Author: Sports Radio Service

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Lami: NFL is cracking down on lowering helmets as a weapon; 49ers’ Sherman says the new rule is idiotic

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Photo credit: @SportsCenter

On the 49ers podcast with Joe:

#1 The NFL imposed a new rule about lowering helmets before making contact. Are the players upset by this new rule?

#2 Regardless of player position, the penalty of lowering helmets will be 15 yards and a game ejection, which the league ruled that the helmet is used for contact with another player that could cause serious injury, including a concussion.

#3 The change was made after the league observed 33 preseason games and after 50 helmet penalties, which have been assessed.

#4 The 49ers’ cornerback Richard Sherman said the new rule is idiotic, saying “there’s no way you can tackle the way they are asking people to tackle and play football.”

#5 The 49ers play week three in Indianapolis Saturday, which means the 49ers will see a lot more starters in the first half. Joe talks about what will be expected of the starters on Saturday.

Join Joe Lami for the 49ers podcasts on Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Countdown to kickoff: San Jose State fans should pay attention to these 10 players

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Photo credit: @SJSUSpartanFB

By: Ana Kieu

As you should already know, San Jose State football wrapped up its second (and final) scrimmage at CEFCU Stadium on Saturday, August 18th. Both season ticket holders and media members were impressed by the Spartan defense, who shined in the scrimmage and entertained the crowd last Saturday night at CEFCU Stadium. Also, the majority of the guests enjoyed a complimentary barbecue dinner, which was delicious to say the least.

Perhaps you might’ve already figured this out, but the Spartans’ coaching staff has a lot on their minds. Yet, there’s a likely chance they could put their previous misfortunes in the rear-view mirror and focus on their current goals—one of which is to win more than two games in the 2018 season. From quarterbacks to placekickers, I’ll take a closer look at a wide variety of players who have made larger-than-life statements this off-season, and hopefully, these guys will keep up the good work when the real games kick off.

Here are 10 players San Jose State fans should pay attention to. As always, feel free to share your opinion in the comments section.

10. Montel Aaron
In my opinion, the No. 1 quarterback spot will be handed to redshirt sophomore Montel Aaron. At the moment, the Spartan offense appears to have the upper hand as Aaron has been apparently handling offensive sequences with Terrell Carter.

Aaron, however, is the current favorite among most media outlets. Of course, this decision will be made by first-year offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, who previously worked at Oregon State. But, if Aaron becomes the starting quarterback and stays healthy, he’ll likely fall into place with the running and receiving games, respectively.

9. Josh Love
Let’s talk about some more quarterbacks, shall we?

Junior Josh Love is expected to be a part of the Spartans’ rotation when it comes to veteran quarterbacks. 

Last year, Love started the first two games of the season until he suffered an injury, which was a major blow as he had the most experience in the 2017 Spartans’ quarterback department. After that, Aaron picked up the slack until he, himself, suffered an injury against the Utah Utes in Salt Lake City. But, to be fair, no quarterback was separating himself from the others, so…

8. Terrell Carter
In case you didn’t know, redshirt freshman Terrell Carter made a huge impact on the field in the Spartans’ second and final scrimmage this offseason. Carter completed 6-of-7 attempts for 64 yards. That statistic, my friends, also accounted for the scrimmage’s only touchdown that was scored by senior running back DeJon Packer, who caught the 24-yard reception from Carter.

That being said, if Aaron or Love struggle during the season, then the Spartans may experiment with Carter to see what a younger quarterback could do.

7. Chance LaChappelle
Of course, it’s too early to tell if the brand-new players will achieve the exact same success in the regular season. But I can tell you that freshman quarterback Chance LaChapelle out of Sheldon High School in Sacramento, Calif. has been showing promise.

Therefore, LaChappelle remains a part of the Spartans’ quarterback competition. And, hopefully, LaChapelle will get to start a game sooner than later.

6. Jermaine Braddock
Again, freshman Jermaine Braddock is another player whose future remains up in the air. But I have to say, Braddock has been looking great thus far.

In the Spartans’ final scrimmage, Braddock led all wide receivers with 63 yards on three catches, including a 52-yarder from Aaron–and yes, Braddock reversed to dodge a tackle and extend his play.

