Month: June 2020

Headline Sports podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal to allow outdoor workouts football goes first; MLB players mulling over 60 game proposal; plus more

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Cal Bears football head coach Justin Wilcox will prepare the program with Covid-19 protocols as outdoor workouts will start on a voluntary basis (si.com file photo)

On Headline Sports with Morris:

#1 Cal athletes have been given the go ahead to start working outdoors, still the issue of safety will be a question as Coronvirus has spiked in places like Florida. The Bears workout will be voluntary.

#2 Some of the ground rules set up to start workouts as all workouts will be outdoors that include running and conditioning. These workouts are required to be under supervision of the Cal athletic staff and the players workout in small groups.

#3 The Cal football program will be the first of the athletics program to start at outdoor workouts the plan is in motion as other athletic programs will come back throughout the summer.

#4 In baseball MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has rejected MLB Players Association representative Tony Clark’s proposal to come back playing 70 games instead of the 60 game offering by Manfred. Manfred said the season must end by September 30th because of the second wave of Coronavirus that Dr. Anthony Fauci said that is coming. The players reject the 60 game schedule because they will not get as much from prorated pay as opposed to the 70 games.

#5 Dr. Fauci further noted that it might not be possible for an NFL season because of a second wave. Some of the country has re-opened but has spiked and in Florida with some 3,000 new cases everyday.

Join Morris each Monday for Headline Sports at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with Daniel Dullum: Depite no resolution MLB might shut down to Covid-19 anyway; Almost no African Americans in baseball; plus more

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scorebig.com file photo: Shot of Ho Ho Kam Stadium in Mesa AZ spring training home of the Oakland A’s from the left seats looking down the first line one of the training facilities that MLB has ordered vacated due to the latest outbreak of Covid-19

On Headline Sports podcast with Daniel:

1 MLB talks at stalemate, decision reportedly coming on Monday

2 AP reports: MLB spring training sites close amid Covid-19 worry

3 Twins take down statue of former owner Calvin Griffith

4 How MLB can address past decade’s decline in African American players

5 RIP former Dolphins RB Jim Kick

Daniel does Headline Sports each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Len Shapiro: How will the recent positive Covid tests effect the NHL’s return; Seattle holds off on announcing new team name

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pensionplanpuppets.com file photo: The Toronto Maple Leafs star and San Ramon Calif native Austin Matthews has tested positive for Covid 19. The positive test could shutdown the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs before it even gets started

Headline Sports podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 With the recent discovery of three Tampa Bay Lightning players testing positive for Covid-19 and Austin Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs also found positive the NHL looks as if they will still move forward anyway to get training camp going and eventually start the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

#2 The Lightning are under scrutiny as they will be going through testing as the team facility will remain shut under orders from the team medical staff and NHL. The phase 2 rules of reopening guidelines calls for facilities closed and players tested after a player(s) have been found positive.

#3 Julien BriseBois, General Manager of the Lightning asked the Tampa Bay community to lower the curve as the state of Florida has been averaging around 3,000 cases a day of Covid by hand washing, face masking, and social distancing.

#4 With just this sampling of positive cases in the NHL will the NHL have to re-evaluate whether or not it’s such a wise idea to proceed with trying to start the Stanley Cup Playoffs or not?

#5 The name Sockeyes is leading in the polls amongst fans by 140,000 votes over the second place name Totems for Seattle’s newest NHL team name, however team CEO Tod Leiweke has said this is not the right time to unveil the new name because of the protests regarding racial injustice and Covid-19 shutdowns in Seattle. Leiweke said there is plenty of time to announce the new team name saying the organization is not tone deaf to these important issues.

Len Shapiro does Headline Sports every other Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB Union to Vote No on 60 games

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cleveland.com file photo: MLB Player Rep Tony Clark (left) said the players wanted a ten game bump up from 60 games to 70 games. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred (right) rejected the union’s latest proposal saying he told Clark not to increase the amount of games from 60 in last week’s one on one meeting

MLB: Union to Vote No on 60 games

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Around and around it goes, where it stops, nobody knows! Today the MLPA is expected to vote NO to the 60 games season proposed by MLB/Owners. This means, Commissioner Rob Manfred will probably order a 50-game season (as the March 26 agreement stipulates) and plus that will give the players union the option to file legal documents against Major League Baseball/Owners. For negotiating in ‘bad faith’, for a starters.If you are or know an attorney, they might explain this fiasco with much clarity.

The package rejected was the 60 games proposed by the owners by the Commissioner that would have began the season July 19-20 and ended September 29th. The season still very much at risk with the rise of Covid-19 cases, with the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays reporting players and staff also contracted the virus, and teams closing their practicing facilities.

