A Houston Astros show podcast by The Athletic beat reporter Chandler Rome, former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick and Tyler Stafford. Crush City Territory brings you inside info and analysis on the 'Stros all year long. CCT is part of the Foul Territory Network: Baseball the way it should be covered!
At Monday's trade deadline, the Astros improved their outfield by acquiring center fielder Daulton Varsho, but failed to fortify a struggling starting rotation. The Athletic's Chandler Rome discusses Varsho's addition, why the Astros couldn't add to their starting rotation, Dana Brown's awkward balance between the present and future and why Houston parted with Spencer Arrighetti to get Varsho to Houston. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/ FOUL . The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/Territory . That’s it there’s no catch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Astros never trailed in a statement sweep of the Texas Rangers, which vaulted Houston into first place in the American League West while intensifying attention around their actions at Monday's trade deadline. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the sweep, Yordan Alvarez's continued absurdity and the anemic state of the American League West before analyzing the Astros' position at the trade deadline and the possibility of Carlos Correa returning at some point this season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The trade deadline is four days away and the Astros remain in search of outfield upgrades and, perhaps, right-handed pitching. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome spend this episode answering listener questions about the deadline, Jeremy Peña's future in Houston, the potential of a reunion with George Springer and what other targets may present themselves across the next four days. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Baseball America is the best place to learn about all the prospects on the move this Trade Deadline season. Now through Monday, our viewers get 30% off the first year of any digital, annual subscription with promo code CrushCity30. That's code CrushCity30 at BaseballAmerica.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Astros have won seven of their past eight games and remain in ideal position for an American League playoff spot as the trade deadline approaches. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the team's series win in Anaheim, the continued struggles of embattled starter Tatsuya Imai, the resurgence of Peter Lambert and why it's endearing to be called a cockroach. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hunter Brown reprised his role as the Astros' ace and pitched Houston to a series win it desperately needed. Because of it, general manager Dana Brown reaffirmed the Astros' status as trade deadline buyers. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Brown's dominance, Houston's biggest trade deadline needs, Spencer Arrighetti's foot injury and what comes next for the Astros' rotation in his absence. 🌶️ Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Yordan Alvarez continues his MVP season, it's worth noting the production of the two men who sandwich him in Houston's batting order: shortstop Jeremy Peña and third baseman Isaac Paredes. Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss that big three, Cam Smith's inactive weekend and whether Bryan Abreu is entering the team's circle of bullpen trust. Get 20% off your first order of $125 or more at MackWeldon.com with promo code FOUL See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/foul See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yordan Alvarez has a comfortable lead atop all three American League Triple Crown leaderboards and is cruising toward an AL MVP. Shouldn't that almost mandate the Astros to add talent around him at the Aug. 3 trade deadline? Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Alvarez's season and how influential his dominance may be as the deadline approaches before analyzing Ronel Blanco's return to the starting rotation and another potential corner turned from Tatsuya Imai. 🌶️ To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/Territory . That’s it there’s no catch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Astros came back from the All Star break with a whimper, scoring six runs in 29 innings during a three-game sweep at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles. How much, if at all, does this change Houston's trade deadline calculus? Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss whether the Astros would ever engaged in a full-scale selloff, the most realistic scenario for the deadline and what players could move. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After they tried to trade him for months, the Houston Astros finally found a taker for Lance McCullers Jr. on Wednesday, trading him to the Milwaukee Brewers alongside pitcher Colton Gordon in exchange for Jadyn Fielder — the son of six-time All-Star Prince Fielder. The Athletic's Chandler Rome discusses why the Astros traded McCullers and what they'll do in his absence before analyzing McCullers' legacy to Houston's golden era. 🌶️ Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Astros finished an underwhelming first-half 47-51, but still with a real chance to make the postseason within a weak American League. Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins The Athletic's Chandler Rome to grade the team's offense, pitching staff and management on their first-half performance. Reddick then remembers his many battles with retiring Astros legend Justin Verlander before calling into question one of MLB's decisions during the Home Run Derby. 