Month: June 2020

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB The Clock Is Now the Umpire

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred shown here at the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit in New York stands with the owners proposal to start a 76 game season which the players are opposed to   (sports.yahoo.com)

MLB: The Clock Is Now the Umpire

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

With all the back and forth during these negotiations, there is no doubt the Clock is now THE factor. After the players union proposed an 89-game season with full prorated pay at the end of Tuesday, which was quickly brushed aside by the owners.

Get ready for either: 1) A 50 games season or 2) No season at all. Both sides do not want to play a regular season past the September 27th date; one of the few things that have been mutually agreed during this negotiating exercise. Anything after that would land the playoffs into November and both sides are afraid that going into the winter the Covid-19 “wild card” could show-up.

Commissioner Rob Manfred can implement a schedule and the players are required to show up. We are dangerously closing-in on that final decision, a 50 game season, which will guarantee the players with prorated salaries, which is exactly what the players last proposed and agreed among themselves they would accept, but the players want more than 50 games, because they will get paid more.

At the end a 50-game schedule might be the best they are going to get. However, if this is adapted and the season comes down to 50 games, this could have serious repercussions for the future negotiations after the 2021 season, the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) labor agreement that is on the agenda.

A 50-game season could risk the perception by the public that they are just playing for the money (with playoffs which is the big revenue producer) during a time where a lot of people are unemployed and struggling, because of the Covid-19 closures all over the country, although most States are re-opening and getting their economies back on track. Regardless what happens this year, MLB is headed for a bumpy ride in 2021.

The 2020 Baseball season is running out of options. The Clock, which is non-negotiable, is now dictating what might, might be a last effort decision to save the season. If you call a season 50 games.

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

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: Umpire Hernandez eavesdropped on MLB confidential call; Sox GM Epstein says “were part of the problem” on hardly any blacks in MLB; plus more

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The Tampa Rays manager Kevin Cash (left) and umpire Angel Hernandez (right) had some confusion regarding moving Rays pitcher Adam Kolerak to first base in a July 2019 game and the umpire crew had to remind Hernandez that using a pitcher in a defensive position the Rays would lose the use of the DH (theathletic.com photo)

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 MLB Former Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre said that crew chief umpire Angel Hernandez eavesdropped on a phone call when Torre was questioning umpire Ed Hickox. After questioning Hernandez about why a 20 minute delay took place in a game between the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Rays. The Rays elected to have pitcher Adam Kolerak moved to first base in the July 2019 game. That the Rays moving a pitcher constitutes they can no longer use the designated hitter. Hernandez had to reminded by the crew that the Rays have to drop the DH and that Hernandez failed to follow up on Rays manager Kevin Cash on two hitters in that weren’t in the line up after the change.

#2 Major League Baseball currently has the least amount of African Americans playing in the game at anytime since the 1950s. The Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein had to question himself and MLB. He also asked why did he hire a people who looked like him and and had the same backgrounds as him and admitted a change has to be made.

#3 Epstein also questioned why there were not many managers, general managers or players of color in MLB that’s something that he will push and that needs to be answered.

#4 Former alums from the University of Cincinnati would like the name of former Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott’s name removed from the University’s field. This includes former big league player Kevin Youkillis and University of Cincinnati player Jordan Ramey, Ramey is starting a petition to get the name removed. Schott had said that Hitler “had a good beginning but he just went too far” that remark got Schott forced to sell her controlling interests in 1999.

#5 MLB players have said the offer to play 76 games with 75 percent of their salary is a worse deal than some of the previous proposals from the owners. The latest offer was said to be just a few percentage points in pay above the last offer from the owners.

Join Barbara with Headline Sports each Tuesday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: Harry Caray’s one year as Oakland A’s broadcaster in 1970

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Harry Caray in his broadcast days as Chicago Cubs announcer in the bleachers in Wrigley Field calling the play by play on WGN Radio Chicago well after his one year with the Oakland A’s in 1970 (Chicago Tribune file photo)

On That’s Amaury’s podcast:

#1 Harry Caray is a legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster known for his broadcast days with the Chicago Cubs and being imitated by famous Saturday Night Live comedian Will Farrell. But what many either don’t know or remember Caray was an Oakland A’s broadcaster during the 1970 season his one and only year.

#2 If you remember Harry doing those broadcasts he was quiet the entertainer with his “Holy Cow” calls and his brand of hyping up the club something at the time that A’s owner Charlie O Finley wanted out of Caray.

#3 Caray before coming to Oakland had already illustrious career with the St Louis Cardinals before he got a pink slip from the Cards as Harry put it.

#4 That 1970 season was just one season away before the Oakland A’s had those great years of post season play and picking up post season play from 1971 to 1975 and Caray could have been part of that Oakland A’s history.

