Catchin' Phils: A Phillies Podcast

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

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

  1. 3d ago

    #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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Sep 29

    #50 | Postseason Preview: Phillies Battle Braves in NL Wild Card Series

    The Phillies are headed to Atlanta for a third postseason matchup with the Braves in five seasons — and there are plenty of questions heading into Game 1. Jesús Luzardo gets the ball Tuesday, but how long will he actually pitch? Andrew Painter is expected to be available out of the bullpen, while Cristopher Sánchez is lined up for Game 2 and Aaron Nola could get the start in a potential Game 3. And where does Zack Wheeler fit into the equation? Josh Liddick and Austin Myers break down the Phillies’ Wild Card roster, including Luis Arraez being left off with an ankle sprain and Otto Kemp taking his place. They also discuss the decision to carry three catchers, the remaining bullpen questions and what the Phillies’ lineup has historically done against Atlanta. Plus, the guys revisit the Phillies-Braves postseason history from 2022 and 2023, examine the key head-to-head numbers for Philadelphia’s hitters and pitchers, and make their predictions for the entire National League Wild Card Series slate. Can the Phillies take care of business in Atlanta and advance to the NLDS? 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 Introduction to the Playoff Series 02:57 Phillies vs. Braves: A Rivalry Renewed 05:56 Pitching Concerns and Strategies 09:01 Game One Preview: Lazardo's Role 12:06 Game Two and Three Predictions 14:48 Roster Changes and Player Availability 17:46 Final Thoughts and Expectations 32:15 Postseason Roster Decisions and Managerial Strategies 34:43 Rivalry Dynamics: Phillies vs. Braves 37:59 Playoff Atmosphere and Fan Engagement 39:06 Pitching Matchups and Their Impact 41:02 Key Player Performances and Historical Context 45:24 Exploiting Weaknesses: Phillies vs. Braves 48:32 Home Field Advantage: Myth or Reality? 50:01 Predictions and Expectations for the Series

  6. Sep 28

    #49 | They’re In! Phillies Secure Postseason Berth in Game 162

    Recorded live on YouTube moments after the final out, Josh Liddick and Austin Myers provide their instant reactions to a Game 162 win that sent the Phillies back to the postseason for the fifth consecutive year. It took a week from hell against the Brewers and Rays, but the Phillies came through when it mattered most. Zack Wheeler closed the door on the final day, going six strong innings before Alex McFarlane, Jesús Luzardo, and Jhoan Duran finished the job out of the bullpen. The win avoided what would have been the franchise's worst collapse since 1964. The offense showed up, too. J.T. Realmuto snapped an 0-for-34 skid with a big double, Bryson Stott went 3-for-3 out of the cleanup spot, and Bryce Harper and Edmundo Sosa each went deep. Josh and Austin also break down the lineup changes that worked and the case for keeping Trea Turner at leadoff. Then it's on to Atlanta for the NL Wild Card Series. With Luis Arráez on the mend from his ankle sprain and the roster shrinking down to 26 men, the guys break down the rotation puzzle for Game 1, who makes the cut, and what the rest of the Wild Card slate looks like. Game 1 is Tuesday at 2 p.m. on NBC. Can the momentum from a celebration on Sunday translate into October success, or did the Phillies spend all their magic just getting in? 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 clinch: surviving a weekend from hell 01:30 – Five straight playoff appearances and what it means 03:14 – One of the best runs in franchise history (and a near collapse) 05:37 – Momentum, champagne (ugh), and the mood heading to Atlanta 09:16 – Looking ahead: Braves, Dodgers, and how to get back to CBP 13:36 – Recapping the clinching game and a shoutout to the D-Backs 16:47 – Wheeler as the closer and Turner back at leadoff 20:38 – Austin's bold preseason prediction and Luzardo's return 21:52 – Stott and the doubles that powered the offense(s) 28:28 – Game 1 lineup: Sosa, Harper, and Bohm 32:51 – Cutting down to the 26-man roster 39:43 – Arráez's ankle injury and what it means 41:44 – The rotation puzzle for the Wild Card Series 48:25 – Wild Card schedule and matchups around the league 51:56 – Closing thoughts

  7. Sep 22

    #48 | Six Games Left: Can the Phillies Find Their October Form?

    The magic number to clinch a playoff spot is three—but with the Brewers and Rays coming to Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies have to prove they're actually ready for October. Josh Liddick and Austin Myers are back together after a couple weeks of solo shows, and there's a lot to unpack. The Phillies are clinging to the final NL Wild Card spot, a game back of the Cubs and Padres, with a four-game cushion over the D-Backs. But the vibes are shaky—after a scorching August, the offense has gone cold in September, and the Braves already wrapped up the division without much resistance. The guys dig into what a Wild Card matchup in Atlanta would actually look like, and why Austin isn't as scared of the Braves' pitching as you'd expect given the season series. They also break down the scramble atop the Wild Card race, with the red-hot Padres (winners of nine of their last 10) looking like the team nobody wants to face. On the pitching side, Aaron Nola's second-half turnaround takes center stage—a 2.92 ERA since July 5th that's quietly made him the Phillies' most reliable arm not named Wheeler or Sánchez, even as questions swirl about Jesús Luzardo's health and return timeline. The bullpen conversation isn't as rosy: Orion Kerkering's late-season collapse has him optioned to Triple-A, leaving Andrew Painter, Alex McFarlane, and a resurgent Jose Alvarado to fill the gaps behind Jhoan Duran. Offensively, Josh and Austin give credit where it's due—Alec Bohm, Justin Crawford, and Luis Arráez have carried the lineup lately—but the message is clear: Schwarber, Turner, and Harper need to wake up if this team wants to make noise in October. Looking ahead, the Phillies open a three-game set with the Brewers on Tuesday before setting up a pivotal final weekend against the AL's top-seeded Rays. Can the Phillies find their swing before the games start counting for real? 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 & setting the stage for the final week 05:19 – Breaking down the NL wild card race 09:25 – The red-hot Padres and trade deadline what-ifs 13:47 – Aaron Nola's remarkable turnaround 24:59 – Bullpen crisis: Kerkering demoted, who steps up? 33:11 – Alvarado's redemption and the Painter/Urquidy bullpen question 42:52 – The offense needs to wake up 44:58 – Bohm, Crawford, and Arráez carrying the lineup 50:21 – Previewing the Brewers and Rays series 52:23 – Chasing 90 wins and closing thoughts

  8. Sep 16

    #47 | Concerns Grow as Jesús Luzardo Hits the IL

    The Phillies are entering the final stretch of the regular season, and suddenly, the margin for error is getting very thin. Austin Myers breaks down a pivotal stretch for Philadelphia, beginning with the news that Jesús Luzardo has been placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation. Luzardo has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since June, making his absence potentially massive as the Phillies prepare for October. Austin discusses how Philadelphia can navigate the final two weeks without Luzardo, what his injury means for the rotation, and whether Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter could take on expanded roles heading into the postseason. With a four-game series against the Mets looming and the Brewers and Rays waiting at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies' path to October is becoming increasingly important. Are the Phillies still chasing the NL East, or should their primary focus be protecting their Wild Card position? And how will the loss of Luzardo impact their postseason plans? 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 Introduction and Current State of the Phillies 04:11 Injury Concerns: Jesus Luzardo's Impact 12:22 Phillies' Performance Against the Braves and Playoff Prospects 20:10 Offensive Struggles and Key Player Performances 24:26 Looking Ahead: Final Games and Playoff Strategy

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

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