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That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB Lockout, Matt Olson, Oakland voters and Warriors

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Baseball remains locked out between MLB and the Players Association (file photo CBS TV)

MLB Lockout, Matt Olson, Oakland voters and Warriors

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Lockout: MLB and the MLPA have held their first important negotiations round via Zoom this Thursday. Both sides are in the top of the first inning in this 2022 very important Collective Bargaining Agreement. MLPA: Looking to shorten the years for free agent eligibility, also revenue sharing at the top of their list. MLB offered a 14-team postseason and a Competitive Balance Tax. There are many other issues that are yet to come to the forefront.

Many in the industry believe for them to start the season as scheduled on March 31, they will have to come to an agreement before the early part of February. Otherwise, Spring Training (to begin mid-February) is in jeopardy, and by then, even the possibility of regular-season games being canceled.

Matt Olson: The New York Yankees and Oakland A’s have a deal on the table for A’s first baseman slugger Matt Olson, who would be traded to the Yankees for some of the Yankee’s top prospects. That is likely to happen after the lockout ends. For the Yankees is what they are looking for, since Mike Rizzo is a free agent and not expected to return to the Yankees.

For the A’s is nothing new. Their system is to develop stars and then trade them for younger future stars and although it has not produced a World Series title, they continue to be competitive most of the time. Would this trade benefit either team? only time will tell.

The Yankee’s last World Series was 2009, which is a long time for the most successful team in American professional sports and their fans to wait; Yankees are a top baseball franchise, they always have the urgency to win. As far as the A’s, (if the trade is made) they get more young future stars and they keep their plan to be a competitive team every year. So, let’s say the Yankees win this year’s World Series and the A’s win their division, which would be a good trade for both teams.

Oakland A’s poll: A recent poll of 500 registered voters shows that 46% of Oakland citizens oppose spending their tax money to build the Howard Terminal park for the Oakland A’s. The poll also revealed A’s fan support of 44 percent to 42 percent. Originally there was no plan anyway to spend any taxpayer money for the project. The A’s are fishing in two markets, Oakland and Las Vegas and both are still alive for the hopes of a new ballpark.

2022 will be the year we know if the A’s stay or they go. Anybody that knows Oakland politics can’t question Oakland citizens, they were left on the hook paying for the construction of Mount Davis (20,000 seat section) at the Oakland Coliseum in 1995 after Raiders owner Al Davis left for Los Angeles and then came back to play in Oakland.

Warriors: One of the minority owners for the Golden State Warriors was recently embarrassed and had to apologize nationally, after he made a remark on Twitter that “nobody cares about the Uyghurs in China”. For years the United Nations have written and spoken about the crimes against humanity committed in communist China.

The last 3 years about the Uyghurs (Muslims) include torture, mass arbitrary detentions, mass surveillance, cultural persecution, and forced labor camps. Last October Boston Celtic’s player Enes Kanter Freedom strongly criticized China for its human rights abuses. China censored the Celtics games after those remarks. There are 500 million fans that watch the NBA games in China, a business worth over $5 billion.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts every Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: 49ers-Packers battle for NFC Divisional round Saturday at the Frozen Tundra

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Dallas Cowboy quarterback Dak Prescott (4) sits on the AT&T Stadium turf in Dallas after recovering his own fumble as the San Francisco 49ers defensive end Charles Omenihu (92) looks on in the second half on Sun Jan 14, 2022. The 49ers advance to the NFC Divisional round for Sat Jan 20, 2022 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 Dave could you once again go over that ongoing question at the water cooler throughout the country as to why the Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and the Cowboys just simply didn’t allow the referee to touch the ball but a hurry offense end the game and season for them?

#2 Dave, talk about the 49ers injuries of concern quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo shoulder sprain, pass rusher Nick Bosa in concussion protocols, and linebacker Fred Warner who is suffering from a high ankle sprain will they be able to recover in time for Saturday night’s NFC Divisional round.

