July 29, 2025 • 14 mins
Now just two days away from the trade deadline and taking a moment, hashing out a few scenarios and potential pickups before then, former MLB All-Star catcher turned analyst A.J. Pierzynski shares a few things he's noted the Astros' organization may need before Thursday's deadline arrives. Having played 19 seasons in the MLB, A.J. also provides great insight, more so on the mentality and emotions regarding the pitcher/catcher role, specifically referencing the Astros frontline ace starter, Framber Valdez.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Our number four and let's get right to our guests.
He is a former Major leaguer. You see him and
hear him as part of Foul Territory TV. You also
see him on mlbyond Fox. He's done a few Astros
games in his time. He is Aj Perzinski. He joins
us this morning. Good morning, Aj. You got myself, Dan Matthews,
got Sean Salisbury here.
Speaker 4 (00:20):
Let's just start off first.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
We've been talking a lot in the last few segments
about fromer Valdez's comments last night about the defensive alignment
on the Nathaniel Lowe RBI double that scores Josh Bell
all the way from first, take yourself back as a player,
whenever you hear your pitchers say something like that, are
you taking it on Oh he's frustrated with us and
they he just took it out on them? Or is
that something you address with him and you say, hey, man,
(00:43):
like we got to keep that in here.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
First of all, Houston is like my second home. I've
done so many Astros game over my career at Fox.
They joke I should have a condo there because I've
been at diik In Park so much, even the year
of COVID when the Astros, we had the Nation League,
I had the Braves and the Marlins in that minute
made at a time.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
So yes, we'll spend a lot of time in Houston.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Well we got we got four hours on the show
that you come in and sit in the studio. Next
time you're in town. You always got to see here
with us. Brother, we're as if you want to work more, right.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
Yeah, if I don't talk enough already, you guys do
a great job. So yeah, So here's here's what I
would say to fromber if I was on his team.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Someone he's probably he's the veteran on this team.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
There's nobody else that has had more success than fromber Voute.
Is the thing that I would say is this catcher
if I'm Karatini or or Diaz as I go to
him and I just say, look, man, we align our
defense the best we can with what you're pitching and
what the scouting report says. If somebody every once in
a while hits a flute ball, that we we can't
plan for everything. You can only plan for what you
(01:48):
see in what the scouts and what the reports have
told you over the year. Or heck, some of these
guys have years and years of scouting reports lined up. So, yeah,
you're frustrated. I think he's more frustrated the fact that
the way the team's playing. He's not frustrated that the
coaches of the defense. It's just, you know, he's the ace.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
He went it's.
Speaker 4 (02:05):
Deeper seded, right, AJ, It's a little deeper seded than that.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Right. It's not just on that play. It's more like
they've lost five in a row.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
You know, the Mariners and the Rangers are coming right
up their tail, you know, meaning.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Like they are.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
They're just chasing him down really quick because the Astros
not long ago had a huge lead. It's what three
and four games, I think with the Mariners. So I
just think that they're at a point where, yeah, they're
starting to feel a little pressure. No paying you, no Albarez. Still,
how are they going to score? Or they got a
bunch of guys Trumper's been throwing them really well. So
he loses what two to one last night. Yeah, he's
a little frustrated, but you know what, these things happen.
(02:38):
You can't plan for it, and someone just.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Needs a gram.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Whether it's Joe Spotta, who's one of the best in
the game or the pitching coach or whoever it is,
and just say, hey, man, like it's we understand you're frustrated,
but don't try to throw the rest of the team
under the bus.
Speaker 4 (02:49):
AJ You've been covering it and playing it for so long.
And like you mentioned Houston, when is there a time?
And I was discussing in NFL locker rooms at times
he used, you know, you're killing it as an offense
and defense say isn't getting off the field or vice versa.
That that stuff confessed and it starts to pit against
each other because you say, man, pick up the temple
and the emotions run wild. The Astros have this strong clubhouses,
(03:10):
you know that That's been one of their strengths, resilient
regardless of all the changes. Can you get to a
point if the frustration mounts that it does become a
clubhouse divided? Is there danger of that?
