Ryan Bokros and Wally Penberthy are two hometown Houston Astros fans who talk all about MLB baseball. Deep dives into stats, sabermetrics, the business of baseball, everyday life as a fan, and of course - the drama of wins and loses. Spark Podcast Network.
The Astros’ season is over, and the questions now reach well beyond the Wild Card sweep. Ryan and Wally close the book on Houston’s year, discuss Jim Crane’s search for a new baseball-operations leader and Joe Espada’s uncertain future, and examine the roster decisions that will shape what comes next.
29 Sept 2026
AL West Champion Houston Astros - They're In, Now What?
The Astros survived the final week and claimed the AL West. Now comes a very different test.
Ryan and Wally recap the Seattle and Athletics series, Lucas Spence’s breakout, and the timely production from Yordan Alvarez, Yainer Diaz and Christian Walker. Then we dig into the White Sox: what Houston’s 5–2 season-series advantage really means, why Sean Burke is a problem, and how a Game 1 bullpen plan could shape the entire Wild Card Series. From Hunter Brown and Hayden Wesneski to Chicago’s power-and-patience lineup, we break down the matchups that could send Houston deeper into October—or home early.
The Astros earned the chance to keep playing. Now they have to earn the next round.
There are real reasons to like this matchup: Brown and Wesneski have pitched well against Chicago, the bullpen has covered huge innings, and Yordan finally has more hitters producing around him.
But the White Sox have answers. Burke can shut an offense down, their bullpen can change the matchups, and their lineup will punish free baserunners.
For Houston, it comes down to throwing strikes, cashing in when Chicago pitches around Yordan, and getting contributions beyond the biggest names.
The division race is over. Two wins are the assignment. This has been Dirt Diamond Sports Talk—we’ll see you after the first pitch.
21 Sept 2026
Brutal Astros Homestand - Are The Playoffs Still In The Picture? Six Games To Go!
The Astros needed this homestand to create breathing room. Instead, a series win over Kansas City gave way to a sweep by Atlanta—and an increasingly uncomfortable playoff chase.
Ryan and Wally break down the difference between hitting home runs and building a dependable offense, the bullpen breakdowns that erased winnable games, and which players are giving Houston a chance. Then we turn to the final six games: what needs to change immediately, how the division tiebreaker helps, and why a strong finish still requires some help.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Contact Dirt Diamond Sports Talk
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Dirt Diamond Sports Talk?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
