July 15, 2025 • 23 mins
Hours before tonight's MLB All Star Game in Atlanta, I sat down with THE Alex Garrett on his One Leg Up Network to preview the Midsummer Classic as well as recap the first half of the MLB season for the Mets and Yanks!
Help Alex on the road to 50k downloads: www.spreaker.com/podcast/one-leg-up-with-alex-garrett--1101162
Original Episode of OneLegUp: www.spreaker.com/episode/onelegupalex-previews-mlb-all-star-game-with-pags-perspective-host-ryan-pagano-7-15-25--66989495
Intro/Outro: Drake - NOKIA (Instrumental)
Help Alex on the road to 50k downloads: www.spreaker.com/podcast/one-leg-up-with-alex-garrett--1101162
Original Episode of OneLegUp: www.spreaker.com/episode/onelegupalex-previews-mlb-all-star-game-with-pags-perspective-host-ryan-pagano-7-15-25--66989495
Intro/Outro: Drake - NOKIA (Instrumental)
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome to Pag's Perspective with your host Ryan Pagano. Alright,
so we are just a few hours out from the
one event a year that every baseball fan always seems
to be excited for, even though it is practically for
(00:25):
no stakes whatsoever. The twenty twenty five MLB popularity content,
i mean All Star Game is that to take place
tonight in Atlanta, just a couple hours from now, and
it should be very exciting. Stars from both the American
and National leagues set to all duel together on the
biggest stage of the summer, and we are set to
have a heck of a pitching duel to start things out,
(00:48):
Tarrek school Ball of the Tigers starting for the al
and Paul Skeins of the Pirates starting for the National League.
So it should be very fun to watch last night's
home run Derby winner Cole Raley, big dumper in the
starting lineup, as he's having a historic season that we
have not seen from any catcher, not even from guys
(01:08):
like Mike Piazza, who were best known for their power
hitting abilities. He's making history. Francisco Lindor representing my New
York Mets, batting eighth tonight. I think he could have
been a little bit higher, but you know, what, are
you gonna do? One spot ahead of Mets legend p
Crow Armstrong hitting ninth. So there's a lot to look
forward to. But with the All Star Game being tonight,
it also officially marks the end of the first half
(01:31):
to the MLB season. Means we're halfway there. We got
one more half to go, second half of the season
beginning later this week, and with the first half officially
in the books, I sat down earlier today with my dude,
Alex Garrett on his One Leg Up podcast to discuss
the first half of the MLB season, the first halves
of both the Mets and Yankee seasons, and what they
(01:53):
need to do for the second half if they want
to successfully compete for some playoff spots down the line
covered a lot of ground, as is usually the case
with these kinds of conversations. So with that, here's what
Alex and I had to say earlier today on his
One Leg Up podcast.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Welcome back to One Leg Up with Alex Garrett.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Oh well, thank you for the welcome back, And I
guess it's not too hard to find somebody around here
to talk baseball with the MRI exactly.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
We got got Tom involved at some point too. But
now we're at the All Star Game tonight. First, your
favorite memory of the All Star Game, you know, and
your twenty three years of life.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Ooh, that's kind of a tough one because you know,
I haven't been to any All Star game before that,
so it's kind of hard to pick from. But you
know what, I do distinctly recall though the twenty thirteen
and twenty fourteen All Star Games. Those probably have to
be one of my favorites, mostly because of the New
York connections. Though twenty thirteen, of course, was that city
(02:48):
field and I saw the very distinct memory of watching
the derby and also watching a bit of the All
Star Game too. I believe I actually spent part of
that on the beach, believe it or not, So that
was kind of memorable in and of itself. But also
twenty fourteen and seeing the farewell that Jeet's got, Yeah,
that was also a pretty core metag.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
It was funny.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
I remember that game because someone said overrated and he
rips an Rby a line drive double to lead off
the All Star Game on the forget, and I know.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
There was a lot of controversy too, with Adam Wainwright
just intentionally throwing meat balls to jeets, and I mean,
you know, whether you want to believe that conspiracy or not,
I mean it had a pretty big effect on the
World Series because this was back when you had the
winner of the All Star Game getting home field in
the World Series, which you know, you don't really have anymore,
which is for better or worse. You know, I'm personally
(03:36):
good with not having that be the case, but at
the same time, it's also really diminished the value that
the All Star Game has. Not to say that it's
isn't any good this year, Like there's still a lot
of intrigues surrounding it, but when you don't really have
a lot to play for, I don't know, it just
kind of takes away from it.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
By the way, I'm gonna post up on Alex Jennys
won our picture where I'm in my Yankski and You're
in your Mets gear.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Always a little bit of a rivalry there, but except
for the next.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Literally exactly now.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Recently, you post on Pag's perspective that you were not
happy with the way the voting went for tonight can
you explain that to my listeners a little bit.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Yeah, and this really doesn't have to do with the
starting nine voting. It's more so for the reserves. And look,
I get it. A lot of what I talked about
here on my most recent episode of Pag's Perspective was
about and i'll manager Dave Roberts and his decision to
choose Jacob Missowski after five whole games in the major
(04:33):
leagues for the All Star team. Now, this has nothing
to do with any of their talent whatsoever. There's no
denying that these guys are all very worthy of their spots.
So this isn't any slander to them by any means.
It's more so just there were better options available, you
know what I mean. And no shade to Jacob whatsoever.
