Month: June 2022

A’s woes continue as they fall to Mariners 8-6 at T Mobile

Published on by rxsluggerLeave a comment

Oakland A’s hitter Tony Kemp takes strike three in the top of the ninth inning at T Mobile Field in Seattle against the Seattle Mariners on Thu Jun 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

 Oakland’s offense came to life Thursday night against the Seattle Mariners. A’s hitters blasted three home runs and scored six times, but it was not enough as they lost to the Mariners 8-6. The A’s play the Mariners three more times before returning home to Oakland. 

The A’s started rookie Adrian Martinez Thursday night. Martinez was making his second Major League start. His first start came on May 10th when he beat the Detroit Tigers. Logan Gilbert was on the mound for Seattle.

The Mariners drew first blood in the bottom of the first inning. Martinez hit the M’s outstanding rookie center-fielder, Julio Rodriguez, with a pitch. Martinez went to third on a double by Jessie Winker.

Martinez walked Mariners’ third baseman Eugenio Suarez to load the bases with no out. Martinez retired Carlos Santana for the first out. Martinez got Abraham Toro to foul out to left fielder Tony Kemp. Rodriguez tagged up and scored on the play as Kemp’s throw was not in time to nail Rodriguez. A’s catcher Sean Murphy threw out Winker as he tried to advance to third. Seattle leads 1-0

The A’s tied the game in the top of the third. Elvis Andrus led off the inning with a blast into the left-field seats. The tie didn’t last long as Julio Rodriguez hit his 13th home run. It was the fourth homer that Rodriguez hit against Oakland in seven games. Seattle led 2-1 after three.

The Mariners plated two more runs in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs, Adam Frazier singled. The next hitter, Dylan Moore, hitting a buck sixty-three, homered to make it a 4-1 game.

The A’s tied the game in the top of the fifth. With one out and Nick Allen at first, Tony Kemp singled, sending Allen to third. Ramon Laureano homered into the right-field seats to tie the game. The tie didn’t last long as Seattle scored four times in their half of the fifth.

With one out and a man on first, Carlos Santana singled to put men on at first and third. Abraham Toro singled to make it 5-4. Oakland’s manager Mark Kotsay brought in lefty A.J.Puk to pitch to the Mariners’ catcher Cal Raleigh.

Raleigh loves to hit against Oakland. He came through with a booming fly ball that bounced off Skye Bolt’s glove for a triple. Raleigh scored on Nick Allen’s throw past third baseman Sheldon Neuse. The Mariners in front 8-4.

The A’s added a run in the eighth, and Ramon Laureano hit a solo home run in the ninth to make it 8-6. Seattle held on to win 8-6. Seattle has won 17 of the last 19 games played against Oakland.

Game Notes: With the loss, the A’s are now 25-53. Seattle improved to 37-41. Adrian Marinez was the losing pitcher. He went 4.2 innings, allowing seven runs and seven hits. Seattle’s Logan Gilbert won the game and is now 9-3.

The hitting stars for Oakland were Ramon Laureano with two home runs and Sheldon Neuse with three hits and a walk.

The A’s announced from their press releases several player moves on Thursday. 

The Oakland Athletics recalled right-handed pitcher Adrián Martínez from Triple-A Las Vegas, selected infielder Vimael Machín from Las Vegas, and reinstated outfielder Skye Bolt from the 60-day injured list, the club announced today.

The A’s also placed Jed Lowrie on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 27 with a sprained left shoulder and optioned right-handed pitcher Adam Oller and outfielder Cristian Pache to Las Vegas. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the A’s designated left-handed pitcher Adam Kolarek for assignment.

There was a significant decision made by the BCDC that improved the A’s chances of staying in Oakland. The story follows below from KTVU Fox 2 News.

The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission voted Thursday to move forward with the Oakland A’s stadium project at Howard Terminal.

The commission voted 23 to 2 to reclassify a 56-acre terminal at the Port of Oakland as a mixed-use area where a new ballpark could be built. The vote is the first in a series of legal hurdles the team would have to overcome before it gets permission to break ground for the project.

The BCDC must give its permission whenever a port is to be used for a non-maritime purpose, such as a ballpark or stadium. 

Other government bodies, including the Oakland City Council, must still vote on the A’s plans.

Mayor Libby Schaaf said the vote is a step in the right direction.

“Today’s vote moves Oakland toward a more prosperous future. Our city has historically been overlooked for major economic development, but today that story about Oakland changes,” Schaaf said. 

The proposed 56-acre ballpark at the port has garnered some strong support and opposition.

