Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong for MVP, Ohtani's Dodgers STRUGGLING, Bryce Harper DRAMA

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Lovable Reunion

Episode: Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong for MVP, Ohtani's Dodgers STRUGGLING, Bryce Harper DRAMA

Date: August 11, 2026
Hosts: Anthony Rizzo & David Ross

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Overview

In this special episode, former Cubs Anthony Rizzo and David Ross kick off a new chapter of their baseball podcast, shifting their focus from reminiscing about the 2016 World Series team to breaking down the current state of Major League Baseball. With their dual perspectives as former players (and Ross also as a manager), they provide insights, debates, and clubhouse-level discussions on key 2026 MLB storylines—from breakout players like Pete Crow-Armstrong to the Dodgers' struggles, notable team payroll discrepancies, and the swirl of drama surrounding Bryce Harper and trade deadline moves.

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Episode Structure

• 00:00–03:25: Ads and podcast intro (skipped in this summary)
• 03:25–04:58: Hosts introduce the new podcast format—a deep dive on current baseball, blending insights from both a manager’s and a player’s point of view.
• 04:58–13:21: Nostalgia & Viewer's Mailbag—Personal stories, fan engagement.
• 09:59–17:55: Major MLB Headlines: Payroll vs. performance, Dodgers woes, player development.
• 21:27–25:56: Cubs Segment: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s MVP case, Chicago excitement.
• 27:32–33:53: Bryce Harper and Phillies Drama: Player–front office tensions at the deadline.
• 33:53–37:36: Cubs Trade Deadline Recap & Impact
• 37:36–44:39: AL East Focus: Red Sox surge, roster moves, impact of Adley Rutschman.
• 48:10–56:42: Pitching Around MLB: Standouts, rookie waves, pitching development and injury concerns.
• 57:33–58:17: Jon Lester’s Hall of Fame case (brief segment)
• 61:52–67:17: Power Rankings: AL & NL contenders debate
• 67:17–70:36: Field of Dreams game, broadcast experiences, closing thoughts

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcast Relaunch: Old Teammates, New Takes (03:25–04:58)

• The hosts are moving from nostalgia to covering "the current game of baseball", using their unique blend of player and manager experience.

  “We’ll be able to dissect a lot of topics from the managerial hat and the player’s hat and hopefully take you viewers inside the clubhouse.” —Anthony Rizzo (03:25) “I love working with you…this is going to take it to the next level.” —David Ross (04:31)

2. MLB Headlines: Payroll Discrepancies & Surprises (09:59–13:21)

• Low Payroll, High Performance: Tampa Bay Rays ($90M payroll) and Milwaukee Brewers ($143M) are topping their leagues, despite the Dodgers' $400M+ roster struggling.

  “The two best teams in baseball are some of the lowest payroll teams.” —Anthony Rizzo (09:59) “It’s crazy…the Brewers and Rays save baseball right, with their low payrolls.” —Rizzo (10:17)

• Discussion of player development and identity:

  “Knowing your identity as an organization is priority number one.” —David Ross (13:21) “Every couple years you have this fad of a new pitch…You have to keep up with the Joneses.” —Rizzo (13:43)

• Dodgers’ struggles: Despite lulls and injuries, both believe LA will turn it around by October, crediting their depth and playoff experience.

  “I think they’re going to be fine. They’re so deep…They’ll be right when they’re supposed to be.” —Ross (15:44)

3. Cubs Spotlight: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s MVP Candidacy (21:27–25:56)

• Breakout star: PCA’s massive growth in plate discipline, performance against lefties, and elite defense are highlighted.

  “What PCA is doing…the growth he’s made this year has been insane.” —Rizzo (21:42) “He’s the best defender in the game, right?” —Ross (22:55) “For me, right now, he is the MVP of the National League.” —Rizzo (24:32)

• Rizzo describes personal advice given to PCA and commends his curiosity and game IQ.

  “He always asked me the right questions…you see him blossoming. You literally see the development right in front of my eyes.” —Rizzo (25:46)

• Cubs’ hot streak and anticipation for Cubs/Cardinals and Cubs/White Sox series ramp up citywide excitement.

4. Drama in Philly: Bryce Harper’s Trade Deadline Demands (27:32–33:53)

• Player vs. management: Harper’s call for front office help at the deadline created “controversy in the clubhouse”—Ross breaks down the communication missteps by Don Mattingly and why players speak up.

  “At the trade deadline, I go out in the media and say, we need help. What are you saying to me as my veteran?” —Rizzo (29:39) “There’s better ways to phrase that. Like, it’d be great if they added somewhere, but we leave that up to the front office.” —Ross (30:00) “I don’t think Bryce was throwing any shade at any individual player…Bryce wants to win, man. The last thing on his checklist of baseball accomplishments is winning a World Series.” —Rizzo (31:02)

• Discussed Phillies’ acquisitions and defensive shuffles, highlighting leadership sacrifices by Harper and Schwarber.

5. Cubs’ Deadline Moves & Playoff Potential (33:53–37:36)

• Cubs’ aggression at the deadline is praised: Gosman, Clay Holmes, and bullpen reinforcements deepen the roster. Rizzo and Ross say it invigorates belief in the team.

  “Cubs had the best deadline I’ve seen in a long time.” —Rizzo (33:53) “It just deepens your whole staff…” —Ross (34:40)

• Defensive strength and pitching depth now make the Cubs World Series contenders where they previously weren’t.

6. AL East Shuffle & the Red Sox Surge (37:36–44:39)

• Boston’s turnaround, punctuated by Willier Abreu’s hot streak (Playa of the Week), defensive improvements, and key trade for Adley Rutschman.

  “He [Abreu] started in WBC for Venezuela and has been carrying this Red Sox offense.” —Ross (37:41) “This team is real…They had the emotional streak and usually after [that], you want to lose a game here and there, then keep trucking.” —Rizzo (43:05)

• Contrast with Yankees’ quieter trade deadline, and the impact of prospects’ injuries is discussed.

7. Pitching Revolution: Young Fireballers & the Science of Development (48:10–56:42)

• Standouts: Peyton Tolle (Red Sox), Jacob Misiorowski (Red Sox), Cam Schlittler (Yankees) all under 25, dominating with triple-digit velocity.

  “Fastest player in MLB history to reach 200 strikeouts.” —Rizzo, on Tolle (51:12) “Schlitler for the Yankees is just dominating…that chip on his shoulder is who I want in a big game.” —Rizzo (52:04)

• Discussion on analytics, biomechanics, and injury risks. Hosts agree pitching is evolving—velocity up, command and health are the new frontier.

  “Pitching development is better than ever. The information…is better than ever.” —Rizzo (54:26) “If you stay healthy, then you start to use the edges…after a long career.” —Ross (56:42)

8. Power Rankings & Playoff Picture (61:52–67:17)

• AL Power Rankings (Ross): Rays, Red Sox, Yankees, Astros as a sleeper. “Yankees got the best pitching staff in the league.”
• NL Power Rankings (Ross): Brewers, Braves, Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, Diamondbacks (“sneaky hot”).
• NL Power Rankings (Rizzo): Dodgers, Brewers, Cubs, Phillies, Braves.

  “NL race will be a gauntlet. You will have to play at such a high level.” —Rizzo (63:22)

• Discussion of how injuries, late surges, and trade deadline activity have shaped true contenders— with special note on under-the-radar teams like the Diamondbacks, Twins, and Astros.

9. Field of Dreams Game & Closing Reflections (67:17–72:44)

• Anticipation for the Twins–Phillies Field of Dreams game in Iowa—a notably emotional event for both hosts.

