Category: San Francisco Giants

Sports Headlines podcast with Tony Renteria: How Tony did with his March Madness brackets; With four big injuries, how that worked for Warriors; Giants’ Samardzija struggling this spring and more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @marchmadness

On the Sports Headlines podcast with Tony:

#1 Are all of Tony’s brackets broken? Tony talks about his prediction in the Sweet 16 and who’ll be the last team standing.

#2 What benefits do you see to having injuries to Golden State Warriors? Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Green and Curry are expected to come back on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.

#3 Pitcher Jeff Samardzija has given up three homers in one inning twice in two games and is struggling to have a decent spring outing. He’ll be in the rotation for the regular season, but what is happening with Samardzija and giving up the long ball?

#4 A’s pitcher AJ Puk has gone down with biceps soreness and has no major structural damage. He’s listed as day-to-day.

#5 The Giants certainly have the offense coming into the season with big boppers like Evan Longoria, Andrew McCutchen, Joe Panik, Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, Buster Posey, and Pablo Sandoval, just to name a few. But the Giants’ pitching staff is still a concern coming into the season.

Tony Renteria does the Sports Headlines podcast each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Sportstalk remote podcast at Il Fornaio in downtown San Francisco on Monday, March 19, 2018

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

yelp.com photo: San Francisco Il Fornaio at 1265 Battery Street at Levis Plaza downtown San Francisco site of Sportstalk Podcast

Cast: David Zizmor (Host and Warriors analyst), Marko Ukalovic (SJ Barracuda beat writer), Len Shapiro (NHL analyst), Jeremy Kahn (SF Giants beat writer), Amaury Pi-Gonzalez (Oakland A’s Spanish announcer), and Lee Leonard (producer).

Podcasting from the beautiful Tuscan Room at Il Fornaio Ristorante at 1265 Battery Street at Levis Plaza downtown San Francisco. Remember Il Fornaio’s experienced staff will work closely with you to create a memorable event for you and your guests. Learn more about Il Fornaio’s catering from Il Fornaio’s hosts Estefania Arteaga (general manager), Jennah Feely (event coordinator), and ristorante managers Michael and Chris at your service daily. Call Il Fornaio at (415) 986-2210 to find out more.

On the Sportstalk Podcast, we took a look at how the San Francisco Giants are progressing in spring training they have six gold gloves coming into the 2018 regular season with Evan Longoria and Brandon Crawford who each have three gold gloves and each won last year and Giants second baseman Joe Panik won his in 2016.

The position of catcher looks to be pretty solid for the Oakland A’s as catcher Jonathan Lucroy has come into camp providing leadership and great defense. Lucroy who handles pitchers well can be just what the A’s are looking for working with, calling, mixing of pitches and knowing the personality of the rotation. Bruce Maxwell said that he’s trying to lose some weight coming into camp at 270 pounds. Maxwell did swing the bats on Saturday going deep for a two-run homer.

Plus more discussions on the Golden State Warriors and San Jose Sharks all on http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants Podcast with Morris Phillips: Can SF get off to a strong start this season?; With Longoria, McCutchen, and Jackson, expect an improve offense; MadBum says first month doesn’t determine a season

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SFGiants

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Can the Giants get off to a fast start to begin the 2018 campaign and considering how much the pitching had issues last season is that rear viewed, but the question is–how is the pitching coming along this spring?

#2 Manager Bruce Bochy is hoping for a strong beginning after San Francisco improved its lineup with Evan Longoria, Andy McCutchen, and utility outfielder Austin Jackson.

#3 Pitcher Madison Bumgarner is realistic about the beginning of the regular season saying that the first month doesn’t determine how a season is going to go and the pitching this spring has been spotty, but who knows? They can come out firing on all cylinders.

#4 Is one of the other concerns that the Giants got a little older rather than got younger or do the experienced guys have it in this line up to take them to postseason?

#5 The Giants are ten days away from getting ready for opening day at Dodger Stadium on the 29th of next week. What are some of the takeaways going into opening day that will make a difference?

Morris Phillips does the Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

Spring training: While A’s bats come alive, Giants have interesting roster decisions

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: baseballinthebay.com

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Saturday, March 17, 2018

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Every team faces this dilemma at some point during spring training–what to do when a valued prospect runs out of options? The San Francisco Giants are no exception.

The Giants have three players on their 40-man roster who are in that predicament: outfielders Gorkys Hernandez and Jarrett Parker along with right-handed pitcher Cory Gearrin.

Parker has bounced back-and-forth between Triple-A Sacramento and the Giants since 2015, hitting .257 in parts of three seasons with San Francisco. The left-handed hitting outfielder has hit 103 homers in seven minor league campaigns. So far, this spring, Parker is hitting .235 with two homers and five RBIs.

Since 2012, Hernandez has had big league shots with Pittsburgh, Miami and the Giants. He’s a .255 career hitter, valued more for defense (two errors out of 328 chances in four seasons). In 13 Cactus League games, Hernandez is hitting .188 after going 2-for-2 in San Francisco’s split-squad game Saturday against Cincinnati in Goodyear.

In three seasons with Atlanta and three with the Giants, Gearrin is 10-8 with a 3.47 earned run average, mostly in relief. This spring, the 32-year-old hurler has a 1.29 ERA in seven appearances.

Though spring training is nearing the end, Giants Manager Bruce Bochy said it’s still too soon to make any final decisions, not just on the aforementioned, but other areas of the team.

“We’re looking at our options to see what we can do,” Bochy said. “We’ve got some time, still. But nothing’s been decided.”

