Foul Territory

Could the Rangers be in play for A's closer Mason Miller? We ask Dallas Morning News beat writer Evan Grant for some Texas pitching updates, including Max Scherzer's setback and Jack Leiter's status. Should Jordan Montgomery be on this club?Who is here to replace the Astros as the powerhouse in the AL West? Also covered: Corey Seager's bounceback, Marcus Semien appreciation, Wyatt Langford's injury, underrated Jonah Heim.Evan Grant, part-time food critic, walks us through the best stadium food in MLB!Foul Territory Shop for the people!

We've already seen one big trade so let's preview what could be next. FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal dives into marquee names like Astros legend Justin Verlander, Marlins stud Jesús Luzardo, Jays shortstop Bo Bichette and Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.Ken's recent article in The Athletic covers top hitting prospects who are struggling in the show. Is Triple-A baseball to blame?Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes is the quickest 1/1 to the league since Ben McDonald. What should we expect, what should we fear and how do the Pirates plan to monitor his workload?Hosts: Braun, Pierzynski, Kratz

We get Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Gibson's take on why the club is falling behind like they did in 2023.First it's Paul Skenes talk: what's it like to rise up with 1st Round pick hype? Gibson gets into some deeper details of why velocity is only part of the puzzle to make a complete stud arsenal.We get to the Willson Contreras injury that stemmed from the spike in catcher interference calls in MLB.What is Big League Impact? Vice President Gibby shares the mission of the charity.Hosts: AJ, Kratz, BraunAll the ways to follow FT ---> HERE

Did the Aaron Judge ejection poke the bear?? We hit the streaking Yankees and debate the panic meter on the Astros. (14:10)(0:00) Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes debuts on Saturday. Geoff Pontes from Baseball America and The Hot Sheet podcast has a breakdown for you!(05:35) That Chris Sale trade is looking pretty good. There's an evolution to his arsenal that's REALLY working out. And AJ has an idea for what the Orioles should do with a slumping Craig Kimbrel right now.(22:29) The Dodgers are winning too quickly and the Orioles new fan section is about to go viral!Hosts: Braun, AJ, KratzJOIN THE FT LEADOFF NEWSLETTER FAM! It's free :)

Classic Cubs-White Sox rivalry talk heats up when rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong gives AJ his take on the Pierzynski v. Michael Barrett brawl.We start with a breakdown from PCA on his helmet hand controversy!It's been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for Crow-Armstrong, who shares his feelings about being traded by the Mets and not initially cracking the Opening Day roster this year.Also covered: Shota Imanaga's unicorn fastball, blue hair game, PCA's mom was THE mom in the movie Little Big League!Hosts: AJ, Kratz, BraunMiss anything this week? FT LEADOFF NEWSLETTER HAS YOU COVERED!

Former Marlins President David Samson explains how he thinks the Pete Alonso and Juan Soto free agent experience will play out.The "Nothing Personal" podcast host details the mayhem with MLB's international signing system that leads to corruption.“I had a better chance of winning Survivor than the Marlins did of making the 2024 playoffs. ” Samson tells us why the Marlins can't stay afloat and why MLB in the state of Florida hasn't been conquered.Hosts: AJ, Kratz, BraunGuest requests? Let us know ---> DM Foul Territory on Instagram

Was Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras too close to JD Martinez when he got smashed by his bat? (04:22) AJ Pierzynski & Erik Kratz tackle the catching closeness rising up in MLB.(21:21) Yamamoto showed off his value and we squash the Miguel Rojas v. Marlins beef.(27:23) Kratz gives us an in-depth perspective on why Shōta Imanaga's stuff is so deadly right now. (top of show) Bold move by the Blue Jays to call for a team meeting before a tough matchup--post-show results = it worked :)Also covered today: (37:31) Kevin Pillar's karma homers, (39:36) former top prospect Monte Harrison's football journey, (42:25) origin of Michael Kay's home run call.Hosts: Braun, Kratz, PierzynskiSHOP FT HERE!

