Author: Sports Radio Service

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro: Sharks cut down roster and who is on target to stay with the big club?

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The Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier, left, skates with the puck as the San Jose Sharks’ Timothy Liljegren defends during the second period of a preseason game on Monday night at Honda Center. The Ducks won, 3-2. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 Which prospects or fringe players for the San Jose Sharks did they use in Saturday’s preseason game to make a strong case for a roster spot, and how might the coaches deploy them in key moments?

#2 How much were the Sharks’ defensive pairings (especially younger defensemen were tested by Anaheim’s speed and transition game, and which matchups proved decisive?

#3 Sharks goaltender Jakub Sharek saved 13 out of 16 shots and allowed three goals. The Sharks Gabriel Carriere was perfect stopping all 14 shots he faced.

#4 Did special teams (power play / penalty kill) play a focal point for either side, and did one team gain an advantage during man‑advantage situations?

#5 Since this was a preseason contest, how did the strategies differ from regular season — more experimentation, looser play, quicker line changes — and which team adapts better to that style?

Join Len Shapiro for the San Jose Sharks podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor: 49ers-Rams kick off for Thursday Night Football at SoFi

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan (left) prepares his team against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday Night Football on October 2, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor:

#1 How did Jacksonville’s defense exploit the absence of 49ers DE Nick Bosa, and can San Francisco adjust to compensate in their next game and now Ricky Piersall, Jauan Jennings, and Brock Purdy are out with injuries for Thursday night.

#2 Given the pregame accusations of “legal signal‑stealing” from Robert Saleh, how might both teams manage their communication, audibles, and pre‑snap adjustments?

#3 Which offensive strategy was more effective — Jacksonville was leaning heavily on the run game from running back Travis Etienne or San Francisco pushing through the air via McCaffrey and short passes — given each defense’s strengths?

#4 Get your thoughts as 49ers get ready for Thursday Night Football in Los Angeles against the LA Rams.

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

SF Giants press conference: Buster Posey mum on managerial search and changes

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San Francisco Giants general manager Zack Minasian (left) and president Buster Posey (right) address the media at a press conference at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Oct 1, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

SAN FRANCISCO–Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey kept things close to his chest at the Giants’ end-of-the-year press conference, following the firing of Manager Bob Melvin.

Posey, who just completed his first season in charge of the Giants’ Baseball Operations Department, was accompanied by General Manager Zack Minasian. Posey took questions relating to all matters, from the search for a new manager, to Giants’ players hitting the free agent market, as well as prospects.

Posey confirmed that he plans to talk to potential managerial candidates this week, but did not go into details on the backgrounds of the candidates. Posey seemed to rule out former manager Bruce Bochy returning to the helm in San Francisco after the latter left his post managing the Texas Rangers, where he led them to a world championship in 2023.

Ryan Christenson and Matt Williams, Bob Melvin’s bench coach and third base coach respectively, will also not return next season. Posey did not give an update on the statuses of Bench Coach Pat Burrell and Pitching Coach J.P. Martinez.

Posey did say that the next manager will have agency over their coaching staff. However, Posey did say that he will want to have some input on the matter.

Bryce Eldridge, the Giants’ top prospect who was up with the big club for the final two weeks of the season, will have surgery on his left wrist. His recovery timeline is expected to be roughly eight weeks. Minasian said the Giants will remain open minded to Eldridge and his place on the team next season.

Other prospects, such as catcher Jesus Rodriguez and starting pitcher Blade Tidwell, both acquired at the Trade Deadline this season, will also get a look in Spring Training next year. Posey mentioned that Rodriguez “[did] not have a ton of experience behind the plate, but [was] a hard worker.”

Posey did not give a timetable on when a new manager will be announced. As for player moves, free agency does not start until after the conclusion of the World Series.

Aces Head Into WNBA Finals With Hard Fought Win Over Fever In Overtime 107-98

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Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) drives on Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) in game 5 of the WNBA semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Sep 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

By RIch Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (3-2) beat the Indiana Fever (2-3) in overtime 107-98 Tuesday night to punch their ticket to the WNBA Finals which will begin on Friday October 3rd. The Aces will be looking for their third title in four years.

Both teams fought tooth and nail in this gritty game by both teams. This had to be one of the toughest games Las Vegas has played all season and they won it together. The best news of all, the Aces will have home court advantage with the number one seeded Lynx losing their series.

Game recap: At the end of the first quarter this game was tied at 23. There were six ties in the opening quarter as this game see-sawed back and forth with the two teams trading leads.

The second quarter was also remarkable with more of the same, a hotly contested game. The Aces won the second quarter by the slimmest of points 24-22 taking a 47-45 lead into the locker room at the half.

The Aces were protecting the ball well with only five turnovers in the first half while the Fever was struggling with ten. Both A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young were having outstanding games. The Aces biggest lead of the game in the first half was 5 points.

