Author: Sports Radio Service

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Stadium Series gets TV ratings boost from outdoor games; Canes Andersen is on the way back from blood clotting; plus more news

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TV ratings were up 21% at the Met Life East Rutherford in the NHL Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series on Sat Feb 17 with the Philadelphia Flyers vs. the New Jersey Devils and on Sun Feb 18 New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len:

#1 Len, the NHL Stadium Series with the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils on Sat 17th and the New York Rangers and New York Islanders Sun 18th were big hits at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford. Both games combined for 150,000 fans and the TV rating were up 21% from last season’s Stadium Series. ABC TV had 1.37 million viewers and 449,000 in the 18-49 demographic.

#2 Len talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs Austin Matthews he’s been unstoppable on Wednesday night he scored his 50th and 51st goals of the season in 54 games. Matthews also has 24 assists and a total of 75 points. San Ramon’s very own Matthews was born in your neck of the woods Contra Costa County.

#3 The Chicago Blackhawks Connor Bedard is a big fan of the Detroit Red Wings Patrick Kane for the first time this season. Bedard who will face Kane who has won the Stanley Cup three times and looks at it as a challenge and an honor to face one of the best former Blackhawks in history. Face off between the two teams at the United Center in Chicago is Sunday at 6:00pm ET/3:00pm PT.

#4 The Philadelphia Flyers after winning three straight games dropped their next two one to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the second to the New Jersey Devils. Flyers head coach John Tortorella was barking at his players during the Monday morning skate “not enough” and said he wanted “more from everybody” and it looked like it worked as the Flyers who took on the Blackhawks on Wednesday night and played a much tighter game and getting the win 3-1.

#5 The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers have expressed interest in a possible trade for the San Jose Sharks center Luke Kunin and defenseman Mario Ferraro. Ferraro is in the third year of his four year $13 million contract and Kunin is under team control and would be a restricted free agent after this season. The Sharks would get a first rounder from either club.

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

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Co-owner Billy Beane encouraging Fisher to continue talks with Coliseum Joint Authority for lease extension; plus more A’s news

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Oakland A’s senior advisor to the managing partner Billy Beane (left) and A’s general manager David Forst (right) are seen here standing in the A’s dugout on Aug 28, 2020 at the Oakland Coliseum. Beane has recently advised according to reports owner John Fisher that the Oakland Coliseum would be the best place for the A’s interim years 2025-27 before moving to Las Vegas (AP file photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 Oakland A’s minority owner Billy Beane reportedly from Front Office Sports is encouraging owner John Fisher to continue talks with the Oakland Coliseum Joint Authority for a lease extension. Beane is also a senior advisor to Fisher.

#2 There had been talks that the A’s had the home of the Sacramento Rivercats and the San Francisco Giants minor league triple A team’s ballpark Sutter Health in West Sacramento that would house the A’s home games but some sources within the A’s organization said they didn’t know where those rumors came from and that Sacramento was not named by the A’s as the first choice for an interim site after the 2024 season.

#3 The Las Vegas Review Journal reported also that the A’s are trying to stay at the Oakland Coliseum as an interim site. A’s president David Kaval said this week that the A’s have narrowed their choices to three sites Sacramento, Salt Lake City and Oakland. Kaval is at the A’s spring training site in Mesa AZ. Talk has it that Oakland is the most logical choice because of the TV money they would get from NBC Sports California at some $70 million a year something they would not get in Salt Lake City or Sacramento.

#4 Kaval said that there is already a broadcast distribution now with the Sacramento Kings, San Jose Sharks, and A’s with NBC Sports California and that make Sacramento in the running. Still the players union would still have to sign off on playing in a minor league facility and three years at a minor league park might be an issue with the union.

#5 Kaval said he wants to be thoughtful and work with the league and that talks last Thursday went well and he had a positive feel. Kaval said the A’s are keeping their options open until they identify where they’ll play in the interim. It’s the hope of most fans and employees of the A’s that they would choose the Oakland Coliseum in the interim before moving to Las Vegas.

