Category: Oakland Athletics

Kotsay Collects First Win: A’s victorious in Philadelphia, 4-1 over the Phillies

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By Morris Phillips

One after another–youthful A’s with limited Major League experience, and even less big league success–stepped up and made an impact on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Ballpark.

The totality of their contributions was a cleanly-executed 4-1 win over the Phillies, the first of the season for the A’s, and the first-ever for new manager Mark Kotsay. With so many player’s imprints on the victory, the immediate attention post-game turned to the manager, doused in beer, and filled with positivity as usual.

“The biggest story here is Kots’ first win,” said veteran Tony Kemp. “I can tell he’s gonna be a great manager. There’s no panic in him.”

With all the notable players leaving Oakland in the previous weeks, followed by two, competitive losses to start the season, Kotsay has stood as the only force to negate the constant stream of dour predictions. All along, Kotsay has maintained that he had a group that would embrace the challenge of proving everyone wrong, and he would be the one to guide them through the darkest moments.

If Sunday’s series finale was the first of those moments, the A’s proved themselves capable of handling them, with starting pitcher Daulton Jeffries stepping up first.

Jeffries, in just his third Major League start, and his first interleague experience, dealt, breezing through five plus innings, allowing two hits, two walks and no runs while expending just 48 pitches. The third youngest Athletic, but scheduled to turn 27 during this season, typifies a team that’s inexperienced, but not rushed. Jeffries benefitted from some well-struck balls being caught, and departed early, against common wisdom, the first of Kotsay’s prudent decisions.

“Early in the season, you try to build pitch count,” Kotsay explained. “But at this point, the opportunity to get Sam (Moll) lined up against Schwarber and the lefties, we felt that gave us the best chance to win.”

Moll was on point, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper with his unique combo of slower-than-slow sliders and low-90’s sinkers. And the 30-year old Moll’s level of experience entering this big spot? Just 17 innings of low-leverage appearances for the A’s in 2017 and 2021.

Domingo Acevedo, 28 and Kirby Snead, 27 would follow Moll, acing the seventh and eighth innings. Not surprisingly, that pair offered less big league experience than Moll with just 20 appearances between them, but like Moll, they succeeded, getting the A’s to Lou Trivino and the ninth inning with the A’s lead intact.

The A’s established that lead with Elvis Andrus’ double followed by Seth Brown’s run-scoring single in the sixth, and Billy McKinney’s solo shot in the seventh.

The A’s added insurance in the ninth with Kemp’s two-run single that chased home Christian Pache and Austin Allen.

The A’s lengthy season-starting road trip continues in Tampa on Monday with Paul Blackburn getting the start opposite the Rays’ Luis Patino.

NOTES: Manager Joe Girardi elected to sit catcher J.T. Realmuto and shortstop Didi Gregorius in deference to getting backups Johan Camargo and Garrett Stubbs some playing time. Bryson Stott, 24, made his second-ever Major League appearance as the Philadelphia starting shortstop. Jean Segura homered in the ninth to register the Phillies’ only run.

The A’s failed to breakthrough against Zach Elfin, who pitched just four innings. They fared much better against three relievers, who surrendered seven hits and all four A’s runs. The first of those relievers, Bailey Falter took the loss.

Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O: Phils touch up A’s Irvin early; Gibson pitches shutout ball through seven for Phils

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Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper holds his daughter Brooklyn after receiving the 2021 NL MVP Award before Sat Apr 9, 2022 game against the Oakland A’s at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Oakland A’s starting pitcher Cole Irvin started the ball game surrendering two runs in the bottom of the first in Philadelphia but settled down going 5.1 innings until he gave up two more earned runs and was lifted in the bottom of the sixth.

#2 The other problem was for A’s hitters Phillies starter Kyle Gibson kept the A’s line up off balance throwing a shutout through seven innings, striking out ten and giving up two hits. This is the era in baseball when you won’t see complete games but Gibson looked like he could have finished this one.

#3 The A’s made it interesting scoring a run in the top of each the eighth and ninth innings fell a day late a dollar short.

#4 Phillies relievers Jose Alvarado and Corey Knebel were feeling the pressure as the A’s who had dealt some of their big boppers over the off season and the pre season had enough in the line up to battle but couldn’t move guys over and took a two run loss in game two of the series 4-2.

