Category: Oakland Athletics

Oakland Swept By Astros Losing Game Three 2-0; Astros Valdez throws 4 hit gem

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In this slowed down shutter speed photo Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez looks like he’s inside a Kellogg’s 3-D baseball card throws against the Oakland A’s at Minute Field in Houston on Sun May 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

Oakland Swept By Astros Losing Game Three 2-0

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Oakland Athletics (10-38) played game three of their series with the Houston Astros (27-19) and couldn’t avoid getting swept by the Astros at Minute Maid Park 2-0. Saturday’s game was not decided until the eighth inning. Oakland played a very competitive game but just didn’t have enough to get past Houston in the Saturday contest and couldn’t get a run on Sunday getting shutout.

There were some really encouraging moments in the Saturday game that started with pitcher JP Sears who was outstanding after digging out of a deep hole in the first inning. Another highlight were the two stolen bases from Esteury Ruiz who has been a standout this season. With the losses mounting, special moments like these need to be recognized and appreciated.

Sunday’s post game wrap: Sunday the A’s were looking to win at least one game and avoid the sweep.

The first four innings were a pitchers duel and the A’s had the only hit. James Kaprielian went five innings and finished with five strikeouts, three hits and one run. After holding the Astros for four innings Jose Altuve singled in the fifth inning and Jake Meyers scored the Astros first run of the game 1-0.

The bottom of the sixth inning was a busy one for the Astros. A couple of walks and a Yordan Alvarez double and the Astros were threatening. Sam Moll had relieved Kaprielian in the inning. Alvarez did score on a wild pitch from Moll and Houston had taken a 2-0 lead.

The Astros agains threatened in the seventh inning. They had the bases loaded but the A’s kept the Astros off the scoreboard getting out of the inning.

Oakland had been able to hold off the Astros numerous times but were unable to generate any offense of their own. They had one last chance heading into the ninth inning with the Astros leading 2-0. Nick Allen had a hit in the inning but that was about it for the A’s. Houston had won their seventh game in a row and had their second sweep in a row. The Astros are the hottest team in baseball right now and certainly had proven it.

It was a tough loss for Oakland. They did a lot of things right today but didn’t have the offense to get on the scoreboard. The A’s did get to see another Ruiz steal which has become routine for this guy.

The Athletics will travel up to Seattle and T Mobile Park to take on the Mariners Monday night in a four game series. Kyle Muller will take the mound for Oakland with an 1-3 record 7.71 ERA. Luis Castillo will be on the hill for Seattle with a 2-2 record and a 3.31 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: It comes down to $75 million?

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Tropicana Hotel and Casino front entrance in Las Vegas future home of the Oakland A’s in 2027 (file photo from booking.com)

It comes down to $75 million?

That’s Amaury New and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

1-Athletics picked Wild Wild West land-site for their new stadium. The ask for public funds was $500 million

2-Days later they changed site-location and dealt with the Tropicana. Then they asked for $395 million in public funds.

3-The State of Nevada offered the A’s $320 million toward reducing the asking price of $395 million. They need $75 million to “play ball”.

4-Today (May 20) they are negotiating the gap of $75 million, which is the missing piece for the A’s to complete their $1.5 billion, 30,000 seat park.

5 – June 5 all funding must be complete and be presented to the Nevada Legislature. If the deadline is missed, the governor will get involved.

6 -Bally’s Corp, told the local Las Vegas media (reported by the Las Vegas Business Journal) last week that they hoped providing the Athletics with free land would push lawmakers to continue the momentum toward landing the team in Southern Nevada and Major League Baseball approving their relocation from Oakland.

Place your bets ladies and gentlemen.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez has been covering the Oakland A’s move to the Las Vegas Tropicana Hotel and Casino ballpark development story and does News and Commentary podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s Fall Short To Astros In Game Two 3-2

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Oakland Athletics’ Esteury Ruiz (1) scores as Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado kneels behind home plate during the sixth inning at Minute Maid Field on Sat May 20, 2023 (AP News photo)

A’s Fall Short To Astros In Game Two 3-2

By Barbara Mason

After being dominated Friday night in game one, the Oakland A’s (10-37) lost a close one on the field at Minute Maid Park to the Houston Astros (26-19) in game two of their series 3-2.