#3 The Green Bay Packers (13-4) took a tough loss in their final game of the season against the Detroit Lions (3-13) last week 37-30 in Detroit. Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers threw for 138 yards and two touchdowns and back up Jordan Love replace him later in the game. Did giving Rogers a break was intended for resting him for the playoffs?

Join David Zizmor for the 49ers podcasts each Wednesday and Joe Hawkes Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa Walsh: Sharks make first visit to Seattle to face off with Kraken on Thursday night

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Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, right, makes a save as Seattle Kraken center Yanni Gourde (37) and Blackhawks defenseman Jake McCabe, second from left, battle at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on Mon Jan 17, 2022. The San Jose Sharks battle the Kraken on Thu Jan 20, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 The San Jose Sharks (21-17-2) Timo Meier has had a great season with 25 goals and 24 assists but he had the game of his career on Monday afternoon against the Los Angeles Kings (20-14-5) at SAP Center in San Jose scoring five goals in one game he was just simply unstoppable.

#2 Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick who played for the whole game allowed six goals and faced 17 shots just didn’t either have the defense in front, had himself a poorly defensive game or Meier played like Bobby Orr and Alex Ovechkin rolled into one.

#3 On the defensive end the Sharks just allowed two goals for the Kings one scored in the first period and another in the third period and the Kings had won four straight games previous to Monday’s game with the Sharks.

#4 Sharks goaltender James Reimer was on top of things between the pipes Monday against the Kings with 39 saves against two goals allowed. Talk how big Reimer has been for the Sharks this season.

#5 The Sharks continue the fight as they drop he puck Thursday night against the Seattle Kraken (11-23-4) at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle it will be the Sharks first visit to Seattle since the Kraken opened up this season’s inaugural year. The Kraken recently snapped a ten game losing streak with a 3-2 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks (15-18-6) on Monday night in Seattle. Puck drops at 7:00 pm Thursday night between the Sharks and Kraken how do you see these two clubs facing off?

Join Mary Lisa for complete Sharks coverage on the Sharks podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Back On Track With Win Over Pistons 102-86

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) goes for the jump shot against the Detroit Pistons guard Corey Joseph (18) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Jan 18, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Back On Track With Win Over Pistons 102-86

By Barbara Mason

After a most discouraging four game road trip, the Golden State Warriors (32-12) are back home for a seven game home stand. The Warriors lost three of the four games they played on this road trip. They lost to the Timberwolves, the Bucks and the Grizzlies: the only win being a punishing victory over the Bulls 138-96. Well they got another win punishing the Detroit Pistons (10-33) on Tuesday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco 102-86.

There is a lot of good news for the Warriors in tonight’s game. Of course being home is a plus, but the team will also have not only Stephen Curry back on the court but also Gary Payton II.

Payton’s status was upgraded from questionable to probable. He shared duties off the bench with Jordan Poole for extended minutes. The prediction for this game gives the Pistons less than a ten percent chance to win the game.

In the absence of Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga got the chance to start in this game tonight. He has earned it and will now get the experience of starting with Curry and Klay Thompson. He needed to continue to run the floor and keep it simple. He has been playing at a very high level and hopes to continue at the same pace against the Pistons.

After one quarter the Warriors had established a nice lead 33-22. They were shooting at 52% and had knocked down 6 of 10 from downtown. Andrew Wiggins had 9 points and Kevon Looney already had 8 rebounds in 9 minutes of play.

At the the half the Warriors led 66-38. The splash brothers had combined for 31 points, 21 of them from downtown. Thompson had a new high in a half with 17 points since returning to action. The Pistons Isaiah Stewart shot for 14 shots but his team just could not keep up with the Warriors. The ball movement, the three’s, the efficiency, and ball control were all working for Golden State.

Although the Pistons made a move in the second half it was too little too late. This game was all but finished at half time. The Warriors had built a tremendous lead that was insurmountable. The final was 102-86. The Warriors had won their 19th home game of the season.

Kuminga had his first double double of his career in this game. He finished with 10 rebounds and 12 points. Thompson had his best game yet since his return finishing with 21 points. Thompson certainly looks nothing like a player that has missed two plus years of basketball. It is nothing short of amazing. It was great to see the splash brothers back in action again. All in all the entire roster had a nice game after a tough stretch last week.

