Blind Power Ranking the Astros Trade Deadline Needs

Summary

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Payne & Pendergast

Episode Summary: "Blind Power Ranking the Astros Trade Deadline Needs"

Date: July 17, 2026

Hosts: Seth Payne, Sean Pendergast

Guest: Cole Thompson

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Overview

This episode drops Astros fans directly into the heart of MLB trade deadline strategy. Hosts Sean Pendergast and Seth Payne, joined by Cole Thompson, play an insightful and entertaining "blind power ranking" game to determine the Astros' most urgent trade needs as the team prepares for a crucial stretch run. With the club sitting just below .500 and battling for a postseason spot, the trio debates where GM Dana Brown should focus his limited assets and what holes are most pressing to fill, all while enjoying the laid-back, banter-filled rapport that has made their show a Houston staple.

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Key Discussion Points

Astros’ Current Position and the Trade Deadline

• The Astros are three games out in the division, game and a half out of the wild card (47–51 record).
• "The thing that's keeping them in the race right now—there's two things: Yordan Alvarez and the mediocrity of the American League." (Sean, 01:03)
• Hosts note the upcoming trade deadline is August 3rd, emphasizing the added drama and time for speculation compared to past years.

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The Blind Power Ranking Game

Segment starts at 02:04

Format and Rules

• Cole Thompson presents five potential Astros trade needs, but the hosts must rank each one blindly as it’s named, without knowing the remaining options.
• The exercise mimics the real uncertainty of roster construction under deadline pressure.

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The Five Needs and Rankings

Need #1: Middle Reliever
Discussion starts 02:31

• Seth and Sean agree middle relief isn't a top priority currently.
• "You have your middle relievers. They're your failed starting pitchers." (Seth, 02:48)
• Both rank this as #4.

Need #2: Left-Handed Power Hitting Outfielder Discussion starts 03:16

• Both hosts quickly identify this as a key need: "This is one of the top two." (Sean, 03:18)
• They reference the lack of lefty pop in the outfield.
• Ranked as #2.

Need #3: Utility Bat/Infielder Discussion starts 04:02

• Seth shows little enthusiasm: "I miss [Mauricio Dubon]. ... But not top priority."
• "I'm going to say I'll put this five." (Seth, 04:44)
• Both agree this is least pressing and slot it at #5.

Need #4: Second Baseman Discussion starts 05:34

• Raises questions about depth behind Altuve and flexibility.
• Sean laments: "I've disrespected [Jose] Altuve enough on this show." (Sean, 05:57)
• Slotted, largely by necessity, at #3.

Need #5: Starting Pitching Revealed at 06:34

• Both rejoice that this is still available for #1.
• "So you survived it." (Cole, 06:40)
• All agree with: "Number one, starting pitching. I agree with that." (Sean, 07:03)

Final Blind Rankings:

1. Starting Pitching
2. Left-Handed Power Hitting Outfielder
3. Second Baseman
4. Middle Reliever
5. Utility Infielder

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Analysis and Banter

• The hosts poke fun at how the blind format might make their list seem odd, but ultimately feel comfortable with their results.
• Seth insists: "I trust Nick Allen better than anybody they have there at second base." (Seth, 06:49)
• Cole wryly notes: "We're gonna bring up somebody to play third base. ... Christian Walker. Yordan goes to left field. Utility's fine, guys. It's all good." (Cole, 07:35)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The swamp of just tears that is the American League wild card race.” (Cole, 01:38)
• On utility infielder needs: "Don't tweet the results of this out because it's going to make us look like idiots." (Sean, 04:56)
• Sean chimes in on lefty hitters: “I put left handed power outfielder at 2. I feel okay about that now. Let's wait and see what the last two are.” (Sean, 05:06)
• Bantering about trading depth: "Remember when we had too many fielders to trade? Now we need one." (Cole, 06:27)
• On making mistakes in the game: “Oh my God. Well, number one, blame Seth.” (Sean, 06:08)

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[07:12+] Quick Transition: Astros’ Internal Depth

• Cole defends Nick Allen and Houston’s current options, downplaying the need for a trade at some positions.
• Debate over the merits of utility players and whether the Astros can “get creative.”

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[07:58+] Off-topic Digression: Cigar Talk

Quick shift—skip for Astros content; the next relevant segment is ads and a talk radio-style lifestyle aside.