Speaker 3 (03:23):
Well?
Speaker 2 (03:23):
I think I think Shan the biggest difference between football
and baseball is you can't get angry or play better
in baseball, right right, it's not an emotional Oh, let's
freaking go, you.
Speaker 3 (03:34):
Know, run through a wall, YadA, YadA, YadA. A lot
of times that makes it worse. So I've never been
on a team.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
You know there's jokes and stuff or pitches like you
never score me any runs, or and then you know
hitters will score one running like, well we scored one.
Is that should be enough if you're still good. And
I've never been in a clubhouse where it got to
a point where guys were like fighting over the offense.
And it's more of a media inspired thing because you
don't you think you think guys aren't trying to score
(03:59):
you guys don't.
Speaker 3 (04:00):
Want to get hits.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Play giggle up there and say, man, Promber valdezn't pitching day.
I don't want to get a hit because it'll help him, Right,
It's more like I want to get a hit for
myself and my team to help us win. So there's
enough pressure already on baseball players in general just to perform.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Baseball is a game.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Of individual performances, right, that make up a team sport,
and it's not It's like in football at eleven eleven, Right,
if all eleven guys don't do what they're supposed to
do when a play, something happens, you get sacked.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
Right if they left.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Guard misses his block, but everyone else does the right thing.
It's the same in baseball. If all nine guys don't
play great defense together, it doesn't work, and if guys
don't get hits, it doesn't work. And right now the
Astros are just in one of those lulls. It happens
in the season too, like baseball goes so up and down. Right,
it's every day. It's not once a week, it's not
every few days. It's every day, and you go through
(04:51):
ups and downs. I think they'll be fine. I mean,
they've been through this. They have enough veteran guys, all
two v A Promber, you know, even like a Hunter Brown
has been through this enough. At the back end, Joe
Spott has been there and did a great job. I
think they're going to be fine, But they got to
find some offense, man. I don't know if the If
Dana Brest are gonna make some trades, they definitely would
like to get Jeremy pene In in yord On back
(05:11):
because that would be two huge editions, no doubt about it,
and Jordon getting close. But Payna is going to be
in Triple A sugar Land, so hopefully that's maybe on
the next road trip when they head to Boston and Miami.
Aj I curious when you look at this roster considering
all the injuries and people go through that on different teams,
But when you look at the Astros the overall product,
if those guys weren't healthy as we sit today, is
(05:33):
this a World Series team? I mean I did a
game a couple weeks ago and the first question I
asked for Joe Spontt and they were in first place
for four or five games. I'm like, how in the
heck are you guys doing this with your roster? And
this is right when Payne went down. This is no
ord on and he just said, man, we're really tight
in that group and we get it done. Is this
a World Series team? As their constructor right now? I
gotta say no, I don't. But then again, I know
(05:56):
everyone account and gets the Astros because they always figure
out a way to write a deep run the player.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
So I don't think so.
Speaker 2 (06:02):
But if they get your on a Jeremy back and
then listen, Dana Brown's gonna add somebody, whether it's.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
A reliever starter.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
I mean, going to the playoff series and you have
from or one two, that's a pretty good one two
punch to start any series. You need a third guy,
whether that's Eric getting when he comes back, where it's
somebody go get in the trade, but I would love
to see him get a bat. Let's not forget Brady's
out also right now, so they need him back.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
But I think they need a bat.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Somewhere, whether it's an outfield bad, whether it's a versatile
utility infield, whether it's first base. You know you're Christian Walker,
you know, whatever it is, it can spell him at times,
DH when you on has to play the outfield, I
think they need a bat again.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
AJ Prazinski Feul Territory TV, former Major leaguer, And you
know we've covered it with you to AJ a lot
of jobs, So I'm gonna give you one more right now.
