Category: MLB

Headline Sports podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Will owners take 89 game proposal from the players? Spencer Torkelson #1 overall draft pick to Tigers; plus more

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Arizona State University’s Spencer Torkelson is the center of attention as he’s MLB’s overall number one draft pick headed to Detroit (photo file from ASU Athletics)

On Headlines with Jerry F:

#1 The MLB Players Association has proposed an 89 game schedule with the players getting paid full prorated salaries. The season would begin on July 11th and the World Series would be completed on October 11th weather permitting.

#2 The owners last proposal called for a 76 game schedule with the players taking another pay cut on top of their prorated salaries. How the owners will see the players latest proposal is yet to be seen but one thing for sure they don’t want to pay anymore than the have to.

#3 In the baseball draft the top ticket is Spencer Torkelson who played for the ASU Sun Devils is the number one overall pick and joins the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers wasted no time selecting Torkelson whose expected to add punch to the Tigers line up for the future.

#4 Torkelson says he studied Barry Bonds style of hitting, he hit .337 with a .463 on base percentage. His ASU career home run total of 54 home runs puts him two behind Bob Horner who played for the Atlanta Braves and Japanese baseball.

#5 Turning to the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers Richard Sherman has been very vocal about events surrounding the George Floyd killing and has said that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall apologizing to the league’s players for taking a knee was acceptable but the next step is to get former 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick a job in the NFL protect players from being punished for taking a knee during the national anthem going forward.

Join Jerry each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com for Headline Sports podcasts

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB The Clock Is Now the Umpire

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred shown here at the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit in New York stands with the owners proposal to start a 76 game season which the players are opposed to   (sports.yahoo.com)

MLB: The Clock Is Now the Umpire

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

With all the back and forth during these negotiations, there is no doubt the Clock is now THE factor. After the players union proposed an 89-game season with full prorated pay at the end of Tuesday, which was quickly brushed aside by the owners.

Get ready for either: 1) A 50 games season or 2) No season at all. Both sides do not want to play a regular season past the September 27th date; one of the few things that have been mutually agreed during this negotiating exercise. Anything after that would land the playoffs into November and both sides are afraid that going into the winter the Covid-19 “wild card” could show-up.

Commissioner Rob Manfred can implement a schedule and the players are required to show up. We are dangerously closing-in on that final decision, a 50 game season, which will guarantee the players with prorated salaries, which is exactly what the players last proposed and agreed among themselves they would accept, but the players want more than 50 games, because they will get paid more.

At the end a 50-game schedule might be the best they are going to get. However, if this is adapted and the season comes down to 50 games, this could have serious repercussions for the future negotiations after the 2021 season, the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) labor agreement that is on the agenda.

A 50-game season could risk the perception by the public that they are just playing for the money (with playoffs which is the big revenue producer) during a time where a lot of people are unemployed and struggling, because of the Covid-19 closures all over the country, although most States are re-opening and getting their economies back on track. Regardless what happens this year, MLB is headed for a bumpy ride in 2021.

The 2020 Baseball season is running out of options. The Clock, which is non-negotiable, is now dictating what might, might be a last effort decision to save the season. If you call a season 50 games.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Oakland A’s Spanish play by play announcer on 1010 KIQI San Francisco and does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: Umpire Hernandez eavesdropped on MLB confidential call; Sox GM Epstein says “were part of the problem” on hardly any blacks in MLB; plus more

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The Tampa Rays manager Kevin Cash (left) and umpire Angel Hernandez (right) had some confusion regarding moving Rays pitcher Adam Kolerak to first base in a July 2019 game and the umpire crew had to remind Hernandez that using a pitcher in a defensive position the Rays would lose the use of the DH (theathletic.com photo)

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 MLB Former Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre said that crew chief umpire Angel Hernandez eavesdropped on a phone call when Torre was questioning umpire Ed Hickox. After questioning Hernandez about why a 20 minute delay took place in a game between the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Rays. The Rays elected to have pitcher Adam Kolerak moved to first base in the July 2019 game. That the Rays moving a pitcher constitutes they can no longer use the designated hitter. Hernandez had to reminded by the crew that the Rays have to drop the DH and that Hernandez failed to follow up on Rays manager Kevin Cash on two hitters in that weren’t in the line up after the change.

#2 Major League Baseball currently has the least amount of African Americans playing in the game at anytime since the 1950s. The Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein had to question himself and MLB. He also asked why did he hire a people who looked like him and and had the same backgrounds as him and admitted a change has to be made.