(04:54):
I mean, he was very humble when he found out
that he was getting selected to his first All Star
Game and breaking Paul Skeins's record in the process for
the fewest games before your first All Star selection. You
know he's worthy of being there, I'd say, I guess,
it's just nobody really happened or really expected to have that.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
About a week ago, he shut out the Dodgers if
I'm not mistaken, right.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Believe so yeah, so, I mean he's really impressed through
five games. But then when you look at some of
the other guys who probably could have made a case
to be there instead. I mainly looked at Chris Sanchez
and Ranger Suarez, both of the Phillies. Suarez with a
sub two ERA going into the All Star Game, but
he wasn't picked, and Sanchez also with a really good
(05:39):
season as well. I believe his THERA is probably closer
to about two point seven. Now, granted, he did pitch
the weekend before the game, so even if he was chosen,
it's not like of a matter anyway he wouldn't be
able to pitch perm.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
And by the way, the Phillies are very vocal about
how disappointed they are in this whole situation.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
Yeah, and that was something else I touched on on
my latest episode as well, Trey Turner really being at
the forefront of it. But then you also have Nick
Castillanos basically comparing this to the Savannah Bananas banana ball,
which has just kind of become a thing of its own,
and Kyle Schwerber I believe chimed in as well.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
But and you don't realize that Bananas, by the way,
have their own youth baseball league or something like that.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
I mean, they're doing this in the in the youth
league as well. Yeah, it's just really crazy how far
that's transcended. And another one of my colleagues actually are
colleagues rather. I was just talking about this with Dean
Gelbonia show before, but uh no, we were literally talking
about potential MLB All Stars versus Savannah Banana's game. But
(06:44):
with the rules of Banana ball all that.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
And by the way, I know people want the derby
you go back to ten pitches or however it was
or what was it.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Ten ten swings I believe at one point with the.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
Derby, I believe so something like that. Was this back
when they used to years ago then based on the
amount of outs you made or something like.
Speaker 3 (07:02):
That when a derby's divided decided by one inch. By
the way, cal Rallley, congratulations. I feel like what I
met up with the gold Glove, we were just starting.
He was just starting something special. Because since that moment
in November at the MLB Store, he's broken marit a record.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Before the All Star break, he's won the derby I mean,
this team and him look like they have some eyests
on bigger.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Picture here, oh for sure. Not only that, but being
the first catcher to ever win a home run for ever.
I mean that cannot be understated in and of itself,
especially when you've had other great power hitting catchers of
the past, like Piazza. I know he's competed in the
Derby a few times. I don't know Pudge has ever competed.
I feel like he might have at some point. But
you have all these great hitting catchers that have competed
(07:45):
in the Derby at some point, but the fact that
none of them have ever won until this year, especially
for a competition that has been around since the eighties
or technically the nineteen sixties, if you want to go
all the way back to the syndicated TV series.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Sure, yeah, no, it's it's quite something, all right.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
I won't get to take on the two teams out
here in New York because it looks like, well, the
Mets and Yanks both needed this break. I mean, I
know the Yanks came off a five game win streak
and they lost series the Cubs, but.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Both teams need the break, as as many.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
Teams in the in Major League Baseball right now, But locally,
what adjustments do both teams need to make coming out
of this break here?
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Well, I'll just start off with my team, the Mets,
and my answer is kind of it's gonna be more
or less the same. I'll just kind of spoil that.
But for the Mets especially, they need bullpen help in
the worst way, and that's ay rotation help as well,
which you know that has been kind of addressed right
before the break with trum and Iya coming back, and
(08:45):
he looked pretty good in relief against Kansas City, I believe,
recording seven strikeouts in a game that you could very
argue they should have won. I mean they only lost
three two to Kansas City, and not only that, but
coming back to tie it in the ninth right before
the walk off there. I mean, you're talking about very well,
(09:07):
an easy sweep and kind of a twenty fifteen revenge
tour if you will. That being said, you know, he
still took two to three from Kansas and it was.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
A good rebound because they had a very surprising doubleheader
sweep against at the hands of the Orioles. I did
not expect them to lose both games that day on Thursday.
Speaker 1 (09:24):
But yeah, certainly not, especially with the Orioles just constantly
tripping over themselves. And then that really comes into question
if the Orioles should have done way, way more than
what they should have. And this it doesn't even have
to do with letting Corbyn Burns go. I mean, he
was going to be getting a bag either way, and
the Diamondbacks gave it to him, which, by the way,
(09:46):
prayers up to him as he recovers from Tommy John.
Just an awful situation.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
By the way, you mentioned Tommy John.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
I feel like there are a lot of guys, Garrett
Cole and other guys that have just been shut down
even mid season here with Tommy John. Is there a
baby going on right now that that's causing these arms?
I mean, look, Clarksman had a huge, devastating Tommy John
injury that now requires Tommy John, and you know he
was going for a no no there earlier in the
season and they pulled them out. I feel like not
(10:13):
letting the guys throw naturally is harming them.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
A little bit.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
No, it is, But then it also just comes down
to these training routines, these very modern training routines that
you've had in the modern game, because back when say
I was growing up, it wasn't really like you had
all these pitchers from a very young age, no less,
just throwing as hard as they can three hundred and
sixty five days a year for a probably six months
(10:40):
season where they're making figure thirty starts if they were
to make it in the big leagues or something like that.
But the fact that these guys are throwing way more
and at very high velocities as well, you're just kind
of asking something to happen. And I mean, this isn't
even a major league problem, which is just kind of
nuts in and of itself. But you know, when you
have teenagers, literal teenagers undergoing Tommy John surgery just because
(11:05):
they're being trained, programmed to throw at these high velocities
in high school to just garner attention of colleges major
league scouts, it's a whole trickle down effect.