You just mentioned Dana Brown. Let's put you in the
front office mentioning those bats out there. Is there a
guy or guys plural that you look at right now
and say, man, they could really help this team.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
Fuck No, that's the problem. So what every team's looking for.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
It seems like it's a pitching market right now because
the teams that are going to be sellers generally have
more relievers, and you know, some back end starters available,
and they have because the teams that are good have
their lineup and they're set and they don't want to move.
You know, it look really good or Eastik Paride, so
I guess it's a fair trade. Yeah, gosh, I don't know, man.
(07:25):
We've talked about this all the time and everyone's like, oh,
you know Luise Robert, do you want to go trade
for him? I don't know, he's not He hasn't done
very much the last couple of years. You just start
looking around and you say, all right, yeah, Jared Durant
look great, but the Red Sox probably aren't going to
trade them. And there's a lot of guys out there
that you just hear rumors, but there's no there's no
name out there where you're like, Okay, yes, he.
Speaker 3 (07:44):
Can change the direction of the season.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
He can help us win the World Series because the
teams that are good I don't want to trade their guys,
and the teams that are bad don't have those guys
that are that are impact.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Enough to change the course of a season.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
Hey, Jae, how do you feel normally about you know,
like a Suarez, it would be a rental you don't
have parades. It's going to be It's more severe than
they thought. With the hamstring right handed, Pop gonna hit
forty five to fifty home runs. Do you are are
you willing to risk losing a couple of assets that
the that the Astros have a few of them, but
have had to rebuild this farm system for a rental?
(08:17):
And I would imagine if you're getting a rental and
you're a player and you're catching for him, that that
rental has to take you over the top. It can't
just get you to the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
Yeah, I was.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
I mean, you know, as is the team, is the
guy everybody wants, right, Yeah, so of course I'd love
to have him.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
But are you going to willing to pay the price
that some team is going to.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Have to pay a getting away from Arizona right for
basically two months?
Speaker 3 (08:39):
That's the question. You have to wait.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
That's why I bring him up because you have esuck parades.
But if you bring in Genos Flores, yes he'll help you.
But I don't know that Dana Brown is willing to
pay the price it's going to take. Because if you
look at all the teams that are involved in in
the Cubs and well the Yankees.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
I guess are out because they got McMahon from the
from the Rockies.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
But I just don't know that it's worth it, especially
when you have a guy like Kisaw Praides. It's been
so solid at third base. Where do you play Genos
for us?
Speaker 3 (09:05):
Right? And you have yord On coming back? Right? You
don't put maybe first Christian Marker you heard his his
mental state.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Because you've got him signed for a couple more years.
It's just it's not I don't know. People keep talking
about this, but I just don't see it as a
fit for the Astros because of what they have and
what they'd have to give up to get him.
Speaker 4 (09:23):
Which would make which would be awful tough. And if
you don't go to World Series and it's like, well
we lost a couple more prospects. And I know Dan's
got a little more based on the Astros. But let
me ask you, I don't know how well you knew him,
but being in Chicago, you obviously, i'm sure had plenty
of relationship with him. Thoughts on Ryan Sandberg, I met him.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
A few times.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
I didn't know lest in company. Why so I don't
Entermingland that much so. And he was kind of a
little bit before my time, but I haven't met him
a few times. A great human being, a great guy,
very very gonna be sorely missed in Chicago for the
Cups and baseball in general.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
One of the all time great gentlemen.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
You know, he kind of beat the cancer thing and
then it popped up out of nowhere again. So I
know you'll be missed. Everyone in Chicago loves you, comes
or White Sox fans. Just a great, great dude and
a great ambassador for baseball. And it's a sad day
anytime you lose people like that.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
Hey, Jay, and you know, just get you out the
door on this. What did your gut tell you right now?