“It’s a maritime port, a working maritime port, the fourth largest with 80,000 workers. By having a hotel and stadium and 3000 luxury condo units, you’re actually gentrifying and hurting the port,” said Steve Zeltzer of Schools and Labor Against Privatization.

The Oakland City Council will be attempting to put a non-binding advisory measure on the ballot in November. If they are to stay in Oakland, the A’s have several obstacles to overcome. Let’s hope things continue to go well in the A’s desire to build here. 

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s move a step closer to Howard Terminal; BCDC votes 23-2 in favor of project

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Artist rendition of projected Howard Terminal ballpark (San Francisco Chronicle file photo)

On the A’s podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Oakland A’s have moved a step closer toward a their hopes in getting a new Howard Terminal ballpark after the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) voted 23-2 well over the two thirds needed for the project.

#2 The vote gives designation for the A’s to use the 56 acres of the property that is currently used for port shipping and if the A’s clear a few more hurdles they can use the property for the project for retail, hotel space, housing, and the ballpark.

#3 There were those who oppose the project saying it will take away port and shipping jobs and those who came to support the project who said it will bring jobs to the port and upgrade the waterfront area as a destination for sports and entertainment.

#4 The vote on Thursday was just one of three more vote hurdles that the A’s have to take on they face votes from the State Lands Commission, the Department of Toxic Substances, and Control for site remediation. The if they can get past those votes the A’s need the nod from the City Council for development and community benefits package.

#5 The Oakland A’s other concern is by November Mayor Libby Schaff and the City Council will be termed out and there will be a new council and mayor by that time and it’s anyone’s guess what their position will be on a the Howard Terminal project at that time.

Join Jeremiah for the A’s podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast with Daniel Dullum: Longoria hasn’t decided on retirement yet; Giants open 3 game series with White Sox Friday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants hitter Evan Longoria swings for an RBI single in the bottom of the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco against the Detroit Tigers on Tue Jun 28, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Daniel:

#1 San Francisco Giants third baseman Evan Longoria has given retirement the long and thoughtful process. Longoria has said that he has his good days and and his bad days but has not decided there is little doubt he’s still able to produce.

#2 Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 and suffering several injuries including a recent finger surgery Longoria has said about retirement that he hasn’t made up his mind and is hitting .256, 30 hits, 8 home runs, and 18 RBIs and hit a home run on Wednesday and can still produce.

#3 Daniel if Longoria hangs it up he’s had quite a resume winning the 2008 AL Rookie of the Year, three All Star games, three Gold Gloves, participated in one World Series.

#4 Longoria also said that being away from his family is a huge factor. Longoria said the last three seasons have been his toughest. Suffering the injuries, the pandemic and is playing the final year of his six year $100 million contract. Longoria who lives in Arizona said that if he continued to play it would have to be a deal that makes sense for his family.

#5 The Giants open up a three game series Friday night against the Tony LaRussa and the Chicago White Sox. Lance Lynn (1-1, 6.19) gets the call for the Sox and he’ll be opposed by the Giants starter Alex Cobb (3-3, 5.48) a 7:15 pm PDT first pitch

Daniel does the San Francisco Giants podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Wade, Webb and Doval: Is this the trio that becomes cornerstones for the Giants’ future?

Published on by moepeaLeave a comment

By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–Evan Longoria admitted he’s considered retirement at the conclusion of this season in an article published in the San Francisco Chronicle Thursday. Longoria said he discussed the subject last season with Buster Posey, who did retire. Brandon Belt is the captain, but for how much longer?

Brandon Crawford, who has had a remarkably injury-free career is on the injured list, giving the rest of the Giants a sense of what it’s like without his leadership on a daily basis.

This era of Giants is transitioning. Joey Bart has stepped in for Posey, although his still rough edges landed him back in Triple A Sacramento recently. So who’s next? Maybe the trio of 2021 standouts who were prominent and integral to the Giants’ effort in last season’s epic Game 5 against the Dodgers: Lamonte Wade Jr., Logan Webb and Camilo Doval.

Wade, who faced Max Scherzer in a pinch-hitting role in the ninth inning of that playoff game, and sent a shot just right of home run territory for a foul ball, was a good college player, and a mid-round pick for the Twins. After two stints with their big club that weren’t awe inspiring, he was dealt to the Giants.

The marriage was made in heaven: Wade thrived as a regular against left-handed pitching, putting up 18 home runs and 15 doubles in 299 at-bats in that role. His numbers after the seventh inning were even more scintillating, earning him the nickname “Late Night Lamonte.” Now 28, and after missing 60 games so far this season to various injuries, is he still the “it” guy? If so, his career in San Francisco could be lengthy.