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

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Sandoval hopes to win a roster spot and return to the show after 3 seasons; Flores could get less ABs with Soler in line up; plus more news

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Former San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval (who doesn’t look like this anymore) hopes to swing into a roster spot for the 2024 season after signing a minor league deal. Sandoval is seen here taking a hack against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning at Anaheim Stadium on Tue Aug 18, 2020. He was released by the Giants the following month Sep 2020 (AP file photo)

On the SF Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 Long gone are those Giants championship players Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, or even Sergio Romo but coming back to try and win a roster spot is Pablo Sandoval who hasn’t played in the show for three seasons. He last played with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. Sandoval wants this one bad and says he’ll even take a minor league job in Sacramento if he doesn’t make the big club for opening day.

#2 With Sandoval’s return he could help coach some of the younger players on the roster like shortstop Marco Luciano and outfielders Luis Matos and Heliot Ramos. He much of a plus is that having Sandoval around?

#3 Michael, with Jorge Soler in the line up now it’s expected that Wilmer Flores will get less at bats. Flores will get less at bats facing left handed pitching with Soler capable to face leftys. Flores says that it makes the team better and it’s known that it was Flores and Thairo Estrada who convinced Soler to come join the Giants.

#4 Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski says he’s feeling much better after coming off shoulder surgery. Yastrzemski says he throwing 90 feet and he has no restrictions on hitting.

#5 Austin Slater who had an elbow clean up procedure and had to have his ulnar nerve transposed, has no hitting restriction and is now throwing 150 feet.

#6 Giants pitcher Alex Cobb threw some pitches off the mound since having hip surgery. Cobb had a 12 pitch session and threw all fastballs on Monday and he threw off the mound once again on Tuesday. How much of welcome will it be for Cobb to be back in the rotation.

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

Firebirds upend Barracuda 5-4 remain perfect in San Jose

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San Jose Barracuda forward Kyle Rau (#91) battles for the puck against Coachella Valley Firebirds forward Cameron Hughes (#19) while goalie Chris Driedger (#60) looks on during the contest at Tech CU Arena on Wednesday FEB 21, 2024. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — There was no love lost between the two Pacific Division rivals.

The Coachella Valley Firebirds scored twice in the third period to break a 3-3 deadlock en route to a 5-4 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Wednesday evening at Tech CU Arena.

This was the second time in six days that both teams played each other and the chippiness began during the pre-game warmups as words were exchanged and then to pushing and shoving once the game was underway.

San Jose has lost two out of its past three games with both losses coming against the Firebirds and still have not beat the Seattle Kraken AHL affiliate at home in franchise history (0-6-1). Coachella Valley has points in seven straight games.

Coachella Valley (30-13-4-2) drew first blood early in the first period with a power play goal. Connor Carrick set up Andrew Poturalski along the right wing. Poturalski faked a slapshot before depositing a wrist shot to the far side past ‘Cuda goalie Magnus Chrona for his 11th goal of the season at the 3:28 mark.

The Barracuda looked like they were trying to settle a score or two against the Firebirds, which was a residual effect from last week’s 4-0 loss down in the desert, instead of establishing a forecheck to begin the game. Artem Guryev and John Hayden had a spirited fight off of a faceoff near center ice at the 7:44 mark.

“I think it was a physical game (on) both sides,” said ‘Cuda head coach John McCarthy on the game’s extra physicality. “I don’t think it was necessarily something we were looking to bring to the game to that direction. These are huge points that we needed. Unfortunately, I thought we spent a little bit too much time in the penalty box and it bit us in the end.”

The Firebirds doubled their lead with an even strength goal just before the halfway mark of the opening frame. Ryan Winterton found Max McCormick down low in the crease and McCormick’s backhander beat Chrona to the short side for his team leading 24th goal of the season at the 8:04 mark.

San Jose (17-24-8-0) answered back 1:36 later on its second power play of the period. Jacob MacDonald’s shot from the point was cleaned up by Kyle Rau as he slid the puck past Firebirds goalie Chris Driedger near the right side of the crease for his sixth goal of the season at the 9:40 mark.

The Barracuda evened the game early in the second period with an even strength goal. Cole Cassels got the puck over to Nathan Todd in the right slot. Todd then slid a pass out to Scott Sabourin who buried a one-timer into the back of the net for his 12th goal of the season at the 2:21 mark.

