College Sports Overhaul? Texas-UTSA, LSU-Ole Miss | Sports Office
The Sports Office wraps up the week with Julian Martinez and John Hygh. The guys discuss the Protect College Sports Act and what proposed changes involving transfers, NIL and the NCAA could mean for college athletics. The Senate voted 77-22 Thursday to proceed with the bill, with debate and possible final passage still ahead. Plus, Julian and John preview LSU-Ole Miss and the storylines surrounding Lane Kiffin before turning to Texas-UTSA. What do the Longhorns need to accomplish before SEC play begins? Finally, the conversation shifts to the NFL, Josh Allen and what the Cowboys need to improve after a rough defensive performance.
The Sports Office wraps up the week with Julian Martinez and John Hygh. The guys discuss the Protect College Sports Act and what proposed changes involving transfers, NIL and the NCAA could mean for college athletics. The Senate voted 77-22 Thursday to proceed with the bill, with debate and possible final passage still ahead. Plus, Julian and John preview LSU-Ole Miss and the storylines surrounding Lane Kiffin before turning to Texas-UTSA. What do the Longhorns need to accomplish before SEC play begins? Finally, the conversation shifts to the NFL, Josh Allen and what the Cowboys need to improve after a rough defensive performance.
Texas Distractions, Cowboys Must-Win? C.J. Stroud Responds to Criticism
The Sports Office breaks down a busy week across Texas football. Steve Sarkisian addresses the off-field situations surrounding the Longhorns as Texas looks to move forward from its comeback win and prepare for UTSA. Julian Martinez and Dennis de la Peña discuss Johnny Nansen, Arch Manning and the distractions surrounding the program. Plus, is the Cowboys’ matchup with Washington already approaching must-win territory? The guys examine Dallas’ defense and what they want to see from Dak Prescott and the offense. Finally, C.J. Stroud responds after Andre Johnson criticized his body language, while the Texans turn their attention to Cincinnati and questions surrounding Nico Collins.
The Sports Office breaks down a busy week across Texas football. Steve Sarkisian addresses the off-field situations surrounding the Longhorns as Texas looks to move forward from its comeback win and prepare for UTSA. Julian Martinez and Dennis de la Peña discuss Johnny Nansen, Arch Manning and the distractions surrounding the program. Plus, is the Cowboys’ matchup with Washington already approaching must-win territory? The guys examine Dallas’ defense and what they want to see from Dak Prescott and the offense. Finally, C.J. Stroud responds after Andre Johnson criticized his body language, while the Texans turn their attention to Cincinnati and questions surrounding Nico Collins.
Texas Turns to UTSA After Ohio State Thriller | Sports Office
Texas is coming off a comeback for the ages against Ohio State, but now the Longhorns have to refocus for UTSA. Julian Martinez and Dennis de la Peña preview the matchup with the Roadrunners, discuss avoiding a letdown and explain what they want to see from Arch Manning and Texas before the SEC opener. Plus, Dave Dave Froehlich reflects on the Ohio State comeback before breaking down the Houston Texans’ loss to Buffalo, C.J. Stroud and the offense, the defense’s struggles and the upcoming matchup with Cincinnati.
Texas is coming off a comeback for the ages against Ohio State, but now the Longhorns have to refocus for UTSA. Julian Martinez and Dennis de la Peña preview the matchup with the Roadrunners, discuss avoiding a letdown and explain what they want to see from Arch Manning and Texas before the SEC opener. Plus, Dave Dave Froehlich reflects on the Ohio State comeback before breaking down the Houston Texans’ loss to Buffalo, C.J. Stroud and the offense, the defense’s struggles and the upcoming matchup with Cincinnati.
What Texas’ Ohio State Comeback Changes for the Longhorns
Texas erased a 20-point deficit to complete a memorable comeback against Ohio State. Now the question becomes what the victory means for the Longhorns moving forward. Julian Martinez and Clif Thornton recap the football weekend before David Eckert of Horns247 joins The Sports Office to break down Steve Sarkisian’s comeback victory, Arch Manning, Texas’ fourth-quarter running game, Ryan Wingo and the adjustments made by Will Muschamp’s defense. Plus, how much does the Ohio State victory help Texas’ College Football Playoff outlook, and can the Longhorns maintain their focus against Jeff Traylor and UTSA?
