Category: MLB

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s meet with Coliseum Authority next week on April 2

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Oakland A’s officials are to meet with the Oakland Coliseum Joint Authority on Tue Apr 2, 2024 at the Oakland Coliseum (AP News file photo)

On the A’s Relocation podcast:

On the A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 Sources are saying the Oakland A’s are no longer accepting comments from fans or the public on what their plans are for financing the Las Vegas Tropicana and other than the artists rendition of the Sydney Opera House ballpark people want to see the blue prints.

#2 Also it was reported that the Las Vegas community, businesses, and casinos who have been approached about becoming minority owners of the A’s have not taken the bait and have expressed no interest in entering a business with the A’s after observing how the stadium project has been handled.

#3 The A’s have tuned off their X comments page so the public cannot write to them with questions and comments as to what is happening with the relocation of the A’s. As of yet the A’s still have not decided where they will play for the 2025-27 seasons and have a scheduled meeting with the Oakland Coliseum Joint Authority on Tue Apr 2.

#4 Daniel with there being no tangible renderings and blue prints to back it up and no financing since the unveiling of the Sydney Opera House style ballpark A’s fans in both Las Vegas and Oakland are trying to find out what the A’s plans are and have not got a response.

#5 Vegas fans and the business community are really getting turned off after a Wall Street Journal article came out with a headline that read “The Oakland A’s have plans for a new home in Vegas. Now they need a plan to get there.” As this drags out and there is no financing things are becoming more doubtful if this will ever get off the ground.

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

Giants bolster rotation and add Blake Snell on 2-year deal

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell and agent Scott Boras address the media on Wed Mar 20, 2024 at Scottsdale AZ (AP News photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants have strengthened their rotation, as they have agreed to sign 2023 National League Cy Young Award Winner Blake Snell to a two-year, $62 million contract, according to MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman

The deal caps off a strong off-season for the Giants, which started off with them adding Bob Melvin as manager, and continued with the signings of Jung-hoo Lee, Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks and Tom Murphy. Jorge Soler and Matt Chapman were signed during Spring Training, and Snell could be set to join them in the final week of camp.

Blake Snell came up with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016, and was their ace through the COVID-shortened 60-game sprint season of 2020. He won the American League Cy Young Award in 2018; struggled, but helped lead the Rays to the Postseason in 2019; and led them to the World Series in 2020.

Snell was infamously pulled by Rays Manager Kevin Cash in Game 6 of the 2020 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the bottom of the sixth inning, despite throwing a shutout. After Snell was pulled, the Dodgers scored two runs to take a 2-1 lead, and won the game 3-1 to win their first world championship since 1988.

Following Cash’s controversial move, Snell was traded to the San Diego Padres that off-season. Snell struggled in a 2021 campaign that saw the Padres collapse down the stretch. He then bounced back, and helped lead the Padres to the National League Championship Series in 2022. Snell then won his second cy young award in an otherwise disappointing 2023 season for the Padres.

Snell’s cy young season was believed to be a massive booster for him as he entered free agency. However, Snell, along with Chapman, Cody Bellinger and Jordan Montgomery, who were all represented by prominent agent Scott Boras, all remained on the market as teams reported to Spring Training in February. Snell, along with Chapman and Bellinger were signed after games got underway, and Montgomery remains a free agent.

Snell now joins Logan Webb, who finished second in cy young voting last season. Snell also joins what is set to be a strong rotation for the Giants. Along with Webb and Snell, Kyle Harrison, the young left-handed phenom, who saw time late in 2023, will be bumped from the second spot to the third spot in the rotation.

The rotation could also be further fortified by the experiment of turning the flamethrower Jordan Hicks from a reliever to a starter; the return of Alex Cobb and the newly-signed Ray off the Injured List; and the potential of right-handed Carson Whisenhunt making his major league debut later this season.

Snell will still need to pass a physical. Once he was done so, it could be assumed that Snell will join the Giants in their final week of camp in Scottsdale, and will get a start or two prior to the Giants’ opener in San Diego on March 28. It is most likely that Snell will begin the Regular Season in the minor leagues, and be ready to join the Giants in the middle of April.

Other Notes:

The Giants and Longtime Public Address Announcer Renel Brooks-Moon mutually parted ways on Monday.

Brooks-Moon, who had served as the Giants’ PA announcer for 24 years since then-Pacific Bell Park’s opening in 2000, has enshrined herself into Giants Lore. She was behind the microphone for the Giants’ run to the National League Pennant in 2002, and their three world championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014.