#3 Epstein also questioned why there were not many managers, general managers or players of color in MLB that’s something that he will push and that needs to be answered.

#4 Former alums from the University of Cincinnati would like the name of former Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott’s name removed from the University’s field. This includes former big league player Kevin Youkillis and University of Cincinnati player Jordan Ramey, Ramey is starting a petition to get the name removed. Schott had said that Hitler “had a good beginning but he just went too far” that remark got Schott forced to sell her controlling interests in 1999.

#5 MLB players have said the offer to play 76 games with 75 percent of their salary is a worse deal than some of the previous proposals from the owners. The latest offer was said to be just a few percentage points in pay above the last offer from the owners.

Join Barbara with Headline Sports each Tuesday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB Latest Monday proposal Union says is a “Step Backwards”

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Photo of empty seats at the Oakland Coliseum as MLB and the MLB Players Association continue to attempt to iron out a deal to get the 2020 season started (file photo Stadium Parking Guides)

By Amaury Pi-González

Owners today made their new pitch to the players. A season of 76 games. Season beginning July 10th and ending September 27th, with the postseason running through October. Owners proposal also includes playoff pool money but eliminates draft pick compensation. Both, owners and players will share the risk of the postseason cancellation if a second wave of COVID-19 takes place.

The owners’ proposal today has players making up to 75 percent of their prorated salaries. But is also known that only 50 percent of pay would be guaranteed with the other 25 percent to do with the playoffs. The players consider this proposal worse than its last; some call it a “step backwards”.

Negotiations began May 12. Previously MLB went on hiatus because of THE covid-19 pandemic. It has been almost one month since the two sides began discussions. Numbers have been thrown around, since 162 games season could not begin on their scheduled opening day March 26. The proposal discussed has been for: 82 games, 114, games, 48 to 50 games and today of 76 games.

If you get dizzy reading this back and forth, join the party. When you read or see a prediction on television or hear one on radio, consider it just that “a prediction” just as good as yours as a fan. Because nobody really knows as days go by. Do not let anybody tell you otherwise.

The big problem that presents for baseball with each day that goes by is that the NBA and NHL already have announced they will re-start and go into their playoffs and the NFL is getting ready for what they hope will be a full 2020-2021 season.

As far as I’m concerned, as of today, the glass is not half empty or half full, the glass is leaking water, big time and very soon we will not have a glass.

Stay well and stay tuned.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal announces it’s pre season All-Pac 12 team; MLB and players still far apart; plus more

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The Cal Bears linebacker Kuony Deng (8) one of 12 players selected by Cal for the 2020 Athlon Sports’ Preseason All-Pac 12 team  (photo from You Tube)

On Headline Sports podcast with Morris:

#1 The Cal Bears football team is excited to announce the 12 selections on the Athlon Sports’ 2020 Preseason All-Pac-12 team, on the second team picks RB Christopher Brown Jr and defensive players, ILB Kuony Deng, CB Camryn Byrnum and S Elijah Hicks, and on the third team picks Nikko Remigio punt returner, OL Jake Curhan, QB Chase Garbers and OL Michael Saffell on offensive, while DL Luc Bequette, OLB Cameron Goode and DL Brett Johnson on defense.

#2 Morris last week Cal Bears analyst Lee Grosscup passed away at age 86, Lee served as analyst on the Cal broadcasts with play by play announcer Joe Starkey for 34 years since 1986 to 2019 and “The Cupper” prior to working Cal games did color for the defunct USFL Oakland Invaders with Starkey between 1983 to 1985. What did Lee mean to Cal broadcasts.

#3 After receiving huge criticism from fans and people inside baseball alike Oakland A’s owner John Fisher said on Friday that he made a mistake and will pay his minor league players the $400 a week salary for the rest of the of the minor league season which ends August 31st. According to labor laws minor league players pay is abhorrent and they would not have been eligible for unemployment. Did Fisher make the decision out surmounting  to public pressure or did he do it because it was the right thing to do?

#4 MLB players and owners are far apart from getting the 2020 season started the players are asking for a 82 game schedule with prorated pay and paid in full. The owners want to reduce the pay and go for a 48 game schedule which the players are rejecting.

Morris joins Sportstalk each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Look for Irving and Durant to rest during Nets post season; Antetokounmpo willing to commit to Milwaukee; plus more

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The Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant (35) and Kyrie Irving (11) are anxious to get to it in the NBA Playoffs once all the preliminaries are settled to start the season (si.com image)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie how do you see the returns of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant coming aboard with the Brooklyn Nets just in time for post season?