Speaker 3 (11:16):
And I believe there was a picture that just underwent
Tommy John that got drafted on Sunday, if I'm not mistaken.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
So yeah, I believe. So Unfortunately the name is not
coming to my head here, but I mean it also
does go to show that you can still make a
successful recovery from Tommy John, sometimes multiple Tommy John's. Absolutely,
we cannot underestimate that under or understate rather that multiple pictures.
There's a ton of them out there that have undergone
(11:42):
not one, but two sometimes more Tommy John surgeries then
would possibly imagine I mean, Jacob de gram Uh is
the first person that I think of with that to
Tommy John surgeries one I believe in college or not
in college, but rather when he was in a Mets system.
And then his second with the Range in twenty twenty three.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
I believe it was Kate Anderson actually got drafted and
he had Tommy John just in twenty twenty two.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
Yeah, Kate Anderson, who I thought Thet's the Nationals should
have taken with the first overall pick over Eli Will.
But he's got a lot of upside though that.
Speaker 3 (12:15):
Picks to him four actually had Tommy John, which is
very very interesting.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
So we'll see what happens. We'll see what happens.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
We certainly will.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
All right, now, let's go to the Yanks, because I
look at that team, as you know, they're making moves.
I think the cutting of DJ is lighting up a
fire saying hey, if you don't perform, well, we are
gonna cut you know, the idea to show them they
are replaceable, might fire them up a little bit, you know,
and then and then moving Jazz to second, opening that
door for a third baseman right now, that should be
(12:45):
swore as we'll see what.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
The Diamondbacks are asking for.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
But Ryan, what I'm also looking at is the bigger
picture here. I mean, you're gonna compete with a Tiger
team that looks unstoppable right now, and they got to
look in that mirror and say, hey, how do we
match up with the Tigers?
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Do we have one leg up over them? If you will?
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Yeah, pretty much. And you know, I hinted earlier that
my answer was kind of gonna be a little bit
similar as to what exactly the Yanks need to do.
And one of them, for sure is definitely getting their
bullpen help as well. So both New York team's kind
of in the same boat there and the Yankees one
ironically claiming a Mets reliever Off Waivers to really help
with the to play the bullpen as well. He's looked
(13:24):
pretty good in his few appearances for the Mets as well,
So I have optimism that he'll continue to be the
same with the Yanks, But as far as their third
base hole goes, I think Suarez he would fit really
well in the Bronx with their mostly power hitting lineup.
He's definitely somebody that could just fit right on in.
But the question is, if you're Brian Cashman, I'm sure
(13:47):
Arizona they're gonna be looking for a lot of prospects
back for their guys that have been rumored to be traded.
I believe, not just Suarez, but correct me if I'm wrong.
I think Montgomery is still in trade toss over there, Yeah,
and a couple other expiring and.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
They're contender by the way I believe.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Which is just wild in and of itself. But the
question I want to post you. You're a big Yankees fan,
you know this team inside and out, But if you're
Brian Cashman, do you let go of Spencer Jones if
it meant giving up Suarez.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
I think they've been in such a great form with
the farm system. I still feel like you gotta protect
Spencer Jones, and you can't.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
I'm with you, you can't.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
Ask I can't get rid of him because he will
be the few He is the future of the Yankees
lineup right now.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Ryan.
Speaker 3 (14:37):
As you know, I met Ben Rice a couple about
a week ago or so.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
Love the kid.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
I love what he's brought to this team.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
But I still don't think they need a couple of bats.
I mean, Parazza and Rice are who they're leaning on
right now. So Brian cashm has a way of fine line.
They need another hitter, there's no doubt. Maybe even two hitters,
you know, or maybe.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
Be risky and callin Spencer. I don't know, but something's
got to give right now.
Speaker 1 (14:59):
Yes, yeah, something absolutely has to give right now. I mean,
you just really got a question. Is Spencer Jones is
even ready for the big league level at this point?
You know, maybe he could be a September call up
if that's the case. If not twenty twenty six, I'm
sure he will definitely be ready by then. I mean,
that's exactly why we saw Cash get Paul Goldschmid as
(15:20):
sort of that stopgap option there, and he's worked out
pretty well there for his age and his clining production.
He's still very just leadoff.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Yes, that's that we can agree with.
Speaker 3 (15:29):
He should be lead off every game because I seem
to be thriving when he's at the top there, So
we'll have to see. One other thing that that crosses
my mind here, Ryan, is you look at the standings
right now.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
First of all, the Blue Jays, I.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
Thought we're gonna have a bigger lead into the break,
but there are only two games up on the Yanks,
which gives the Yanks a lot of hope here, and
the Mets and Phillies are gonna be battling it out.
I feel like the Phillies are more of a mess
than the Mets right now.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
Though now they absolutely are. The way their bullpen has
been constructed. I mean, I'd almost argue they their bullpen
is a bigger mess than anything the Mets have been
able to put out there right now, because at least
they've had some good consistency, They've had some good stretches
where their bullpen has been absolutely lights out. And it's
(16:17):
not just with Diaz, but you have the likes of Brazabon,
Read Garrett, even Max Kranic earlier in the season just
going off for several stretches. But even then that's kind
of fizzled.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
By the way your bullpen and Stannic's return has been
really good for the Mets right now.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
And they absolutely needed that because Brasabon really has not
had a good stretch going into the summer months. But
Max Kranick also hitters really starting to figure him out,
and he might need Tommy John as well.