San Jose gained its first lead with its second power play goal just over two minutes later. Cassels chipped the puck inside the Firebirds zone. Todd picked up the puck skated in from the right wing and snuck a wrist shot through the five-hole of Driedger for his team leading 16th goal of the season at the 4:41 mark.

The Firebirds scored the equalizer with its second power play goal of the game at the halfway mark of the middle frame. Poturalski sent a cross ice pass over to Logan Morrison along the right slot. Morrison skated in uncontested before beating Chrona to the short side with a wrist shot for his 11th goal of the season at the 9:05 mark.

Morrison regained the lead for the Firebirds early in the third period with his second goal of the game and Coachella Valley’s third power play goal of the game. Kole Lind found Morrison with a backdoor pass through the crease and Morrison tapped home the puck for his 12th goal of the season at the 1:54 mark. Sabourin started the period in the sinbin with a cross-checking penalty at the end of the second period.

“The timing of goals is just as important sometimes as the amount of goals (that are scored). After first look, I gotta look at it (the game) again, after first look, I was happy with our compete,” McCarthy said.

Devin Shore scored an empty net goal at the 18:30 mark for his fifth goal of the season.

San Jose got one back when Jack Studnicka redirected a shot by Ethan Cardwell past Driedger for his fourth goal of the season with 60 seconds remaining in the game.

Driedger (14-6-3-4) finished the game stopping 30 of the 34 shots he faced in to earn his 14th victory of the season. Chrona (5-12-4) made 25 saves on 29 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 2-for-7 on the power play. Coachella Valley was 3-for-5.

San Jose’s is 1-8-2-2 all time versus Coachella Valley.

Todd’s three-point game gave him six goals and four assists in his past five games.

Defenseman Jacob MacDonald made his debut the ‘Cuda after clearing waivers earlier in the day. The San Jose Sharks placed MacDonald on waivers back on February 20th.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Morrison 2) Todd 3) Poturalski.

UP NEXT: San Jose continues its three-game homestand with a weekend series against the Abbotsford Canucks on Friday 2/23 at 7:00pm at Tech CU Arena.

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Super Bowl KC Parade suspects charged with murder in shooting; Yankees Judge will need medical treatment on toe for rest of career; plus more news

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Jackson County KS prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announces that two adult suspects have been charged with murder in the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting where one person was killed and 22 were injured. Here Baker addresses the press at the Jackson County Courthouse on Tue Feb 20, 2024. (photo by the Kansas City Star)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica:

#1 Jessica, taking a look at the two suspects in the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade shootings two adults charged with murder two juveniles are in custody. According to court documents Lyndell Mays 22 of Raytown MO got into an argument with Dominic Miller 18 of Kansas City according to Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, Mays produced a hand gun. Almost immediately others produced hand guns and Miller produced a firearm as well and both adults are being charged with murder. Baker said it was Miller’s weapon according to the evidence struck Lisa Lopez Galvan who died at the scene. Baker said the investigation is on going and both adult suspects are being held on a $1 million bond.

#2 Jessica, the New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge said at the Yankees training camp in Tampa that his toe will need medical attention for the rest of his career. Judge last season tore a ligament in his right big toe resulting in Judge missing 42 games after colliding with the right field fence at Dodger Stadium on June 3. It was Judge’s injury that played a huge role in the Yankees falling out of contention from post season. It’s even at a point where Judge won’t even talk about his future past the 2024 season.

#3 Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said regarding Unions who are against the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Capitals of the NHL moving from DC to Norther Virginia that the Unions back tracked after they bargained in good faith to move the teams. Union workers are opposed to the move which some can’t make the move and transition to Northern Virginia due to reasons from transportation issues to just uprooting and relocating. UNITE HERE Local 25 who represents it’s workers who want the Capitals and Wizards to stay in DC has Youngkin saying “Virginia is a right-to-work state and unreasonable demands from union leaders will not derail this project. I will continue to work with the General Assembly to complete this opportunity and bring $12 billion in economic contributions that will fund shared priorities in Virginia,” It’s very possible that Youngkin, the Capitals, and the Wizards might have a tough time finding a union contractor will build the arena in Northern Virginia because unions and labor have stuck together in the past.

