Oakland A’s Relocation podcast: Players Union have not agreed to upgrades in Sacramento; MLB says move to Sac a certainty

The Major League Baseball Players Union have not agreed to the upgrades at Sutter Health Park pictured which includes playing on artificial turf in 2025. MLB players do not want to play in a minor league facility with smaller clubhouses, weight rooms and alot less benefits. (AP file photo)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 KFBK 1530 Sacramento reported that the Major League Baseball Players Union, the MLB Players and super agent Scott Boras said on Thursday that the MLBPA has not agreed to the upgrades which include the artificial turf that is to be installed at Sutter Health Field. The players said that on 100 degree days the temperatures could go up another 70 degrees playing on the plastic made surface.

#2 MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said that the solution is simple just spray some cool water on the artificial turf and it will bring the temperature down on the plastic surface. The players are not having none of that.

#3 The plan right now is to rip out the natural grass surface and replace it with artificial turf. Scott Boras who is considered one of the top baseball agent in MLB and who is a native to the Sacramento area from Elk Grove said that baseball doesn’t not have any turf surfaces that are outdoors, Boras said that you have players who worth millions and millions of dollars and their value and their stake in their ball club and they need more room so the players can workout and have their pre game and environment ready for them.

#4 Boras who comes from Sacramento would love to see MLB come to Sacramento but now is not the right time he says because Sutter Health Park is not a Major League Baseball facility. From everything Boras and the Players Association can see in front of them it’s not going to work as a MLB facility size and turf wise.

#5 So the question was raised if not Sacramento where would the A’s play for the 2025 season? Boras said the answer was pretty easy and that is the A’s should go back to Oakland. Boras also indicated that the A’s could stay permanently in Oakland as new property owners the African American Sports Entertainment Group have taken over the property. The A’s no longer will have to deal with the City of Oakland or Mayor Sheng Thao who wanted to charge the A’s $92 million rent. AASEG would offer the A’s a deal both parties can be happy with. Besides the A’s sold their half of the property to AASEG. The A’s would get their TV rights and money back in the neighborhood of $70 million per year if the came back to the sixth largest market.

#6 A Major League Baseball statement said, “It is a certainty that the A’s will play their 2025 season in Sacramento as planned. MLB is continuing to work productively with the MLBPA on the details of the transition.”

Daniel Dullum does the Oakland A’s Relocations podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Brewers rally late to shutout Giants 3-0; Montas blanks SF for six innings; Chourio goes deep

Milwaukee Brewers Jackson Chourio belts a two run home run in the top of the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Thu Sep 12, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024

Milwaukee used an unearned run and a late home run to blank San Francisco 3-0 Thursday at Oracle Park in a contest that was scoreless through six innings.

The Brewers (84-62), who lead the NL Central by nine games, broke the scoreless deadlock when Giants reliever Camilo Doval (5-2)walked Willy Adames, who advanced to second, third and home on three wild pitches by Doval.

In the Milwaukee ninth, Spencer Bivens, who replaced Doval, gave up a one-out infield single to Brice Turang, followed by a two-run home run by Jackson Chourio.

The Giants (72-75) threatened in the bottom of the ninth, facing Brewers reliever Devin Williams. After Matt Chapman struck out, Mark Canha singled and advanced to third on a double by Jerar Encarnacion. Williams struck out Grant McCray and pinch-hitter Patrick Bailey grounded out to end the game.

It was Williams’ 11th save of the season, while lowering his earned run average to 1.62. Frankie Montas (7-10) struck out eight, walked two and gave up two hits in six innings to earn the win. Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megan earned holds.

Giants starter Hayden Birdsong gave up two hits, struck out four and walked one in five innings. Eric Miller threw a scoreless inning before Doval surrendered the go-ahead run. Bivens gave up two runs on two hits while getting a strike out and a walk in two innings.

Chourio’s home run was his 20th of the season, giving him 71 RBI. Encarnacion was 2-for-4 as the San Francisco DH, and the Giants had a runner in scoring position six times and came up empty.

The Giants reported that right-hander Robbie Ray is expected to join the club for warmups prior to Friday’s game to evaluate his ongoing left hamstring issues. Also, Tyler Fitzgerald left Thursday’s game with lower back tightness.