As even before Thursday comes and goes? How do you
see the aos shaping out when it's all said and
done at the end of September, Oh.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Gosh, I thought the Astros had it.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
I thought when they were up with seven eight games
not long ago, I thought they were like, yeah, they're
gonna run away with this thing. Because the Mariners were
in Rangers didn't look like they were going anywhere. I'm
never counting against the Astros I'm just gonna say that,
as much as I like the other two teams in
that division, I will never ever count out the Astros
until they are dead and buried at some point, because
they always seem to figure it out and make make
(10:51):
decisions and make trades or whatever it is.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Signings that help them win.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
So I think the Astros wi figure out a way
to hold on. Now we'll be close, and we'll be
tight and will be a fun race for the fans
and a little nerve wracking, yes, but Gastros will figure
out a way to get in the playoffs and possibly
probably win the division. But man, it's gonna be fun
to watch it exciting because now with Naylor and Seattle
and the way the.
Speaker 3 (11:11):
Rangers pitch, I just got to see what Dana Brown does.
Let's go, Dana, make that big move.
Speaker 4 (11:16):
No arguments here.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
I was gonna say, us and fans I think feel
the same way. I lied aj I said, I was
gonna get you out the.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
Door, and I'm gonna keep him for thirty more seconds.
Go ahead.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
But I was gonna say, is uh, you know we
got Jeff Blum here in town. We're big fans of Blumber,
and I know that you know Blummer very well. So
what's some dirt on old number twenty seven that you
can share with us?
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Well, that's all for yet to hit the home run
to beat you guys in two thousand and five and
the long est a j.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
It was nice talking with you. How's that for a reminder.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
But I'll say this, so don't forget he was part
of the Killer Bees at one time. Right, So when
we played you guys in the World Series, they were
all buzzing and when he hit the home run, he
runs in the dugout He's like, can they stop buzzing now?
Speaker 3 (11:55):
After a killer beat at the home run? Right?
Speaker 2 (11:57):
So you know, but Blumber asked converted to Astro even
like two weeks ago we had our twenty year reunion
of that World Series and he was still he was
He all wanted to talk about was the Astros. I'm like, Blummer, dude,
we're here to talk about the White Sox. Stop at
the Astros. We get it, you got two more rings
with them. By a time we've we've got to turn
the page. Let's go back in time. Stop talking about
the Astros.
Speaker 4 (12:18):
There you go, love it and he does a great job.
Aj for me, this is the last one. But you're
a general manager. You know, catchers are always such great
baseball acumen and end up being managers. So be the
manager of the gm ORB both for me, and you
can't have Otani and you're starting. I mean, you get
the first pick in a expansion draft from all the teams,
and none of them are protected. Otani's not on the list.
(12:40):
He's the only one that is. Who are you starting
your franchise.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
With one or two guys? Actually, there's three guys.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
Can I can we guess some of them? Can we guess?
What you'd say?
Speaker 3 (12:49):
You go ahead, you can probably guess.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
Yeah, Okay, ones in Pittsburgh, Right.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
How'd you guess?
Speaker 4 (12:58):
Cruz, let's see the ones in Pittsburgh. Hell, the there's
a there's some young hitters. But you go ahead and
tell us and give me all three for the reason,
but you got to go in order so I know who.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
It is, Okay, well Skins because of the way he pitches,
obviously in Pittsburgh, young, durable, gigantic.
Speaker 3 (13:16):
If you've ever seen him, but he's nonster.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Yeah, and just the way he throws his arm hasn't
taken a huge abuse yet Steins would be one for me.
Bobby Witt would be two just because of the excitement
he brings.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
He can do it all. He plays a preposition. And
the third one I bet you guys won't think of
this is Kyle Rowley. He's in the division. He's got
forty one homers as a catcher glove. He can win.
Speaker 4 (13:45):
Yeah, you can win with all three of those. And
damn right, he's gonna put a catcher in there. AJ's
a smart guy. Man together there. You got to look
out for the fraternity.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
Ay Jay, you guys do a fantastic job on Fuel
Territory TV. Watch you guys every day after the show
and really appreciate your time to do. And like you said,
I'm sure we're gonna see you here at Tiking Park
here pretty soon.
Speaker 4 (14:03):
We appreciate you man, Thanks for your time.
Speaker 3 (14:07):
You're welcome, guys. Thanks to you. I'm there in a
couple of weeks again, so you know, I'll have my
condo ready hopefully.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
There we go and we'll have your seat ready in here.