Speaker 3 (16:45):
So now I might have to repost the reply because
I feel like I was right on the money when
I said Jenkowski's return was going to energize the Mets.
I feel like he's a spark plug. I remember when
they all wore his jersey a few years ago.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
He's a guy that everybody loves in the clubhouse.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
Sure yeah, I mean I was pretty sad when they
let him go in twenty twenty two and all that.
And that's not just because he tossed me a baseball
during a game at City Field that I dropped. But
that's a whole other can of worms. But he is
pretty much that prototypical glue guy that you would just
love to have off the bench, bring speed, brings clutch
(17:21):
hits when needed, can field pretty well too. He's that
prototypical fourth glue guy outfielder that you would want to
have out there. And unfortunately they defade him again to
make some roster space, but you know whether or not
he'll make a couple more appearances for the Mets at
a later time. We'll see what happens with that. I mean,
(17:41):
their outfield has been pretty healthy, but also they've been
in a lot of talks for potential starting center fielder.
Perhaps I've seen Luisa Robert from the White Sox and
potential trade talks. They're gonna be looking for another starting outfielder.
Not that Tyrone Taylor needs to be displaced or anything
like that. He's had elite fielding there, but the hitting
is definitely something that leaves a lot to be desired.
(18:04):
So I'm sure the Mets can grab another big bat
before the deadline passes. David Stearns would absolutely love the
chance to do that.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
Ryan'sping of the bats, Juan Soda is heating up. But
you talk about Jankowski throwing you a ball, I understand
mister Soto threw you a ball?
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Is that right? Oh?
Speaker 2 (18:20):
He did.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
Absolutely. Now it wasn't a live game ball, as much
as I would like to say, but now it was
one of those toss ups that somehow went my way.
So you can't be too mad at that.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
Absolutely not. And are you pleased with his turn on
I feel like the snub is fired. I'm up a
little bit.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
I think it has. And I know there's a lot
of Mets fans out there that say, oh, Soda was
snub d should have been in the All Star Game.
Why the heck is he not making it? Over Fernando
to tease, they're all crying about it. But quite frankly,
if he had more consistency in his season thus far,
I'm talking March, April, even part of May. Had he
(19:00):
been consistent the full season, he would have made it,
for sure. But one good month, Quite frankly, I really
don't think that's a snub. Is contrary to what a
lot of Mets fans are saying. I mean, I just
need more consistency from my All Stars right there. And
I know that's a very unpopular opinion in Mets country,
but it's something that I'm not really afraid to say.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
No has been consistent, mister Pete Alonso, and a lot
of fans I've seen want him to get the money now,
you know, like just sign him up already exactly.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
Yeah, Because when he signed his new contract with the Mets,
it also includes that player opt out after year one,
so everybody knows he's gonna take it, no question, and
he is for sure going to get a bag in
the offseason now that his value is just gonna be
completely reset as of now, I mean again, we'll have
to see what happens in September with the with him
(19:50):
really struggling down the stretch for the Mets before the playoffs.
So it is a little early to tell, but I
have a lot of faith in Pete.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
All right, well, Ryan, this is awesome. And one other
thing I gotta ask you the MVP debate last year,
I mean, it wasn't really a debate.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
Judge was the guy, but Bobby Wood Junior was making
a very very strong case as well.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
He was.
Speaker 3 (20:13):
Now Rally's making a case. Could we see a judge
Rally even with junior competition for MVP here.
Speaker 1 (20:20):
Yeah, I could very well see that. And by junior
you mean camin.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Arow no cal Rally and then Bobby Wit Junior.
Speaker 1 (20:26):
Ah, Bobby Wit Junior. See, I'm thinking of multiple juniors here.
It's kind of a funny dynamic how that works out.
But I think it'll be between Judge and Big Dumper
for sure. Who Pat McAfee was introducing him as having
the fattest button in all of professional sports. Kind of
a funny pro bow that he cut there. But you know, absolutely,
(20:48):
with the way that Rally's been breaking all these records
for catchers that have pretty much been unheard of almost now,
he's in Todd Hunley ninety six territory, and you know,
if he keeps breaking these records, don't be surprised if
he wins the MVP, even over judged, no less, I mean,
(21:08):
he it's his award to lose. I would say it's
ever Judge's MVP to lose.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
All right, very bold there.
Speaker 3 (21:14):
I think the Mets and Yanks, somehow, at the end
of the break into the break have positioned themselves in
a very very reasonable way. And we'll catch up with
you maybe in the third quarter pole, like in September,
when we're down the stretch here.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
Yeah, maybe when the Mets inevitably somehow collapse in August time.
Not saying that will happen, but you know, I've been
through enough seasons.
Speaker 3 (21:33):
Well yeah, that's that's why I tell Yankee fans, you'd
rather collapse in June rather than in September.
Speaker 1 (21:39):
We've all seen that before exactly. And you know, as
a Mets fan, I know what collapsing in May feels like.
And the last time it happened it turned out pretty well.
Speaker 3 (21:47):
So now that you guys went from oh to five
to the two steps away from the World Series, where.
Speaker 1 (21:53):
As Gary coh ineloquently put it from oh to five
to omg, exactly.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
All right, Ryan Pagano always a pledge to have me on,
and do check out his podcast, PAGs Perspective.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Yes, PAGs Perspective, let's get it right.
Speaker 1 (22:06):
All right, sounds gooding not Pigano's rituals yet.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Yeah, maybe maybe maybe with down the road, but for
now PAGs per Sective. We'll talk to you soon, Ryan.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
All right, much appreciated, Alex. Great to be on your show.
