Hittin' Season: A Philadelphia Phillies podcast

Kyle Schwarber put on quite the show at the All-Star Game and the trade deadline is still weeks away. Meanwhile, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about who needs to step it up for the Phillies offense in the second half, and break down the Phillies' first opponents, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Published: 18 July 2025

Kyle Schwarber put on quite the show at the All-Star Game and the trade deadline is still weeks away. Meanwhile, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about who needs to step it up for the Phillies offense in the second half, and break down the Phillies' first opponents, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

On Episode 986 of Hittin’ Season, powered by WHYY, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight marvels at the heroics of Kyle Schwarber in the All Star Game Home Run Derby Swing-Off that won him MVP honors of the Midsummer Classic. Also, why MLB was correct in not naming Cristopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez All Stars and how a low-key All Star Break for most of the Phils is a blessing in disguise. Then John delivers 10 predictions for the second half and answers some Hot Stove mailbag questions.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

On Episode 985 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, review the first half of the Phillies' 2025 season and wonder, how are the Phillies in first place? Also, John, Justin and Liz dive into a trivia challenge centered around the Philadelphia Phillies and their All-Star Game history, flowing through various milestones, memorable moments, and anecdotes from past All-Star Game. 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Phillies' Season 02:40 Home Run Derby Highlights and Player Performances 05:28 Phillies' First Half Performance and Team Dynamics 08:42 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Phillies' Roster 11:37 Reflections on the First Half and Comparisons to Other Teams 14:46 Grading the Players: Starting Pitching and Offense 17:37 Bryce Harper's Impact and Expectations 20:33 Assessing the Bullpen and Overall Team Performance 23:30 Final Thoughts and All-Star Trivia 40:11 Trade Deadline Predictions 42:39 All-Star Game Trivia Fun 53:38 Milestones and Memorable Moments 59:16 All-Star Game Trivia Begins 01:02:18 Milestones and Historical Context 01:05:07 The Evolution of the Vet Stadium 01:07:43 Home Run Derby Highlights 01:11:31 Memorable All-Star Moments 01:15:17 Final Trivia Challenge and Wrap-Up

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about some recent whispers on Phillies trade deadline moves, particularly in the bullpen, as well as what lies ahead for the Phillies in San Diego this weekend. Then Mitch Rupert comes by to reset expectations—just a little—for Andrew Painter.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

On Episode 983 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, host John Stolnis of the Good Phight is joined by Crossing Broad's Luke Arcaini to discuss Bryce Harper's long-awaited coming out party in Wednesday's 13-0 shellacking of the Giants in their house of horrors, San Francisco. Also, a horrific walk-off loss, trade deadline talk, Andrew Painter's timeline, and lots more!

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

On Episode 982 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, the Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher from SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss the historic pitching performance of Zack Wheeler and why the Phillies cannot waste his performance, and the starting rotation, by being passive at the trade deadline. Also, thoughts on All Stars Wheeler and Kyle Schwarber, snubs, and concerns over Bryce Harper's wrist continue.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

Justin Klugh talks about the Phillies' series win over the Padres. Then baseball economics and labor reporter Jen Ramos Eisen discusses the recent purchase of the Reading Fightin' Phils by Diamond Baseball Holdings, and Wick Terrell of Red Reporter drops by to talk about the Phillies' weekend opponent, the Cincinnati Reds.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

On Episode 980, John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps the Phillies series victory over the Padres, with thoughts on the continued dominance of Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez, including thoughts on whether Wheeler is the second-best pitcher in franchise history, how many of the starters will make the All Star team, Cristopher Sanchez' incredible run, and what's next for Mick Abel? Also, the cries are growing louder for the Braves to sell at the trade deadline after another devastating pitching injury, and the All Star starters are announced. Who was snubbed?

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

On Episode 979 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis and Justin Klugh recap the weekend series in Atlanta, why the Phillies aren't hitting and what can be done, if anything, to get them to start hitting more consistently. Plus, Bryce Harper returns this week, Ranger Suarez is making history, and the Mets really, really, really stink all of a sudden!

