Mission Control: An Astros Podcast

Aidan and Mike discuss the nature of playoff randomness, the Astros matchups against the Rangers' roster, and more.

A mini-episode as Mike and Aidan recap a big Game 1 victory, and look ahead to key potential decisions in Game 2, such as how to deploy medium leverage reliever Phil Maton in a tired bullpen.

Aidan and Mike break down the upcoming ALDS matchup between the Astros and Twins, including roster usage decisions, pitching matchups, and what to know about Minnesota.

Following the Astros' improbable final sprint to their 6th consecutive full-season AL West title, Mike and Aidan break down the Wild Card Round matchups and who they're rooting for from the Astros' perspective. Plus a discussion of Jose Urquidy's successful return to the rotation and the #4 starter competition in the ALDS.

Following a 1-5 homestand that leaves the Astros clinging to life in the AL West race, Aidan and Mike look back at how the Astros got here, and the challenges ahead in Seattle and Arizona.

With just over two weeks left in a 3-team AL West race, Aidan and Mike break down the remaining schedule, the options for #3 and #4 starter in October, and the latest playing time decisions in the lineup.

Mike and Aidan recap this week's domination of the Rangers, with emphasis on analyzing Jose Abreu's encouraging power surge. We also touch on The Athletic's reporting on the Dusty/Chas drama, Hunter Brown's bad luck, and a potential renunion with former AGM David Stearns.

Mike and Aidan break down what went wrong over the weekend, and look ahead to the Astros-Rangers duel in Arlington. Among the topics: Justin Verlander's crucial upcoming start, the Chas McCormick PT confusion, and Dusty Baker's curious tendencies.

Mike and Aidan break down the impending return of Michael Brantley, the state of the rotation, and the 3-way battle for AL West supremacy over the final 5 weeks.

The Astros visit AL-best Baltimore and emerge with a series victory, plus Jon Singleton returns and explodes onto the scene in a big way. Mike and Aidan break down what it means and the outlook for our pitchers and 1B situation from here.

Aidan and Mike recap a mixed weekend in the Bronx, with some optimistic thoughts on the current state of the rotation, and a critical look at playing time decisions throughout the lineup.

Mike chats with Linzy Singleton, wife of Astros first baseman Jon Singleton, about their nearly 15-year relationship, life in the minor leagues, and Jon's up-and-down ride through professional baseball and the Astros organization.

Mike and Aidan celebrate the greatness of Framber Valdez, then pivot to the biggest news of the day: Jim Crane's splash re-acquisition of Justin Verlander.

Mike and Aidan do a short analysis of this afternoon's trade of Korey Lee to the White Sox for Kendall Graveman. Mike is cautiously approving, while Aidan is not a fan of the move.

Aidan and Mike focus on the appeal and cost of potential rotation upgrades, such as Marcus Stroman, Justin Verlander, Blake Snell, and Michael Lorenzen. Plus, a recap of the successful early week series with the Rangers.

With Mike away, Aidan spends the episode prank calling girls he went to high school with. (He breaks down the state of the Astros going into the critical Arlington series at Minute Maid.)

Mike and Aidan recap some of the wild theatrics and decisions from the weekend in Anaheim. Plus a deeper look at Chas McCormick and Cristian Javier, two players increasingly critical to calibrating GM Dana Brown's approach to his first trade deadline.

Aidan and Michael review Framber Valdez, Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, Hunter Brown, and Jeremy Peña, then discuss the draft.

In this episode, Aidan and Michael recap the most recent series against the Seattle Mariners and the Astros' draft picks. For the second segment, the hosts are joined by author and journalist, Evan Drellich, discussing modern baseball's front offices and Evan's book, "Winning Fixes Everything: How Baseball's Brightest Minds Created Sports' Biggest Mess."

Aidan Resnick and Michael Mitchell discuss the state of the Astros with guest Chandler Rome.