#5 The A’s will try to avoid getting swept today at 1:05 pm in Citizen’s Bank they’ll be starting right hander Daulton Jefferies and will be matched against the Phillies right hander Zach Eflin. In spring training Jefferies was 0-2 with 1.79 ERA for Eflin 0-0 with an ERA of 0.96.

Join Charlie O every other Sunday for the A’s podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s drop Second Game to Philly 4-2; Phillies Gibson shuts A’s out through first seven innings

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Kyle Gibson (44) delivers against the Oakland A’s in the first inning at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia on Sat Apr 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

A’s Drop Second Game to Philly 4-2

By Barbara Mason

After a disappointing loss to the Phillies (2-0) yesterday the Oakland A’s (0-2) sent Cole Irvin to the mound looking for their first win of the new season. Frankie Montas struggled in yesterday’s game but there was a bright spot in the game for the A’s.

Oakland mounted a nice comeback in the seventh inning but was unable to capitalize losing the game 9-5.

Cole Irving was looking for a nice outing against his former team. He did have some encouraging moments in the five innings he pitched. On the down side he allowed seven hits and three home runs.

The Phillies Nick Castellianos homered in the first innings driving in Bryce Harper for an early 2-0 lead. Philadelphia would strike again in the sixth inning with homers from Rhys Hoskins and Jean Segura taking a 4-0 lead.

The A’s had trouble with Phillies pitcher Kyle Gibson who had a great outing with ten strike-outs. He was lights out throwing sinkers, sliders and change-ups before being relieved by Jose Alvarado in the eighth inning. You could not have asked for a more solid game from Gibson going deep into this game.

Hits for Oakland were few and far between with only three through seven innings. The A’s had struck out 11 times in eight innings.

Oakland finally got on the board in the eighth inning when Elvis Andrus doubled and Stephen Piscotty singled to deep right center driving Andrus home. With a single inning remaining in the game Oakland had their work cut out for them.

The A’s relief pitching was solid with Dany Jimenez, A. J. Puk and Zach Jackson allowing no runs and no hits which was an encouraging sign going forward.

The A’s challenged Philadelphia in the ninth inning. Tony Kemp walked and got to third on a throwing error by Philly catcher J.T. Realmuto and scored off a Jed Lowrie single.

With the game on the line Chad Pinder struck out for the fourth time today and that was the ball game in another disappointing loss for Oakland. The final score was 4-2. It was just too little too late for the A’s who got started far too late.

The A’s did show some fight in this game but they have to start putting some runs on the board early. Philadelphia scored in the first inning of both of these games putting the A’s behind the eight ball from the get go.

“My slider was disgusting today but my fast ball was good,” said Cole Irvin after the game. “We tried to fight back but that lineup (the Phillies) their swinging,” he said. He was all in favor of PitchCon the new electronic device calling pitches. “it’s different but I like it,” said Irvin.

Sunday the A’s finish their series with the Phillies. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05. Daulton Jefferies will be on the mound for Oakland and Zach Eflin will get the nod for Philadelphia.

Oakland A’s game wrap: Opening Day Tough for Oakland; Four run third pads Phillie lead for 9-5 win

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The Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber gets all of Oakland A’s pitcher Frankie Montas’ pitch for a first inning home run at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia on Fri Apr 8, 2022 (AP News photo)

Opening Day Tough For Oakland Losing 9-5

By Barbara Mason

This has seemed like an extraordinarily long off-season and finally the lock-out is over and we are celebrating the opening day of baseball across the league.

Friday afternoon the Oakland A’s opened their season against the Phillies in Philadelphia. While we will still see some familiar faces there will some favorites that have moved on to other teams. Manager Bob Melvin has moved on to the San Diego Padres.

We will miss Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Mark Canha, Chris Bassitt and most recently pitcher Sean Manea. Free agent Starling Marte has also left the team. Still onboard for the A’s are Tony Kemp, Sean Murphy, Chad Pinder, Seth Brown, Elvis Andres, Jed Lowrie and Stephen Piscotty.

We will miss Ramon Laureano for the first 27 games as he completes an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. The A’s have welcomed back catcher Stephen Vogt another familiar face. So a lot of change for the team and their fans. Frankie Montas was on the mound for Oakland in this game.

The Phillies took a quick first inning lead with a home run from Kyle Schwarber and the 1-0 lead would hold until Philadelphia added to their lead in the third inning. This would turn out to be a very tough inning for pitcher Frankie Montas as he allowed hits from Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins and Didi Gregorius extending the Philly lead to 5-0 in the third inning.