Brooks-Moon was at Barry Bonds’ breaking of the single-season record on Oct. 5, 2001 against the Dodgers, and his breaking of the all-time home run record on Aug. 7, 2007 against the Washington Nationals.

She was also there for Matt Cain’s Perfect Game against the Houston Astros on June 13, 2012, as well as Tim Lincecum’s two no-hitters, which were thrown on July 9, 2009 and June 25, 2014 respectively, both against the Padres.

Brooks-Moon has become a beloved and outspoken figure not just with the Giants, but with San Francisco and the Bay Area. She was the voice of the Cathedral of 3rd and King, and for so many younger fans, they do not know Giants Baseball without her.

There has yet to be word on who Brooks-Moon’s replacement will be, or how the process will play out.

Brooks-Moon was the second woman to be an MLB PA announcer. She succeeded Sherry Davis, who was the first.

J.D. Davis signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, following his release from the Giants on March 11.

Davis was encouraged to come to Oakland by Alex Wood, who had been a member of the Giants’ rotation from 2021 to 2023. They are also joined by Ross Strippling, who the Giants traded to Oakland on Feb. 2.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2024 Oakland A’s Outlook

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Radio Espanol 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg will bring you all the play by play action with author Amaury Pi Gonzalez and Manolo Hernandez Douen (Graphic work by Mauricio Segura)

2024 Oakland A’s Outlook

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

This is the time of the year when you want to know what to expect from your favorite team. In this case, I am talking about the Oakland Athletics. The biggest question is not how they will do on the field (we will get to that later) but where they are playing in 2025 and the next few years while building in Las Vegas.

By April 2, we should know if the A’s have agreed with Oakland for a new lease for the next three years to keep playing at the Coliseum. But the soon approaching season for the A’s is now the talk, and this is major league baseball, the best baseball league in the world, and the Oakland A’s have a lot of young intriguing talent.

Manager Mark Kotsay announced this week that ex-Giants lefty Alex Wood is scheduled to pitch on Opening Night in Oakland next Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians, at the Oakland Coliseum, this is the first time Wood opens a season in his 11 year career, he has also pitched for the Braves, Dodgers and Reds.

The A’s have been acquiring Giants players this off-season; also, suitable right-handed pitcher Ross Stripling is coming to the East Bay. Saturday, the A’s signed another Giants veteran, third baseman, J. Davis (who, according to reports), was convinced by Alex Wood to follow him to Oakland.

Davis, a good veteran hitter, with power, who signed a $2.5 million, one-year contract, a deal that allows him to earn $1 million more in performance bonuses. These ex-Giants are all veterans who will now play for the A’s, giving the young team an adrenaline shot of experience, and most important, leadership.

These four everyday players (below) are essential for this ball club in 2024 and beyond.

1-Zack Gelof. He was the top breakout player for the team last season. The second baseman showed in 2023 that he was a major-league talent; nobody should have any doubt about that. The 25-year-old was one of the top players for the team, and in half a season, he hit 14 home runs and had a .840 OPS.

The 2021 pick #60 in the second round for the A’s should be the team second baseman, period. It is conceivable that Zack could hit the 30-home run mark; his power is evident.

2-Brent Rooker, the A’s All-Star Designated Hitter. He led the club with 30 home runs. At 28 years of age, he is what they call a late bloomer. A great pick by the A’s he was claimed off waivers in 2022 from the Kansas City Royals. So far a great move by the team.

3-Shea Langeliers. The ‘número uno’ catcher had an excellent first full year in the majors, slugging 22 home runs and showing his skills as an outstanding defensive catcher. Although A’s are very high on Tyler Soderstrom, their #1 pick, he is not ready for the big time so Tyler will begin this 2024 season in the minor leagues. It is conceivable, if he does well in the minors, he will be brought up later in the season. Tyler Soderstrom will not begin the season as the #2 catcher for the A’s.

4-Esteury Ruíz. A star was born? We will have to wait for this season, but the young Dominican set a new American League rookie-record with 67 stolen bases. He is an exciting player, usually playing center field, with speed to burn. In 1979, I was there when the A’s brought a young kid by the name of Rickey Henderson, who, in that rookie season, stole 33 bases in 89 games, usually playing left field and the rest is history. Esteury offers more than the excitement of the stolen base and art that has been on hiatus like the bunt for a while.

Then we have and infield that could be shared by J.D. Davis, Abraham Toro, Ryan Noda, Aledmys Díaz and young Darell Hernaiz.