  “Being on that global platform…with Barry Bonds and Albert Pujols…it’s incredible.” —Rizzo (69:21)

• Final banter about broadcast life, giving “unsolicited love” to Jon Lester’s Hall of Fame campaign, and plans for future episodes (including their new “ball bag” mailbag segment).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Dodgers being in a rut:

  “When it’s going bad, it’s going bad. You can’t explain it. Look at the Cubbies who are so hot now and they lost two ten-game losing streaks throughout the season.”
  —David Ross (16:45)

• On Pete Crow-Armstrong’s breakout:

  “He’s the most exciting player in the game. For me, it’s must-watch TV when he’s on the field.”
  —Ross (25:46)

• On the evolution of modern pitching:

  “Everyone always asks me, do you miss it? Or is the game easier? I’m like, no…I watched these teams, the Brewers had guys rolling out there, all their average fastball was 100 MPH.”
  —Rizzo (54:19)

• On player-front office trust:

  “If somebody asked you about [roster needs]: I believe in every guy in this room. We’re the best team in baseball right now. If the front office feels like they can upgrade…that’s awesome.”
  —Ross (30:00)

• On the power of trade deadline moves:

  “They injected a new life into that clubhouse. That feeling of getting dudes traded over—I mean, that’s belief.”
  —Rizzo (35:37)

• Lighthearted closing:

  “We want you guys to tune in and enjoy listening, because we’re having a blast doing it.”
  —Ross (71:01)

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Segment Timestamps (Select)

• New show format explained: 03:25
• Mailbag/“Ball bag” intro: 09:01
• Payroll & team identity discussion: 09:59–13:21
• Current Dodgers state & injuries: 10:57–16:45
• Cubs, Pete Crow-Armstrong highlight: 21:27–25:56
• Bryce Harper drama/Phillies: 27:32–33:53
• Cubs’ trade deadline moves: 33:53–37:36
• Red Sox & AL East shakes up: 37:36–44:39
• Pitching—rookies, velocity, injuries: 48:10–56:42
• Power rankings debate: 61:52–67:17
• Field of Dreams anticipation: 67:17–69:48
• Final gratitude/fan engagement: 71:01–72:44

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Takeaways for Listeners

• Cubs fans: This is your moment. The podcast’s energy and insider knowledge, blended with city buzz, make this essential listening.
• Baseball junkies: Rizzo & Ross’s breakdowns are unfiltered, generous with clubhouse details, and occasionally hilarious.
• For anyone interested in how players and managers think through real-time drama (from trades to MVP races to media blowups), this episode is loaded with first-person perspective.

For future episodes, send questions to the “ball bag” (rossandrizogmail.com), and tune in for club-level access to MLB’s present and future.

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Transcript

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Welcome everybody and thank you for tuning in to our first episode of Ross and Rizzo Unfiltered. I'm Anthony Rizzo alongside my partner David Ross, two time World Series champion, one with the Red Sox, one with the Cubbies in 2016. We just did our lovable reunion podcast where we told all the stories of our 10 year reunion and now we are getting into Ralsei and I talking the current game of baseball. We played together for two years. Rossi was my manager for a year and a half until he traded me. So he has the perspective of managerial experience. I have the want to be a manager slash GM experience from the player side. So we're going to be debating about a lot of topics. We're going to be able to dissect a lot of topics from what the managerial hat on and the players hat and hopefully take you viewers inside the clubhouse and what guys are thinking and tune into all the races. Rossi, I am absolutely pumped for this. We've been talking about it for a long time and Global Reunion podcast was amazing but I'm so excited to be talking the current state of the game.

[A]

It's going to be great, bro. I love working with you and getting to see your face on the regular so this will be fun, man. You've got, we've both got so much baseball experience to, to give back and being able to talk our great game that's that's done a lot for our lives and do that with a friend that it's nice to. It's nice to work with. The lovable reunion was amazing but this I think is going to take it to the next level. I'm super excited to work with you buddies. This is, has been fun.

[D]

Yeah, I mean, I mean I remember when we were talking about doing the 10 year reunion podcast or show. It was like, oh, let's just do it, see how we like it. It'll be therapeutic if anything. And it, it was turned out being everything more than anything we could have imagined. We loved it. I always love talking to you. Rossi and I, throughout my career and even post playing, we've always talked the game of baseball. We've. Rossi has such an amazing light of the game. I think being a catcher and all the experience he went through being a everyday catcher at times and backup catcher, he was able to see the game in a different lens and he shared that knowledge with me and taught me so many things. So all these topics that we're going to get brought up throughout, you know, this playoff stretch. We are in the dog days of summer right now. We will get into that later in the show but we will be able to break down and hopefully give you fans and viewers perspective that maybe you didn't know Rossi. I was on Twitter or X as we call it, the kids call it nowadays and there's a 20 years ago nostalgia video going around of you hitting a walk off home run. We should get the viewers familiar that you played for The Cincinnati Reds. August 9, 2006.

[A]

20 years already. Look at the young bug. No beard. I got hair. Jason Isringhausen, Krista Norfia, our teammate. Oh my goodness. This was a, that was a photo back when I was like standing straight up. They used to call me the Wooden Indian. All my teammates give me a hard time about my just stiff. Oh, I had hair. I'm growing it back now. Donner, who else we got in there? Royce, Clayton, Edwin, Air Carnacion. We got all kind of guys.

[D]

Is that that great American ballpark was rocking, huh?

[A]

Yeah. Well, I think they had, I think they had like dollar hot dog night that night because we were chasing the cards. So it sold out in like two seconds because they were giving away cheap hot dogs. But that was an amazing. I think we were like three or four back from the Cardinals in the, in the division race and we had a really good team and that was my first walk off I'd ever hit and I, I hit it and Jimmy Edmonds was going back and I'm like, you've seen his highlights so many times of him robbing home runs or climbing the wall. But it just disappeared. It never came down. I crushed it. And it's one of those. I didn't feel really how Good. I hit it. And that was a good feeling. That was a nice one.

[D]

That was 2006, I believe you hit 20 pumps that year. 20 plus, right? 21.

[A]

21. Nice.

[D]

Yeah. That year, I believe, is the reason that started your two year deal span. Because everyone's. Oh, he can get back to that 20 homer form, right?

[A]

For sure. For sure. And my. I remember my agent Ryan said, said I had 19 going into the last road trip. We were going Florida and I think we finished in New York playing the Mets that year. And I went to. I kept. He kept going. 19's not 20. 19's not 20. It's my first arbitration year. It's not right. It's not 20.

[D]

So I hit in 299 is not 300.

[A]

I hit two off Dontrell Willis in. In two upper deckers in Old Mont and O' Marlin Stadium. Some of the first balls I've hit to get me 20 and 21. So I was pumped when, when I got 20. That was nice.

[D]

That's legit.

[A]

That's all half for you, though. That's all half for you.

[D]

20 a year. I was a junior in high school in 2006. So now we're doing a podcast 20 years later. Look at us.

[A]

Look at, look at us. Look at me hanging around the game.

[D]

Rossi. Before we get going to the show, I want to invite our viewers to send us in a little mailbag. They can comment on YouTube or send us an email at rossandrizzogmail.com for questions they want answered. I think at the end of our show or somewhere in our show, we'll. We'll go to the hotline and answer some questions. So I look forward to that. I always like doing question and answers with fans, so that's gonna be pumped. So everyone comment on YouTube. Email us at Ross and Rizzo mail.com it's be our mailbag.

[A]

Hey, I think we need to call that in honor of Bussy. We need to call that the ball bag. Mean. We got a baseball podcast.

[D]

Tim, great idea.

[A]

Yeah, send us your ball.

[D]

Tim Bus, our former straight coach, explain that. Spring training every year. I believe he, he started the ball bag daily ball bag award, which means every day in spring training and it rolled into the season, he would kind of find someone who did something like a. A bozo move of the day or something that was just. What are you doing? What are we doing here?

[A]

This is the show he would like, find if some guy posted some. Some young kid posted something on, on Twitter at the time. Now X he would like read it to the group and like what a like or something about a guy parking in the wrong like a veteran spot

[D]

or rookie always keeping it light hearted.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It was fun. I like send us your questions. So instead of the mailbag, we got the ball bag.

[D]

All right, Rashi, let's get into a few of the major headlines in Major League Baseball right now. For me the biggest one is the two best teams in baseball are some of the lowest payroll teams. I know the upcoming CBA agreement is a hot topic in sports, all of sports, not only just baseball, but the $90 million payroll. Tampa Bay Rays are by far the best team in the American League right now. And the $143 million Milwaukee brewers are running away with the National League. So it's crazy to see, you know, the dodgers have a 400 plus million dollar payroll. I feel like all of baseball the sports world wants. The brewers are raised to save baseball right. With their low payrolls. But it's been impressive what they've been doing and it's going to be a fun stretch to see these teams continue to fight and just continue to see if they're going to stay the best at the end of 162.