Game one of this series was a close one through the first five innings. Game two mirrored yesterdays game through five innings as well.

Saturday game recap: The Astros got a couple of runs in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead to get this game off to a great start for Houston. Yordan Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly to center and Jose Altuve scored for the 1-0 lead. Kyle Tucker singled Alex Bregman home and the Astros had a 2-0 lead.

Oakland would get one back in the fourth inning. Brent Rooker singled allowing Ryan Noda to score and the A’s were back in this game trailing by a single run 2-1.

The A’s tied up this game in the sixth inning 2-2. Esteury Ruiz stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error by Houston catcher Martin Maldonado. This was the 22nd steal for Ruiz. Ryan Noda then sacrificed to center and Ruiz scored for the tie game It was a brand new ball game.

Through the first six innings JP Sears was having a nice outing. The fifth inning was a 1,2,3 inning for him as was inning six and he was cruising. He finished the game with five hits, two runs and seven strikeouts in a solid showing. It was a shaky start for him with 37 pitches in the first inning, having to dig himself out of a deep hole, but he did it and went on to retire 17 batters in a very solid and deep Houston lineup. Adrian Martinez relieved Sears in the seventh inning.

The eighth inning was a replay of the sixth inning. Again Ruiz stole second base and advanced, on a Maldonado throwing error, to third base and the A’s had the go ahead run on third.

Oakland missed a great scoring opportunity and they would pay. The Astros Yordan Alvarez was first at the plate in the bottom of the eighth and he hit a 392 foot home run to give the Astros a 3-2 lead. It was his tenth home run of the year.

The Astros dismissed the A’s in order and the final was 3-2 in favor of Houston. It was a hard fought game, a very competitive game but the A’s came up just short.

James Kaprielian (0-3 ERA 10.17) will take the mound for the A’s tomorrow in game three. Framber Valdez will be on the hill for the Astros. Framber has a 3-4 W-L record and a 2.84 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 11.10 AM.

A’s Drop Game One In Houston 5-1

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Houston Astros’ Dusty Baker Jr., left, greets Oakland Athletics’ Aledmys Diaz to present him his 2022 World Series Championship ring before before a baseball game Friday, May 19, 2023, in Houston. (AP News photo)

A’s Drop Game One In Houston 5-1

By Barbara Mason

Thursday the Oakland A’s (10-36) had the day off before traveling to Houston to take on the Astros (25-19) in a three-game series. The A’s lost their last series against the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1 while the Astros swept the Chicago Cubs in their three-game series.

This was a challenging series opener for Oakland dropping game one 5-1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston. With the win the Astros have won eight of their last ten games.

Friday game recap: Houston scored first in the second inning of this game when Jose Abreu scored. Jeremy Pena had grounded into a fielder’s choice to give the Astros the early 1-0 lead.

The A’s would tie up the game in the third inning 1-1. Shea Langeliers doubled driving in Esteury Ruiz.

Houston took take back the lead in the fourth inning 2-1. Kyle Tucker doubled in Yordan Alvarez and the Astros began to flex their offensive muscle.

Houston added onto their lead in the sixth inning. Kyle Tucker knocked one out of the park with Jose Abreu onboard and the Astros had taken a 4-1 lead. Oakland pitcher Ken Waldichuk was forced to leave the game in the sixth inning with what appeared to be a possible hamstring injury. He had already thrown 91 pitches when he left the game.

Austin Pruitt would take over on the mound for Waldichuk in the sixth inning. He had a rough start loading the bases but got out of it allowing two hits but no runs. That score would remain going into the eighth inning.

In the eighth inning, an Oakland error advanced Jake Meyers to third base followed by an Alex Bregman single that drove Meyers home. With the score 5-1, the A’s had one last chance as they went into the top of the ninth inning. Oakland went quietly into the night only managing one hit in the ninth The Astros would hold on for the win.