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

The Phillies were collectively outscored 5-1 against the Astros as they were swept out of Houston despite three terrific pitching performances from their starters. Justin Klugh and John Stolnis lament the offensive woes and look ahead to Atlanta.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

On Episode 977 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of the Good Phight talks about the Phillies back-to-back shutout losses at the hands of the Astros in Houston. The offense is dead and in need of help, but will Dave Dombrowski use the trade deadline to pick up a bat? What about the bullpen. John analyzes Dombrowski's interview with The Athletic's Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville, searching for clues.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

On Episode 976 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and SABR's Editor of the Baseball Research Journal, Liz Roscher, recap the Phillies' emphatic series win over the Mets this weekend. Is this now officially a two-team race in the NL East? Did the Phils make a statement with their two blowout wins? Also, John, Justin and Liz talk about which Phillies are deserving of an All Star nod.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

The Phillies and Mets are playing for first place in the NL East on a hot weekend in Philadelphia. The Good Phight's Joe Edinger talks about the match-up with Justin Klugh, as well as the ten-year anniversary of the White Towel game. Then, authors Derek Bain and John Racanelli drop by to discuss their book, "Hardball Retro’s Compendium of Baseball Video Games and Electronic Handhelds."

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

On Episode 974 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of SB Nation's The Good Phight lists five potential outfielders the Phillies could pursue at the trade deadline. Also, what Bryson Stott needs to do to take the next step, does Ranger Suarez has a future in Philly, and thoughts on the Nick Castellanos drama from this week in Miami.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

On Episode 973 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, The Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher from SABR's Baseball Research Journal react to the Phillies' sudden winning streak after Monday's 5-2 win over the Marlins. Pitching heroes, bats that are now hot and Orion Kerkering the new closer? Plus, a spirited debate over AI in baseball and the Rafael Devers trade!

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about the Phillies' big series win against the Cubs this week and the ambiguity of their future roster moves. Then, Sportsnet analyst Blake Murphy gives us the lowdown on the red hot Toronto Blue Jays who are coming into Philly for the weekend.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

It's officially a rough patch for the Phillies, with their power numbers down, their bullpen giving up runs, and their starters missing time and/or the strike zone. Justin Klugh walks through the last week of Phillies follies as the series finale with the Cubs looms.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

Fueled by a big first inning, two Trea Turner bombs, and a returning Bryce Harper, the Phillies blasted the Blue Jays in game one of their series in Toronto. Justin Klugh talks breaks down that game and talks with Phillies minor league evaluator Matt Winkelman about what Mick Abel's been up to between his first two big league starts.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break down the Phillies' awful weekend with the Brewers, in which they were swept at home for only the second time in three years, and discuss the roster reshuffling that has changed the look of the Phillies pitching staff.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher recap the Phillies' series with the Braves, as well as the target practice Atlanta took while facing the Phillies lineup. Then, Brewers beat writer Jack Stern talks about Milwaukee's surprisingly deep rotation, struggling offense, and of course, Rhys Hoskins.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

On Episode 967 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight debates the merits of the Phillies retaliating against the Braves after Spencer Strider hit Bryce Harper on the elbow with a fastball Tuesday night. Also, ranking trade deadline reliever targets, moving starters to the 'pen, Bryson Stott chatter, Ranger Suarez stuff, and lots more.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

On Episode 966 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh gather together to discuss the many high points of the Phillies' 6-1 road trip. How much does it matter the level of competition wasn't great? Also, they preview this week's series against the Braves in Philly. Is Atlanta any good?

