On the 31st episode of the DFA podcast, Bryan and R.J. had so much fun talking about the surging Indians last week, that they choose to follow the same format this week. This time, the topics du jour are the two other playoff teams: the (quiet) Washington Nationals and the (loud) Houston Astros.
What can Dallas Keuchel’s rise (and re-rise) teach us about using pitch tunnels?
Cameron Maybin, Brandon Phillips, Nori Aoki, and Juan Nicasio are on the move, as contenders (and non-contenders) make last-second additions.
After a low-key July 31, the Astros make a big splash by acquiring longtime Tigers ace Justin Verlander.
On the 27th episode of the DFA podcast, Bryan and R.J. discuss the Tigers’ flash teardown and their deals of Justin Verlander to the Astros and Justin Upton to the Angels. Plus, the other little moves that made our second deadline so exciting, including Mike Leake to the Mariners, Brandon Phillips to the Angels, and more.
Short Relief offers an expanded slate today, celebrating Houston and the Astros, and asking you to donate toward the relief efforts there.
Tyler Clippard is on the move again and the A’s hope for a bounce back from Chris Hatcher.
Because the Astros needed another young star infielder, apparently.
On the 23rd episode of the DFA podcast, R.J. and Bryan need to tell you about Tyler Clippard and the Astros’ bullpen. (Not great for a World Series contender.) And is Neil Walker the missing piece for Milwaukee’s Wild Card run? (Probably not!) At least we have Giancarlo Stanton rumors. (Oh no!)
Houston did surprisingly little at the trade deadline, but will they regret it?
On the 21th episode of the DFA podcast, R.J. rejoins the show to talk about some of the deadline deals, including the red-hot Tim Beckham’s move to Baltimore and the Yu Darvish blockbuster. Then it’s on to the Mariners (where Jerry Dipoto snagged another first baseman) and the regular league-wide roundup.
Sean Rodriguez returns to Pittsburgh in style, J.D. Davis arrives in Houston, and Baltimore sells off more international spending room.
Houston bets on Francisco Liriano thriving in the bullpen.
Matt dissects a Jose Altuve commercial, Craig dissects a Jered Weaver tweet, and Mary unmasks the robots behind the plate.
With Josh Reddick ailing, the Astros turn to their farm system for reinforcements.
The Astros manager and former major leaguer talks white balance, belt loops, brains, coffee, psychology, career tracks, showing up Kevin Mitchell, and draft negotiations.
Houston Astros