Episode 19: RHP Austin Pruitt is a local product and finds himself in the mix for the Astros 2020 starting rotation. The Houston local hails from The Woodlands, was a member of the 2011 National JUCO World Series championship team, and the University of Houston Cougars pitching staff in wins (10), ERA (2.85), starts (15), IP (113.2) and K’s (92). In January 2020 Pruitt was acquired by the Astros and broadcasters Todd Kalas and Julia Morales introduce the newest member of the Stros in Episode 19....
May 21, 2020•47 min•Ep. 896
Talk about your bullpen guys. Then let’s talk about a 16 year career in the Big Leagues, amassing 422 saves (6th most in MLB history), making x7 All Star appearances, and striking-out an average of 11.9 hitters per 9 IP. Oh, and let’s talk about a righthanded pitcher who taught himself to pitch lefthanded after breaking his arm. In Episode 18 we do just that, we talk to Billy Wagner who pitched for the Astros from 1995-2003. Selected in the 1st round of the ’93 MLB draft, Wagner has been a Houst...
May 18, 2020•50 min•Ep. 895
Episode 17: Enos Cabell played mostly 3B/IF in the Major Leagues for 15 seasons and with the Houston Astros from 1975-’80 and ’84-’85. In 2004 Cabell was named special assistant to the general manager and now enters his 16th season under GM James Click. Cabell joins Todd Kalas and Steve Sparks for an entertaining conversation about playing for manager Earl Weaver, the Astros' playoffs in 1980 and ‘81, playing against now manager Dusty Baker, and the 2020 season. Share your thoughts and send ques...
May 14, 2020•48 min•Ep. 894
He wore #7 on his Astros jersey and played in 7 Major League All-Star Games. He earned 5 Silver Slugger Awards and grinded-out 4 Gold Gloves. He played 20 seasons in the big leagues and all of them for the Houston Astros. In 2015, Craig Biggio was elected to Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame and he joins Steve Sparks and Geoff Blum in Episode 16 of Astro Pod. As the entire world adjusts to life with COVID-19, Biggio is finding ways to be thankful for his health while enjoying some down time w...
May 11, 2020•40 min•Ep. 893
Episode 15: Joe Espada enters his 3rd season as Astros bench coach and 1st with veteran manager Dusty Baker. Espada played 10 seasons in the Minor Leagues before making his MLB coaching career debut with the Marlins in 2010. Along with Steve Sparks and Robert Ford, Espada talks about his love for the game and what he's learned from making the jump from player to coach. Espada has spent time under big league managers Joe Girardi, Ozzie Guillen, Fredi Gonzalez, Edwin Rodriguez, Jack McKeon and now...
May 07, 2020•42 min•Ep. 892
Jim Deshaies, former big league pitcher and popular television broadcaster, joins his old friend and boothmate Bill Brown for a few laughs in episode 14 of Astro Pod. Deshaies spent 12 seasons on the mound, 7 seasons in an Astros uniform and 16 years as the color commentator in the TV booth from 1997 through 2012. JD and Brownie team up and recall some of their favorite memories. JD also talks about his childhood in Massena, NY, where he was exposed to baseball through New York Yankees and Montr...
May 04, 2020•53 min•Ep. 891
Episode 13: Relief Pitcher Ryan Pressly made his 1st MLB All-Star team in 2019 and has been a huge asset for the Houston Astros bullpen. Last season Pressly posted the longest scoreless appearance streak in Major League history and he talks about it with Todd Kalas and Geoff Blum. Pressly praises his teammates and explains how Pitching Coach Brent Strom (and Astros analytics) helped him improve his pitch selection, which was a big part of his success. Pressly not only thrives on big moment situa...
Apr 30, 2020•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 890
Episode 12: Brent Strom was named Baseball America’s 2018 MLB Coach of the Year and has been recognized throughout the world for his proficiency in pitching and biomechanics. Stromy has been in professional baseball since 1970 and first joined the Astros organization in 1989 as a Minor League instructor. Steve Sparks and Robert Ford talk with Strom about those early years and later discuss why pitching mechanics are so important. Storm also provides updates on his 2020 staff, talks about meeting...
Apr 27, 2020•44 min•Ep. 889
Episode 11: Big Puma, the 6x All-Star and former infielder/outfielder for the Houston Astros, checks-in with Geoff Blum and Steve Sparks. A fan favorite and huge part of Astro lore, Lance Berkman tells a hilarious story about Hall of Fame teammate Jeff Bagwell, recalls his time with Rice baseball coach Wayne Graham, explains what it’s like calling games from the TV booth and fondly remembers his favorite moment at Minute Maid Park. Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #A...
Apr 23, 2020•47 min•Ep. 888
Episode 10: Astros relief pitcher Joe Smith and wife Allie LaForce (NBA/NCAA reporter) are spearheading Project Frontline which delivers meals to hospital workers in Cleveland and Houston. Smith talks about his initiative to help frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis with broadcasters Todd Kalas and Steve Sparks. The trio also discuss Smith’s early days in MLB, setting personal goals, staying mentally and physically healthy, playing in his first World Series and later offers advice to you...