But no pressure.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
There you go.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
Thanks brother, We appreciate it. Good stuffs again.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
Appreciate Aj Prazinski, Foul Territory TV. Former MLB catcher,
Our number four and let's get right to our guests.
He is a former Major leaguer. You see him and
hear him as part of Foul Territory TV. You also
see him on mlbyond Fox. He's done a few Astros
games in his time. He is Aj Perzinski. He joins
us this morning. Good morning, Aj. You got myself, Dan Matthews,
got Sean Salisbury here.
Speaker 4 (00:20):
Let's just start off first.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
We've been talking a lot in the last few segments
about fromer Valdez's comments last night about the defensive alignment
on the Nathaniel Lowe RBI double that scores Josh Bell
all the way from first, take yourself back as a player,
whenever you hear your pitchers say something like that, are
you taking it on Oh he's frustrated with us and
they he just took it out on them? Or is
that something you address with him and you say, hey, man,
(00:43):
like we got to keep that in here.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
First of all, Houston is like my second home. I've
done so many Astros game over my career at Fox.
They joke I should have a condo there because I've
been at diik In Park so much, even the year
of COVID when the Astros, we had the Nation League,
I had the Braves and the Marlins in that minute
made at a time.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
So yes, we'll spend a lot of time in Houston.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Well we got we got four hours on the show
that you come in and sit in the studio. Next
time you're in town. You always got to see here
with us. Brother, we're as if you want to work more, right.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
Yeah, if I don't talk enough already, you guys do
a great job. So yeah, So here's here's what I
would say to fromber if I was on his team.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
Someone he's probably he's the veteran on this team.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
There's nobody else that has had more success than fromber Voute.
Is the thing that I would say is this catcher
if I'm Karatini or or Diaz as I go to
him and I just say, look, man, we align our
defense the best we can with what you're pitching and
what the scouting report says. If somebody every once in
a while hits a flute ball, that we we can't
plan for everything. You can only plan for what you
(01:48):
see in what the scouts and what the reports have
told you over the year. Or heck, some of these
guys have years and years of scouting reports lined up. So, yeah,
you're frustrated. I think he's more frustrated the fact that
the way the team's playing. He's not frustrated that the
coaches of the defense. It's just, you know, he's the ace.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
He went it's.
Speaker 4 (02:05):
Deeper seded, right, AJ, It's a little deeper seded than that.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Right. It's not just on that play. It's more like
they've lost five in a row.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
You know, the Mariners and the Rangers are coming right
up their tail, you know, meaning.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Like they are.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
They're just chasing him down really quick because the Astros
not long ago had a huge lead. It's what three
and four games, I think with the Mariners. So I
just think that they're at a point where, yeah, they're
starting to feel a little pressure. No paying you, no Albarez. Still,
how are they going to score? Or they got a
bunch of guys Trumper's been throwing them really well. So
he loses what two to one last night. Yeah, he's
a little frustrated, but you know what, these things happen.
(02:38):
You can't plan for it, and someone just.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Needs a gram.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Whether it's Joe Spotta, who's one of the best in
the game or the pitching coach or whoever it is,
and just say, hey, man, like it's we understand you're frustrated,
but don't try to throw the rest of the team
under the bus.
Speaker 4 (02:49):
AJ You've been covering it and playing it for so long.
And like you mentioned Houston, when is there a time?
And I was discussing in NFL locker rooms at times
he used, you know, you're killing it as an offense
and defense say isn't getting off the field or vice versa.
That that stuff confessed and it starts to pit against
each other because you say, man, pick up the temple
and the emotions run wild. The Astros have this strong clubhouses,
(03:10):
you know that That's been one of their strengths, resilient
regardless of all the changes. Can you get to a
point if the frustration mounts that it does become a
clubhouse divided? Is there danger of that?
Speaker 3 (03:23):
Well?
Speaker 2 (03:23):
I think I think Shan the biggest difference between football
and baseball is you can't get angry or play better
in baseball, right right, it's not an emotional Oh, let's
freaking go, you.