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• 01:03 — Astros’ position in standings and wild card race
• 02:04 — Intro to the “blind power ranking” concept
• 02:31 — Middle relief discussed
• 03:16 — Left-handed power hitting outfielder debate
• 04:02 — Utility bat/infielder segment
• 05:34 — Second baseman slotting and debate
• 06:34 — Starting pitching revealed, rankings reviewed
• 07:12 — Discussion on final rankings and Astros depth

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Tone & Takeaways

Payne & Pendergast maintain their trademark balance of insider analysis and self-aware, irreverent humor. The blind ranking exercise creates genuine suspense and prompts the hosts to expose their priorities—and anxieties—about the Astros’ roster flaws. Ultimately, they agree that Houston’s most glaring need is starting pitching, followed by an impact left-handed bat, echoing consensus among fans and media. Utility depth and relief help, while helpful, rank further down the pecking order, reflecting faith in the current core.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

If you’re wondering how the hosts stack up the Astros’ needs as the trade deadline nears:

• Top priorities: Starting pitching and a left-handed outfield bat are “must” targets, vital for a postseason push.
• Secondary needs: Second base help, middle relief, and utility depth all have value, but aren’t urgent enough to warrant major assets.
• The vibe: Sharp baseball insight, rapid-fire ranking decisions, and the classic blend of relatable fan frustration and hope for a big move.

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Transcript

[A]

Hey, what's up flies? This is David Spade, Dana Carvey. Look at. I know we never actually left, but I'll just say it. We are back with another season of Fly on the Wall. Every episode, including ones with guests, will now be on Vimeo. Every Thursday, you'll hear us and see us chatting with big name celebrities. And every Monday, you're stuck with just me and Dana. We react to news, what's trending, viral clips follow and listen to Fly on the Wall everywhere you get your podcasts.

[B]

All right, Sean Pendergast, Seth Payne, Cole Thompson with you on a, on a Friday. We made it to the end of the week. We'll do Take a Mania. I wasn't here for Take a Mania last week. Seth Schefter is still holding the strap A for his.

[C]

Yeah, that's right. Yeah. And there were some contenders. I couldn't remember why I, I gave so there was a strong contender, but it just didn't quite meet the criteria. Part of it was just, I think I just. Schefter, who by the way just got an 11 year extension at ESPN, is going to continue to do well and make million saying inane things.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Because agents told him to.

[B]

We'll see if he can get taken down today. We got a few challengers. We'll do that at the top of the hour. All right, so Cole Thompson's in with us today and back with us on Monday. We, we talked a little Astros today, but the Astros get started back up tonight. Baltimore coming to town for a three game series this weekend. Astros sit three games out in the division, game and a half out in the wild card 47 and 51. So clearly the, the thing that's keeping them in the race right now, there's two things keeping them in the race. Jordan Alvarez and the mediocrity of the American League.

[D]

I said the comedy sour known as the wild card race. The American League.

[B]

Yes. The swamp of just tears that is the American League wild card race. So the Astros have needs and if they want to make a move here, they've got needs. And we got a trade deadline coming up on August 3rd, which feels weird that the trade deadlines in August, but it's August 3rd, 5 o' clock local time.

[D]

You got an extra 72 hours to go ahead and create rumors that are

[B]

never gut your farm system for something

[D]

for, for what three months of a rental right there. Scribble time, baby.

[B]

All right, so Seth and I, you're going to lead us on this exercise here. We're, we Are going to blindly rank. How many do we have? Five needs.

[D]

Five needs.

[B]

Okay, I'm going to let you go first, Seth.

[D]

So here's how it goes. I'm not going to tell you what the next need is.

[B]

Yep.

[D]

I could be messing with you.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

I could throw randomly in. Oh, shortstop. And so you got to be able to mindset that I'm going to be throwing you some curveballs here.

[C]

Okay.

[D]

There's five random needs. Rank them one to five. We'll go over after every single one.

[B]

Okay.

[D]

The first need, middle reliever. Doesn't need to be a left hander. Doesn't need to be a right hander. That didn't one ending guy.

[B]

I remember the open of this show. I remember a long time ago, 2 hours and 46 minutes ago, Seth poo pooed all over bringing in a roulette lefty reliever. Righty.

[C]

I didn't poo poo bring one in. And we were just in talking about priorities. It wasn't my top priority. I think that's. Yeah, you have your middle relievers. They're your failed starting pitchers. So. But knowing that there's going to be a wild card somewhere along the way, I would say a middle reliever right

[B]

now would be four fourth for middle reliever. Okay. So blindly rank fourth for middle reliever. All right, Cole, what is next?

[D]

So you're both going for then?

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Well, we'll take sepa Go now. I'll go. I'll rank the next one.

[D]

Left handed power hitting outfielder.

[B]

Oh boy. Okay. I think this is one of the top two.

[C]

Yeah, it's.