Ones for it, and thank you once again to Alex
for letting me intrude on his One Leg Up network.
Go check his podcast out by the way, One Leg
Up with Alex Garrett. He's on the road to fifty
thousand downloads, so I encourage you to be one of
those one thousand to help him on the road. He's
so close to get into fifty k. Trust me, his
(22:37):
podcast is definitely a must listen, so go check it out.
I'll leave the links in the description below, and with that,
I want to thank you all for listening and enjoy
tonight's MLB All Star Game Action
Welcome to Pag's Perspective with your host Ryan Pagano. Alright,
so we are just a few hours out from the
one event a year that every baseball fan always seems
to be excited for, even though it is practically for
(00:25):
no stakes whatsoever. The twenty twenty five MLB popularity content,
i mean All Star Game is that to take place
tonight in Atlanta, just a couple hours from now, and
it should be very exciting. Stars from both the American
and National leagues set to all duel together on the
biggest stage of the summer, and we are set to
have a heck of a pitching duel to start things out,
(00:48):
Tarrek school Ball of the Tigers starting for the al
and Paul Skeins of the Pirates starting for the National League.
So it should be very fun to watch last night's
home run Derby winner Cole Raley, big dumper in the
starting lineup, as he's having a historic season that we
have not seen from any catcher, not even from guys
(01:08):
like Mike Piazza, who were best known for their power
hitting abilities. He's making history. Francisco Lindor representing my New
York Mets, batting eighth tonight. I think he could have
been a little bit higher, but you know, what, are
you gonna do? One spot ahead of Mets legend p
Crow Armstrong hitting ninth. So there's a lot to look
forward to. But with the All Star Game being tonight,
it also officially marks the end of the first half
(01:31):
to the MLB season. Means we're halfway there. We got
one more half to go, second half of the season
beginning later this week, and with the first half officially
in the books, I sat down earlier today with my dude,
Alex Garrett on his One Leg Up podcast to discuss
the first half of the MLB season, the first halves
of both the Mets and Yankee seasons, and what they
(01:53):
need to do for the second half if they want
to successfully compete for some playoff spots down the line
covered a lot of ground, as is usually the case
with these kinds of conversations. So with that, here's what
Alex and I had to say earlier today on his
One Leg Up podcast.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Welcome back to One Leg Up with Alex Garrett.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Oh well, thank you for the welcome back, And I
guess it's not too hard to find somebody around here
to talk baseball with the MRI exactly.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
We got got Tom involved at some point too. But
now we're at the All Star Game tonight. First, your
favorite memory of the All Star Game, you know, and
your twenty three years of life.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Ooh, that's kind of a tough one because you know,
I haven't been to any All Star game before that,
so it's kind of hard to pick from. But you
know what, I do distinctly recall though the twenty thirteen
and twenty fourteen All Star Games. Those probably have to
be one of my favorites, mostly because of the New
York connections. Though twenty thirteen, of course, was that city
(02:48):
field and I saw the very distinct memory of watching
the derby and also watching a bit of the All
Star Game too. I believe I actually spent part of
that on the beach, believe it or not, So that
was kind of memorable in and of itself. But also
twenty fourteen and seeing the farewell that Jeet's got, Yeah,
that was also a pretty core metag.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
It was funny.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
I remember that game because someone said overrated and he
rips an Rby a line drive double to lead off
the All Star Game on the forget, and I know.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
There was a lot of controversy too, with Adam Wainwright
just intentionally throwing meat balls to jeets, and I mean,
you know, whether you want to believe that conspiracy or not,
I mean it had a pretty big effect on the
World Series because this was back when you had the
winner of the All Star Game getting home field in
the World Series, which you know, you don't really have anymore,
which is for better or worse. You know, I'm personally
(03:36):
good with not having that be the case, but at
the same time, it's also really diminished the value that
the All Star Game has. Not to say that it's
isn't any good this year, Like there's still a lot
of intrigues surrounding it, but when you don't really have
a lot to play for, I don't know, it just
kind of takes away from it.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
By the way, I'm gonna post up on Alex Jennys
won our picture where I'm in my Yankski and You're
in your Mets gear.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Always a little bit of a rivalry there, but except
for the next.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Literally exactly now.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Recently, you post on Pag's perspective that you were not
happy with the way the voting went for tonight can
you explain that to my listeners a little bit.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Yeah, and this really doesn't have to do with the
starting nine voting. It's more so for the reserves. And look,
I get it. A lot of what I talked about
here on my most recent episode of Pag's Perspective was
about and i'll manager Dave Roberts and his decision to
choose Jacob Missowski after five whole games in the major
(04:33):
leagues for the All Star team. Now, this has nothing
to do with any of their talent whatsoever. There's no
denying that these guys are all very worthy of their spots.
So this isn't any slander to them by any means.
It's more so just there were better options available, you
know what I mean. And no shade to Jacob whatsoever.