Another ex-Giant, (mentioned earlier) Ross Stripling, is a right-handed pitcher with experience. But there is still a big question about how the rest of their pitching be in starting roles. It is a big puzzle yet to be resolved, and Spring Training allows manager Mark Kotsay to pick the top five on that rotation: Paul Blackburn, who is having a great time in Arizona, Adrián Martínez, and Luis Medina. J.P Sears, Kyle Mueller, Ken Waldichuch, plus…you pick’em.

Bullpen. In 2023, Trevor May retired after recording 21 saves for the team. The possibility that young Mason Miller opens the season as the team’s closer is accurate, together with a variety of young arms. The athletics manager indicated recently that he would like to see Miller gradually move up the bullpen hierarchy rather than anointing him as a closer right away.

As of today, M&M has an excellent position to open and win the rubber in the night inning. A’s young pitchers could be starting in one game, relieving in other, a plethora of arms, Zack Jackson., Dany Jiménez, Joe Boyle and it goes on and on and on.

Finally. 214 is an Ugly number: The number of games the Oakland A’s have lost in the last two years. However, in this fast internet/social media/Artificial Intelligence world, it is easy to forget that the A’s posted a 579 winning percentage from 2018 to 2021 and qualified for the postseason three times. Nobody is expecting the A’s to contend this year. The two Texas teams now control this division, The World Champion Rangers and the always contenders Dusty Baker Houston Astros, they suck all the oxygen in the West.

The 2024 Oakland Athletics have an ensemble cast, with an assortment of actors on a film as long as “The Longest Day”(1962)

Let’s Play Ball and enjoy the season!

Quote: “A home opener is always exciting, no matter if it’s home or on the road” -Yogi Berra.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer on 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

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: How much did Melvin and Zaidi have influence getting Snell; PA Renel was outspoken for civil rights was that the reason why she didn’t get renewed?

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Newest San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell smiles for the cameras with agent Scott Boras in Scottsdale AZ after being presented to the media on Wed Mar 20, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 Michael with the acquisition of pitcher Blake Snell to the San Francisco Giants this week it was the push of Giants president Farhan Zaidi and manager Bob Melvin who influenced Snell to come to San Francisco and Snell’s agent Scott Boras felt this was the right fit for Snell.

#2 Renel Brooks-Moon’s departure as the Giants PA announcer has been headlines in the sports world this past week. She couldn’t work out a deal with the Giants brass and thus is no longer working the PA and is now relegated to a Community Volunteer position. Renel said in her last contract negotiation back in 2020 she had to right her way to get a four year extension. Renel’s departure struck many as a shock. Michael was there anyway for a path for Renel and the Giants to reach a happy medium?

#3 Renel had said that the organization didn’t feel disrespected by the organization for her outspokeness. Renel also said she spoke out for others and she fought for those who came after her. She said the Giants did give her freedom to speak out.

#4 Charles Johnson who is the Giants team Chairman and the has the largest holding share of the team. Johnson donated $2,800 the maximum to Rep Lauren Bobert who pushed for President Trump’s voter fraud claims and Renel said “I’m not turning a blind eye to this believe me.”

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Were Giants trying to pinch pennies in not keeping PA announcer Renel?; Ohtani is preparing to play the field; plus more news

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Former San Francisco Giants PA Announcer Renel Brooks Moon parted ways with the Giants after the two sides could not agree to terms on a new contract that expired in Dec 2023.This photo shows Renel in the Oracle Park PA booth in 2002. Renel will work as a volunteer community representative for the Giants. (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 San Francisco Giants first black female PA announcer Renel Brooks Moon who was the PA announcer at Oracle Park for 24 seasons could not reach a contract agreement with the Giants. According to reports Renel and the Giants had extensive discussions about a new deal but couldn’t arrive at an agreement. Renel’s contract expired in December. Renel will now be a volunteer for the Giants as a community activist and mentor. Was this a money saving deal for the Giants or was Renel asking too much from the Giants and didn’t get her contract renewed?

#2 He could do it all, pitch, hit and now play the field. Los Angeles Dodgers two way player and could be a three way player by converting his services to the field. Although as manager Dave Roberts reiterated Ohtani will not pitch this season but will begin throwing drills once the Dodgers come back from Korea. Roberts said that Ohtani will mostly be a designated hitter.

#3 Amaury get your thoughts on the big signing of former San Diego Padre and now San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell who signed with the Giants on Monday for a two year contract worth $62 million. Snell was 14-9 with a 2.25 ERA for San Diego in 2023. How will he be an impact to the Giants rotation.