Doval was signed as a free agent by the Giants in 2015… as a shortstop. Now, seven years later, Doval is the hard-throwing closer who continues to grow more comfortable in his role with each appearance. In 2021, Doval finished 5-1 with 37 strikeouts in 27 innings, and that earned him a pivotal role in Game 5 in a matchup with Los Angeles’ Cody Bellinger in which he allowed the game-winning hit to the Dodgers’ slugger in the ninth inning.

Doval isn’t arbitration eligible until 2025, making his situation too favorable to the Giants to do anything but keep in the role he occupies now. Also, Doval continues to improve his slider, the compliment to his near-100mph fastballs.

Webb has been with the Giants since 2014, when he was a fourth round selection in the MLB Draft. Since then, he’s been a steady riser and came into this season as the Giants’ number one starter after he became just the third Giant to throw 7 2/3 innings scoreless and strike out 10 batters. His fastball and slider combo from the same arm slot continue to fool batters this season, as his 7-2 record could be even better if it weren’t for some hiccups after Webb has departed a couple of his starts.

The Giants have Webb under control until 2026 and probably will welcome the arbitration process to determine how much their young star gets paid until then.

What’s interesting about this Giants’ trio is none of the three come with much fanfare. Those that do–Heliot Ramos, Bart and Marco Luciano–still could surpass these three or equal them in a formidable sextet down the line. The reality is, the aformentioned trio is a little bit older than Ramos, Bart and Luciano and they’ve arrived quickly with assurance. Regardless of who outdoes who going forward, this group collectively bode well for the organization’s future.

The Giants open a three-game set with the White Sox at Oracle Park on Friday night with Alex Cobb and Chicago’s Lance Lynn the announced starters.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Haase’s two run blast puts Tigers in cat bird seat edge Giants 3-2 at Oracle

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants first baseman leaps as the throw goes over his head and allows the Detroit Tigers runner Victor Reyes (22) to reach first in the top of the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Jun 29, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the SF Giants podcast with Michael;

#1 The Detroit Tigers (29-45) and San Francisco (40-34) ended up splitting a two game series at Oracle Park as the Giants took the first game on Tuesday night 4-3 but on Wednesday the Tigers got some decent pitching and home run help from Eric Haase who hit a two run home run to break a 1-1 sixth inning deadlock the Tigers would win it 3-2.

#2 The Tigers Miguel Cabrera got an RBI hit and the Tigers improved getting their 11th win against 23 loses on the road so far this season

#3 Tiger starting pitcher Rony Garcia picked up his second win against three loses. Garcia allowed one run on one hit, struck out five batters. The Tigers reliever Gregory Soto got the Giants out in order in the bottom of the ninth inning to close the door. Garcia got the win and improved his record to 3-2.

#4 The Giants Evan Longoria has been seeing the ball well he slugged his eighth home run of the season but the Giants just couldn’t capitalize on Tigers pitching and couldn’t reach home after the Longoria’s home run.

#5 The Chicago White Sox and Giants open a three game series at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Friday. Starting pitchers for the White Sox right hand pitcher Lance Lynn (1-1, 6.19) and going for the Giants right hand pitcher Alex Cobb (3-3, 3.48) first pitch 7:15 pm PDT.

Michael does the Giants podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Big vote today to keep A’s in Oakland; A’s can’t hang onto lead against Mighty Yankees in 5-3 loss

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton takes a cut in the bottom of the third inning for a home run against the Oakland A’s at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Wed Jun 29, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Jerry, the New York Yankees Giancarlo Stanton pointed out after Wednesday’s game that he’s seen a lot of teams fold after the opposition gets the lead in ball games but not with this Yankees team as they came back after the Oakland A’s started out with a 3-0 lead in the top of the first.

#2 Stanton who homered in the game said this Yankee team knows how to push the envelope night in and night out and they do have one of the best offenses in baseball to make that stand up.

#3 Stanton and Aaron Judge who both homered for New York have the best record in MLB for comebacks leading majors with 24.

#4 The A’s after scoring those three runs in the top of the first inning continue to struggle at the plate where they didn’t score a run after the first inning and lost by two runs 5-3.