Thursday night the Warriors will play the Indiana Pacers in their only meeting at Chase. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM

Gulls take down Barracuda 3-2 with late goal in the third period

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The San Diego Gulls Alex Limoges (12) scored the game winning goal against the San Jose Barracuda on Tue Jan 18, 2022 at SAP Center in San Jose (file photo by San Diego Gulls)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — Squandered opportunities will come back to haunt you.

Alex Limoges scored the eventual game winning goal with 3:39 left in regulation to give the San Diego Gulls a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Tuesday evening at SAP Center.

Greg Printz threaded a pass that got behind San Jose’s defense. Limoges waited for ‘Cuda goalie Sam Harvey to bite before sliding the puck around him for his sixth goal of the season at the 16:21 mark of the third period.

Earlier in the final frame, San Jose had its second five-on-three opportunity with 7:15 remaining but they failed to cash in as San Diego was able to kill off both penalties.

“I don’t think we had a lot of good looks on it,” said ‘Cuda head coach Roy Sommer. “I think we were too much around the perimeter trying to set up plays, instead of just bombing the puck (on net).”

San Jose has lost three out its last four games. San Diego have won two games in a row.

Each team were without one of their top forwards. San Jose did not have the services of Sasha Chmelevski (17 points) and Jacob Perreault (18 points) was not in the lineup for San Diego.

San Jose (13-18-1-0) drew first blood near the halfway point of the first period. Evan Weinger centered a pass in front of the crease where an unchecked Jake McGrew one-timed a point-blank shot past Gulls goalie Francis Marotte for his fifth goal of the season at the 9:26 mark.

The Barracuda had the ice tilted in their favor in the opening 20 minutes as they outshot the Gulls 15-8.

San Diego (12-13-2-0) answered back with an even strength goal early in the second period. A turnover inside the ‘Cuda zone led to Benoit-Oliver Groulx sent a cross ice pass out the left point over to Trevor Carrick. The former Barracuda defenseman blasted a slap shot past ‘Cuda goalie Sam Harvey for his third goal of the season at the 5:25 mark.

The Gulls gained its first lead on a delayed penalty call. Lucas Elvenes was being cross-checked down to the ice, the puck reached Bryce Kindopp who used a backhand shot to put the puck past the five-hole of Harvey for his fourth goal of the season at the 13:01 mark.

“(There) just wasn’t enough desperation in our game for 60 minutes. We played 45 minutes of it. But with the team we have right now, that’s not going to win (games),” Sommer said.

The Barracuda took advantage on its first five-on-three power play opportunity when they evened the game with 10 seconds remaining in the middle frame. Joachim Blichfeld’s initial shot was blocked. Jayden Halbgewachs quickly gave it back to Blichfeld and the Danish native rifled a wrist shot top shelf over the shoulder of Marotte for his 12th goal of the season.

Groulx sealed the deal with an empty net goal with three seconds left, his third of the season.

“Some stupid decisions,” said Blichfeld explaining on the team ended with a loss. “And some bad power play at the end. We gotta execute on those (opportunities).”

Marotte (2-1-1), who made just his sixth AHL appearance, finished the evening stopping 38 of the 40 shots he faced to earn the victory. Harvey (2-3-0), who made his third consecutive start, made 19 saves on 22 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-6 on the power play. San Diego was 0-for-3.

The Three Stars of the Game were: 1) Limoges 2) Marotte 3) Blichfeld

San Jose is 24-30-6-3 all time versus San Diego and 13-14-3-1 at home.

UP NEXT: San Jose travels to Bakersfield to take on the Condors at 7:00pm at Mechanics Bank Arena.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda face off tonight against Gulls in San Jose

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A look at the future home of the San Jose Barracuda at Sharks Ice for the 2022-23 season. The Barracuda face off against the San Diego Gulls Tue Jan 18, 2022 in San Jose (photo from the San Jose Barracuda)

On the Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Marko, tough loss for the San Jose Barracuda (13-16-1-0) who allowed three goals in the first period during Saturday’s game in Bakersfield in a tough 5-1 loss.

