Crush City Territory: A Houston Astros Podcast

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome answer listener questions about the Astros' interest — or lack thereof — in torpedo bats, the viability of an extension for Hunter Brown, the future construction of the pitching staff and how to get Zach Dezenzo the everyday at-bats Joe Espada promised he'd receive. Visit Homage.com/FoulTerritory and use code FoulTerritory for 20% off for all first time Homage shoppers. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome recap the Astros' season-opening series win against the Mets. Among the topics discussed: Cam Smith's major-league debut, Jose Altuve's first taste of left field, Josh Hader's shaky showings and the Astros' improved plate discipline. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome are joined by The Ringer's Bobby Wagner — co-host of the Tipping Pitches Podcast and longtime Mets fan — to preview the Astros and Mets' season-opening series at Daikin Park. The trio discusses Juan Soto's $700 million mega-deal, Steve Cohen's operating procedures and where the Astros are in their organizational life cycle. Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpod Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick, Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Cam Smith's inclusion on the Astros' Opening Day roster, the stunning speed of his ascent and what the realistic expectations are for Houston's new right fielder. Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the biggest takeaways from the Astros' six-week stay in West Palm Beach, including Jeremy Peña's offensive showcase, Cam Smith's continued emergence and the future of Chas McCormick. Go to SpotandTango.com/foul and use code foul to get 50% off your first order. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss Lance McCullers Jr.'s long-awaited return to a major-league mound, Jose Altuve's continued tests in left field and Cam Smith knocking on the door to make Houston's Opening Day roster. Visit MINTMOBILE.com/Territory to shop premium wireless plans starting at 15 bucks a month. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 10 days until Opening Day, Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss Jose Altuve's recent tests in left field, the continued surge of top prospect Cam Smith, Framber Valdez's Opening Day start and Lance McCullers Jr.'s long-awaited return to a major-league mound. Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astros assistant general manager Gavin Dickey joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to analyze the Astros' farm system, reminisce on some old scouting stories and preview the prospect-filled Spring Breakout game in West Palm Beach Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome break down Cam Smith's continued dominance of Astros spring training while begging the question — could he crack the team's Opening Day roster? And how might draft pick compensation play into the decision?Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and Josh Reddick dish on Jose Altuve's left field experiment (3:26).(10:30) The guys dive into the chances star prospect Cam Smith breaks camp with the big league club. (12:42) Smith may be needed because Christian Walker is dealing with an oblique injury - something Reddick faced during his playing days.(26:16) Reddick also remembers hitting his first career home run with a bloody nose. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome talk the latest from Grapefruit League play before previewing the Astros' 2025 pitching staff. Can Josh Hader return to form? How can the team lessen the workload for both Hader and Bryan Abreu? Are either Spencer Arrighetti or Ronel Blanco in for a regression? Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome answer listener questions about Cam Smith's major-league readiness, Framber Valdez's future and make their picks to click for the 2025 season. Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss some early takeaways from Astros camp, including Jose Altuve's continued work in left field, more rumors about the club's interest in Nolan Arenado and the need for someone else to step up in the lineup.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/foul and use code foul. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Astros international scouting director Oz Ocampo joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss his two stints in Houston's international scouting department, his new career as a Rice professor and shares some legendary stories from his time scouting for the Astros in Latin America. Visit MINTMOBILE.com/Territory to shop premium wireless plans starting at 15 bucks a month. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to talk Alex Bregman's deal with the Boston Red Sox, Jose Altuve's impending move to left field and the Astros' ideal batting order. Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/foul and use code foul. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome react to Alex Bregman's three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, which ended his nine-year association with the Astros. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the day pitchers and catchers report to spring training, longtime Astros pitching coach Josh Miller joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to preview Houston's 2025 pitching staff, provides updates on a few injured players and provides insight on some unheralded names on the Astros' camp roster. Go to Hungryroot.com/FT and use code FT to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life! Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the eve of spring training, Astros manager Joe Espada joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to reflect on his first season in charge, the excitement of 2025 and preview the new-look Astros team headed to West Palm Beach. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the Astros' addition of Ben Gamel, what it means for Jose Altuve's future in the outfield and how to prepare for spring training from a player's perspective. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Bregman remains unsigned and the Astros remain involved. Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome discuss the latest in Bregman's market, owner Jim Crane's involvement in the saga and what Houston's bullpen may look like in the wake of Ryan Pressly's departure. