S3 Ep44: Astros offense looks revitalized just in time for latest pitching hurdles
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.
27m Aug 25, 2025
27m
S3 Ep43: Which Astros variables will loom large in recovering from Houston’s freefall
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.
31m Aug 21, 2025
31m
S3 Ep42: Despite major red flags, Astros still control their own destiny
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.
23m Aug 18, 2025
23m
S3 Ep41: How scrappy Astros can redefine team as tight division race enters critical stretch
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.
28m Aug 14, 2025
28m
S3 Ep40: How Astros series win feels larger ahead of huge returns in Houston
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.
24m Aug 11, 2025
24m
S3 Ep39: Astros role switch-up now necessary to hold what’s left of Houston’s lead
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?
28m Aug 07, 2025
28m
S3 Ep38: Astros season could now hinge on most unlikely of x-factors
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?
23m Aug 04, 2025
23m
S3 Ep37: How Astros shocking deadline positions them in division, postseason push!
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!
31m Aug 01, 2025
31m
S3 Ep36: Astros latest wake-up call highlights now-or-never flashpoint facing Houston
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?
27m Jul 28, 2025
27m
S3 Ep35: How Astros ascension to AL’s top team is powered by culture, unlikely heroes
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.
35m Jul 24, 2025
35m
S3 Ep34: How gritty Astros need front office help (and health) to hold the Division line!
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?
19m Jul 21, 2025
19m
S3 Ep33: How many ticks remain on Astros’ Christian Walker clock?
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?
26m Jul 17, 2025
26m
S3 Ep32: How Astros can look to silver lining solutions coming out of the break
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.
24m Jul 14, 2025
24m
S3 Ep31: Critical levers Astros can pull as health concerns, deadline pressures grow
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?
19m Jul 10, 2025
19m
S3 Ep30: How Astros epic run supercharges expectations for Houston, surging stars
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.
30m Jul 07, 2025
30m
S3 Ep29: Astros winning ways face another tall task after another successful series!
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?
27m Jul 04, 2025
27m
S3 Ep28: Astros carve up 2 of the NL’s best, but that’s just part of the story!
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.
27m Jun 30, 2025
27m
S3 Ep27: Astros put league on notice with dominant pitching, clutch hitting!
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?
32m Jun 27, 2025
32m
S3 Ep26: Division-leading Astros facing toughest test yet
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.
20m Jun 23, 2025
20m
S3 Ep25: How ceiling for Astros, rookie phenom may be higher than anyone imagined
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.
26m Jun 19, 2025
26m
S3 Ep24: Who should REALLY get credit for Astros recent run of dominance
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.
24m Jun 16, 2025
24m
S3 Ep23: How surging Astros can navigate the Paredes health concern
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?
17m Jun 13, 2025
17m
S3 Ep22: Astros make major statement with odds-defying run
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.
20m Jun 09, 2025
20m
S3 Ep21: Perfect Astros storm putting major strength under undue pressure
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.
21m Jun 05, 2025
21m
S3 Ep20: What missed opportunities & medical blunders really mean for Houston’s foreseeable future
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 advan...
26m Jun 02, 2025
26m
S3 Ep19: Astros possible reinforcements may now include external options
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?
24m May 29, 2025
24m
S3 Ep18: Paredes & Smith have flipped the Kyle Tucker controversy on its head
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?
25m May 27, 2025
25m
S3 Ep17: Latest setbacks highlight serious concerns around Houston's core philosophies
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 heal...
25m May 22, 2025
25m
S3 Ep16: Astros handling of Jose Altuve should raise grave concerns for season outlook
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).
23m May 19, 2025
23m
S3 Ep15: How latest Bregman revelations fan flame of Astros offensive concerns
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
31m May 15, 2025
31m
S3 Ep14: How Astros find themselves on critical upswing even with major players MIA
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.
20m May 12, 2025
20m
S3 Ep13: The case for adding a new voice to guide Astros through current struggles
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?
32m May 08, 2025
32m
S3 Ep12: Why Astros next stretch could be critical to Division hopes!
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?
28m May 05, 2025
28m
S3 Ep11: How some unlikely Astros becoming face of early turnaround
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.
29m May 01, 2025
29m
S3 Ep10: How one polarizing Astros move could optimize Houston’s offense
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?
26m Apr 28, 2025
26m
S3 Ep9: Astros turnaround is spurring more creative solutions from Houston’s think tank
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?
26m Apr 24, 2025
26m
S3 Ep8: Dominant Astros pitching is on pace to reach another level
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?
26m Apr 21, 2025
26m
S3 Ep7: How Astros advanced metrics tell puzzling story about Houston’s start
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?
29m Apr 17, 2025
29m
S3 Ep6: Astros suddenly poised to make noise as bats, arms surge
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.
23m Apr 14, 2025
23m
S3 Ep5: How Astros search for answers should start with accountability
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.
33m Apr 10, 2025
33m
S3 Ep4: How Astros nuanced identity is challenging Houston’s comfort level
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?
27m Apr 07, 2025
27m
S3 Ep3: Houston bounces back with a 'Diesel' push as hitters prep to man the torpedoes
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.
34m Apr 04, 2025
34m
S3 Ep2: How Astros early tests provide important roadmap for first stretch
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?
23m Mar 31, 2025
23m
S3 Ep1: How Astros seemingly revealed 2025 blueprint in season opener
Opening day reaction. Implications of Houston's active roster. Latest update regarding Luis Garcia doesn't sound positive.
25m Mar 28, 2025
25m
S2 Ep72: Eye-opening moves set stage for most unpredictable opening day in recent memory!
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.
35m Mar 24, 2025
35m
S2 Ep71: How Astros look to address major red flags in critical positions
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?
34m Mar 20, 2025
34m
S2 Ep70: How national media’s biggest oversight of Astros plays into their favor
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.
28m Mar 17, 2025
28m
S2 Ep69: How Astros young guns will play major role in Houston’s pursuit of glory
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.
21m Mar 13, 2025
21m
S2 Ep68: Major competition heats up in Astros search for final roster pieces
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.
31m Mar 10, 2025
31m
S2 Ep67: How Astros Spring of enthrall & concern could force unexpected moves
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?
25m Mar 06, 2025
25m