The Giants host San Diego for a weekend series that starts Friday. Dylan Chase (12-11, 3.71 ERA) is the Padres’ Friday starter, while the Giants are waiting to name their starter.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal take on a potent Orange team Saturday at Syracuse in week 3

Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Tiger Buchmeier (24) and running back Ryan Butler (15) take the field against the Cal Poly Mustangs at Stanford Stadium on Sat Sep 7, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael were heading into week 3 of the young Stanford Cardinal season at 1-1. The Cardinal bounced back after losing their home opener on Fri Aug 30th at Stanford Stadium 34-27. The Cardinal in week 2 landslided the Cal Poly Mustangs 41-7. You were on hand quarterback Ashton Daniels and the Cardinal put on a clinic on offense last Saturday?

#2 How bout Tiger Bachmeier who returned a 90 yard return for a touchdown in the third quarter it looked at that point that the Cardinal were going through the Mustang defense like butter.

#3 Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels was on all cylinders last Saturday throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns. How do you like what you see of Daniels and he looked like he had all day to throw last Saturday.

#4 For Cardinal second quarterback Justin Lamson he had a keeper himself for a score. How is the two quarterback rotation working out for Stanford?

#5 Stanford now faces the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse New York. The Orange not only have won their first two games but did so with authority. In week 1 they defeated the Ohio Buckeyes 38-22 and in week 2 they beat Georgia Tech 31-28. Syracuse might not be an easy task this Saturday?

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Cal rolling face San Diego State Saturday; Question is what Aztec team will Bears be facing?

Cal Bears wide receiver Nyziah Hunter walks in for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers in first half action at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn on Sat Sep 7, 2024 in week 2 of ACC action (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Stephen, Cal got that first chalked off their second win last Saturday and Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been getting a lot of accolades after his performance against the Auburn Tigers.

#2 Mendoza threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns in Cal’s win by a touchdown over one of the best team’s in the ACC Auburn.

#3 Cal’s defense held Auburn to one touchdown at the half the Golden Bears had a 14-7 lead and holding the Tigers to a touchdown in the first half at Auburn was impressive if you consider Auburn crushed Alabama A&M in week one 73-3.

#4 The Tigers quarterback Patrick Thorne had his troubles throwing into traffic and getting picked off for four interceptions. Despite having a huge offensive day the week before against Alabama A&M Thorne voiced his concerns about his ability to avoid the pick off and completing and getting yardage on his passes.

#5 Cal takes on San Diego State on Sat Sep 14th. Which Aztec team will show up the team that handled Texas A&M with kid gloves in week 1, 45-14 or the team that got shut out by Oregon State 21-0 last Saturday in week 2? Cal is on a two game win streak how do you see Fernando Mendoza and the Bears matching up against San Diego State?

Join Stephen Ruderman for the Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s Uable to Sweep Series With Astros But Win Series; Oakland Losing Game Three 6-3

Oakland A’s starter Mitch Spence delivers to the Houston Astros line up in the bottom of the first inning at Minute Maid Field in Houston on Thu Sep 12, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Thursday afternoon the A’s took on the Astros looking for a sweep in game three of their series. Oakland tied the game in the eighth inning when Daz Cameron singled Jacob Wilson home and Brent Rooker followed that run up with a 420 feet home run for the 2-2 tally.

In the bottom of the eighth, Houston took it to A’s pitchers T. J. McFarland and Grant Holman scoring four runs and taking the game 6-3. Between the two pitchers they allowed five hits and the four runs. Oakland had two home runs in this game from Rooker and Tyler Nevin.

Game recap: Houston took the lead again in the second inning, again a 2-0 lead in a replay of game two. That 2-0 score persisted through the next four innings. Oakland would finally get up on the scoreboard in the seventh inning when Daz Cameron singled Jacob Wilson home and the score was 2-1 in favor of the Astros.

Oakland pitcher Mitch Spence went seven innings in this game allowing seven hits but only two runs. He had no walks and 2 strikeouts. T.J. McFarland relieved him in the eighth inning lasting 1/3 of an inning. He gave up two hits and two runs. Grant Holman got Oakland out of the inning but not before he allowed three hits and two more runs.

This game was all tied in the eighth inning courtesy of a Brent Rooker solo home run. This was his 36th long ball of the season.

With this game level, the A’s had a great opportunity to do some damage in the ninth inning. Houston foiled those plans with a wild bottom of the eighth inning. They beat up relief pitchers T.J. McFarland and Grant Holman to the tune of five combined hits and four runs taking a 6-2 lead.

It was too much of a lead for the A’s to overcome. Tyler Nevin did hit a home run in the top of the ninth inning but it was too little too late. Jacob Wilson struck out, Daz Cameron grounded out, Armando Alvarez struck out and that was the ball game. A 6-3 win for Houston.