(04:54):
I mean, he was very humble when he found out
that he was getting selected to his first All Star
Game and breaking Paul Skeins's record in the process for
the fewest games before your first All Star selection. You
know he's worthy of being there, I'd say, I guess,
it's just nobody really happened or really expected to have that.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
About a week ago, he shut out the Dodgers if
I'm not mistaken, right.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Believe so yeah, so, I mean he's really impressed through
five games. But then when you look at some of
the other guys who probably could have made a case
to be there instead. I mainly looked at Chris Sanchez
and Ranger Suarez, both of the Phillies. Suarez with a
sub two ERA going into the All Star Game, but
he wasn't picked, and Sanchez also with a really good
(05:39):
season as well. I believe his THERA is probably closer
to about two point seven. Now, granted, he did pitch
the weekend before the game, so even if he was chosen,
it's not like of a matter anyway he wouldn't be
able to pitch perm.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
And by the way, the Phillies are very vocal about
how disappointed they are in this whole situation.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
Yeah, and that was something else I touched on on
my latest episode as well, Trey Turner really being at
the forefront of it. But then you also have Nick
Castillanos basically comparing this to the Savannah Bananas banana ball,
which has just kind of become a thing of its own,
and Kyle Schwerber I believe chimed in as well.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
But and you don't realize that Bananas, by the way,
have their own youth baseball league or something like that.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
I mean, they're doing this in the in the youth
league as well. Yeah, it's just really crazy how far
that's transcended. And another one of my colleagues actually are
colleagues rather. I was just talking about this with Dean
Gelbonia show before, but uh no, we were literally talking
about potential MLB All Stars versus Savannah Banana's game. But
(06:44):
with the rules of Banana ball all that.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
And by the way, I know people want the derby
you go back to ten pitches or however it was
or what was it.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Ten ten swings I believe at one point with the.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
Derby, I believe so something like that. Was this back
when they used to years ago then based on the
amount of outs you made or something like.
Speaker 3 (07:02):
That when a derby's divided decided by one inch. By
the way, cal Rallley, congratulations. I feel like what I
met up with the gold Glove, we were just starting.
He was just starting something special. Because since that moment
in November at the MLB Store, he's broken marit a record.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Before the All Star break, he's won the derby I mean,
this team and him look like they have some eyests
on bigger.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Picture here, oh for sure. Not only that, but being
the first catcher to ever win a home run for ever.
I mean that cannot be understated in and of itself,
especially when you've had other great power hitting catchers of
the past, like Piazza. I know he's competed in the
Derby a few times. I don't know Pudge has ever competed.
I feel like he might have at some point. But
you have all these great hitting catchers that have competed
(07:45):
in the Derby at some point, but the fact that
none of them have ever won until this year, especially
for a competition that has been around since the eighties
or technically the nineteen sixties, if you want to go
all the way back to the syndicated TV series.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Sure, yeah, no, it's it's quite something, all right.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
I won't get to take on the two teams out
here in New York because it looks like, well, the
Mets and Yanks both needed this break. I mean, I
know the Yanks came off a five game win streak
and they lost series the Cubs, but.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Both teams need the break, as as many.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
Teams in the in Major League Baseball right now, But locally,
what adjustments do both teams need to make coming out
of this break here?
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Well, I'll just start off with my team, the Mets,
and my answer is kind of it's gonna be more
or less the same. I'll just kind of spoil that.
But for the Mets especially, they need bullpen help in
the worst way, and that's ay rotation help as well,
which you know that has been kind of addressed right
before the break with trum and Iya coming back, and
(08:45):
he looked pretty good in relief against Kansas City, I believe,
recording seven strikeouts in a game that you could very
argue they should have won. I mean they only lost
three two to Kansas City, and not only that, but
coming back to tie it in the ninth right before
the walk off there. I mean, you're talking about very well,
(09:07):
an easy sweep and kind of a twenty fifteen revenge
tour if you will. That being said, you know, he
still took two to three from Kansas and it was.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
A good rebound because they had a very surprising doubleheader
sweep against at the hands of the Orioles. I did
not expect them to lose both games that day on Thursday.
Speaker 1 (09:24):
But yeah, certainly not, especially with the Orioles just constantly
tripping over themselves. And then that really comes into question
if the Orioles should have done way, way more than
what they should have. And this it doesn't even have
to do with letting Corbyn Burns go. I mean, he
was going to be getting a bag either way, and
the Diamondbacks gave it to him, which, by the way,
(09:46):
prayers up to him as he recovers from Tommy John.
Just an awful situation.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
By the way, you mentioned Tommy John.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
I feel like there are a lot of guys, Garrett
Cole and other guys that have just been shut down
even mid season here with Tommy John. Is there a
baby going on right now that that's causing these arms?
I mean, look, Clarksman had a huge, devastating Tommy John
injury that now requires Tommy John, and you know he
was going for a no no there earlier in the
season and they pulled them out. I feel like not
(10:13):
letting the guys throw naturally is harming them.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
A little bit.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
No, it is, But then it also just comes down
to these training routines, these very modern training routines that
you've had in the modern game, because back when say
I was growing up, it wasn't really like you had
all these pitchers from a very young age, no less,
just throwing as hard as they can three hundred and
sixty five days a year for a probably six months
(10:40):
season where they're making figure thirty starts if they were
to make it in the big leagues or something like that.
But the fact that these guys are throwing way more
and at very high velocities as well, you're just kind
of asking something to happen. And I mean, this isn't
even a major league problem, which is just kind of
nuts in and of itself. But you know, when you
have teenagers, literal teenagers undergoing Tommy John surgery just because
(11:05):
they're being trained, programmed to throw at these high velocities
in high school to just garner attention of colleges major
league scouts, it's a whole trickle down effect.
Speaker 3 (11:16):
And I believe there was a picture that just underwent
Tommy John that got drafted on Sunday, if I'm not mistaken.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
So yeah, I believe. So Unfortunately the name is not
coming to my head here, but I mean it also
does go to show that you can still make a
successful recovery from Tommy John, sometimes multiple Tommy John's. Absolutely,
we cannot underestimate that under or understate rather that multiple pictures.