#5 It was also well noted that Caray didn’t get along with A’s broadcaster Monte Moore and Caray stated he felt he had the knife in his back everyday that 1970 season but not from owner Finley but from Monte Moore. So he left Oakland and took on work from his next team at the Chicago White Sox.

Join Amaury each week for That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB Latest Monday proposal Union says is a “Step Backwards”

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Photo of empty seats at the Oakland Coliseum as MLB and the MLB Players Association continue to attempt to iron out a deal to get the 2020 season started (file photo Stadium Parking Guides)

By Amaury Pi-González

Owners today made their new pitch to the players. A season of 76 games. Season beginning July 10th and ending September 27th, with the postseason running through October. Owners proposal also includes playoff pool money but eliminates draft pick compensation. Both, owners and players will share the risk of the postseason cancellation if a second wave of COVID-19 takes place.

The owners’ proposal today has players making up to 75 percent of their prorated salaries. But is also known that only 50 percent of pay would be guaranteed with the other 25 percent to do with the playoffs. The players consider this proposal worse than its last; some call it a “step backwards”.

Negotiations began May 12. Previously MLB went on hiatus because of THE covid-19 pandemic. It has been almost one month since the two sides began discussions. Numbers have been thrown around, since 162 games season could not begin on their scheduled opening day March 26. The proposal discussed has been for: 82 games, 114, games, 48 to 50 games and today of 76 games.

If you get dizzy reading this back and forth, join the party. When you read or see a prediction on television or hear one on radio, consider it just that “a prediction” just as good as yours as a fan. Because nobody really knows as days go by. Do not let anybody tell you otherwise.

The big problem that presents for baseball with each day that goes by is that the NBA and NHL already have announced they will re-start and go into their playoffs and the NFL is getting ready for what they hope will be a full 2020-2021 season.

As far as I’m concerned, as of today, the glass is not half empty or half full, the glass is leaking water, big time and very soon we will not have a glass.

Stay well and stay tuned.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s will pay minor leaguers; NBA to resume season; plus more

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Oakland A’s owner John Fisher who said he will pay minor league players in the A’s system some $400 a week after he said he would stop paying the players after this month (sfchronicle.com file photo)

On Headlines podcast with Daniel:

1 A’s reverse course, will pay minor leaguers

2 NBA decides on plan to resume season

3 The latest on MLB, players negotiations

4 Grant Napear had a bad week, dropped by Sacramento Kings and KHTK

5 NHL ready to initiate Phase 2 on June 8

6 RIP Wes Unseld, and my Aunt Marlys

7 Will any NFL team be willing to take on Colin Kaepernick?

Daniel does Headlines podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal announces it’s pre season All-Pac 12 team; MLB and players still far apart; plus more

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The Cal Bears linebacker Kuony Deng (8) one of 12 players selected by Cal for the 2020 Athlon Sports’ Preseason All-Pac 12 team  (photo from You Tube)

On Headline Sports podcast with Morris:

#1 The Cal Bears football team is excited to announce the 12 selections on the Athlon Sports’ 2020 Preseason All-Pac-12 team, on the second team picks RB Christopher Brown Jr and defensive players, ILB Kuony Deng, CB Camryn Byrnum and S Elijah Hicks, and on the third team picks Nikko Remigio punt returner, OL Jake Curhan, QB Chase Garbers and OL Michael Saffell on offensive, while DL Luc Bequette, OLB Cameron Goode and DL Brett Johnson on defense.

#2 Morris last week Cal Bears analyst Lee Grosscup passed away at age 86, Lee served as analyst on the Cal broadcasts with play by play announcer Joe Starkey for 34 years since 1986 to 2019 and “The Cupper” prior to working Cal games did color for the defunct USFL Oakland Invaders with Starkey between 1983 to 1985. What did Lee mean to Cal broadcasts.

#3 After receiving huge criticism from fans and people inside baseball alike Oakland A’s owner John Fisher said on Friday that he made a mistake and will pay his minor league players the $400 a week salary for the rest of the of the minor league season which ends August 31st. According to labor laws minor league players pay is abhorrent and they would not have been eligible for unemployment. Did Fisher make the decision out surmounting  to public pressure or did he do it because it was the right thing to do?

#4 MLB players and owners are far apart from getting the 2020 season started the players are asking for a 82 game schedule with prorated pay and paid in full. The owners want to reduce the pay and go for a 48 game schedule which the players are rejecting.

Morris joins Sportstalk each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: NBA owners waiting now for agreement from players to re-start the season

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“The Bubble” know as the Walt Disney World Arena in Orlando home of the NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals starting in July. No fans will be permitted during playoff games. (photo from http://www.tripadvisor.com)

On the podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The NBA owners have approved to continue the 2019-20 season with support of 29-1 NBA teams with the Portland Trailblazers opposing to reopen.