[A]

Yeah, and it always feels like the Dodgers are slow playing their players right. Like they've, they're able to bring glass now and you know, some of these guys back Snell back on a, on a slower kind of trajectory when they get injured and kind of play for that September, October time of year. They are scuffling right now and hit a little bit of a lull here in August. But I think my perspective.

[D]

You think they're in trouble?

[A]

I don't wouldn't say in trouble. No. I think they got a seven. They got swept by Arizona and Arizona is still seven and a half back. Like they've got plenty of, plenty of time. Ohtani, I think Ohtani is still going to pitch. You know, I saw some clips of him throwing yesterday. You know, that knee I think has really affected him in a lot of ways. But going back to the Rays and the brewers really stands out. I think when you have your process of how you develop and how you draft and player development in the minor leagues and those guys come up and contributing or, or analyzing and finding the guys that really play your brand of baseball or we're going to emphasize, you know, kind of their strengths and kind of everybody tries to fix guys weaknesses and I feel like Tampa Bay with some of the pitching they just kind of Maximize the strengths of some players and kind of let them go out and get better. Has really worked out for them. And the brewers, obviously, like, they just. It feels like they haven't hit. Everybody hits a law at some point in the season. Doesn't feel like the brewers have hit one at all. They've been so consistent, and their player development, their young pitching, the guys that all around the infield don't have a lot of time, but, yeah, they continue to put up a lot of W's.

[D]

They just keep doing it. The brewers just keep doing it year in and year out. The race, too, man, they. They have a down year here. It's like, oh, they're going to be automatically good next year. It really frustrates for me. I feel like playing on a big market, you see some big market teams starting to operate, saying, hey, why can't we be the Rays or the brewers and develop that way? And it just doesn't work that way in big markets. The big markets come with the bigger, the lights shine brighter. It's not as easy to play there. You do not have as much time to develop in the big league, but I do. What I love most about our game right now is it is so competitively balanced. Their teams are. This is the best it's been since I've. Since my time in baseball.

[A]

Well, knowing your identity, I think, as an organization is. Is priority number one. How many times have we been. You know, we were together or even, you know, playing for. You know, you were still playing, and I was done. But like, Houston, everybody was like, oh, this is how Houston does it. Let's do it this way. Or this is how Tampa Bay does it.

[D]

Let's do it how the Dodgers, whoever's

[A]

winning, whoever's winning, they're trying to.

[D]

Every. Every couple years, you have this fad of a new pitch. Right? Right now it's the kick change up, or it was the sweeper there when it came out. Right. You know, it's like, it's just such a fad league. And I mean, really, you. You have to keep up with the Joneses. Honestly, you're going to get left in the dust.

[A]

Sure.

[D]

But another major headline is Scubal. Terry Scubal getting traded to the Dodgers, making his Dodger Stadium debut. They lost to the Cubbies in their first one. The Cubbies are one of the hottest teams in baseball right now. But Scuba, making his Dodger Stadium debut, gives up three, probably not to his standards, gives us a home run to Jack Caglion, which he's having. He's having a monster year. Cagman, I love his game, but I think that the Dodgers right now, they are so good that they're losing what they lose 8 out of 10. And, and if I feel like inside that clubhouse, they're just like, yeah, that's cute. Everyone thinks we're. We're falling off. And they, like you said, they're just getting guys healthy. They're not playing, they're not pitching. Ohtani, because they just want to get him healthy for the postseason. So it's the Dodgers, man, they are just. They're going to be hard to beat. They are going to be hard to beat in October.

[A]

And they're so deep, right? Like Will Smith's out, Dalton rushing is out. You know, he, you know, the meniscus thing, you know, two of their main catchers out in and working some guys back. But I think they're going to be fine. They're so deep, you know, they're just offensively scuffling a little bit right now. And Scuba's going to be fine. I watched a little bit of his start last night. Looked like he's just a little bit. He's probably amped up. First time in Dodger Stadium, jumpy. The fastball was a little erratic for him, but he'll settle in and they're going to be. They're going to be right when they're supposed to be. Come into September, October, and then it's about who's hot as we know, like who's rolling into the. The postseason with a little bit of momentum and pitchers, you know, hit the offense kind of clicking on all cylinders and a pitching staff doing their job.

[D]

The beautiful part for Scubal is he's coming in there and it's not like he's coming in there to be their savior. He's. He's now just another superstar amongst their entire superstar roster. So he has. Even if he gets off, if you're a Dodgers fan and Scubal does get off to a rough start his first few outings as he's getting comfortable with his new staff, his new teammates, a new league. You have all the time in the world with him. Obviously, they want to get that first round by and get that locked up, but if not, they have the pitching, they have the depth. I mean, it's. It's August 11th. It's. It's the dog days of summer on a team that has won back to back World Series titles. They are going through the motions, I would say, if you ask them, I would imagine inside the clubhouse they're, they're not, they're, they're grinding every day. They're working as hard as they can. But once, once in a few weeks, once they could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I, I think this Dodgers team will be clicking on all cylinders like we've seen in the last few years.

[A]

And, and then last comment for me on the Dodgers, is it when you're going bad, every team goes through a stretch where it's just not going well. Like in that Arizona series, Ohtani, Freeman and Betts were 3 for 33 and they got swept by the Dodgers. Right. Edwin Diaz blew two saves. Like some of these things aren't going to happen. Those guys are going to, they're going to, you're going to go through ups and downs, but when it's going bad, it's going bad as, as every team. You can't explain it. Like, look at the Cubbies who are so hot now and they lost, you know, two ten game losing streaks throughout the season. So everybody kind of goes through the ups and downs. Which is so impressive about, you know, the, the Milwaukee brewers as we were talking, just how consistent they've been.

[D]

Well, I think too when everyone plays the Dodgers, you go to Dodger Stadium or the Dodgers come to you. That's, you're, that's circled on the calendar. Yeah, all the pitchers are throwing their hardest stuff. Everyone's hyped up, the adrenaline's higher for the opposing team. And when you're on the, the big market team like the Dodgers, when I was on the Yankees or the, the Cubs, it was, you knew you were getting their best every day. So yeah, when you go through skid, it gets magnified a little more. But it's all part of the grind.

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Allow eight weeks this is Ashley Iconetti from the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous podcast Ben I've been reflecting a lot lately on how many big life moments our listeners have experienced with us.

[D]

Yeah, it's pretty wild.

[E]

They've watched us go from dating shows to engagements, weddings, babies, buying homes. Every stage comes with new decisions.

[D]

The milestones are the fun part, but the planning is where things get real.

[E]

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[A]

code iHeart how talk about we got a little more. Yeah, let's talk about the Cubbies A little bit and we. There you go, bro. Talking about Otani pca. Wow. I mean, what a, what a stud

[D]

that is going to be. I, I feel like, and obviously I may be a little biased in Chicago here, but I feel like what PCA is doing, man, is just the growth he's made this year has been insane. He's. He. Honestly, it's really not about me and I don't want to talk about me, but here we go. What he's doing. The adjustments he's made against lefties this season has been tenfold. He's walking more. I believe it's helping him face right handed pitching as well. I mean, he's made real adjustments. His walk rate is through the roof compared to what it was. What was he walking at a 3% clip when you had him as your, as your player, as your young rookie? Rossi.

[A]

So, yeah, yeah, he just got a. He didn't get. He only got like 14 at bass for me. So he was, he was, we were, we were all grinding.

[B]

Anytime.

[A]

Yeah, he's a.

