The Press Box with Joel Blank and Nick Sharara

The Press Box with Joel Blank and Nick Sharara

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Joel Blank has been plugged into the Houston sports scene for over 2 decades. Nick Sharara is one of most experienced radio producers in Houston. Together, they make up ESPN Houston's "The Press Box." You can hear them weekday afternoons 2-4p CT on ESPN 97.2/92.5 FM or anytime on your device at http://espn975.com.

ESPN Houston


    • Jul 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 3,747 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Press Box with Joel Blank and Nick Sharara

    07/17 Hour 1 - Will Yordan Alvarez Return the Same As Before?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 53:30


    Another Episode of The Killer B's with special guest Barry Laminack!  - Comedian, Barry Laminack guest stars in the hive! - Should we be worried about Hunter Brown not playing in the Mariners series? - Do you think the Astros as is can make a deep playoff run?  - Even if Yordan Alvarez comes back in September, will he come back the same? 

    07/17 Hour 2 - How Should Dana Brown Handle the Trade Deadline?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 46:46


    Another Episode of The Killer B's with special guest Barry Laminack!  - Spencer Arrighetti's thumb injury is experiencing set backs. Is this another mishandling of the Astros' medical team? - What is your thought process on how Dana Brown should handle the trade deadline? - How do you feel about the Texans' offensive line? 

    07/17 Hour 3 - How Confident Do You Feel About The Texans' Offensive Line?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 41:05


    Another Episode of The Killer B's with special guest Barry Laminack!  - How confident do you feel about the Texans' offensive line? - Where do you stand with these dessert rankings?  - Joel and Barry react to these "old guy phrases".  - Car Wreck of the Day! 

    07/16 Hour 1 - How Can We Fix the MLB All-Star Game?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 51:27


    Hour 1 of the Killer B's with Joel Blank, and Barry Laminack filling in for Jeremy Branham Were you bored by last night's MLB All-Star game? Was the "swing off" used as a tie-breaker too gimmicky? Is the MLB All-Star game fixable, or should they just cancel it? Barry also shares a story about an interaction with a door-to-door salesman that went sideways

    07/16 Hour 2 - Astros Wishlist for the Second Half of the MLB Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 50:26


    Hour 2 of the Killer B's with Joel Blank, and Barry Laminack filling in for Jeremy Branham! They carried over the MLB All-Star game, and how to fix it conversation for a bit What's on your Astros Wishlist for the 2nd half of the MLB season? With the Astros return from injury problem, do you blame the medical staff more, or a team culture of rushing players back too soon more?

    07/16 Hour 3 - How Real Are the Breakout Seasons of Jeremy Peña and Jake Meyers?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 40:55


    Hour 3 of the Killer B's with Joel Blank, and Barry Laminack filling in for Jeremy Branham This hour the guys discussed the breakout seasons by Jake Meyers and Jeremy Peña, how real are their stats this year? Can they sustain them over the long term? Plus more on what the Astros do need, and don't need to trade for, and then the show got derailed by a Barry rant when Joel dared to bring up the name Jon Singleton PLUS, their Car Wrecks of the Day!

    07/15 Hour 1 - Jets' Contract Extensions Make Nick Caserio Look Like a Genius

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 51:39


    - Derek Stingley Jr.'s contract looks REAL good after Sauce Gardner's new contract - Is Will Anderson Jr.'s contract going to "break the market?" And if so, how can the Texans fill out the rest of their roster? - Does the Home Run Derby suck? - And are Jeremy and Joel in favor of a salary cap in baseball?

    07/15 Hour 2 - What Are You Mad About? Houston Sports Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 47:09


    - Jimmy Price, @astrosfuture on X, joins the show to talk Astros draft picks and prospects - Joel, Jeremy, Brian, and some callers answer the question: what are you mad about in Houston sports? - And how would an NHL team be received in Houston?

    07/15 Hour 3 - Cash or Trash + NFL Best Bets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 44:53


    - NFL Cash it or Trash it? - Wheel of Bits: Brian's best NFL bets - And wrapping up the show with "Car Wrecks of the Day"

    07/14 Hour 1 - Worse Problem: Astros' Pitching or Paul's Strep Throat?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 48:04


    - Astros: Good, Bad, and Ugly - Is Paul soft for leaving early today? - What do you make of Lance McCullers? - Who'd you rather: Colton Gordon or Lance McCullers?