Dodgers All-Star Max Muncy is on fire right now. He dives into his first career three homer game and LA living up to expectations so far in a high pressure season.Funky Muncy tells us about the highly anticipated return of playoff legend Walker Buehler and Shohei Ohtani's run of dominance.We cover the infamous uniform changes announcement and find out which team locker Muncy has been getting extra pants from. Hosts: AJ, Kratz, BraunMore LA player interviews over at the Dodgers Territory podcast --> Subscribe

The market for first basemen has crashed. Is Pete Alonso the man to save it? FT Senior Insider Ken explains what he thinks Alonso will do.We start with word on Trea Turner's hamstring injury and how much it'll actually impact the Phillies on the short-term. Ken follows with reasons why the Phillies are serious & focused contenders. Is it problematic or predictable that Marlins front office leader Peter Bendix closed up Miami's season in May? The Padres have given up boatloads of prospects for Dylan Cease and Luis Arráez. Is it enough for a playoff ride?Mason Miller trade or nah? Ken takes on one of the most popular fan questions and also replies to AJ's White Sox fire sale q.Hosts: AJ, SB, EKFT hats, hoodies, t-shirts & more at THE FT SHOP

The Rays are heating up but do they have enough to make the playoffs? (02:37) Let's rank the AL East teams.(12:45) Walker Buehler is present on the Dodgers active roster for the first time in nearly 2 years! How did his start go and why is LA in the ideal spot for working him back into the mix?(16:57) Sounds like the White Sox teardown is on. Which players will land on contending clubs?Fan questions pour in about the sluggish start in St. Louis. What's gone wrong?Trea Turner is out for a while. What's the replacement plan?(29:43) Our new partnership with Baseballism includes some classic baseball q's for our hosts: What would you do if you weren't a Major Leaguer? When did you fall in love with baseball? Which MLB club has the best uniforms?Hosts: AJ, Braun, KratzAll the ways to follow FT ---> TAP IN

Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley have 8 combined homers and it's May. What's happening w/the big trio? Hammer Territory host Scott Coleman swings by FT for a Braves therapy sesh.Is a bad (in Braves standards) regular season a death sentence OR actually a good thing? We also hit the Braves rotation + AJ/Kratz recite some curious lines they've heard from ATL hitting coach Kevin Seitzer.Catch Coleman on the Hammer Territory pod with new episodes 4x/week --> HERE

Why tf was Aaron Judge kicked out of that game?? We ask his Yankees teammate Tommy Kahnle, who thinks times have changed.How's the shoulder recovery going for Kahnle? We catch up with the changeup master, which includes details on how pitching coach Matt Blake stands out.Are the new uniform changes going to face a new challenge of getting the best player feedback while the season is going on?! Kratz has good insight here and we ask Tommy about the uniform announcement too. We start with reviews from the FT crew on the latest City Connect jerseys revealed by the Detroit Tigers.Hosts: Toddfather, Kratz, Pierzynski, BraunFT just hit 50K subs on Youtube! Subscribe FREE to the FT network :)

Ken Rosenthal unpacks the San Diego Padres landing Luis Arráez from the Miami Marlins. Ken tries to comprehend why this deal happened now and why the Marlins quit after making the playoffs last year.Plus, big storylines this week include Walker Buehler making his highly anticipated return to the Dodgers rotation, Kyle Manzardo's major league debut in Cleveland & the struggling Astros start a series in the Bronx on Tuesday.Speaking of debuts, Ken relives his favorite debut performances that he's covered, including Christian Scott's stellar start on Saturday against Tampa Bay.Grillin' Ken answers your questions, including Corey Seager's rough start and the vibes in the Rays clubhouse. Plus, Ken claps back at criticism of his "Mr. Angel" Mike Trout column from last week and explains why Trout isn't a modern day Tony Gwynn.Fair Territory will be LIVE on Thursdays at 12:30p ET all season long! Get your questions ready for Ken and Alanna Rizzo.Watch Fair Territory on the FT YouTube channel

Early grade on the Luis Arráez trade is a tough sell to Marlins fans on many levels and the Padres might be better than last year now. (02:27) (18:29) CB Bucknor did the classic dinner reservation strike 3 call after a 3-hour rain delay and Aaron Judge got tossed for using an unknown magic word?(29:40) How long of a leash should the Blue Jays give Alek Manoah and the A's are kinda good right now? It's REAL LIFE Major League the movie!(45:09) The Twins finally lost but Jhoan Duran's entrance is always winning. Fierce debate about entertainment in baseball in here.Hosts: Braun, AJ, Kratz, FrazierFT Leadoff newsletter Monday edition --> Subscribe FREE