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

The Phillies absolutely steamrolled the lousy Pirates and Rockies, and now head to West Sacramento to play a struggling Athletics team. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break it down, and then historian Matt Albertson fill us in on the last Phillies-A's Philadelphia City Series played before the Athletics moved in 1955.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

On Episode 964 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight breaks down the first two games of the FIRST PLACE Phillies' series against the Rockies, including incredible pitching performances from Jesus Luzardo and Christopher Sanchez, the incredible Kyle Schwarber, why he isn't a Phillie for life yet, and reliever names to watch as the Phillies try to replace Jose Alvarado. How is it the Phils suddenly have the best record in the National League?!

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

On Episode 963 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, John Stolnis from The Good Phight, SABR's Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus talk about Mick Abel's eye-opening MLB debut against the Pirates Sunday, and Jose Alvarado's shocking 80-game PED suspension that bars him from the 2025 postseason. Oh, and the Phils swept the Pirates, too.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about Aaron Nola's Worst Start Ever, as well the lowly Pirates coming to town. Then author Bob Fulton talks about some Phillies-Pirates history from his book, "Burial at Home Plate: The Oddball History of the Pittsburgh Pirates."

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

On Episode 961 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis is joined by Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports to chat about the Phillies doubleheader split against the Cardinals on Wednesday, dialing in on a troubling Aaron Nola start, another encouraging outing from Jesus Luzardo, and some talk about Pete Rose's reinstatement and Hall of Fame possibilities.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

On Episode 960 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Liz Roscher of the Baseball Research Journal and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh hand out grades for different areas of the Phillies through the first quarter of the season, talk about the incredible run by the starting rotation, an improving offense and bullpen, the worst Phils seasons of their lifetimes, and whether Boston star Rafael Devers is right in telling the Red Sox he refuses to change positions again.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talked about the Phillies' adrenaline-pumping sweep of the Rays and look ahead to Cleveland, while Mitch Rupert gives an update on Andrew Painter's debut with the IronPigs. Then, author Luke Epplin talks about his book on Cleveland's 1948 World Series-champion team.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

On Episode 958 of Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps the first two games of the Phillies series in Tampa, another series win for the boys! The Good Phight's Ethan Witte stops by to talk Kyle Schwarber extension, Zack Wheeler or Jesus Luzardo as the Phils' best Cy Young candidate, and whether Iron Pig stud Otto Kemp has a future in Philadelphia. Also, is Taijuan Walker going to be a stud reliever now?

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

On Episode 957 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY in Philadelphia, hosts John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher of the Baseball Research Journal discuss the Phillies' weekend series win over the Diamondbacks, improvement from the offense, Max Kepler, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, shaky defense and how to fix MLB's moronic extra innings rule.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

The Arizona Diamondbacks just did the impossible and beat the Mets in New York. Now, they come to Philadelphia with a depleted bullpen. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the matchups of the Phillies' upcoming weekend series with the D-backs.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

On Episode 955 of WHYY's Hittin' Season, host John Stolnis from The Good Phight recaps an eventful April for the Phils. After two straight wins over the Nationals, the Phillies are on a 91-win pace. Who is their MVP thus far? Their best pitcher? Best win of the year? Worst loss?

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

On Episode 954 of WHYY's Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh talk about the high points of the Phillies' series win over the Cubs, Aaron Nola's bounceback, some signs of life from the offense, and a little nonsense on 4 HR-games in MLB.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

The Cubs are probably even hotter than the Mets who just swept the Phillies—but their pitching is vulnerable, just what a Phillies offense full of underlying successes could use. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss the coming weekend at Wrigley Field, as does author Stuart Shea, who talks about his book, “Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines."

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

On Episode 952 of Hittin' Season, The Good Phight's John Stolnis recaps the three-game sweep the Phillies suffered against the Mets this week with 10 observations about where things stand with the Phils. Also, Jeff Warren, host of the Philadelphia Sports Table podcast joins the show to share his thoughts on the series, and we take a look ahead to another tough match-up this weekend in Chicago against the red-hot Cubs.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