[D]

Anytime. You could have a. Anytime you're on base can be around 80 to 100 points higher than your average. For me, that's where you start separating the, the good players to the elite players. And I mean, he's what, 286, 388 and a.544 slug while playing the best center field in the game. I mean, it's gonna be the best

[A]

defender in the game, right? Yeah, yeah, for sure. I think, I think the really. You know, obviously Pete's got to continue to carry that through the season and I don't see any signs of him not being able to do that. The, the trick is I think Ohtani separates himself when it comes to pitching. He comes back in pitches and is dominant like he was before the knee started popping up and, and he stopped pitching before the all star break. I think that's going to be the real separator. But PCA has had a phenomenal year up to this point and what's impressive to me is the adjustments he's made. Like you're talking about controlling the strike zone but getting off to a rough start. Being around those guys in the wbc, I think had a real impact on

[D]

him and no doubt how those guys

[A]

work and superstars, right? And then going in, struggling a little bit, making some adjustments and then just like putting the guys on their back. I, we talk all the time about what successful teams have and, and obviously the Cubs have been really successful. They have. Their horses are horses And PCA has stepped up and turned himself into an MVP candidate along with all the great players they have around him. But he is that horse. I mean, we had Chris Bryant in 2016 that won the MVP and, and was a guy that showed up every single day. In his performance and his versatility and his base running skills. I don't think got enough love, but he was a guy that you two at the top of our order really performed day in and day out. And that just keeps, keeps the consistency and the winning and builds the confidence of the group.

[D]

No doubt. I mean, for me, right now he's. He is the MVP of the National League. I think that he, what he's done this year, Ohtani's been banged up. He's not hitting as good as he is. But I know, I know the pitching and hitting is just what Ohtani has been doing is unheard of. But again, in this game, I feel like we just kind of get bored of the superstars, the boring players. And for sure, you know, PCA now. I mean, for me, what, what I'm impressed most by is his adjustment off lefties and being around the team a little bit more. Talking to him a little bit more. Talking to John Maley, their hitting coach, their assistant hitting coach in Chicago. Just the adjustments and talking to Pete about hey approach and why he always asked me why I stood so close to the plate and how to. To take pitches and the reason you take pitches. So he. I was so impressed of him. All the questions that he asked me and all the right questions. And then seeing him in game and being up close, seeing him take his approach into the game and over the last few months, watching him continue to just grow confidence in his approach, you. You literally see him blossoming. You literally you. I see the development right in front of my eyes. It's crazy to see he's the most

[A]

exciting player in the game. For me, it's like must watch TV when he's on field.

[C]

So.

[A]

Yeah, I'm with you.

[D]

He, he's. Yeah, he, he. And he loves the smoke. He loves, he wants all of it.

[A]

He loves it. He loves it.

[D]

You're right. The Cubs right now are one of the hottest teams in bay. I mean Cubs in the National League, Red Sox in the American League. If, if you're a Cubs fan this week, summertime Chicago Cubs, Cardinals this weekend you have the air and water show this weekend. You have David Ross calling the game on Saturday on ESPN this weekend. And then you have roll Sunday, Sunday,

[A]

ABC Sunday, Sunday, ABC Sunday.

[D]

And then you roll right into the White Sox at Wrigley where all the drama coming off, you know s on my D from Pete to the fan so that that the White Sox are really good. That rivalry is going to be. Get your popcorn for that. That's going to be must watch. So this is the. If you're in Chicago baseball fan, Cubs fan. This is the mecca of the schedule in my opinion. It's a dog days of summer. It's August falls kind of right around the corner. I know we don't talk about that in Chicago, but enjoy this upcoming week. I know for me, I can't wait to watch that series against the Cardinals and even more excited for next week's series against the White Sox.

[A]

Sure. It's a great time to be in Chicago, that's for sure.

[D]

Yeah, you're going to be there. You're going to get on a boat this weekend.

[A]

My little one's got a little volleyball tournament. So I'm getting in late Saturday, Sunday, maybe Sunday after the game late and then I'm back back home being dad on Monday. What else we got here?

[D]

Another.

[A]

I want. Go ahead.

[D]

Another big head on.

[A]

I like this.

[D]

Philadelphia Phillies.

[A]

Yes.

[D]

Kyle Schorberg, Philadelphia Phillies. Right. Bryce Harper, another stud. Bryce Harper at the deadline basically said to Dave Dombrowski and the organization, hey, we need help. We think we deserve help. Which is controversial in the clubhouse.

[C]

Right.

[D]

Rossi, I mean you manage. Don Mattingly's response was a head scratcher for me being a player. But they go out and get help. They all get Luis arise and he's really going to, I feel like turn that that lineup and just make it a lot deeper with a lot more room for error throughout that lineup now.

[A]

But you got to build on your strengths, right? Like, I think the tricky part is there's a lot of moving parts. I think there's like four guys switching position credit to Bryce Harper, your highest paid player, your FR Face of the franchise. Him and Schwarber being able when willing to move positions to accommodate, you know, some of the moving parts and then what they're picking up. So I think that's a pro move. I'm with you on the, the Mattingly stuff, like that whole thing is just kind of handled a little bit weird. I think you're. When you're in the playoff hunt as a player, you're expecting help. You know, I don't think it's any offense to. To guys that are there or you're just thinking like, hey, we can improve in some areas and that's the front office's job, and they actually should take a lot of pride in that because they don't. They don't have any impact, really, in season up to that point, like, major impact. So. But, yeah, I think from a managerial standpoint, Don's got his. Got his hands full. He's moving. I. I think Ball moved from third to first, Arise goes to second, Stott goes to third, and Harper to right. So, I mean, we've got all kind of moving parts, and you got a guy's gonna probably put in some extra work defensively in August, which is always a little bit tricky. But their identity has been offense this. This entire year, pitching an offense. So defense was. Was never a strong suit for them this year. And I think they've got the. The pieces seem to be off to a good start since the trade deadline.

[D]

Yeah, I mean. All right, Rossi, let's take you back. I want you to put your player hat on. It's 2000, all right, 15. No, it's 2016. We have expectations to win the World Series. At the trade deadline, I go out in the media and say, we need help. What are you saying to me as my veteran on that team?

[A]

I just think there's, like, better ways to phrase that. Like, it'd be great if they added somewhere, but we leave that up to the front office. That's their job now. They're in their season. And. And, you know, I think front offices have a lot on their plate when it comes to how many guys are coming or trades or moving pieces and who are prospects they believe in, who they're willing to trade or they're not willing to trade. The future. You know, we go into looking back on 16, and Theo Epstein had so much belief in us, he gave up Gleyber Torres for Araldes Chapman.

[D]

Well, but, yeah, if I say that right, as the leader.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're. You're. You're smashing on Rondon and Stropey and all those guys for sure. I think the one thing I would say to a veteran player is, or to a player like you is just like, hey, man, like, if somebody asked you about that, it's like, I believe in every guy in this room. Like, we're. We're the best team in baseball right now, and if the. If the front office feels like they can upgrade in some spot, that's awesome.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, I think I love it.

[D]

I actually loved it. I understand. I don't think Bryce was throwing any shade at any individual players on his team. No, but Look, I mean, him and Dombrowski seemed from afar, Seemed to have a little bit of a little beef, honestly. Right. Seven from last year, saying he's not elite anymore. And that got dragged into the media a little bit. And then Bryce wearing the shirt in the off season, and just. Bryce wants to win, man. Like his. He's done everything. He's won mvp. He's an all Star. He's hit tons of homers, he's made a ton of money, hit. The last thing on his checklist of baseball accomplishments is winning a World Series, Right? So, sure, sure. I love it. And then on the other end, on Donnie's part, the way that he answered it, I remember just sitting there watching, I was scratching my head. I'm like, that's not how you protect your superstar player by any means. And I mean, Donnie's son is the gm, so maybe he's protecting the general manager. But his response, I mean, as a player, if you said that about me, Rossi, as my manager, I would be in your office right away saying, what the. What are you saying?

[A]

Sure. Sure. Saying, Yeah, I. I saw Donnie's comments. It was a little bit. It's a little. Yeah, I felt the same way he did. It's like, wait, that was the. That was the worst way to handle that, you know?

[D]

Yeah. It's like, you could say, I. I like what he said about. He's not going to comment on guys, because if he does, some guys are losing their job. Right. You have to be sensitive that as a big leaguer, but the way he started it with, like, just calling out Bryce, saying, oh, well, Bryce seems to be into it. Every player is a gm come the trade deadline, every single one of them. Hey, even on other teams off. Imagine if this team gets that, right? You just. You talk about it. You know it's coming. It's not. We're not naive to it, but sure. Well.

