Ben and Sam discuss the sunscreen scandal and how much clubhouse chemistry matters to the Astros.
Ben and Sam discuss how big a signing bonus Mark Appel will get in the amateur draft, then assess Mike Scioscia’s job security.
Ben and Sam talk about the performance impact of velocity loss, then discuss the Astros’ astronomical early-season strikeout rate.
If everyone on the Astros played to their 90th-percentile projections, and everyone on the Angels played to their 10th-percentile projections, which would win more games?
The final installment of a five-part series on the pressing questions confronting each team in 2013.
Ben and Sam discuss whether the supposed split between scouts and statheads about the outlook for the Astros actually exists.
Hint: it’s not cause for optimism.
Ben and Sam preview the Astros’ season with Jason Collette, and Pete talks to MLB.com correspondent Richard Justice (at 16:54).
Jim Crane may have been telling the truth…but not the whole truth.
Baseball Prospectus visits some old friends in the Lone Star state
Ben and Sam discuss an assortment of topics, including the Astros’ outlook for 2013 and beyond, Alex Rodriguez’s long-awaited surgery, the Marlins and the MLBPA, and whether baseball broadcasts on the radio will survive.
The Astros won’t win in 2013 no matter how much they spend on free agents. So what should we make of their moves?
Ben and Sam talk to Kevin Goldstein about his life after leaving Baseball Prospectus to work for the Houston Astros, what he’s working on, and what he’s learned about how baseball teams work. Also, what he’s drinking.
Ben and Sam answer listener emails about whether the Marlins or Astros will win more games in 2013, who’ll be the next retiring player to get the Chipper Jones treatment, when Yasmani Grandal will play for the Padres, and how the Angels should align their outfielders.
Ben and Sam discuss Jeff Luhnow’s plan to interview his players at the end of each season, then talk about why players and front-office executives are backing different candidates for AL MVP.
Ben and Sam thank their listeners for being more numerous than Astros fans who watch the team on TV, dissect Wilin Rosario’s defense, and pick the most likely candidates for 2013 Comeback Player of the Year.
Houston Astros