There's a ton of them out there that have undergone
(11:42):
not one, but two sometimes more Tommy John surgeries then
would possibly imagine I mean, Jacob de gram Uh is
the first person that I think of with that to
Tommy John surgeries one I believe in college or not
in college, but rather when he was in a Mets system.
And then his second with the Range in twenty twenty three.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
I believe it was Kate Anderson actually got drafted and
he had Tommy John just in twenty twenty two.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
Yeah, Kate Anderson, who I thought Thet's the Nationals should
have taken with the first overall pick over Eli Will.
But he's got a lot of upside though that.
Speaker 3 (12:15):
Picks to him four actually had Tommy John, which is
very very interesting.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
So we'll see what happens. We'll see what happens.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
We certainly will.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
All right, now, let's go to the Yanks, because I
look at that team, as you know, they're making moves.
I think the cutting of DJ is lighting up a
fire saying hey, if you don't perform, well, we are
gonna cut you know, the idea to show them they
are replaceable, might fire them up a little bit, you know,
and then and then moving Jazz to second, opening that
door for a third baseman right now, that should be
(12:45):
swore as we'll see what.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
The Diamondbacks are asking for.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
But Ryan, what I'm also looking at is the bigger
picture here. I mean, you're gonna compete with a Tiger
team that looks unstoppable right now, and they got to
look in that mirror and say, hey, how do we
match up with the Tigers?
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Do we have one leg up over them? If you will?
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Yeah, pretty much. And you know, I hinted earlier that
my answer was kind of gonna be a little bit
similar as to what exactly the Yanks need to do.
And one of them, for sure is definitely getting their
bullpen help as well. So both New York team's kind
of in the same boat there and the Yankees one
ironically claiming a Mets reliever Off Waivers to really help
with the to play the bullpen as well. He's looked
(13:24):
pretty good in his few appearances for the Mets as well,
So I have optimism that he'll continue to be the
same with the Yanks, But as far as their third
base hole goes, I think Suarez he would fit really
well in the Bronx with their mostly power hitting lineup.
He's definitely somebody that could just fit right on in.
But the question is, if you're Brian Cashman, I'm sure
(13:47):
Arizona they're gonna be looking for a lot of prospects
back for their guys that have been rumored to be traded.
I believe, not just Suarez, but correct me if I'm wrong.
I think Montgomery is still in trade toss over there, Yeah,
and a couple other expiring and.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
They're contender by the way I believe.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Which is just wild in and of itself. But the
question I want to post you. You're a big Yankees fan,
you know this team inside and out, But if you're
Brian Cashman, do you let go of Spencer Jones if
it meant giving up Suarez.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
I think they've been in such a great form with
the farm system. I still feel like you gotta protect
Spencer Jones, and you can't.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
I'm with you, you can't.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
Ask I can't get rid of him because he will
be the few He is the future of the Yankees
lineup right now.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Ryan.
Speaker 3 (14:37):
As you know, I met Ben Rice a couple about
a week ago or so.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
Love the kid.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
I love what he's brought to this team.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
But I still don't think they need a couple of bats.
I mean, Parazza and Rice are who they're leaning on
right now. So Brian cashm has a way of fine line.
They need another hitter, there's no doubt. Maybe even two hitters,
you know, or maybe.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
Be risky and callin Spencer. I don't know, but something's
got to give right now.
Speaker 1 (14:59):
Yes, yeah, something absolutely has to give right now. I mean,
you just really got a question. Is Spencer Jones is
even ready for the big league level at this point?
You know, maybe he could be a September call up
if that's the case. If not twenty twenty six, I'm
sure he will definitely be ready by then. I mean,
that's exactly why we saw Cash get Paul Goldschmid as
(15:20):
sort of that stopgap option there, and he's worked out
pretty well there for his age and his clining production.
He's still very just leadoff.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Yes, that's that we can agree with.
Speaker 3 (15:29):
He should be lead off every game because I seem
to be thriving when he's at the top there, So
we'll have to see. One other thing that that crosses
my mind here, Ryan, is you look at the standings
right now.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
First of all, the Blue Jays, I.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
Thought we're gonna have a bigger lead into the break,
but there are only two games up on the Yanks,
which gives the Yanks a lot of hope here, and
the Mets and Phillies are gonna be battling it out.
I feel like the Phillies are more of a mess
than the Mets right now.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
Though now they absolutely are. The way their bullpen has
been constructed. I mean, I'd almost argue they their bullpen
is a bigger mess than anything the Mets have been
able to put out there right now, because at least
they've had some good consistency, They've had some good stretches
where their bullpen has been absolutely lights out. And it's
(16:17):
not just with Diaz, but you have the likes of Brazabon,
Read Garrett, even Max Kranic earlier in the season just
going off for several stretches. But even then that's kind
of fizzled.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
By the way your bullpen and Stannic's return has been
really good for the Mets right now.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
And they absolutely needed that because Brasabon really has not
had a good stretch going into the summer months. But
Max Kranick also hitters really starting to figure him out,
and he might need Tommy John as well.
Speaker 3 (16:45):
So now I might have to repost the reply because
I feel like I was right on the money when
I said Jenkowski's return was going to energize the Mets.
I feel like he's a spark plug. I remember when
they all wore his jersey a few years ago.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
He's a guy that everybody loves in the clubhouse.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
Sure yeah, I mean I was pretty sad when they
let him go in twenty twenty two and all that.
