Foul Territory

Latest Episodes:

Tim Kurkjian talks MLB early season chaos, Historic moments + How are the big free agents performing? Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

One of baseball's best storytellers is back on FT! Tim Kurkjian makes the case for why the game is at its peak right now, weighs in on the firings of Alex Cora and Rob Thomson, breaks down Munetaka Murakami's historic start, explains the rise in strikeout rates, and looks at why the NL Central is surging while the AL Central is struggling.

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(21:34) How are some of the biggest offseason free agent signings performing one month into the season?

Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

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Braves checkup w/CJ Nitkowski + Sam Blum’s Angels & Astros stories Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

Are the Braves the best team in baseball right now? We ask TV analyst C.J. Nitkowski, who tells us about Walt Weiss exceeding expectations, updates us on Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim, plus he explains why Ronald Acuña Jr. is poised for an eruption.

To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

The Athletic's Sam Blum joined FT to discuss the Angels' bullpen struggles, Mike Trout's resurgence, the roof situation at Daikin Park, and Tatsuya Imai's difficulty adapting to life in the majors.

Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

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Shohei resting for Cy bid, Trey Yesavage is SO back, Yanks SP rich, Rob Thomson still loves Philly Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Ex-MLB player Alexei Ramírez tested positive for four different steroids at the WBC?! (top of the show) AJ comments on his former teammate.

(02:41) The Dodgers are managing Shohei Ohtani carefully to boost his Cy Young chances and be ready for October.

(15:58) Rob Thomson made himself available to reporters following his firing and handled it with a lot of class. Will he work for the Phillies next year or go elsewhere?

(25:22) Albert Pujols could have been the manager in Anaheim this year, but wanted organizational personnel changes.

(27:41) Mets manager Carlos Mendoza says there have been no conversations about his future.

(28:40) Travis Bazzana was intentionally walked in his MLB debut. Epic!

To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

(29:44) D'backs infielder Ildemaro Vargas, a 34-year-old vet, is having by far the best season of his career.

(32:01) Yankees starter Cam Schlitter is INSANE.

(40:56) Juan Soto is dealing with some forearm tightness.

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(43:34) Storyline roundup: Trey Yesavage is back, Cubs pitcher Justin Steele suffered a setback, Royals infielder Jonathan India is out for the season, and Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks and Red Sox starter Garrett Crochet both head to the IL.

(45:44) George Springer has been activated off the IL.

Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

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Former Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. on Mattingly replacing Thomson Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

How tough was the decision for the Phillies to fire Rob Thomson? The Phillies Show co-host Ruben Amaro Jr. joined FT to show respect for Topper and detail what we can expect from Don Mattingly as the interim manager. What is it like from a GM's perspective to fire a manager?

Ruben also explains why the pitching and defense need to step up.

Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

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Ken Rosenthal reacts to Rob Thomson firing news & reviews front offices of Red Sox, Mets, & Phillies Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

FT Senior Insider Ken Rosenthal jumps on for his reaction to the Rob Thomson firing. Why did Alex Cora decline the offer? What can we expect from Don Mattingly?

Ken also weighs in on whether we could see front office changes for the Mets, Phillies, and Red Sox if the teams continue to struggle.

Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

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Phillies fire Rob Thomson, Alex Cora declines Philly job, 1-1 Travis Bazzana arrives, Yankees announce Elmer Rodriguez promotion Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

The Phillies have relieved Rob Thomson of his managerial duties, naming Don Mattingly interim skipper after Alex Cora reportedly turned down the job. (top of show)

(15:49) Padres closer Mason Miller’s scoreless inning streak comes to an end.

(17:20) AL East News: Red Sox reliever Tommy Kahnle can opt out of his deal if he is not called up by Friday, Giancarlo Stanton to the IL, and updates on Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole.

To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

(21:02) Two call ups: Yankees have Elmer Rodriguez starting Wednesday, and the Guardians promote former No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana.

(35:03) Pirates pitchers spun 6.2 perfect innings yesterday but Dennis Santana blew the gem later on.

(37:34) Phillies POBO Dave Dombrowski addressed the Rob Thomson firing and apparently it’s not a blame game.

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(40:17) What will the Mariners do with Luis Castillo?

(42:53) A Cleveland fan stole a baseball from a young fan yesterday. Luckily, the Rays broadcast team rescued the story.

Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

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White Sox SP Davis Martin joins FT Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Munetaka Murakami has been a highlight reel this season. White Sox starter Davis Martin hopped on FT to talk about what he’s been seeing from the rookie masher. He also explains what the clubhouse culture has been like and what he’s been working on this season.

Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside Boston’s Alex Cora decision w/Pete Abraham + Former MLB Exec Zack Scott talks Sox & Mets mess Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Is Alex Cora truly relieved to be away from the team? Boston Globe columnist Pete Abraham joined FT to discuss the mood in the clubhouse following Cora's dismissal and what led to the decision. Will Alex Cora find another managerial home fast or slow?

To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

(12:51) Former MLB Executive Zack Scott worked for Boston when they hired Alex Cora. Zack joined FT to share his thoughts on Cora's firing from a front office perspective. Was the team meeting handled correctly?

He also dives into the Mets organization and what's next for Carlos Mendoza and David Stearns.

Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

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Alex Cora firing aftermath, Roki's new splitter, Kyle Harrison shines, Mets meltdown, Rays sweep Twins Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

A massive shakeup in Boston. The Red Sox have fired manager Alex Cora, along with five additional coaches. (top of show) Why is there always so much drama there?

(18:21) Some Angels notes: Jordan Romano was DFA'd and catcher Logan O’Hoppe heads to the IL.

(19:58) Brewers starter Kyle Harrison delivered his best outing yet.

To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

(21:30) The Phillies dropped another series. Will manager Rob Thomson and/or hitting coach Kevin Long be let go?

(23:56) Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki changed the orientation of his splitter. Will this help him find consistency?

(29:56) Dodgers POBO Andrew Friedman gave his opinion on the “Ohtani rule.”

(32:29) The Braves are the first team to 20 wins.

(36:03) AL East Storylines: Max Scherzer heads to the IL and the Rays have found their new closer.

(38:11) Jeff Hoffman is no longer the closer in Toronto.

(40:49) The Rockies had an idea for the Empire State Building after sweeping the Mets. Plus, they are off to a much better start this year than last year.

Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun

Our listeners can buy one prescription pair and get 20% off additional pairs at WarbyParker.com/FOUL — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad

Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

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Fair Territory: Ken Rosenthal reacts to Red Sox firing Alex Cora Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Fair Territory host Ken Rosenthal unpacks how the Red Sox suddenly ousted Manager Alex Cora and five other coaches over the weekend. (top of show)

(14:19) One month into the season, Angels starter José Soriano headlines Ken's five biggest surprises.

(21:32) The Mets are easily atop Ken's biggest disappointments list.

(25:10) Ken takes your live Grillin’ Ken questions, including Bobby Witt Jr.'s power outage and the meaning behind "The Lede."

To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.

Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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