Winning the series against the first place Houston Astros was of course a very good thing but it was the sweep that the A’s had their eyes on especially since they had tied up the game in the eighth inning.

Game notes: Thursday afternoon the A’s took on the Houston Astros and couldn’t complete the sweep after winning games one and two. A’s starter Mitch Spence pitched seven innings, allowing seven hits, gave up two earned runs and struck out two batters. A’s relievers TJ McFarland and Grant Holman each gave up two runs. The Astros starter Framber Valdez pitched 6.1 innings, allowing five hits, one earned run and struck out six hitters. After Valdez left the Astros used three relievers that kept A’s hitting off balance.

Oakland will now travel up to Chicago for a three-game series with the White Sox that will get underway Friday with first pitch scheduled for 4:40 PM PT. The White Sox are not to be taken lightly although they do reside in the MLB basement with a 33-114 record.

At this time of the year our bottom dwellers have nothing to do but play spoiler. The A’s have moved from fifth place in the American League West to the fourth spot 3 1/2 games ahead of the Angels. In Friday’s game, Oakland will send Brady Basso to the mound with a 0-0, 1.93 ERA record. Garrett Crochet will start for the White Sox with a 6-11 win/loss record and a 3.83 ERA.

Giants blow foam off Brewers 13-2 at foggy Oracle Park; SF gets home run help from Encarnacion, Yastrzemski and Chapman

San Francisco Giants Mike Yastrzemski (5) slugs a second inning home run against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Sep 11, 2024 (AP News photo)

Milwaukee (83-62). 001 000 100. 2. 6 1

San Francisco (72-74). 440 201 02x 13 17. 1

Time: 2:36

Attendance: 22,022

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

San Francisco, CA

By Lewis Rubman

SAN FRANCISCO–This Wednesday night’s Giant 13-2 annihilation of the almost certainly playoff bound Milwaukee Brewers was more vaudeville than drama. In a laugher like this, there is no developing story to narrate, just a staggering collection of statistics to enumerate.

Five Giants had multi hit games: Tyler Fitzgerald (who went 3 for 5), Mike Yastrzemski (2 for 4), LaMonte Wade, Jr. (2 for 4), Jerar Encarnación (2 for 5), and Patrick Bailey (3 for 4).

Seven Giants hit for extra bases: Yastrzemski (a double and a home run, Wade (a double), Marco Luciano (a double), Fitzgerald (two doubles), Bailey (a double), and Luis Matos (a double).

Three Giants hit home runs: Yaz, Matt Chapman, and Encarnación, who became the first right. handed batter to hit the ball out of the park to right this year.

Six Giants drove in runs: Yaz (4), Chappy (1), Wade (2), Luciano (1), and Encarnación (2).

Chapman extended his hitting streak to 10 games.

San Francisco scored eight of its runs in the first two frames. They came off starter Colin Rea, who suffered his fifth defeat against a half a dozen wins. He faced 23 batters in his four inning stint and gave up 10 runs, all earned, on 11 hits, three of them yard, and saw his ERA soar from 3.72 to 4.21.

Three more Milwaukee pitchers combined to allow another six Giant hits. The last of the lot was infielder-outfielder Jake Bauers, who surrendered San Francisco’s final two runs and three hits.

Three Giant pitchers coasted to victory. Blake Snell bounced back from his awful previous start, when he needed 42 pitches to get through one inning of two run (one earned), two hit ball against the Diamondbacks on September 5.

He went five frames Wednesday night, throwing 95 pitches, 61 for strikes, and holding the Brewers to one run, which was earned, on four hits and two walks while striking out eight. The win improved his record to 3-3, 3.52.

Austin Warren and Sean Hjelle pitched two innings each. Warren allowed an unearned run on two hits and a pair of free passes. Hjelle held the Brew Crew to a walk. There was, of course, no save.

Héctor Ramos, the only Giant in the starting lineup who failed to get a hit, drew a walk, scored, and made two magnificent diving catches in left.

Thursday, Milwaukee veteran Frankie Montás (6-10, 4.69) will face off against San Francisco rookie Hayden Birdsong (3-5, 5.19) at 6:45pm PT.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Giants jump on Brewers early in 13-2 laugher at Oracle Park

Mike Yastrzemski (5) for the San Francisco Giants slugs a second inning three run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Sep 11, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 The San Francisco Giants didn’t waste anytime Wednesday night scoring four runs in the first inning off the Milwaukee Brewers starter Colin Rea.

