Foul Territory

The Athletic Mets Senior Writer Will Sammon joins FT to evaluate the current Mets slide. He also explains why Juan Soto is taking more blame than he deserves and covers Ryan Helsley’s pitch tipping concerns.  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. (17:51) Reds TV Reporter Annie Sabo joins FT to evaluate where the Reds are at with a few weeks to go. Also, she explains what needs to happen to maximize the potential of All-Star Elly De La Cruz, and why veteran manager Terry Francona gives the team a performance boost. Go to Surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fair Territory hosts Ken Rosenthal and Alanna Rizzo discuss a favorite of pennant race baseball: unsung heroes. (Top of show) (1:08) The hosts weigh the issues with both New York teams - the Mets continue their second-half slide and the Yankees had a tough test with Detroit. (4:49) The Texas Rangers are surging towards playoff contention.  For 20% off your first purchase, head to FairHarborClothing.com/FOUL20 and use code FOUL20. (10:17) Ken breaks news! The Baltimore Orioles are hiring a GM after quietly promoting Mike Elias to President of Baseball Operations. (13:18) Grillin' Ken answers questions about the Astros postseason chances and Brian Snitker's interest in managing next season. (16:18) Ken and Alanna reflect on the 24th anniversary of 9/11. (19:48) The hosts crown their Dudes and Dorks of the Week. Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to https://ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL (25:03) Ken shares his recent story about the Native Nations project to establish baseball talent pipelines among Native American communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the 24th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. We commemorate this day and speak on the role MLB played in healing USA after the tragic day. (4:40) The Tigers have the best record in the AL and it showed in a wax of the Yankees times TWO. Was this matchup an accurate depiction of postseason potential? Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL (15:58) Does manager Brian Snitker have one more year in him with the Braves? 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. (18:47) To Boston's disappointment, Aroldis Chapman is human.  (20:31) Mariners 2nd baseman Leo Rivas made his claim to fame! Plus, AJ is curious if the Mets can hold a playoff spot. (25:57) The Pirates pull Paul Skenes after 64 pitches…WHY?! (28:40) It looks like the Dodgers are taking the NL West. Go to Surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! (30:23) Mike Elias was secretly promoted to Orioles President of Baseball Operations. Does this expose a greater issue of MLB front office silence? (47:43) Chat Q! We give our thoughts on Orioles pitching moves heading into this season. Hosts: A.J. Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, and Scott BraunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We learned about some names on the GM search list for the Washington Nationals. Who are they and will the larger conundrum with the Nats be solved at the top anytime soon? For 20% off your first purchase, head to FairHarborClothing.com/FOUL20 and use code FOUL20. (12:05) Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow is back on FT with inside word on those no-hitter close calls for LA, frequent PitchCom issues and the controversial Framber Valdez cross-up incident. 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.

Even the Rangers are shocked to be in this postseason race! Texas utility man Josh Smith makes his FT debut to share stories of being unfiltered in the locker room and he praises “The Little Rascals” sparking the chase. Smith tells us about the rise to a World Series victory in 2023, positions he's not interested in playing and he drops a hilarious take on height. 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. Hosts: Scott Braun, AJ Pierzynski, Erik KratzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kratz starts off the show by revealing how he dealt with haters while playing in the minors. (Top of show) (2:06) Blue Jays commentator Buck Martinez let it rip about the Yankees. Does New York care? Plus, we go over Toronto’s comeback win over Houston and both teams’ injury concerns. For 20% off your first purchase, head to FairHarborClothing.com/FOUL20 and use code FOUL20. (16:38) The Giants are only two games back of the Mets in the NL Wild Card! (19:12) Connelly Early had a shiny MLB debut for the Red Sox. How does that Boston rotation look for October? Go to https://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. (23:34) Rōki Sasaki had a promising rehab start, but we doubt he’ll return for the postseason. (25:08) Kyle Tucker is on the IL - some tough timing.  (26:49) Detroit scored NINE runs in the 8th against the Yankees. We react to the bullpen implosion and Aaron Boone’s comments about Anthony Volpe. What should New York do with Volpe?  Go to https://surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! (37:27) Kyle Schwarber reached 50 home runs this season! And Juan Soto now has a 30/30 season to his name. Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott BraunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/FOUL20 and use code FOUL20. (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/FOUL20 and use code FOUL20. (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.