Texas erased a 20-point deficit to complete a memorable comeback against Ohio State. Now the question becomes what the victory means for the Longhorns moving forward. Julian Martinez and Clif Thornton recap the football weekend before David Eckert of Horns247 joins The Sports Office to break down Steve Sarkisian’s comeback victory, Arch Manning, Texas’ fourth-quarter running game, Ryan Wingo and the adjustments made by Will Muschamp’s defense. Plus, how much does the Ohio State victory help Texas’ College Football Playoff outlook, and can the Longhorns maintain their focus against Jeff Traylor and UTSA?
Texas Stuns Ohio State: Breaking Down the Longhorns’ Comeback
Texas completed a stunning comeback against Ohio State after trailing 23-3 late in the third quarter. Julian Martinez and Dennis de la Peña break down how Steve Sarkisian kept the Longhorns committed to the running game, Arch Manning maintained his composure and Texas battled back against the Buckeyes. Plus, what went wrong for Ohio State and Arthur Smith? The Sports Office also reacts to the Dallas Cowboys' opening loss to the New York Giants, the Houston Texans falling to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, Oklahoma's loss at Michigan and a rough weekend for Oregon.
Texas completed a stunning comeback against Ohio State after trailing 23-3 late in the third quarter. Julian Martinez and Dennis de la Peña break down how Steve Sarkisian kept the Longhorns committed to the running game, Arch Manning maintained his composure and Texas battled back against the Buckeyes. Plus, what went wrong for Ohio State and Arthur Smith? The Sports Office also reacts to the Dallas Cowboys' opening loss to the New York Giants, the Houston Texans falling to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, Oklahoma's loss at Michigan and a rough weekend for Oregon.
Arch Manning’s Redemption Shot: Can Texas Take Down Ohio State?
Arch Manning gets another opportunity against Ohio State, and this time Texas has the Buckeyes at home. Julian Martinez and John Hygh break down what Manning must do differently after struggling in last year’s matchup, why establishing confidence early could be critical and how Steve Sarkisian can get the Texas offense into rhythm. Plus, they examine the Longhorns defense, Colin Simmons and whether Texas has what it takes to win a battle between two elite teams.
Arch Manning gets another opportunity against Ohio State, and this time Texas has the Buckeyes at home. Julian Martinez and John Hygh break down what Manning must do differently after struggling in last year’s matchup, why establishing confidence early could be critical and how Steve Sarkisian can get the Texas offense into rhythm. Plus, they examine the Longhorns defense, Colin Simmons and whether Texas has what it takes to win a battle between two elite teams.
Texas vs. Ohio State: Who Has the Most to Prove in the Rematch?
Who has the most to prove when Texas and Ohio State meet again? Julian Martinez and Clif Thornton hold a Longhorns-Buckeyes draft to rank the players, coaches and units facing the most pressure in the massive rematch. Arch Manning looks for redemption after last year’s performance, while Steve Sarkisian tries to break through against Ryan Day. The Sports Office also examines the pressure on Colin Simmons, Jeremiah Smith, Cam Coleman, Will Muschamp, the Texas running backs and the Longhorns offensive line.
Who has the most to prove when Texas and Ohio State meet again? Julian Martinez and Clif Thornton hold a Longhorns-Buckeyes draft to rank the players, coaches and units facing the most pressure in the massive rematch. Arch Manning looks for redemption after last year’s performance, while Steve Sarkisian tries to break through against Ryan Day. The Sports Office also examines the pressure on Colin Simmons, Jeremiah Smith, Cam Coleman, Will Muschamp, the Texas running backs and the Longhorns offensive line.
Texas vs. Ohio State: Steve Sarkisian vs Ryan Day
Is it finally Texas’ turn to beat Ohio State? Dennis de la Peña joins Julian Martinez on The Sports Office to break down the Longhorns’ highly anticipated rematch with the Buckeyes. They discuss Arch Manning’s development, concerns surrounding the Texas run game, Will Muschamp’s impact on Steve Sarkisian’s staff and how Sark compares with national championship-winning Ohio State coach Ryan Day. Plus, Dennis explains why he doesn’t consider the matchup a must-win for Sark and the Longhorns.