    07/14 Hour 2 - Are You Worried About Hunter Brown?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 52:03


    - Concern over Hunter Brown after back-to-back disappointing starts? - Why has Jeremy's opinion on Christian Walker changed for the worse in the last 24 hours? - Brice Matthews: ice cold since making big league debut...was it too premature to call him up? - Thoughts on the Astros' selection at pick #21 in the MLB Draft.

    07/14 Hour 3 - Mailbag Monday + Man of the People and Car Wreck of the Day!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 41:48


    Joel and Jeremy answer your questions during Mailbag Monday, played "Man of the People," and named their car wrecks on the day.

    07/11 Hour 1 - Should the Rockets Give Amen Thompson the Max?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 49:35


    Will Amen Thompson get a max contract extension? The Greek Freak's brother says the Rockets are the best team Kevin Durant has ever been traded to; do Joel and Jeremy agree? Astros called up top prospect Brice Matthews, how much and where should he play? Can Reed Sheppard show improvement this summer? Jeremy and Joel are going to be watching his games to see The guys play the 'Wheels of Bits' as they debate who has the best french fries? Happy National French Fry Day!

    07/11 Hour 2 - The Astros Should Push the Cam Smith Rookie of the Year Campaign to the Moon!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 49:15


    Jeremy has a hot take... Josh Miller and Bill Murphy are better pitching coaches than the great Brent Strom Astros TV voice Todd Kalas hangs out with boys, and discusses the sweep against Cleveland, the call up of Brice Matthews, the Rangers series this weekend, and more! Astros pushing the ASG vote need to turn that attention to Cam winning ROY

    07/11 Hour 3 - What Players on the Trade Market Should the Astros Go After?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 40:50


    Jeremy and Joel discuss potential trades for the Astros as the deadline to add nears closer. The guys think hard while playing their Favorite game, 'Who Said It?' Jeremy and Joel go head-to-head while playing "Is he a Texas Ranger or ___?" Car Wreck of the day!

    5: 07/10 Hour 1 - Should Heads Roll for Astros' Mishandling Another Injury?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 47:54


    Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham of the Killer B's are back with another episode!  Is Jake Meyer's injury from last night a bigger insight to the Astros' incompetence? Why do the Astros' medical staff have so many issues in diagnosing and rehabilitation? What should change to be a component medical staff? Should heads roll for Astros' mishandling another injury?

    4: 07/10 Hour 2 - Have Astros Created a Culture of Rushing Back Injured Players Too Soon?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 50:04


    Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham of the Killer B's are back with another episode!  What are the benefits for cautiously putting a player on a 10-day IL? Have the Astros created a culture of rushing back injured players too soon? Joel and Jeremy discuss the plan to overhaul the Astros' medical staff What is wrong with Jake Meyers and when will he return?  Salt in the wound: the boys recap the Astros' loss to the Guardians last night. Is Brandon Walter for real? Bad Take Boulevard!

    3: 07/10 Hour 3 - What Grade Would You Give the Texans' Off Season?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 43:15


    Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham of the Killer B's are back with another episode!  What are the top 3 best fast food places to get a burger?  What grade would you give the Texans' off season? Is Ashton Jeanty being overhyped? Did the Steelers off season additions really make them that much better?  They react to the breaking news of Brice Matthews getting called up!  Car Wreck Of The Day!

    2: 07/09 Hour 1 - Hunter Brown's Terrible Start Yesterday!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 50:07


    Killer B's with Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham are back with another episode!  - Hunter Brown's terrible start yesterday.  - Dissecting Astros loss yesterday.  - Jabari Smith Jr's 5 year deal showcases underrated contract work for the Rockets.

    1: 07/09 Hour 2 - Rockets Are Underrated In Contract Negations!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 46:52


    Killer B's with Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham are back with another episode!  - Rockets are underrated in contract negations - Isaac Paredes replacing Jose Ramirez in the All-Star Game!?  - Do the Texans have the best pass/rush duo in the NFL? - Can Will Anderson be the next breakout Edge Rusher?  - Is Houston a "fair weather" City?