World Series winning catchers get special treatment in the free agent market. Veteran Austin Hedges talks about getting extra offseason attention and how Cleveland was the ideal spot for him.Also covered: Cleveland's big organizational change that sparked the offense, Stephen Vogt's instant success as managerHosts: Pierzynski, Kratz, BraunThe best weekend catchup ---> FREE FT Leadoff newsletter

Special drop-in from the brand new show launched on the FT Network that is currently #1 on the baseball pod charts!To subscribe (free) to all Hammer Territory episodes ---> TAP HEREBrad Rowland and Scott Coleman discuss an ugly weekend for the Atlanta Braves in Los Angeles. Topics include the team's continued offensive struggles (Matt Olson, Michael Harris II), positive signs from Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr., the context of a 20-12 record, soft Phillies sched, a (minor) trade, Pierce Johnson‘s injury, and much more.Follow Hammer Territory on Twitter too!

MLB's velocity king dropped an EPIC line when asked why he doesn't have a wild 9th inning entrance yet. The Oakland closer guides us through his ride from Division III afterthought to Big League dominance, including barely any pro prospect time. Are minor league innings overrated?Miller tells us his inspirational story about discovering and managing Type 1 diabetes.Is Miller cool with his new nickname? How often is he seeing fan callouts for teams to trade for him?Are you subscribed to THE FREE FT Leadoff newsletter? TAP IN

From DFA'd to high-leverage reliever on baseball's biggest stage, Kevin Ginkel describes why he opted to stick it out in the Diamondbacks org. and it paid off.It's been a slow start for Arizona this season and we ask about the World Series hangover effect.Also featured: Ginkel knocks Stephen A. Smith's Mike Trout comments, deep golf talk in here too.Hosted by: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunNEW FT LEADOFF newsletter coming in hot on Monday ---> Subscribe plz :)

Did you see Jack Flaherty mow down the Cardinals this past week? Stud starter Tarik Skubal describes the extra adrenaline he witnessed from Flaherty against the team that he spent most of his career with.We ask Skubal about Pete Alonso being called out at home after it appeared that he had no path to the plate. Does the elite Tigers pitcher think the Automatic Ball Strike system would play well in the Bigs?Also covered: Paul Skenes should develop in the Bigs, is it cool to send a message if your team keeps getting hit by pitches?FT is about to hit 50K subs! SUBSCRIBE FREE to the FT NETWORK --> HERE

Is there still a place for "sending a message" in baseball? We ask Rangers catcher Jonah Heim about it, which includes a specific ask about bat flips.We also cover the state of the strike zone and the infamous missed foul tip call in the beginning of the season.Heim uses a great analogy to describe how taxing the playoff run was for him last year.Also covered: Heim's daily schedule, Wyatt Langford's singing woes, Mike Maddux meetings, Bruce Bochy's one emotion & catching a stud pitching staff.Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunWatch the show LIVE everyday on Youtube? SUBSCRIBE HERE

Did the Orioles sale lead to the best ownership rollout ever?! Washington Post National Baseball Reporter Chelsea Janes tells us about the vibes in Baltimore and how changes could be coming soon with the Nationals too.We start with a checkup on the Orioles, including Chelsea's thoughts on the Jackson Holliday demotion, bullpen needs and the long-term health of Kyle Bradish.FOLLOW FT

The Brewers had a week! Sal Frelick tells us how nobody knew the backswing interference rule that burned them in a loss to Tampa Bay. We also ask Milwaukee's outfielder about Aaron Judge blocking a throw from Willy Adames.Manager Pat Murphy told Frelick he was the team video guy?! You need to hear this story.Also covered: Major League roommates, Brice Turang's sword of the season, Milwaukee's bat boy legend.Disclaimer: this convo happened before the Jose Siri/Abner Uribe incident.Guests requests? DM FT on Instagram

