Episodes
Will Alex Bregman perform well in his free agency year? A story in The Athletic offers some clues. And what is the Astros 26-man roster going to look like? Jeff Balke discusses. LFG!
Published 03/12/24
Jeff Balke talks Astros saying JV will start the season on the IL, how that impacts the pitching rotation, the first "cuts" of Spring Training, Alex Bregman and Framber Valdez projected contract extensions, Joe Espada and analytics, and streaming on the horizon? LFG!
Published 03/05/24
Ben Dubose joins Jeff Balke to discuss Yordan Alvarez moving to second in the batting order, injuries to Justin Verlander and Forrest Whitley, who might make the bullpen rotation and who could land the two bench spots for the Astros. Also, will robo umps ever make it to the majors? LFG! (And Jeff's dog makes an appearance!)
Published 02/27/24
Brandon Scott from KILT SportsRadio 610 joins Jeff Balke for an EPIC conversation about their five Astros to watch in Spring Training, the start of hat season and the great J.R. Richard. LFG!
Published 02/21/24
A peek at storylines for Astros Spring Training - pitchers and catchers report tomorrow!!! - and a big announcement about the podcast. Happy Valentine's Day, you guys!!! LFG!!!
Published 02/13/24
In this abbreviated Friday episode, we talk about the Jose Altuve extension, the chances of extensions for Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker, the dumb narrative that Astros owner Jim Crane is cheap and...the Oakland...errr...Las Vegas A's? LFG!
Published 02/09/24
In episode 101, we dive in to discuss Billy Wagner's Hall of Fame diss, the Astros WIDE OPEN window and pitching as we are just two weeks from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training. LFG!
Published 01/30/24
In episode 100 (HUNDO!), Jeff Balke and Geoff Blum discuss the Astros spending in the wake of the Shohei Ohtani signing. Are they spending enough? How does their TV deal impact their ability to spend? Much more on our holiday episode! Let's go!
Published 12/19/23
In episode 99, Jeff Balke talks about the Astros signing of Victor Caratini at backup catcher and offers some thanks to Martin Maldonado. Phil Maton is signing with St. Louis. The Astros want in on Jordan Hicks. Could Hector Neris return? Could they trade a starting pitcher? They won't be moving Bregman. Billy Wagner in the HOF. Let's Go!
Published 12/06/23
In episode 98, Geoff Blum and Jeff Balke go all in on Joe Espada, the Astros new manager. We have advice and some thoughts on workload, playing time for Yainer Diaz and Chas McCormick, and stabilizing the batting order. We also have some thoughts on a Jose Altuve extension. Oh, and some memorabilia talk. Let's go!
Published 11/14/23
In episode 97, Jeff Balke and Geoff Blum begin to dig into the dirty work of figuring out what happened to the Astros, who lost to the Rangers in game 7 of the ALCS on Monday night. Rangers were really good. Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez were also, but not Kyle Tucker or Jeremy Peña. Is Minute Maid Park a real problem? Will Dusty Baker retire? What's next for this team in the offseason. We mournfully discuss.
Published 10/24/23
In episode 96, Geoff Blum is off so Jeff Balke has an abbreviated recap of ALCS game four. Astros even the series with the Rangers 2-2. Yordan Alvarez against lefties...and everyone. Jose Abreu hits a homer...and steals a base? Three things to watch in game five. Let's go!!!
Published 10/20/23
In episode 95, Geoff Blum and Jeff Balke recap the first two dismal games of the ALCS and look to Cristian Javier vs. Max Scherzer in game three in Arlington. Will the offense every come around - besides Yordan Alvarez, of course? Jeff reveals how he hates watching the Astros pitch in the postseason and Blumstadamus makes a bold prediction about Kyler Tucker. See you soon South Oklahoma Rangers. LFG!
Published 10/18/23
In episode 94, Jeff Balke flies solo to recap the ALDS win over the Twins and discuss the upcoming all Texas showdown in the ALCS. Rangers fans want Houston. You got 'em. Let's freaking GO!
