Category: Sacramento A’s

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s Second Season in Sacramento “It is what it is”

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Sacramento A’s opening day pitcher Luis Severino goes to the mound against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto on Fri Mar 27, 2026 (AP News photo)

A’s Second Season in Sacramento: “It is what it is”

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The Athletics open their 2026 season on March 27 in Toronto against the American League Champions, the Blue Jays, on a five-game road trip to open the new season, three in Toronto and two in Atlanta, then return home on April 3 for their first home game of the new season against the Houston Astros.

The city of Sacramento during its first season (2025) was not what the team expected. The team drew 768,464 fans at their 2025 Sacramento debut, the lowest in MLB, averaging 9,487 fans per game at Sutter Health Park. Note: LA Dodgers Stadium parking lot regularly accommodates 18,000 cars.

Seems like the A’s never took Sacramento seriously, scheduled to play there for only three years, like leasing a car, for 2025-26-27, and then move to the very hot confines of Las Vegas, Nevada. The A’s never joined the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce (English or Spanish).

The people of Sacramento are “lukewarm” about this team. The media coverage of the Athletics writes about a team that has not obviously embraced the area, and they often report on that lack of enthusiasm. Some expected A’s fans to travel from Oakland and other Bay Area cities/areas to see the A’s play at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento..

Some A’s fans might have left the Bay Area for Sacramento, seeking a cheaper cost of living, but there are not enough of those fans to fill seats in Sacramento. A’s team performance on the field was about what I expected, an exciting offense and…that’s it. Not a serious contender.

When your ace in the starting rotation is Luis Severino (I like Luis he is a good guy), they are totally exposed at their level of pitching, which is not at the level of a serious contender. Players have complained about the facilities in Sacramento, but they get paid to wear a major-league uniform and play in a minor-league park.

The largest minority group in the Sacramento area is Hispanic, representing roughly 24–30% of the population. Within the City of Sacramento specifically, Hispanic residents are the largest minority. In 2025, A’s reduced the Spanish radio broadcast to one broadcaster, pure tokenism, so the team can say: “yes, we have a Spanish broadcast”, disrespect to a sport whose some of their biggest stars are Hispanic and over 30% of all players in MLB are Latinos.

Spanish is the second language of baseball and in the US overall. But for the A’s, they might as well be playing in West Virginia, the smallest Latino population in the US. There is little local excitement, and ticket sales for the 2026 season were immediately met with flash sales, such as “No Fees” promotions for April and May, highlighting a lack of demand.

So, in simple language, it is a bleak situation The very common phrase “it is what it is” signifies acceptance of an unchangeable, difficult situation, used commonly in business, politics, and sports, and sometimes bad news in medical reports, since the 1990’s, and in the case of the 2026 version of the Athletics, It is what it is.

SF Gate recent headline: The A’s pitiful attendance now hurting Sacramento’s other baseball team.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

A’s Defeat Reds 12-4 as Rotation Competition Heats Up

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Mandatory Photo Credit: Athletics on X

By Jeremiah Salmonson

MESA, ARIZONA — The Athletics were in session for some more Cactus League action on Sunday afternoon at Hohokam Stadium. The A’s defeated the Reds in resounding fashion 12-4 on Sunday in the matinee affair.

The A’s had rotation hopeful J.T. Ginn go for them on the mound in what was his second start of the spring. In his first start, Ginn was solid, going two innings of no-hit, no-walk baseball and striking out three.

On Sunday, Ginn impressed again as he tossed three innings of no-run, no-hit baseball as he struck out two and walked two in the outing. Ginn, who has had control issues at times, certainly wasn’t happy with the two walks. However, limiting the damage and keeping the Reds off the board certainly had to be a good feeling.

“I just think he built off his last outing,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said after the game to the media. “Obviously velo might’ve been a tick less this outing that’s going to happen in spring training, but really, really we were hoping he’d get three full innings. He did and got a little work in, there was a little test there. He had to pitch out of the stretch for the first time. So all in all I think it was a good outing for J.T.”

Ginn, who was in and out of the A’s rotation last season, looks to cement himself a rotation spot for an A’s club who certainly has a few spots in limbo. Jeffrey Springs, Luis Severino, and offseason acquisition Aaron Civale certainly will slot into the top three rotation spots come the season. Jacob Lopez, who is recovering from an elbow strain from last season, is expected to be ready for Opening Day and will almost certainly command attention for a rotation spot to begin the year.