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From atop a mountain in Breckenridge, Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss Ryan Pressly's departure, Dana Brown's comments about their fractured relationship and Jose Altuve's potential move to left field. Get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. One item per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as a discount on the first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Cubs and Astros making another deal, Chandler Rome, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get together for another crossover episode. How much does Pressly have left in the tank? And how much did the addition of Josh Hader bother Pressly last season? The reporters from The Athletic discuss what Pressly meant to the Astros, and what the All-Star reliever will bring to the Wrigley Field clubhouse. After trading for Pressly and Kyle Tucker, you would think that the Cubs would be all-in for Alex Bregman, but the signals have been mixed and ultimately this might be up to Astros owner Jim Crane.Get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. One item per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as a discount on the first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before Ryan Pressly approved his trade to the Chicago Cubs, The Athletic's Chandler Rome and Tyler Stafford discussed Pressly's legacy in Houston and his place within the team's golden era. Tyler and Chandler also analyzed Alex Bregman's potential return and Jose Altuve's potential move ... to left field in order to accommodate it. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss the Astros' outfield in the wake of Kyle Tucker's departure, the importance — or lack thereof — in major-league hitting coaches and how Houston could address its outfield deficiency during the waning days of winter. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astros infield prospect Brice Matthews joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to recap his first pro season, his stint in Puerto Rican winter ball and the anticipation for his first trip to major-league spring training. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chandler Rome, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic get together for a scouting report on Kyle Tucker and how his personality will mesh in the Wrigley Field clubhouse, whether he is ready to be a face of the franchise, and how Cam Smith will handle being the centerpiece of Houston's return.From there, they discuss Alex Bregman’s market and potential willingness to accept a short-term deal. Could the Cubs be a fit there? Plus, Houston’s plan for top prospect Cam Smith after the Tucker trade, and a name to keep on the radar for another possible deal between the Astros and Cubs this winter.Watch NST and CCT on YouTube. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Reddick joins Tyler Stafford and The Athletic's Chandler Rome to discuss Justin Verlander's departure for the San Francisco Giants, his impact on the Astros' franchise and how Houston's pitching staff will look in his absence. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Verlander's departure for the San Francisco Giants will likely end one of the most meaningful tenures of any player in Astros history. The Athletic's Chandler Rome and Tyler Stafford analyze Verlander's impact on the franchise and city upon his arrival in 2017. There's also some talk about the arbitration process and Houston's recent struggles in the second round of the draft. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After signing Christian Walker and trading Kyle Tucker, the Astros' heavy lifting this winter may be done, but needs still exist in the outfield and in the bullpen. The Athletic's Chandler Rome and Tyler Stafford discuss where the club may go next — from trading reliable setup man Ryan Pressly to exploring other external additions on a tight budget. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Dana Brown to Jeremy Peña to Daikin Park's concession stands and roof, resolutions are apparent for the 2025 Astros. The Athletic's Chandler Rome and Tyler Stafford examine five resolutions for every facet of the franchise. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Astros outfielder Josh Reddick makes his debut as a regular contributor to Crush City Territory alongside Chandler Rome and Tyler Stafford. Reddick talks the Astros' transformative offseason and how the clubhouse may respond to a new-look team. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros are in agreement with free-agent first baseman Christian Walker on a three-year, $60 million contract, ending any conversations about a trade for Nolan Arenado while all but signaling the end of Alex Bregman's tenure in Houston. With Isaac Paredes now projected as the team's third baseman, Bregman — one of the faces of this franchise's golden era — is all but certain to don a new uniform next season.Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review hereand SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Nolan Arenado invoked his no-trade clause and blocked a trade to Houston, the Astros are in limbo. They'll continue talks with Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals, but what does this mean for Alex Bregman and the future of third base in Houston? Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cam Smith is the centerpiece of the Astros' trade for Kyle Tucker, but both Isaac Paredes and Hayden Wesneski project to have a more immediate impact. How do Paredes and Wesneski fit into the 2025 Astros — and how far away may Smith be from joining them? Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Astros authored the biggest blockbuster trade of the winter, sending three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith. The Astros plan to contend in 2025, but trading their best player will make the task far more arduous.Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review hereand SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a winter dominated by Juan Soto discourse, the Astros have somehow stolen the spotlight. The team is open for business, listening to trade offers on Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez — both of whom would be among the best players acquired by any team this winter. The Astros remain engaged with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, but it's clear this winter won't mirror any that preceded it. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to CCT on Youtube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.