[A]

And if you. The thing about managing is you've got two sides. You've got your player side that you hear all the time. And then in your office, there's like, front office, and they may be bitching about something or something that's not going right in trade talks or whatever. So, like, he could have just gotten out of that meeting or trying to stand up for those guys, knowing they're working hard and it not working out and not being able to make the moves they want to make or, you know, but I'm with you. The wording that he used and how he could have went straight into, like, you know, every Player. Everybody plays GM right now, and every. Every player wants the best guy on the market. There's not one team out there that didn't want Tarik School. You know, every team wanted him. But is that realistic and is that a knock on anybody else on the staff? No, it's just like we want the best player possible to help us win a World Series, and that's how we're wired. And I don't know that every front office and every organization is thinking about winning the World Series every single year. I think, you know, they kind of hedge their. Hedge their bets a little bit.

[D]

Yeah. I mean, honestly, what the Phillies did, getting a rise is it lengthened their lineup. And then the Cubs, too, bro. Like, them going and getting Golsman and Clay Holmes and then the dude in the bullpen who throws 105. I mean, they've really. They. The Cubs had the best deadline I've seen them have in a long time. I was joking with some friends, and I don't know if Cubs fans are going to like, like this, but did Bruce Levine save the Cub season by sending out his tweet? I mean, Jed, Jericho, they mean, it was almost uncharacteristic of the moves they made. And I'm so happy as a fan watching. It's. It's going to be fun to watch the Cubs down the stretch here.

[A]

Yeah, Wrigley's Rock, and they needed pitching, and they went out and got two really good, good starters and some bullpen help, I think. I think also like the underlying stuff when you go into that. You know, you've got Colin, Javier Assad going to the bullpen, which gives you a lot of depth for those games that might get out of hand or some real length down there from those guys. So it just deepens your whole staff when you're.

[D]

Cabrera coming back, too. Cabrera's gonna be coming. Yeah.

[A]

Cabrera, yeah. And. And closer Palencia. Yeah. Boy's been locked. Yeah, that's the one, bro.

[D]

They have. They have legit.

[A]

Matt Boyd since coming back. Matt Boyd since coming back from the. His IL stint has been lights out. He's. I feel like he's. He's kind of carried the group. And Colin Ray doesn't get enough love for the Cubs because he kept that ship steady when everybody was hurt, and he kept posting and kept him in a lot of games. He's not going to wow you, but I feel like he's one of the best competitors they have.

[D]

If you asked me four or five weeks ago, even really before the deadline. If the Cubs had a legitimate chance of winning the World Series, I would have said no. I mean, they're a good team, but their pitching just wasn't deep enough in my opinion to win a seven game series at the end of the season. And it's credit to Jed in the front office to going out and identifying their needs and not just getting one guy. They injected a new life into that clubhouse and that feeling of getting dudes traded over, I mean, that's belief. That's belief in the offense, that's belief in the defense. I mean the defense is the best in the game. It's one of the best defenses I think to ever play the game. They are so good and then they go out and get two nasty sinker ball pitchers. Gosman is nasty and he's proven in the playoffs. Clay Holmes is nasty and healthy. I mean you have Boyd.

[A]

I was around Clay Holmes, I was around Clay Holmes during WBC and that, I mean when he's right, he is filthy. He's a big human. You've been around. You, you play with him, right?

[D]

Yeah,

[A]

he's one of the big, I thought, I thought Judge was big, but he's a big, big dude, man.

[D]

He's gonna, he's impressive. He's gonna love Chicago. I've told him all the time he would love Chicago. So I'm happy for him and his wife that they got traded over there for him to showcase again on another big, big market. He, Yankees, Mets, now the Cubs. He's played in the highest level, he's closed in the highest level situation. So I mean, bro, they're them stacked up in a, in a seven game series now. They're, they're going to be hard to beat, in my opinion. Their offense is so well constructed their, their lineup construction that they just grind, man. And they win. And I don't think anyone on the team is too flashy, even PC with everything he's doing. It's not like he's the flashy player, he's just. They're a bunch of grinders, man. I love this team right now.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, for sure. Well, enough love for the Cubbies. Let's get to our sponsors who help us have this amazing show, Corona sponsored Playa of the week. Now that in our terms is playa, but we're gonna say Playa of the week for the most outstanding players this week and we're kind of highlighting Will. You're Abreu for the Boston Red Sox, absolute animal. He's been going off all year. He Started in WBC for Venezuela and actually has been carrying this Red Sox offense along with a lot of our buddies. But he's had a phenomenal week. He plays an amazing right field. Three home home runs this week, nine RBIs. Just, you know, in that Red Sox deep lineup, he's been a staple at the top and you know, just gotta highlight him for our playa of the week.

[D]

Playa of the week. I'll tell you what, I'm in Nantucket right now, a little vacation and I've had about probably 10 to 20 coronas a day if you do the math there. Been here for a week. What a special island here, here in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Talking about the Red Sox, our player play of the week, so. But yeah, Will, he's been amazing, man. And his, his defense is just.

[A]

His defense.

[D]

He has an absolute cannon. Their defense alignment in Fenway is incredible. He plays shallow right where. I don't know. This Red Sox team, man, they are fun to watch. Their turnaround is. There's just, there's no way anyone saw this coming. Rossi?

[A]

No, no. We were there doing that Yankee series, both of us, for ESPN and NBC and like, it felt like they were dead and they got swept. The Yankees got hot and they have been rolling. He has been a big part of it. Wilson Contreras, you know, they up and down. Well, hey, talking about braid going out and getting Adley Rushman. We're talking about the Red Sox having needs. Yankees needed a catcher. They got nobody. Tampa Bay upgraded at the catcher position. You know, they've talking about moves. Craig Blezo went out and found a need for their team and went out and, and filled it with a. Apparently giving away some really good prospects. So the Red Sox are real. I think they're coming and Adley's not even there yet. I think he's actually scheduled to be today or tomorrow, be activated. So next time we hop on here, we talk, talk how he's been playing for the. And how that move's working out.

[D]

Another big move. And then obviously Adley being familiar with the AL east and knowing the gauntlet that it takes to win in the AL east, when he got called up with the Orioles, he basically, the timeline he got called up. They started winning a ton of games. And I know the last year and a half hasn't gone according to their. Their projections and plans, but him coming over to the Red Sox, letting him get acclimated, I'm sure it'll take him a little bit. Hopefully he gets right into it and Makes the race that much more exciting. But, man, what Wilson Contreras is doing with their pictures to. And they got the characters right. They got totally the big, the big lefty. He's a character that seems like fans in Boston just absolutely love, love him.

[A]

For me, you can talk about change of scenery a little bit like going from a place you loved in Chicago, but going, getting traded to New York, who was in the race, like, talk about that, like a change of scenery and getting back into that competitive nature has got to be, no doubt, super exhilarating.

[D]

Yeah, these, these guys are the Rays, obviously are the Rays, and they're just going to play their brand of baseball that they play. And they're going to always pitch. They're always going to be fundamentally sound. Kevin Cash does an amazing job managing what he has there, and they're always good. Now the Yankees are the Yankees and they're always going to be usually the favorites in the AL east and the Red Sox. This year, with the way this season has gone, they, they go on this massive streak. They sweep the Yankees, they, they get embarrassed to the Rockies A few weeks ago, they come into the Yankees series at home and they end up sweeping the Yankees in a four game set, a couple national television games, and that springboarded them to a 15 game win streak. And then they lose and then they go on to win more. And now post All Star break, they're winning, they've won. I think they had the best record post All Star break. Right. So this team is real and they had the emotional streak and usually after emotional streaks, you saw with the Cubs earlier this year when they streaked and won 10 games in a row, then they lost 10 games in a row and they won 10. It's like when you're on teams that are really good for me, Rossi, and you manage, so maybe you're different. But looking back now from all the years I played, I'd rather go 10 and 2 over the course of 20, 30, 40 games or 10 and 3 than win 10, 12 in a row. Because you win that many games in a row, it starts getting too emotional and you're playing at such a high emotional level that you can't sustain that emotional level for the rest of the season. So I feel like it's almost good to lose a game here and there and then just keep going and keep trucking.