For guys like Ginn, that leaves the last two spots up for grabs in the Athletics rotation come the end of March and the beginning of the season. Luis Morales, J.T. Ginn, and Jacob Lopez all seem to be the favorites to fill those final two spots as guys like Jack Perkins and Mason Barnett seem to be on the outside looking in that conversation. Luis Morales seems to be the odds-on favorite around camp to fill the A’s fourth spot, which leaves Ginn and Lopez to fill the fifth and final spot. Ginn’s efforts on Sunday certainly furthers his case for consideration if he can keep up his performance through spring.

In Sunday’s game on the offensive side, the A’s bats woke up and flipped the script after their poor performance on Saturday.

The A’s tallied 11 hits and scored 12 runs on Sunday in a breakout game that saw some of the A’s mainstays get going. A’s All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson tallied a hit and reached base twice in three at-bats as Nick Kurtz recorded a walk in the contest. A’s starting catcher Shea Langeliers was 2-2 with a hit by pitch and three RBIs in the game as he hit a two-run homer and an RBI double in the game.

I asked Mark Kotsay after the game his thoughts on how locked in Shea looked at this point in the spring.

“When I saw Shea for the first time this spring, I felt like he was right where he needed to be building off last season. So I think a lot of our starters, a lot of our guys that you’re going to see play every day when the season starts, look good.”

The A’s continue camp this week prior to a trip to their near-future home in Las Vegas where they will play the weekend of the 6th in Las Vegas, where the Aviators play their home games.

To open the week, the A’s will travel to Peoria to take on the San Diego Padres at 12:10 p.m. PST as the A’s will send Mason Barnett to the hill.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Giants Defeat A’s 8-2 as Morales Struggles in Spring Start

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Mandatory Photo Credit: Athletics on X

By Jeremiah Salmonson

MESA, ARIZONA — The Athletics welcomed the San Francisco Giants to Mesa on Saturday afternoon for the A’s seventh game of the spring. The Giants, led by strong pitching and timely offense, defeated the A’s 8-2 on Saturday.

One of the A’s main focuses this spring has to be on their pitching corps heading into opening day. The A’s already have what is certainly considered one of the more feared lineups in baseball this season. The real question is with the pitching staff. Can the A’s piece together a bullpen good enough to keep them in contention in 2026? During the A’s struggles in May, the bullpen posted the worst ERA in the league, over the 8.00 mark. Granted, the bullpen pitched much better later in the season, but the damage was done.

The key in many ways for the Athletics going into 2026 will be the pitching staff.

On Saturday, the potential woes for the A’s pitching staff were on full display.

The A’s started the game with projected rotation hopeful Luis Morales.

Morales struggled in his outing, with his initial appearance lasting one and a third innings, as he gave up four runs on five hits while walking one and striking out one. Morales was lifted for Eduarniel Nunez to finish the second inning. Nunez did so, allowing two runs on one hit in two-thirds of an inning of work. In a rare move you don’t see all that often, A’s manager Mark Kotsay elected to go back to Morales for the third inning. Morales gave up another hit and another walk and recorded just one more out in his outing. As the dust settled on his outing, Morales finished going one and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on six hits while striking out two and walking two.

After the game, Mark Kotsay spoke his thoughts regarding Morales’s start.

“Just lack of fastball command really,” Kotsay said. “He left a lot of balls up, breaking balls up. I still feel like it’s early. I definitely want to get that pitch count up. That’s the reason to take him out and put him back out there. I think the biggest thing for Luis is going to be being able to get ahead of hitters with his fastball and be able to locate it.”

Like Kotsay said, it’s certainly early in the spring. Morales has many more opportunities this spring to get himself right, and the A’s will give him all the opportunities to do just that.

The A’s staff after Nunez pitched pretty well. A few base hits aside, the A’s held the Giants off the board until the eighth inning, as JJ Goss, Tyler Ferguson, Hogan Harris, Scott Barlow, and Justin Sterner all had scoreless outings through the seventh inning.

In the eighth, Kade Morris came on for the A’s and struggled. Kade worked the eighth and ninth innings, giving up two runs on four hits while striking out one and walking one. It was the A’s lone blemish for the pen after the rough start to the game for the A’s pitching staff.

On the offensive side of the ball, the A’s also struggled.

The A’s didn’t get their first hit of the game until a fourth-inning Tyler Soderstrom single.

In terms of scoring runs, the A’s managed two runs in the game; one run came in the seventh and the other in the ninth for the A’s. Michael Stefanic had an RBI single in the seventh inning, and Cade Marlowe scored on a throwing error in the ninth inning. Those two plays were the only runs the A’s would score in the game. The Giants outhit the A’s 15-8 in the game, as the A’s failed to secure their second win of the spring, falling to 1-6 in Arizona.

