Foul Territory

The OG FT crew weighs Jayson Stark's article insinuating future MLB expansion = fewer regular season games. Go to OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Red-Hot Sale Event and use Promo Code FOUL at checkout for an extra $35 off. (12:59) North Side Territory host Sahadev Sharma talks about the severity of an injury to reliever Daniel Palencia and the strength of the bullpen alongside him. Sharma shares his two biggest concerns for the Cubs, including the outlook of star Kyle Tucker come postseason time. Who does Sharma like most in the Cubbies farm system? Plus, what should we make of Seiya Suzuki’s second half drop-off and Owen Caissie returning to the minor leagues? Go to Surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Hosts: Scott Braun, AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal joins to discuss Stu Sternberg selling a majority stake in the Rays and the likelihood of a relocation to a nearby market. Ken kicks around Toronto's concern with their bullpen and how the Yankees may address fundamental concerns and Anthony Volpe’s season-long struggles. Go to OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Red-Hot Sale Event and use Promo Code FOUL at checkout for an extra $35 off. Can the Padres and Mets trust their pitchers heading into October? Rosenthal also gets to the surge for Texas without two stars, the AL Wild Card race and the ethicality of financial incentives being tied to Byron Buxton’s MVP placement. Hosts: Scott Braun, AJ Pierzynski, Erik KratzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Credit FT sources! The Red Sox call up Connelly Early to start in Sacramento tonight. (Top of Show) (4:14) The Phillies and Aaron Nola took care of business against the Mets. Trea Turner and Alec Bohm hit the IL. What was Francisco Alvarez swinging at against Jhoan Duran in the game’s final at-bat? For 20% off your first purchase, head to FairHarborClothing.com/FOUL and use code FOUL (13:16) The Rangers are expecting Adolis Garcia and Corey Seager back next week. (14:50) The Dodgers blew another no-hitter opportunity, the second time in a THREE-GAME span. At least they won the game this time... Go to OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Red-Hot Sale Event and use Promo Code FOUL at checkout for an extra $35 off. (19:48) Padres starter Yu Darvish and Freddy Fermin weren't on the same PitchCom page early in the game. Is the lil device to blame? (25:27) How is Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman still doing it? ICYMI, Carlos Narvaez was on FT Monday! (27:30) Have the White Sox overtaken the Twins as the better current ballclub? Go to Surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! (30:07) Braves catcher Sean Murphy didn't tell anyone about his hip injury. Believe it? (37:04) Rando Debate: Should Jeff Kent be in the Hall of Fame? Hosts: Scott Braun, AJ Pierzynski, Erik KratzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aroldis Chapman has been on fire. Did he really just discover a pitching philosophy this season that everyone else knows??? For 20% off your first purchase, head to FairHarborClothing.com/FOUL and use code FOUL (03:54) Former All-Star closer Heath Bell stops by for some thoughts on the Padres as he gives us a glimpse of what he's been covering lately on Friar Territory. Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun Go to Surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is Shawn Armstrong embracing the closer role with Texas? We ask the veteran pitcher about the postseason push for the Rangers and his windy career path to a pivotal bullpen role. Go to OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Red-Hot Sale Event and use Promo Code FOUL at checkout for an extra $35 off. (19:16) Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez shares some epic Aroldis Chapman stories that have led to the Boston closer having the best year of his career. Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to https://ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOULSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fair Territory host Ken Rosenthal recaps the puzzling past week for the Dodgers, including their unprecedented loss Saturday to the Orioles. (Top of Show) (4:04) There is suddenly a race for the 3rd AL Wild Card spot. Go to OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Red-Hot Sale Event and use Promo Code FOUL at checkout for an extra $35 off. (6:52) Key injuries surfaced this weekend for Trea Turner and Daniel Palencia. Plus, updates on Corey Seager and Bobby Witt Jr. (10:34) Ken reflects on the late Davey Johnson in this week’s Inside Dish. Go to Surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! (20:49) Grillin' Ken includes Ken's World Series favorites, a favorite in the AL Cy Young race and Brandon Sproat's Mets