Show notes

0:18 — Chris Horwedel and Greg Crone return from a short break and introduce a busy show covering the MLB trade deadline, the Phillies, Paul Skenes, the 76ers and NBA storylines. 0:56 — MLB trade deadline reaction: the Dodgers acquire Tarik Skubal, Chris and Greg compare Los Angeles’ package with Philadelphia’s reported offer and discuss the Dodgers’ spending, deferred money and place atop the World Series odds. 4:36 — Luis Arraez joins the Phillies. The hosts discuss his contact hitting, career success with runners in scoring position and what he adds to a lineup that has lacked consistency. 5:41 — Phillies-Nationals and lineup construction: Arraez’s spot in the order, Kyle Schwarber leading off, Bryce Harper’s protection, Trea Turner’s role and Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto’s recent production. 11:10 — Philadelphia’s post-deadline outlook: new relievers Brooks Raley and Caleb Kilian, the bullpen’s importance and the Phillies’ position in the World Series odds. 12:39 — What changed in baseball? Chris and Greg discuss declining batting averages, shorter starting-pitcher outings, advanced metrics, launch angle, defensive shifts and why complete games have become rare. 15:05 — Paul Skenes’ velocity decline becomes the central pitching story. The hosts review the sharp drop in his 98-plus-mph pitches, possible fatigue or injury concerns, his continued strikeout production and Pittsburgh’s long-term contract decision. 20:59 — The Mets’ prospect haul and the Dodgers’ postseason rotation lead into a wider MLB deadline discussion featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. 23:55 — LeBron James joins the Philadelphia 76ers. Chris and Greg react to the surprise move, the excitement around the team and how the roster now fits around Joel Embiid, Jalen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe. 26:28 — Sixers workload and chemistry: keeping Embiid and LeBron healthy, allowing Maxey and Brown to carry more of the regular season and the offensive advantages created by LeBron’s passing. 29:18 — NBA championship and MVP odds involving Philadelphia. The hosts compare Jalen Brown, Maxey, Embiid and LeBron before expanding the conversation to Cooper Flagg, Austin Reaves and other long-shot candidates. 33:14 — Ben Simmons return rumors spark a Process-era reunion discussion. Chris and Greg consider a smaller bench role for Simmons and revisit Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Dario Šarić and Isaiah Canaan. 36:31 — The 76ers broadcast team: Mark Zumoff nostalgia, criticism of the current pairing and possible future analysts including T.J. McConnell, Aaron McKie, Andre Iguodala, Todd MacCulloch and other former Sixers.