The A’s will stay home to take on the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday at 1 p.m. MST at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa.

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Former A’s announcer Glen Kuiper controversal hire with Giants; Looking at the A’s primary goals for 2026

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Former Oakland A’s TV play by play announcer Glen Kuiper who was fired by the A’s for using the N word on live TV has been hired to do play by play for the San Francisco Giants as of Thu Feb 26, 2026. The hiring has social media talking and some objecting to his being back on the air. (Michael Zagaris / Getty Images file)

Sacramento A’s podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 What are the A’s primary goals for 2026 Spring Training, and how is the club addressing expectations for a return to postseason contention?

#2 Who are the key non-roster invitees or young players competing for major-league roster spots at spring camp, and what standouts have emerged so far?

#3 How is the A’s early spring training performance win-loss record or pitching struggle shaping perceptions of the team’s readiness for the regular season?

#4 What impact might contract extension negotiations — especially involving rising star players like Nick Kurtz — have on the club’s preparations and morale heading into spring?

#5 How is the team handling its branding and local engagement — including the use of “Sacramento” on alternate jerseys and continued play in Sutter Health Park — amid preparations for Spring Training and the upcoming season?

Jeremiah Salmonson is a Sacramento A’s beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings skid continues at five in a row

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Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (17) works his way to the basket against the Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sun Jan 25, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

1. The Sacramento Kings suffered another loss this time at the hands of the Detroit Pistons 139-116. This was their fifth loss in a row as the trade deadline grows closer.

2.The Kings starters have struggled prompting changes in the lineup-meaning a lot more minutes for the bench and they have not disappointed.

3.The Pistons Cade Cunningham did most of the heavy lifting but had a lot of support from teammates in this win as well as some great work from their bench.

4.The Pistons are sitting on top in the Eastern Conference 5 1/2 games ahead of the second place Celtics.

5.The Kings will now head into New York Tuesday night for a matchup with the Knicks after beating them a few weeks ago at Golden One.

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

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Trademark now Sacramento A’s, Vegas is next –An Identity problem?

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It’s safe to say the Sacramento A’s logo will be used officially by the 2026 A’s for the upcoming season (image from Baltimore Positive WNST)

Trademark now Sacramento A’s, Vegas is next. -An Identity problem?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Congratulations to the Athletics; they are now the Sacramento A’s. Thankfully, the US Supreme Court did not have to rule on this; they are very busy these days, and I am sure they agree that baseball team trademarks are not something they want to hold hearings on and then make a final decision on. They just listened to two days of hearings on the Trans Athletes challenge to Title IX of biological women in sports. On the Trademark, well, the A’s were late on this, no surprise, but it is official, this season, they will be known as the Sacramento A’s. Congratulations!

Considering that in 2027, there is a decent chance the entire season might not happen, there is over a 95% chance that baseball owners will lock out players over a dispute on the salary cap, Although it would be unfortunate for the sport and baseball fans, if that takes effect and there is no baseball in 2027, but wait!  there is good news for the A’s, they will have more time (during the lockout) to come up with another name to trademark, the name for the A’s in Las Vegas.

Here is my recommendation for the A’s to use when they eventually land in Vegas. Here it is. “The Team Formerly known as the Oakland A’s.” Sorry, too long, but it makes sense, although you cannot carry the name Oakland in Las Vegas. But if you use this long trademark, you will have to make some changes, not to mention what kind of uniform can fit all that!  However, I will bet you anything that people across the country will know which franchise it is, they will say from Maine to Tijuana, “Oh yeah, that is the team that won four World Series in Oakland.

You will need larger billboards along the highways leading to Las Vegas.  But you will have to “brainstorm” what to put in their Vegas uniforms, from Sin City to Las Vegas Gamblers, and in between. By the way, the fact remains that the A’s have used the “Las Vegas Gamblers” as an alternate to their Triple-A team, the Las Vegas Aviators. Why not? It will be “all in the family.”

You teach me baseball, and I’ll teach you relativity. … No, we must not; you will learn about relativity faster than I learn about baseball.”

-Albert Einstein.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: US Government deniesTrademarks of “Vegas Athletics” and “Las Vegas Athletics”

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The U.S. government has denied the trademarks for “Vegas Athletics” and “Las Vegas Athletics”

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The USPTO, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, is the federal authority for issuing Patents and trademarks, and it is the one that issued the denial of the current A’s ownership. This just happened: The US Government denies the team’s ownership of the trademarks “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics”.

