Month: July 2019

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: Skaggs’ death a tragedy, waiting for autopsy results; Nets aren’t just banking on KD when he gets back

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Photo credit: @KleinschmidtJD

On That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast:

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs died on Monday at a Texas hotel. Amaury had a chance to work with and interview Skaggs when Amaury was doing Spanish play-by-play on Angels TV. He was a good kid and his mother, although her last name wasn’t Spanish, she was Mexican American.

He spoke Spanish. His dad’s last name was Skaggs. He was 27 years old. Amaury had a chance to speak with him during his time broadcasting Angels baseball. He was a nice young man always available to speak to with the media.

The Southland Police said they do not suspect foul play and it has not been determined if Skaggs passed away due to natural causes. Officers found Skaggs unresponsive at the hotel and was deceased at the scene.

Amaury also talks about how the moves at the Golden State Warriors and how the Kevin Durant move will impact the team as he moves to the Brooklyn Nets and Andre Iguodala was rumored to go to the Memphis Grizzlies so Golden State can shed that salary. Iguodala could end up at the Lakers. DeAngelo Russell comes to the Warriors from the Nets and will probably be the point guard on the second unit.

Amaury is the Oakland A’s Spanish play-by-play radio talent on KIQI 1010 San Francisco and does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

California Classic Day 1 Recap

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Photo credit: @abscbnsports

By: Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — Golden One Center was ready on Monday night to welcome in the California Classic for the second time. Kings, Warriors, Heat, and Lakers fans began to descend upon the arena when the gates opened at 5 PM local time in Sacramento. On the slate for Monday evenings action was the first game of the Miami Heat facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers at 6 PM PST. On tap for the 8 PM game was the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors.

Game 1: Miami Heat vs. LA Lakers at 6 PM
In the first game the Heat and Lakers showcased their young talent. Even though the score doesn’t particularly matter in summer league action, the Heat drubbed the Lakers. The Lakers appeared to get off to a fast start in the first quarter, but fell behind in the later minutes and the Heat took the lead.

The Heat then began to pour it on in the next two quarters as the Lakers couldn’t muster anything on defense. At the end of the third the Lakers trailed the Heat 86-54. You could guess what happened the rest of the way. The Heat continued to put up points and down the Lakers 106-79.

However, if you’re reading this, you probably care more about which players put up the best numbers than what the score was. The Heat’s leading scorers were Tyler Herro (18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists), Duncan Robinson (17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), and Charles Cooke (15 points, 2 rebounds).

The leading scorers for the Lakers were Rosco Allen (13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assists), and Zack Norwell Jr. (11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists).

Game 2: Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors at 8 PM
In the second game, it was time for the Kings and heat to see what their young talent and newly drafted players could do.

The first half would prove to be an up and down battle between both teams. The Warriors outscored the Kings in the first quarter 23-18, but then the Kings came back and outscored the Warriors 23-9 in the second quarter to take a lead into halftime. Leading scorers for the Kings in the first half were Wenyen Gabriel (11 points), and Hollis Thompson (8 points). Leading the way for the Warriors were Jimmer Fredette and Damian Jones, both with 7 points.

In the second half, it remained a close game with the Kings and Warriors trading baskets. The Kings were outscored by the Warriors 21-19 in the third. Going into the fourth, the Kings would still have the lead 60-53.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings faltered a bit to the Warriors. They allowed them to come back and take the lead midway through the quarter. However, Sacramento was able to battle back and secure the win 81 to 77 over the Warriors. The Kings’ notable scorers were Wenyen Gabriel (22 points), Hollis Thompson (11 points), and Semaj Christon (13 points). The Warriors’ notable scorers were Jacob Evans (18 Points), Damian Jones (14 Points), and Jimmer Fredette (14 points).

The Kings’ newly drafted prospects Kyle Guy and Justin James also logged good minutes. Guy scored 10 points and James scored 7 points in their Sacramento debuts.

Notes: Kings regulars De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley, Harry Giles and Bogdan Bogdanovic were all in attendance for the Kings game. Also in attendance was Kings legend Chris Webber.

Next Up: The California Classic continues on Tuesday with the Lakers facing the Warriors at 6 PM PST and the Heat facing the Kings at 8 PM PST.

Sportstalk remote podcast at One Market Restaurant San Francisco Monday July 1, 2019

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Photo credit: onemarket.com

Cast: Michael Duca (host), David Zizmor (analyst), Jeremy Kahn (Giants beat writer), Morris Phillips (A’s and Giants beat writer), Amaury Pi-Gonzalez (Oakland A’s Spanish announcer), and Lee Leonard (producer).

Our thanks to our hosts at One Market: Larry Bouchard (Owner/Partner), Tonya Pitts (Wine Director & Sommelier) and Catlin Roche (server). On an unbelievable Monday night in downtown San Francisco, Sportstalk was enjoying the fine dining selections from the One Market menu, Halibut,  Steak, Scallops, New York Steak, Red Snapper, and much more.

