NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Joe Lami: Vegas and Washington could go seven games; Finals start Monday night in Vegas

photo from the detroitfreepress.com: The Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Colin Miller (6) catches a stick on the nose as Washington Capitals right winger Devante Smith-Pelly (25) both battle on the glass during the second period of Sun Feb 4th’s game in Washington

On the NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Joe Lami:

#1 Here it is the Stanley Cup Finals and the Vegas Golden Knights goes up against the Washington Capitals for Game 1 Monday night at the T-Mobile Center in Vegas.

#2 Who to look for on Vegas in the Finals: The Knights’ center Jonathan Marchessualt who has had a great postseason and one of the key reasons why the Knights are where they are with eight goals and 10 assists and one of Vegas’ best offensive weapons.

#3 The Knights left winger William Karlsson and right winger Alex Tuch both have six goals amongst them. How do you see them matching up against Caps.

#4 The Caps have a potent offense in their own right with post season numbers from Evegeny Kuznetsov 11 goals, Alex Ovechkin 12 goals, and TJ Oshie seven goals.

#5 So the moment of truth, the countdown to Monday at the T-Mobile Center–the Vegas Knights and the Washington Caps. Joe talks about how this matchup will play out.

Joe Lami does the NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Hendricks, Cubs send Giants to third straight loss

Photo credit: @playtheapp1

By Jeremy Kahn

After opening their three-city, nine-game road trip against the defending World Champion Houston Astros, the San Francisco Giants moved onto the winners of the 2016 World Series champion Chicago Cubs for their next series.

Kyle Hendricks gave up just one run on two hits in seven innings of work, as the Cubs defeated the Giants 6-2 at Wrigley Field.

Hendricks, who improved to 4-3 on the season, struck out seven and walked two, as the Cubs bounced back from a two-game sweep against the Cleveland Indians on a high note.

This was the Giants third straight loss to open the road trip, and have been outscored 21-5 through their first three games with five games remaining.

Gorkys Hernandez picked up two of the four Giants hits on the afternoon, including a leadoff home run in the top of the fourth inning that broke up Hendricks’ perfect game.

Evan Longoria picked up a RBI single in the top of the ninth inning that scored Brandon Belt, who singled, then advanced to second on indifference and then scored the Giants first run since the fourth inning when Longoria singled off of Pedro Strop.

The Cubs broke the game wide open in the bottom of the seventh inning, when they ended Holland’s day. Will Smith gave up a two-run double to Ben Zobrist, and then Cory Gearrin gave up a two-run single to Kris Bryant. Former Oakland A’s prospect Addison Russell hit a RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning for their final run of the afternoon.

Strop retired the first batters of the inning, but then Belt and Longoria picked up back-to-back hits for another run. That was the end of the day for Strop, as Joe Maddon turned the ball over to Brian Duensing, who eventually walked Brandon Crawford.

That was all for Duenisng, as Maddon brought on his closer, Brandon Morrow, who struck out the returning Mac Williamson to end the game and picked up 11thsave in 12 opportunities this season.

Holland allowed three runs (two of them earned) in six innings of work, and allowed five hits before being replaced by Smith. Before being replaced, Holland hit Javier Baez and then walked Ian Happ.

NOTES: Chris Stratton looks to stop the Giants three-game losing streak, as he takes the mound against the Cubs Jose Quintana.

Madison Bumgarner looks to begin his rehab assignment on Saturday for the Sacramento Rivercats, where he will throw approximately 45 pitches. Joe Panik is making progress and could begin a rehab during the Giants road trip that will end on Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

UP NEXT: The Giants and Cubs meet again for Game 2 Saturday at 4:15 pm PST on FOX.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: NFL Owners Say Players Must Stand for National Anthem

Photo credit: @theMMQB

By: Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said during a news conference that team owners unanimously agreed that the NFL can fine a team whose players protest on the sidelines during the National Anthem, but that each team will set its own rules regarding players who want to kneel. Players will not be fined individually by the league and will have the option to remain in the locker room while the anthem is played.

Hopefully, this is the end of a story that has nothing to do with touchdowns, tackles or field goals. However, it did started a conversation nationwide that still is going on and it even spilled to high school kids–many who can’t find Washington D.C. on a map–but who also took a knee in school.

The First Amendment should always be protected because it is indispensable in a free Republic like the United States of America. However, the NFL is a private business and owners handsomely pay their players to play what is today the most popular sport in America and they also have a right to demand the conduct of their players.

The NFL has been besieged with players in trouble with the law. It seems that in the MLB, it is the suspension for the use of illegal substances, one of their biggest problems, while in the NFL, it is tons of their players getting in trouble with the law on and off the football field. As I remember, the main reason for the protest was police brutality towards African-Americans. Although, this also changed later to other topics.

The NFL Players Association, which was not included in the talks with owners, said the union will review the new policy and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement. Owners discussed the topic for two hours on Tuesday and one hour on Wednesday, according to Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam.