Expect to see more of Braddock this season.

5. DeJon Packer
Yes, senior DeJon Packer was that guy who scored the final scrimmage’s only touchdown, but in other news…Packer is reportedly competing for playing time as a running back.

Packer may not be one of the biggest names in the Mountain West Conference, but he was fourth on the Spartans in rushing yards (290) and led his new team with two rushing touchdowns. And, like many other running backs, the best is yet to come for Packer.

4. Bryce Crawford
In case you missed it, senior kicker Bryce Crawford closed out the scoring in the final scrimmage with a 35-yard field goal…and that was his only field goal attempt that afternoon.

Crawford is the Spartans’ record-setting kicker. Not only that, Crawford is a Dean’s Scholar student who also contributes to the good of the local community in the South Bay. That’s why Crawford was named to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list in July.

Let’s see if Crawford will win the Wuerffel Trophy on December 4 at the National Football Foundation’s news conference in New York City. But, in the meantime, let’s see if Crawford will keep up the great work.

3. Steven Houston
Steven Houston is a freshman who first joined the Spartans at San Jose State in 2017 for fall drills. Now, Houston is in his second season with the Spartans.

Houston should be able to work his way into the wide receiver rotation. After all, Houston is an avid long distance runner who likes to run marathons. Not the same sports, but the similar amounts of effort involved.

2. Tyler Nevens
The Spartans have been showing promise in the running game with arguably their greatest running back in modern times Tyler Nevens.

Last year, Nevens was one of the few bright spots for the Spartans, who went 2-11 (1-7 MW). That was definitely not a record for then first-year head coach Brent Brennan to brag about, but hey, you can’t always get what you want.

Anyways, Nevens has his flaws–like when his pass got intercepted by Wyoming’s Marcus Epps during the game that turned out to be the Spartans’ second win of the season versus the Cowboys. But Nevens is still an incredible running back nevertheless.

1. Tre White
There’s a lot of overlooked local kids in the Spartans’ ever-changing roster of experiments, so let’s take a look at cornerback hopeful Tre White, who is in his second season at San Jose State.

Last year, White completed a redshirt season. Coming out of De La Salle High School, White was just a three-star recruit, but now, he could find himself on the field this coming season. Plus White can also play as a running back if needed.

Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Gruden taking a closer look at Whalen for wide receiver; Raiders’ starters get more looks in week 3 of preseason

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photo from pinterest.com: Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Griff Whalen is working at getting the third wide receiver opening at the Raiders in game three at Oakland against the Green Bay Packers Friday night

On the Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Oakland Raiders’ head coach Jon Gruden stated this week that while he’s very happy with his two wide receivers, Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson, he’s searching for a third receiver will he get his answer this week and next week for that third receiver.

#2 Gruden said he all the confidence that receivers coach Edgar Bennett will find that third receiver and said he said Bennett would agree that they find somebody to step in at the third wideout position.

#3 Gruden was looking at wide receiver Martavis Bryant as that third wideout but Bryant during training camp in Napa missed three practices with a headache and one for illness. Gruden said that Bryant comes out to play “sometimes and sometimes he doesn’t.”

#4 Then, there was Seth Roberts, who was going to get some looks, but missed the first two preseason games due to an injury. The Gruden was looking at Ryan Switzer, who looked like he had a shot, but now he’s took some interest in Griff Whalen, who is practicing with the offensive first team and also is a former Stanford player.

#5 The Raiders host quarterback Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packers for week three, meaning Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr will get more time and more looks. What are some of the things expected out of the starters and Carr in week three?

Tony Renteria does the Oakland Raiders podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Jackson couldn’t figure out Rangers’ lineup Wednesday; Melvin pleased with 6-3 homestand

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Photo credit: @Athletics

On the A’s podcast with Jerry:

#1 The A’s had the Texas Rangers down on the mat for the final count, but just couldn’t pin the Rangers down for a win in game three of the three-game series and saw some good pitching from Rangers’ starter Mike Minor on Wednesday afternoon. Minor went six innings, one hit, four strikeouts, and one walk.

