Stone Cold Stros: A Houston Astros Podcast

Recapping a productive road trip, previewing Houston's upcoming gauntlet of games, and examining whether it's time to rethink criticisms of the Astros hitting coaches.

On this episode, the SCS crew discuss whether the Astros can maintain this winning clip, whether Cam Smith is Houston's next franchise player, and debate the legitimacy of the Athletic's World Series projections for H-Town.

The Astros keep trucking along, setting the pace in the AL West. Charlie, Josh, and Brandon discuss the new and familiar faces at the center of a surging Houston team, if Joe Espada's managing performance to this point is award-worthy, examine the Astros culture of winning, and dig into the evolving dynamics of Houston's potential for a trade.

What is the ripple effect of Isaac Paredes hamstring injury? What are some possible silver linings with the timing of his injury? Has Jacob Melton's arrival put Chas McCormick at risk of losing his place on the roster?

On this episode, the Stone Cold Stros guys discuss how impressive Astros' recent really is in the face of all their challenges, if they can keep this pace into the All-Star Break, and lessons learned from the fallout from what could be the last chapter of Forrest Whitley's career in Houston.

This episode, the guys discuss whether its time to buy McCullers stock, how the low innings pitched by the backend of the rotation is putting more pressure on Houston's lights-out bullpen, and what the softening strength of schedule means for the Astros.

While Houston continues to jockey for the division lead, the team is experiencing health concerns in addition to the questions around the viability of the back half of the rotation. Making matters worse, Houston admits they misdiagnosed Yordan's injury which has exacerbated the problem, with no ETA for his return. If this is Framber's last year in Houston, did the Astros do enough to take advantage of this double-ace rotation?

Can Lance McCullers make up for the loss of Ronel Blanco? Which is the bigger trade priority: lefty bat or rotation help? Does the schedule lend itself to Houston being a multi-game division leader by the time Yordon makes his return?

Given Houston's challenges versus the results, can we say the Astros have actually overachieved to this point? Has the Kyle Tucker trade positioned Houston better in the big picture? Does Houston's newest bullpen phenom past the eye test for long-term success? Does Alex Bregman's injury close the book on the debate over whether Houston should've found a way to keep the star third baseman?

Another week, another Astros starter goes down with elbow issues. Can Houston tread water with 3/5ths of their rotation on the shelf? With another setback to the pitching, the Stone Cold Stros panel takes a hard look at the curious roster construction that really begs the question, are they #BuiltForThis? After finally hearing from Yordan Alvarez directly about his injury, how much would a healthy career-level Yordan mean to giving Houston's hopes of keeping their playoff appearance streak alive?

As Houston keeps hovering just over the .500 mark for the season, the Stone Cold 'Stros crew checks in on what's working for the Astros (the pitching and defense) and what's not working (most of the offense, Altuve's usage, return to play protocols, and preventing steals on the base paths).

Even with suboptimal offensive performances, the Astros find themselves right in the thick of content for the Division. Does that mean they are just a healthy Yordan Alvarez away from taking control of the AL West? Speaking of the AL West, Houston enters a big stretch of division 

Mounting evidence points to the Astros offense waking up. The Houston rotation takes some hits with Hayden Wesneski's health concerns and Lance McCullers Jr's rocky returns. Hunter Brown and Jeremy Pena go head-to-head for Astros quarter season MVP.

What Yordan's IL stint means for Houston. Examining Jose Altuve's extension in the aftermath of the roster moves that have followed. Should the Astros explore bringing back Michael Brantley to be a mentor for the hitters on this team, specifically to help Altuve adjust to what appears to be a decline in his abilities?

Even while struggling for consistency, the Astros are still within striking distance of the Division lead. Jose Altuve's struggling trends with the bat. Examining Lance McCullers' return. How critical are the next 7 series considering the current standings and the Division implications?

Christian Walker's recent success and some eye-opening advanced stats. Jeremy Pena is thrust into the leadoff spot following Altuve's request to move down. The implications and expectations surrounding Lance McCullers Jr's imminent return to action.

Houston's entire pitching staff continues to impress and there's no reason to think its not sustainable. While the Astros offense continues to struggle to find consistent production, is it actually a good sign that the team is keeping pace in the Division without Houston's offense waking up? Can Houston optimize their lineup by moving Jose Altuve back to second base?

Digging into the early performances from Houston's pitching staff. The glass-half-full perspective of the Astros' offense. Cam Smith is taking flyballs in center. Is this a sign of things to come?

Is the disparity of offense to pitching sustainable for Houston to once again win their division? Is the excellent pitching for the Astros actually poised to get even better? What happens when the Whitley, Ort, and McCullers rejoin the roster?

Why is Christian Walker being made the face of a struggling offense? How did Houston get here? What levers can Dana Brown pull to course-correct this roster?

Houston changes the conversation after a run-scoring explosion. The concerns over the outfield defense has slowly faded. Astros pitching is performing at a league-leading clip.

Is Houston's offense in a slump or are they really just this bad? How much is the lack of offensive production is on the hitting coaches? Concern levels following the Arrighetti injury and bullpen struggles.

Astros start the season winning 2 of their first 3 series but struggle to define their identity. The bullpen comes up nails after early rotation challenges. Is Dana Brown's Tucker trade vindicated by Vlad Jr's crazy contract?