#2 The Condors (12-8-3-3) have won five straight games and also have points in their last nine games.

#3 The Condors James Hamblin scored twice against San Jose which was his fourth and fifth goals career against San Jose.

#4 The Barracuda fell to 1-2 for the season against the Condors. The Barracuda face the Condors this Saturday and Sunday just wanted to get your take on the Barracuda’s chances of getting a win against Bakersfield?

#5 The Barracuda battle the San Diego Gulls tonight in San Jose the last time the two teams met was on Sat Dec 18th the Barracuda won the contest 4-1 in San Diego. How do you see tonight’s match.

Join Marko for the San Jose Barracuda podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: How tough will it be for 49ers in Green Bay Saturday?; Raiders get to post season then fire GM; plus more

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After making the post season for the first time since 2016 and after working as Las Vegas Raiders general manager for three years Mike Mayock (right) was fired by owner Mark Davis (left) on Mon Jan 17, 2022 (file photo USA Today)

On That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, how tough will it be for the San Francisco 49ers (11-7) to beat the Green Bay Packers (13-4) this Saturday night in the NFC Divisional Round at the Frozen Tundra Lambeau Field in Green Bay?

#2 The Las Vegas Raiders after being defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals in a close loss by a touchdown last Saturday let go of their general manager Mike Mayock does the Mayock firing make any sense even after the Raiders got to the post season?

#3 Amaury, how concerned should 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan be after the 49ers suffered injuries last Sunday in Dallas with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo shoulder sprain, pass rusher Nick Bosa in concussion protocol, and linebacker Fred Warner suffered a high ankle sprain but tweeted he was confident he would be in the line up on Saturday night. Three big names not to be 100% healthy against Green Bay.

#4 After winning three World Series titles former Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cub Jon Lester is retiring from baseball after 16 years in the big leagues. Lester looked like he was at the end of his career in 2021 pitching for the St Louis Cardinals going 4-1 with a 4.36 ERA.

#5 Tampa Bay Rays bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez who passed away at age 28, Rays manager Kevin Cash said that Ramirez brought energy and passion each day to the clubhouse. The Rays did not release information of what was the cause of death.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcasts heard on each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears basketball podcast with Morris Phillips: After four straight loses Cal faces one of the Pac 12’s toughest teams in Arizona Sunday

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California forward Lars Thiemann (21) and Washington State forward Mouhamed Gueye (35) go for the ball in Sat Jan 15, 2022 contest at Pullman (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Morris:

#1 Morris after winning five in a row the Cal Bears (9-9) has now lost four in a row what’s been the difference in the change?

#2 How tough has it got to be for the Bears after losing the two games to USC (14-2) and UCLA (11-2) and then losing twice again to Washington and Washington State Cal head coach Mark Fox works hard to prepare this team.

#3 Looking at Cal’s last game in Pullman 65-57 against the Washington State Cougars (10-7) on Saturday night the Bears had the lead after the half but couldn’t hold it were the Bears just pressing too much in second half?

#4 We know you mentioned it in your recap that Cal guard Joel Brown who just got out of Covid 19 protocols after a seven day quarantine got to Pullman from Berkeley on a flight and played just a minute. After being away that amount of time from playing did Brown come into the game pretty rusty?

#5 Cal now will host one of the toughest teams in the Pac 12 the Arizona Wildcats (14-1) at Haas Pavilion on Sun Jan 23rd for a noon tip. The Wildcats just manhandled their last opponents the Utah Utes (8-9) in Tucson 82-64. How do you see the Bears approach to fending off the Wildcats this Sunday?

Morris Phillips does the Cal Bears podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Towns carries Timberwolves to finish line to beat Golden State

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Minnesota Timberwolves leading scorer center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) takes a shot over Golden State Warriors forward Otto Porter Jr. (32) at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sun Jan 16, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, the Minnesota Timberwolves Karl Anthony-Towns was the key difference in the Timberwolves win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night at the Target Center 119-99 scoring 26 points and getting 11 rebounds.

