Author: Sports Radio Service

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Sandoval struggling at the plate in attempt to make roster

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San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval attempts to make it back to the majors since 2021. Sandoval heading to the field at spring training home of the Giants Scottsdale AZ (photo by AP News)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 San Francisco Giant try out Pablo Sandoval has only one hit in 13 at bats striking out nine times. Giants manager Bob Melvin and Sadoval’s teammates are pushing for Sandoval 37 to make it to the roster but he just may end up being a coach advising younger players when spring training is over.

#2 Melvin said that Sandoval is very affable and that his teammates realized how important Sandoval is to the organization. Giants third base coach Matt Williams says that Sandoval is working out with the younger players so he can pass on his knowledge to them.

#3 Michael talk about how you see this season’s outfield with Mike Yastrzemski in right, Jung Hoo Lee in center, and Michael Conforto in left field all left handed outfielders is that a defensive strategy. Only right hander is Austin Slater.

#4 Jorge Soler could play some outfield and could do it once a week and could hit against left handed pitching. How do you see that possibility getting Soler sometime in the outfield to give either Slater or Yastrzemski some rest.

#5 Wilmer Flores can gets some work in as the DH and away from being the platoon hitter. Melvin said that you want to get Flores some at bats he can help with the run production.

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

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Oakland Mayor’s office talks continue on A’s Coliseum extension; A’s officials look forward to more talks on April 2

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Oakland A’s team president David Kaval meets with the media before the A’s and Milwaukee Brewers pre season game at Las Vegas Ballpark on Fri Mar 8, 2024 (photo by the Nevada Independent)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s office said that will not discuss anything further regarding talks between the Mayor’s office and the Oakland A’s officials but did say that they will continue talking regarding the lease extension.

#2 The A’s said the talks were positive and an extension is something they will continue to discuss with the City and plan to meet with the City and Coliseum on April 2. The Oakland Soul and Oakland Roots soccer teams will meet with the Coliseum Authority on Friday to discuss playing at the Coliseum in 2025-26.

#2 According to sports commentator Damon Amendolara saying the A’s moving to Vegas doesn’t fix the A’s problem. It only spoils another good market. DA was saying that he was in town last month for the Super Bowl and said that Vegas is a great sports town but in talking with Vegas fans about the A’s they didn’t want this team to come but they wanted an expansion team.

#3 Last week March 8th and 9th VIPs in a roped off area in front of the first base dugout at Las Vegas Ballpark during batting practice before the exhibition game before the Milwaukee Brewers and Oakland A’s in Las Vegas. Those invited in the roped off area were state and local lawmakers, labor leaders, and anyone responsible for helping make the A’s legislation or otherwise making it possible in getting the public money for the A’s Las Vegas ballpark. Those VIPs were given the opportunity to speak with A’s president David Kaval and team owner John Fisher.

#4 The A’s weekend in Las Vegas gave Fisher the opportunity meet with not only Las Vegas residents and VIPs but also to answer questions from the media which is very rare since Fisher is noted for not giving too many interviews. Fisher was thrilled to be in Vegas the future home of the A’s and wanted to express how pleased he was about the A’s future ballpark for 2028.

#5 Schools over Stadiums is appealing the public funding for the A’s ballpark. They will be in Nevada Appeals Court in April to get approval for the language to go on a petition that will stop the public funding of the A’s Tropicana ballpark. Once they win appeal they will circulate the petition in four Nevada districts and need over 102,000 signatures before June 1st. If that is accomplished they can get the initiative on the Nov 2024 ballot. If the voters vote to stop the public funding for the A’s ballpark in Vegas that should stop the A’s move to Vegas. That unless the A’s can get private money $380 million worth for the missing public funding share.

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

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Canucks Demko out with lower body injury; Sharks eliminated from playoffs for 5th straight year; plus more news

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Vancouver Canucks Goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) is out with a lower body injury and is listed as day to day. (Canadian Press via AP file photo)

On the NHL podcasst with Len Shapiro:

#1 The Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko the number one goaltender for the Canucks is listed week to week with lower body injury. Demko left with the injury on Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets in a 5-0 win. Demko had 12 saves when he had to leave in the second period at 6:40. Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet says he’s not worried.

#2 NHL analyst and NHL six time Stanley Cup Champion legend Mark Messier said the Vancouver Canucks are in a great position to win the Stanley Cup this season. Vancouver is 42-17-7 and are first in the Western Conference.