They would start the third quarter on a bit of a sour note however when Chelsea Gray suffered an injury that sent her off to the locker room for evaluation and treatment. It appeared that she had injured her foot and the team was waiting for more word.

As the third quarter wore on the Aces had taken their largest lead of the game 59-52 with 6:20 left on the clock. With just under six minutes left in the quarter Wilson and Young had each scored 18 points. Chelsea Gray had made her way back out to the bench and checked back into the game in obvious pain but determined to get back out on the floor.

With five minutes left in the third quarter the Fever suffered more woes. Aliyah Boston committed her fifth foul and Kelsey Mitchell went down with what seemed to be cramps. Mitchell’s knee had appeared to be giving her trouble in the later minutes of the quarter.

A gurney was actually rolled out on the court. Mitchell was finally able to get to her feet after what seemed like an eternity. She needed a lot of help getting back to the locker room and it was just another horrible blow for the Fever who had fought injury all season long.

She was unable to put weight on her left quad but was also having pain in her right knee, possible cramping. Despite the setbacks the Fever fought back pulling to within four points with a minute left in the quarter. After three quarters, the Aces had a 71-63 lead. It would all come down to the fourth quarter.

The Fever pulled to within five points of Las Vegas in the fourth quarter 73-68 but the Aces pushed their lead back out to 77-68 with 7:00 left in the game. With three minutes left in the game the Fever had fought to within two points 82-80.

When it looked like the Aces had this game in hand, the Fever came roaring back. With 52 seconds left in the game this matchup was tied at 84 and the Aces season was on the line. Both teams fought to the bitter end of regulation and with the score tied at 86 this game went into overtime.

Fever head coach Stephanie White got her team going right after the Mitchell injury. During a time-out she inspired her players to play for each other, and they sure answered the call. They played incredible final minutes of the fourth quarter and they were outstanding not only offensively but defensively.

The Aces scored the first points of the overtime taking a 92-89 lead. With under two minutes left in the game Las Vegas had a 97-93 lead. The Aces continued to push the lead taking a 99-93 lead with 1:09 left on the clock.

The Fever had refused to back off but they were running out of time; the Aces clearly showing their playoff experience and with the lead they could taste the win. Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd had scored the first 13 points in overtime.

With 22.6 left in the game, it was a one possession game with the Aces leading 101-98. This was still anyone’s game. The Aces put the finishing touches on this game taking a 105-98 lead with 12 seconds left on the clock.

A lot of credit goes to both of these teams putting on an electric show that went right down to the wire. Wilson finished with 35 points followed by Young who shot for 32. Despite her injury Gray had 17 points and the bench had a combined 18 points. It was an absolute team effort.

The Fever had six players in double digits. The high for Indiana was Odyssey Sims who finished with 27 points. Boston had a double double with 11 points and 16 rebounds. Indiana fought hard from start to finish coming up nine points short.

Game notes: It all came down to the winner who goes to the WNBA final and the loser goes home and the Aces will be making that trip to the WNBA Finals with their win over the Phoenix Mercury.

Tuesday night the second-seeded Aces defeated the Fever and will make the trip to the WNBA finals. Wilson had an amazing game in their loss in game four finishing with 31 points and nine rebounds.

She got even more in game five leading with 35 points and the entire team really stepped up against a determined, skilled Indiana Fever on Tuesday night.

Game four was a close contest throughout the game with the Aces coming out on top 90-83 to tie up the series 2-2 last Sunday in Indianapolis.

The Las Vegas bench featuring Jewell Lloyd and Dana Evans contributed big with Lloyd scoring eight points and Evans with five. Everything was on the line Tuesday night and the Aces pulled it off and advance now to the WNBA Finals..

Friday night Oct 3 the WNBA finals will get underway with the Las Vegas Aces taking on the Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury had won their semi-final series beating the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx last Sunday 3-1.

With the Lynx losing the series, the second-seeded Aces will start this series in game 1 at their home court Michelob ULTRA Arena. Tipoff for this game is scheduled at 5:00 PM.

Kings Emphasize Conditioning as Christie Sets Tone for Camp

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Doug Christie photographed at Golden 1 Center last season against the Chicago Bulls. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings held their annual media day on Monday and their first practice on Tuesday as they prepare for the 2025-2026 NBA season.

The Kings come into training camp with renewed expectations amid uncertain times for the team. All offseason, the Kings have been mired in trade discussions surrounding Devin Carter, Malik Monk, and Jonathan Kuminga. On media day, much speculation remained as Kuminga was not in attendance at the Warriors’ media day, and his future was uncertain.

However, on Tuesday, news came down that Kuminga had inked a new two-year deal with the Warriors. Scott Perry spoke with us on Monday about how he is set with the team he has in camp already.