Could the Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Rays, or Astros end up selling? FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal answers q's about his latest article in The Athletic covering the trade deadline. Kratz also asks Ken about the plan for the Pirates.Before Ken, we dive into why the Mets are an automatic stolen base right now. Catchers AJ Pierzynski and Erik Kratz tell Scott Braun what they're seeing and then Ken chimes in with what he's hearing from the team. Get Fair Territory shows RIGHT AWAY! All you have to do is subscribe to the Fair T podcast page --> HERE

NEW FT FAM SHOW ALERT! Subscribe to Hammer Territory: an Atlanta Braves podcast(24:44) We hit a Braves/Dodgers series preview.(7:06) Pete Crow-Armstrong used his helmet to stay on second. Is that even legal?(12:50) It's the first Craig Counsell Bowl! The Brewers and Cubs face off in Chicago this weekend but this is just the appetizer.(17:18) DO NOT flip Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in the lineup.(22:09) Christian Scott is coming to a stadium near you. Baseball America's JJ Cooper tells us what to expect from one of the top pitching prospects in the Mets org. (top of show) Hosts AJ, EK & SB talk crying in baseball.Rock FT gear! FT SHOP for the people ---> TAP IN

Ken Rosenthal points out that the cries for the Red Sox to add pitching in the offseason have quieted down. Will it last?How devastating is Mike Trout's latest injury for his career? Ken and Alanna Rizzo talk out how it might halt a trade from ever happening.What's up with the AL Central? The Twins are soaring and Steven Kwan is a surprise MVP candidate.Other questions include word on Dodgers flamethrower Bobby Miller, Mariners pitching, A's surprising, the controversial ending to the Cubs/Mets game & why the early start times?Fair Territory streams 2 day each week on the FT NETWORK ---> Subscribe (free)

Did the Phillies ban Stephen A. Smith from their clubhouse? Jonathan Papelbon breaks the story in a fiery callout of hot take artists Smith and Mad Dog Russo bashing Mike Trout's torn meniscus injury.AJ Pierzynski adds his two cents on the differences between the NBA schedule and MLB's grind. The crew also explains the natural aging curve and how the whole rant really missed the boat.Hosts: AJ, Pap, Kratz, BraunAll the ways to follow FT ---> HERE

Why tf was an ump yelling at an injured Byron Buxton? (21:21) We dissect the weird situation and then also dish out AL Central power rankings, including a thriving Twins team.(12:43) Shōta Imanaga is HIM. How did so many people miss on HIM???(1:35) We blast off with catcher's perspective on the controversial game-ending call that won the game for the Cubs. Did Mets manager Carlos Mendoza have a point and should we raise the plate?(14:46) Fun little exercise running through MLB's slowest runners. Can you guess some names in the top 10?Hosts: AJ, Kratz, BraunSubscribe FREE to the FT Leadoff newsletter: fresh one just released!

Does the ballpark hold back the Mariners offense? We ask Seattle Times beat writer Ryan Divish about the bottom-feeding start for the bats. The M's offense currently leads baseball in strikeouts.The convo includes shiny pitching talk, a clear-cut trade deadline need and an update on the slow power start for Julio Rodriguez.Hosts: Trevor May, AJ Pierzynski, Scott BraunSubscribe to the FT Leadoff newsletter for your quickie catchup on what's happening in ball --> TAP IN

What happened to former MVP Jose Abreu and is there a plan to fix him?! The Athletic's Chandler Rome lays out the situation and how they plan to replace him.Also, we ask about Houston closer Josh Hader being down for going more than 3 outs and new manager Joe Espada's bad luck.Hosts: Pierzynski, Kratz, BraunNEW Thursday edition of the FT Leadoff newsletter --> sign up :)

Punches thrown between the Rays and Brewers leads to heated debate (01:50)  about how the game should be policing itself in 2024. Are bat flips really still a problem?(17:52) We also receive the suspension news during the show for Abner Uribe, Jose Siri, Freddy Peralta, and Pat Murphy. (23:39) Juan Soto v. Dean Kremer?! Yup, there's BEEF.(33:08) Padres skipper Mike Shildt had a unique choice to make and he crushed it. But also, it was a no-brainer!(36:07) Paul Skenes v. Alek Manoah was a fire duel in the minors Tuesday night and we explain why both dudes should be making their next start in the Majors.(39:08) Mike Trout injury aftermath for the Angels.(45:39) Ya know how some players say that every regular season game is the same?! Jack Flaherty's first start against the Cardinals should convince you that ain't true!(48:44) MVP of the night was the D'Backs beekeeper.FRESH FT Leadoff newsletter coming in hot on Thursday AM ---> Subscribe FREE