Is it finally Texas’ turn to beat Ohio State? Dennis de la Peña joins Julian Martinez on The Sports Office to break down the Longhorns’ highly anticipated rematch with the Buckeyes. They discuss Arch Manning’s development, concerns surrounding the Texas run game, Will Muschamp’s impact on Steve Sarkisian’s staff and how Sark compares with national championship-winning Ohio State coach Ryan Day. Plus, Dennis explains why he doesn’t consider the matchup a must-win for Sark and the Longhorns.
Texas vs. Ohio State: Can Arch Manning Finally Beat the Buckeyes?
No. 4 Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State in one of the biggest games of the college football season. The Sports Office breaks down Arch Manning’s opportunity for redemption, Will Muschamp’s defensive game plan, Jeremiah Smith’s matchup against the Texas secondary and the pressure on Steve Sarkisian to finally get past Ryan Day. Plus, we discuss the Houston Texans ahead of their matchup with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, C.J. Stroud entering the season without a new extension and why our entire Sports Office crew is picking Houston to win the AFC South.
No. 4 Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State in one of the biggest games of the college football season. The Sports Office breaks down Arch Manning’s opportunity for redemption, Will Muschamp’s defensive game plan, Jeremiah Smith’s matchup against the Texas secondary and the pressure on Steve Sarkisian to finally get past Ryan Day. Plus, we discuss the Houston Texans ahead of their matchup with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, C.J. Stroud entering the season without a new extension and why our entire Sports Office crew is picking Houston to win the AFC South.
Texas vs. Ohio State: Can Arch Manning Finally Beat the Buckeyes?
No. 4 Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State in one of the biggest games of the college football season. The Sports Office breaks down Arch Manning’s opportunity for redemption, Will Muschamp’s defensive game plan, Jeremiah Smith’s matchup against the Texas secondary and the pressure on Steve Sarkisian to finally get past Ryan Day. Plus, we discuss the Houston Texans ahead of their matchup with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, C.J. Stroud entering the season without a new extension and why our entire Sports Office crew is picking Houston to win the AFC South.
No. 4 Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State in one of the biggest games of the college football season. The Sports Office breaks down Arch Manning’s opportunity for redemption, Will Muschamp’s defensive game plan, Jeremiah Smith’s matchup against the Texas secondary and the pressure on Steve Sarkisian to finally get past Ryan Day. Plus, we discuss the Houston Texans ahead of their matchup with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, C.J. Stroud entering the season without a new extension and why our entire Sports Office crew is picking Houston to win the AFC South.
Texas-Ohio State Preview, Cowboys NFC East Picks | Sports Office
The Sports Office breaks down a loaded Monday across college football and the NFL. Julian Martinez and John Hygh recap Texas’ dominant 59-7 win over Texas State before turning their attention to No. 1 Ohio State. Can Arch Manning, Cam Coleman and the Longhorns’ new-look offense deliver against the Buckeyes? And can Will Muschamp’s defense stop Jeremiah Smith? Plus, the guys discuss the extreme heat at DKR after several fans were transported to hospitals and debate whether Texas should consider more shade or even a return to natural grass. Then, it’s time for NFC East predictions. Julian and John make the case for the Dallas Cowboys over the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Washington Commanders before closing with college football buy-or-sell takes on Clemson, LSU and more.
The Sports Office breaks down a loaded Monday across college football and the NFL. Julian Martinez and John Hygh recap Texas’ dominant 59-7 win over Texas State before turning their attention to No. 1 Ohio State. Can Arch Manning, Cam Coleman and the Longhorns’ new-look offense deliver against the Buckeyes? And can Will Muschamp’s defense stop Jeremiah Smith? Plus, the guys discuss the extreme heat at DKR after several fans were transported to hospitals and debate whether Texas should consider more shade or even a return to natural grass. Then, it’s time for NFC East predictions. Julian and John make the case for the Dallas Cowboys over the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Washington Commanders before closing with college football buy-or-sell takes on Clemson, LSU and more.