Apr 20, 2020•38 min•Ep. 887
Episode 9: The Astros 2019 Minor League Player of the Year joins television broadcasters Todd Kalas and Geoff Blum. Toro talks about contributing to Justin Verlander’s no-hitter in Toronto, getting the call to the big leagues, switch-hitting and staying baseball-ready for 2020 during the pandemic. Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 16, 2020•29 min•Ep. 886
Episode 8: Long time broadcasters Bill Brown and Steve Sparks team up on this episode to pay homage to one of the founding fathers of the Houston Astros. Brown talks to Dene Hofheinz Anton, Roy's daughter, who describes her father as a visionary who helped bring Major League Baseball to the city of Houston. Grandson Dinn Mann fondly recalls growing up in the 8th Wonder of the World and how his grandfather's influences still affect the fans' experience of attending games today. Sparky and Brownie...
Apr 13, 2020•52 min•Ep. 885
Episode 7: OF Kyle Tucker carved out some time to talk with Todd Kalas and Steve Sparks. Tucker talks about growing up in Tampa Bay and playing with former high school teammate and 2019 NL ROY Pete Alonso. Tucker also reflects on the ‘19 season, AL ROY Yordan Alvarez, stealing bags, passing time gaming with teammates and staying ready for 2020. Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astros.com or #AstrosRadio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 09, 2020•32 min•Ep. 884
Episode 6: Veteran manager Dusty Baker joins today's podcast via phone from his home in Sacramento, CA. Baker talks to radio broadcasters Robert Ford and Steve Sparks about experiencing the 1976 MLB lockout and strikes from the '80s. Baker also reflects on the passing of Astros legend Jimmy “The Toy Cannon” Wynn, shares titles of his favorite Western movies, quotes the late Tupac Shakur and explains how working in his vineyard is therapeutic. Share your thoughts and send questions to radio@astro...
Apr 06, 2020•28 min•Ep. 883
Episode 5: Gold Glove winner and H-Town fan favorite Josh Reddick jumps on today's podcast with broadcasters Steve Sparks and Todd Kalas. The Mayor of Woooo-ston talks about spending time with wife Georgette and his twin boys, Maverick and Ryder, who just turned six months on Thursday. Reddick reflects on his father's near-death experience, going fishing with George Springer and staying ready for the 2020 season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 02, 2020•23 min•Ep. 882
Episode 4: when a Major League Hall of Famer speaks, Geoff Blum and Steve Sparks listen. A highly entertaining episode as these great baseball minds talk about Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers, George Springer and the Skipper Dusty Baker. Bagwell looks back to what he misses most about the game and shares stories of former teammates including Brad Asmus and Casey Candaele. All 3-former big leaguers later pause to show to their appreciation for everyone during this pandemic. Pitch us your questions...
Mar 30, 2020•46 min•Ep. 881
Episode 3: Radio broadcasters Robert Ford and Steve Sparks invite Astros GM James Click to the show. Click talks about the challenges of being an MLB GM and the balance of his players staying safe and healthy but also being physically ready for the season. Click later reflects on growing up in Durham, N.C. and being a Bulls fan. Pitch us your questions and we’ll field your comments on the next episode #AstrosRadio and radio@astros.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...
Mar 26, 2020•27 min•Ep. 880
In the second installment of Astro Pod Sparky and TK recall some of their favorite Opening Day memories and share thoughts about the Astros starting rotation. Next, longtime broadcaster Bill Brown highlights the legendary career of Bob Watson who will be inducted into the Astros 2020 Hall of Fame class. Finally, Sparks and Kalas pick their favorite recording artists and TV shows of all time. Subscribe to our new podcast series as Astros Broadcasters invite special guests on to talk baseball and ...
Mar 24, 2020•39 min•Ep. 879
As we all embrace the importance of social distancing, the Astros team broadcasters gather around the-virtual-roundtable with thoughts on baseball, Spring Training and entertaining tips on coping with cabin fever. Listen as Robert Ford, Steve Sparks and Geoff Blum kick off a new series of podcasts to help Astros fans and baseball fans everywhere keep up with America's Favorite Pastime! Pitch us your questions and we’ll field your comments on the next episode #AstrosRadio and radio@astros.com Lea...