“As we sit here today, this is our team and I’m excited about what we have going into this year. And again, my job each and every day is to listen, see what’s happening out there, can we get better? But I’m pleased going into training camp…”

Well, after Tuesday’s decision from Kuminga, the Kings will need to be happy with what they have in camp.

One area the Kings feel they significantly upgraded after the end of last season is the point guard spot. After trading De’Aaron Fox last season, the Kings were without a main point guard until they signed Dennis Schröder this offseason to a three-year deal. Schröder is expected to be the Kings’ starting point guard come opening night.

The Kings have a number of unanswered questions going into the season with a roster that hasn’t shown they can mesh as a cohesive product on the court. Last season, the Kings’ lack of defense and unpredictable, stale offense led to concerns surrounding the fabric of the roster and whether it needed to be torn down and rebuilt. The Kings have been clear they see no need to enter into a full rebuild. The line from GM Scott Perry since his hiring is that they expect to be “opportunistic and prudent” in their pursuit of players.

During media day and Monday’s practice, the Kings made it clear they think guys like Dennis Schröder fit the pillars they are preaching and want the players to put into action in order to compete.

“From myself and Scott, we are going to be the best-conditioned team in the NBA, one of the top ones for sure,” Head Coach Doug Christie said after practice to the media on Tuesday afternoon. “So trying to figure that out and them buying into that has been a message that they received since I took over and Scott was the general manager.”

The message is clear from the Kings: play with pace, but not just on the offensive end—on the defensive side of the ball too. When the media walked into practice, the Kings were running drills on fast-break sprints. It was a demonstration of what the team had talked about when wanting to be one of the best-conditioned teams in the league, and they were showing it for all to see.

Time will tell if the players buy into the messages from the coaching staff and front office. As we have seen before recently in Sacramento, the players must lead the accountability. Having a voice drill a mindset into you only goes so far; the players must hold each other accountable.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Who really was at fault for Giants 2025 fall?

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The Giants fired Bob Melvin after the 2025 season. / Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 What were the key factors that led to Bob Melvin’s dismissal as manager of the San Francisco Giants?

#2 How did the Giants’ performance in the 2025 season influence the front office’s decision to part ways with Melvin?

#3 Were there reported tensions between Bob Melvin and the Giants’ front office or players that may have contributed to his firing?

#4 What qualities or experience is the organization looking for in Melvin’s replacement?

#5 How does Bob Melvin’s tenure with the Giants compare to his previous managerial stints, particularly in terms of team development and clubhouse culture?

#6 Where does the buck really stop in the Giants front office? The Giants have not been in the World Series since 2014 that’s going on 12 years now. Does it stop with team president Buster Posey, general manager Zack Minasian or Giants CEO Larry Baer who is the one really responsible for the Giants not making it to the fall classic the last 12 years?

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tony Renteria: Turnover impacted the Raiders in loss to Bears

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Chicago Bears running back d’Andre Swift (4) gets in the end zone against the Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) in the second half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 28, 2025 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 How crucial were the turnovers by the Raiders (interceptions and fumbles) in swinging momentum and giving the Bears scoring opportunities?

#2 Did special teams errors — specifically the blocked field goal late in the game — directly cost the Raiders the win?

#3 Given the Raiders’ dominance in the run game (240 rushing yards), why was that not enough to secure a win?

#4 How did Geno Smith’s play (especially the three interceptions and limited passing yardage) undermine the offensive balance?

#5  Raiders fall to 1-3 next up they face the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis. The Colts are colts are coming off a tough loss to the Los Angeles Rams today 27-20. The Raiders have now loss three in a row can they overcome and get a win against the Colts who are 3-1?

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

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic: Cuda get ready for Condors in first pre season game next Saturday

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San Jose Barracuda forward Igor Cherynshov (24) is preparing with his San Jose teammates for their first pre season game against the Bakersfield Condors on Sat Oct 5, 2025 at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield (photo by the San Jose Barracuda)

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Which new or recently signed Barracuda players are expected to make a big impact in camp, and what are their roles likely to be?

#2 Which prospects are on the bubble between Sharks vs Barracuda, and what would decide whether they stick with the AHL or get NHL minutes?

#3 How much is the coaching staff likely to lean on recent standout performances (AHL stats, prior season) when evaluating players, compared to potential and development upside?

#4 What are the expectations for players returning from injury (or who missed games), and how will that affect their chances in camp?

#5 San Jose Barracuda open up pre season action against the Bakersfield Condors next Sat Oct 4th in Bakersfield talk about some of the things that head coach John McCarthy is looking for in this upcoming game?

Join Marko Ukalovic does the San Jose Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Taking a look at some of the rookies in Kings camp

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Sacramento Kings Dennis Schroder can be a huge difference working with the rookies and young players in camp for the upcoming 2025-26 season (Sacramento Kings X photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Which young players or rookies in camp have the best chance to outperform expectations and earn a rotational spot, and why?