The A’s continue to struggle as they go into game two of this series tomorrow with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 pm PT. JP Sears will take the mound for the A’s with 0-3 record and a 5.27 ERA. They will be facing Houston’s Hunter Brown who has a 4-1 record and a 3.43 ERA.

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s will need serious game plan taking on Dusty and the Astros Friday night; Nevada lawmakers-A’s apart by $200 million

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Bally’s Casino-Hotel resort is a site that the Oakland A’s have their eye on for a new ballpark which is planned to be completed by 2027. The A’s and the State of Nevada legislature are some $200 million apart from the $395 million tax credits needed to build the new ballpark on the Vegas Strip. (file photo from Fortune Magazine)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 The Oakland A’s (10-36) open a three game series against the Houston Astros (25-19) on Friday night at Minute Maid Field. The Astros are in second place in the AL West and the A’s have a huge job in front of them if their going to beat Astros manager Dusty Baker and the Astros.

#2 Former Houston Astro Justin Verlander who now wears a New York Mets uniform heard it from the Mets fans when he took his first loss for New York. Needless to say the Mets fans expectations are win now or they will make you pay.

#3 Daniel, With the Astros having a different starting rotation from last season does and are in second place in the AL West and the A’s with a long, long, climb to catch them their best aim is to just go out and have a good series against Houston.

#4 Daniel, the Nevada Independent reported that the Nevada legislation and A’s are some $200 million apart for the tax credits needed to build at the Tropicana site in Las Vegas. The A’s need $395 million and the Nevada legislature are willing to part with $195 million in tax credits for the ballpark. The clock is ticking as both sides need to come to an agreement on the financing by June 4th.

#5 Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said that her door is still open on Howard Terminal if the A’s and the Nevada lawmakers can’t come to a financial agreement on the Tropicana siteThao stated today (Thursday) with ABC 7. Thao would resume negotiations on Howard Terminal. Sources have said that the City of Oakland and the A’s were 90% of the way to finalizing the deal on Howard Terminal until the A’s announced they had a binding agreement with the Wild Wild West site in Las Vegas back in mid April which is now off the table.

Daniel Dullum is the Oakland A’s analyst Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Athletics are On the Clock for June 5

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The odds of Oakland A’s owner John Fisher putting up his own money for the $200 million gap between the A’s and Nevada Legislation to cover the Tropicana ballpark in Las Vegas is like waiting for a snowstorm in San Francisco tomorrow (file photo from the SF Chronicle)

Athletics are On the Clock for June 5

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

What an irony. In 2023 the year of the clock in baseball, the Oakland A’s have until June 5 to try to secure the public funds they need in Las Vegas. The A’s originally were asking $500 million when they were going for the 49 acres at the Wild Wild West site, but now since they dealt with the Tropicana site (Tropicana is willing to give the A’s their land for the stadium) they are asking for $395 million, a substantial reduction of $105 million.

Why are the A’s on the clock? Well, the dateline is June 5 for the A’s to have their plan approved by the Legislature in Carson City, Nevada. The legislature might be willing to approve $195 million in transferable tax credits of that $395 million as it stands today for stadium construction (according to the Independent) but they’re still short by $200 million.

Mr. Fisher could always put those $200 million of his own money (the odds of that is like expecting a snow storm in San Francisco tomorrow) to have the deal come to fruition, which more than likely will lead to the ‘shovel in the ground’ on the new park by 2024, as A’s plans call for.

Both houses of the Nevada legislature need to approve the funding package If by June 5 they have not reached a decision Joe Lombardo, Governor of Nevada, according to Nevada law, could then convene a special legislative session in trying to reach a decision.

The Las Vegas Review Journal is reporting today that the State of Nevada and Clark County are ready to offer in a ballpark deal with the A’s currently at $320 million, that leaves just a $75 million dollar gap. If you are dizzy from all these numbers, do not be.

Remember, the A’s are trying to move to Las Vegas, a town that totally runs on numbers. That $75 million “Gap” should be lunch money for the billionaire owner of the A’s, or maybe a banquet for a bunch of people at Napa’s world famous French Laundry, one of California’s Governor favorite restaurants.