#3 The San Jose Sharks loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night 3-2 eliminated the Sharks from post season play. Causes for the elimination were the injuries to Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl. The Sharks have the worst record in the NHL at 16-41-7 this the fifth straight season that the Sharks have not made post season.

#4 NHL analyst and NHL six time Stanley Cup Champion legend Mark Messier said the Vancouver Canucks are in a great position to win the Stanley Cup this season. Vancouver is 42-17-7 and are first in the Western Conference.

#5 If the NHL Playoffs were to start today there are four teams from Canada that would qualify, the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The last time a team from Canada won the Stanley Cup Finals was 31 years ago.

#5 Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard demonstrated why he’s all the hype against the Anaheim Ducks getting a career high of five points as the Blackhawks lit up the Ducks with seven goals in their 7-2 win in Chicago.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s officials meeting with Oakland Coliseum Joint Authority today

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Oakland Alameda County Coliseum will the Oakland A’s play their interim years from 2025-27 there before moving to Las Vegas in 2028? ( photo by Flickr Shawn Clover)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 Oakland A’s officials are meeting today with the Oakland Coliseum Join Authority in trying to get the A’s an extension for the 2025-2027.

#2 The City of Oakland is asking for the team colors and an expansion team how practical do you see that happening.

#3 The Tropicana is closing April 2024 and Bally’s wants to demo the Tropicana in April 2025 to start construction for the ball park and the new Tropicana Plaza.

#4 John Fisher A’s owner has is working on getting $500 million for his family to help pay for his share of the construction costs.

#5 The A’s team president David Kaval compared the move to the Brooklyn Dodgers moving to Los Angeles. Fans said that the move does not compare with the fans in LA where they were thrilled to get the Dodgers. The Vegas fans have been mediocre about the A’s coming judging from interviews from the local and Bay Area media.

Join Daniel Dullum for the Oakland A’s Relocation podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings top Lakers 129-94; Sabonis get triple double; Sac sweeps four game season from LA

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The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) drives on the Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Mar 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Kings were back in action on Wednesday night in Sacramento. They were set to take on the LA Lakers on Wednesday, the second night of a back-to-back. The Kings were coming off a win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night by the final score of 129-94.

The Lakers last played on Sunday when they defeated the Timberwolves 120-109. The Kings and Lakers were set for tip-off at 7 PM PST on Wednesday. The Kings defeated the Lakers 120-107 on Wednesday night.

In the first quarter, both teams came out playing well. The Kings and Lakers got off to quick starts as they traded baskets. Both teams scored 29 points in the first quarter. Austin Reaves was red-hot in the first quarter, scoring 13 points. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with six points, and every player who stepped on the court for the Kings scored.

In the second quarter, the battle continued. Neither team went on a dominating run in the first half, as the game stayed close. The Kings offense scored 31 points in the first quarter on 19 shots. The Lakers scored 27 points in the second quarter on 24 shots to fall behind the Kings. The game would go into halftime with the Kings leading 60-56. The Kings were led by Keon Ellis, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray, all in double figures in the first half. The Lakers Austin Reaves led them with 19 first-half points.

In the third quarter, the Kings dominated and took a big lead. The Kings outscored the Lakers 28-17 and played great defense against them. Granted, the shots weren’t falling for the purple and gold. The Kings took an 88-73 lead going into the fourth quarter. De’Aaron Fox scored six points in the third as Keegan Murray added five.

In the final quarter of action, the Kings took it to the Lakers. The Lakers couldn’t really get any momentum going in the final quarter as they were defeated by the Kings. The Kings beat the Lakers 120-107 in regulation. The Kings were led by Harrison Barnes, who scored 23 points in the game. Domas Sabonis added another triple-double. The Lakers best performance came from Austin Reaves with 28 points.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the New York Knicks on Saturday.

Cal Bears game wrap: Bears’ season ends in tragedy with blown lead to hated rivals 87-76 in overtime

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The Cal Bears guard Jaylon Tyson (20) gets snuffed by the Stanford Cardinal forward Spencer Jones (14) in overtime in round one of the Pac 12 Tournament at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Wed Mar 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

Stanford Cardinal 87

California Golden Bears 76

By Stephen Ruderman

Tragedy struck on the opening day of the 2024 Pac-12 Tournament, as the Bears’ bounce back season came to a sudden end after they blew an 18-point lead to their hated rivals, the Stanford Cardinal losing at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas 87-76.