#2 The Rangers also struck early with runs in the top of the first and the third. Shin-Soo Choo set the tone early with a first pitch of the game, a home run off A’s starter Edwin Jackson. For Choo, it was his 21st home run of the season, a blast in the left field bleachers.

#3 A’s starter Edwin Jackson struggled going four-plus, seven hits, four runs, three walks and two strikeouts. Jackson, who had been going well before Wednesday, just couldn’t get tracked against the Rangers’ lineup.

#4 Despite the loss, A’s manager Bob Melvin said during the postgame presser he was happy with the homestand as the A’s won series meetings with the Mariners, Astros, and Rangers, going 6-3 at home.

#5 The A’s open a seven-game road trip starting tonight in Minnesota then head to Houston on Monday in crucial games as the A’s are just one game behind the Astros in the AL West.

Jerry Feitelberg does the A’s podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O: A’s win homestand, start seven-game road trip Thursday

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Photo credit: @MLB

On the A’s podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie said the 12 games from August 10th to 22nd were the most important games of the season. In Charlie’s opinion, how did the A’s do in those games?

#2 What does the schedule look like for the next two weeks for the A’s?

#3 The 2019 season schedule was released today. Any thoughts on next year’s schedule?

Charlie O does the A’s podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Is the A’s magical season just a fluke?

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Photo credit: @Athletics

By: Ana Kieu

OAKLAND, Calif. — To a non-A’s fan, the A’s magical season may be just a fluke. To a A’s fan, this season may be the real deal. But, before all of us jump to conclusions about whether or not the A’s are going to win it all, let me remind that history may repeat itself. Just take a look at the 2012 and 2014 seasons in that order.

In case you need a refresher, the 2012 A’s won the AL West by one game, but then lost to the Detroit Tigers in five games in the ALDS. That was six years ago, but the A’s had an over .500 season but were unable to get past the Tigers. Moreover, the 2014 A’s merely clinched the AL Wild Card berth on the final day of the season and faced the Kansas City Royals in the AL Wild Card Game, only to lose to the Royals in one of the most disappointing ways possible–a walk-off for a 9-8 win in the 12th inning. The Royals got their first playoff win in 29 years, but were ultimately ousted by the Giants in seven games in the 2014 World Series. That was depressing news for the A’s fans, but it was an even year for the Giants, so y’all should give credit to your cross-town rivals.

Anyways, it almost seems surreal that the 2018 A’s displayed character, grit and relentless all of a sudden. Of course, the naysayers were proved wrong, and the Oakland-based reporters and fans are confident in this team…but are they accurate?

Let’s take a look at five reasons why the A’s aren’t all that, shall we?

1. It comes down to money
The A’s ownership has constantly demonstrated that money is a priority as opposed to the Green and Gold fanbase. Since the Moneyball days, the A’s ownership has always took the bargain-basement approach to every aspect of the game.

This is obviously not good for the fans nor the team, as the A’s continue to be known as a small-market team even though they’re one of the hottest teams in baseball and DH Khris Davis is having himself a season. Davis’ current stats are .311/.373/.786 over 103 at-bats with 32 hits, 4 doubles, 15 home runs, 35 RBI, 10 walks, and 23 strikeouts. And, despite being the other KD in the Bay Area, no one is talking about Davis.

A’s manager Bob Melvin recently told the local media, “I’ve been hearing some talk on some of the national broadcasts on MVPs. His name’s not even brought up. I mean, how could you not?”

With that said, it’s likely going to be difficult for Melvin to put together a playoff team in spite of massive budget restrictions. Sure, the current A’s roster is incredible, but how much longer are the regulars going to stay in Oakland?

2. The 2012 A’s caught some breaks
Remember when the Texas Rangers were in first place with a 35-26 record on June 10, 2012, while the A’s were in last place at the opposite inverse with a 26-35 record?

Also, Josh Hamilton dropped the ball in center field during Game 162.

The possible factor of outside help was able to weave its way into the A’s then-success, but it’s something that may not have a significant influence in 2018. Yeah, the Mariners were surging in May and June, but now, they can’t seem to find their groove right now. Additionally, the Astros can’t seem to catch a break on injuries. So it’s unclear how everything will work out, but in the meantime, it’s quite interesting to follow.