[B]

This is either starting pitching or left handed power hitting out.

[D]

Power hitting outfielder.

[B]

Okay. Is this someone.

[C]

That's Cam Smith.

[B]

That's.

[C]

Is it okay if he strikes out all the time too?

[D]

And he's a righty.

[B]

He's a righty and he's a righty.

[C]

Oh, sorry. I was thinking outfielder. Sorry.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We saw a left hand, power, left handed power, left handed power bat in the outfield. I am gonna put that at two.

[D]

Okay.

[B]

Left handed power outfielder. I kind of like how this is shaping up so far.

[D]

Number two, it is the left handed power hitting outfielder. And number four is the relief pitch.

[B]

So we have 1, 3 and 5 still one filling the game. Yeah, yeah. Okay.

[D]

Number three, utility bat. You just anywhere, anywhere utility. The Mauricio Dubon type player who can go in the outfield.

[B]

Why'd you have to bring up his name?

[D]

I know.

[B]

I miss him. I miss him so much.

[D]

Hey, Nick Allen. Great.

[C]

Have you kept up with him. How is he? Got up to that hot start and

[B]

then he's cooled off. But he is still very popular in Atlanta. Right? And he's. Yeah, he's still. Yeah, exactly. Still Mauricio Dubon.

[D]

But again, he can play anywhere. If you need him to go to first base, he can. If he needs to go to outfield,

[B]

he's talking a guy like that.

[D]

Guy like that anywhere.

[B]

I don't envy you. Seth, where are you putting this one utility guy?

[D]

Because you really need another infielder.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

We've got three categories left and we haven't had. This might be the wild card here. So I'm going to. I'm going to say I'll put this five.

[B]

Okay. Okay. Utility infielder.

[C]

I don't tweet the results of this out because it's going to make us look like idiots. I know what's going to happen. I know what's going to happen. Like the number two thing is going to be. Yeah, I think we're something. Ridiculous.

[B]

I put left handed power outfielder at 2. I feel okay about that now. Let's wait and see what the last two are.

[D]

So number two is left handed, power bat in the outfield. Number four is relief pitcher.

[B]

Yep.

[D]

Number five is utility man.

[B]

You just. Utility guy could be anything.

[D]

Yep.

[B]

That's kind of what Bryce Matthews is, defensively at least. Okay. But I'm assuming this guy can actually hit and doesn't strike out 50%.

[D]

He is a guy that is a contact here, but 70 trading for him. He's got some chops adding in value to you.

[B]

All right, here we go.

[D]

Okay, your next option is second base. Just in general.

[B]

So now that's going to be third.

[C]

Crap. Well, Altuve can play left field.

[D]

Say, we could try.

[C]

We know that. Have they ever tried that? Is that.

[D]

Remember when Bregman was supposed to reside here and that's why they were going to move him to left to begin with?

[C]

Just move Altuve out to left field. It'll be great.

[B]

Seth, you had to put utility. You had to put utility guy at 5, and now I have to park second baseman and disrespect Jose Altuve. I've disrespected him enough on this show.

[D]

I say you've literally done it twice.

[B]

Oh, my God. Oh, okay. Well, number one, blame Seth.

[C]

All right, so Mick Allen's my utility guy until I die. Okay, I don't. You don't have to. You guys, I'm not gonna sit here and let you guys crap all over Nick Allen every damn day the way

[B]

you, Bryce Matthews and their combined 5, 10 ops.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Text slide. Remember when we had too many fielders to trade it? Now we need one.

[B]

Yeah, no kidding. Kidding. Well, so what's left over?

[D]

The good news is that at number one because you guys did save out.

[B]

Yep.

[D]

Is starting pitching.

[B]

Oh, okay, that's good.

[D]

So you survived it.

[C]

Where's second baseman? End it third.

[B]

Maybe they won't get to that when they look at it. If Cole posted on social media.

[C]

I stand by that. I trust Nick Allen better than anybody they have there at second base.

[B]

All right, so the final, final list of needs as ranked blindly by Payne and Pendergast. Number one, starting pitching. I agree with that.

[D]

Warranted.

[B]

Number two, left handed power hitting outfielder.

[D]

Yep.

[B]

Number three, second baseman.

[D]

We're trading you. See you later, buddy.

[B]

I hate you, Cole. Number four, middle relie. And number five, utility infielder. I would say most of that's pretty good.

[C]

Between Nick Allen and Yiner playing first, I think you guys, you guys are way underrating what they already have.

[D]

Don't worry, we're gonna. We're gonna bring up somebody to play third base. East side praise goes to first.

[B]

Can play first.