We can only hope that this controversy is settled once and for all. I remember when Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa opined on this matter, when it was happening and was a story all over the country.

LaRussa said: “I know that there’s a constitutional right to express yourself, but I think you have a right as an organization to have a certain philosophy about respecting, whether it’s our Constitution, whether it’s our country, whether its our soldiers…our flag.”

LaRussa added: “I would not, to the best of my ability, I would not sanction somebody taking a knee.”

LaRussa earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Florida State University College of Law in 1978. Although he never practiced law, he is one of only two managers in history, Sparky Anderson being the latter, to win World Series titles in each league.

This date in A’s history: Campaneris sets an Oakland record

Photo credit: @Athletics

By: Ana Kieu

OAKLAND, Calif. — On this day in 1976, Bert Campaneris set a record when he stole five bases in the Oakland A’s 12-7 win over the Minnesota Twins. Rickey Henderson later tied Campaneris’ record.

In case you need a refresher, Campaneris is a former shortstop who played for the Kansas City/Oakland A’s from 1964 to 1976. Campaneris went on to play for the Texas Rangers from 1977 to 1979, California Angels from 1979 to 1981 and New York Yankees in 1983.

Unlike other players, Campaneris joined the list of nine-position players in an MLB game. Campaneris became the first player to every position in an MLB game on September 8, 1965, on the same day a special promotion occurred in his honor. That being said, actor Will Ferrell played all nine positions in five MLB games to honor Campaneris on March 12, 2015.

 

As the oldest everyday player in the MLB at age 47, Campaneris hit .291 and stole 16 bases in 60 games.

Campaneris landed a couple of minor league coaching opportunities in his post-retirement life. The 76-year-old currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, but he continues to be a member of the MLB Players Alumni Association as well as play in Old-Timers’ games across the United States.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Posey visits Children’s Hospital for cancer patients; Giants open weekend series at Wrigley Field

Photo credit: @SFGiants

On the SF Giants podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 San Francsico Giants catcher Buster Posey paid a visit to a Houston Hospital, also known as the Texas Children’s Cancer Center. They do cancer research in the fight of childhood cancer. Posey said visiting the center was good to see first hand for Buster and his wife Kristen.

#2 The Giants got swept in a two-game series in Houston 11-2 on Tuesday and 4-1 on Wednesday. The Giants just couldn’t get any offense going during their visit to Minute Field.

#3 Bruce Bochy was asked to what was more dangerous the old incline in dead centerfield at Minute Maid Field or the on field bullpens at AT&T Park. Bochy said the mounds at AT&T Park due to the fact that he lost outfielder Mac Williamson chasing down a fly and tripped and got a concussion.

#4 After a month on the DL Williamson who tripped over the bullpen mound looks to be on track to return this weekend at Wrigley Field and the Giants who can use some offense are looking forward to see him swing the bats.

#5 Giants open a three-game series with the Cubs on Friday night it’ll be the Giants’ Derek Holland (2-5) getting the start can Holland get a quality start against the Cubs lineup.Michael sets up Friday night’s game to open the series.

Catch Michael and Morris Phillips each week on the SF Giants podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Earthquakes podcast with Ana Kieu: Latest news on the Black and Blue

Photo credit: @SJEarthquakes

On the SJ Earthquakes podcast with Ana:

1. The Quakes dropped a 3-1 decision to DC United at Avaya Stadium last Saturday. Just give us a brief recap of the match.

2. Yeferson Quintana and Magnus Eriksson come from Uruguay and Sweden in that order. Yet, they’re proud to call San Jose home. Tell us more about their recent downtown San Jose adventure.

3. Reno 1868 FC signed Quakes Academy standout Ivan Valencia Monday.

4. According to “The Garlic” on SJEarthquakes.com, a local daredevil attended a Quakes game without a jacket.

5. Avaya Stadium will host Club America and Monarcas Morelia on July 8th.

6. The Quakes will travel to Southern California to take on the rival LA Galaxy this Saturday.

Catch Ana on the SJ Earthquakes podcast each week at sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: NFL tells players no more kneeling–will players revolt?; Bucks’ Brown tased by Milwaukee cops; Knights– the impossible dream

Photo credit @ABC: The Milwaukee Bucks Sterling Brown is detained by Milwaukee Police for a parking violation and later is tased from this body cam video furnished by police

On Headline Sports with Tony:

#1 The NFL has ordered all players to stand during the national anthem. They must stand at full attention respectfully, and if these orders are not followed, the NFL will fine the respective team. The NFL players’ union said they might consider appealing the new policy.

#2 Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown was stopped by the Milwaukee Police for a parking violation. The police on video ordered Brown to back up the video showed Brown cooperating, but when other officers showed up the initial officer said that Brown got in his face–a lie, which was not in the video–and didn’t show Brown getting aggressive. Brown was then tased by the police as five to six other officers arrived. The Milwaukee police have disciplined the police officers who handled the incident. Tony answers the question had it not been for Brown being a player, would this had been a story?

