Jeff Balke
Houston Press
Texas, United States
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Past articles by Jeff:
Muse, Evanescence Bring Big Goth Energy to Toyota Center
All the earmarks were there: the pyrotechnics, the soaring vocals, the guitar solos, the Coheed and Cambria t-shirts, the guy-liner. If you didn't know any better, you might think you were at some kind of goth, prog metal show. → Read More
Astros Week: Michael Brantley, AT&T Sports Southwest's Money Problem and Pitch Clock Chaos
The Astros are in the throes of Spring Training at their facilities in West Palm Beach, Florida. A handful of games in, we don't know much other than Lance McCullers has already been ruled out for the season opener and the pitch clock moves...really fast. → Read More
Astros Week: We're Back! Early Notes as Spring Training Opens for the Champs
Spring Training has opened and the champs are back. Pitchers and catchers reported last week along with a handful of position players. The first full squad workout came on Tuesday with everyone back plus the addition of Jose Abreu. → Read More
Astros Week: Brown Coming in Hot, Javier Signs Extension
Hard to believe, but Spring Training has arrived. In just a few days, Astros players will hit the field in West Palm Beach, Florida. Pitchers and catchers report February 16 and position players on February 21. If it seems like it was a short offseason, that's because it definitely was... → Read More
Opinion: The Significance of Houston's Squad of Black Coaches (and One GM)
In the end, wins and losses are the only things that matter when it comes to coaching and managing a sports franchise. It is the singular gauge of success and failure. Sports is, after all, the ultimate meritocracy with an unforgiving finality that is judged by simply looking at a... → Read More
Astros Hire Dana Brown as Team's Next General Manager
Astros owner Jim Crane made good on his promise to take his time hiring the team's next general manager. In the end, he settled on Dana Brown, the VP of scouting for the Braves, as his man. → Read More
Billy Wanger Falls Short in Hall of Fame Vote
Former Astros closer Billy Wagner receive TKTK percent, falling just short of the 75 percent required to make the Hall of Fame, but still making a sizable leap from where he had been on previous ballots. → Read More
Rockets Week: Jalen Green Heats Up, the Losing Streak is Dead
Ding, dong, the losing streak is dead. The Rockets managed to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night killing their 13-game losing streak. Make no mistake, this team is not good. They have the worst record in the entire league. But, at least for the last couple weeks, some of... → Read More
Is it Time for the Rockets to Make a Change at Coach?
Stephen Silas is a really good guy, a brilliant young offensive mind, and someone with a pedigree for coaching. But, is he the right fit for the Rockets right now? Some things to consider. → Read More
Five Completely Texans Moments From the Final Week of a Dumpster Fire Season
From the time the game started until Monday when GM Nick Caserio and owner Cal McNair spoke to the media, it was a strange and stupefying roller coaster ride of moments. Or at least, it would have been were this not the Texans. → Read More
Lose One for the Gipper: Texans Need a Loss on Sunday
If there were ever a time for Lovie Smith to rouse his players with a thunderous speech, this is it. With just one game left in the regular season — and the season, period, for the Texans — this is no time to hold back. This team needs to lay... → Read More
5 New Year's Resolutions for Houstonians
Why not join your fellow Houstonians in making some resolutions for everyone who lives here? Consider it as a way to collectively better ourselves in a city that is already pretty damn awesome! → Read More
Rockets Week: Breaking Down the Four Tiers of Rockets Players
In looking over the current roster, it can be divided into four groups or tiers, which helps better explain where they are now and where they might be in a year or two. We will only focus on the 15 on the roster as of December 27. → Read More
It's the Most Wonderful, Bitterly Cold Time of the Year...Apparently: Four Things to Know
It's been a downright balmy December so far. We've heard all the "it doesn't feel like Christmas" whines from around the city. Well, apparently the weather gods have heard your moaning and they are about to have the last laugh. → Read More
Astros Week: In Search of a Catcher and a Lefty
The Astros continue to look for a left handed bat to add to the lineup and, perhaps a catcher to split time with Martin Maldonado.The question is, will it happen now or later because one or both spots will need to be added to the Astros lineup before training camp. → Read More
NBA Honors Hakeem Olajuwon With Re-Naming of Defensive POY Award
On Tuesday, the Rockets announced that the NBA will rename its Defensive Player of the Year Award The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy in honor of The Dream's outstanding defensive play throughout his career. → Read More
Astros Week: JV Leaves, Hot Stove Heats Up, Astros Land All-MLB Spots
The winter meetings hadn't even officially opened yet when word came down that Justin Verlander had decided to leave the Astros and join the Mets on a two-year deal with $86 million. → Read More
Four Things to Know About the Number 1 UH Cougar Men's Basketball Team
The University of Houston men's basketball team was ranked tops in the country in the most recent Associated Press poll. At 7-0, the Kelvin Sampson-coached Cougars have become one of the best college basketball programs in America. → Read More
Astros Week: Landing Abreu and What This Means for Yuli, JV
On Monday, it was widely reported that the Astros had come to an agreement to sign veteran Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu to a deal worth three years and $60 million. → Read More
Astros Week: Click Out, Montero Back, Hot Stove on Fire
One of the few disadvantages about winning the World Series (or participating in it for that matter, Phillies fans) is that it shortens the offseason quite substantially. Obviously, the Astros will happily make that tradeoff, but it does complicate what promises to be an active hot stove season in Major League Baseball. → Read More