And that's not just because he tossed me a baseball
during a game at City Field that I dropped. But
that's a whole other can of worms. But he is
pretty much that prototypical glue guy that you would just
love to have off the bench, bring speed, brings clutch
(17:21):
hits when needed, can field pretty well too. He's that
prototypical fourth glue guy outfielder that you would want to
have out there. And unfortunately they defade him again to
make some roster space, but you know whether or not
he'll make a couple more appearances for the Mets at
a later time. We'll see what happens with that. I mean,
(17:41):
their outfield has been pretty healthy, but also they've been
in a lot of talks for potential starting center fielder.
Perhaps I've seen Luisa Robert from the White Sox and
potential trade talks. They're gonna be looking for another starting outfielder.
Not that Tyrone Taylor needs to be displaced or anything
like that. He's had elite fielding there, but the hitting
is definitely something that leaves a lot to be desired.
(18:04):
So I'm sure the Mets can grab another big bat
before the deadline passes. David Stearns would absolutely love the
chance to do that.
Speaker 3 (18:10):
Ryan'sping of the bats, Juan Soda is heating up. But
you talk about Jankowski throwing you a ball, I understand
mister Soto threw you a ball?
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Is that right? Oh?
Speaker 2 (18:20):
He did.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
Absolutely. Now it wasn't a live game ball, as much
as I would like to say, but now it was
one of those toss ups that somehow went my way.
So you can't be too mad at that.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
Absolutely not. And are you pleased with his turn on
I feel like the snub is fired. I'm up a
little bit.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
I think it has. And I know there's a lot
of Mets fans out there that say, oh, Soda was
snub d should have been in the All Star Game.
Why the heck is he not making it? Over Fernando
to tease, they're all crying about it. But quite frankly,
if he had more consistency in his season thus far,
I'm talking March, April, even part of May. Had he
(19:00):
been consistent the full season, he would have made it,
for sure. But one good month, Quite frankly, I really
don't think that's a snub. Is contrary to what a
lot of Mets fans are saying. I mean, I just
need more consistency from my All Stars right there. And
I know that's a very unpopular opinion in Mets country,
but it's something that I'm not really afraid to say.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
No has been consistent, mister Pete Alonso, and a lot
of fans I've seen want him to get the money now,
you know, like just sign him up already exactly.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
Yeah, Because when he signed his new contract with the Mets,
it also includes that player opt out after year one,
so everybody knows he's gonna take it, no question, and
he is for sure going to get a bag in
the offseason now that his value is just gonna be
completely reset as of now, I mean again, we'll have
to see what happens in September with the with him
(19:50):
really struggling down the stretch for the Mets before the playoffs.
So it is a little early to tell, but I
have a lot of faith in Pete.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
All right, well, Ryan, this is awesome. And one other
thing I gotta ask you the MVP debate last year,
I mean, it wasn't really a debate.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
Judge was the guy, but Bobby Wood Junior was making
a very very strong case as well.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
He was.
Speaker 3 (20:13):
Now Rally's making a case. Could we see a judge
Rally even with junior competition for MVP here.
Speaker 1 (20:20):
Yeah, I could very well see that. And by junior
you mean camin.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Arow no cal Rally and then Bobby Wit Junior.
Speaker 1 (20:26):
Ah, Bobby Wit Junior. See, I'm thinking of multiple juniors here.
It's kind of a funny dynamic how that works out.
But I think it'll be between Judge and Big Dumper
for sure. Who Pat McAfee was introducing him as having
the fattest button in all of professional sports. Kind of
a funny pro bow that he cut there. But you know, absolutely,
(20:48):
with the way that Rally's been breaking all these records
for catchers that have pretty much been unheard of almost now,
he's in Todd Hunley ninety six territory, and you know,
if he keeps breaking these records, don't be surprised if
he wins the MVP, even over judged, no less, I mean,
(21:08):
he it's his award to lose. I would say it's
ever Judge's MVP to lose.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
All right, very bold there.
Speaker 3 (21:14):
I think the Mets and Yanks, somehow, at the end
of the break into the break have positioned themselves in
a very very reasonable way. And we'll catch up with
you maybe in the third quarter pole, like in September,
when we're down the stretch here.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
Yeah, maybe when the Mets inevitably somehow collapse in August time.
Not saying that will happen, but you know, I've been
through enough seasons.
Speaker 3 (21:33):
Well yeah, that's that's why I tell Yankee fans, you'd
rather collapse in June rather than in September.
Speaker 1 (21:39):
We've all seen that before exactly. And you know, as
a Mets fan, I know what collapsing in May feels like.
And the last time it happened it turned out pretty well.
Speaker 3 (21:47):
So now that you guys went from oh to five
to the two steps away from the World Series, where.
Speaker 1 (21:53):
As Gary coh ineloquently put it from oh to five
to omg, exactly.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
All right, Ryan Pagano always a pledge to have me on,
and do check out his podcast, PAGs Perspective.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Yes, PAGs Perspective, let's get it right.
Speaker 1 (22:06):
All right, sounds gooding not Pigano's rituals yet.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Yeah, maybe maybe maybe with down the road, but for
now PAGs per Sective. We'll talk to you soon, Ryan.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
All right, much appreciated, Alex. Great to be on your show.
Ones for it, and thank you once again to Alex
for letting me intrude on his One Leg Up network.
Go check his podcast out by the way, One Leg
Up with Alex Garrett. He's on the road to fifty
thousand downloads, so I encourage you to be one of
those one thousand to help him on the road. He's
so close to get into fifty k. Trust me, his
(22:37):
podcast is definitely a must listen, so go check it out.
I'll leave the links in the description below, and with that,
I want to thank you all for listening and enjoy
tonight's MLB All Star Game Action
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