Catchin' Phils: A Phillies Podcast

Josh Liddick and Austin Myers
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Baseball
  • Weekly

A weekly Philadelphia Phillies podcast hosted by Josh Liddick and Austin Myers.

  1. Oct 27

    #57 | New Hitting Coach, New Approach: Phillies Hire Peter Fatse

    The Phillies have a new hitting coach. Josh Liddick and Austin Myers break down the new hire and what it means for an offense that needs a new approach heading into 2027. Peter Fatse takes over for Kevin Long as the Phillies’ hitting coach after spending 2022 through early 2026 on Alex Cora’s staff in Boston, where the Red Sox ranked in the top 10 in batting average, slugging, and runs scored from 2022 to 2025, before landing with the Rays as a hitting consultant. The guys like the outside voice, the old-school-meets-analytics approach, and how it fits with Don Mattingly. They also point out that no hitting coach can fix a roster, so the real test is still the personnel Dave Dombrowski hands him. That leads into a big offseason question. Free agency opens November 5th, and the CBA expires December 1st, so the guys dig into how a lockout could affect the market. They wonder whether November will be quiet, whether the biggest names wait until later, and what a salary cap fight could mean for how players sign. Around the league, the Brewers are one win away from their first World Series title after a 10-1 win over the Rays, and the guys talk about just how dominant they’ve been. Back in Philadelphia, they react to Jeffrey Lurie’s Hall of Fame induction amid the Eagles’ 2-5 start and Jalen Hurts’s season-ending injury. They also cover the early Sixers highs (including that 29-point comeback over the Cavs), the Flyers, and the Union’s first loss in months. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠. Follow Catchin’ Phils on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X for more content. Episode timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Austin’s wedding week 01:05 – Josh’s two-wedding story 02:07 – Phillies name Peter Fatse hitting coach 04:10 – Austin’s take: why an outside, under-the-radar hire works 06:07 – Fatse’s approach & Red Sox numbers 09:31 – A hitting coach can’t change the roster 11:15 – Why the timing of the hire matters before the dead period 12:40 – Roster construction and what Fatse inherits 13:18 – Free agency opens Nov. 5 & the CBA deadline 14:53 – Giving Fatse a full season & praise for the staff changes 16:12 – Past lockouts: Schwarber and Realmuto’s late signings 17:34 – Salary cap fears & player-union messaging 20:32 – Fatse’s background & why unknown guys thrive as coaches 23:54 – Kevin Long vs. Fatse & the Phillies’ coaching preferences 25:40 – Brewers one win from their first World Series title 28:00 – The drama in games one and two & the Rays’ 3-0 hole 30:29 – Knicks ownership & James Dolan 32:33 – Eagles struggles & Jeffrey Lurie’s Hall of Fame induction 40:39 – Sixers: first loss & the comeback against Cleveland 45:27 – LeBron’s impact & Maxey’s rise 48:33 – The Sixers’ need for a true big man 49:39 – Flyers’ slow start 52:40 – Union’s first loss in months 54:40 – Closing thoughts & Austin’s wedding send-off

  2. Oct 20

    #56 | Dombrowski Breaks Silence: The Phillies' Offseason Blueprint

    On the latest edition of Catchin’ Phils, Josh Liddick and Austin Myers break down Dave Dombrowski's long-awaited press conference and what it says about the Phillies' offseason. They also explain why the two-week wait may have been more about timing than anything else. Don Mattingly is officially the manager through 2028, and he's already left his mark. Hitting coach Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson are out, Carlos Mendoza is in as infield and third base coach, and the hitting coach job is still open, with the guys weighing whether the Phillies hire internally or bring in a more traditional voice. Trea Turner was clearly the headline of the presser. Dombrowski was blunt that Turner has to be better at shortstop, and the guys debate whether Aidan Miller or Bryson Stott is the real backup plan. They also cover the Phillies’ aging core: Harper at first, Schwarber's role, Realmuto's workload, along with a bullpen that needs fixing. Dombrowski also made clear he won't trade from the starting pitching depth to fix the offense. Around the majors, the Brewers swept the Dodgers and are headed to their first World Series since 1982, while the Rays are one win from a pennant. Josh and Austin also look ahead to LeBron James and Jaylen Brown's Sixers debut in New York on Tuesday night, the latest on Jalen Hurts, and a quick shoutout to the Union's unbeaten run. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠. Follow Catchin’ Phils on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X for more content. Episode timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome back & the Brewers heading to the World Series 01:27 – LeBron mania & the Sixers jersey 03:13 – First impressions of Dombrowski's press conference 06:33 – Why the press conference took two weeks 07:34 – How the Mattingly hire played out 09:22 – The formal search & other managerial candidates 10:40 – Kevin Long and Bobby Dickerson out, Carlos Mendoza in 12:52 – How much Mattingly shaped the coaching changes 14:46 – Who replaces Kevin Long as hitting coach? 16:35 – Data analytics & the Phillies' offensive approach 17:58 – Dream hitting coach picks from Mattingly's playing days 20:48 – Trea Turner on notice at shortstop 25:13 – Aidan Miller, Bryan Rincon & the shortstop pipeline 28:08 – Bryson Stott & the infield search 29:53 – Corner outfield and free agent targets 32:05 – Harper, Schwarber & Realmuto's changing roles 35:56 – The need for a backup catcher 39:23 – Harper's defense at first base 42:43 – The bullpen: injuries, Tim Mayza & Gage Wood 45:49 – Andrew Painter's progress & the prospects Dombrowski mentioned 47:10 – No trading from starting pitching strength 49:10 – Why the Phillies can't keep giving games away 49:47 – Dodgers swept by the Brewers 52:15 – World Series preview: Brewers, Rays & Guardians 54:41 – Jalen Hurts & the Eagles' tough stretch 58:44 – Sixers season opener: LeBron James & Jaylen Brown debut 1:01:27 – The LeBron mural in Fishtown 1:03:39 – Flyers finally win & another Union shout-out 1:04:33 – Closing thoughts