#3 The Vegas Golden Knights now in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, a first for any first-year expansion team in any sport. Tony answers how they’ll do against the Washington Capitals in the NHL Finals.

#4 San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster’s charges have been dropped and will now be able to join the 49ers. Foster’s ex-girlfriend said there was no domestic abuse and that she had been in a fight with two other women the day before Foster was arrested. Foster has been charged by the Santa Clara DA’s office for possession of a illegal firearm dropped from a felony to a misdemeanor.

#5 The Golden State Warriors will face the Houston Rockets tonight in Game 5 in Houston. The series is tied 2-2. Tony answers the question if this series is unpredictable at this point.

Tony Renteria does Headline Sports each Thursday for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: A’s with sixth best record in MLB since April 15th

@Athletics photo

On the A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

The Oakland A’s have the sixth best record in Major League Baseball since April 15th an indication that they’ve had lots of improvement over the last month. The A’s have won six of their last eight and are at 25-23.

The A’s haven’t hit a home run in their last five home games but on the road they homered in each of their last 14 games. The A’s really had a successful road trip going 1-2 in New York, 2-1 in Boston, and 4-0 in Toronto.

The A’s 7-3 on the last road trip something no one would have expected after having a tough homestand with Houston before leaving on the trip. The A’s have compiled the third lowest ERA in baseball after the seventh inning for a 3.36 ERA. They’re getting key pitching to win in the late innings.

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

 

 

 

Sharks’ Evander Kane to step into superstar role with long-term deal

Photo credit: @NBCSSharks

By Marko Ukalovic

The San Jose Sharks are closing in on a seven-year contract with star forward Evander Kane that will keep the high-scoring forward off the free-agent market and for all intents and purposes make Kane a Shark for life, according to multiple reports.

Kane, who turns 27 in August, was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline. Under the terms of that trade, the Sabres will now get a first-round pick in 2019 instead of a second-rounder because Kane signed with San Jose. The selection is lottery-protected, so it could be moved to 2020.

Kane’s status was one of the biggest questions heading into this offseason for the Sharks, who were knocked out of the playoffs in six games in the second round by eventual Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights.

What this means for longtime center Joe Thornton, the other prominent potential free agent on the team, is not clear but he has gone on record saying he’s willing to come back on a reduced one-year deal.

Kane had issues off the ice and with teammates at times during his stints with the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo, but blended in well with a veteran Sharks team and got the opportunity to go to the postseason for the first time in his career.

Kane made an immediate impact in San Jose, stepping right onto the top line with captain Joe Pavelski and helping ease the loss of Thornton, who went down with a season-ending knee injury in January. Kane used his speed and physical play to deliver nine goals and five assists in 17 games and spark an eight-game winning streak that sent San Jose to the playoffs.

Kane shined in the first round with three goals and an assist during a sweep against Anaheim. But he struggled a bit against the Golden Knights, slowed by injuries to his knee and shoulder that lingered from the end of the regular season.

Even if the Sharks were to sign Thornton (imagine Kane on the number one line with Pavelski and Thornton), Kane will now be the face of the Sharks. With his speed, tenacity and scoring touch, Kane will be the star player for the Sharks for the next seven years as he is entering the prime of his career. The torch will be passed on to Kane once Thornton is gone.

It will be a role Kane will relish in as he likes the winning environment that the Sharks present with veterans Pavelski, Logan Couture and up and coming young players such as Tomas Hertl, Joonas Donskoi and Timo Meier as the core nucleus of the team.

Kane finished last season with 29 goals and 25 assists, his second-most productive season to his 30-goal, 27-assist campaign for the Jets in 2011-12. Kane has 186 goals and 168 assists in 574 career games since entering the NHL as the fourth overall pick by Atlanta in 2009.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca and Morris Phillips: Giants two below .500, but are only two games out of first place

Photo credit: @SFGiants

On the Giants podcast with Michael and Morris:

Giants outfielder Mac Williamson who is missed and has missed about three weeks since his concussion injury. When Williamson was in the lineup, he hit some of the hardest hit balls on the team at that time. On Tuesday night, it was the 17th time in 49 games that the Giants have struck out 10 times.

Hard hit balls, strikeouts, the Giants are two games under .500. It might suggest that their not getting the most out of their hard hit balls. There’s a lot of contrary things going on with the Giants’ statistics.

This could be the season that baseball surpasses its previous strikeout record. Clubs are striking out at a fast pace. The Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer is on a pace to reach 100 strikeouts at the fastest pace in the history of the game.

The game is changing there’s no doubt about it and if the Giants can get through April and May if they can get within hailing distance of the division leaders.  The Giants are still within hailing distance after tonight’s game as they are trailing first place Colorado and Arizona by two games. ‘

Listen lots more with Michael and Morris on the SF Giants podcast each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com