Mar 20, 2020•28 min•Ep. 878
Robert Ford and Micheal Coffin host the next to last Astroline of the season in West Palm Beach, FL. RHP flame thrower, Josh James, talks to Astros Radio about his 2nd big league camp, being a new dad, competing for the 5th starting spot and throwing over 100 MPH. Tune into the Astros throughout Spring Training and every broadcast on the Astros Radio Network, TuneIn, MLB AtBat and SportsTalk 790 KBME Houston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 12, 2020•49 min•Ep. 877
Michael Coffin with AA Corpus Christi Radio joins Astros broadcaster Steve Sparks in Jupiter as the Redbirds host the Houston Astros. MLB.COM’s beat writer Brian McTaggart spoke to Sparky and Coffin on Friday after RHP Lance McCullers outing vs the Metropolitans. Tune in LIVE on SportsTalk 790 in Houston or on the MLB app, TuneIn or SiriusXM as Sparks and Coffin bring you the play-by-play action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 07, 2020•13 min•Ep. 876
The Miracle Mets are down from PSL and take on the Astros in WPB. Steve Sparks and Mike Coffin preview the matchup. They talk to prospect IF/1B Taylor Jones and recap RHP Josh James' outing against the Red Sox. Tune into the Astros throughout Spring Training and every broadcast on the Astros Radio Network, TuneIn, MLB AtBat and SportsTalk 790 KBME Houston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 06, 2020•14 min•Ep. 875
Speedy OF Myles Straw is on the verge of making the Astros 2020 opening day roster and he joins Steve Sparks and Mike Coffin on Wednesday’s Astroline. The trio discuss his uptick to this years’ team, Spring Training, being a productive teammate and being a new father. Tune into the Astros throughout Spring Training and every broadcast on the Astros Radio Network, TuneIn, MLB AtBat and SportsTalk 790 KBME Houston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 05, 2020•48 min•Ep. 874
Guest broadcaster, Michael Coffin AA Corpus Christi Radio, joins Astros broadcaster Steve Sparks in West Palm Beach as the Stros host the Miami Marlins. MLB.COM’s beat writer Brian McTaggart joins the radio booth during Tuesday’s broadcast against the Cardinals in Jupiter. Tune in LIVE on SportsTalk 790 in Houston and on the MLB app, TuneIn and SiriusXM as Sparks and Coffin bring you the play-by-play action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 04, 2020•15 min•Ep. 873
Astros General Manager James Click talks to Robert Ford prior to Sunday’s day game in West Palm Beach. First, Ford and Todd Kalas preview RHP Lance McCullers spring debut after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The St. Louis Cardinal are set to start LHP Austin Gomber. MLB.COM’s beat writer Brian McTaggart joins the radio booth during Saturday’s broadcast against the Mets to recap the Astros outing. Tune in LIVE on SportsTalk 790 in Houston and on the MLB app, TuneIn and SiriusXM Learn more about y...
Mar 01, 2020•18 min•Ep. 872
It’s leap day and the Astros are hosting the New York Mets at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. It’s a lefty-lefty matchup LHP Framber Valdez faces off against NY’s LHP Steven Matz. Todd Kalas steps out of the television booth and into the radio booth with Robert Ford as they talk over the matchup. The young talented SS Jeremy Pena sits down with Ford before Saturday’s matinee. Then, Brian McTaggart with the Houston Chronicle jumps on Astros radio to recap Friday’s game against the Marli...
Feb 29, 2020•15 min•Ep. 871
Fish fried Friday baseball in Jupiter, FL, as the Astros take the short drive north to face the Miami Marlins. RHP Zach Greinke makes his 2020 Grapefruit League debut as Steve Sparks and Robert Ford preview the matchup. Once again, Chronicle reporter Chandler Rome stops by the radio booth and offers his thoughts on the Astros' spring camp to this point. Stream the 'Stros on the MLB app, TuneIn, SiriusXM or listen to Friday's encore performance on the flagship station SportsTalk 790 or live on th...
Feb 28, 2020•16 min•Ep. 870
Thursday Night Lights in West Palm Beach as the Astros are visitors in their own stadium to take on the World Series champs. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks preview the action before slugger Chas McCormick breaks down his young career to Sparky. Reporter Chandler Rome with the Houston Chronicle wraps things up with his take on Wednesday’s action against the Redbirds. Subscribe and follow the Astros every single game via the MLB App, TuneIn and over the radio on the Astros' flagship station SportsTa...
Feb 27, 2020•24 min•Ep. 869
Weather is threatening in West Palm Beach on Wednesday as the Astros are set to host the St. Louis Cardinals. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks preview the action before we getting to know pitcher Andre Scrubb, who is in Astros big league camp for the first time. Later, Brian McTaggart with MLB.com recaps Tuesday’s Grapefruit League game against the Marlins. Follow the Astros every single game by streaming the broadcast on MLB At Bat, TuneIn and listen live on the Astros' flagship station SportsTalk ...
Feb 26, 2020•19 min•Ep. 868
A must listen! Manager of the Houston Astros Dusty Baker talks fishing, music and baseball with Robert Ford and Steve Sparks. Tune into the Astros throughout Spring Training and every broadcast on the Astros Radio Network, TuneIn, MLB AtBat and SportsTalk 790 KBME Houston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 26, 2020•48 min•Ep. 867