All reporting sources in Las Vegas agree that by next week the long awaited and late plan by the A’s will be introduced. There are only 20 days left in the Nevada legislative period, which is June 5, 2023. In Nevada Legislative sessions are held every other year in odd-numbered years, hence in 2024 they rest, Somebody asked me who owns the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum: The Coliseum, along with Oracle Arena and its surrounding parking lots are owned 50% by the City of Oakland and 50% by the Oakland Athletics.

Oakland A’s off day report: A’s open three game series in Houston Friday night at Minute Maid

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FILE – Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. watches during the second inning in Game 6 of baseball’s World Series between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies, in Houston, Nov. 5, 2022 (AP News file photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The A’s are in Houston to start a three-game series against the World Champion Houstons starting Friday night. The Astros, managed by longtime fan-favorite Dusty Baker, are currently in second place in the AL West Division. They trail the Texas Rangers by two games.

Baker has had to juggle his starting rotation as the Astros lost the 2022 AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander to free agency. Verlander signed with the New York Mets for the 2023 season. Two other starting pitchers are currently on the IL. Lance McCullers is on the 15-day IL with a forearm issue, and Jose Urquiddy is on the 15-day IL with a shoulder problem.

The Astros’ starting rotation still has lefty Framber Valdez available to pitch. Valdez is 0-4 with a 3.09 ERA. Other starters are Cristian Javier (1-3, 2.93 ERA), Hunter Brown, J.P. France, and Brandon Bleak. The guys out in the bullpen are Ryan Montero, Hector Neris, Ryne Stanek, Phil Maton, and closer Ryan Pressley.

The Astros saw first baseman Yuli Guriel leave for the Miami Marlins. Guriel loved to torment the A’s pitchers. He was a great clutch hitter as a member of the Astros. Former Chicago White Sox first baseman and former AL MVP Jose Abreu replaced Guriel.

Abreu has yet to homer for Houston. In 42 games, he has driven in 17 runs. Many people are wondering if Abreu will be the answer at first base. The Astros’ All-Star second baseman, Jose Altuve, has been out with a thumb injury. A pitch hit Altuve, and he has not played a game in the regular season.

He may suit up for Friday night’s game against the A’s. Mauricio Dubon, a former San Francisco Giant, will be at second in place of Altuve. Third baseman Alex Bregman has had a slow start for the 2023 season. Bregman is hitting .217, with three home runs and nine ribbies. The Astros hope Bregman can get going against the woeful A’s pitching staff. Jeremy Pena will be at shortstop.

The Astros will be without the services of hit master Michael Brantley. Brantley underwent shoulder surgery last year. He suffered a setback in spring training, and it isn’t certain when he will return. Corey Julks is taking Brantley’s spot in left field. Chas McCormick will remain in center field, and Kyle Tucker is the right fielder. Tucker is another Astro that loves to feed off the A’s pitching staff. Yordan Alvarez is the Astros’ DH.

The A’s are off to the worst start in their storied history. The team was founded in 1901, and the 10-35 record has them on target to surpass the 120-loss season the New York Mets put up in 1962.

Even with the terrible record, the A’s have had some bright spots. Esteury Ruiz has played well in center field. Ruiz is a threat to steal a base anytime he gets on base. He is very good at the plate with runners in scoring position. Brent Rooker has been a huge surprise.

Rooker got a chance to play when Seth Brown was injured. He is making the most of his opportunity to play. Rooker is hitting a smidge under .300, has 11 homers, and over 30 RBIs. Catcher Carlos Perez has also hit well for the A’s. Catcher Shea Langeliers also gives the A’s a hitter with a lot of pop in his bat.

The A’s pitching staff, relievers, and starters have been a problem for A’s manager Mark Kotsay. The team’s collective ERA is about 7.50 runs per game. The team’s 10-35 record reflects the bad pitching.

The Astros have owned the A’s for three or four years. Oakland would love nothing better than turning the tables on the Astros. It’s highly unlikely, but as they say in baseball: ” you never know.”

Starting for Oakland on Friday left hander Ken Waldichuk (1-2 ERA 7.02) going for Houston Brandon Bielak (0-1 ERA 3.29) first pitch 5:10pm PT.