It was a jittery start to the season for the A’s. Frankie Montas gave up six hits and had six strike outs. Montas gave up five runs in this 9-5 loss. He would pitch through five innings before being relieved by Jake Lemoine The A’s got within one run trailing 6-5 in the seventh inning when Seth Brown homered bringing Murphy and Pinder home.

The Phillies would score again in the seventh and eighth innings putting an end to the Oakland comeback. After the year that Frankie Montas had last year he will need a lot more in his next outing. The team will be relying heavily on him.

There was some frustration and some optimism and it all ended with an opening day loss for the A’s. Oakland will be back on the field tomorrow in a second game with Philadelphia. Oakland lefthander Cole Irvin will be on the mound for that game meeting his former team. For the Phillies righthander Kyle Gibson at Citizens Bank Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05.

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s open with offensive Phillies at Citizens Bank today

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Oakland A’s second baseman Tony Kemp celebrates hitting the game winning sacrifice fly back on Jul 3, 2021 against the Boston Red Sox at the Oakland Coliseum. Kemp could be playing in the most games of his career this season as the A’s kick off the regular season today at noon in Philadelphia (AP News file photo)

On the A’s podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, Tony Kemp will be the A’s starting second baseman will be playing the most games of his career and is expected to be the A’s lead off hitter.

#2 Elvis Andrus will be the starting shortstop, Andrus struggled after June 1 last season hitting only .264. The scouting report reads he doesn’t strike out a whole lot and that could help improve his numbers and put him higher up in the batting order.

#3 The A’s will be starting Seth Brown in rightfield. Brown hit 23 home runs, 60 hits, and had 48 RBIs last season. Brown is also in the rotation to play first base as first has been up for grabs since Matt Olson was traded to the Atlanta Braves.

#4 The A’s might be looking to go with Billy McKinney at first base tonight in Philadelphia. McKinney who played with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. McKinney this spring hit .258, 8 hits, 2 home runs and 5 RBIs.

#5 With this roster and the with Olson and former third baseman Matt Chapman now gone nothing is really written in stone pertaining to the A’s line ups. Could you see it changing each day, each series or each week?

Join Jeremiah Salmonson Fridays for the Oakland A’s podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Sean Manaea traded to San Diego for two prospects

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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Sean Manaea seen here pitching against the Houston Astros on Oct 1, 2021 at Minute Field in Houston was dealt to the San Diego Padres on Sun Apr 3, 2022 and quickly switch uniforms pitching against his old teammates the A’s in Peoria AZ (AP News file photo)

Sean Manaea traded to San Diego

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Lefty Sean Manaea was traded to the San Diego Padres. In return, the A’s received two prospects from the Padres minor league system. Infielder Euribiel Angeles No.12 on their system, plus Adrián Martínez, a pitcher and No.26 prospect. The Athletics also send minor league pitcher Aaron Holiday with Sean Manaea to San Diego.

A mainstay for the A’s rotation, the 30-year old lefty Manaea spent the first six years of his major league career with the Oakland A’s. With a win-loss record of: 50-42 a 3.86 earned run average. Started 128 games for the Green and Gold and on April 21 of 2018 threw a no-hitter at the Oakland Coliseum against the red hot Boston Red Sox (who had won 8 games in a row) by the score of 3-0, and struck out 10.

The A’s are continuing to rebuild and Manaea was rumored to be one of the three A’s starters with tradable value. The Yankees, Twins, Royals and others have been talking to the A’s about trading for Manaea. Chris Bassitt was already traded to the New York Mets (for a couple of prospects) and Frankie Montás is still rumored to be on the trading block and could go at any minute now or possibly during mid season, to a contending team.

The New York Yankees are one of the teams that has been very much interested in Montás, but it is believed that the A’s want more value for Montás, who is 27 year old and they are seeking some of the Yankees top prospects.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Oakland A’s Spanish radio play by play lead announcer heard on flagship station 1010 KIQI LeGrande San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Manaea dealt to Padres pitches against old team on day one; Lawsuit against A’s has team seriously looking to Vegas

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The Tropicana Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas strip is being considered for a future destination for the Oakland A’s new ballpark if the A’s and the Howard Terminal project is voted down on Jun 2, 2022 by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)  (photo from troplv.com)

On the A’s podcast with Jerry F:

#1 The East Bay Alliance who have filed a lawsuit with co plaintiffs Schnitzer Steel, Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, Harbor Trucking Association, California Trucking Association, International Longshore and the Warehouse Union. At issue is their dispute regarding the California Environmental Impact Quality Act regarding non compliance.