3. The 2012 A’s had more swag
Okay, I admit I use the word “swag” more often that not, but the 2012 A’s had more swag in its lineup.

Obviously, this group of veteran spark plugs may not be great anymore, but man, they had Brandon Inge, Coco Crisp, Grant Balfour and Jonny Gomes. And, of course, they did the Bernie Lean.

Right now, Matt Chapman’s defense, Khris Davis’ bat and Blake Treinen’s sinker are notable mentions, but the entire team isn’t always in sync–and therefore, they don’t regularly take the field with large peps in their steps.

4. The 2012 season had a lot of flaws
Of course, there were many things in the right direction in the 2012 season, but at the same time, there were plenty of things that worsened the overall quality of the teams that year. Bartolo Colon was suspended on August 22. Brandon McCarthy got hit in the skull by a line drive on September 5. Moreover, the A’s lost six out of eight games in the second half of September.

The 2018 season has pretty much been the same, just a different year. Four A’s pitchers are currently out of order due to Tommy John surgeries. And, at some point, Matt Chapman injured his thumb while Khris Davis suffered a groin injury.

As of now, the A’s are over .500, but they’re sort of going back and forth with the injury-plagued Astros for first place in the AL West.

5. The 2011 season didn’t show a lot of promise
The 2011 season, especially the final weeks, didn’t show a lot of promise. A’s manager Bob Melvin just arrived in Oakland that mid-season, but his new team also parted ways with several players after their 77-84 finish in the Winter Meetings.

The 2017 A’s obviously didn’t receive a new manager, but they did undergo quite a few changes during the season, yet wrapped up the second half of the season just one game below .500.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “History repeats itself.” And, that could happen, so don’t be surprised if the A’s magical season turns out to be a fluke. There’s always next year.

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Machado–if he stays–will get a big fat contract with Dodgers; Ravens Smith to be suspended four games for domestic abuse; Nats start the fire sale deals–Murphy and Adams: plus more

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Photo credit: @Cut4

On the Headline Sports with London:

#1 Will the Los Angeles Dodgers re-sign Manny Machado? Would it have an impact on the club and will other players start to ask for more dough if Machado ends up being the highest-priced player on the club?

#2 The Baltimore Ravens’ top cornerback Jimmy Smith has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s domestic abuse policy for making “threatening and emotionally abusive behaviors” according to a league statement towards his girlfriend. Marlon Humphrey, a 2017 first round draft pick, will start at corner with 10-year veteran Brandon Carr.

#3 The Washington Nationals, who moved into the .500 position 63-63 by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in a laugher on Tuesday night 10-4, after the club dealt Daniel Murphy to the Chicago Cubs and Matt Adams was traded St Louis Cardinals.

#4 It’s quite the way that Indianapolis Colts’ play-by-play announcer Bob Lamey wanted to go out, but he was in the studio with an black employee at WTRH radio in Indianapolis–the flagship station of the Colts–and had used the N-word (not on the air). Lamey is a legend in the annals of Colts broadcasting calling games since 1984. The employee was talking with Lamey when Lamey used the word when he was retelling a story the employee was offended and later reported it to human resources Lamey retired last Sunday after team members spoke with him about using the word.

#5 The Oakland A’s continue to tear it up and this homestand is no different. They rolled over the first-place Houston Astros, taking two out of three, then they took the first two games of the three-game series against the Texas Rangers. With the win Tuesday night, the A’s moved into first place for the first time this season by a 1/2 game.

London Marq does the Headline Sports each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Wondo watch in full effect; plus SJSU football updates

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On the San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. Chris Wondolowski scored goal No. 141 in the Quakes’ 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Saturday night at Avaya Stadium. The Wondo watch is in full effect.

2. Aside from Wondo, what were some other takeaways from the Quakes vs. Toronto FC match?

3. Why did head coach Mikael Stahre wait until the 89th minute to allow Dominic Oduro to make his Quakes debut?

4. The Quakes have two more games in their current homestand. What do they need to do in order to defeat or at least settle for a draw with the Vancouver WhiteCaps and Dallas FC?

