Matt & Ross In The Morning

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show to give the latest updates from Houston Astros spring training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in Florida.
At the conclusion of this upcoming season, third baseman Alex Bregman will be a free agent. However, the Astros have the ability to extend Bregman. "I don't think there is [an offer] right now," but "I would expect one in the next four weeks," McTaggart said. Pitcher Justin Verlander reported to spring training with right shoulder issues and has yet to face hitters. Verlander is taking it "day-to-day" and "things could change," but he "seems like he's progressing pretty well." The Astros signed pitcher Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million contract last month, and many speculated whether Hader's addition to the team would ruffle Ryan Pressly's feathers as Hader would become the new closer, but McTaggart says it hasn't been an issue in the clubhouse. "Pressly wants to win as much as anybody." McTaggart also comments on designated hitter Yordan Álvarez, who "wants to play more left field," and Jake Meyers' return to center field.

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show react to Houston Astros manager Joe Espada saying that left fielder and designated hitter Yordan Alvarez will likely bat in the No. 2 spot instead of his usual No. 3 hole. Following an 82-76 overtime win at Baylor on Saturday, Cougars men's basketball moves to the top spot on The Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll. This is the first time the Cougars have claimed the No. 1 spot this season, surpassing reigning national champion UConn. Matt and Ross review the Rockets losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, debate whether fans should be allowed to storm the court after Wake Forest fans injured Duke center Kyle Filipowski, discuss Cary McNair Jr. dropping a guardianship lawsuit against his mother and Texans owner Janice McNair, play To Tell the Truth, give their Gut Feelings and more.

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show react to breaking news that the NFL has announced a $30-plus million increase in salary cap. The Houston Texans will have about $67.5 million in salary cap space. How will the Texans choose to spend this money and what free agents will benefit? Many MLB fans and players are complaining over new uniforms designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics, calling the fabric cheap. Much of the criticism has revolved around the new pants, which are partially see-through. Will Nike and Fanatics make changes before the beginning of the season? Matt and Ross preview the Rockets hosting the Phoenix Suns tonight following their 127-105 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, review Astros pitcher J.P. France throwing off the mound, tell their Non-Florida Stories and more on this Anything Goes Friday.

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show preview the Houston Rockets arriving in New Orleans to take on the Pelicans tonight. Following the All-Star break, the Rockets enter the last third of their season and head coach Ime Udoka is not making significant changes to the lineup. During an interview with Shannon Sharpe on his podcast Club Shay Shay, former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel spoke on his controversial past. The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner says that his father secretly negotiated with then-head coach Kevin Sumlin for a $3 million deal to get Manziel to stay with the Aggies. Matt and Ross preview the Astros 2024 season as the team participates in full-squad workouts at spring training, predict quarterback Justin Fields' future in the NFL, say "I Just Don't Get it" and more.

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show discuss the future of the Houston Astros with key players moving closer to free agency. Ross also recaps his visit to Astros spring training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in Florida. According to an article from Bloomberg, Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Rockets, has renewed conversations with the NHL on bringing a team to Houston. Professional hockey has not been in the city since 2013 when the minor-league Houston Aeros relocated to Iowa. Could Houston host an NHL team within the decade? Matt and Ross break down which NFL players could be franchise-tagged, give their Gut Feelings, tell people to Shut Yo Bum Ass Up, Ain't Nobody Got Time and more.

Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show and Dan Mathews of The A-Team go live from CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in Florida as the second day of full-squad workouts conclude for the Houston Astros at spring training. Utility player Mauricio Dubón, pitching prospect Spencer Arrighetti, catching prospect Luke Berryhill and manager Joe Espada all join the show to give their latest updates and share experiences from Astros spring training.

Joe Espada, manager of the Houston Astros, joins The Matt Thomas Show from spring training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in Florida to discuss the importance of "building trust" amongst his players. "Relationships go a long way," Espada said. "I want these guys to know that I am the same guy I was six years ago" when hired as the Astros bench coach. Left fielder and designated hitter Yordan Alvarez took batting practice Tuesday, and Espada says he is looking for more than just offensive production from Alvarez. "I expect him to take that next step" this season "into a leadership role." Espada also commented on center fielder Jake Meyers returning to the lineup and the importance of keeping up his "confidence." "He has all the tools you're looking for in a good hitter."

Houston Astros pitching prospect Spencer Arrighetti talks with Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show and Dan Mathews of The A-Team from spring training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in Florida about the closeness of the Astros locker room, preparing for his Major League debut, what he does to relax and more.

Sugar Land Space Cowboy and Houston Astros non-roster invitee Luke Berryhill joins The Matt Thomas Show from spring training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in Florida to talk about performing his latest single "Road to the Show" in front of teammates at a Tuesday morning meeting. The country music track "sounds better than I thought it would," Berryhill said. The minor league catcher was invited to his second major league camp with the Astros and says he feels more confident this time around. "I feel like I can just go in there and be myself." Berryhill also discussed learning from former Astros catcher Martín Maldonado and current starting catcher Yainer Díaz, who is "one of the best hitters [he's] ever seen."

Houston Astros utility player Mauricio Dubón joins The Matt Thomas Show from spring training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in Florida to talk about his role on the roster ahead of the regular season. At the beginning of the 2023 schedule, Dubón took over as the starter at second base after Jose Altuve fractured his thumb in the World Baseball Classic, but as the season progressed, Dubón also started at center field, left field, shortstop and first base. Dubón says he will continue to play where he is needed "as long as [he] gets to hit in the first nine." Dubón's efforts in the 2023 season were rewarded with his first career Rawlings Gold Glove at the utility position, and he was also nominated for a Gold Glove at second base. "I cried when they told me I won," Dubón said. "I was not a prospect right away," so "it hasn't been an easy road for me."