Baseball players don't party like they used to. Dodgers All-Star Tyler Glasnow details the nightlife culture shift in the game. Glasnow gets into Shohei Ohtani getting booed in Toronto, Freddie Freeman's big moment in Canada and Yamamoto is THE MAN! Also, Tyler left his start with cramps but he's got the cure.Do starting pitchers create narratives to hype up certain starts? Great info in here from Tyler.TAP IN to the Dodgers Territory podcast :)Hosts: AJ, EK, SB

What is happening in Miami right now? FT Senior Inside Ken Rosenthal slams the re-rebuild. Ken also breaks down the early returns on some of the top free agent contracts. The Blue Jays are possibly a team to watch at the trade deadline...but will they be buyers or sellers?Also covered: Stephen Vogt's Guardians, Nolan Arenado changing his game because of his rookie teammateAlmost 50K FT subscribers on Youtube (free of course) ARE YOU IN?!

Do MLB players listen to game broadcasts? Inside perspective here from Trevor May and AJ Pierzynski, who also answer a fan question about how the pitch clock has intensified the pitcher/catcher relationship. (31:13)(20:48) TMay is confused about the MLB Players Weekend announcement (27:28) and also calls out the gray uniform obsession.(00:46) We start out with a look at the backswing call that burned the Brewers in their loss to the Rays.(11:45) We highlight some notable pitching last night: Braves-Mariners no-hit bids (Mariners best staff in baseball too), Mets dropping Luis Severino's gem and why did Garrett Crochet get removed so early from the White Sox loss?Hosts: Trevor May, AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunNEW ITEM ALERT! FT Trucker Hats --> HERE

Ken Rosenthal weighs the pitching landscape for the NL's three dominant teams - the Phillies, Braves & Dodgers. Who has the edge on the other two juggernauts?A fascinating offseason awaits for Pete Alonso. Now part of the Mets 200 home run club, and given how contracts have changed for first baseman, what does the future hold for the Polar Bear?Grillin' Ken answers your questions, including should the Blue Jays clean house, Reynaldo Lopez being the best free agent pitcher signing last offseason & should Cleveland start planning their World Series parade??Fair Territory will be LIVE on Thursdays at 12:30p ET all season long! Get your questions ready for Ken and Alanna Rizzo.Watch Fair Territory on the FT YouTube channel

Will Vladdy Jr. ever get back to his epic 48 homer 2021 form? Legendary Blue Jays broadcaster Dan Shulman dishes a detailed download on the state of the ballclub. Shulman explains why the bats have underperformed for a while, points out some run prevention stars and provides an update on former stud starter Alek Manoah. We start with his view of Shohei Ohtani's first games in Toronto since turning down the club's contract offer.Hosts: AJ, Kratz, BraunFT Leadoff Newsletter is a MUST! SUBSCRIBE HERE (free)

Was Aaron Judge's slide against the rules or nah? Inside baseball perspective in here on why it was nbd. (2:11)(11:00) The MLBPA sent a strong memo blasting the uniform fiasco and listing next steps. Will it happen?(20:49) The Twins are baseball's hottest team and they have a lucky sausage making the rounds. Is it dangerous? lol(26:13) The White Sox are undefeated in the Tommy Pham era and his explanation for choosing the White Sox is classic.(32:18) Are the Marlins messaging that they're embarking on a rebuild after a front office shakeup coupled with a brutal start?Subscribe FREE to the FT Leadoff newsletter!!!