    07/09 Hour 3 - Is Houston A "Fair Weather" City?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 45:46


    Killer B's with Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham are back with another episode!  - Is Houston a "fair weather" city? - What reasons cause empty seats at Houston sports games?  - MLB's problem with marketing their players and why are they the most regional out of the big three?   - Jeremy HATES old running backs! - Car Wreck Of The Day!

    07/8/25 Hour 1: Stop Overreacting to Colton Gordon Getting Hit in the Head

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 50:36


    The guys react to the Astros snapping the Guardians 10-game losing streak Are people being too soft in their reaction to Colton Gordon getting hit in the Head? Are the Astros in need of a 3rd starting pitcher? How would you stack the Astros' rotation when fully healthy?

    07/8/25 Hour 2: Can Reed Sheppard Be the Rockets' Answer for Backup Point Guard?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 46:45


    Can Reed Sheppard Be the Rockets' Answer for Backup Point Guard? What are you Cashing or Trashing? The show went down the rabbit hole of what makes a chip, a chip Jeremy was very annoyed that people call winning a championship "the chip."

    07/08 Hour 3 - How Many Texans Do You Expect on the NFL TOP 100 List?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 43:10


    Joel and Jeremy had their day ruined by learning that a kicker won the NFL MVP in 1982!  How many Texans do you expect on the NFL TOP 100 List  Would you rather have every Monday or every Friday off? The guys debated PLUS, the Car Wreck of the Day!

    07/07 Hour 1 - Dodgers Got NOTHING on the Astros!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 51:31


    - Are Dodgers' fans the worst in baseball? - Good, Bad, and Ugly with the Astros - Highlight: Zack Short? Lowlight: Taylor Trammell?

    07/07 Hour 2 - Expectations with Kevin Durant + "Mailbag Monday"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 50:39


    - Astros pitching has been PHENOMENAL!! And will only improve once fully healthy - Thoughts and Prayers go out to all those affected by Texas floods - Durant trade and Finney-Smith contract are official! - Cam Whitmore no longer concern for Houston! - The hour finishes up with "Mailbag Monday"

    07/07 Hour 3 - Will the Texans Have the Worst Offensive Line in Football?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 42:12


    - Continuing "Mailbag Monday" - PFF has the Texans O-line ranked dead last for the 2025 season...but where will they rank at the end of the season? - Is he a Guardian or __? - And wrapping up with "Car Wrecks of the Day"

    5: 07/03 Hour 1 -- Is This The REAL Cause Of Yordan Alvarez's Hand Injury??

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 49:02


    Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham of the Killer B's are back!  - Hunter Brown named AL pitcher of the month!  - Astros/Rockies game recap - KILLA Cam! ROTY? - Is this the REAL cause of Yordan Alvarez's hand injury?? Is this good news? 

    4: 07/03 Hour 2 - Who Are The G.O.A.T.s That Have An "Achilles Heel"?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 44:25


    Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham of the Killer B's are back!  - Is Jose Altuve a bad base runner?  - Who are the G.O.A.T.s that have an "Achilles Heel"? - Kevin Durant trade update sidetracks the boys!  - Jose Altuve and running go like ____ and _____? - Bad Take Boulevard!  - Texans are gonna surpass expectations in THIS area?!

    3: 07/03 Hour 3 - Do The Texans Have The BEST Young Foundation In The NFL?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 49:18


    Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham of the Killer B's are back!  - Do the Texans have the BEST young foundation in the NFL? - Live reaction to the Astros loss against the Rockies today. - What's the ideal July 4th? The boys talk hot dogs and fireworks!  - Car Wreck Of The Day! 

    2: 07/02 Hour 1 - Should The Astros Be Reevaluating Their Medical Staff?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 47:51


    Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham are back with another Killer B's episode! - Colton Gordon's bad baseball pickup play.  - Astros' win against the Rockies! - Who was the player that annoyed Jeremy?  - Walker is BACK!!! - Should the Astros be reevaluating their medical staff? 