#2 The plan now lies with the NBA players who will most likely approve to return. The pay package and going straight the playoffs after playing eight regular games is part of the plan.

#3 It’ll be a like a March Madness set up as the 22 teams will play under a bubble at Orlando’s Walt Disney World. With teams staying at the hotels and playing in the Disney World Arena with no fans in the stands and huge social distancing policies.

#4 Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wants to get the Warriors mini camp going as Kerr said, “We’d like to get together for some kind of mini camp or two. I’m thinking that the league will allow us to do something, especially given that 22 teams are gonna be playing and eight of us are not. I’m fairly certain the league will allow the other eight teams to do some practicing at some point whenever the time is right.”

#5 For the Sacramento Kings they will not have to face the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Golden State Warriors. They also won’t have to face the Clippers, Nuggets, and Lakers (twice). How do you see the Kings chances.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports every other Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Look for Irving and Durant to rest during Nets post season; Antetokounmpo willing to commit to Milwaukee; plus more

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The Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant (35) and Kyrie Irving (11) are anxious to get to it in the NBA Playoffs once all the preliminaries are settled to start the season (si.com image)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie how do you see the returns of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant coming aboard with the Brooklyn Nets just in time for post season?

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo said recently in an interview that there is no reason not to stay in Milwaukee for 10, 20, 25 years as long as they have a plan to win championships, stay competitive he’s willing to commit to the Bucks does that pour water on the Golden State Warriors hopes in picking up a Antetokounmpo?

#3 De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings just recently tweeted a rebuttal from radio talk show host Laura Ingram comments telling LeBron James and Kevin Durant to “shut up and dribble” and praising Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Fox tweeted that no one should be surprised that Ingraham told basketball players to shut up and dribble and white player is entitled to his view.

#4 In baseball the players are interested in a 82 game season down from the 114 game proposal they previously offered MLB but the owners are offering a 50 game season and are only willing to agree to a longer season if the players are willing to take a pay cut.

#5 MLB said that if local governments allow fans in the stadiums they would be willing to work with the local policies. That said the state of Texas is allowing 50% capacity for the Texas Rangers at the Ball Park in Arlington and at Minute Maid Field in Houston. Is this a safe idea seeing that their is no vaccine, a recent finding of two Japanese players who contracted Corona, and how safe distancing will work at the park?

Charlie joins us every other Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Matt Harrington: NHL is set to drop the puck at training camp Monday; Preparing for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

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photo from nhl.com: St Louis Blues head coach Chris Berube holds up the Stanley Cup after last season’s Stanley Cup Final. Berube says he and the team are anxious to get the post season going and hope to win their second consecutive championship

On Headline Sports podcast with Matt:

#1 The NHL says they’ve taken all the steps for phase two, all safety measures for enforcing mask wearing the all the practice and game rinks, social distancing, washing hands. The players and NHL seem to be in agreement on how safety measures will work.

#2 Teams reportedly will work out Monday and their will be only six players on the ice at anyone time. No coaches, trainers, officals will be permitted on the ice during practice sessions.

#3 The playoff format will be a best of seven series and as the Pittsburgh Penguins Kris Letang said everybody is used to the best of seven series format.

#4 The format will start with 16 teams an eight series qualifying round best of five, also there will a be a seeding round robin with four teams from each Western and Eastern conference.

#5 The St Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube said the Blues can’t wait to get into the playoffs. Berube says the team is hungry and they want to win a second consecutive Stanley Cup.

Matt does Headline Sports each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: If he’s really sorry should Brees take a knee himself

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Malcom Jenkins safety for the New Orleans Saints sends out a message directly to Saints quarterback Drew Brees about how he got the message wrong about taking a knee. Brees spent Thursday trying to do damage control with apologies all around. (photo from espn.com)

On Headline Sports podcast with London:

#1 When football returns should the New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees to demonstrate his sincere apologetic feelings about his saying the players are disrespecting the flag by taking knee should Brees take a knee himself?

#2 Brees has been heavily involved in the black community in New Orleans but said on Thursday that he needed to do more listening and less talking.

#3 Other NFL players are voicing their opinion about Brees saying taking a knee is disrespectful to the flag that it’s disrespectful to the US military might. In response the San Francisco 49ers’ Jerick McKinnion tweeted a middle finger amoji.

#4 Brees certainly didn’t expect the firestorm of criticism for his tweet saying his teammates and NFL players are disrepectful for taking a knee and that it’s an insult to the flag and the US military. Richard Sherman of the 49ers says that Brees has lost creditbiltiy and that Brees interjecting the military into the conversation is part of the problem.

#5 What’s the next step for Drew Brees now will he be able to be a team leader at quarterback for the Saints and help the Saints drive towards the post season? Or will he be pretty much persona non grata and the players will request not to play with him in anymore in NFL games?

London does Headline Sports podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com