[A]

Yeah, it's all about the momentum and they've been getting. The Red Sox had great starting pitching, but they definitely came together, you know, I think a little bit with the They've got five Venezuelan players on the team and all that stuff was going on in Venezuela with the earthquake and just some, some crazy stuff in the government over there. So those guys, Wilson and Willier, you know, they've got a number of guys that you could feel that they was weighing heavy on them when we were there. And then, you know, it feels like they've kind of come together in a great way and.

[D]

Yeah. And then they go and get. It's been fun to watch, you know.

[A]

Yeah. He added, he added a great piece.

[D]

So the Yankees didn't hit the deadline, right. The Yankees didn't go and make massive moves to upgrade their bullpen or. I know they got some hitters, but I feel like as a Red Sox, you're just in a good, you're dangerous. You're playing with house money. It's a, it's a younger team. Guys are getting a Runway. Caleb Durbin has completely anchored that lineup as well with him and Wilson. So, I mean, that's going to be a fun stretch here. Down, down the stretch.

[A]

You know, it's crazy they don't have Roman Anthony healthy, if he's able or crochet like this. I, I hadn't, I don't know the update on, on crochet, but I know Roman Anthony's rehab and, and you know, they're hoping to get him back. I don't know if that's. That's possible, but that's, that's an exciting two players that all of a sudden you add those two guys to the roster and, and get into the postseason like that's a dangerous, dangerous, dangerous.

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Exactly. Best way pitch I ever made.

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This is just one reason to join T Mobile this summer. There are 250 reasons. Find yours savings based on the value of benefits included with experience beyond like entertainment and one year of AAA Classic and DashPass on us. Benefits may require activation C Plan for details get $100 via virtual prepaid MasterCard with eligible ported, no cash access and expires in 6 months. Issued by Sunrise Banks and member FDIC.

[E]

Allow 8 weeks this is Ashley from the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast Ben I've been reflecting a lot lately on how many big life moments our listeners have experienced with us.

[D]

Yeah, it's pretty wild.

[E]

They've watched us go from dating shows to engagements, weddings, babies buying homes. Every stage comes with new decisions.

[D]

The milestones are the fun part, but the planning is where things get real.

[E]

That's why Klarna stands out. Klarna gives people smarter tools to help manage everyday money with flexible ways to pay cash back that builds automatically everything in one place and support that makes everyday decisions feel less overwhelming.

[D]

Since life moves so fast, the right tools can help you feel more confident. Download the Klarna app today or visit klarna.com to learn more.

[A]

California Resident Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance law license and MLS number 1353190 cloud balance account required to be eligible for cashback points. Limitations, terms and conditions apply.

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You know what quality feels like. You can see it in the way a fabric moves, recognize it in a flawless fit and appreciate it in the details that make our styles unique. It's the standard Coldwater Creek has honored for over 40 years, derived from a rich Mountain west heritage and designed for today in styles that are distinctively Coldwater Creek. For a wardrobe you can count on season after season, visit coldwatercreek.com shop new arrivals and save 15% on purchases. $75 or more with code iHeart Nutrafol

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[D]

I've been getting targeted on his, his content that he's been just his post game interviews and bro, he is just a genuine guy that I feel like fans can gravitate to.

[A]

Yeah, I feel like he's the guy you want to throw a couple beers back with. You know what I mean? You want to sit around and, and pound some, some coronas with that guy. He's talking about players. He's one of those. Yeah, the Miz has been dealing. The Miz. Probably the Miz been locked in. Yeah.

[D]

Every day time he pitches and I just saw that they're gonna now try to pitch him every Sunday. Just kind of load management here down the stretch. But, bro, fastest player in MLB history to reach 200 strikeouts.

[A]

It's second fast, I think. Second.

[D]

Second fastest.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Crazy.

[D]

It's crazy. I mean, he's. He. In my opinion, he has the scion locked up. Right. Obviously, he's got to stay healthy here down the stretch, and hopefully he does because it's. You want to see this guy in the playoffs, you want to see him on the biggest stage throwing 105 him versus PCA in the NLCS this year. Hopefully I'm manifesting that. And PCA takes him deep. Hopefully.

[C]

Or.

[D]

Or half. Or my guy or Nico. Right. But man, bro, he just keeps doing it. 105, 105, 104. It's not a. It's not 99. It's not 98. His change up is 98. Rossi, what are we doing?

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's why I'm sitting here. We're talking to you, bro. He's really good.

[D]

Let's talk some Yankees on the other end.

[A]

Go ahead.

[D]

Yeah, the other. And you have Schlitler for the Yankees, who is just dominating, bro. He's. He's tall. He's got the extension. He's got. He's got that chip on his shoulder that just for me is like, this is who I want in a big game. I feel like maybe he scuffles every once in a while, then he comes back and just says, fuck you, I'm the best pitcher.

[A]

Yeah, for sure.

[D]

And just dominates.

[A]

He seems like that guy you don't want to piss off and take his focus to the next level. What's impressive to me about him is, like, if there is a guy you would love to catch, it's just all hard, right? Cutter, sinker, four, seamless, pretty much, you know, is 80% of his pitches and just. Just coming right at you and going hard. It seems like a lot of fun. I think he's. You know, Dylan Cease is having a great year and leading the league in strikeouts, but. And with, you know, he was on the IO, I think, for a couple of weeks, but I think Cam in New York is. Is my favorite for the Cy Young in the American League. He's. He's been impressive.

[D]

I would have to say so, too. Right. And it has to. I know. I know a lot of the time it goes. It doesn't go off wins and losses in your team, but the Yankees are right in the thick of winning the division. They're going to make the playoffs. Where the Blue Jays this year have fallen off and are kind of in a downward spiral. Look at this.

[A]

Think about this like we talk about. There's been so many great pitchers and some veteran guys like Scuba that have been around, but Peyton Tole, Jacob Misarowski, and Cam Schlitler, all three of these pitchers are in their rookie or second year and dominating the league. Like, there's a lot that we talk about and the league talks about, about how pitching development is. Is going the wrong way. And I don't know how anybody can say that with. Obviously, there's some injuries that I think that we've got to figure out, but the way they're developing pitching right now, the stuff's getting better. They're getting in the zone. I know it's a little erratic, but they're setting up with this elite stuff. It's not the way I was. Came up with guys on the edges and sinker, slider type stuff, but it's real power stuff. And, you know, from the three guys we talked about, it's pretty impressive that. What the. The run they're on at their age right now, bro.

[D]

It's insane. These. These dudes, everyone always asks me right now, oh, do you miss it? Or is the game easier? I'm like, no. I go.

[A]

I watched.

[D]

I watched these teams. The brewers had guys rolling out there. All their average fastball was 100 miles an hour in a game this year. What? The game, the pitcher, the development is better than ever. The information that these guys are getting is better than ever. And I think it's only going to get harder to hit in this league. I mean, these pitchers, once they can, which they're never going to figure out how to solve the chess piece of throwing to hitters, because we always say pitchers, you know, we give them. We don't ever give them that much credit. But pro. The development of these guys, you got to give credit to all these pitchers for diving deeper into their development, diving deeper into their mechanics, going to the drive lines or all these other places, and then the organizations as well, catching up and hiring these guys, internally hiring these guys to literally go in slow motion and see how you release the ball and saying, hey, you release the ball like this, if you move the seams a little bit, your ball should probably start doing this more. Right?

[A]

And it's team shifting.

[D]

Yeah, it's. The science behind it was. Is absolutely insane. And I do believe that's maybe why you're seeing a Little bit more injuries right now because guys are continuing to try to throw new pitches. And when you try to throw a new pitch, if you're a young player and you're just experimenting throwing new pitches, it takes time for your muscles to adapt to that. So you can get away with being young and dehydrated or, or whatnot or, or not having caught up on your sleep. But eventually you keep messing with throwing in a different way and messing these muscles up. In one day, your, your arm just pops. You know that? I, I think that could be an issue there. But, bro, the development in this, this, the modern day pitcher is fun to watch. And I think as we evolve more, you're going to see these guys getting deeper in the game. Understand? Maybe Miz doesn't have to throw 105. He can, he could tame it back to 98 and go eight or nine, seven, seven to eight innings instead of maybe five or six innings.