#4 Nothing worse than getting an injury in spring training to put off your regular season and that’s the case for Cincinnati Reds centerfielder TJ Friedl who on Saturday was attempting to make a diving catch fractured his right wrist. Friedl will be reevaluated in three to four weeks. Fridel had such a great season in 2023 that the Reds were looking forward to making him their everyday centerfielder.

#5 Former Reds first baseman Joey Votto hit one out in his first at bat for the Toronto Blue Jays. Votto rather than retire sought to join another big league team and the Jays wanted to take a look at what he could do. Votto pounded a 392 foot home run off the Philadelphia Phillies frontline pitcher Zack Wheeler in the first inning at Clearlake Florida on Sunday.

#6 Salt Lake City has been in talks to possibly host a pre season game or two for the Oakland A’s at Smith’s Ballpark in Salt Lake City. The A’s had been in talks with Sacramento over use of Sutter Health Park. Salt Lake City is in serious MLB mode to get a big league team. They want to have the A’s move to Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City would finance the ballpark and land and finance a ballpark village. How realistic for that to happen starts with if the A’s can’t get to Las Vegas?

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer on 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

Giants bolster rotation add Blake Snell on 2-year deal for $62 million

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Former San Diego Padre Blake Snell who had been a free agent for most of the off season and pre season agreed to a two year deal with the San Francisco Giants on Mon Mar 18, 2024 (AP file photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants have strengthened their rotation, as they have agreed to sign left-handed ace, and 2023 National League Cy Young Award Winner Blake Snell to a two-year, $62 million contract, according to MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman.

The deal caps off a strong off-season for the Giants, which started off with them adding Bob Melvin as manager, and continued with the signings of Jung-hoo Lee, Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks and Tom Murphy. Jorge Soler and Matt Chapman were signed during Spring Training, and Snell could be set to join them in the final week of camp.

Blake Snell came up with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016, and was their ace through the COVID-shortened 60-game sprint season of 2020. He won the American League Cy Young Award in 2018; struggled, but helped lead the Rays to the Postseason in 2019; and led them to the World Series in 2020.

Snell was infamously pulled by Rays Manager Kevin Cash in Game 6 of the 2020 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the bottom of the sixth inning, despite throwing a shutout. After Snell was pulled, the Dodgers scored two runs to take a 2-1 lead, and won the game 3-1 to win their first world championship since 1988.

Following Cash’s controversial move, Snell was traded to the San Diego Padres that off-season. Snell struggled in a 2021 campaign that saw the Padres collapse down the stretch. He then bounced back, and helped lead the Padres to the National League Championship Series in 2022. Snell then won his second cy young award in an otherwise disappointing 2023 season for the Padres.

Snell’s cy young season was believed to be a massive booster for him as he entered free agency. However, Snell, along with Chapman, Cody Bellinger and Jordan Montgomery, who were all represented by prominent agent Scott Boras, all remained on the market as teams reported to Spring Training in February. Snell, along with Chapman and Bellinger were signed after games got underway, and Montgomery remains a free agent.

Snell now joins Logan Webb, who finished second in cy young voting last season. Snell also joins what is set to be a strong rotation for the Giants. Along with Webb and Snell, young left-handed phenom, who saw time late in 2023, will be bumped from the second to the third start in the rotation.

The rotation could also be further fortified by the experiment of turning the flamethrower Jordan Hicks from a reliever to a starter; the return of Alex Cobb and the newly-signed Ray off the Injured List; and the potential of right-handed Carson Whisenhunt making his major league debut later this season.

Snell will still need to pass a physical. Once he was done so, it could be assumed that Snell will join the Giants in their final week of camp in Scottsdale, and will get a start or two prior to the Giants’ opener in San Diego on March. It is most likely that Snell will begin the Regular Season in the minor leagues, and be ready to join the Giants in the middle of April.

Other Notes:

The Giants and Longtime Public Address Announcer Renel Brooks-Moon mutually parted ways on Monday.

Brooks-Moon, who had served as the Giants’ PA announcer for 24 years since then-Pacific Bell Park’s opening in 2000, has enshrined herself into Giants Lore. She was behind the microphone for the Giants’ run to the National League Pennant in 2002, and their three world championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014.

Brooks-Moon was at Barry Bonds’ breaking of the single-season record on Oct. 5, 2001 against the Dodgers, and his breaking of the all-time home run record on Aug. 7, 2007 against the Washington Nationals.

She was also there for Matt Cain’s Perfect Game against the Houston Astros on June 13, 2012, as well as Tim Lincecum’s two no-hitters, which were thrown on July 9, 2009 and June 25, 2014 respectively, both against the Padres.