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo said recently in an interview that there is no reason not to stay in Milwaukee for 10, 20, 25 years as long as they have a plan to win championships, stay competitive he’s willing to commit to the Bucks does that pour water on the Golden State Warriors hopes in picking up a Antetokounmpo?

#3 De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings just recently tweeted a rebuttal from radio talk show host Laura Ingram comments telling LeBron James and Kevin Durant to “shut up and dribble” and praising Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Fox tweeted that no one should be surprised that Ingraham told basketball players to shut up and dribble and white player is entitled to his view.

#4 In baseball the players are interested in a 82 game season down from the 114 game proposal they previously offered MLB but the owners are offering a 50 game season and are only willing to agree to a longer season if the players are willing to take a pay cut.

#5 MLB said that if local governments allow fans in the stadiums they would be willing to work with the local policies. That said the state of Texas is allowing 50% capacity for the Texas Rangers at the Ball Park in Arlington and at Minute Maid Field in Houston. Is this a safe idea seeing that their is no vaccine, a recent finding of two Japanese players who contracted Corona, and how safe distancing will work at the park?

Charlie joins us every other Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB Negotiations Oops, We Are Down to 50 Games

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image from sportslogos.net: MLB Logo

MLB Negotiations: Oops, We Are Down to 50 Games

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

At the start of Spring Training the plan was a normal 162 game season, then a deadly virus with no vaccine knocked on the door, and things quickly changed, Spring Training was not completed and the March 26 Opening Day date is now a trivia question. During these negotiations, both sides had discussed an 82 game season and 114 game season and now today it is down to a 50 game season after MLB owners rejected the 114 game season by the MLBPA. All of these plans with the same result of playing with no fans in attendance. Three divisions of ten (10) teams each, sorted by geography, with not much (if any) travel.

After the owners rejected the counter-proposal by the Players Union Association of a 114 game season, MLB owners are set to make a counter to the players that is a significantly shortened season. After reports that the owners are upset with the players proposal, and now they are coming back throwing the ball to the players with a proposal of a shorter schedule, something like 50 games. With the owners conceding to the players request for prorated salaries, instead of the percentage the owners previously proposed.

The 50 game season that the owners are proposing to the players, would represent a huge reduction in salary for the players. So these are plainly negotiations tactics, it could be that the players will settle for something more than 50 games but less than the 114 they proposed to the owners. The 50 games has not been proposed yet to the players and therefore, the next step would be their reaction.

So more than a baseball game between both sides during these negotiations, we are down close to a tennis match where the ball gets returned from one side to the other with every play. There is one thing that was, is and will always be non-negotiable, the calendar. The calendar doesn’t wait for team management or players union, every 24-hours we enter a new day and needless to say it is getting very close to “Deuce”, which in tennis is the deciding and winning point. We know they want Spring Training this month, but not late this month and start the season by July 4th weekend.

With so much happening today, baseball now has become almost like a ‘speck of dust’ in the universe. If there is no season some will blame the owners, others the players. It would be no difference from public opinion on many issues. Myself, I would blame both sides, since I am sure neither side will worry about unemployment, because these are privilege people, when it comes to economics, especially these days.

Some good news today. Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House task force member for the Covid-19 Pandemic, says the US should have 100 million Coronavirus vaccines by year’s end. Hurray! Who doesn’t like that news?

Stay well and stay tuned.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: How 114 games will go over with owners; Royals pledge to keep all their minor leaguers; plus more

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kaufman.stadium.kansascity.org file photo: Kauffman Stadium home of the Kansas City Royals holds many dreams for their minor leaguers who will be retained and paid through August 31st by Royals owner John Heyman

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

#1 The MLB Players has offered a counter proposal to MLB asking the league to extend the regular season from 81 games to 114 games so that they can get more than the 50% pay that the owners are offering them.

#2 If accepted by the owners the regular season would start on July 4th and end on October 31st. The union said that pay deferrals would be considered in the event the playoffs and World Series are canceled.

#3 As we have discussed if the players and owners can’t come to a resolution and cancel the season due to money could baseball very well in fact lose countless fans?

#4 The Kansas City Royals owner John Heyman and general manager Dayton Moore said they will not cut minor leaguers pay and that they will receive all of their pay through August 31st the end of the regular season. They also said that after August 31st they will not release or cut any minor leaguers and keep them in the organization.