  3. Oct 14

    🚨EMERGENCY POD: PHILLIES LOCK UP DON MATTINGLY AS MANAGER 🚨

    Recorded live on YouTube right after the news broke, Josh Liddick and Austin Myers react to the Phillies signing Don Mattingly to a two-year extension as full-time manager. After Alex Cora turned the Phillies down twice, the team went with stability. Josh and Austin agree it's the right move, even if it isn't the splashy hire fans wanted. Mattingly took over a 9-19 team in the spring and got them back to the postseason, despite an early exit. The guys also run through the other candidates and why none of them clearly beat the guy already in the building. With Mattingly now the long-term manager, a coaching staff shake-up could be next. Josh and Austin debate who should stay, who should go, and whether a new hitting coach makes sense after a quiet offense late in the year. They also take on the elephant in the room: Dave Dombrowski's future. Between the Phillies' farm system, some big hits and misses, and Sam Fuld turning down the Athletics' GM job, the guys wonder what the front office looks like down the road. A press conference with Dombrowski and Mattingly is set for Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Is this the right hire to get the Phillies back on top of the NL East, or is a roster built around the same core still the bigger problem? Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠. Follow Catchin’ Phils on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X for more content. Episode timestamps: 00:00 – Phillies make Don Mattingly the permanent manager 00:32 – Relief that the Phillies didn't drag it out 01:31 – Running it back vs. going with the most experienced option 03:52 – Why the extra year through 2028 shows trust 04:32 – Why the right hire isn't the splashy one 06:00 – The case for a manager not on an expiring contract 08:11 – Other candidates: Ross, Martinez, Espada, and more 10:32 – Will Mattingly bring in his own coaching staff? 11:34 – Keeping Caleb Cotham and rethinking the hitting coach 12:15 – Mattingly's impact on Bohm and Stott 15:06 – A final stop and a chase for a first World Series 15:48 – Dave Dombrowski's future as the elephant in the room 17:48 – Thursday's press conference and the tough questions 18:22 – Dombrowski's hits, misses, and the farm system 20:20 – Why Sam Fuld turned down the Athletics' GM job 21:41 – Maybe stability in the front office is a good thing 24:09 – Closing thoughts: the first domino has fallen

  4. Oct 13

    #55 | Phillies Offseason Priorities & MLB Playoffs Update

    The final four are set, the lockout clock is ticking, and the Phillies' offseason is already taking shape. Josh Liddick and Austin Myers break it all down on Catchin’ Phils.  The Brewers opened the NLCS with a 2-1 victory over the Dodgers in a pitcher’s duel, and the Guardians and Rays are set for the ALCS. Three of the four remaining teams are small or mid-market clubs, with the CBA expiring December 1. So what does that mean for the salary cap fight? Josh and Austin dig into it, and into what the Phillies can learn from teams that built through player development. Then it's on to the Phillies' offseason. Austin makes the case for locking up Don Mattingly. Josh makes the case for Aidan Miller, who is tearing up the Arizona Fall League, as the third baseman in 2027. They also get into the Japanese posting window, which opens November 1, and why Teruaki Sato, the Hanshin Tigers' Triple Crown winner, could be a fit. Plus, a rough stretch for Philly sports. The Eagles' last-second loss in London puts Nick Sirianni's game management under the microscope, the Flyers are still searching for their first win, and the Sixers tip off with LeBron on October 20. The guys also shout out the Union, who might be the most fun team in the city right now. Is this the year small-market baseball finally takes down the Dodgers? Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠. Follow Catchin’ Phils on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X for more content. Episode timestamps: 00:00 — Intro and episode preview 00:26 — LCS kickoff: Brewers edge Dodgers in NLCS Game 1 02:11 — Small markets take over October 09:09 — Could the Phillies have hung with the final four? 14:20 — Picking our dream World Series 17:40 — CBA looming: Salary cap, parity and the Dodgers 26:18 — Buying talent vs. player development: The Phillies problem 28:38 — Phillies offseason priorities: The manager question 38:33 — Aidan Miller and the third base plan 42:48 — Teruaki Sato and the Japanese posting window 48:26 — Eagles heartbreak in London: Is Sirianni on the hot seat? 56:36 — Flyers winless start 1:00:24 — Sixers opening night and LeBron 1:04:02 — Shoutout to the Union 1:07:40 — Wrap-up