[D]

DH is now Christian Walker. Jordan goes to left field. Utility's fine, guys. It's all good. Seth was thinking that way.

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

The recap show is an inside look for fans into the world of global soccer, women's sports, and all things G culture from the inside perspective of two World cup champions and Olympians. Follow and listen to the recap show wherever you get your podcasts.

[B]

Question for Sean. This goes back to our previous segment where we outlined all the unattractive things that I do for the female race out there. What's your go to cigar? That's the thing. Here's the thing about cigars and it being a hobby. That's why I categorize cigars for me as more of a. An interest than a hobby is I smoke fewer than you would think. I smoke maybe a couple, two, three. I've smoked none this week because I've had a throat issue all week. I don't really have a go to cigar. I. I go. What I do is I go on my walk. I walk to Richards, which is owned by Specs right there at the corner of Kirby and Westheimer, and I just go into the humidor and I pick out a couple, you know, just. I just. I'm more about the price range than I am the actual brand.

[C]

I was surprised that cigar smoking was as low as it was just partly because, like, cigar smoke's got a pleasant smell to it. Like, I don't like and I don't like. I usually. I'm sensitive to smoke, man. Any. Like, if I were in a room full of cigar smoke, I'd be a mess. But I. But I enjoy the aroma of it from a distance. The same as, like, pipe smoke.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

So I think, I feel like there are women again, when they were taking that survey, might have been looking at it and kind of thinking of the stereotype of just some fat guy in a wife beater with a cigar, you know, and a. Not a. Not a bot. Like, not a glass of whiskey. A bottle of whiskey.

[B]

This is. This is where you got to be super cognizant. Cognizant of that, though, Seth. The aroma of the whole thing. You're. You're. I think you're 100, right? That cigar smoke is not. It's not nearly in the same category of cigarettes to me, at least as an offensive odor or smell. I like the smell. I obviously like the smell of it. I smoke them. You've really got to scrub your teeth the night after smoking cigars.

[C]

It sticks to everything.

[B]

Sticks to it.

[C]

Even close your mouth.

[B]

Yeah. The clothes are solvable. You just throw them in the washer when you get home. But yeah, like, you've really got it. Like, if you've had. If you've smoked a couple cigars and you just did a cursory brush of your teeth before you go to bed, you wake up tasting that. And I would imagine not very attractive to whoever's.

[C]

A lot of women, when they're taking that survey, are probably thinking about that time they made out with a guy who had been smoking cigars or something.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Whereas every now and then I get two thoughts when I smell cigarette smoke. One was back when my dad used to, you know, zero degrees out and we're driving around in my dad's citation and he's got the windows rolled up. Chain smoke in Marlboros. And I'm somehow weirdly nostalgic for it. I'm like. I'm like. I'm like. It makes me kind of nostalgic for my dad. And then the other would be kind of some of the. Some of the scarier girls I made out with in high school.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[C]

You know, it's just that, that, that smell of like. Yeah, it's nasty. But boy, she was. She was kind of. Well, she was nasty, too.

[B]

She was. There's a correlation. I don't feel Bashful in saying that.

[D]

Here's what I think counts for a hobby when it comes to cigar smoking. If you go to a cigar bar and you have a box there.

[B]

Oh, that's a good, that's a good one.

[D]

Yeah. You are known there to be able to pay the month, like a locker for a locker and then go and enjoy this. Because I have a buddy that lives in South Carolina. He literally has a Locke where he goes once a week.

[B]

I like going to cigar lounges and smoking, enjoying it with other cigar smokers. I've never gotten to that, to that level.

[D]

I feel it. But that's like a hobby because you're actually investing into it.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[C]

Well, as I like Les Alexander, remember he had that like super exclusive cigar club that he opened in New York where like, I'm guessing, like if she, if you find out that your, your billionaire boyfriend is into like owning, owning a super exclusive cigar club and has his own locker or something, it's probably a little bit more attractive.

[B]

Yeah, probably the gold digger make an exception. All right, Pain and pender gas with you. Cole Thompson in with us as well. Into the 9 o' clock hour we go. Take a mania time. Take a mania time. Adam Schefter, I think is three weeks and counting right now as the defending champ for taking.

[C]

He needs to be deposed.

[B]

He needs to be taken down. So we've got, we've got a few challengers. We'll see if these work. Seth Payne is the judge, the jury and the executioner. We will do take a mania for a Friday.

[E]

Coming up next, the podcast Campus Files is back with more stories of scandal, crime and intrigue on college campuses. It is not hard to destroy a college.

[D]

It's almost like a university under siege.

[E]

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