Foul Territory

One of baseball's best storytellers is back on FT! Tim Kurkjian makes the case for why the game is at its peak right now, weighs in on the firings of Alex Cora and Rob Thomson, breaks down Munetaka Murakami's historic start, explains the rise in strikeout rates, and looks at why the NL Central is surging while the AL Central is struggling.
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(21:34) How are some of the biggest offseason free agent signings performing one month into the season?
Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun
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Are the Braves the best team in baseball right now? We ask TV analyst C.J. Nitkowski, who tells us about Walt Weiss exceeding expectations, updates us on Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim, plus he explains why Ronald Acuña Jr. is poised for an eruption.
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The Athletic's Sam Blum joined FT to discuss the Angels' bullpen struggles, Mike Trout's resurgence, the roof situation at Daikin Park, and Tatsuya Imai's difficulty adapting to life in the majors.
Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun
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Ex-MLB player Alexei Ramírez tested positive for four different steroids at the WBC?! (top of the show) AJ comments on his former teammate.
(02:41) The Dodgers are managing Shohei Ohtani carefully to boost his Cy Young chances and be ready for October.
(15:58) Rob Thomson made himself available to reporters following his firing and handled it with a lot of class. Will he work for the Phillies next year or go elsewhere?
(25:22) Albert Pujols could have been the manager in Anaheim this year, but wanted organizational personnel changes.
(27:41) Mets manager Carlos Mendoza says there have been no conversations about his future.
(28:40) Travis Bazzana was intentionally walked in his MLB debut. Epic!
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(29:44) D'backs infielder Ildemaro Vargas, a 34-year-old vet, is having by far the best season of his career.
(32:01) Yankees starter Cam Schlitter is INSANE.
(40:56) Juan Soto is dealing with some forearm tightness.
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(43:34) Storyline roundup: Trey Yesavage is back, Cubs pitcher Justin Steele suffered a setback, Royals infielder Jonathan India is out for the season, and Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks and Red Sox starter Garrett Crochet both head to the IL.
(45:44) George Springer has been activated off the IL.
Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun
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How tough was the decision for the Phillies to fire Rob Thomson? The Phillies Show co-host Ruben Amaro Jr. joined FT to show respect for Topper and detail what we can expect from Don Mattingly as the interim manager. What is it like from a GM's perspective to fire a manager?
Ruben also explains why the pitching and defense need to step up.
Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun
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FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal jumps on for his reaction to the Rob Thomson firing. Why did Alex Cora decline the offer? What can we expect from Don Mattingly?
Ken also weighs in on whether we could see front office changes for the Mets, Phillies, and Red Sox if the teams continue to struggle.
Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun
To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.
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