After losing both games to Stanford in the Regular Season, which included getting trounced by the Cardinal in the regular season finale last Thursday, the two bitter rivals were set to face off in the opening round of the final Pac-12 Tournament.

Every team in the Pac-12 got a spot in the tournament, regardless of how their season went. The Bears went 13-18, which was not the greatest season on paper, but miles better than their 3-29 season a year ago.

It was a season that has seen so many epic comebacks and memorable moments for the Bears. Tonight was one more chance to continue their improbable longshot fight towards March Madness.

Stanford won the opening tip, but it was Cal who struck first when Jalen Celestine hit a three. The Bears assumed control of the game early, as they jumped out to a 15-4 lead just over five minutes into the game. In that opening run, Jalen Cone hit a pair of threes; Fardaws Aimaq hit a layup and a jumper; and Jaylon Tyson contributed with a layup.

Stanford went on a 12-5 run to cut Cal’s lead to 20-16, but the Bears quickly regained control, and went on a 7-1 run to jump back out to a 10-point lead at 27-17 with 6:55 to go in the first half. The Cardinal then scored five unanswered points to make it 27-22, but the Bears regained control again, and went into the half up 45-34.

The Bears carried their momentum into the second half, and a three by Celestine opened their lead to 18 points at 63-45 with 14:36 to go.

Throughout the season, when the Bears were down by double digits in the second half, that often meant that they were going to come back. However, forgotten through all of the Bears’ comebacks was the fact that the Bears being up double digits in the second half often meant they were going to blow a big lead, as has happened too many times this season.

Right on queue, Stanford immediately scored eight unanswered points to cut Cal’s lead to 63-53. The Bears got a quick reprieve when Jaylon Tyson hit a jumper to make it 65-53, but Stanford kept coming. Spencer Jones led the way for the Cardinal, and suddenly it was 65-63 with 3:45 to go.

There would be no scoring for nearly two minutes until there was a sudden change in fortunes. Stanford was just about to tie it, as a jumper went in, but after review, it was determined that the shot went in after the shot clock had expired. The Bears got the ball back, and Jalen Cone hit a three-ball to make it 68-63.

The Bears were up five with less than two minutes to go, and after catching a massive break, they seemed to have the momentum back on their side. Brandon Angel laid one in for Stanford to make it 68-65 with 1:01 to go. Cone was fouled, and made one of two from the line, and the Bears were up 69-65, and 32 seconds away from another late epic win.

Spencer Jones was fouled and made of two from the line to make it 69-66. Keonte Kennedy then had the ball stolen from by Benny Gealer, and Gealer passed it to Michael Jones who tied the game with a three with 18 seconds to go. Both teams missed shots on their next drives, and the game was going to overtime at 69-69.

The Bears won the tip in overtime, but neither retake the lead for nearly a minute. Brandon Angel and Spencer Jones made threes to put Stanford up 75-69.

After Spencer Jones made one of two from the line to make it 79-71 with 1:46 to go, the Bears were all but dead. However, Jalen Cone was fouled going for three, and made all three at the lint to make it 79-74.

Perhaps, the Bears had one last fight in them, but it wasn’t meant to be. The Cardinal proved to be too much for the Bears, and went on to win it by a final of 87-76 to crush the Bears’ faint March Madness hopes and brutally end their painful bounceback season.

Despite how grueling the end to the Bears’ season was, they did have an incredible year. Going from 3-29 to 13-18 with a slim chance to get into March Madness just a year later was no small feat.

It was an all-around team effort. Jaylon Tyson and Jalen Cone led the way for the most part, but Fardaws Aimaq, Jalen Celestine and Keonte Kennedy also had their moments, as did Rodney Brown Jr. and Grant Newell.

The Bears’ season was also thanks in large part to Head Coach Mark Madsen, who was extended another two years through the 2029-30 season prior to tonight’s game.

However, a lot of the players from this year’s team may not be back next year. Cone, Aimaq and Kennedy are all graduates, and if they do indeed leave, the Bears will have lost three solid players. Tyson, who was arguably the Bears’ most valuable player this season, will return next season as a senior, as will Celestine. Brown and Newell will also be returning.

