The lights are always a little brighter when the Astros play nationally on Fox. Today we’re treated to an exclusive conversation at The Crawfish Boxes with Fox 26 Houston’s long time sports personality, Nate Griffin.
Q: Nate, does something just feel “right” about the Astros playing a meaningful game in September on Fox?
A: Absolutely. You know, if the Astros are not in the postseason, it seems a little strange. The Astros had a magical run from 2017 to 2024. It’s easy to assume that the ship will
keep sailing but thanks to injuries, free agency, a weakened farm system, etc., the “Astros Run” came to a bitter end in 2025. Saturday should be fun.
Q: Do you think we total it all up in a few weeks that 83 wins might be enough to win this division?
A: The A.L. West is the weakest division in baseball. Never thought we’d see such a struggle within the entire division. The Astros can’t seem to find the consistency to pull away. Their longest win streak this season is 6 games. Longest win streak for the Rangers is 4 games. Longest win streak for the Mariners is 8 games. The Astros longest win streak in 2017 was 11 games. But that seemed to give them the confidence they needed to finish strong at the end and they also had better pitching.
Q: If we’re sitting here a month from now and the Astros are playing in October, should Joe Espada return as manager?
A: The Astros could get on a hot streak in October, but I honestly don’t think it’ll be enough to bring Espada back. Seems to be a foregone conclusion that he is only with the team until the end of the season. It is believed that management is going to move forward without him.
Q: What’s been the biggest disappointment for you? For me, it’s been Imai.
A: There have been several disappointments in 2026. The Astros still seem to have challenges keeping their key players healthy. Hunter Brown wasn’t completely healthy to start the season. Christian Javier has not been himself since 2024. Carlos Correa wasn’t able to stay healthy this season. Tough to win. And the Astros expected more from Imai; didn’t get it. Also, not sure how the Daulton Varsho trade had helped the Astros. He’s currently hitting .172.