🌶️ Use code foul50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box, with new subscription only, while supplies last at Factormeals.com/foul50off See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Astros finished an underwhelming first half with an underwhelming 2-4 road trip through Washington and Arlington, leaving the club four games under .500, but somehow still within legitimate striking distance of a playoff spot. The Crawfish Boxes' Adam Spolane joins The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the first half as a whole, best and worst moments and the difficult decisions forthcoming for general manager Dana Brown. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/foul See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Astros have the American League's worst rotation — and now must confront some difficult questions at the All-Star break. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the continued struggles of Spencer Arrighetti and Tatsuya Imai and what the team could do to reinvigorate its rotation before analyzing the end of Justin Verlander's Hall of Fame career and Yordan Alvarez's desire to never play for another team. 🌶️ Shop now at Fabletics.com/Foul and get 70 to 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mike Burrows had his worst start of a brutal first half, prompting serious questions about where the Astros go from here in their rotation. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome try to answer some of them, including whether Burrows would be better served in the minor leagues, how Cristian Javier fits in all of this and the dilemma Joe Espada faces each night. Stafford and Rome also discuss Yordan Alvarez's continued pursuit of the Triple Crown and the decision to option Jake Meyers. 🌶️ See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/foul See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Astros have one of baseball's least-productive outfields and a pitching staff without much stability behind reigning Cy Young finalist Hunter Brown. Which area deserves the most attention at the trade deadline? Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome debate that topic, the true value of popular trade target AJ Blubaugh, the role that returning pitchers will play and how much Dana Brown's job status factors into all of this. 🌶️ Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tatsuya Imai's enigmatic season continued with another clunker against the Minnesota Twins. Cristian Javier is making his long-awaited return — but as a reliever. And the Astros are fielding trade calls on several members of their bullpen, including AJ Blubaugh. Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the predicament, why Javier is becoming a reliever and what the best path forward may be in trades. 🌶️ Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yordan Alvarez had an MVP moment on Tuesday night, whacking a go-ahead grand slam off Twins ace Joe Ryan during the Astros' 6-4 win. How many more moments like this will Alvarez need to lock up the honor? Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss that, Jeremy Peña's trip to the injured list with a strained left calf and Tatsuya Imai's increased comfort in Houston's clubhouse. To read Chandler's story about Imai, click here . 🌶️ Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Astros won their fifth consecutive series, crept to two games below .500 and sit just a half-game back of a playoff spot in the American League. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the Astros' successful weekend in Detroit, the contributions from their entire roster and Tatsuya Imai's second straight strong start before analyzing a pretty compelling roster crunch looming on the pitching staff. 🌶️ Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Astros are 19-12 in their last 31 games and, after winning two of three against the Blue Jays, have won four series in a row. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the growing momentum, Mike Burrows' return to the starting rotation and Yordan Alvarez's continued awesomeness before discussing the dearth of outfield options on the roster and one internal candidate who could be up sooner rather than later. 🌶️ To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/ FOUL . The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. To get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to MintMobile.com/Territory . That’s it there’s no catch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the minor-league season reaches its halfway point, Astros farm director Sam Niedorf joins The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the best performances of the first half, the breakout of catching prospect Jason Schiavone, the progress of teenaged prospects Xavier Neyens and Kevin Alvarez along with the continued development of Miguel Ullola, Ethan Pecko and Bryce Mayer. Rome then discusses the Astros' series win against the Guardians, Jose Altuve's rare display of frustration and Yordan Alvarez's decision to bypass the Home Run Derby. 🌶️ To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/ FOUL . The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Get 20% off your first order of $125 or more at MackWeldon.com with promo code FOUL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Crush City Territory, Mitch Bannon and Chandler Rome of The Athletic break down many connections between the Jays and Astros franchises, the parallels between their 2026 seasons and preview Houston’s upcoming series in Toronto. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/ FOUL . The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. 🌶️ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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