This script follows to a “T”the movie “Groundhog Day”

Stay well and stay tuned.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Museum and does News and Commentary each http://www.sportsradioservice.com

2020 Belmont Stakes: 138 years of waiting is over Tiz the Law NY bred horse wins Belmont

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CNN.com still: It wasn’t even close as Tiz the Law wins by four lengths becoming the first New York bred to win the Belmont in 138 years

By Jessica Kwong

Tiz the Law made history at the 152nd Belmont Stakes on Saturday afternoon, as the first New York-bred horse to win on home turf in 138 years. The hometown boy was the 4-5 favorite and proved himself, winning with ease. Jockey Manny Franco, who competed in Belmont for the first time, could be heard screaming with joy.

The last New York-bred horse to win the Belmont Stakes was Forester in 1882.

Trained by Barclay Tagg, Tiz the Law accelerated at the final turn and no one could catch up to him near the finish line. He completed the race in 1:46.53. Dr Post, trained by Todd Pletcher, came in second and Max Player, trained by Linda Rice, took third place.

Tiz the Law won by four lengths and paid $3.60 to win, $2.90 to place and $2.60 to show. Dr Post had 7-1 odds and paid $5.80 to place and $4.20 to show. Max Player had 14-1 odds and paid $5.20 to show. Ten horses competed.

The $1 million event took place at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, without spectators because of Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing requirements.

Originally slated for June 6, the Belmont Stakes is traditionally the final leg of the Triple Crown. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it became the first of the three-race series, with the Kentucky Derby following on September 5 and the Preakness on October 3. It is a “backwards Triple Crown,” according to Jack Knowlton, who heads up the Sackatoga Stable partnership which owns Belmont Stakes.

Another change this year for the Belmont Stakes was its length. It is typically the longest race in the Triple Crown, but it was cut down from 1 1/2 miles to 1 1/8 miles to account for the shorter time frame the 3-year-old horses had to build stamina.

Tiz the Law earned Tagg and owners Sackatoga Stable their first Belmont Stakes victory.

“What a win!” Sackatoga Stable tweeted. “We couldn’t have done this without the amazing Barclay Tagg, @robinsmullen [Tagg’s longtime assistant] & @jockeyfranco. Best team in horse racing.”

Tiz the Law’s father is Constitution and his grandfather is Tapit, who fathered three Belmont Stakes winners. Tiz the Law has had six career starts and just one loss. Next up for Tiz the Law is the Kentucky Derby in two-and-a-half months.

The Belmont Stakes finishing order is as follows:

1. Tiz the Law

2. Dr Post

3. Max Player

4. Pneumatic

5.Tap It to Win

6.Sole Volante

7. Modernist

8. Farmington Road

9. Fore Left Jungle Runner

Headline Sports podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Ranadive says Disney bubble in Florida better than playing in Sacramento

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Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said that playing in Orlando would be safer than in Sacramento because of the safety guidelines set up by the NBA for employees and players (amazon.com/books/business file photo)

On Headlines podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said that playing at the Disney World bubble in Orlando is the best way to go and that Ranadive said he’s confident this is better than playing at home.

#2 There will be 22 teams at the Disney World bubble a 113 page outline describes how safety steps will be in place to guide the players and their families during this first time bubble format which includes mask wearing at all times, hand washing, and social distancing.

#3 The Kings are in a three way tie with Portland and New Orleans going into these last eight regular season games in Florida how much of a long shot would you say the Kings are from getting that last and final coveted eighth spot?

#4 Jeremiah the Kings had some rough goes during the season before the shutdown which included an eight game skid and also two five game losing streaks has there been enough time that has gone by that the Kings can make these last few regular games interesting?

#5 One other possible advantage is the Kings had eight players in double figures with points per game averages led by De’Aaron Fox 20.4 per game and Buddy Hield with 19.8 per game.

Jeremiah is a Sacramento Kings beat reporter and joins Sports Talk every other Saturday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Matt Harrington: Covid-19 cases spiking; NHL playoffs in doubt; Lighting have three players who tested positive

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globalnews.com file photo: Rogers Arena in Edmonton which sits empty at the moment is vying for a chance to be one out of three Canadian cities to host the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Matt on Headline Sports podcast:

#1 There are a number of NHL players hesitating regarding returning back especially with the huge spike in Covid-19 cases in Florida 3,000 a day and how returning will be handled.

#2 Previously Canadian players can’t leave the U.S. because if they go home there is a 14 day quarantine involved. Also Nashville Predators general manager David Poile said there a number of players who have showed up for practice but the NHL is not mandating players to show up as practice is voluntary.