5x All-Star Steve Sax explains how a falsity from his father helped him cure his throwing yips!The former Rookie of the Year winner calls some games in the minors and explains how the ABS system is working well. What would that mean for the Ángel Hernández level umpires?Also featured: Sacramento getting ball, uber impressive Mookie Betts, crazy Pedro Guerrero stories.Sax has a team that is creating 200 digital assets of a painting featuring Babe Ruth and 50+ other HOFers as kids. 75% of the profits from selling these will go to the foundation honoring Steve's son, a US Marine who tragically lost his life in a training incident. Stay tuned for more details when it hits the market!Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunFresh FT Leadoff newsletter today! Subscribe  :)

Who will go #1 in this year's MLB Draft? The Athletic's Keith Law sizes up some top candidates and tells us why he's befuddled about the way Pittsburgh is prepping Paul Skenes for the Big Leagues.Do some teams take minor league ticket sales in mind with their prospects? Interesting conspiracy theory in here.Other topics covered: How to manage innings for converted starter Reynaldo Lopez, choosing Marcelo Mayer or Carson Williams, Jose Abreu might be done and stop trying to change Elly De La Cruz!Fresh FT Leadoff newsletter today! Are you in?!?! SUBSCRIBE FREE--Hey FT fam, right now get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/FOUL. Rules and restrictions may apply.

A very rare glimpse of the emotions of a player right after being cut. The White Sox designated Kevin Pillar for assignment on Friday and he joined us right after learning about the news.Pillar delivers his thoughts on what's gone wrong with the Southsiders and how it's changing. What's the difference between this organization and his prior club, the Atlanta Braves? What did manager Pedro Grifol tell him about the 2023 Sox when he signed there? Did Pillar help change the culture during his time with the club in spring training and April? What was it like to see some of the injury agony that the Sox core has experienced?Hosts: Erik Kratz, Todd Frazier, Scott Braun--Hey FT fam, right now get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/FOUL. Rules and restrictions may apply.

Paul Skenes has BY FAR the best stuff that Pirates catcher Henry Davis has ever seen. We have Pittsburgh's former #1 overall pick telling us about their last 1-1 and about their current rookie sensation, Jared Jones.The convo starts with a debate about modern hitting. Davis then recalls a line from AJ about his catching game that sparks some FIRE banter!Are the Pirates a playoff team? Davis tells us why he believes it'll happen.How can the MLB Draft catch up to the NFL and NBA Drafts? Davis has an idea that would help.Hosted by: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun--Hey FT fam, right now get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/FOUL. Rules and restrictions may apply.

How did the Guardians cure their run-scoring malaise from last season and wind up in first place in 2024? Legendary Cleveland radio broadcaster Tom Hamilton lays out the specific gameplan changes that led to this rise and Stephen Vogt's impact following Terry Francona.Also covered with Hamilton: Cleveland's bugaboo, looking back at Tom's famous "DOWN GOES Anderson" call and an epic untold story about recently-retired Yankees radio voice John Sterling.Subscribe HERE (free) to the FT Leadoff newsletter!

Who is the leader of the Dodgers and which team is their top rival? Manager Dave Roberts takes us inside his star-studded clubhouse and we hit him with as many questions as we could knock out!Shohei Ohtani talk in here includes a breakdown of how he's changed since the Dodgers fired conman interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.Doc reviewed Yoshinobu Yamamoto's best start of his young MLB career and comp'd Toddfather to one of his players.Other fan q's answered by Roberts: Andy Pages up for good? Jason Heyward injury update & what's the plan to get Chris Taylor going again?Hosts: Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunWe have a new show all about Doc's club ---> Subscribe to the Dodgers Territory podcast

Breaking news during the show that the Orioles sent down #1 overall prospect Jackson Holliday. (18:49)(14:40) FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal's instant reaction in here and that's after we get to Marlins stud pitcher Jesus Luzardo having elbow trouble. (23:25) Also covered with Ken: Cardinals fan frustration after Jordan Walker is optioned, Tommy Pham replacing Kevin Pillar, and JD Martinez is ready for action with the Mets.(3:00) Toddfather kicks off the show with an untold story about how he talked Aaron Judge into ALL RISE on his uniform.(32:30) Another day, another Astros loss and another segment on what's next for them.FRESH and FREE FT Leadoff newsletter is out now ---> SUBSCRIBE

DT hosts Alanna Rizzo and Clint Pasillas hit the latest Dodgers topics before welcoming guest Andy McCullough, senior writer at The Athletic.McCullough discusses his upcoming new book, "The Last of His Kind," a deep dive biography centered on future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. He shares how the book came together and some of the more surprising things he learned while chatting with Kershaw and some 200 others interviewed along the way.Plus Andy talks about Shohei Ohtani's seamless fit with the Dodgers and his future as a two-way player.TAP IN to subscribe to the Dodgers Territory pod to catch all episodes!