We are glad to return to One Market Restaurant for the first time since Thursday, October 20, 2016, which seems like yesterday. On today’s podcast: Discussions on the Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala’s departure to Brooklyn and Memphis respectively. Will San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner be dealt before the trade deadline and the New York Yankees make it no secret their interested.

Joe Pavelski signs with Dallas Stars

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Photo credit: @NBCSSharks

By Mary Walsh

As the 2019 NHL Free Agency season begins, the San Jose Sharks say goodbye to Joe Pavelski, who will play for the Dallas Stars next season. According to hockey insider Pierre LeBrun, the contract is for three years and $21 million.

After the news broke, Sharks GM Doug Wilson released the following statement:

From being a seventh-round draft pick in 2003 to serving as captain of our team for the last four seasons, Joe Pavelski’s place in Sharks history is firmly cemented and he will be sorely missed.

Joe led by example, not only as a player but as a person, and the impact he has had on this franchise and his teammates will be felt for years to come.

Under a cap system, these extremely difficult separations are a reality and, unfortunately, we could not find common ground on dollars and term to keep Joe in San Jose. However, like many other players around the NHL, Joe has earned the right to become a free agent. We respect his decision and want to thank Joe, his wife Sarah and son, Nate, for 13 wonderful seasons. They will always be part of the San Jose Sharks family.

Starting in 2010, Pavelski was a reliable 60+ point player for San Jose, playing both at center and on the wing. He is one of the best in the league at tipping the puck into the net. He is also known for being responsible defensively, ending just one season with a minus rating.

The Sharks named him captain in 2015, replacing Joe Thornton. The 2018-19 season was the last in a five year, $30 million contract with the Sharks. Last season, Pavelski led the team in goals with 38 and 64 points in 75 games. In the playoffs, he had nine points in 13 games.

Pavelski joins a talented Dallas team, boasting the likes of Tyler Seguin, Alexander Radulov and Jamie Benn. Corey Perry, bought out by the Anaheim Ducks, will also head to Dallas, adding yet another veteran forward to the Stars roster.

Pavelski talked about the move to the NHL Network today:

If we were going to be leaving San Jose, we wanted to go to a contender, a team that you really respected and thought were close to winning. And, you know what, looking at Dallas and some of the teams we looked at, they were one team that really checked off a lot of boxes for us. And, you know, in my time in San Jose, that organization, I’ve only played with great players and it was something that I don’t even think you understand. It’s a nice privilege to have, to play with Joe Thornton, Patty Marleau, and Logan Couture and these guys that like to compete and play hard, show up every day and really have a great environment around the rink.

So it’s, you know, going to Dallas, there’s a great goalie, their goal tandem, they’ve been really good. And then you look at their D-corps and they’ve got some great young defensemen, are offensive-minded and really compete back there and you’re playing with some high-end players up front. So, checks off a lot of boxes, like where the team’s at, like some of the additions they’ve made along the way too.

After the Sharks signed defenseman Erik Karlsson to an eight-year, $92 million contract, it became unlikely that they would have cap space to hold on to all of their top players. At 35 years old, fan favorite Pavelski is one of those cap casualties. Joonas Donskoi is also leaving the team. The 27 year old forward has signed a four-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche. Defenseman Joakim Ryan is leaving too, signing a one year contract with the Los Angeles Kings

Preview of the 3-game series between the A’s and Twins

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Photo credit: @Athletics

By Jerry Feitelberg

OAKLAND — The Oakland A’s are enjoying an off-day on Monday after finishing a six-game road trip with a 5-1 record. The A’s are now just 1/2 game behind the Texas Rangers for second place in the AL West and for the second slot in the Wild Card race.

The A’s will play the next three games at home with the AL Central Division leading Minnesota Twins. The Twins, under first-year manager Rocco Baldelli, have a record of 53-30 and own an eight-game lead over the second place Cleveland Indians.

The Twins have a power-packed lineup. Six of the nine hitters in the lineup have hit more than 10 home runs so far this season. The other three need just one or two more dingers to reach that level. The Twins star left fielder, Eddie Rosario, will not play in the series. Rosario is hitting .280 and has 20 homers and 60 RBIs so far. He is on the 10-day IL with a sprained left ankle. Marwyn Gonzalez, the former Astro, will take his place. The A’s will see Byron Buxton in center and Max Kepler in right. The German-born Kepler leads the team with 21 dingers. All the infielders can hit the ball out of the park. Former LA Angels first baseman, C.J. Cron, is hitting .271, and has hit 17 big flies, and knocked in 52. Second baseman Jonathan Schoop is playing well with a .251  average and has hit 13 out of the park. Shortstop Jorge Polanco, who will be going to the All-Star Game in Cleveland, leads the team in hitting with a .320 average and he has 11 homers and 39 RBIs on his resume. Miguel Sano is a third. He is not hitting for average, but he is a power threat every time he goes to the plate. Jason Castro will handle the catching. Nelson Cruz will be the DH. Cruz, who loves to hit against Oakland, is having an excellent season with 16 homers and 46 runs batted in.