#2 How will the coaching staff manage the minutes and development balance between veterans and less experienced players during scrimmages and preseason games?

#3 How will the Kings integrate their veteran acquisitions shooting guard Dennis Schröder with young core players during camp, and will that impact early rotations?

#4 Which players on non‑guaranteed or Exhibit 10 contracts like Terence Davis have the best shot to make the opening night roster, and what will they need to prove?

#5 Which guard — among Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, Devin Carter or others — might miss the rotation, and what factors defense, playmaking, shooting will decide that outcome?

Join Barbara Mason for the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Monday and throughout the 2025-26 NBA season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Giants fire Bob Melvin after two seasons

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Former San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin signs a hat for a fan on Sat Sep 27, 2025 at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Melvin was fired by the Giants on Mon Sep 29, 2025 one day after the regular season was completed. (AP News photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants announced Monday morning that they have dismissed Manager Bob Melvin after just two seasons.

Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey informed Melvin Monday morning.

“After meeting with ownership, I met with Bob today to inform him of my decision,” said Posey in a statement put out by the Giants this morning. “On behalf of the organization, I want to express my appreciation to Bob for his dedication, professionalism and class. I wish him all the best.”

Melvin was brought in following Gabe Kapler’s dismissal following the 2023 season. After several off-season acquisitions, expectations were high for the Giants last season. 

However, a season-ending injury to Jung Hoo Lee, and complications surrounding then-President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi complicated things. The Giants were never able to put much together last season, and they finished their third-straight mediocre season at 80-82.

Posey was brought in to replace Zaidi at the end of last season, which gave Melvin more freedom to manage during games. The Giants also signed Willy Adames to bolster their offense, and following an 18-10 spring, expectations were high for the team.

The Giants started the season on fire, winning eight of their first nine games. They got their record to 24-14 after a win against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 7. There was a true belief and determination by the team to make this a special season.

Unfortunately, the Giants lost their mojo and played .500 ball for the next month and a half. Following a sweep by the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park in late June, cracks began to appear in the armor of the team.

Despite the Giants’ struggles, Posey exercised Melvin’s option for next season on July 1. The Giants regained their momentum to win seven of their next nine.

However, after a brutal loss to the Dodgers to end the first half on July 13, the Giants collapsed, losing 12 of their next 14 to fall the way to under .500. That led Posey to sell at the trade deadline, as reliever Tyler Rogers, closer Camilo Doval and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski were all dealt for prospects.

Things continued to get worse for the Giants in August, and they fell to seven games under .500 at 61-68 after a walk-off home run by William Contreras in Milwaukee on Aug. 22. The summer was lowlighted by a 1-15 stretch at home.

After a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 15, which was the Giants’ 14th loss in their previous 15 home games, Melvin raised eyebrows saying, “We take the field every day, and gotta do it the next day, unfortunately.” It was a comment that rubbed Giants’ fans in a negative way, and showed signs of a manager losing his edge.

After Contreras’ walk-off home run on Aug. 22, the Giants suddenly got hot again. They won 11 of their next 12, and 14 out of 18 in total to get to just a half-game back of the New York Mets for the third wild card spot in the National League on Sept. 12.

At the end, it was the same story. The following night, the Giants blew a 4-1 lead to the Dodgers with Logan Webb on the mound in a brutal 13-7 loss. Three nights later, the Giants scored four runs in the top of the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, but blew the lead in a brutal 6-5 loss.

The Giants ended up eight out of ten, and were eliminated on Sept. 23. The Giants did win their final four to finish right at .500 at 81-81 for the second time in the last four years, but the damage was already done. At the end, the Giants finished just two games behind the Cincinnati Reds for the third wild card spot in the National League.

What started off as a magical season eventually turned into the Giants’ fourth-straight mediocre season. It was also the third time in the last four years in which the Giants were at double digits in games over .500, but failed to finish over .500.

“After careful evaluation, we determined that making a change in leadership was in the best interest of the team,” Posey said in the statement. “The last couple of months have been both disappointing and frustrating for all of us, and we did not perform up to our standards. We now turn our focus to identifying a new leader to guide us forward.”

Melvin’s tenure is the shortest of any Giants’ manager in 40 years. Melvin became the first Giants’ skipper to last less than four seasons—or shall we say less than three games shy of four seasons—since Jim Davenport was brought in in 1985, only to last 144 games in a brutal 100-loss season, the worst in the Giants’ 68 seasons in San Francisco.

The Giants went 131-133 in Melvins’ two seasons at the helm.

Posey and the Giants will now look for a new skipper to help break the spell of mediocrity that has engulfed the Giants over the last four seasons.