure baseball novel. Can they avoid catastrophe as they try to make all the right decisions and win a championship?

On Episode 762 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about how it's still pretty dead out there across MLB, but the Braves took a risk to get better--will the Phillies soon do the same? Also, how would you gauge the intensity of the Phillies' general investment in Johan Rojas?

On Episode 761 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis talks with Fangraphs senior writer Jay Jaffe about the Hall of Fame candidacies of four former Phillies stars: Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Bobby Abreu and Cole Hamels. Also, are the Phillies STILL in the market for a top-notch starting pitcher? And Dave Dombrowski talks about why the off-season has been a slow one around MLB. 
 
 HITTIN' SEASON IS A FINALIST FOR BEST BASEBALL PODCAST OF 2023!
 
 And we need YOUR VOTE to WIN!
 
 Just click here: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-baseball-podcast/ and vote for Hittin' Season to help us win!

On Episode 760 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh & Liz Roscher talk about the Braves' trade with the Red Sox last week that brought them new No. 3 starter Chris Sale. Does this give them a better starting rotation than the Phillies'? Also, which is more important for Dave Dombrowski... getting another outfielder or bullpen piece? Plus, thoughts on the Phils' video yearbook, possible direction for the City Connect jerseys, and Liz reads some more Phillies-themed recipes.

On Episode 759 of Hittin' Season, hosts Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh discuss Yoshinobu Yamamoto's decision to sign a free agent contract with the Dodgers, joining Shohei Ohtani as a dynamic Japanese duo that are now the favorites to win the National League? Or, are they? How does this affect the Phillies, and what's next for our hometown nine? </p><p><br></p><p>HITTIN' SEASON IS A FINALIST FOR BEST BASEBALL PODCAST OF 2023!</p><p><br></p><p>And we need YOUR VOTE to WIN!</p><p><br></p><p>Just click here: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-baseball-podcast/ and vote for Hittin' Season to help us win!</p>

On Episode 758 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight and BillyPenn.com chats about the Phillies' contract offer to Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Is there a chance they could actually land him? Also, some thoughts about Rhys Hoskin's ultimate destination and tracking Chase Utley's Hall of Fame chances on the public ballots thus far. </p><p><br></p><p>HITTIN' SEASON IS A FINALIST FOR BEST BASEBALL PODCAST OF 2023!</p><p><br></p><p>And we need YOUR VOTE to WIN!</p><p><br></p><p>Just click here: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-baseball-podcast/ and vote for Hittin' Season to help us win!</p>

On Episode 757 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh answer listener questions on a possible Zack Wheeler extension, why the Phillies aren't doing much right now, and some Rhys Hoskins chatter, too.

On Episode 756 of Hittin' Season, hosts Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh chat about MLB's newest idea, "Spring Breakout," the team's expansion efforts in the Dominican Republic and a big trade between the Dodgers and Rays this week.

On Episode 755 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis is joined by Sirius/XM MLB Network Radio host Mike Ferrin to chat about the Phillies' off-season thus far, as well as the latest Hot Stove news and speculation. Also, Jon Heyman reports the Phils are still "in on" Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Could they actually land him?

On Episode 754 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis and Liz Roscher discuss the 10-year, $700 MILLION contract Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers and what it means for the NL pecking order. Could the Phillies have done that deal? Also, Dave Dombrowski turned down a trade last week he said would have been "good." Are we cool with laid-back DD? And some additional thoughts on a Bryce Harper contract extension.

On Episode 753 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis explores the Yankees-Padres trade of Juan Soto and offers four reasons why the Phillies didn't make a strong push to land the superstar. Also, analysis on the latest signings and trades from the Winter Meetings and thoughts on Bryce Harper's pursuit of a contract extension with the Phils.

On Episode 752, John Stolnis, Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh chat about the Phillies vibes heading into the Winter Meetings. Will the Phils make a big move or just some pieces around the edges? Juan Soto? Mike Trout? Also, the Phillies extend manager Rob Thomson's contract through 2025, and Liz whips out an old Phillies cookbook and dishes on some fine 1970s Philly delicacy (minced clams?)

On Episode 751 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher chat about a number of hot-button Phillies topics, including Juan Soto and his potential fit in Philadelphia, Gabe Kapler getting a big gig with the Marlins, which Phillies uniform is on the way out, and Chase Utley's Hall of Fame candidacy.

On Episode 750 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis is joined by The Sporting News' Ryan Fagan for all things Phillies Hot Stove, including conversation on Juan Soto, Aaron Nola, Shohei Ohtani, Japan's Yamamoto, and the future Hall of Fame candidacy of Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Bobby Abreu.