#4 Jessica you got a chance to cover the NHL Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford over the weekend that saw the New Jersey Devils win game 1 on Saturday over the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3. Then in game 2 the New York Rangers just edged out the New York Islanders on Sunday 6-5 in overtime. Two exciting games what was that experience like to be there for these two outdoor games hosted by the NHL.

#5 Former Chicago Cubs legendary broadcaster the late Harry Caray’s great grandson Chris Caray will become the fourth generation of Carays who will broadcast for a MLB team. Caray will call Oakland A’s games on NBC Sports California TV with play by play announcer Jenny Cavnar who became the first woman in MLB history to be lead TV announcer and color announcer and former A’s pitcher Dallas Braden will be returning. Caray did double A play by play in Amarillo for the Sod Poodles the Major League affiliate for Arizona Diamondbacks. Caray also had a journalism degree from the University of Georgia. Harry Caray was an Oakland A’s broadcaster for just one season back in 1970.

#6 The Houston Rockets owners the Fertitta Family were sad to announce on Tuesday the passing of former Rockets star Robert Reid has passed away from a long bout with cancer at age 68. Reid was instrumental helping the Rockets in their first two NBA Finals in 1980-81 and 1985-86. Reid also played for Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trailblazers, and Philadelphia 76ers. Reid died at his home in Houston on Monday.

Jessica Kwong does Headline Sports every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Daivd Zizmor: Review shows Podziemski didn’t foul Leonard; Calls usually go in favor for superstars; plus more news

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The Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson (11) has had success coming off the bench here he’s defending the Utah Jazz Keyonte George (left) at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Thu Feb 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with David:

#1 David can you see Klay Thompson now coming off the bench after his recent success?

#2 Brandin Podziemski says he got called for fouling the Los Angeles Clippers Leonard Kawhi back on Nov 30th at Chase Center. Upon review the replays showed that Podziemski did not make contact or touch Kawhi and the foul was reversed. Podziemski pointed out that this was a superstar call that superstars get the benefit of the calls.

#3 Stephen Curry said he and the core Warriors Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will retire together. Curry said that they need to continue to compete at a high level and said that it’s a motivator for them.

Join David Zizmor for the Warrior podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose State blown out by Boise 82-50

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Photo taken by Titus Wilkinson.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

The Spartans hit the road in Boise Idaho to take on a tough opponent in Boise State(18-8) at Extra Mile Arena in Boise.

Heading into this game San Jose State (9-18) had lost their last game against Wyoming in very close fashion 80-75.

The first half for San Jose State was about as bad as it gets. To put it simply the Spartans shot 22% from the field going 6-27 and with only three of their players scoring.

What really did the Spartans in though was a seven point run by Boise that tacked on to their already sizable lead making it 25-10.

Boise on the other hand while not incredible did what they needed to do going 52% from the field with Degenhart leading the way with nine points.

With the score at 38-16 starting off the second half the teams would exchange buckets.

Despite San Jose shooting significantly better the defense could not stop Boise’s offense as Max Rice and Chibuzo Agbo were the main catalysts.

Unsurprisingly in the second half the leading scorer was Myron Amey Jr. who dropped 13 while going 5-8 from the field.

The score ended at 82-50 with San Jose State finishing at 32.7% from the field while collecting 24 rebounds.

Boise State shot 55.2% from the field with their leading scorer being Tyson Degenhart who dropped 15 points.

One of the more shocking performances tonight was San Jose State’s Alvaro Cardenas who went 0-6 recording no points and four turnovers.

With the season starting to come to a close San Jose State will come back home to play Nevada who they played previously on the road in what was not a pretty affair. As the Spartans lost against Nevada by a final of 90-60.

San Jose State will look to bounce back against Nevada on Friday at 7 p.m.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings open second half of season against Spurs Thursday at Golden 1

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The Denver Nuggets forward Justin Holiday (9) holds the ball above his head and away from the Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (9) in the second half at Ball Arena on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 When the Sacramento Kings made their visit to Denver last Wednesday Feb 14th the Denver Nuggets were three short in their line up with guards Jamal Murray (tibia inflammation) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (hamstring tendinosis). That gave the Kings a leg up going into that game.