    1: 07/02 Hour 2 - Yordan Alvarez's Hand Injury: Did He Start Swinging Too Early?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 48:56


    Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham are back with another Killer B's episode! - Todd Kalas enters the hive to talk Astros' trade needs and predictions!  - Yordan Alvarez's hand injury: did he start swinging too early? Would you take the unknown or have him back in September?  - What are the "Mount Rushmores" of hand injuries?

    07/02 Hour 3 - Jeremy And Joel Aren't Sweating Over This Texans "Weakness" ?!?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 95:00


    Joel Blank and Jeremy Branham are back with another Killer B's episode! - Cash It Or Trash It!  - Texans inner D-line is not a worry for the boys?!? - Who are the best off season teams? - Car Wreck Of The Day!

    07/01 Hour 1 - Rockets Make Big Moves on First Day of Free Agency!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 50:05


    Joel and Jeremy react to the first day of free agency for the Rockets; how much did the team improve? Kelly Iko joins the show to talk about the Rockets' moves so far, and what's next. Who else could they add to the team? The guys answered your questions during Mailbag Monday...on a Tuesday!

    07/01 Hour 2 - Who Makes the Astros All Golden Era Team?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 50:13


    Joel, Jeremy, and Brian discuss the golden era and speculate on who could be included on the list.

    07/01 Hour 3: How many quarterbacks in the NFL would you trade C.J Stroud?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 43:19


    How many quarterbacks in the NFL would you trade C.J Stroud? Wheel of bits food debates  Car wreck of the day

    06/30 Hour 1 - Astros Mislead Us Once Again, Pena on IL

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 53:16


    - Has the Astros' division lead prepared them for this setback? - Dana Brown says Pena can play through injury, but why rush him? - And what move should the Astros make to handle this injury?

    06/30 Hour 2 - PERFECT Opportunity to Call Up Brice Matthews

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 49:52


    - Is Altuve the only trustworthy 2nd baseman who is healthy? - Who should replace Pena at SS? - Should the Astros be willing to go over the luxury tax for Cedric Mullins? - And what was good from the Astros' series win over the Cubs this weekend?

    06/30 Hour 3 - Is Jabari Smith Jr's New Contract Good Value for Rockets?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 43:05


    - Continuing Good, Bad, and Ugly for the Astros - How do Jeremy and Joel feel about Jabari Smith's extension? - BREAKING NEWS: Dorian Finney-Smith signs with Rockets! What does he add to the team? - Do these signings impact Tari Eason and Cam Whitmore's future with Rockets? - And wrapping up with Car Wrecks of the Day!

    Killer Bs 06/27 Hour 1-Joel and Jeremy talk Midseason Awards for the Astros! Do you think you're favorite player won?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 53:37


    Phillies fans are mad and livid after that tough loss to the Astros! The frustration is palpable as they come to terms with the defeat. Killer Bs biggest fan, Israel, calls in and gives us a hot take on the Chicago Cubs. 

    Killer Bs 06/27 Hour 2- Is Jeremy Pena A superstar? Let's get into it!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 55:41


    Join Us as Reporter Todd Kalas dives into the buzz around MLB Playoffs! Plus, big news: Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly are heading to Texas to receive some well-deserved honors! Are you as excited as we are? Let's talk about it!

    Killer Bs 06/26 Hour 3- Who are The Worst NFL Head Coaches?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 46:50


    Former Astros baseball player Jim Deshaies joins the call to talk about the Astros!  Joel and Jeremy play their favorite game, 'Who said it.' Will they win or lose again? And, of course, the boys want to know your ' Car Wreck of the day.'

    Killer B's 06/26 Hour 1- NBA ERRORS?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 56:58


    Who are the top coaches in the NFL? Joel and Jeremy give their first take!  Lastly, Car Wreck of the day!

    Killer B's 06/26 Hour 2 -Houston Sports teams Predictions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 57:23


    Jeremy and Joel are questioning the odds of Houston winning sports baseball, basketball, and football.  Astros talk after sweeping the Phillies! Stats and Facts that will have you running back, Joel and Jeremy, bring up records from NBA teams.  You're Favorite Segment, 'Bad Take Blvd'

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