#2 The East Bay Alliance wants the A’s to stay at their current site at the Oakland Coliseum saying that the Coliseum meets all the standards of traffic, public transit, freeway access and plenty of room with no jobs to be concerned about getting cut.

#3 A’s team president David Kaval disputes that notion saying that the East Bay Alliance and the plaintiffs lawsuit is absolutely crazy, “We think they should drop the lawsuit. It’s an odd way to use an environmental law to prevent the environmental review from being completed.”

#4 Meanwhile in spring training at Mesa: Former A’s pitcher Sean Manaea started against the A’s on Sunday after being traded to the San Diego Padres for two prospects Infielder Euribiel Angeles No.12 on their system, plus Adrián Martínez, a pitcher and No.26 prospect. The Athletics also sent minor league pitcher Aaron Holiday with Manaea to San Diego. Former A’s manager and Padres manager said that Manaea could have started with an A’s hat and a Padres jersey.

Join Jerry F for the A’s podcasts every other Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: No April Fool’s Joke–New Lawsuit Filed against the A’s Howard Terminal

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Artists rendition of the Howard Terminal ballpark the Oakland A’s are seeking to build. The East Oakland Alliance is suing the City of Oakland and other defendants in their fight to keep the A’s at the Coliseum location in East Oakland (AP News photo)

No April Fool’s Joke: New Lawsuit Filed against the A’s Howard Terminal

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–It was no April Fool’s joke. Today, April 1, 2022 a new lawsuit against the Oakland A’s and the building of their proposed new Howard Terminal Ballpark took another hit. This lawsuit was filed by the East Oakland Alliance, which wants the Oakland A’s to stay in Oakland but build the new ballpark in the current Coliseum location.

MLB does not approve the building of the new park at the actual location that is a no-go. The East Oakland Alliance is among the entities this time suing the team and the city of Oakland, together with shipping, steel, and port groups also suing.

Their spokesman says the A’s and city did not adequately disclose the negative effect the project will have on the existing waterfront operations and surrounding areas, among other things. A’s President Dave Kaval rejected those claims saying a new ballpark at Howard Terminal would be better for the environment and people in the Bay Area.

Back in February 2021, the A’s cleared a legal hurdle in their quest for the new ballpark at Howard Terminal, most recently this year the news was encouraging as the A’s received positive votes toward their ultimate goal of the $12 billion project, Oakland Howard Terminal.

But today another step backwards. The problem? Well, the ‘clock is ticking’. These groups that opposed the Howard Terminal project keep throwing grenades at the A’s and things (when they look like they’re moving along) they stall.

Major League Baseball Commissioner, Rob Manfred Jr. expects a yes or no (Oakland or Las Vegas) a final decision by summer 2022. In the meantime, the A’s continue to work with Las Vegas, in what Dave Kaval has called for a year now: “working on different parallels, with the same goal of a new ballpark for the A’s.”… by the bay or by the desert.

This was the statement today by the groups opposed to the Howard Terminal project:

“The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) certified by the City of Oakland for the Oakland A’s’ proposed project at Howard Terminal did not adequately disclose, analyze, or mitigate all of the significant adverse impacts this massive and disruptive redevelopment on the working waterfront will cause.

Every EIR is required to provide an objective and thorough analysis of impacts, alternatives, and mitigation measures under California law, but the City’s EIR and environmental process failed to meet this mandate.

The A’s proposal to build a stadium and luxury condominiums, office and retail development will cause major disruptions and impacts to both the surrounding community and the operations of the Port, yet the EIR did not fully address these concerns or mitigate these well-known issues.

It also failed to accurately compare the Oakland Coliseum site as an alternative which would have far less adverse effects. It is simply not proper to ignore or defer analysis or mitigation of so many of the significant impacts identified in the more than 400 comments submitted by community and supply chain stakeholders, and as a result our only alternative is to pursue legal recourse.” 