#5 Amaury with Robo umpires coming how much will it change the game, baseball says their trying to reach out to the younger fan using graphics and robo umpire calls to decide balls and strikes. On plays at the plate like a bang bang play the base umpires can call for a replay review.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Real True Grit-He Pitched with One Leg

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photo from White Sox Cards: Chicago White Sox pitcher Monty Stratton pitched for the White Sox from 1934-1938 before he had a hunting accident

Real True Grit – He Pitched with One Leg

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

I have seen the regular most well known baseball movies, the ones most people that do not even follow or like baseball have seen occasionally, like Bull Durham, Field of Dreams, Eight Men Out, The Pride of the Yankees, The Sandlot, The Natural, Major League, The Rookie, Moneyball and others.

Also some not that well known and one rather obscure. It is in black and white, titled The Stratton Story (1949) Inspired by his wife Ethel (June Allyson) and son White Soxer Monty Stratton (Jimmy Stewart) pitches with a wooden leg. Also making appearances on The Stratton Story, were, major league players Bill Dickey, Jimmy Dykes and Merv Shea.

The Stratton Story is not a Hollywood fictitious story but a true one. Well personified by June Allyson and Jimmy Stewart, who had previously worked in a very nice also historical movie “The Glenn Miller Story “depicting the life of the great bandleader and his service during WWII until his plane disappeared in 1944.

Marty (Gander) Stratton major league career ended prematurely during a hunting accident in 1938, he fell, and his gun discharged accidentally and damaged his right leg, which was later amputated. In 1939 the Chicago White Sox sponsored a charity in a game against the local rival Chicago Cubs at Comiskey Park. $28,000, (today around $500,000) went to Stratton. In that game he took the mound and demonstrated he could still pitch with a wooden leg. Not easy, during his wind-up he had to learn how to transfer his weight to his artificial leg. He practiced in his barn on a farm he owned pitching to his wife Ethel. Stratton. Later attempted to enlist to serve in WWII when the war began, but was rejected.

A big Texas-born man, Marty Stratton was 6’5” 185 pounds. In 1946 ended with an 18-8 record and a 4.18 earned run average, with the Sherman Twins of the East Texas League, Class C. In his career, he pitched with the Chicago White Sox from 1934 to 1938 won 36 games and lost 23 with a 3.71 ERA, started 62 games and 196 strikeouts.

His story has been depicted briefly in other movies, like Woody Allen’s “Radio Days” (1987) one of my old time favorite movies, not only because I am a huge fan of Woody’s movies and have seem them all, but because it is a film that captures the radio days in all its glory and splendor.

During these days of grievance between players and owners, when billions and millions of dollars are at stake and with the season on the line and with so many problems in this country, which I think we will overcome because we are that strong, it was good to see a movie of an obscure major league pitcher, that loved the game, had a very good career considering at the time he pitched during a World War plus a serious accident that shortened his career.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Oakland A’s Spanish play by play announcer and does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Michael Duca: Twins Kepler mask offends many in Minneapolis; Texas gov to open up stadiums to 25% capacity crowds; plus more

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photo from TMZ.com: Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler posted a selfie wearing a Blue Lives Matter mask which supports police. Kepler received huge blowback in light of the killing of George Floyd and the Minneapolis protests about Floyd being killed by police.

On Headline Sports with Michael:

#1 Max Kepler of the Minnesota Twins had posted a Blues Live Matter face mask with a solid blue line on the bottom of the face mask which was interpreted to support for police. Kepler says he wasn’t aware what the mask represented. Kepler received a barrage of backlash for the mask. The timing on the mask wearing couldn’t have been with worse with all the rioting in downtown Minneapolis over the police killing of George Floyd. Kepler apologized for wearing it saying he didn’t realize it had a underlying inference.

#2 Tough week for the Oakland A’s organization with the loses of scoreboard operator Chester Farrow who passed away at 77 last Sunday and former A’s PA announcer Roy Steele who passed away on Thursday could you tell us about your experiences in working with Chester and Roy?

#3 With the uptick in Coronavirus cases is Texas governor Greg Abbott making the right decision allowing 25 percent capacity crowds in arenas and outdoor stadiums. Which brings to the question is it safe yet to do such a thing?

#4 MLB agent Scott Boras has advised the players not to budge in the fight against the owners regarding another pay cut. The players took a reduction already because of the number of lost games and are upset that they face additional cuts in revenue sharing with the owners if they return.

#5 The wife of the late Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay speaks out about Halladay’s pain killer addiction and mental issues. Brandy Halladay said that Roy would agree that we are not perfect. Halladay died while flying his plane in a 2017 crash. There is a new one hour documentary coming out on Halladay titled “Imperfect”

Join Michael Duca every other Saturday for Headlines podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com