[A]

We got to get our guy Adam out ofino on here. I work with him, espn. He is a, a wizard when it comes to talking so many stuff. But I'm with you. Yeah, I'm with you. It, it's, it's like what's cool about the evolution and, and being able to be in the game for a little while and manage and still being a part of it. It's like all these guys, I mean, Scherzer's doing it now. It's like all these guys come up with real elite stuff and it's middle and just blowing doors and then they start as the stuff deteriorates. If you're able to stay healthy and, and have a long career and be in the league for 10, 12 years, it's now we're on the edges. Now we're backdooring stuff. Like Johnny lester used to be 97, blowing doors, and in the end, he's sinking it, he's cutting it. Change up back door cutters. You know, you start to use the edges a little bit more. But that's after a long, a really long career, being in the game for a long time.

[D]

Speaking of Johnny Lester, our boys up to be on the hall of Fame ballot next year. And I know now being a member of the media, Rossi, well, he's, he's getting inducted to the Cubs hall of Fame at the end of August.

[A]

That's in a couple weeks, right?

[D]

Yeah, I'm excited for that one, him and his family. But shout out being a member of the media, Rossi for me, and I'm going to tell. I'm going to hold you accountable is this. Make sure you tell all the writers that they they need to vote for him to get him in first Battle hall of Famer I mean, he's a three time World Series champion. His playoff pedigree is unmatched. Just a little unsolicited love for our guy, Johnny Lesser, even though he calls me a moron when he does interviews.

[A]

But

[D]

I still love him. I love that roster. Who do you got?

[B]

ChatGPT can do more than answer questions. It can help you get real work done. ChatGPT work is built for bigger projects with multiple steps. You bring the goal along with the information it needs like briefs, notes, files, feedback, calendars, data sets or project plans. Then ChatGPT can help turn all of that into something useful. An analysis, a tracker, a deck outline, a prototype, or a workflow you can keep shaping. It can also use approved apps, connected tools, files and browser contexts to help move the workflow forward. And you stay in control. You give direction, review drafts, approve actions, redirect the work, and choose the final output so you spend less time sorting through busy work and more time making progress on the work that matters. Put ChatGPT to work on your most ambitious ideas and projects. Get [e-mail] by selecting work mode available on plus and Pro plans

[A]

this summer there are 250 reasons to join T Mobile Girls. Trip booked and switching to T Mobile Help make it happen with experience beyond switch and get $100 back plus $650 in value in built in plan benefits. That's $750 in your first year guaranteed.

[C]

And honestly, that hundred dollars back, I'm

[A]

putting it towards the zip line now. That's how you do summer.

[C]

Exactly. Best switch I ever made.

[A]

This is just one reason to join T Mobile this summer. There are 250 reasons. Find yours Savings based on the value of benefits included with experience beyond like entertainment and one year of AAA classic and dash pass on US benefits may require activation. C plan for details, get $100 via virtual prepaid MasterCard with eligible ported no cash access and expires in six months. Issued by Sunrise Banks and a member FDIC.

[E]

Allow eight weeks this is Ashley from the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast. Ben. I've been reflecting a lot lately on how many big life moments our listeners have experienced with us.

[D]

Yeah, it's pretty wild.

[E]

They've watched us go from dating shows to engagements, weddings, babies, buying homes. Every stage comes with new decisions.

[D]

The milestones are the fun part, but the planning is where things get real.

[E]

That's why Klarna stands out. Klarna gives people smarter tools to help manage everyday money with flexible ways to pay cash back that builds automatically everything in one place and support that makes everyday decisions feel less overwhelming.

[D]

Since life moves so fast, the right tools can help you feel more confident. Download the Klarna app today or visit klarna.com to learn more.

[A]

California Resident Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance law license and MLS number 1353190 Klarna balance account required to be eligible for cashback points Limitations, terms and conditions apply.

[C]

You know what quality feels like. You can see it in the way a fabric moves, recognize it in a flawless fit, and appreciate it in the details that make our styles unique. It's the standard Coldwater Creek has honored for over 40 years, derived from a rich Mountain west heritage and designed for today in styles that are distinctively Coldwater Creek. For a wardrobe you can count on season after season, visit coldwatercreek.com, shop new arrivals and save 15% on purchases $75 or more with code iHeart.

[D]

Let's give me, give me some of your, give me some of your power rankings. Rossi, who do you got in the America?

[A]

All right, Power rankings? Al I'll go, I'll go raise. I think the Razor, you know, the additions they've made, hopefully they can figure out Peralta, get him back on track. But I think it's Ray's, Red Sox, Yankees now when the Yankees get Judge and Stanton and Bellinger back, I think the Yankees got the best pitching staff in the lead in especially in the American League, if not the game. But they're really, really deep with, with Cole Freed. Cam, you know, they may get Rondon back. It's a, it's a, it's a deep lineup and the bullpen's been great. So it probably goes somewhere in that order. White Sox. I really like the Astros and how hot they're getting. There's their pitching. You know, they didn't really go deep in the starting staff, which hurts a little bit. I think that's probably where I'm, you know, leaning. NL brewers for sure. I've got the Braves ahead of the Dodgers right now. I know the Dodgers are probably two and will be too when they get everybody healthy. But I love, I love what the Braves did. They went out and tried to get Degrom. Looks like it. He, he poo pooed that trade. But Brewers, Braves, Dodgers, Cubs. Phillies. Diamondbacks.

[D]

Wow.

[A]

Diamondbacks.

[D]

Wow.

[A]

Sneaky hot. That's deep yeah, that's a little deep.

[D]

But the NL race is gonna be a gauntlet. That playoffs in the NL that you are gonna have to be able to play such a high level in the. The.

[A]

That's gonna be a. Who's hot, right? That's why it's like you. You. I've just been watching because the. You. You watch the Dodgers so much but the. The Diamondbacks are kind of sneaky good and Marte hadn't been playing well for him and. Well, same with the, you know, like

[D]

the American League, right? The Yankees. My opinion, the Yankees are number one powerhouse. I mean they have a deep, real pitching staff that they can end up moving guys to the bullpen. Guys are going to be getting healthy at the right time. It almost. They almost remind me of what the Dodgers are doing where they're going to have all their guys pretty much lined up to be healthy going into the playoffs, which they're going. Boonie's going to have a lot of. A lot of toys to be playing with there, which is nice for him. I don't think he's ever had that kind of depth before, so. But I mean you look at the American League Central, you have a good week and you're the favorite to win the American League Central right now. It's the. The Tigers are hot again. There are a few games back. The White Sox are in first place. I love the tweet that John Heyman wrote out saying what a world we live in that the White Sox have a first round buy and the Dodgers don't. If the playoffs were to start today.

[A]

Right. So, yeah, that's a good one.

[D]

These teams, I, I think. I think these American League teams, the Rangers, right. This is kind of how they snuck.

[A]

Cleveland's right there. Yeah, Cleveland's right there in the, in the Central. Like you're. Wouldn't it be crazy if the Detroit gets in with and they traded Scubal

[B]

and

[A]

the splitty

[D]

a few years ago when all the pitching chaos started, they traded my Arbon guy. They traded off Casey Mize.

[A]

Thank you. Thank you, War Eagle. Sorry, Case.

[D]

They traded off a few guys at the deadline and they go into the pitching chaos and win a series or two in the playoffs. So for me in the American League, it's the Yankees, the Rays, the Red Sox and then the Astros don't sleep on the app. People are sleeping on the Astros and they're just. You're on, Alvarez. Yeah, you're on. It's got to be the front runner for mvp, right? In the American League Triple Crown, right?

[A]

Yeah, like he's, he's, he's there, bro. Like that guy, he's impressive.

[D]

The National League, you just, you can't dethrone the Dodgers. They just went out and got the best pitcher available on the market. Their playoff rotation is, their, their rotation right now is insane. And they're going to be getting guys healthy. So for me it's Dodgers, Brewers, Cubs, Cubbies. I knew you're going Cubbies, Cubs, Phillies, Braves. And the reason I throw the Braves is because they've just been so under the radar that I just feel like you need a little bit of that smoke.

[A]

You're right. The, the Braves I get, they fly on the radar. I just, I don't trust the Phillies, the defense and, and some of that, that, that, you know, the Phillies.

