The Ringer's Philly Special
The Ringer
Phillies Season Preview and Predictions With Anthony Dabbundo!
In this episode of The Ringer's Philly Special, host Sheil Kapadia welcomes back analyst Anthony Dabbundo for a comprehensive preview of the 2026 Philadelphia Phillies season. Using a format dubbed the Capadia 10, the duo works through a series of prompts and topics to gauge the team’s outlook as Opening Day approaches. The conversation kicks off with a bold prediction from Dabbundo, who bets that reliever Jhoan Duran will lead Major League Baseball in saves while the Phillies’ bullpen secures its best team ERA since 2008. They discuss the depth and potential of the bullpen, highlighting newcomers like Brad Keller alongside familiar faces. The hosts also dive into the complex trajectory of Bryce Harper, debating whether he is more likely to post his lowest OPS as a Phillie or secure a top-five MVP finish. They touch on the nuance of fan perception, Harper’s evolving approach at the plate, and his recent participation in the World Baseball Classic. Finally, they compare the likelihood of a Phillies player winning a major individual hitting award versus a pitcher claiming the National League Cy Young, given the team’s impressive starting rotation.
Updated Mar 25, 2026
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10 Eagles Draft Questions With Fran Duffy!
In this episode of The Ringer's Philly Special, host Sheil Kapadia welcomes draft analyst Fran Duffy to dive deep into the 2026 NFL draft through a series of Eagles-specific inquiries. The conversation revolves around the Kapadia 10, a segment where Duffy tackles ten hypothetical scenarios and analytical questions regarding the Eagles' draft strategy. The discussion explores several high-stakes possibilities, including the likelihood of the Eagles trading up for standout safety Caleb Downs, the potential for a surprise quarterback selection on day two, and the intriguing idea of pursuing a trade for veteran pass rusher Max Crosby. Duffy also engages in a creative exercise imagining the Eagles being gifted the first overall pick, ultimately identifying prospect Mendoza as the most logical selection under his team-building philosophy. Beyond hypothetical scenarios, the pair discusses the team's best-case outcomes for the first round, highlighting the potential impact of landing a player like Kenyon Sadiq. Duffy also addresses his highly bullish outlook on Auburn’s Keldrick Falk, explaining why he considers the edge rusher an elite talent despite discrepancies in wider draft consensus.
A Real Jalen Hurts Conversation and a Mailbag With Zach Berman!
In this episode of The Ringer's Philly Special, host Sheel Kapadia is joined by Zach Berman of The Athletic to conduct a nuanced, unfiltered analysis of the current state of the Philadelphia Eagles, with a primary focus on franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts. The conversation addresses recent reports concerning Hurts’ role within the offense, exploring the balance between his specific playing preferences and the need for the team’s passing game to evolve. While acknowledging that Hurts has been a catalyst for immense team success, the hosts examine whether his aversion to certain concepts—such as operating under center or utilizing traditional play-action—has potentially limited the team's offensive ceiling. Beyond the X’s and O’s, the discussion touches on internal organizational dynamics, including the collaborative nature of the Eagles' decision-making and how Hurts fits into the long-term vision of ownership and the front office. The episode also features a mailbag segment, answering listener questions that delve into the team’s culture, coaching transitions, and the strategic direction of the franchise as they navigate a pivotal off-season.
Takeaways From Jeffrey Lurie, Plus Andrew Painter's Dazzling Debut!
In this episode of The Ringer’s Philly Special, host Shiel Kapadia sits down with reporter Zach Berman to break down the key insights from the recent NFL owners meetings. Fresh off his time in Arizona, Berman shares his observations on the current state of the Philadelphia Eagles and provides an inside look at his discussions with team leadership. The conversation centers on the public support shown for head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Berman details Jeffrey Lurie’s emphatic endorsement of Sirianni, noting how the owner focused on the coach's leadership, authenticity, and ability to recognize the need for offensive evolution. The hosts also examine the high expectations placed on new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, as well as the team's internal philosophy regarding coaching hires. Furthermore, the episode touches on the dynamics surrounding Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown. Berman discusses Lurie’s unwavering belief in his franchise quarterback and provides an update on the latest discourse concerning Brown’s status with the team. The episode concludes with a brief look at the Phillies, highlighting the excitement surrounding Andrew Painter’s debut performance.
Phillies First Impressions, And Did the Sixers Season Just Get Interesting?
In this episode of The Ringer's Philly Special, host Sheo Kapati and guest Bunsey dive into the early storylines of the Philadelphia Phillies' season and the latest developments regarding the Sixers. Fresh off a trip to Las Vegas, Bunsey joins the show to provide his good, bad, and ugly analysis of the Phillies' opening series against the Texas Rangers. A major focal point is the standout performance of pitcher Christopher Sanchez, whose dominant opening day start—highlighted by 10 strikeouts and a high-quality changeup—has sparked immediate excitement, even positioning him as an early contender in Cy Young conversations. The hosts also share their thoughts on rookie Justin Crawford, noting his encouraging approach at the plate and defensive play despite a small sample size. Conversely, the duo expresses frustration with Trey Turner’s slow start to the season, citing his lackluster performance at the plate and tendency to struggle in key moments. Finally, the conversation shifts to the Sixers, exploring recent on-court drama and whether the team’s outlook has shifted into something more interesting as the season progresses.
The Eagles' Stadium Situation, Safety Options, and Mailbag With Zach Berman!
In this episode of The Ringer's Philly Special, host Sheel Kapadia and The Athletic’s Zach Berman dive into the latest developments surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles. The conversation centers on the "ZB3," a segment where Berman breaks down three critical storylines currently shaping the team’s offseason. The primary focus is the evolving safety position. Berman highlights Michael Carter as a player to watch, suggesting he could emerge as a starter alongside Reed Blankenship, despite Marcus Epps remaining an experienced fail-safe option. The hosts debate the impact of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s influence on personnel decisions and how that might impact the upcoming draft strategy. The discussion also turns to the recent signing of wide receiver Elijah Moore. Addressing fan speculation, Berman pushes back against the theory that the move is an attempt to appease AJ Brown. Instead, he characterizes the signing as a low-risk, lottery-ticket addition. Finally, the duo previews the upcoming NFL owners' meetings, emphasizing that this event serves as a pivotal moment for transparency, with key insights expected from Howie Roseman, Nick Sirianni, and Jeffrey Lurie regarding the team's direction.
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Eagles New Additions, Another AJ Brown Rumor, and Shawn Syed's Oscar Picks!
Riq Woolen and Johnny Mundt? The Eagles Are on the Board!
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