Brooks-Moon has become a beloved and outspoken figure not just with the Giants, but with San Francisco and the Bay Area. She was the voice of the Cathedral of 3rd and King, and for so many younger fans, they do not know Giants Baseball without her.

There has yet to be word on who Brooks-Moon’s replacement will be, or how the process will play out.

J.D. Davis signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, following his release from the Giants on March 11.

Davis was encouraged to come to Oakland by Alex Wood, who had been a member of the Giants’ rotation from 2021 to 2023. They are also joined by Ross Strippling, who the Giants traded to Oakland on Feb. 2.

Headline Sports with Stephen Ruderman: Pitching injuries have turned into an epidemic; Yanks Cole out at least 3-4 weeks with elbow and shoulder pain; plus more news

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Gerrit Cole starting ace for the New York Yankees is dealing with an elbow and shoulder issues and will be out of action for the next three to four weeks (AP News file photo)

On Headline Sports with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Stephen, there has been numerous pitchers who are having elbow, arm, and shoulder issues that has taken them out of action and it’s not even the regular season yet. Is this a matter of over throwing or just some of the pitches that are thrown causes the injuries?

#2 New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole will be out from three to four weeks due to a nerve irritation and edema in his throwing arm. Cole wants to take his time on the recovery and not come back too fast and re-injure himself.

#3 Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani said that playing in the Korean series will be full of memories. It’s been a great week Ohtani who just got married to his wife Mamiko Tanaka. Ohtani who will not pitch this season but will be a designated hitter. The Dodgers will face the Korea Baseball Organization on Mar 16th and on Mar 18 they’ll face Team Korea. On the 20th and 21 the Dodgers will face the San Diego Padres in Seoul.

#4 Former New York Mets pitcher Jim McAndrew who pitched from 1968 to 1973 and was part of that Amazing Mets team who won the World Series in 1969 passed away at 80 years old. McAndrew is remembered for starting a game in September 1969 that he won that put the Mets in first place for the first time in eight years. McAndrew was 36-49 ERA 3.65 and had four saves.

#5 After defeating the San Francisco Giants in arbitration and then the Giants turning around and releasing third baseman JD Davis, Davis was picked up by the Oakland A’s and signed a one year contract for $2.5 million and can pick up another $1.1 million in bonuses. Davis was offered $6.55 million and won a $350,000 pay increase in arbitration to $6.9 million but the Giants turned around and released Davis. Critics have said the Giants bargained in bad faith by releasing Davis.

Stephen Ruderman filled in for Charlie for Headline Sports heard Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s 2024 In One Word, “Prospectos”

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Oakland A’s manager Mark Kotsay seen running out of the dugout on Sep 10, 2024 in Arlington Texas against the Texas Rangers hopes the 2024 A’s can finish at least at .500 for the season. (AP file photo)

A’s 2024: In One Word, “Prospectos”

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–It is time to talk baseball and leave executive negotiations and all trials and tribulations on the A’s future “housing,” but unless there is a deal with Oakland, the A’s could play their last game at the Coliseum this season.

I will leave those issues to the people who have that responsibility. But this is not a rumor, On March 28, 2024, the Oakland Athletics will begin their 56th season at the Oakland-Alameda-County Coliseum. The A’s open the season with a weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians and their new manager, ex-A’s Stephen Vogt. What we can expect this season is two-fold.

1-Manager Mark Kotsay said a “.500 season is the challenge for his team this year.” That is an expected position for a young manager in an organization that changes players like most of us change underwear.

2-Prospects. Although I see it as the main focus for the young A’s in 2024, after a 102-lost season in 2023, they are loaded with young but unproven talent. Although the P word (potential) always figures with prospects, that is the question for many young kids trying to make the majors. Not every player develops the same way; some are ready given the opportunity, and others are late bloomers.

Lazaro (Lazarito) Armenteros (outfield) is a five-tool player signed by the A’s out of Cuba as a 17-year-old for $3 million. The team hopes he blossoms into the Major League player they envisioned when he was signed.

He began the 2023 season in Lansing, then was promoted to Double-A Midland Rock Hounds, where he ended with a 2.49 average 14 homeruns, 72 runs batted in and ten stolen bases. On November 6, A’s added him to the 40-man roster. Jacob Wilson is the A’s No.1 prospect and No.68 in MLB. Two third-basemen are in the prospect mix: Brett Harris A’s No.11 and Myles Naylor A’s No.9.

Since baseball is not a perfect science, you could see some of these prospects, although unlikely, this season. As it is today, the A’s will have a young team when they open the season in a couple of weeks.

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