On Episode 749 of Hittin' Season, Justin Klugh, John Stolnis and Liz Roscher dive back into the MLB Hot Stove now that Thanksgiving is out of the way. The Phils sign a relief pitcher, there's lots of trade talk and the gang wonders if Dave Dombrowski has another big move left this winter.

At Thanksgiving, there are a lot of family traditions. In some families, they're about being together. In others, they're about hitting for the cycle. Hosts Justin Klugh & Trevor Strunk host a very special Dirty Inning-Hittin' Season Thanksgiving Special!

On Episode 748 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the merits of re-signing their No. 2 starter to a 7-year contract that will keep him in Philly for 16 years. Was it a smart decision? And what about their pursuit of Yamamoto?

On Episode 774 of HIttin' Season, Justin Klugh & Liz Roscher discuss the Oakland A's move to Vegas being approved by MLB owners, the Phillies' interest in Yoshinobu Yamamoto, some more roster moves that could be made, the top 10 Phillies prospect list released by Baseball America and Justin Crawford's role moving forward.

On Episode 746 of Hittin' Season, the Good Phight and BillyPenn's John Stolnis dissects the latest on the MLB off-season rumor mill, including the Phillies' thought process behind re-signing Aaron Nola and potential back-up plans, as well the possible pursuit of a Japanese pitching phenom, throwing cold water on the Josh Hader conversation, and whether the Phils are the team that needs to win a World Series most in 2024.

On Episode 745 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss some of the latest Hot Stove rumors, including teams interested in Aaron Nola, the Phillies' reported interest in Josh Hader, and whether Juan Soto, Mike Trout or Shohei Ohtani are realistic possibilities for the Phils to sign or trade for this off-season.

On Episode 744 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Yahoo! Sports' Liz Roscher discuss the Rhys Hoskins/Bryce Harper news, the Nick Castellanos trade rumors and how different a team the Phillies might look like in 2024.

On Episode 743 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight and BillyPenn runs down the latest Hot Stove news, including Dave Dombrowski confirming Bryce Harper will be the team's regular first baseman, meaning an end of the Rhys Hoskins era in Philadelphia. Also, rumors on Nola, Blake Snell and Sonny Gray, as well as a Hot Stove check-in with Phillies beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Scott Lauber.

On Episode 742 of Hittin' Season, hosts Liz Roscher of Yahoo! Sports and Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus preview the official start of MLB's free agency and off-season cornucopia of events! The Phils make a qualifying offer to Aaron Nola but not to Rhys Hoskins. What does it all mean? Also, end-of-the-year award "nominees" are out, and are there some free agent bats out there that could help the Phillies offense in 2024 and beyond?

On Episode 741 of Hittin' Season, hosts Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher from Yahoo! Sports discuss the Phillies' Silver Slugger nominees of the present and future, what a couple of farmhands are getting up to out in the Arizona Fall League, how Bryce Harper may hold Rhys Hoskins' fate in his hands, and played a bit of 2023 Phillies Stat trivia.

On Episode 740 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Billy Penn reacts to the Texas Rangers winning their first ever World Series and hands out letter grades to virtually every member of the Phillies 2023 roster. Also, some mailbag questions on the team's World Series window and what changes should be made ahead of 2024.

On Episode 739 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Yahoo! Sports' Liz Roscher discuss the pros and cons of making an aggressive push to sign Aaron Nola to a free agent contract this off-season. If they're outbid, who are the alternatives? Also, signing Zack Wheeler to an extension is obvious, but for how long? Finally, to wrap up the 2023 playoffs, John, Liz and Justin play a word association game with some Phils mainstays.

On Episode 738 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Billy Penn talks about some interesting comments from Phillies team president Dave Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson as they met with the media two days after the team's shocking loss to the Diamondbacks in the NLCS. Also, John poses some questions the Phils need to address this off-season, and offers some of his own final thoughts on just what ended the 2023 season.

On Episode 737 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the crushing disappointment of the Phillies' 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Diamondbacks in Game 7 of the NLCS, thanks mainly to silenced bats. Where did it all go wrong? How big a choke job was this? Where does it rank on the disappointment meter?

On Episode 736 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis recaps the Phillies' enormous 6-1 win over the Diamondbacks in Game 5 of the NLCS, taking a 3-2 series lead back to Philadelphia for Game 6 on Monday night. Zack Wheeler may have saved the season with his dominant 7-inning performance, while Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Bryce Harper all go deep. Heroes galore in this one, plus some chatter about Rob Thomson's Game 4 decisions and why everyone is being too hard on him, as well as a quick Game 6 preview!

On Episode 735 of Hittin' Season, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher reflect on their Phillies' disappointing 2-1 loss in Game 3 of the NLCS, their ability to get over postseason disappointment (when it rarely happens), and finding a target of vitriol from the Diamondbacks fanbase.