#2 The Giants Tyler Fitzgerald scored the game’s first run. Heliot Ramos scored LaMonte Wade’s RBI single, and Jerar Encarnacion hit a two run homer scoring Wade ahead of him to make it 4-0.

#3 The Giants added another four runs in the second inning when Fitzgerald hit a RBI double scoring Patrick Bailey. That brought up Mike Yastrzemski who hit a three run homer and it was 8-0.

#4 The Giants later would add five more runs which included a Matt Chapman fourth inning home run. For Chapman it was his 24th homer of the season.

#5 Brewers and Giants are now tied in the series and match up for the rubber game on Thursday night. The Brewers will start RHP Frankie Montas (6-10, ERA 4.69) and for the Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (3-5, 5.19) first pitch at Oracle Park 6:45pm PT. What your take on this match up?

Michael Duca does the San Francisco Giants podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s Beat Astros 5-4, Win Series and Will Go For the Sweep in Game Three Thursday

Oakland A’s Jacob Wilson (5) and Kyle McCann (center) score after McCann’s two run top of the sixth inning home. The Houston Astros catcher is Yanier Diaz (right). (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Despite falling behind early, the Oakland A’s (63-82) tied up this game in the third inning and went on to beat the Houston Astros (77-67) 5-4. Thursday the A’s will be going for the sweep. Joey Estes struggled a bit early but got his game back on track going 6 2/3 innings.

Oakland has had some very good results when they hit those homers and they did have one home run off the bat of Kyle McCann in this game. Max Schuemann had two hits and stole a couple of bases and is now tied with Lawrence Butler with 14 steals apiece this season.

After winning a 12 inning game over the Astros Tuesday 4-3 the A’s took game two and won the series in Wednesday night’s game A’s starter Joey Estes went 6.2 innings, allowed seven hits, two earned runs, one walk and struck out two. Astros starter Hunter Brown pitched five innings, allowed nine hits and five runs which were all the runs that the A’s needed to win the ball game.

Tuesday night the A’s took a 2-0 lead in the second inning and Wednesday night, it was the Astros that got out in front early 2-0 in the second inning. Jake Meyers sacrificed driving Alex Bregman home and taking the early 1-0 lead. They would add to their lead when Mauricio Dubon singled Jeremy Pena home for the 2-0 lead.

Oakland would tie up this game in the third inning 2-2. Brent Rooker singled Max Schuemann home for their first run of the game. JJ Bleday grounded into a fielder’s choice and Ryan Noda scored on an error to even the score. Houston would take back the lead in the third inning when Yordan Alvarez scored on an Athletic error 3-2. Both teams had a couple of errors apiece in the third inning.

The fourth and fifth innings were quiet for both teams but the A’s turned this game around in the sixth inning. Kyle McCann hit a two run home run with Jacob Wilson on base and Oakland had taken a 4-3 lead. Brent Rooker would add another run in the same inning hitting a single driving Max Schuemann home and taking a 5-3 lead.

It was a terrific outing for Joey Estes who went 6 2/3 innings allowing seven hits and three runs. He struggled to start but pulled it together in a gutsy performance. He was relieved by TJ McFarland who got Oakland out of the seventh inning.

The Astros would make things interesting in the eighth inning scoring a run trialing by the score of 5-4. Kyle Tucker singled Alex Bregman home and this game got very uncomfortable for Oakland. The A’s got out of the inning and this game went into the ninth.

Oakland was three outs away from taking this series in the bottom of the ninth inning. It was ‘Miller Time” and it was a great showing. Mason Miller dismissed Jake Meyers, Mauricio Dubon and Victor Caratini, three and out and the A’s had won game two by the slimmest of margins 5-4. Oakland finished the game with ten hits only scoring in two frames.

There is nothing better than going on the road and winning and it is especially sweet when it’s the Houston Astros on the losing end. Max Schuemann had a terrific game with two hits and a couple of stolen bases.

Schuemann has stolen 14 bases this season. Lawrence Butler continued his streak with another hit in this game and he also has 14 stolen bases this season. He did miss Tuesday night’s game being somewhat under the weather but he was all hands on deck in Wednesday’s game.

After winning this game, Oakland now has the opportunity to sweep this series Thursday. Mitch Spence will take the mound in Thursday’s game. He has a 7-9 win/loss record and a 4.42 ERA. The Astros will be looking to avoid the sweep starting Framber Valdez. He has a 14-6 win/loss record and a 2.97 ERA and he will give the Oakland offense a run for their money. First pitch for this game is scheduled for 11:10 AM PT.