Speaker 3 (03:34):
Know, run through a wall, YadA, YadA, YadA. A lot
of times that makes it worse. So I've never been
on a team.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
You know there's jokes and stuff or pitches like you
never score me any runs, or and then you know
hitters will score one running like, well we scored one.
Is that should be enough if you're still good. And
I've never been in a clubhouse where it got to
a point where guys were like fighting over the offense.
And it's more of a media inspired thing because you
don't you think you think guys aren't trying to score
(03:59):
you guys don't.
Speaker 3 (04:00):
Want to get hits.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Play giggle up there and say, man, Promber valdezn't pitching day.
I don't want to get a hit because it'll help him, Right,
It's more like I want to get a hit for
myself and my team to help us win. So there's
enough pressure already on baseball players in general just to perform.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Baseball is a game.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Of individual performances, right, that make up a team sport,
and it's not It's like in football at eleven eleven, Right,
if all eleven guys don't do what they're supposed to
do when a play, something happens, you get sacked.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
Right if they left.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Guard misses his block, but everyone else does the right thing.
It's the same in baseball. If all nine guys don't
play great defense together, it doesn't work, and if guys
don't get hits, it doesn't work. And right now the
Astros are just in one of those lulls. It happens
in the season too, like baseball goes so up and down. Right,
it's every day. It's not once a week, it's not
every few days. It's every day, and you go through
(04:51):
ups and downs. I think they'll be fine. I mean,
they've been through this. They have enough veteran guys, all
two v A Promber, you know, even like a Hunter Brown
has been through this enough. At the back end, Joe
Spott has been there and did a great job. I
think they're going to be fine, But they got to
find some offense, man. I don't know if the If
Dana Brest are gonna make some trades, they definitely would
like to get Jeremy pene In in yord On back
(05:11):
because that would be two huge editions, no doubt about it,
and Jordon getting close. But Payna is going to be
in Triple A sugar Land, so hopefully that's maybe on
the next road trip when they head to Boston and Miami.
Aj I curious when you look at this roster considering
all the injuries and people go through that on different teams,
But when you look at the Astros the overall product,
if those guys weren't healthy as we sit today, is
(05:33):
this a World Series team? I mean I did a
game a couple weeks ago and the first question I
asked for Joe Spontt and they were in first place
for four or five games. I'm like, how in the
heck are you guys doing this with your roster? And
this is right when Payne went down. This is no
ord on and he just said, man, we're really tight
in that group and we get it done. Is this
a World Series team? As their constructor right now? I
gotta say no, I don't. But then again, I know
(05:56):
everyone account and gets the Astros because they always figure
out a way to write a deep run the player.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
So I don't think so.
Speaker 2 (06:02):
But if they get your on a Jeremy back and
then listen, Dana Brown's gonna add somebody, whether it's.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
A reliever starter.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
I mean, going to the playoff series and you have
from or one two, that's a pretty good one two
punch to start any series. You need a third guy,
whether that's Eric getting when he comes back, where it's
somebody go get in the trade, but I would love
to see him get a bat. Let's not forget Brady's
out also right now, so they need him back.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
But I think they need a bat.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Somewhere, whether it's an outfield bad, whether it's a versatile
utility infield, whether it's first base. You know you're Christian Walker,
you know, whatever it is, it can spell him at times,
DH when you on has to play the outfield, I
think they need a bat again.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
AJ Prazinski Feul Territory TV, former Major leaguer, And you
know we've covered it with you to AJ a lot
of jobs, So I'm gonna give you one more right now.
You just mentioned Dana Brown. Let's put you in the
front office mentioning those bats out there. Is there a
guy or guys plural that you look at right now
and say, man, they could really help this team.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
Fuck No, that's the problem. So what every team's looking for.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
It seems like it's a pitching market right now because
the teams that are going to be sellers generally have
more relievers, and you know, some back end starters available,
and they have because the teams that are good have
their lineup and they're set and they don't want to move.