The Bears will also begin a new era, as they and Stanford will move to the Atlantic Coast Conference next season. Despite some big names leaving, the Bears appear to be headed in the right direction under Madsen going forward, and it is safe to say that the excitement at Haas Pavilion is back.

Headline Sports with Jessica Kwong: Yanks Cole doubtful for opening day; Ex-Met Strawberry recovering from heart attack; plus more news

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New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole walks to the field to face the Toronto Blue Jays in pre season baseball on Fri Mar 1, 2024 in Tampa Bay Fla (AP News photo)

Headline Sports With Jessica Kwong:

#1 New York Yankees pitching ace Gerrit Cole is having elbow problems and it’s reported he’s doubtful for opening day. Cole went under an MRI on Monday and his prognosis has not been determined. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has not determined who will start for the opener on Thu Mar 28th he’s looking at Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, or Nestor Cortes.

#2 Former New York Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry is recovering from a heart attack he suffered on Monday a day before his 62nd birthday. Met’s spokesman Jay Horwitz said that Strawberry is resting comfortably at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in St Charles MO.

#3 New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge underwent an MRI in his abdominal area tests showed there was no structural damage. Judge has not swung a bat yet but plans to towards the end of this week. Judge has participated in six Grapefruit League games so far. Judge struck out twice last Sunday in his most recent game.

#4 Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito who pitched only two spring training games had to undergo right elbow surgery. Giolito had to travel to Alabama to get a second opinion from Dr. Jeffery R Dugas. Sox manager Alex Cora said he doesn’t know the extent of it yet but he’ll find out more soon. This is Giolito’s second major elbow surgery which was for Tommy John surgery Aug 31, 2021.

#5 San Francisco Giants pitcher Alex Cobb says his mind is not on his hip anymore. He says his arm feels good and said overall his pitching session was good. Cobb threw 32 pitches saying he felt tired but normal. This was Cobb’s second hip surgery. Manager Bob Melvin said that Cobb looks game ready and his recovery is remarkable.

Join Jessica for Headline Sports podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal ends Cal’s season with 87-76 overtime win in Pac-12 tourney

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Stanford Cardinal forward Brandon Angel (23) celebrates after hitting a three pointer against the Cal Bears in overtime at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Wed Mar 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Stanford enjoyed a big overtime period to upend California 87-76 in the opening round of the final Pac-12 men’s basketball postgame tournament at Las Vegas, Nev.

The game was tied 69-69 before the Cardinal (14-17) outscored Cal 18-7 in the extra period. The Bears were held scoreless for nearly 10 minutes in the second half, blowing an 18-point lead in the process.

Spencer Jones led Stanford with 21 points and seven rebounds, Maxime Raynaud was next with 20 points and a team-high 13 boards. Brandon Angel had 16 points and eight rebounds, and Kanaan Carlyle added 10 points.

Cal (13-19) was led by Jalen Cone with 18 points and five assists. Jaylon Tyler had 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, John Celestine was next for the Bears with 14 points and five rebounds, and Keonte Kennedy had 11 points and five boards.

Stanford outshot Cal from the field 42.6 percent (29 of 68) to 39.4 percent (28 of 71). The Bears hit 14 3-pointers, while the Cardinal made five shots behind the arc.

The Cardinal enjoyed an advantage at the free throw line, hitting 24 of 36; Cal made 6 of 9. Stanford outrebounded the Bears 58-39.

Cal was leading by four points with 33 seconds left in regulation. Spencer Jones made it a three-point game by making a free throw with 26.4 remaining. A Cal turnover led to a Michael Jones 3-pointer that tied the game at 69-69 with 19.6 seconds remaining.

After Stanford made a pair of 3s to open the overtime, the Bears never got their offense going in the extra period.

Stanford will meet Washington State in the quarterfinals on Thursday, while Cal ended its season with four straight losses.

San Jose State Spartans Lose In The First Round Of The Mountain West Tournament To Colorado State 72-62

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San Jose State Spartans were eliminated from the Mountain West Tournament at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas after losing to the Colorado State Rams on Wed Mar 13, 2024 (photo by San Jose State Spartans)

Wednesday, March 13th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

It’s the first round of the Mountain West Conference tournament and the San Jose State Spartans are in Sin City taking on the Colorado State Rams. Last game for the Spartans lost to No. 22 Utah State.

