Back to the Bullpen with Mike Stanton and Brett Chancey

Astros Pitchers not enough counter to anemic offense, and The Wild NL West

In this episode of Back to the Bullpen, former big-league pitcher Mike Stanton and Brett Chancey break down the Houston Astros’ sluggish offensive start to the 2025 season. Despite high expectations, the lineup has struggled to find consistency at the plate, leaving fans frustrated. Brett and Mike discuss what’s gone wrong—whether it’s early-season rust, lineup construction, or simply running into strong opposing pitching.
While the bats have been cold, the Astros’ pitching has been a bright spot. The duo highlights standout performances from both the rotation and bullpen, emphasizing how the arms have kept Houston competitive despite the offensive woes. Stanton provides his insights as a former pitcher, explaining how the staff has navigated tough spots and why the early dominance could be sustainable.
Shifting to news around the league, the conversation turns to the National League West, where the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have stormed out of the gates undefeated. Brett and Mike discuss what’s fueling these teams’ hot starts, the impact of offseason moves, and whether they can maintain this torrid pace throughout the season.
With sharp analysis and insider perspective, this episode delivers an honest look at where the Astros stand and what to watch for in the weeks ahead.
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Astros Opening Day Special Cam Smith vs. Juan Soto

Mike and Brett talk about the Astros vs. the Mets. What will this season hold? How will the rookie hold up to the pressure? Framber makes his 4th consecutive Opening Day start.
Can the Houston Astros maintain their dominance in the AL West for the 2025 season? With Cam Smith stepping into the spotlight and Jose Altuve shifting to left field, the Astros are making bold moves that could reshape their lineup.
Explore the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball as the hosts dissect the Astros' strategic changes, including the impact of Luis Garcia's injury and Lance McCullers Jr.'s return. The discussion also covers the competitive dynamics of the AL West, featuring insights on the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. Mike, a former professional player, offers his expert take on the Astros' chances against formidable rivals.
Will the Astros' revamped roster lead them to victory? Tune in for an engaging analysis and insider perspectives on the upcoming season.
 

Astros: Who's days are numbered?

Can the Houston Astros' new City Connect jerseys inspire a winning season? With Lance McCullers Jr. back on the mound, the Astros are poised for a thrilling MLB season. This episode dives into the Astros' roster decisions, featuring insights from H. Town Wheelhouse and former MLB pitcher Mike Stanton. They explore the challenges McCullers faces post-injury and the potential impact of young talents like Cam Smith and Chaz McCormick. The discussion also covers the financial landscape of MLB, with a spotlight on Juan Soto's contract with the New York Mets and its implications for the league.
Join us for an engaging analysis of the Astros' strategy and the broader MLB scene. Don't miss out on expert insights and lively debates that could shape your view of the upcoming season.

New Look Astros and Billy the Kid

A lot has happened since Mike and Brett last dropped a show. So we figured we would fire up the podcast and get into some topics.

Astros Winter Update: Arms in the Barn

Mike and Brett sit down to talk about what they see for the Astros rotation, the importance of signing another bat, injury updates for pitchers and position players looking to make it back to contribute in 2025!

Sprinting into the New Year

Mike and Brett sit down for the first time in 2025. Talk about the Dodgers, the Astros and news around the league. Mike also shares with us what it's like to prepare in the offseason as a pitcher. 

The Way of Christian Walker

Dana Brown made a big splash. He still has holes to fill. What does Mike Stanton think we will see Dana Brown do?
Can the Houston Astros maintain their dominance in the MLB with their latest roster moves? With the signing of Christian Walker, a powerhouse known for his defensive prowess and home run capabilities, the Astros are making bold strides. This episode explores the potential impact of Walker's addition, the team's outfield options, and the evolving relief pitching market. Key figures like Framber Valdez and Ryan Pressly are at the center of discussions, with insights from co-host Mike Stanton, a World Series champion, adding depth to the analysis. Discover how these strategic decisions could shape the Astros' future. Tune in for expert insights and a closer look at the team's path forward.
 

The Astros Astronomical Offeason

Mike Stanton and Brett Chancey dive into all that the Astros have done so far. What else might they do? This is a great time for the Astros, but what direction are they going?