On Tuesday, the Twins will send their All-Star starter, Jake Odorizzi, to the hill. Odorizzi (10-3, 2.73 ERA) pitched exceptionally well in May. In June, however, Odorizzi has allowed 11 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings of work over his last three starts. The A’s Daniel Mengden will be making his second start since being recalled from Las Vegas last month. Mengden was sensational in his start against the St. Louis Cardinals last week in St. Louis. He pitched six innings of shutout baseball. Mengden will be making his first career start against Minnesota.

Wednesday’s game will feature the Twins’ Kyle Gibson (8-4, 4.21 ERA) going against the A’s Tanner Anderson (0-3, 7.13 ERA). Anderson was roughed up in his last start last Thursday against the LA Angels. He, too, will be making his first career start against the Twins.

On Thursday, the Fourth of July, the A’s will and the ball to Mike Fiers (8-3, 4.01 ERA). Fiers has an ERA of 2.61 in his last 12 starts, which is the sixth lowest in the AL over that span. He has a record of 6-1 and an ERA of 2.77 in 11 (10 starts) games against the Twins. Jose Berrios (8-4, 2.89 ERA) pitches for Minnesota. Berrios pitched last Friday and was tagged for six runs (three earned) against the White Sox in six innings of work. That effort allowed the Twins’ bullpen to get some rest after an 18-inning game the night before.

The Twins have two pitchers that have 10 save each for the team. The Twins will use either righty Blake Parker or lefty Taylor Rogers as the closer. Pitchers that will see action in the series include Trevor May, Matt Magill, Ryne Harper, Mike Morin, Tyler Duffey, and lefty Lewis Thorpe.

The A’s will be without the services of Stephen Piscotty. Piscotty injured his right knee sliding into second base Saturday night. Piscotty had an MRI done on Monday to see the extent of the damage if any. He is on the 10-day IL.

Following the three-game set with the Twins, the A’s travel to Seattle for three with the Mariners. The A’s will resume play at home against the Chicago White Sox after a four-day break for the MLB All-Star game that will be played in Cleveland. A’s third baseman Matt Chapman will be making his first appearance as an All-Star.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Morris Phillips: MadBum gets win in 7 innings of work; Where’s Bumgarner in trade talks?

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sfgate photo: San Francisco Giant starter Madison Bumgarner who pitched seven innings Sunday at Oracle Park in San Francisco is rumored to be showcased and no doubt shopped by other clubs in the run at the trade deadline this month.

On the Giants podcast with Morris:

#1 Kevin Pillar and Buster Posey provided the punch that got the San Francisco Giants over the top against their inner division team rivals the Arizona Diamondbacks with seven combined hits from Pillar and Posey. What got into them?

#2 Madison Bumgarner was on the mark in the Giants’ 10-4 win Sunday, pitching seven innings, surrendering one hit and four runs, striking out nine.

#3 Bumgarner has been working the count, picking his spots, keeping hitters of balance. It’s as almost if he’s showcasing with all the talk about going to be a rent a player, he’s always on, but teams are shopping. Here we are in July, the trade deadline is coming, will Bumgarner stay or will the Giants keep him?

#4 Since the subject of the trade deadline and the month of July is here, will the Giants be dealing this month who stays and who’s getting shopped?

#5 The Giants are at Petco Park tonight to take on the San Diego Padres. The Giants will start Jeff Samardzija (4-7, 4.52 ERA) going up against the San Diego Padres’ Logan Allen (2-0, 1.38 ERA).

Listen for the San Francisco Giants podcasts each Monday with Morris Phillips at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Moving Up: A’s, Chapman at their best in series-clinching rout of the Angels

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By Morris Phillips

The A’s have their best record of the season to date, now can they sustain their success?

Oakland stymied the Angels for the second day in a row, slugging their way to a 12-3 win to capture three of the four-game set in Angel Stadium of Anaheim, giving the A’s a statement weekend in the AL Wild Card chase.

But the A’s finished the series without Khris Davis and Stephen Piscotty, and continue to operate without closer Blake Treinen as well as suspended, staff ace Frankie Montas. In 14 of their next 22 games, they’ll face the first-place Astros and Twins, as well as the Rangers, currently in possession of the second wild card spot.

Given the adversity and the upcoming schedule, can the A’s continue their ascent? Sunday’s winning pitcher, Chris Bassitt, thinks so.

“It’s kind of absurd that we’re even in this position,” Bassitt said. “It just shows how good this team can be when we’re all healthy.”

Baseball-Reference’s Playoff Odds says yes, in that statistics-based simulation, the A’s are favored to over take the Indians and Rangers, and capture the second wild card spot with a modest–by recent AL playoff records–88-74 record. That simulation is heavily weighted on what the A’s have done in their previous 100 games, including a partial sample of their blistering 2018 finish. If so, the A’s will qualify for the second, consecutive season and most likely end up with a much better matchup at Tampa Bay, as compared to last season’s trip to Yankee Stadium.

The biggest sign the A’s are headed in the right direction? Their performances on the road have improved dramatically. They started the season by dropping 15 of their first 20 road contests. Since then, they’re 17-5 when traveling.