Stone Cold Stros: A Houston Astros Podcast

Framber finds his bag in the Motor City, why Boston could be out on Paredes, and what to make of Houston's 2026 season slogan.

The final update on arbitrations, Astros in the WBC, Cam Smith to Center (?), and Joe Espada's remarks on Yordan's usage.

Carlos Correa made headlines at FanFest by calling out the team's lack of wellness protocols, Altuve is denied participation in the WBC, and Dana Brown says he'll be creative with the infield.

The implications of Tucker's king's ransom payday, Bob Nightengale seemingly turns Carlos Beltran's HOF candidacy into an opportunity to show his bias against the Astros, and saying farewell to the end of an Astros legend's career.

The latest on Isaac Paredes trade reports, the thin market for Jake Meyers, a possible return of a World Series champion, and the impact of Framber Valdez's reputation on his market value.

Alex Bregman takes his bat and glove to Chicago. How that could heat up Astros trade talks, the latest on Kyle Tucker, and the Jeremy Pena implications from all of it.

Imai's arrival and how he fits into Houston's rotation. Does this signing signal a philosophical shift for Houston in free agency? Crane confirms uncertain future of Dana Brown and Joe Espada.

Examining the Astros most pressing need, the ceiling for the team as-constructed, the infield conundrum, and New Years resolutions for Houston's 2026 season.

ESPN's grade of Houston's recent trade for Mike Burrows underscores how out of touch the national media is with the Astros' resources and roster. Plus: Christmas gift ideas for Astros players in 2026.

Reactions to Friday's 3-team deal that sent Mike Burrows to the Astros and predictions about what's next for Houston.

The Astros seem to be betting big on pitching reclamation projects. FanGraph's eyebrow-raising Cam Smith 2026 projections. Alex Bregman is still looking for his forever home.

Astros have discussed a homecoming for one Houston-native pitcher. Did the Astros really fix their return to play procedures? Boston is interested in one Houston infielder that could rock the Astros roster as we know it. 

Astros looking to win big at the penny slots. What big name Astro would Houston deal for a frontline starter? Did Houston pay too much for a catcher?

Examining Houston's non-tender deadline moves, when we can expect Dana Brown's substantive trade of the offseason, and digging into Astros new position of "Offensive Coordinator."

Astros have interest in another infielder but how do the pieces fit? Was Altuve's lingering foot injury a wake-up call to adjust his usage in 2026? Is Houston ready to sell high on Jake Meyers?

Will Dylan Cease be an Astro in 2026? One MLB insider is leaning that direction. Another insider confirms Christian Walker was and is on the trade block. What does a Walker trade net Houston? And where in the world is Jim Crane?

The organization moves on from a couple of stars from the 2022 Championship team. The Astros have reportedly found their new hitting coach but can he work miracles? Is MLB media glossing over the Dodgers financial advantage?

Astros lose another member of the coaching staff. Former MLB exec projects hefty free agency price tags. Has the NBA's scandal taught us anything about how MLB handled their scandal?

Should Astros go for JV, part 3? Springer's Dinger opens old wounds. The only realistic scenario for a Bregman homecoming is...

Will Houston's internal overhaul actually lead to positive results? Was the Astros head athletic trainer scapegoated? Will 2 consecutive seasons without a postseason win influence Jim Crane's offseason approach?

Is Joe Espada's seat a little warm? Could Framber return for one more season? Is Houston a healthy season away from another Postseason berth? Would Jim Crane make another run at Alex Bregman for 2026?

The 2025 season eulogy, how it will be remembered a couple years from now, and the top priorities that must be address for Houston to bounce back in 2026.

After dropping 2 to the A's, the Astros are desperate for W's and a little luck.

After being swept by Seattle, and with Jeremy Pena sidelined, Houston is left with their playoff hopes teetering on a razor's edge. What's the path to the postseason and has Christian Walker's 2026 fate already been decided?

The Astros swept the Rangers out of Houston, keep the Silver Boot, but Yordan's boot is the upmost concern as the series against Seattle looms large.

After a losing roadtrip, the division lead slips to Seattle. Is Framber cooked? Altuve hurt, Paredes getting better? 

After another weak offensive showing in Toronto, the Astros seem poised to lose a Division lead they've held for most of the season. But while the theme of the season has been the overwhelming amount of injuries, the lineup (outside of Parades) is pretty much intact down the stretch. So who's really to blame for the current state the team finds themselves in, and will it lead to wholesale changes in the offseason?

After getting Silver Boot'ed out of Arlington, Houston is left to figure out how to course-correct in time to salvage their top spot in the Division. What's the better option for Jose Altuve in the #3 hole? Is the number of arms on the IL with elbow inflammation the obvious red flag it appears?