[D]

For me, the Phillies lineup is going to have to be clicking in the playoffs and get hot because. Sure, I mean, but bro, short is what, third all time in the playoff home run list? You know, he, the guy is a proven winner. Don't sleep on this being Schorber's year too. I've been saying it to him since Indiana won the national Championship. He signs his big deal, 10 year reunion. Maybe Phillies win the World Series. So. But I mean, the Phillies have the pitching though. You know what I mean?

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[D]

Going into a.

[B]

Sure.

[D]

A series. Those guys are nasty.

[A]

Short series for sure. I wanna, before we get, get out of here, I want to bring up. You've got the Field of Dreams game coming up with the Twins and the Phillies.

[D]

Yeah, we didn't even talk about the Twins and what they're.

[A]

What do you talk about the Twins?

[D]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

They're super sneaky, but you get them in Iowa at the Field of Dreams. Are you pumped about that? I got to manage. I mean, you, you've already played in. I got to manage it. Like, what a cool scene. MLB puts on an amazing event. What they're able to do in that environment in the middle of nowhere is absolutely insane. Being able to give you a weight room and showers and a locker room and the food, I mean, it's all first class and, and just the middle of a cornfield. I'm, I'm pumped to watch that. Are you pumped to be on that broadcast?

[D]

Yeah. It's gonna be fun. I was, I was on a flight recently flying and I was, I watched the Field of Dreams. I haven't seen it in a few years and my son was right next to me sleeping. He's one years old and it gets towards the End of the movie and we just on a family vacation and my, you know, they start playing catch. The father son moment had playing catch. I'm literally in tears on this plane. Anthony Jr. Next to me saying, I hope my son wants to play catch with me one day. All in my back of my head saying, I can't wait to get home and play catch with my own dad in the street. Right? So, so cool. And then being on Netflix, it'll bring you to tears.

[A]

It'll bring you to tears for sure.

[D]

Being on the global platform and just being able to broadcast, bro, the broadcasting world's been fun. This like talking the game with you and this show is going to be a lot of fun because we can just be unfiltered and talk how we want, but probably get to sit on a cast with El Duncan who is amazing leading us, Barry Bonds and Albert Pujols. I'm, I'm in a thread with them and a group text and it's like, bro, what, like how?

[B]

Where?

[A]

That's sick.

[D]

What do I bring to this table? These dudes have 700 plus home runs. Albert, Albert has 400 more home runs than me in his career. Right? 703. I have three. Right. And he's so humble and down to earth. And Barry's been so fun to work with.

[A]

And then now you, now you know how I feel when I walk into a room, risk everybody, everybody's up here and I'm like, oh, 220 backup catcher. But I just try to smile and laugh and try to be everybody's friends.

[D]

So I'm excited to call it. And then you are in Chicago this weekend. Cubs, Cardinals, clubs. Cardinals, baby.

[A]

And I've got Yankees, Seattle, tomorrow, Wednesday.

[D]

Tomorrow.

[A]

Tomorrow, yeah, tomorrow, Wednesday.

[D]

That's going to be a good series.

[A]

That's going to be a good series.

[D]

Both of them.

[A]

The offenses haven't been, yeah, the offenses haven't been rolling but you know, the Yankees been pitching well and Seattle, you know, on paper, God, they're like, they're so impressive. They just haven't been able to put it together and, and my, my guy Cal Raleigh is scuffling so it's gonna be fun to be on that. And then back to Chicago Sunday, my kids school starts back, so I gotta get in dad mode. Get, get lunches packed. We gotta get locked. We gotta lock it in, bro. We gotta really focus right now.

[D]

Nice.

[A]

Go ahead. Sixth grader.

[D]

Sunday night baseball in Houston too, with NBC. So hey, maybe, nice. Maybe we gotta fill in some segments of. Did we really Say that on air, you know, when you're. When you're talking. Since I know for me, at least, since I'm new, I'll say stuff. Sometimes I'll be like, did I really just.

[A]

That. That. And it's not about me segment. So whatever. Like, somehow coming. It's not about me segment. And then did we just say that on air and get a little clip? That'd be fun, man. Well, listen, first one in the books, I've enjoyed the heck out of this, and I hope our listeners give us feedback, give us the ball bag questions. You know, we want to be here. We want. We want to. You guys to tune in and enjoy listening to us, because we're having a blast doing it. And, bro, I'm excited about this journey we're about to go on.

[D]

And I also want to give an amazing shout out, Rossi, to our amazing producer, Chris Tran, helping us with the rundown on the show, helping us kind of stay somewhat online here. I know you and I can get on our rants, but, man, this is gonna be fun. I hope. I hope we gain a few new fans, and I hope we continue to talk the game of baseball and the game of life. Rossi.

[A]

Yeah, ball bags. Go to YouTube. Comment or email [e-mail]. get those ball bag questions or comments in.

[D]

Yeah, I'm excited to see some of the random. I mean, we want to talk about all the teams means.

[A]

And be nice. Be nice people.

[D]

Yeah, be nice. Be. Be.

[A]

Whatever.

[D]

Be unfiltered. Whatever. But we can break.

[A]

There you go.

[D]

We could break down with scenarios, managerial decisions. We. We have a lot of experience. Rossi, you managed. I think I managed in my day, but I just love talking.

[A]

You definitely. You definitely managed. First. First. First. Merch shirt is be unfiltered. I like that.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

Merch shirt.

[D]

We'll see you guys next week. I can't wait to see how this weekend unfolds. In the game.

[B]

Chatgpt can do more than answer questions. It can help you get real work done. ChatGPT work is built for bigger projects with multiple steps. You bring the goal along with the information it needs, like briefs, notes, files, feedback, calendars, data sets, or project plans. Then ChatGPT can help turn all of that into something useful. An analysis, a tracker, a deck outline, a prototype, or a workflow you can keep shaping. It can also use approved apps, connected tools, files, and browser context to help move the work forward. And you stay in control. You give direction, review drafts, approve, improve actions, redirect the work, and choose the final output so you spend less time sorting through busy work and more time making progress on the work that matters. Put ChatGPT to work on your most ambitious ideas and projects. Get [e-mail] by selecting work mode available on plus and Pro plans

[A]

this summer there are 250 reasons to join T Mobile Girls Trip booked and switching to

[E]

T Mobile help make it happen with

[A]

experience beyond switch and get $100 back plus $650 in value in built in plan benefits. That's $750 in your first year guaranteed.

[C]

And honestly, that hundred dollars back, I'm

[D]

putting it towards the zipline now.

[A]

That's how you do summer.

[C]

Exactly. Best switch I ever made.

[A]

This is just one reason to join T Mobile this summer. There are 250 reasons. Find yours savings based on the value of benefits included with experience beyond like entertainment and one year of AAA classic and dash pass on US benefits may require activation C plan for details get $100 via virtual prepaid MasterCard with eligible ported no cash access and expires in six months. Issue sunrise banks and a member FDIC

[E]

allow eight weeks this is Ashley from the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous podcast Ben. I've been reflecting a lot lately on how many big life moments our listeners have experienced with us.

[D]

Yeah, it's pretty wild.

[E]

They've watched us go from dating shows to engagements, weddings, babies, buying homes. Every stage comes with new decisions.

[D]

The milestones are the fun part, but the planning is where things get real.

[E]

That's why Klarna stands out. Klarna gives people smarter tools to help manage everyday money with flexible ways to pay cash back that builds automatically everything in one place and support that makes everyday decisions feel less overwhelming.

[D]

Since life moves so fast, the right tools can help you feel more confident. Download the Klarna app today or visit klarna.com to learn more.

[A]

California Resident Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance law license and MLS number 1353190 clouded balance account required to be eligible for cashback points. Limitations, terms and conditions apply.

[C]

You know what quality feels like. You can see it in the way a fabric moves, recognize it in a flawless fit, and appreciate it in the details that make our styles unique. It's the standard Coldwater Creek has honored for over 40 years, derived from a rich Mountain west heritage and designed for today in south styles that are distinctively Coldwater Creek. For a wardrobe you can count on season after season, visit coldwatercreek.com shop new arrivals and save 15% on purchases $75 or more with code iHeartrading.