Texas-Texas State Preview + NFC North, South Picks | Sports Office
Week 1 of the college football season is here, and The Sports Office gets you ready for Texas vs. Texas State. Julian Martinez and Dennis de la Peña break down the Longhorns’ new offensive weapons, Will Muschamp’s defense and what the Bobcats could bring to Austin. Plus, the crew makes its NFC South predictions before Julian and Alec Nolan debate a wide-open NFC North featuring the Packers, Bears, Lions and Vikings.
Week 1 of the college football season is here, and The Sports Office gets you ready for Texas vs. Texas State. Julian Martinez and Dennis de la Peña break down the Longhorns’ new offensive weapons, Will Muschamp’s defense and what the Bobcats could bring to Austin. Plus, the crew makes its NFC South predictions before Julian and Alec Nolan debate a wide-open NFC North featuring the Packers, Bears, Lions and Vikings.
Kawhi Fallout, Spurs Streaming, NFC West Picks | Sports Office
The Sports Office breaks down a packed week across the NBA, NFL and college football. Julian Martinez and Clif Thornton discuss the fallout surrounding Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, what the penalties could mean for the franchise and whether Spurs fans feel vindicated. Plus, Carolina Teague of Spurfect breaks down the Spurs’ new DAZN broadcast partnership and Victor Wembanyama’s play with France. The show also previews the NFC West, discusses Texas Longhorns football, Trevor Goosby’s return and Joe Milton rejoining the Dallas Cowboys.
The Sports Office breaks down a packed week across the NBA, NFL and college football. Julian Martinez and Clif Thornton discuss the fallout surrounding Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, what the penalties could mean for the franchise and whether Spurs fans feel vindicated. Plus, Carolina Teague of Spurfect breaks down the Spurs’ new DAZN broadcast partnership and Victor Wembanyama’s play with France. The show also previews the NFC West, discusses Texas Longhorns football, Trevor Goosby’s return and Joe Milton rejoining the Dallas Cowboys.
Texas Football Headlines, AFC West Picks & Wild Ohio State Bets
The Sports Office breaks down a loaded week of football headlines, starting with Marcel Reed’s comments about Texas and expectations for Texas A&M, Texas Tech, TCU and Baylor in 2026. Julian Martinez and John Hygh also debate Dabo Swinney’s old-school approach ahead of Clemson-LSU, make their AFC West predictions and discuss whether the Denver Broncos deserve to be picked over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Plus, an Ohio State fan has created some outrageous punishments if the Buckeyes lose this season, including a special challenge if Texas takes them down.
The Sports Office breaks down a loaded week of football headlines, starting with Marcel Reed’s comments about Texas and expectations for Texas A&M, Texas Tech, TCU and Baylor in 2026. Julian Martinez and John Hygh also debate Dabo Swinney’s old-school approach ahead of Clemson-LSU, make their AFC West predictions and discuss whether the Denver Broncos deserve to be picked over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Plus, an Ohio State fan has created some outrageous punishments if the Buckeyes lose this season, including a special challenge if Texas takes them down.
NFL Cuts, AFC East Picks, Texas vs. Texas State
The Sports Office is loaded with football talk as Julian Martinez and Dennis de la Peña play buy or sell and fair or foul with some of the biggest storylines around the NFL and college football. They discuss Tua Tagovailoa’s apparent social media burner mishap, Quinn Ewers landing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jaydon Blue joining the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys moving on from Joe Milton and the growing controversy surrounding former NFL players returning to college football. Then, the crew breaks down the AFC East and debates whether Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills can reclaim the division from the defending AFC champion New England Patriots. Finally, it’s game week in Austin. Dave Froehlich joins the show to discuss Arch Manning, Will Muschamp’s defense and what Texas needs to accomplish before its showdown with Ohio State.