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: A’s gave it an effort in Arizona series; battled to the end but dropped two of three

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Oakland Athletics’ Esteury Ruiz breaks his bat while hitting a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Wed May 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 It was a series unlike the Texas Rangers series where the Oakland A’s lost three out of four where the A’s battled the Arizona Diamondbacks a second place team in the NL West and who are playing hard to climb up in the standings. The A’s who have had middle and closing issues have kept manager Mark Kotsay on the edge of his seat.

#2 The A’s started Luis Medina today who started at 0-2 had a great start going six innings giving up three runs on three hits and six strikeouts although the A’s were behind 3-0 until the bottom of the seventh he kept them in the game.

#3 How big was Ramon Laureano’s three run home run to get the A’s back in this one. It was Laureano’s fifth home run of the season.

#4 Shintaro Fujinami was struggling on the mound as a starter and converted into being a reliever came into pitch the eighth and ninth innings. Fujinami got the third out on a strikeout in the eighth but in the ninth with the score tied and double action in the A’s bullpen and runners at first and third Fujinami loaded the bases and manager Mark Kotsay went and got him. Adrian Martinez came into relieve and Jose Herrera hit a sac fly that scored Lourdes Gurriel Jr to break the deadlock.

#5 It’s a whole new series on Friday Jerry as the A’s travel to Houston to take on Dusty Baker and the Houston Astros after taking Thursday off. Starting pitchers for the A’s left hander Ken Waldichuk the Astros have not announced a starter as of Wednesday.

Join Jerry for the Oakland A’s podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

D-Backs win rubber game from A’s of three-game series 5-3

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Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jose Herrera, left, tags out Oakland Athletics’ Tony Kemp at home plate during the seventh inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Wed May 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

OAKLAND–The Arizona D-Dacks rebounded from a 9-8 defeat in 12 innings Tuesday night to beat the A’s 5-3 Wednesday afternoon. The two starters, Oakland’s Luis Medina and Arizona’s Kyle Nelson were in a pitchers’ duel for the game’s first six innings.

Nelson allowed a single to Esteutry Ruiz in the first and kept the A’s hitless until he left the game in the sixth. Medina allowed three hits in his six innings. Two of the hits were home runs. He allowed a solo blast in the second to Christian Walker and a two-run shot of the bat of Corbin Carroll in the sixth. 

The D-Backs won the series two games to one.

The D-Backs drew first blood in the top of the second inning. Leadoff hitter Christian Walker sent Luis Medina’s 79 mph curveball over the wall in left field. For Walker, it was his 11th dinger of the year. Medina settled down and retired the next three hitters. Arizona leads 1-0 midway through the second inning.

The D-Backs plated two more runs in the top of the sixth. With one out, Luis Medina issued a walk to Geraldo Perdomo. The next hitter, right-fielder Carbin Caroll sent Medina’s 91 mph four-sea1m fastball over the wall in center field. Esteury Ruiz tried to make a leaping catch, but the ball went past his grasp.

It was Carrol’s sixth blast of the year. The D-backs lead 3-0. D-Backs’ starter Ryne Nelson, who had allowed the A’s one hit in the first five innings, suddenly couldn’t find the strike zone in the bottom of the sixth. He walked three batters to load the bases. He also uncorked a wild pitch. The A’s had two chances to get runners in. The D-Backs’ manager, Torey Lovullo, brought Luis Frias to pitch. Frias did the job by retiring the next two hitters to end the inning. The D-Backs lead 3-0 after six.

The A’s tied the score in the seventh. Still pitching for Arizona, Luis Frias walked the first two batters in the inning. Frias now had to deal with Ramon Laureano. Laureano settled the issue by blasting his fifth home run of the season out of the park to tie the game.

The A’s blew an opportunity for another run when Tony Kemp got thrown out at home. After Laureano’s homer, Kemp singled. Nick Allen laid down a sacrifice bunt, sending Kemp to second. Esteury Ruiz, so good when hitting with runners in scoring position, singled to short center field. Kemp was thrown out attempting to score on the hit. The game is now tied 3-3 after seven.