Aces Win First Game With Fever 86-75; Vegas-Indiana tip off Friday for game 2

The Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) takes a jump shot against the Indiana Fevers guard Caitlin Clark (22) and forward Aliyah Boston (7) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wed Sep 11, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

With A’Ja Wilson back on the court the Las Vegas Aces (22-13) had the resources needed to beat a tough Indiana Fever team(19-17) 86-75 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This is the first of two games with the Fever, the second to be played Friday night also in Indiana. Wilson finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds for a double double despite not being at 100 percent.

It is no secret how well the Indiana Fever have been playing and this will really test the Aces. Caitlin Clark has been playing some really nice ball averaging over 19 points a game. Las Vegas will have to contain her which will be the key to a win over the Fever.

The game was close in the opening quarter and the Aces took a slim 20-18 lead. Las Vegas began to distance themselves in the second quarter leading 30-23 mid-way through the quarter at 5:34. With under a minute left in the half, the Aces had established a 41-32 lead.

At the half, Wilson had scored 12 points with eight rebounds. Alysha Clark and Tiffany Hayes were having a great game off the bench each with nine points in the first half. Both Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young had really slow starts. Young only had two points in the first two quarters and Plum had a single point.

Caitlan Clark had eight points and the high score in the half for Indiana was Kelsey Mitchell with 11 points. There was some star power in attendance with country super-star Darius Rucker taking in the game.

Tyrese Halliburton and Myles Turner were also on hand. Women’s basketball has taken the country by storm and we see celebs across the country supporting this exciting sport that attracts more and more followers with every season. Wednesday night’s game was the 14th sellout at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this season.

The Fever came into the third quarter with renewed effort and trailed by a single point mid-way through the quarter 48-49. Las Vegas would push the lead back out leading after three quarters 64-57. This had been an extremely long quarter with the refs going to replay three times in the quarter in fact Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon was called for a technical for arguing with the officials.

The Fever threatened to rally numerous times in the fourth quarter but Las Vegas continued to push the lead back. Indiana was going nowhere and they were playing hard and pulling to within six points at 6:48 72-66.

With the Aces leading 80-73 and 3:20 left on the clock, this game was hardly over. Las Vegas hung in the game and when the dust had settled, the Aces had beaten Indiana by the score of 86-75.

It was a terrific effort from Wilson with 27 points and 12 rebounds for yet another double double and not being at 100 percent. With a day off Thursday the hopes are that she will continue to completely heal heading into the playoffs.

Chelsea Gray finished with 11 points. The Aces had some great work off the bench with Clark scoring 14 points and Hayes with 12. Plum came around in the second half finishing with nine points. They had held Clark to 16 point in this game.

Game notes: Wednesday night the Aces took on the Fever in the first of two back-to-back games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Sunday, the Aces lost a close game to the New York Liberty coming up just short 75-71without their “Ace” A’Ja Wilson who missed the game with an ankle injury.

Wilson had not missed a game in years and while she is not at 100 percent the hopes are that she will be as close as possible going into the playoffs. She did wear a boot on the sidelines on Sunday but her MRI came back clean, great news, and this was just a precaution. It will be good to see her back on the court.

Friday night the Aces will play the Fever one more time with tipoff scheduled for 4:30 PM PT. This first game was very close throughout until the final minutes. Game two could prove to be even tougher.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Suspect in Pearsall shooting shouldn’t face attempted murder charges says public defender

San Francisco 49ers Ricky Pearsall wide receiver walks on the field during Sun Sep 9, 2024 against the New York Jets at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Monday Night Football (AP News photo)

On the SF 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 San Francisco 49ers first round draft pick and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall who was on the field during Monday Night Football against the New York Jets looked like he was ready to suit up. Pearsall who is on the NFL IL for four weeks is chomping at the bit to get in.

#2 The attorney for the unnamed 17 year suspect who shot Pearsall according to his attorney San Francisco public attorney Bob Dunlap said that new video evidence proves that the suspect should not be charged with attempted murder where Pearsall and the suspect wrestled for the suspect’s gun during an armed robbery.

#3 The 49ers kick off against former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold in week one against the New York Giants was pretty much in control avoiding the Giants rush and able to hit his targets going 19-24 for 208 yards and two touchdowns. David how do you see this match up with the 49ers and Vikings this Sunday.

David Zimor does the San Francisco 49ers podcasts on Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com