During their years in Oakland, they secured 20 trademarks. However, the relocation to Las Vegas necessitated a new filing to get the same protection. The A’s front office dropped the ball by not acting quickly on this, and now they are ‘behind the 8-ball’ trying to “catch up” since their plans call to inaugurate a new facility in Las Vegas by 2028.

Eventually, they should resolve this issue, but this shows the ineptness of this outfit. Although they are in the major leagues, the A’s truly operate like a Class “A’s team, and this is no disrespect to minor league teams, many of whom approach their business much more professionally, and no disrespect to those that currently work for this A’s organization.

I know many of them, and they are very good people. For young people who want to get a leg up in the professional sports business, it is a good place to intern, gain a couple of years of experience, and then “Adiós, Hasta la Vista.” I personally know a few who traveled that path recently. Smart move, good for them!

Believe it or not, this question is still very popular not only in the Bay Area, but also outside it, because I have spoken with people there. They always seem to ask the following: “What are the odds Las Vegas is really going to happen for the A’s?

It seems there are still too many unanswered questions, and it feels like the team and fans will get screweed again. And who is guilty of people saying such things? The current ownership, as their so-called transition from city to city, feels like a very popular Disneyland attraction for kids, called Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

A common joke highlights the incongruity of team names kept after relocation, citing examples such as the Minnesota Lakers moving to LA and the Texas Oilers moving to Tennessee. (A’s) The franchise holds the record for having called the most different cities home, moving from Philadelphia to Kansas City to Oakland to…XXXX A’s.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s Pouring Cement in Las Vegas as the Betrayal continues

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Former Oakland A’s president David Kaval in 2016 touted how the A’s would build a new ballpark at Howard Terminal near Jack London Square in Oakland. In 2023 Kaval announced the team would move to Las Vegas and later resigned his position with the A’s. ( photo from Forbes)

A’s Pouring Cement in Las Vegas as the Betrayal continues

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

For Oakland A’s fans, this pouring of cement at their under-construction new location in Las Vegas feels like the Mafia burying them in cement. In my opinion, a relocation that did not have to happen. The Oakland media market is ranked in the Top 10 US markets by Nielsen ratings, while Las Vegas, Nevada, is ranked 40th.

In baseball terms, that is like comparing a .330 hitter in Oakland to a .220 hitter in Las Vegas. But…no problem, “pour more cement” says one guy smoking a Havana at the Tropicana location.. In the late 1950s, Brooklyn Dodgers fans felt a sense of abandonment and loss when they moved to Los Angeles, much as New York Giants fans felt heartbroken and betrayed when they moved to San Francisco in 1958.

The story of the Oakland A’s is in some way similar to that of the two New York teams. Especially because the Dodgers and Giants left New York primarily because of a stadium situation. In New York, with the city planner Robert Moses, plus also financial opportunities in untapped markets in California.

The difference is that California was indeed a huge untapped market for Major League Baseball, offering a great opportunity for these teams. Does anybody believe Las Vegas is like Los Angeles or Oakland-San Francisco? In mid-November 2016, the Oakland A’s named Dave Kaval President of the Oakland Athletics. Kaval would come into our Spanish radio booth at the Oakland Coliseum and talk about the new ballpark for the A’s in Oakland, although he did not speak Spanish, we translated very clear and remember when Kaval would tell us/radio audience: “the new A’s park would be next to the bay, a beautiful setting, just like the Giants across the bay.”

He visited many times to “update us” on the new A’s Oakland ballpark; he spoke of it ad nauseam. A good friend who is a huge baseball fan described Mr Kaval to me simply like this: “he is a weasel”. Before 1958, California had several professional minor league baseball teams, such as the San Francisco Seals in the PCL, where young players like Joe DiMaggio and his brother, Vin DiMaggio, played.

Also, here in California, the great Ted Williams played professional baseball years before the Dodgers and Giants arrived in the Golden State. The Hollywood Stars were a rival of the LA Angels. My father-in-law, (Joe)Clardy, played in the early 1950s for the Las Vegas Wranglers.. which was the only professional baseball team in Las Vegas.

The SF Giants released a statement after the A’s relocation to Las Vegas was announced, calling the move a “loss for all baseball fans” The team acknowledged the A’s as a “big part of Bay Area baseball history” and expressed sadness over the potential departure of their East Bay rivals.

Well, the San Francisco Giants were among all the 30 teams that voted to have the A’s leave Oakland. Like the famous line from The Godfather is ‘It’s not personal. It’s strictly business,” delivered by Michael Corleone and also by Salvatore Tessio.

