Episode 385 - "Hey Andrés, I Came Back from Europe for This?!"

RUNDOWN

 

After 16 days across London, Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Florence, Mitch returns home exhausted, overfed, broke, and surprisingly fond of Berlin. He and Hotshot Scott break down the trip, from ranking Europe's biggest cities and comparing food cultures to discussing sightseeing fatigue, Segway tours, horseback riding in Tuscany, and the realization that his sons viewed the entire vacation very differently than he did.

Fresh off his European adventure, Mitch quickly pivots back to the Mariners and a pitching situation that suddenly looks very different than it did a month ago. With the piggyback experiment shelved for now, the focus turns to Bryce Miller's dominant return to form, Luis Castillo's resurgence after being challenged, and whether Seattle's six-man rotation creates more opportunities than problems.

The Mariners’ series loss in Detroit quickly turns into a deeper conversation about Andrés Muñoz, whose recent struggles have Brady and Joe (Mariners No-Table) debating whether Seattle can continue treating him as an automatic ninth-inning option. The trio examines bullpen management, the challenges created by the six-man rotation, potential closer alternatives, and whether the trade deadline could force Jerry Dipoto to look for outside relief help.

Steve Phillips hasn’t jumped off the Mariners bandwagon despite an uneven first two months. He explains why Seattle’s pitching depth, second-half track record, and a weak American League still make them a legitimate World Series contender, while also addressing growing concerns about Andrés Muñoz and potential bullpen fixes before the trade deadline.

 

GUESTS

 

• Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose podcast
• Joe Doyle | MLB analyst, Over-Slot
• Steve Phillips | Former GM of New York Mets, MLB Network Analyst, SiriusXM host

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

0:00 | Mitch recaps a whirlwind European family vacation filled with unforgettable sights, culture shocks, and a chaotic front-row experience of Paris Saint-Germain’s riot-filled Champions League celebration.

33:42 | The Mariners’ pitching surplus is suddenly a good problem, as Bryce Miller’s resurgence, Luis Castillo’s rebound, and Cade Anderson’s rise force Seattle to weigh rotation depth against potential trade-deadline opportunities.

45:28 | Mariners No-Table: The Mariners’ bullpen concerns take center stage as Andrés Muñoz’s struggles spark closer questions, but strong performances from Bryce Miller, Cole Young, and Colt Emerson help keep Seattle firmly atop the division.

1:09:42 | Steve Phillips: Steve Phillips still sees the Mariners as a legitimate World Series threat, with pitching depth, roster flexibility, and a weak American League outweighing bullpen concerns and lineup questions.

1:29:28 | Other Stuff Segment: Caitlin Clark illness during Commissioner's Cup game, Russell Wilson joining CBS, Russell Wilson Hall of Fame debate, Myles Garrett traded to Rams, Aaron Donald comeback speculation, Rams vs Seahawks offseason comparison, Nolan Teasley hired by Vikings, NFL minority hiring compensation picks, Madden NFL 27 cover featuring Caleb Williams, Brandon Roy and Garfield recruiting scandal, Eastside Catholic recruiting jokes, Nick Saban NIL criticism and congressional testimony, French Open champions Alexander Zverev and Mirra Andreeva, Magda Linette Cinderella run at Roland-Garros. HEADLINES Doctor amputates wrong leg, fined $3,000 and allowed to continue practicing, Priest removed as exorcist after claiming UFOs and aliens are demons, Cat litter box camera exposes girlfriend cheating with her cousin, Man sues after alligator bites his face, Pennsylvania man attempts to demolish home after wife ends marriage, John Denver chainsaw divorce story discussion, RIPs, Stacey King (NBA champion, broadcaster), Bob Horner (Atlanta Braves third baseman, 1978 NL Rookie of the Year), Raymond Berry (Hall of Fame WR, Colts legend), Rick Adelman (Hall of Fame NBA coach), Claude Lemieux (NHL star, four-time Stanley Cup champion), Peabo Bryson (Grammy-winning singer), Ned Jarrett (NASCAR Hall of Famer), Bob Packwood (former U.S. Senator from Oregon), Manny Fernandez (Miami Dolphins No-Name Defense), Ronald LaPread (founding member of The Commodores)