#5 After getting swept in New York the A’s are off to Seattle they will face the Mariners for a four game series starting Thursday night at T-Mobile Field in Seattle the A’s will start right hander Adrian Martinez (1-0, 0.00) going for the Mariners (Logan Gilbert 8-3, 2.44) 7:10 pm PDT

Join Jerry for the Oakland A’s podcast Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Howard Terminal Next Vote In Hours

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland A’s team president says it’s a tall order getting a yes vote on today’s vote with the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) to remove 56 acres of operations at the Port of Oakland to allow the A’s to begin the Ballpark project waterfront ballpark. (Athletics Nation file photo)

Howard Terminal: Next Vote In Hours

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–Sometime this Thursday, June 30th, we will know the final result of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) on whether to remove the port priority use designation on the Port of Oakland’s Howard Terminal.

The A’s plans are to build on a 56-acre waterfront site. A $12 billion investment with mixed-use including the $1 billion baseball park.

What do they need? There are 27 commissioners that will register their Yes or No vote. They need 18 of the 27 to pass, for the port use designation to be removed, paving the way for the new Oakland A’s Baseball park.

According to Mr. Dave Kaval, President of the A’s, a No vote would mean the project is all but dead in the water. Kaval also said when asked about the vote Thursday- “That’s a tall order, getting that type of support is not easy”.

Most recent twist: Early this week MLB reportedly willing to wave a $1 Billion relocation fee, if the A’s move to Las Vegas. They went even further, saying that they never planned to charge the A’s in the first place.

According to The New York Post, who broke this story and reported that back in April MLB commissioner Rob Manfred was ready to let the A’s move to Las Vegas so long as Nevada kicked in around $275 million for a stadium.

Now, months later the Post is back to declare that MLB is ready to give the A’s owners another gift by waiving the league relocation fee. The Las Vegas Review Journal’s own source confirmed the no-fee story. When the Raiders left Oakland for Las Vegas they paid a $378 million relocation fee.

If the BCDC vote is a Yes, the A’s take another step on their way to the building of Howard Terminal. Still not 100 percent assured that it will be build, but first they have to get a Yes vote this Thursday, or say Adiós to the plans. If the vote is Yes, there will be more hurdles as the project would then move to negotiations between the City of Oakland and the Oakland A’s.

One of the possible next hurdles is the A’s building 600 low-income homes, a plan that is a “must” according to the powers-to-be in the City of Oakland, while the A’s have been very quiet. Some in Oakland believe, the low-income housing could be a “deal breaker”.

Rob Manfred, Commissioner of MLB “There is really significant activity in Oakland. The political process has moved along significantly,” Manfred said. “I met with Mayor Schaaf. She has done a really good job at moving the process forward in Oakland. But as you all know, California political processes are their own sort of animal.

The no fee relocation offered to the A’s was well received by Las Vegas, Sin City (through their leaders) who expressed optimism that if they do not land the Oakland A’s, in the near future Las Vegas will be a place for MLB expansion.

City officials believe Las Vegas has shown the world they are a major sports and entertainment center and possible home for other professional sports leagues, including soccer and basketball. As of today Las Vegas is the home of the NFL Raiders and the Golden Knights of the NHL.

Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix remains over a year away, but it is happening and it will take place in the center of the city, incorporating a stretch of the famous strip, a multi year deal from November 2023.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces lose to Storm 88-78; Vegas’ third loss in four games

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Aces Lose to Storm 88-78; Vegas’ third loss in four games

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Las Vegas Aces (14-5) took on the Seattle Storm (12-7) at Climate Pledge Arena home of the Storm in Seattle. The Aces won their last game, a close one, to the LA Sparks 79-73 Monday night. The Aces in turn lost to the Storm 88-78 a ten point disappointment and the Aces third loss in their last four games.

The Storm are currently in second place in the Western Conference trailing the first place Aces.

The Aces won the first quarter 27-23 in a closely contested game. The Storm would pull to within three points at the half. Seattle won the second quarter by the slim margin of 21-20. The Aces led at the half 47-44. A’Ja Wilson pulled out all the stops in the first half the only Ace in double digits.

After three quarters the Storm had taken the lead 64-62 winning the quarter 20-15. The Aces had a strong fourth quarter finish in their last game and needed to finish strong in this one.

With four minutes left in the game, the score was tied at 72 and it was the Storm that finished the game. They hoped for a fourth quarter finish but that didn’t happen for Las Vegas and they dropped their third game in four outings. The ten point win was in favor of the Storm.

The Storm had a tremendous game from Jewell Loyd with 24 points.

The high score for the Aces was A’JA Wilson with yet another outstanding game. She finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray all shot double digits.

Las Vegas will be back on the court in Minnesota taking on the Lynx Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT.