What's going on with Houston's offense at home? Hunter Brown arrives as Astros next ace-apparent. Luis Garcia gets some tough news. Torpedo bats are headed to Houston.

Early observations from the series win over the Mets and what to watch for against the Giants. How the second half of the rotation and Lance McCullers could be key ingredients to the long-term success of Houston's season. Torpedo bats: innovation or illegal?

Opening day reaction. Implications of Houston's active roster. Latest update regarding Luis Garcia doesn't sound positive.

Why the last few roster spots could be the most exciting. One new face for the pen while another makes his comeback. Examining Astros win totals and other odds for the season.

Following Lance McCullers Jr.'s critical step forward in his rehab, Luis Garcia suffered a setback in his. Jose Altuve's errors in left raise questions about the outfield but will the defensive questions in left serve as a roadblock for Cam Smith getting the nod in right?

Why you should be bullish on Houston's rotation. How the media looks to be sleeping on the Astros. Zach Dezenzo is giving Houston another tough choice to make.

Astros GM challenges Cam Smith to compete for right field. Spencer Arrighetti reveals his secret weapon and he hopes to take a Hunter Brown-sized step forward. Some important implications of second base remaining one of the Astros biggest question marks.

Houston's new third baseman Christian Walker gets some good news. Competition heats up for final position and bullpen spots ahead of the season. Unfortunate Yankees health updates could upend the balance of power in the American League.

Concern levels for Christian Walker's injury. Spencer Arrighetti teases a new pitch. Cam Smith's breakout Spring performances have fans buzzing. Is the main challenge with Jake Meyers just a lack of perspective?

What's the true value of defense in left field and how does that impact Altuve's position change? Is there another free agent outfield option in plain site? Latest updates on Houston pitching performances in Spring Training.

Injury updates, who's looking good and who's still exhibiting bad habits with the bat, and how Houston will work in pitchers and hitters on the bubble.

Nolen Arenado once again declines a potential trade to Houston, Jim Crane gives beat writers the silent treatment in Florida, how Houston's schedule positions them for early success, and the potential impact of robo-umps as baseball draws closer to the ABS challenge system.

Altuve looks destined for left field, but is his spot in the lineup also in the air? Can Forrest Whitely make the most of what could be a do-or-die season? Does Houston have the depth to weather troubled waters?

Lance McCullers looks like he's on a realistic path back but how much should fans expect from him this season? Is Jose Altuve playing left field still in play with Alex Bregman off the table? Do the contradictions from the Astros players and front office point to a communication breakdown or are they strategic?

With Alex Bregman's departure from Houston now being official, what are the short-term and long-term implications for the Astros organization that has been historically shy of large free agency deals while also having one of the lowest-graded farm systems in baseball?

As every update seems to rule out Houston as a landing spot, murky reports about Astros negotiations just add confusion. Who will step up for Houston's bullpen? Do win-loss projections already point to a semi-successful offseason?

As the door seems shut on a Bregman return to Houston, Dana Brown doubles down on some big defensive changes. Astros could see some pitching infusion in the near future.

As Breggy Watch drags on, Astros fans hang on every update as the farm system continues to be less than encouraging. How does Houston's offseason grade out so far?

As the Alex Bregman waiting game drags on, does Houston gain the upper hand? Is Dana Brown using Jorge Polanco to answer Scott Boras' game of guts poker? Did Brown overshare about his relationship with Ryan Pressly following the trade?

With Ryan Pressly being traded to the Cubs, the Alex Bregman rumors have hit a new high. But is it realistic or wise? Same with moving Jose Altuve to left field. Dana Brown gives positive updates on Lance McCullers and Luis Garcia's rehab updates.

What are behind Joe Espada's comments about Alex Bregman? With over a billion in deferred salary, will MLB be finally pressured to address the Dodgers spending spree? Astros on deck for 3rd Hall of Famer.

With Anthony Santander's market softening, could Astros still be in play? What other options are available for Houston's outfield? Are the Rangers now the favorites in the AL West? Examining Justin Verlander's Astros legacy.

What was behind Reggie Jackson's tweet about Alex Bregman? Are Astros really players for Anthony Santander? Will Scott Boras prevent an early Hunter Brown extension? Does trading Ryan Pressly really help the team?

Jeff Passan makes some divisive remarks about free agency spending, Scott Boras takes shots at the Astros, and how one free agency contract could shift Framber's market value.

With Alex Bregman free agency updates going quiet, did Scott Boras overestimate the market? After Rangers additions, are Astros the favorites in the West? After campaigning for Bregman, what's Altuve thinking after losing another piece of the championship core?

The Christian Walker signing essentially ends Alex Bregman's time in Houston. Have the Astros upgraded their infield and how does their lineup stack up against the rest of the Division?

Do you feel any different about the Tucker trade? Is there reason to be excited about Nolen Arenado on the Astros? Is Alex Bregman headed to the Bronx? Is Houston dragging out the retool by not trading Framber Valdez?

The Astros have traded Kyle Tucker to Cubs for IF Isaac Paredes, RHP Hayden Wesneki, and 3B prospect Cam Smith. Whatever happens from this point on, Bregman or not, the Astros have undeniably entered a new phase of this team. What's next for the Astros as Dana Brown continues his efforts to keep Houston's championship window open against all odds?