  5. Oct 7

    #54 | Grading the 2026 Phillies After Another Postseason Exit

    Nearly a week removed from the Phillies’ early playoff defeat, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate where the team stands heading into a pivotal offseason. In this episode, Josh Liddick and Austin Myers hand out end-of-season grades for the Phillies’ offense, defense, bench, starting rotation, bullpen, and coaching staff. They also revisit some of their preseason and midseason projections to see what they got right — and what they got very wrong. Then, the conversation turns toward the offseason ahead. With the MLB CBA set to expire in December, what should be at the top of the Phillies’ priority list? Could the team move on from Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, or Brandon Marsh? How important is adding an infielder or multiple outfielders? And what should the Phillies do at manager? With Alex Cora no longer expected to manage in 2027 and reports from Matt Gelb and Jayson Stark that the Phillies are considering retaining Don Mattingly, the guys discuss whether Mattingly has done enough to earn another season — or whether it’s time for a new voice. Finally, Josh and Austin look around the MLB postseason, breaking down the NLDS and ALDS matchups and discussing which teams have stood out as the LCS picture begins to take shape. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠. Follow Catchin’ Phils on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X for more content. Episode timestamps: 00:20 Offseason Reflections on the Phillies 13:14 Analyzing the Phillies' Performance 24:15 Future Prospects and Team Development 30:58 Evaluating Player Performance: Strengths and Weaknesses 33:40 Defensive Versatility and Adaptability 36:06 Bench Improvement: A Closer Look 40:06 Rotation Strength: Key Pitchers and Their Impact 49:13 Bullpen Struggles: Analyzing the Weak Links 54:37 Managing Changes: Don Mattingly's Impact and Future

  6. Oct 2

    #53 | No Fight Left as Phillies Season Ends in Atlanta

    Recorded live on YouTube immediately after the final out, Josh Liddick and Austin Myers react to a 6-2 loss in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series that ends the Phillies' 2026 season in Atlanta and sends them on a flight back to Philly. It was quiet from the very start. Braves lefty Ray Kerr shut down the Phillies offense, Atlanta scored three in the first off Aaron Nola, and the Phillies never found an answer. The guys debate whether Zack Wheeler should have started Game 3 instead, though they agree the offense—not the rotation—was the real problem. The guys pay respects to Alec Bohm's likely final game in a Phillies uniform, get into the bigger picture: baserunning mistakes, inconsistent leadership, and a core that's now taken a step back in each of the last several postseasons, and revel in likely Don Mattingly's final managerial decision: inserting Otto Kemp as a pinch hitter. Looking ahead, it's a pivotal offseason for John Middleton, Dave Dombrowski, and the front office, with money coming off the books and real questions about how this roster needs to change. Josh and Austin close out their first season of the podcast with thanks to listeners and a preview of what's coming during the offseason. Is this core still good enough to get over the hump, and where does this organization go from here? Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠. Follow Catchin’ Phils on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X for more content. Episode timestamps: 00:00 – Phillies season ends, falling 6-2 in game three01:12 – A low-event dud with no momentum from yesterday's win02:32 – Crediting the Braves and Walt Weiss's managing04:48 – Ray Kerr's dominant start silences the offense05:55 – Harper, Schwarber, and Turner lead into the next era06:41 – Zack Wheeler's future and a shortened 2027 season09:10 – Learning from the lost 2020 season11:34 – The five-year window and the fear of stepping back again13:26 – Otto Kemp's rough final at-bat14:41 – Second-guessing the decision to start Nola over Wheeler16:37 – Flexibility this offseason and what has to change21:24 – Braves ticket prices and a flat atmosphere in Atlanta21:51 – A season that could never fully right itself after a slow start23:39 – Base-running mistakes and accountability among leaders25:56 – Comparing this ending to last year's collapse27:08 – A slow death versus last year's sudden one28:07 – Grateful for a first season of postseason podcasts28:44 – Closing thoughts, thank-yous, and what's next for the show