Note: Currently, the smallest Major League Baseball stadium is Progressive Field in Cleveland with a capacity of 34,830. A’s in Las Vegas is projected to have 33,000 seats, making it the smallest in MLB. It took three months to film the movie “Viva Las Vegas” with Elvis, which also featured some scenes at The Tropicana.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Nick Kurtz to Win the American League Rookie of the Year Award 

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Sacramento A’s slugger Nick Kurtz rounds the bases after hitting one of his four home runs against the Houston Astros at Daiken Field in Houston on Jul 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

Nick Kurtz to Win the American League Rookie of the Year Award

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The 2025 American League Rookie of the Year will be officially announced this Monday, the 10th of November. It will be Nick Kurtz. It is a ‘fait accomply’ Nick Kurtz is the only MLB rookie in history to hit four home runs in a single game, achieving this feat on July 25, 2025, against the Houston Astros.

Had a marvelous rookie season. He hit .290, with 36 home runs and drove in 86 runs. The young first baseman for the A’s was one of just three players with at least 400 plate appearances and an OPS over 1,000, along with Silver Sluggers Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

Kurtz gave the A’s their second straight season with a Silver Slugger Award, after Brent Rooker won at DH in 2024. Before that, it was Eric Chávez in 2002. The potential for this 22-year-old, 6’5″, 240 lbs left-handed hitter is as high as the sky, as well as the odds for Nick to win the American League Rookie of the Year.

Kurtz’ chances of winning the Rookie of the Year are very close to 100% chance. I will say it is inevitable; there are no other rookies in 2025 in the American League with the impact of Kurtz. The largest salary given to an Athletics player is $67 million, for pitcher Luis Severino, a three-year deal in 2024.

In the case of Kurtz, A’s owner Mr. Fisher might need another loan to pay the star if Kurtz continues to be the player he seems to be. However, the good news for the A’s, Kurtz is projected to become a free agent after 2031, heading into age 29.

His contract with this A’s will not expire until then. He also received a $7 million signing bonus when he was drafted in 2024. His salary is part of his pre-arbitration contract with the Oakland Athletics. He also received a $7 million singing bonus.

Oakland Athletics to win the Rookie of the Year Award. José Canseco (1986), Mark McGwire (1987), Walt Weiss (1988), Ben Grieve (1992), Bobby Crosby (2004), Huston Street (2005), Andrew Bailey (2009)

Note: 21 players in Major League Baseball history have hit four home runs in a single game. Kurtz will join the group alongside some of the game’s luminaries, including these two: Lou Gehrig and Willie Mays.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:San Jose Earthquakes Soccer team is still for sale — And the Potential world Stoppage in Baseball

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The San Jose Earthquakes and Pay Pal Park are both up for sale by Quakes owner John Fisher for a cool $600 million (photo of Pay Pay Park by Arch Key Solutions)

San Jose Earthquakes Soccer team is still for sale — And the Potential world Stoppage in Baseball.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

SAN JOSE–According to Forbes, the San José Earthquakes are valued at approximately $540 million, while Sportico values them at $600 million. The team for sale by John Fisher, owner of the once Oakland A’s, now playing temporarily in Sacramento.

The Quakes is officially on the market, with Fisher hiring an investment bank to handle the sale of a controlling share of the club. Fisher bought the team in 2007 for $20 million.

The top-valued team in Major League Soccer is LAFC (Los Angeles Fútbol Club) at $1.28 billion, followed by Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, Atlanta United, and New York City FC. The valuations of the top teams are much higher, with LAFC leading the league at $1.28 billion, followed by Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, Atlanta United, and New York City FC.

The original cost of the 33,000-seat Las Vegas A’s baseball park, $1.5 billion, is now expected to exceed $2 billion. It increased due to rising construction costs and detailed planning. Cost overruns are not unique to baseball stadiums; they are a frequent issue in almost any large construction project.

Could the potential MLB work stoppage be an obstacle for the A’s Las Vegas baseball park? Considering a potential work stoppage is expected for the 2026-27 season, it could not only halt the A’s Las Vegas project but also kill the Major League Baseball season.

The owners want a salary cap, but the union opposes it. What else is new? The baseball owners and the players’ union are like the two main political parties in Washington. The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association expires on December 1, 2026. There is a lot at stake, and this could be a long work stoppage.

Note: There have been nine work stoppages in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, which include both player strikes and owner lockouts. The most recent Major League Baseball (MLB) work stoppage was a lock out inititated by the team owners, which lasted 99 days from Decemvber 2, 2021, to March 10,2022