The Sports Office is loaded with football talk as Julian Martinez and Dennis de la Peña play buy or sell and fair or foul with some of the biggest storylines around the NFL and college football. They discuss Tua Tagovailoa’s apparent social media burner mishap, Quinn Ewers landing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jaydon Blue joining the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys moving on from Joe Milton and the growing controversy surrounding former NFL players returning to college football. Then, the crew breaks down the AFC East and debates whether Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills can reclaim the division from the defending AFC champion New England Patriots. Finally, it’s game week in Austin. Dave Froehlich joins the show to discuss Arch Manning, Will Muschamp’s defense and what Texas needs to accomplish before its showdown with Ohio State.
Texas vs. Texas State, Cowboys Cuts & AFC North Picks | Sports Office
It's officially game week, and The Sports Office is breaking down a loaded slate of football headlines. Julian Martinez and John Hygh preview Texas vs. Texas State as the Longhorns prepare to open the season against the Bobcats. Can Texas State challenge Arch Manning and a loaded Texas roster, or will the Longhorns' depth take over? Plus, the Dallas Cowboys make some surprising roster cuts, including former Longhorn Jaydon Blue, raising questions about the depth behind Javonte Williams. Then, we make our AFC North predictions with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers all getting consideration before closing with the bizarre story of a man accused of posing as a San Francisco 49ers player to scam 26 women out of $1.3 million.
It's officially game week, and The Sports Office is breaking down a loaded slate of football headlines. Julian Martinez and John Hygh preview Texas vs. Texas State as the Longhorns prepare to open the season against the Bobcats. Can Texas State challenge Arch Manning and a loaded Texas roster, or will the Longhorns' depth take over? Plus, the Dallas Cowboys make some surprising roster cuts, including former Longhorn Jaydon Blue, raising questions about the depth behind Javonte Williams. Then, we make our AFC North predictions with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers all getting consideration before closing with the bizarre story of a man accused of posing as a San Francisco 49ers player to scam 26 women out of $1.3 million.
Texas' Brutal Finish & Ranking the NFL's Worst Uniforms
The Sports Office tackles Texas football's toughest stretch before turning its attention to some of the most infamous uniforms in NFL history. Julian Martinez and Clif Thornton break down the Longhorns' final four games against LSU, Missouri, Texas A&M and Arkansas. With three ranked opponents in that stretch, how much room for error will Texas have in its pursuit of the College Football Playoff? The discussion includes a potential showdown with Lane Kiffin and LSU in Death Valley, another rivalry matchup with Texas A&M at Kyle Field and whether Missouri or Arkansas could cause problems for the Longhorns. Then, Julian and Alec Nolan grade the Houston Texans' new Nike Rivalry uniforms before taking on some of the NFL's most controversial looks. From the Seahawks' neon green and Jaguars' Color Rush uniforms to throwbacks from the Eagles, Giants, Broncos and Steelers, which looks survive and which belong in the trash?
The Sports Office tackles Texas football's toughest stretch before turning its attention to some of the most infamous uniforms in NFL history. Julian Martinez and Clif Thornton break down the Longhorns' final four games against LSU, Missouri, Texas A&M and Arkansas. With three ranked opponents in that stretch, how much room for error will Texas have in its pursuit of the College Football Playoff? The discussion includes a potential showdown with Lane Kiffin and LSU in Death Valley, another rivalry matchup with Texas A&M at Kyle Field and whether Missouri or Arkansas could cause problems for the Longhorns. Then, Julian and Alec Nolan grade the Houston Texans' new Nike Rivalry uniforms before taking on some of the NFL's most controversial looks. From the Seahawks' neon green and Jaguars' Color Rush uniforms to throwbacks from the Eagles, Giants, Broncos and Steelers, which looks survive and which belong in the trash?
Texas Schedule Test, Vince Young Legacy & Cowboys Preseason
The Sports Office breaks down a pivotal stretch of the Texas Longhorns' schedule and revisits the legacy of one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history. Julian Martinez and Clif Thornton examine Texas' upcoming matchups against Oklahoma, Florida, Ole Miss and Mississippi State, including potential revenge games, College Football Playoff implications and a possible Heisman showdown. Then, the conversation turns to Vince Young following the release of a new documentary chronicling his journey from Texas superstar to the NFL. What made Young so dominant with the Longhorns, and what went wrong during his professional career? Plus, the Cowboys and Texans prepare to close out the preseason. Could Jaydon Blue establish himself as Dallas' clear No. 2 running back, and can the Cowboys' revamped defense continue showing progress?
