Mike Schmidt expresses optimism as he analyzes the early games of the Philadelphia Phillies. He praises the team's offensive dynamism and the addition of new players while noting that consistency against weaker teams is essential. Schmidt shares insights on maintaining momentum for the playoffs, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of postseason performance, especially against top pitching. He acknowledges the importance of key players like Trey Turner and Kyle Schwarber, while also discussing the significance of the bullpen in the team's success. Schmidt's ongoing work with Sunsmart America highlights his commitment to raising awareness about skin cancer.

This week's Baseball Barbercast dives into the recent extension of Lawrence Butler, a promising young player for the Oakland Athletics. Butler, at just 24 years old, has secured a 7-year, $65.5 million deal, signaling the A's commitment to building a competitive future as they plan to move to a new stadium in Las Vegas by 2028. Despite facing scrutiny for his strikeout rate early in his career, Butler turned heads with a stellar second half last season, showcasing his potential to be a cornerstone player for the franchise. The discussion also touches on the A's draft history, highlighting Butler's unexpected rise from a sixth-round pick to a key figure in the organization.

Additionally, the podcast features a segment on the A's new president, Mark Badain, who previously oversaw the Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas. As the franchise looks ahead to its future, the hosts express cautious optimism about Butler's trajectory and Badain's leadership role. The episode concludes with a humorous look at the A's evolving stadium renderings, pointing out improvements made based on feedback from fans and analysts.