On Episode 951 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and SABR's Liz Roscher talk about Monday night's 5-4 loss to the Mets in New York, the Phillies' leaky bullpen, Aaron Nola now 0-5, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper's 9th inning ABs and more. Also, who's better right now, Jesus Luzardo or Cristopher Sanchez? And has Bryson Stott emerged as the answer in the leadoff spot? Plus, things aren't going so well in Atlanta for manager Brian Snitker.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

On Episode 950 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis and Justin Klugh wrap up the Phils' series split against the Giants and drool over Cristopher Sanchez' changeup. Also, Justin talks with Ely Sussman of Fish on First to preview this weekend's Marlins series, as well as with Sam Zygner, author of "The Forgotten Marlins," a book about the 1956-1960 minor-league team. Shut up, it was cool.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

On Episode 949 of WHYY's Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight offers five observations about the Phillies offense as the team continues to struggle to score. Also, thoughts on Aaron Nola's latest disappointing start and why a rocky beginning to the season is not cause for panic.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Powered by WHYY... On Episode 948 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh & Liz Roscher react to a weak-hitting and ineffective offense, levels of worry about Brandon Marsh, Alec Bohm, Max Kepler, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, and make sure to stay until the very end of the podcast when the gang gets really mad at Rob Thomson for not defending J.T. Realmuto in Monday night's loss to the Giants. Feelings were felt!

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

After a late loss to the Braves, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break down what lies in store for the Phillies in St. Louis. Mitch Rupert talks about Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter making his first minor league start since 2022 and author Marshall Garvey discusses his book, "Interstate '85: The Royals, the Cardinals, and the Show-Me World Series."

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

On Episode 946 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis & Liz Roscher recap the first two games of the Phillies series against the Braves in Atlanta, including the heroics of Trea Turner, Jose Alvarado and Bryce Harper in Wednesday's 4-3 win. Also, John spoke with Demetrius Bell, site producer and writer for the Braves' site Battery Power.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

On Episode 945 of Hittin' Season, The Good Phight's John Stolnis and Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus recap the Phillies' series victory over the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Dodgers. Why the Phils proved they are every bit the equal of the Dodgers over the weekend, with full breakdowns of each game! Plus, a quick look ahead to this week's series in Atlanta, and John & Justin try to help a Phillies fan keep his young child from being indoctrinated by his wife into becoming a Mets fan.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

The Phillies off to a great start—with plenty of baseball left—but it's still easy to see the Braves' 0-7 start as catastrophic. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about Edmundo Sosa as well as the upcoming Dodgers series.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

The Phillies 2025 season is underway, and it's off to a great start... unlike those terrible Braves you've heard so much about. Justin Klugh is joined by Leo Morgenstern of FanGraphs to discuss how the Phillies measure up with the rest of MLB, position by position.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

On Episode 942 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis and Liz Roscher recap Saturday and Sunday's games between the Phillies and Nationals. There was some good (Jesus Luzardo, Kyle Schwarber, the Saturday offense) and some bad (Aaron Nola & the Sunday offense). Also, John & Liz share their thoughts on the Yankees' Torpedo Bats, and bask in the glow of the Atlanta Braves' 0-4 start in San Diego.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

On Episode 941, host John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps the 5 Big Storylines from the Phillies' stirring Opening Day victory against the Nationals in DC. Alec Bohm's Redemption, Strikeouts Galore, Zack Wheeler's Cy Young Push, Bryce Harper Opening Day Magic & Bullpen Usage. Plus thoughts on the benefits of the new lineup, Kyle Schwarber's success vs. lefties and a preview of this weekend's final two games of the series. Powered by WHYY & BillyPenn.com!

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

On Episode 940 of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh & Liz Roscher present their official picks for the 2025 season, and take some over/unders of Phillies stats with Opening Day set for Thursday in Washington, DC.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

On Episode 939 of WHYY's Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Liz Roscher and Justin Klugh react to Ranger Suarez starting the season on the Injured List, his replacement, Taijuan Walker, new acquisition reliever Carlos Hernandez, Rob Thomson talks lineups and we answer some mailbag questions, too. Email us questions, comments or statements of fact at [email protected]!

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025