The Sports Office breaks down a pivotal stretch of the Texas Longhorns' schedule and revisits the legacy of one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history. Julian Martinez and Clif Thornton examine Texas' upcoming matchups against Oklahoma, Florida, Ole Miss and Mississippi State, including potential revenge games, College Football Playoff implications and a possible Heisman showdown. Then, the conversation turns to Vince Young following the release of a new documentary chronicling his journey from Texas superstar to the NFL. What made Young so dominant with the Longhorns, and what went wrong during his professional career? Plus, the Cowboys and Texans prepare to close out the preseason. Could Jaydon Blue establish himself as Dallas' clear No. 2 running back, and can the Cowboys' revamped defense continue showing progress?
Arch Manning, Texas Football, Texans Talk | Sports Office
The Sports Office is back with a packed football show as Julian Martinez is joined by Dennis de la Peña and Dave Froehlich. Arch Manning enters his second season as Texas' starting quarterback with major expectations and a talented group of weapons around him. We break down the Longhorns' opening stretch featuring Texas State, Ohio State, UTSA and Tennessee and discuss what Texas needs to prove early in the season. Clif Thornton previews the return of high school football as Weiss visits Round Rock in the FOX 7 Friday Football Game of the Week. Then, Dave Froehlich joins the show to discuss the Houston Texans' new Rivalries uniforms, the battle over Houston Oilers history, Deshaun Watson's dramatic career decline and a Texans quarterback edition of Start, Bench, Cut featuring Matt Schaub, Watson and C.J. Stroud.
The Sports Office is back with a packed football show as Julian Martinez is joined by Dennis de la Peña and Dave Froehlich. Arch Manning enters his second season as Texas' starting quarterback with major expectations and a talented group of weapons around him. We break down the Longhorns' opening stretch featuring Texas State, Ohio State, UTSA and Tennessee and discuss what Texas needs to prove early in the season. Clif Thornton previews the return of high school football as Weiss visits Round Rock in the FOX 7 Friday Football Game of the Week. Then, Dave Froehlich joins the show to discuss the Houston Texans' new Rivalries uniforms, the battle over Houston Oilers history, Deshaun Watson's dramatic career decline and a Texans quarterback edition of Start, Bench, Cut featuring Matt Schaub, Watson and C.J. Stroud.
NFL to College Chaos, Texans Make Trade & Joe Milton Shines
The Sports Office breaks down a wild Tuesday across college football and Texas sports. Julian Martinez and John Hygh debate the growing controversy surrounding players attempting to return to college football after spending time with NFL teams. With conferences taking different approaches, where should the line be drawn on college eligibility? Then, the Houston Texans make a move following Jayden Higgins' season-ending ACL injury, adding another receiver to an offense led by C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins. Can the new weapon help Houston's offense take the next step? Plus, Joe Milton makes a strong case for the Cowboys' backup quarterback job after an impressive preseason performance. The guys also discuss Jaydon Blue's emergence and whether Dallas should consider trading one of its quarterbacks. Finally, major changes are underway for the Houston Astros as the organization reshapes its leadership. Is it time for Houston to begin rebuilding the roster that produced one of baseball's most successful recent runs?
The Sports Office breaks down a wild Tuesday across college football and Texas sports. Julian Martinez and John Hygh debate the growing controversy surrounding players attempting to return to college football after spending time with NFL teams. With conferences taking different approaches, where should the line be drawn on college eligibility? Then, the Houston Texans make a move following Jayden Higgins' season-ending ACL injury, adding another receiver to an offense led by C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins. Can the new weapon help Houston's offense take the next step? Plus, Joe Milton makes a strong case for the Cowboys' backup quarterback job after an impressive preseason performance. The guys also discuss Jaydon Blue's emergence and whether Dallas should consider trading one of its quarterbacks. Finally, major changes are underway for the Houston Astros as the organization reshapes its leadership. Is it time for Houston to begin rebuilding the roster that produced one of baseball's most successful recent runs?