#2 The Timberwolves Jaylen Nowell (17 pts) and Malik Beasley had (16 pts) both combined for five three pointers in the second half also making a big difference in beating Golden State.

#3 The Warriors allowed the Timberwolves to score 40-19 against them in the closing 16 minutes of the game and the defense simply looked out of place compared to other games where the Warriors had success.

#4 The Warriors who were without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green really depended on Jordan Poole (20 pts) and Jonathan Kuminga (19 pts) the Warriors dropped their fifth game out seven on Sunday.

#5 The Warriors trail the Phoenix Suns by 2 1/2 games in the Western Conference, Klay Thompson had 13 points on Sunday how much will the Warriors be leaning on Thompson on night when Curry and Green are out of the line up like they were Sunday?

Join Barbara Mason for the Warrior podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Weary Warriors Lose to Minnesota 119-99; Golden State has now lost five of last seven

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Talk of the Towns, the Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) is thrilled after scoring against the Golden State Warriors at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sun Jan 16, 2022 (AP News photo)

Weary Warriors Lose to Minnesota 119-99

By Barbara Mason

After crushing the Eastern Conference leading Chicago Bulls Friday night, the Golden State Warriors (31-12) played their last road game of this current series against the Minnesota Timberwolves (21-22) Sunday night. The Timberwolves froze out Golden State on Sunday night at the Target Center 119-99

The team will continue to play without Draymond Green who is expected to miss the entire month of January, a major loss for Golden State. The Warriors will also be missing Stephen Curry and Gary Payton in this game.

Curry suffered a hand injury in the game against the Bulls and Payton is dealing with back tightness. Three invaluable players not taking the floor will be a challenge for Golden State. The good new for the Warriors is the depth that they have on their roster. Klay Thompson will more than likely see more minutes in the absence of Curry and Payton.

After the first quarter, the Timberwolves led by the score of 30-22. The Timberwolves had scored twenty points in the paints while the Warriors were relying heavily on shots from downtown which were not dropping.

The Warriors needed to start hitting more mid-range points in the second quarter. Golden State was able to hold D’Angelo Russel to three points in the quarter and Anthony Edwards was held scoreless.

The Warriors were playing a very nice defensive game and none of the team was in foul trouble so there were some good things going for Golden State. In the later minutes of the quarter Anthony Edwards finally hit a shot from downtown.

This was one player that you did not want to get involved in the game. He can really dominate when he gets going. The three’s were not hitting for the Warriors going 5 of 22 as those woes continued.

As the quarter came to a close the Warriors had made a nice surge. They trailed by the score of 56-53 but had really starting heating up. Jonathan Kuminga and Thompson both had 11 points for the half. For the Timberwolves the high score was Karl-Anthony Towns with 13, the only Minnesota player with double digits

Knowing that the Warriors are a second half team the question would be do they have enough legs to finish off Minnesota. The Warriors would take the lead mid-way through the third quarter 68-64. The Warriors continued their great ball movement and defensive effort attacking the basket in the third quarter in a very tight game.

Minnesota got their first double digit lead of the game at the end of the third quarter. The Warriors had worked hard in the quarter to take the lead but the Timberwolves denied shot after shot with some great defensive play. Minnesota led 91-81.

This game was very tight through the third quarter but it all turned around in the fourth quarter and it was all Minnesota. Some questionable calls in the third quarter seemed to take the air out of the Warriors sails and it all seemed to fall apart.

It was a tough stretch for Golden State with Steve Kerr getting a technical in the midst of it. With under eight minutes left in the game Minnesota had taken a 105-84 lead.

This was a tough loss for Golden State. They had a rough time knocking down shots and the Minnesota 19-1 run in the fourth quarter just did the Warriors in. One of the bright spots for Golden State was the 19 shots from Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors now come home, regroup and get that energy back. Right now there is no place like home for the Golden State Warriors.

The seven game home stand could not come at a better time. They will be taking on the Pistons Tuesday night with the tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. We will be waiting to hear of the status of Payton and Curry and will hopefully be seeing them take the court on Tuesday.