  7. Oct 1

    #52 | TABLE FOR TWO AT THE CHOP HOUSE! PHILLIES FORCE GAME 3

    Recorded live on YouTube moments after the final out, Josh Liddick and Austin Myers break down a heroic Phillies’ 4-3 Game 2 victory over the Braves.  Philadelphia rallied from a 3-1 deficit to stun the Braves in 10 innings and force a decisive Game 3 in the NL Wild Card Series. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper went back-to-back in the eighth to tie the game before Alec Bohm delivered the game-winning solo homer in the 10th. Andrew Painter was huge out of the bullpen, throwing three scoreless innings to close out the victory, while Cristopher Sánchez battled through 6⅔ innings. Now, it all comes down to one game. The guys break down the wild comeback, the biggest moments, and what the Phillies need to do to win the next one.  Can the Phillies advance to the NLDS? Catchin’ Phils will be live on YouTube following Game 3 to debrief. Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠. Follow Catchin’ Phils on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X for more content. Episode timestamps: 00:20 Phillies' Dramatic Game Two Victory 03:26 Alec Bohm's Heroics and Future Prospects 06:24 Pitching Performances and Team Resilience 09:21 The Importance of Mental Toughness 12:17 Looking Ahead: Game Three and Beyond 24:34 The Value of Catching in Playoff Baseball 27:57 Do or Die: The Importance of Game Three 31:01 Pitching Strategies: Wheeler vs. Nola 36:44 Trusting the Bullpen: Nola's Role 39:44 All Hands on Deck: The Pitching Staff's Commitment 43:27 Looking Ahead: Game Three Preview and Stats

  8. Sep 30

    #51 | Riley's Dagger Lifts Braves in Game 1, Puts Phillies on Brink

    Recorded live on YouTube moments after the final out, Josh Liddick and Austin Myers break down a 5-3 Game 1 loss to the Braves that puts the Phillies on the brink of elimination. Jesús Luzardo was the story early, working as the opener and pitching five brilliant innings just weeks removed from a shoulder injury. Alec Bohm's RBI double got the Phillies on the board early, and after the Braves took the lead off Alex McFarlane, J.T. Realmuto's two-RBI triple gave the Phillies a 3-2 lead in the seventh. That’s when the bullpen unraveled. Jhoan Duran came into the game in the seventh, getting within one out of handing off a clean ninth, but instead gave up a three-run homer to Austin Riley that proved to be the dagger. Looking ahead, the Phillies face elimination Wednesday with Cristopher Sánchez on the mound against Tyler Mahle and the Braves. The guys dig into who's actually available out of the bullpen, the lineup questions with Edmundo Sosa presumably banged up, and a grim historical stat to close it out: the Phillies have never won a postseason series after losing Game 1. Can the Phillies avoid a repeat of their recent Game 1-lead-blowing history, or is this season over on Wednesday? Follow and leave a five-star review for Catchin’ Phils: A Phillies Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠iHeartRadio⁠⁠⁠⁠, and subscribe to Josh Liddick (⁠⁠⁠⁠Red Pinstripe Press⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Austin Myers (⁠⁠⁠⁠Phillies Perspective⁠⁠⁠⁠) on Substack to get their latest work straight to your inbox. The podcast is also streaming weekly on the Catchin' Phils ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠. Follow Catchin’ Phils on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X for more content. Episode timestamps: 00:00 – Phillies fall in game one, on the brink of elimination 01:45 – Bullpen, not the matchup, is what lost this game 04:02 – Duran's line and the broadcast confusion over who's next 06:19 – Jesús Luzardo's brilliant start as the opener 08:32 – Why the extension made this start possible 10:13 – Taking Luzardo out early and saving him for game three 14:47 – Alec Bohm's RBI double gets the Phillies on the board 16:15 – Alex McFarlane's high-leverage sixth inning 18:23 – Second-guessing the bullpen decisions 21:32 – Could Duran have been saved for a two-inning save? 25:25 – Broadcast gripes and missing the local call 26:38 – The plan behind bringing Duran in for the seventh 28:12 – Austin Riley's history of torching the Phillies 29:38 – How close Duran came to pulling it off 31:35 – J.T. Realmuto's clutch triple in the seventh 34:46 – Breaking down the lineup construction 36:20 – Setting up game two: Sánchez vs. Mahle 38:29 – Who's actually available out of the bullpen on Wednesday 40:34 – Tipping the hand for a game three starter 43:09 – Closing thought: the Phillies have never won a series after losing game one

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A weekly Philadelphia Phillies podcast hosted by Josh Liddick and Austin Myers.

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