Alvaro Cardenas recorded his fourth double-double of the season to lead San José State (9-22, 2-16 Mountain West) in a 90-70 loss to Utah State (25-5, 13-4 Mountain West) on Wednesday night. Unfortunately for the Spartans they were one and done after this first tournament game losing 72-62 in Las Vegas at the Thomas and Mack Center.

The 1st Half for the Spartans started off very hot, but Colorado State went on a run to end the half that gave them a nice lead. 34-29 at half, Colorado State on top.

The second half had a lot of Spartans fans thinking they had a chance to move on to the next round. Cardenas and MJ Amey Jr. were the leading scorers all game for SJSU, but the gap was never closed. As for CSU, they were led by two big performances from Joel Scott, who had 18 points and Isaiah Stevens who recorded a double-double.

CSU despite not shooting great from the three point line won by 10, 72-62. Almost all of CSU’s points came from the paint or mid range and it was all they needed to beat a SJSU team who surprised a lot of people in this tournament game. 

The season isn’t over for Colorado State as they face off against the Nevada Wolfpack in round 2 of the tournament, but for Tim Miles and the Spartans, the season has come to an end. 9-23, with a 2-17 Mountain West record is nothing to brag about, but guys like Amey Jr, Cardenas, and Tibet Gorener had a highlight season where they could hang their hat on going into their off seasons.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Baseball In Cuba From Professional to Amateur – Not a Good Transformation

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A photograph of probably the best shortstop in Oakland A’s history who deserves Hall of Fame induction but has been mostly forgotten. Bert Campaneris a consecutive three time World Champion and Cuban native someone whose number 19 jersey should be retired. (photo from Wikipedia)

Baseball In Cuba: From Professional to Amateur – Not a Good Transformation

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Cuba once led Latin America and most countries in the world after the United States as far as the game of baseball is concerned. It was introduced in Cuba in 1864 by American students returning from the United States. History tells us that the first official game in Cuba happened some ten years later in the province of Matanzas at Estadio Palmar del Junco.

Palmar del Junco is considered the oldest active baseball stadium in the world. Since then, Cuba has been passionate about the game of ‘béisbol’ like few. As a young teenager, I remember when baseball changed forever in Cuba in the early 1960’s.

Palmar del Junco is a town in Matanzas on (Carretera Central de Cuba), Reparto Pueblo Nuevo. This is the town where baseball has its roots, on the largest island in the Caribbean. People played this great game with passion. Dagoberto Blanco Campaneris, aka Campy, was born here.

When I see Campy at A’s reunions, I remind him where he was born, and he smiles and is proud of his Cuban roots. He was one of the best shortstops in baseball, winning three consecutive World Series with the “Swing A’s”, Oakland A’s 1972-3-4. .

As a young teenager, I remember when baseball changed forever in Cuba in the early 1960’s. In the Cuban Winter League, major league players like Orestes Miñoso, Camilo Pascual, Pedro Ramos, Miguel Cuellar, Mike Fornieles, Luis Tiant and many others played in Cuba after they ended the regular season in the major leagues.

All that became history when the Cuban revolution and its government declared themselves a Marxist-Leninist system of government. For decades, Cuban players traveled freely from Cuba to the US.

But that all ended when Cuba’s government declared itself a Communist State, where the government-controlled “everything.” The freedom of free ownership and the means of production ended for everybody on the island, including Baseball, Cuba’s passionate pastime. Cuba’s longest-running dictatorship took over baseball and affected the game.

Suddenly, there was no more professional baseball; everybody that played in Cuba was an amateur because what the Cuban government paid their players was less than what major league players got per diem when they traveled on the road.

For decades now, under the Cuban system, the Cuban players that make it to the major leagues are defectors. This was not a good transformation because the people of Cuba were always involved with the Cuban Winter League and Major League Baseball, following their heroes in Cuba and the US year-round.

Yoenis Céspedes born in Cuba got his opportunity in 2012 with the Oakland A’s. He later signed a $100 million contract with the New York Mets.

Quote: “In Cuba I didn’t even have a bicycle” -Yoenis Céspedes.

This transformation in Cuba regarding baseball is one that I lived through as a young man and one that I will never forget because it represents the difference between Democracy and Tyrannical communism. American tourists who travel to Cuba and come back bragging about baseball on the island did not see this transformation because I was born and lived in Cuba, and no tourist who spends a week in Havana is going to tell me anything that I do not know about Cuban Baseball.