With Shintaro Fujinami on the mound to start the ninth, the right-hander from Japan had things go south quickly. The D-Backs’ leadoff hitter, Lourdes Guriel, Jr, doubled leading off for Arizona. Fujinami retired Pavin Smith for the first out. The A’s issued an intentional walk to Dominic Fletcher.

Fujinami walked Emmanuel Herrera to load the bases with one out. A’s manager, Mark Kotsay, brought Adrien Martinez in to pitch to Jose Herrera. Herrera hit a sacrifice fly to drive the D-Backs’ fourth run of the game. Ketel Marte singled, and Arizona plated another run. The D-Backs lead 5-3. The A’s failed to score in their half of the ninth. Arizona wins 5-3.

Game Notes: With the loss, the A’s are now 10-35. The D-Backs improve to 25-19. 

The A’s starter Luis Medina gave up three hits in six innings. Two hits were home runs, and the other was a double. Medina’s line was six innings, three hits, three runs, two homers, six strikeouts, and two walks. Arizona’s starter Ryne Nelson allowed one hit and no runs in five and 1/3rd innings. He struck out six and walked four. After giving up a hit to Esteury Ruiz, the leadoff hitter in the first inning, Nelson held the A’s hitless until his exit in the sixth inning. 

The hitting start for Oakland was Ramon Laureano. Laureano’s home run in the seventh tied the game. 

The line score for Oakland was three runs, five hits, and no errors. Arizona’s line was five runs, six hits, and no errors. 

The A’s are off on Thursday. The A’s will travel to Houston to face the Astros at Minute Maid Park For three games starting Friday night. Left Ken Waldicchuk (1-2, 7.02 ERA) goes for Oakland Astros manager Dusty Baker has not named a starter for Friday night’s game.

The time of the game was 2:51 minutes. 4,133 were on hand to watch the A’s lose for the 35th time this season.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Las Vegas expansion Is more than the A’s

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Actor Mark Wahlberg who is behind moving Hollywood film production to Las Vegas is one of the other major industries leaving California (AP file photo 2022)

Las Vegas expansion Is more than the A’s

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–Major League Baseball and the Oakland Athletics are not the only ones moving to Las Vegas. Hollywood movie studios are also making the move to Sin City. A group of bipartisan Nevada lawmakers just introduced a bill that would give massive credits towards luring Hollywood film production to Las Vegas including a proposed $1 billion Sony Studios expansion. Filmmaker Mark Wahlberg is one the biggest proponents of this Hollywood studio migration to Las Vegas.

Southern Nevada is fast becoming a center for entertainment like few other cities in the world, with lots of available land, lower taxes, and less political drama, than “for example” neighboring California which has also seen an exodus of its residents to Nevada and other States that are more “tax-friendly”. An executive in the hospitality industry said, quote” “California has become prohibited for business, with so many regulations and high rates of taxes.

A Sony Studios spokesperson said the company supports the film industry expansion with a commitment of $1 billion on production over the next ten years.

After being hit by the pandemic, Nevada now has become a “happening place” and Las Vegas is at the center of it all. The Nevada lawmakers are giving $190 million in tax credits for 20 years to the people and businesses of the State. This is the largest tax incentive package in recent history

While here in the Bay Area, the departure of the Oakland A’s is big news, as the A’s would be the first franchise to relocate out of state since the Montreal Expos (who were under National League ownership) in 2005, now playing in Washington, D.C., as the Washington Nationals. They relocated out of the country from Canada to the US.

–On November 18 the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place.

–The 58th Super Bowl is scheduled to be played on February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium, in Las Vegas. This will mark the third straight year that the Super Bowl has been played in the Western United States.

–Las Vegas Golden Knights are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, now as the Pacific Division champions and the top seed in the Western Conference, after they missed the playoffs last season.

The A’s have company: The new trend is the “California Exodus”, as California’s population still shrinking. According to the latest population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, California’s population declined by more than 500,000 between April 2020 and July 2022. You do not need an MBA from UCLA to know that the high cost of living in California and so many other problems, housing, homelessness, and crime in the cities have become the factors for this exodus right after the Covid years on why so many people are saying Adios to the Golden State.

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