5. San Jose State football is just around the corner. Was the Spartans’ second and final scrimmage of this year’s Fall Camp better than expected?

6. Joe from Akron, Ohio asked, “Do the Spartans look better than last year?”

Catch Ana on the San Jose sports podcast each week at SportsRadioService.com!

San Francisco Giants podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Posey to have hip surgery; McCutchen waived by club–could end up with playoff team

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Photo credit: @SInow

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Marko:

San Francisco catcher Buster Posey has called it a season he will have hip surgery. The Giants decided after they fell eight games back it was time to get Posey’s hip taken care of.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said he wants Posey ready for next season. Posey hit .286 for this season, five home runs and 40 RBIs.

The Giants’ Andrew McCutchen was placed on waivers Tuesday night.The Giants could deal McCutchen, who is .257 and a free agent at the end of season. Teams named that could use McCutchen include Oakland, St. Louis, and New York Yankees, who are all playoff teams.

The Giants face the Mets again for game three of the series after the 6-3 loss on Tuesday night. The Giants will start Casey Kelly (0-1, 1.69 ERA) and Noah Synergaard (8-3, 3.40 ERA).

Marko Ukalovic does the Giants podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Baseball…A Hispanic World!

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Photo credit: Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

By: Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

The last national census was taken in 2010 and the next one is scheduled for 2020. As of July 1, 2016, the HIspanic population in the United States was 57.5 million. This is the largest ethnic or racial majority in the country with around 18 percent. In the Bay Area in 2010, over 1.6 million Hispanic resided in nine counties for 23.5%, which is over six million people. Today’s estimates are between 1.8 and 2 million Hispanics who have made the Bay Area their home.

Baseball is no different. According to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), 27.4 percent of all players in the Major Leagues were Hispanic as of 2016.

On Sunday, September 9, the Oakland Athletics will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Day. During this season at the Club Level entrance at the Oakland Coliseum, there is big mural from the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame–a non-profit organization founded in San Francisco in 1998–dedicated to the research, history and recognition of all Hispanic players. On that mural, fans can enjoy flags of Latin American countries and some of the history of the contributions made to baseball by Latinos. On that day, the A’s will be giving a Sugar Skull Bobblehead to the first 35,000 fans.

Currently, the A’s have one position player and three pitchers of Hispanic descent. The brilliant rookie outfielder Ramón Laureano, who is 23 years old, was born in the Dominican Republic, relievers Yusmeiro Petit from Venezuela, and Jeurys Familia and Fernando Rodney from the D.R. plus Emilio Pagán, who is of Puerto Rico descent, and Lou Trivino, who is of Ecuadorian descent. Santiago Casilla was also with the A’s this season from the D.R. and young infielder Franklin Barreto, who was born in Venezuela, future A’s second baseman.

The Latino presence is palpable with upbeat salsa music playing before a game in the clubhouse. The Texas Rangers, who played a three-game series in Oakland, had a regular starting lineup featuring Ronald Guzmán, Rougned Odor, Elvis Andrus, Adrian Beltré, Nomar Mazara, Carlo Tocci, Robinson Chirinos and in some cases, the ageless 45 year-old Bartolo Colón or the 22-year-old rookie Ariel Jurado from Panamá.

Some of the biggest Hispanic stars in the game are J.D Martínez, José Altuve, Manny Machado, Francisco Lindor, José Ramírez, Carlos Correa and more.

The World Baseball Classic showcases to the world the great passion for this game from their biggest protagonists: Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Cuba and México. Baseball is played more and more around the world. Latinos have some of the greatest history to go along from Cuban-born pitcher Adolfo Luqye, who in 1923 with the Cincinnati Reds finished with a 27-3 record and 1.93 ERA, pitching 322 innings to the great “Cometa de Carolina” with Roberto Clemente.

The influx of Hispanic players will continue to increase in years to come.

Listen to the A’s in Spanish on KIQI 1010 AM/990 AM, covering the Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton and The Valley. Also, on the SAP on your television as NBC Sports California.