The JT conversation: Worth noting that a good chunk of JT's value (along with handling the staff) is/was his bat, which has been declining. His OPS+ this year? Worst of his career. His SLG? 2nd-worst since he became a starter. Nola deal shows even the most durable guys break down as they age.

2026 Phillies Plan 100% Staying: Harper Turner Stott The non-Ranger Suarez rotation members Duran Re-sign: Schwarber Suarez (if you can work the money right) Maybe Bader Jettison: Realmuto Bohm Entire non-Bader OF Walker Kerkering (mostly for his own good) The (non-Cotham) coaching staff

Thursday (10/10) Listens Placebo / BLACK MARKET MUSIC (2000) *25-year anniversary

Upset and irritated about the Phillies, but I'm not crushed. And this is why: I never thought this was the year. 2023 was crushing. Coming off a WS, adding Turner to the mix, Games 6 and 7 at CBP. I thought that was the year. But these hitters have shown who they are. And it's not good enough.

One of the worst 6.5 or so hours I’ve ever spent. Thanks, Phillies and Eagles. You really showed up and made the city and your fans proud tonight.

At a minimum next year, the Phillies need: *A new hitting coach *Probably a new manager *And *multipule* new everyday regulars Not going to be an easy fix, but it's a necessary one.

On a human level, I do feel bad for Kerkering. But the moment was too big for him. You could see that down the stretch and using him in any high-leverage spot was playing with fire. And doing so burned their season down.

Fucking Kerkering. Fucking brain-dead incompetence.

This going to backfire. I feel it in my bones.

No power. None.

That's not a fucking strike and you cannot miss that call in this situation. Rank fucking incompetence.

I know you have to survive to get to Game 5 but I hate that it means you'd be relying on Nola on Saturday.

They've hit in essentially one game in this series.

Walking Ohtani's the right move IMO.

Don't have a great feeling about this. Hope I'm way off.

Ho-lee shit

Cristopher Sanchez = Ace

Not convinced that the guy who's supposed to be the Texas fan in the Allstate commercial isn't AI-generated.

Very much looking forward to Bohm being an ex-Phillie in 2026.

The only conclusion is they need to go back to the maroon and blue uniform set permanently next season

Whoever the hell Dalton Rushing is, he doesn't get to use Ranger Suarez's music.

Is Brian Anderson related to Clayton Kershaw or something? Jesus, dude. Give it a rest.

That goddamn Black Keys song sucks so bad.

Speak for yourself, Brian Anderson. It's not tough to watch at all.

Nice defensive replacement there, Dodgers.

So beautiful to see Clayton Kershaw having his postseason moment in Dodger Stadium.

Would be nice to get another run or two so you can save Duran.

What a dumb baseball team

*Of course* that was Kike Hernandez.

Seems about right.

Two innings with more than one hit? In the same game?!

"That's OK, Nick. We actually like strikeouts. Hits aren't always good. Good for you!" Did I do that right?

The bullpen can't blow a lead if you don't take a lead first.

Deep into the night?

So you guys think the Phillies go after Bruce Bochy or what?

Wow

Two whole innings from Nola. What a special good boy.

Did Brian Anderson just call Dodger Stadium "the current oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball"?

Jesus fuck stop with anything even adjacent to bunting.

Marsh simply is not a CF.

"Phillies going with what they saw in Nola's last start instead of the rest of the season." His last start was barely against a major league team.

Alec Bohm not getting one over the wall? Never seen that one before.

Total "1-2-3 Cancun" energy from these first two ABs.

Cool. More bunting.

My son just said that maybe Topper's pitching Nola tonight since he's gotta stick with Nola since Nola will be on the roster next year and I told him, "This is Topper:"

Almost game time

Monday + Tuesday (10/6 + 10/7) Listens R.E.M. / AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE (1992) *33-year anniversary

Weekend (10/3 - 10/5) Listens The Police / ZENYATTA MONDATTA (1980) *45-year anniversary

Thursday (10/2) Listens Oasis / (WHAT'S THE STORY) MORNING GLORY? (1995) *30-year anniversary