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong : Denver Post Reporter hoists Stanley Cup fans and media call bias; Has Serena Williams lost a little off her game? plus more News

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Colorado Avalanche beat writer Mike Chambers from the Denver Post (left) with cigar in mouth is seen here holding the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche’s Gabriel Landeskog which had fans and members questioning Chambers objectivity (photo from @MikeChambers)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 Jessica, Colorado Avalanche fans and members of the media expressed their displeasure with longtime Avalanche reporter Mike Chambers from the Denver Post who shared his photos with Avalanche team captain Gabriel Landeskog. Chambers in the photos was seen hoisting the Stanley Cup and also seen holding the cup with Landeskog.

#2 One of the things that is the number one rule is objectivity in our job as journalists and Chambers knows this as much as anybody else as a main beat writer for the Avalanche. Do you see this a matter of getting caught up in the moment?

#3 Tennis star Serena Williams a seven time Wimbledon Champion lost for the first time in the Grand Slam in a year. Williams lost to a 115th ranked ranked player Harmony Tan, 7-5, 1-6, 7-6, it appeared that Williams still had her strength, her passion, during the match. It was at the start of the match that she had a number of missed shots, made unforced errors, and hit some balls that went wide and long. Is Serena just losing a little off her game?

#4 Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper is out of action as he will need surgery to stabilize a broken thumb he sustained on Saturday after he got hit with a 97 MPH by the San Diego Padres Blake Snell in the bottom of the fourth inning. The pitch was high and tight on the hands and it got his thumb. Harper exchanged words with Snell but later in a post game interview said the pitch was not intentional.

#5 Jessica, former assistant football coach at Bremerton High School in Washington State Joseph Kennedy has taken a knee in prayer. There had been a comparison to his taking a knee to former San Francisco 49er quarterback’s Colin Kaepernick’s taking a knee who protested during the national anthem because continuous law enforcement brutality against minorities and people of color. Kennedy sued the school district for wrongful termination and won taking the case all the way to the US Supreme Court because of religious discrimination.

Join Jessica for Headline Sports every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Yanks undo A’s early lead in 5-3 win for 3 game sweep in the Bronx

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Oakland A’s Seth Brown grimaces after getting hit with a New York Yankee pitch in the top of the second inning at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Wed Jun 29, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

NEW YORK—The Oakland Athletics fell 5-3 on Wednesday afternoon and got swept in the three-game series against the best in baseball, the New York Yankees. Despite hitting a new low at Yankee Stadium, A’s manager Mark Kotsay said the “team fights, we always have and we’ll continue to.”

Oakland took an early lead with Stephen Piscotty, fresh off the injured list, hitting a two-run double. Elvis Andrus followed with an RBI single, putting the A’s up 3-0. But the Yankees quickly capitalized on left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin’s mistakes. In the first inning, Aaron Judge hit his 29th home run of the season, and DJ LeMahieu scored, cutting the A’s lead to 3-2.

In the third inning, Giancarlo Stanton hit a slugger of his own, his 19th of the season, allowing LeMahieu and Judge to score. The Yankees took a 5-3 lead, and the A’s were unable to produce any more runs.

Irvin (2-6) threw a career-high 103 pitches in seven innings, allowed six hits, one walk and struck out five. His grooved 3-2 fastball to Judge and 1-2 change-up to Stanton cost the A’s.

“I’m disappointed with the early runs,” said Irvin. “I felt like a threw a good change-up to Stanton but throwing a fastball down the middle to Judge is probably not the best idea. It’s about execution, but all-in-all I felt like I had a pretty strong day in my first start at Yankee Stadium.”

Irvin asked to go out after the seventh inning, and Kotsay conferred.

“Just two mistakes to two really good hitters and it ended up costing him five runs,” Kotsay said. “After the Stanton home run, he got back, engaged and went seven innings. Kind of a tale of two stories there, the first time around, then twice through the lineup. He kept us in the game and (we had) an opportunity to at least get back in it.”

Yankees right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon (9-1) gave up only three runs in five innings and threw 105 pitches.

The A’s lost Monday’s game 9-5 and Tuesday’s 2-1. They’ve dropped to 25-52, while the Yankees improved to an MLB-best 56-20 (.737) to start the season. Kotsay said his team is capable of winning against even the best, but has not executed.

“We’re being competitive in terms of having a chance to beat these guys,” Kotsay said. “We know we can play with any team in baseball. We have that ability. We just have to put it together.”

The A’s head back west to finish their ten-game road trip with a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners. First pitch for game one on Thursday is at 7:10 p.m. The A’s will start right hander Adrian Martinez (1-0, 0.00) going for the Mariners (Logan Gilbert 8-3, 2.44) 7:10 pm PDT