Following the pitching implosion against the Yankees, the Astros head out on a crucial roadtrip that could tilt their Division chances in either direction. Is the rotation cooked? Where does the team go with Framber for the remainder of the season?

Examining Houston's inability to seize their softer schedule, the recent string of solid pitching performances, how does the organization address offense shortcomings without touching the coaching staff, and digging into the threat of the upcoming 3 series.

Astros take the series against Colorado by the slimmest of margins but all eyes have been on Yordan Alvarez who already looks back to form. With Luis Garcia's return on the horizon, and McCullers headed to the bullen, can Houston find enough good pitching to solidify their rotation and finish strong down the stretch?

The bats came alive in Baltimore but not before losing another leverage arm to the IL. Examining the concern levels for Houston's pitching depth, the Yordan domino effect, re-evaluating the trade deadline moves with hindsight, and the possibility of Divisional realignment.

Reacting to the Astros being on the wrong side of another sweep, the seriousness of Framber's recent performances, and Houston's primary variables to salvage this stretch.

The Astros head to Detroit reeling after getting embarrassed by the Orioles. The SCS crew examines how Houston still has the odds in their favor, how Joe Espada may juggle the returning starters, and whether this next 14 game stretch could ultimately decide whether the Astros could miss the postseason.

Things learned from the Red Sox series, discussing Abreu as the primary leverage option, and opportunities to rebuild a possible cushion in the Division race.

Breaking down the Astros big series win over the Yankees, Espada's manager-of-the-year chances, the heightened pressure on the bullpen, homecoming series in Houston, and the neck-and-neck race atop the AL West.

Reactions from the Marlines series. Is Houston now built for the offense to carry a bigger load while the starting pitching gets healthy? How critical is the upcoming series in the Bronx against a struggling Yankees team?

The excitement of the Correa trade was quickly quelled by a sweep in Boston. Can Houston's hitters become more patient hitters over 2/3rds into the season or will they live-and-die by early aggression? Do the Astros postseason hopes hinge on productive returns from 2 critical pieces of the starting rotation?

The Astros sent shockwaves though the MLB universe at the deadline by pulling off the unthinkable: bringing Carlos Correa back to Houston! The SCS crew react to Dana Brown's roster glow-up!

Has the Astros season magic finally been trumped by the underwhelming level of talent remaining on the roster? Have Hunter Brown and/or Cam Smith hit their season wall? Can Houston's GM afford to stand pat at the deadline given the increased level of concern regarding his team's ability to remain healthy?

Following a sweep of the Diamondbacks, the Astros find themselves neck-and-neck atop the AL. Examining the carousel of unlikely heroes that continue to power Houston's success, the cryptic Yordan update, a frustrating setback for Lance McCullers Jr, and revisiting the Astros' trade needs with new context.

Another series, another key player lost to the IL. What's the domino effect of losing Isaac Paredes while Houston awaits the return of Jeremy Pena and Yordan Alvarez. And how much leash can the Astros front office continue to give embattled pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr?

Examining the Astros big swing in the Draft, whether the Seattle series could swing Division momentum, and what are GM Dana Brown's options for fixing first base?

Is Houston limping into the break a red flag about the depth of talent on the Astros roster? Reactions to GM Dana Brown's latest injury/rehab updates and timelines for returns. Examining the post All-Star Break schedule looking for advantages over the next several series.

Was Houston's series against the Guardians due to a Dodgers hangover or a breaking point for the depth of the current roster? Is Jake Meyers a victim of a broken Astros return-to-play policy? What levers will we see Dana Brown pull to course-correct this team?

Observations from an epic sweep in Dodger Stadium, the shifting expectations for the Astros ceiling for the season, All-Star balloting, returning relievers, and reacting to Orel Hershiser's divisive remarks.

Astros take 2 of 3 in Colorado and all eyes now shift to their showdown with the Dodgers in LA. Has the Yordan Alvarez injury saga forced Houston  to shift their philosophy in transparency? What does Cam Smith need to do in the second half to make his case for Rookie of the Year?

Reflecting back on a dominant homestand against two of the National League's top teams, looking ahead to road trip at Rockies/Dodgers, digging into the latest trade rumors, and wondering when Big Jon Singleton gets his next call-up to the big team.

Houston completes the sweep on Philly, holding them to just 1 run over 3 games. With the Cubs on deck, where the Astros find themselves as one of baseball's best without Kyle Tucker (and others). Does Jeremy Pena hiring Scott Boras mark the end of Houston's ability to extend JP3 to an extension pas his rookie deal?

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.