Mike Jacob — East Oakland Stadium Alliance

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

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum: How not having Laureano in the line up will impact A’s

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Oakland A’s center fielder Ramon Laureano makes for first base in last year’s action. Laureano will sit out the first 27 regular season games but is allowed to participate in spring training games. (file photo from the San Francisco Chronicle)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel, Ramon Laureano will have to sit out the first 27 games of the regular season due to a suspension for PED use last season. He was allowed to participate in spring training but when the first day of the regular season arrives he’ll have to sit out.

#2 Laureano is definitely a presence and wields a mighty bat how much of a difference will it make not having him in the line up for the first 27 games of the regular season.

#3 The A’s manager Mark Kotsay was trying to see who was going to be a fit for first base and they had all of March to try and nail that decision down. They were considering Seth Brown, they took a look at Jed Lowrie who actually played shortstop, second base, and third base, Lowrie played 28 innings worth of first base so far in camp.

#4 Other A’s players who own a first baseman’s glove Chad Pinder, Austin Allen, and Stephen Vogt. Most likely Kotsay is hoping to settle on a regular first baseman soon and Lowrie has seen the most action.

#5 Stephen Piscotty the A’s right fielder is making progress trying to come back from the sore shoulder. Piscotty has been playing for the A’s minor league affiliate the Las Vegas Aviators and said he got a triple and told Kotsay everything went well.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2022 A’s New Manager Kotsay will be Tested Early

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Oakland A’s manager Mark Kotsay will be taking on challenges this season and can he be as good of a manager that former A’s manager Bob Melvin was? (file photo from si.com)

2022 A’s New Manager: Kotsay will be Tested Early

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Mark Kotsay is the Oakland A’s rookie manager this season, and his new-look A’s will open the season on the road, on April 8, against the Philadelphia Phillies for three games, then on to Tampa Bay and four against the Rays, followed by three more north of the border in Toronto against the Jays. Three teams loaded with talented stars with hopes of going deep into the postseason.

Kotsay is a good baseball man, a good man that served as a coach for Bob Melvin. Eager to begin his new managerial career, as he will be challenged early. He is about to open the season against three of the best teams coming out of Spring Training.

The A’s will return home to open the season with a seven-game game home stand, four against the Orioles and three against the much improved Texas Rangers.

The A’s will stay by in bay and visit the San Francisco Giants in a brief two-game interleague series and then return to Oakland to host the Cleveland Guardians for three games, followed by Tampa Bay for three and then, on the road again.

The A’s 2022 season begins with 17-straight games (ten of those on the road). But Mark Kotsay always wanted the challenge. He was a durable player in the major leagues during a 17 year career, four of those seasons with the A’s.

This is what Billy Beane said after the hiring of Mark Kotsay, a 46-year-old who spent the previous six seasons as a coach for his predecessor Bob Melvin. “Even as a player, he’d always expressed this was something that he wanted to do. He immediately took a coaching job as soon as he stopped playing, which shows the passion that Mark has had to do what he’s getting ready to embark on.”

The new A’s skipper, born in Whittier, California, signed a three-year contract to manage the Oakland Athletics through the 2024 season. A great collegiate record for Kotsay who was the top amateur player in 1995 when he won the Golden Spikes Award.

He was the Most Outstanding Player of the 1995 College World Series with his team the California State Fullerton Titans, won first team All-American honors in 1995 and 1996 and also won an Olympic bronze medal.

He batted for a .404 average during his three collegiate seasons (a school career record) as they went 149-41 during those years. A first-round draft choice of the Florida Marlins and earned a World Series ring in 1997. Played for the A’s from 2004 to 2007.

Wishing all the best to Kotsay as he embarks into a new career as major league manager. The A’s are rebuilding this season and nobody expect them to be a serious contender on a division were just about every other team, Angels, Rangers and Mariners have gotten stronger with various deals during the winter.

The Houston Astros, with the return of their #1 pitcher Justin Verlander as still favorites to repeat as division champion, even though they lost their shortstop Carlos Correa who signed a very surprising, but lucrative three-year deal with the Minnesota Twins for $105 million. Correa’s Puerto Rican compatriots were saying, Ay bendito! trans: Oh bless! when he signed the deal.

Optimism is always a good way to approach everything in life. There are always surprises in this game. Best example was the Giants of 2021, winning their division with 107 victories. You cannot find anybody on this planet that could have predicted such a season.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish radio lead play by play voice of the Oakland A’s on 1010 KIQI Le Grande San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com