Published 10/12/23
In episode 93, Geoff Blum is back discussing the ALDS with Jeff Balke. The Astros get on the road to Minnesota - will they continue to be road warriors? Cristian Javier vs. Sonny Gray in game three. How short of a leash will Javier have? The lefty-on-lefty matchup, is it still relevant? We have questions AND ANSWERS. LET'S GO!
Published 10/10/23
In episode 92, Mike Stanton joins Jeff Balke to discuss the upcoming ALDS, the pitching rotations and recap the miracle weekend when the Astros clinched the AL West. We also talk about the new Astros/Rockets sports network and the FRONTLINE documentary about the sign stealing scandal. LFG!
Published 10/05/23
In episode 91, Jeff Balke and Geoff Blum talk about some vintage Verlander on Monday night along with how the Astros are so good in Seattle - Yordan for the PGA tour? Also, under .500 for the season at home. Yikes! But, baseball, on the whole, hasn't done much better. Finally, a little discussion of the Astros regular season as meh as it has been. Oh, and Mariners fans suck. Let's freaking go!
Published 09/26/23
In episode 90, Jeff Balke and Geoff Blum pose the question: Does anyone want to win the AL West? Astros lose a heartbreaker to Baltimore. Does the batter's eye matter? Do we still trust Ryan Pressly? What is this cool and mysterious MLB Gold Card? We discuss it all. Let's GO!
Published 09/19/23
In episode 89, we talk about the race for the AL West, the excruciating Astros shut out at the hands of the A's (?) and who on the team has been consistent and who hasn't. Geoff Blum returns next week, so Jeff Balke flies solo one last time. LFG!
Published 09/12/23
Who doesn't need a Friday Quickie™? Quick look back at the Astros absolute dismantling of the Rangers and a look ahead to Blake Snell and the Padres at Minute Maid Park this weekend. The Astros are not great at home, reminiscent of another season you might remember. Jeff Balke and Geoff Blum will be back on Tuesday with a full episode. Carpe weekend!
Published 09/08/23
In episode 88, Geoff Blum is out sick, so Jeff Balke flies solo. After an epic collapse to the Yankees, the Astros and Rangers play a pivotal series in Arlington. Dubon and Altuve go back-to-back-to-back-to-back! Ryne Stanek hurt. Bregman is on a tear. Chas McCormick should be playing EVERY DAY. Loads more. LFG!
Published 09/05/23
Who doesn't need a Friday Quickie™? Just a quick peek at the Astros - Yankees weekend series as well as a look at the status of the division and Wild Card race. Jeff Balke and Geoff Blum will be back on Tuesday with a full episode, so enjoy your Labor Day weekend and go Astros!
Published 09/01/23
In episode 87, Jeff Balke flies solo while Geoff Blum deals with technical difficulties in Boston. Topics include Jose Altuve hitting for the cycle, Jeremy Peña with five hits, Yordan Alvarez's bomb, the pummeling of Red Sox pitcher Kyle Barraclough, Cristian Javier's continued struggles and jerks who run on the field during games. Also, Tommy Boy! LFG!
Published 08/29/23
In episode 86, Geoff Blum and Jeff Balke get some more meatloaf with Chas McCormick's two bombs helping the Astros be the Red Sox, discuss Uncle Mike's comeback, dissect the awful starting pitching, consider Yainer Diaz and first and revel in Jose Altuve's 2000th hit. Lots, lots more. LFG!
Published 08/22/23
In episode 85, Geoff Blum is in South Beach partying every night (NOT!) and Jeff Balke is trying to stay out of the sun. Also, we dig in on Jon Singleton's INCREDIBLE comeback story, how Kyle Tucker got us (and we hope to get him with an extension) and how it is impossible not to love Jose Altuve, unless you suck. LFG!
Published 08/15/23