Seeing words like CHICKEN STRIP on the back of a uniform was what showed off MLB Player's Weekend to the world. Why tf would that be gone? We discuss and then bring in A's pitcher Ross Stripling.Strip also reacts to Max Scherzer's call for umpire relegation!More topics covered: FREE ESTY RUIZ, A's > Astros??Hosts: Pierzynski, Kratz, BraunTRUCKER HATS ARE LIVE ON THE FT SHOP!!! ---> TAP IN

Ken Rosenthal and Alanna Rizzo cover the Red Sox staying afloat despite losing a league-leading 13 players to the IL.Blake Snell headed to the IL allows us to revisit the Boras Four. They're not doing so hot to start the season.Has baseball gone too far with closer entrances?Fan q's include: Mason Miller trade candidate, Willy Adames not for sale, Nats for sale affecting their spending & why stolen bases are down again.Ken & Alanna also react to Aaron Boone's wrongful ejection Monday in Dude & Dork of the Week!Get involved next time! Join Fair Territory LIVE on Thursdays at 12:30p ET on the FT Network

Should the bottom 10% of umpires get demoted? Heated debate rages on about how to handle a recent run of glaring missed calls coupled with Max Scherzer's bold new idea.(7:36) But also AJ offers an alternate take on what lost the game for the Angels besides a replay review miss.(Top of show) How is Esteury Ruiz not in the lineup everyday for the A's?(19:28) Which record are we buying more: the Mets positive start or the Astros collapse?FRESH and FREE FT Leadoff newsletter is out now ---> SUBSCRIBE

A sly reply in here from the veteran starter to a fan question about Jazz Chisholm choosing to bunt against him.Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn also delivers insight on who will have the advantage with the automatic strike zone, what the unrevealed City Connects might look like for St. Louis and why the celebration for his teammates after a hit is an ode to Paul Goldschmidt.Before the convo, we shoutout the FUEL that A's closer Mason Miller is throwing out there right now. (Lynn convo starts at 3:48)Other topics with Lynn: advice to young pitchers on how to prevent injuries and what Sonny Gray does better than anyone else.Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunFRESH and FREE FT Leadoff newsletter is out now ---> SUBSCRIBE

Offseason payroll chopping and a poor start to the season leads to depressed Twins fans. The Athletic's Aaron Gleeman guides us through issues that include injured stars, a lineup that is flailing at spin and a velo drop from Pablo Lopez.OK, hold up. The team finally cracks a playoff series win and they tank their payroll??? Gleeman perfectly explains why the fan morale pendulum has swung so far down.NEW ITEM ALERT! FT SHOP has trucker hats!!!Hosts: AJ, Kratz, Braun

Late signings don't just hurt players. They hurt teams too! We hit the Blake Snell to the injured list breaking news. (2:33)(9:59) Cardinals younger slugger Jordan Walker was optioned today. What does he need to work on and is it an unrealistic ask? This leads to a larger convo about flyball pull percentage.(20:02) Should Mike Trout bat leadoff more often?(24:23) Marcus Stroman shoved for the Yankees and they needed every bit of it.(28:11) Shohei Ohtani smashed the blast of the year. Side convo too: Ohtani in the outfield or nah?Also covered: Astros PANIC mode, Max Fried is BACKFREE FT Leadoff newsletter on Mondays and Thursdays ---> SUBSCRIBE

Washington fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for the debuts of top prospects Dylan Crews and James Wood. Nats commentator Kevin Frandsen breaks down his view of how and when to call players up to the show.Why should A's fans show up to games? Franny hails from the Bay Area and tells us why Oakland fans have been getting the short end of the stick for far too long.While some umpires are doing a historically bad job right now, Frandsen praised the Adrian Johnson crew! It could be time for the minor league challenge system to get called up the bigs, but will everyone on your favorite team get to use it?Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunSubscribe FREE to the FT Leadoff Newsletter