#3 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would welcome the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the following Canadian hubs Edomonton, Vancouver and Toronto. Trudeau is set to waive the 14 quarantine and bubble the players in those venues for the players.

#4 Kaapo Kakko right winger of the New York Rangers had tested negative for Covid-19 and according to New York’s president John Davidson he’s been approved to play. Kakko has diabeties Davidson said he’s been tested and is ready to get in the line up.

#5 The Pittsburgh Penguins are 40-23-6 and are in the qualifiers with the Montreal Canadiens for the first round of the playoffs. They are said they most likely will start Matt Murray in goal. Murray is 20-11-5 with 2.87 goals against and an .899 save percentage.

Matt Harrington does Headlines podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with Lewis Rubman for Charlie O: Taking a look at the A’s strengths following the draft

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division1 file photo: Michigan Wolverines right hander Jeff Criswell who was selected by the Oakland A’s in the MLB draft the A’s will be taking a look at Criswell again once the players and MLB can reach an agreement

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 The Oakland A’s went pretty strong in their opening pick with catcher Tyler Soderstrom last week although he’s going to have to go through the minor league system to get to the show it’s his bat that the A’s are looking forward to.

#2 In the later rounds of the draft the A’s also strengthened their future pitching core in selecting Jeff Criswell who pitched for Michigan. Criswell pitched against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in two appearances pitched in five scoreless innings for two saves in the College World Series.

#3 The A’s like Criswell who throws 97 miles per hour and has a wicked breaking ball that could very well be his bread and butter pitch.

#4 Criswell in warm up tosses outside of the bullpen has be rumored to throw 100 MPH, Criswell can hurl and with some minor league experience he might get promoted up to the show pretty quickly.

#5 Also the A’s selected from the University of Washington pitcher Steve Emmanuels who went 2.35 ERA, with 65 strikeouts, 22 walks, in 53.2 innings as a reliever.

Lewis Rubman is a Oakland A’s beat writer and filled in for Charlie O on Headline Sports podcasts heard with Charlie O every other Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB Saturday is the 100th Day without Baseball

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photo from millcreeksports.com:

MLB Saturday is the 100th Day without Baseball.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

If this saying is accurate, we have nothing but losers so far during this negotiations between owners and players. “In any negotiation, the one who first gives a number is the loser”. Both sides have been throwing number(s) for amount of games they wish to play.

“You must never try to make all the money that’s in a deal. Let the other fellow make some money too, because if you have a reputation for always making all the money, you won’t have many deals.” – J. Paul Getty

He was once one of the richest men in the world, American-born oil billionaire who was very frugal. So much, that he once negotiated with some low life characters who were the kidnappers of his own grandson.

The current negotiations between these two sides trying to resolve this impasse in baseball have a turbulent history. It is almost like a couple that has lived together for decades, marrying and divorcing and re-marrying and divorcing. Kind of a crazy relationship, but it is what it is.

Yesterday the players union proposed a 70 game season, just a few hours later it was rejected by the owners, represented by Commissioner Rob Manfred..

We are left this weekend in sort of a limbo waiting for some news. The Commissioner still have by decree the nuclear option, that to order a 50 game season, to start at a specific day.

If and when a deal is finally reached and both sides have it totally approved, the person that will make the announcement will be Rob Manfred. That is his job and history will judge him for his leadership or lack off during this wild 2020.

In the meantime, stay well and stay tuned.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Museum located at the Oakland Coliseum and does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsadioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Belmont Stakes one of the very few sports live; MLB negotiations

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Tap with jockey John Valazquez is a favorite to win 6-1 in the Belmont Stakes this Saturday at American Grade Stakes Race (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports pod with London:

#1 London one of the very few sports that are live and with little doubt draw millions of fans who are starved for sports action of any kind the Belmont Stakes this Saturday the first of the Triple Crown races.

#2 The Belmont normally is the third race of the Triple Crown behind the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. The other differences in the Belmont as expected no spectators and the length will be 1 1/8 miles instead of the traditional 1 1/2 miles.

#3 Somewhere between 60-70 games the haggling continues with the MLB and the players union, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred proposed 60 games with full prorated pay to MLB players rep Tony Clark and the union has come back saying 70 games and they would have a deal.

#4 MLB also wants to have expanded playoffs with an extra round also with sponsors on the jerseys. These changes although nothing is officially announced are expected to be permanent to help raise revenue.

#5 Some of the NBA players are questioning if coming back is the right thing to do and not because of Coronavirus issues but is it the right thing to do with such racial strife happening in the US?

London joins Sportstalk each Friday for Headline Sports at http://www.sportsradioservice.com