You know, it look really good or Eastik Paride, so
I guess it's a fair trade. Yeah, gosh, I don't know, man.
(07:25):
We've talked about this all the time and everyone's like, oh,
you know Luise Robert, do you want to go trade
for him? I don't know, he's not He hasn't done
very much the last couple of years. You just start
looking around and you say, all right, yeah, Jared Durant
look great, but the Red Sox probably aren't going to
trade them. And there's a lot of guys out there
that you just hear rumors, but there's no there's no
name out there where you're like, Okay, yes, he.
Speaker 3 (07:44):
Can change the direction of the season.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
He can help us win the World Series because the
teams that are good I don't want to trade their guys,
and the teams that are bad don't have those guys
that are that are impact.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Enough to change the course of a season.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
Hey, Jae, how do you feel normally about you know,
like a Suarez, it would be a rental you don't
have parades. It's going to be It's more severe than
they thought. With the hamstring right handed, Pop gonna hit
forty five to fifty home runs. Do you are are
you willing to risk losing a couple of assets that
the that the Astros have a few of them, but
have had to rebuild this farm system for a rental?
(08:17):
And I would imagine if you're getting a rental and
you're a player and you're catching for him, that that
rental has to take you over the top. It can't
just get you to the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (08:27):
Yeah, I was.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
I mean, you know, as is the team, is the
guy everybody wants, right, Yeah, so of course I'd love
to have him.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
But are you going to willing to pay the price
that some team is going to.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Have to pay a getting away from Arizona right for
basically two months?
Speaker 3 (08:39):
That's the question. You have to wait.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
That's why I bring him up because you have esuck parades.
But if you bring in Genos Flores, yes he'll help you.
But I don't know that Dana Brown is willing to
pay the price it's going to take. Because if you
look at all the teams that are involved in in
the Cubs and well the Yankees.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
I guess are out because they got McMahon from the
from the Rockies.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
But I just don't know that it's worth it, especially
when you have a guy like Kisaw Praides. It's been
so solid at third base. Where do you play Genos
for us?
Speaker 3 (09:05):
Right? And you have yord On coming back? Right? You
don't put maybe first Christian Marker you heard his his
mental state.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Because you've got him signed for a couple more years.
It's just it's not I don't know. People keep talking
about this, but I just don't see it as a
fit for the Astros because of what they have and
what they'd have to give up to get him.
Speaker 4 (09:23):
Which would make which would be awful tough. And if
you don't go to World Series and it's like, well
we lost a couple more prospects. And I know Dan's
got a little more based on the Astros. But let
me ask you, I don't know how well you knew him,
but being in Chicago, you obviously, i'm sure had plenty
of relationship with him. Thoughts on Ryan Sandberg, I met him.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
A few times.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
I didn't know lest in company. Why so I don't
Entermingland that much so. And he was kind of a
little bit before my time, but I haven't met him
a few times. A great human being, a great guy,
very very gonna be sorely missed in Chicago for the
Cups and baseball in general.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
One of the all time great gentlemen.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
You know, he kind of beat the cancer thing and
then it popped up out of nowhere again. So I
know you'll be missed. Everyone in Chicago loves you, comes
or White Sox fans. Just a great, great dude and
a great ambassador for baseball. And it's a sad day
anytime you lose people like that.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
Hey, Jay, and you know, just get you out the
door on this. What did your gut tell you right now?
As even before Thursday comes and goes? How do you
see the aos shaping out when it's all said and
done at the end of September, Oh.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Gosh, I thought the Astros had it.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
I thought when they were up with seven eight games
not long ago, I thought they were like, yeah, they're
gonna run away with this thing. Because the Mariners were
in Rangers didn't look like they were going anywhere. I'm
never counting against the Astros I'm just gonna say that,
as much as I like the other two teams in
that division, I will never ever count out the Astros
until they are dead and buried at some point, because
they always seem to figure it out and make make
(10:51):
decisions and make trades or whatever it is.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Signings that help them win.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
So I think the Astros wi figure out a way
to hold on. Now we'll be close, and we'll be
tight and will be a fun race for the fans
and a little nerve wracking, yes, but Gastros will figure
out a way to get in the playoffs and possibly
probably win the division. But man, it's gonna be fun
to watch it exciting because now with Naylor and Seattle
and the way the.