#2 With Jamal Murray who is the Nuggets second leading scorer the Kings De’Aaron Fox had free reign leading the Kings with 30 points and eight rebounds. Domantas Sabonis’ contribution was valuable as well scoring 20 points with 13 rebounds.

#3 It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Kings in that game they had to come back to win it down 16 points in the second half and doing it against the Nuggets is none too easy but the Kings came away with a 102-98 win.

#4 The win by the Kings was their second against the Nuggets in five days they defeated the Nuggets at Golden 1 on Fri Feb 9th 135-106.

#5 The San Antonio Spurs are up next for the Kings on Thursday night at Golden 1 Center. The Spurs are dead last in the Western Conference 15th place. They have lost eight of their last ten games. It’s been a long season for their head coach Gregg Poppovich. Who to his credit has been very patient with his players and the media in post game interviews.

Join Tony Renteria for the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Cubs biggest move in off season was signing manager Counsell; Angels Rendon says baseball is not a priority; plus more news

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Chicago Cubs president of operations Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell speak to the media from the Cubs spring training camp facilities in Mesa AZ on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Chicago Cubs seem pretty comfortable with the players that they have and didn’t have any big signings over the winter. The one big move they did make is signing manager Craig Counsell from their division rival the Milwaukee Brewers for $40 million. Not a bad pay day for a manager.

#2 How surprised are you that Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon said that baseball is not a priority for him and that he only plays the game for a living. Rendon was injured for most of the 2023 season and is back at the Angels spring training camp.

#3 The New York Yankees Juan Soto said that he won’t talk about his future past the 2024 season as makes his debut at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa Florida for spring training. It been theorized that Soto wants to be a Yankee for life and would like an extension before the end of this season.

#4 Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will not play in the spring training opener Thursday against the San Diego Padres. Roberts said that Ohtani is coming off elbow surgery and Roberts added he’s not sure when Ohtani will be in the line up this spring. Roberts did report that Ohtani is making progress coming off surgery.

#5 Amaury, we didn’t get a chance to talk to you about the recent signing of Jorge Soler with the San Francisco Giants for a three year $42 million deal. Soler told the media at the Giants training facility in Scottsdale AZ that he expects to have big numbers this season.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice for the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: MGM says lack of A’s ballpark blueprints is putting them behind schedule for construction; NBA All-Star contest winners; plus more news

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The MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is waiting for an answer from the Oakland Athletics on a design that will connect a pedestrian bridge to the new ballpark. Without the design the MGM can not proceed with construction and the A’s non decision is holding up their plans. (Nevada Independent photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Top topic lack of Las Vegas A’s plans are stalling MGM Grand remodeling plans. The MGM is waiting for the future Las Vegas A’s to come up with with blueprints so they can figure in their remodeling plans. MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle said he’s been shown three different plans as to where the ballpark will sit on the site. Problem is the A’s do not have a definite design that has been decided on and Hornbuckle wants to get on with his construction at the MGM so he can build a pedestrian bridge to the ballpark.

#2 The A’s further have met with the Oakland Coliseum Joint Authority and have not come to an agreement for a lease extension that would have them play at the Coliseum from 2025-27 three years. Major League Baseball is in a bit of a pickle the A’s need to make a decision soon as the 2025 schedules come out in July but the City of Oakland wants MLB to guarantee an expansion team for Oakland and Rob Manfred said the Bay Area already has a team and that should be good enough.

#3 The Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry edged out the New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu in the three point contest at the NBA All Star Game in Indianapolis Saturday night 29-26. Ionescu hit seven straight three points for the 26 points.

#4 Mac McClung won back to back slam dunk contests and is now the fifth NBA player to have back to back wins in the slam dunk competition. McClung surpassed Shaq O’Neil with a 50 point slam over all people Shaq who was holding the ball above his had for the record setting dunk.

#5 Wanted to get a chance to ask you about the firing of former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks who got the blame for the 49ers loss in the Super Bowl. Talk about what mistakes he made and how does a defensive coordinator who contributed highly on his defense takes a team to the Super Bowl and ends up getting fired?

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com