debut Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are people stealing baseballs from children?! AJ says don't give in! (3:53) It’s a tight AL Wild Card race and we weigh the odds of a team catching up to the Mariners for the final spot. Go to OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Red-Hot Sale Event and use Promo Code FOUL at checkout for an extra $35 off. (13:54) Trea Turner is out and Kratz tells us how this loss looks for the Phillies. (14:36) Astros starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti will miss the rest of the season. (16:22) We saw some incredible homer robberies this past weekend. Go to Surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! (19:03) The O’s were one out away from being no-hit...until they weren’t. Where are we at on the Dodgers still in a long lull? For 20% off your first purchase, head to FairHarborClothing.com/FOUL and use code FOUL (28:42) Pat Murphy let The Miz cook! We love to see it. (30:23) Aaron Boone comments on Aaron Judge’s throwing arm. We breakdown what “creative cuts” the Yankees say they are making. Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to https://ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL (44:39) Astros ace Hunter Brown tells Joe Espada “I’m going back out” + Alex Cobb hints at retirement after providing an injury update. Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the biggest concerns facing postseason contenders? We review The Athletic’s list and discuss our own worries. (8:03) 29 year-old Diamondbacks rookie pitcher Taylor Rashi reveals his life in The Show, including saving games in his first two appearances. He also tells the story of when he almost quit baseball and why he stopped worrying about velocity. Hosts: Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun Guest requests? Hit us up with a DM on InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FT Resident GM Jim Bowden breaks down the American League postseason picture. He also delves into the Framber Valdez confrontation and how it affects his free agency outlook. How much will the Roman Anthony oblique injury hold back Boston’s title dreams? How can the Yankees patch up their late lead problems? Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twins starter Bailey Ober shares his thoughts on the heated incidents from the week. Plus, Bailey reveals his teammates’ reactions after getting traded from the Twins. Was he surprised by any moves? How did he feel about Griffin Jax’s trade request? Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal covers the epic youth infusion with the Mets starting rotation and Kodai Senga being optioned. He also previews some exciting AL series: Blue Jays vs. Yankees and Rangers-Astros. Plus, did the Rays come out of nowhere as a playoff contender?  Hosts: Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun Shopping day? NEW ITEMS at FoulTerritoryShop.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the Mariners get over their annual end-of-season slump? Seattle Times beat writer Ryan Divish hit recent problems with the team, including starters not showing up and Eugenio Suárez’s streakiness. Plus, Ryan divulges Seattle’s biggest threat in the AL Wild Card race.  Hosts: Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun Have you seen the new FoulTerritoryShop.com?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Frazier Friday! We begin with what pitches Kratz and Todd preferred to hit (Top of show) (4:22) There’s Batgate in Houston! The umpires took Taylor Trammell’s bat after Aaron Boone pointed it out. Is this a nothing sandwich or an illegal bat?  Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpod (14:35) We review the rules for the pitch communicators after Austin Wells’ comments.  (17:12) In recent Mets roster moves, Francisco Alvarez was activated off the IL, and Kodai Senga was optioned.  (18:11) Both the Padres and Dodgers are struggling, with the latter getting swept by the Pirates. Is LA showing they’re beatable in the postseason?  (26:45) Freddy Peralta had 5 more scoreless innings!  (29:05) BREAKING NEWS! MLB came out with a ruling on Trammell’s bat.  (31:41) We reveal three MLB bat speed kings that fans should know about.  (34:15) Looking towards the weekend, we preview the games we’re most excited about and the thrilling AL Wild Card race.  (44:19) Did Emmet Sheehan switch out Cam Devanney’s first big league hit ball?  Hosts: Todd Frazier, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which team poses the biggest threat to LA? We ask Orange County Register Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett, who also lays out how much they miss Max Muncy right now. Also covered: potential lineup switches surrounding Will Smith and the outfield shuffle and starting rotation options for October. Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpod Hosts: Scott Braun, AJ Pierzynski, Erik KratzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s kick around the top 10 teams in baseball right now. Which list is your favorite? Then it’s Crush City Territory host (and The Athletic beat writer) Chandler Rome analyzing the Framber Valdez cross-up incident. Who is the leader of the Astros dugout? Rome elaborates on the free agent case for Valdez, the likelihood of Isaac Paredes returning this season. Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to https://ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL How has the Yordan Alvarez return changed the complexion of the Houston lineup? Rome details manager Joe Espada’s challenge in rearranging the bullpen and rotation to make a playoff push. Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpod Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AL Wild Card is suddenly wide open for that last spot and the Mariners are sliding into familiar territory. Fair Territory hosts Alanna Rizzo and Ken Rosenthal unpack Seattle’s late-season struggles, what it means for the MVP race between Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge, and the latest AL East shakeups with Roman Anthony sidelined and the Yankees bullpen collapsing again. Plus, we hand out Dude & Dork of the Week and take your live questions in Grillin’ Ken. Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Yankees were not fans of balls and strikes being called in Houston. Were their gripes legit? Do umps hold grudges? Also, why is there limited PitchCom devices? (Top of show) Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpod (15:11) The Mets are calling up another young starter. Will Brandon Sproat be the next rookie to make a playoff rotation push? (17:05) Shelby Miller needs surgery. He'll have to decide if he wants to go through that rehab process again. Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to https://ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL (20:46) The Cardinals are calling out Jordan Walker for progress, consistency and more. Do the Cardinals still believe in him? Do they trade him? (31:00) Yadier Molina will be a coach in the Cardinals dugout this weekend. Is that awkward for Oli Marmol having a potential replacement so close? (33:41) Mason Miller just threw an immaculate inning with all sliders. That's a sign of the times. (36:37) Should MLB really consider Salt Lake City as an expansion city, or avoid a potential Colorado 2.0? (38:15) The Mariners continue to struggle. Are they out of gas or are they just slumping? (43:41) Sideline reporter Laura Rutledge had a burner account defending her husband. Jazz is responding to fans shortly after the game. Fair game? Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the Rangers lineup stay awake and take them to the postseason? Rangers Sports Network analyst Mike Bacsik explores how injuries and a big roster hole are negatively impacting the team. He also touches on the anger issues from pitchers in Houston and Denver. Additionally, Mike reveals how he felt after giving up Barry Bonds’ 756th home run and addresses a rumor spread about that event by a former teammate. Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOULSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal reacts to the cross-up heard around the world and how it could affect soon-to-be free agent Framber Valdez. Ken also addresses the Raffy Devers and Kyle Freeland exchange. Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpod How bad is Roman Anthony's oblique injury for Boston? How will the BBWA’s Relief Pitcher award work? (18:34) Taj Bradley revealed a major change he made after moving to the Twins. What is it and why did it just happen? Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does anyone believe that Framber Valdez didn't intentionally cross-up his catcher to hit him? (top of show) What happens moving forward in Houston? (15:46) The Mariners lost last night and are slipping at a bad time. (18:37) The Cubs picked up Carlos Santana and Aaron Civale, plus they sent down Owen Caissie. This isn't service time manipulation, is it? (21:10) Mets rookie Nolan McLean's first four starts have shown something not seen since Fernandomania in 1981. Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL (23:35) Why was Rockies starter Kyle Freeland so mad? Rafael Devers did what he does normally, but it appears the Giants were prepared for something like this with Freeland. (33:34) Roman Anthony is likely out 4-6 weeks for the Red Sox. This is a big blow in Boston. (36:23) Shohei’s 46th home run off Bubba Chandler left at 120 MPH!! Could Ohtani win MVP again? Also, why are the Pirates handling the rookie Chandler the way they are? (41:03) Junior Caminero is having an extremely quiet 40 HR/100 RBI season. So we talk about it. Hosts: AJ, SB, EK Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.