Speaker 3 (11:11):
Rangers pitch, I just got to see what Dana Brown does.
Let's go, Dana, make that big move.
Speaker 4 (11:16):
No arguments here.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
I was gonna say, us and fans I think feel
the same way. I lied aj I said, I was
gonna get you out the.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
Door, and I'm gonna keep him for thirty more seconds.
Go ahead.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
But I was gonna say, is uh, you know we
got Jeff Blum here in town. We're big fans of Blumber,
and I know that you know Blummer very well. So
what's some dirt on old number twenty seven that you
can share with us?
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Well, that's all for yet to hit the home run
to beat you guys in two thousand and five and
the long est a j.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
It was nice talking with you. How's that for a reminder.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
But I'll say this, so don't forget he was part
of the Killer Bees at one time. Right, So when
we played you guys in the World Series, they were
all buzzing and when he hit the home run, he
runs in the dugout He's like, can they stop buzzing now?
Speaker 3 (11:55):
After a killer beat at the home run? Right?
Speaker 2 (11:57):
So you know, but Blumber asked converted to Astro even
like two weeks ago we had our twenty year reunion
of that World Series and he was still he was
He all wanted to talk about was the Astros. I'm like, Blummer, dude,
we're here to talk about the White Sox. Stop at
the Astros. We get it, you got two more rings
with them. By a time we've we've got to turn
the page. Let's go back in time. Stop talking about
the Astros.
Speaker 4 (12:18):
There you go, love it and he does a great job.
Aj for me, this is the last one. But you're
a general manager. You know, catchers are always such great
baseball acumen and end up being managers. So be the
manager of the gm ORB both for me, and you
can't have Otani and you're starting. I mean, you get
the first pick in a expansion draft from all the teams,
and none of them are protected. Otani's not on the list.
(12:40):
He's the only one that is. Who are you starting
your franchise.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
With one or two guys? Actually, there's three guys.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
Can I can we guess some of them? Can we guess?
What you'd say?
Speaker 3 (12:49):
You go ahead, you can probably guess.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
Yeah, Okay, ones in Pittsburgh, Right.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
How'd you guess?
Speaker 4 (12:58):
Cruz, let's see the ones in Pittsburgh. Hell, the there's
a there's some young hitters. But you go ahead and
tell us and give me all three for the reason,
but you got to go in order so I know who.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
It is, Okay, well Skins because of the way he pitches,
obviously in Pittsburgh, young, durable, gigantic.
Speaker 3 (13:16):
If you've ever seen him, but he's nonster.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Yeah, and just the way he throws his arm hasn't
taken a huge abuse yet Steins would be one for me.
Bobby Witt would be two just because of the excitement
he brings.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
He can do it all. He plays a preposition. And
the third one I bet you guys won't think of
this is Kyle Rowley. He's in the division. He's got
forty one homers as a catcher glove. He can win.
Speaker 4 (13:45):
Yeah, you can win with all three of those. And
damn right, he's gonna put a catcher in there. AJ's
a smart guy. Man together there. You got to look
out for the fraternity.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
Ay Jay, you guys do a fantastic job on Fuel
Territory TV. Watch you guys every day after the show
and really appreciate your time to do. And like you said,
I'm sure we're gonna see you here at Tiking Park
here pretty soon.
Speaker 4 (14:03):
We appreciate you man, Thanks for your time.
Speaker 3 (14:07):
You're welcome, guys. Thanks to you. I'm there in a
couple of weeks again, so you know, I'll have my
condo ready hopefully.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
There we go and we'll have your seat ready in here.
But no pressure.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
There you go.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
Thanks brother, We appreciate it. Good stuffs again.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
Appreciate Aj Prazinski, Foul Territory TV. Former MLB catcher,
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