Here’s how it works: Once a player is put on the 40-man roster, a team has three option years on that player. When a player spends at least 20 days in the minors in any of those three seasons, that becomes an option year.

Then, if that player does not make the 25-man roster after using all of his options, he must be exposed to waivers before he can be sent outright to a minor league affiliate.

The trick is, if a player is valued enough, to try and sneak a prized prospect through waivers. Sometimes that works, sometimes not. General managers are watching more than just their own players this time of year.

TRANSACTIONS
San Francisco optioned infielder Ryder Jones to Triple-A Sacramento, leaving the Giants with 47 players in camp.

THE GAME
The battle of Bay Area split squads saw the Athletics strike early and defeated the Giants 8-3.

Oakland’s spiit-squadders opened the game with a four-run rally – all unearned – off Giants’ starter Ty Blach. After Franklin Barreto opened the game by reaching on an infield error, the big hits were an RBI double by Matt Joyce, and Jake Smolinski’s RBI double, which preceded a Sheldon Neuse home run to right-center.

The A’s built a 7-0 cushion until San Francisco scored two in the fourth and one in the fifth. Hunter Pence had an RBI single in the fourth, and Brandon Belt added a sacrifice fly in the fifth.

Oakland starter Andrew Triggs (2-0) threw 3 2/3 inning to get the win, giving up two earned runs on two hits. The right-hander struck out four and walked three. Chris Bassett, Eric Jokisch and Daniel Gossett gave up one run over the last 5 2/3 innings. Gossett threw four scoreless innings, scattered two hits, struck out five and picked up his first CL save.

Blach (1-1) worked the first five innings, giving up seven runs on nine hits – three earned – struck out four and issued no walks.

“(Oakland) took some good swings,” Blach said. “Getting a shut-down inning after we put up some runs, definitely some good things to build on.”

“It was a tough day for Blach,” Bochy said. “He was off with his location and left balls up. It’s not going to work in Arizona. But he got his work in, and I liked that fifth inning when we wanted to get him up over 80 pitches and he had a solid 1-2-3. It was a nice way to finish.”

With one start left in the Cactus League before heading north, Blach said he felt his spring has been a good one.

“I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job of being in the strike zone for the most part, but I’d like to get back to commanding the ball a little bit better in the zone and get ahead a little more often,” Blach said. “I’m just kind of refining some things and I feel like the breaking ball is where I want it.

“I’m just taking it day by day, trying to get better.”

The announced attendance was 12,045 – a sellout.

OTHER GAMES
In other split-squad games, Seattle beat the A’s 4-1 in Mesa, while Cincinnati edged the Giants 5-4 in Goodyear.

After Saturday’s Cactus League play, Oakland is 11-8, San Francisco is 10-11.

UP NEXT
On Sunday, the Athletics host the Chicago White Sox at Hohokam Stadium, while the Giants head up the 101 to play Colorado. The final Arizona games for both teams are on Friday.

TAGS
Oakland A’s,San Francisco Giants,Cactus League,Sports Radio Service

San Francisco Giants Podcast with Michael Duca: Pence finding his groove; Samardzija trying to find the right combination of pitches; plus more Giants news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

cumulus broadcasting file photo: San Francisco Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija looks down at his glove, Samardzija gave up three home runs in Thursday pre season game to the San Diego Padres

On the San Francisco Giants Podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Hunter Pence has really found his path, just like he said after he hit a grand slam earlier in the week in Thursday’s game as he tripled, singled, and double in consecutive innings.

#2 Is Jeff Samardzija struggling or just experimenting with pitches? He gave up four runs to the Padres, giving up three home runs in Thursday’s game.

#3 How impressed have you been thus far with Andrew McCuthen’s spring on Thursday? He hit a two-run single. He’s always noted for the RBI, and of course, he can go deep.

#4 Brandon Belt broke the deadlock off Pads pitcher Colten Brewer a seventh-inning blast. Talk about Belt’s spring and do you see him getting a lot of work at first base?

#5 Buster Posey says when he comes to the park, he’ll be mentally prepared to catch and only catch. He has not played first one game as of yet. Does that mean he’ll catch most of the spring, but he’ll play a little first or a lot more than he did last year?

Michael Duca does the SF Giants podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s Podcast, News and Commentary: Melvin says Lucroy on track to catch 115-120 games; benches empty between A’s and Giants could lead to a rivalry of sorts; Kerr has freedom of speech to speak out on gun control

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sfchronicle.com

On the Podcast with Amaury:

1. Amaury talks about catcher Jonathan Lucroy and says that this A’s team can really sneak up on teams.

2. Lucroy, one of the many free agents who were available, signed on for this season for $6.5 million, who manager Bob Melvin says will catch 115-120 games.

3. The A’s and Giants starting to show some preseason action. Giants pitcher Sam Dyson threw high and tight at the A’s Khris Davis on Monday. Two hitters later, they were bean, which forced the umpires to warn both benches. Could this be the beginning of a Bay Bridge rivalry?

4. Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors head coach, spoke at a Newark High School gym on Monday about gun control and how his father was murdered by gun violence and that he supports the student walk out and protest for gun control. Amaury says Kerr has a right to say what he wants and that he has the freedom of speech.

5. Amaury also talks about his Topps Basketball card from the 1990s when he was the Golden State Warriors’ Spanish play-by-play announcer.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the play-by-play Spanish talent for the Oakland A’s and does News and Commentary for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

 

San Francisco Giants Podcast with Morris Phillips: Buster has no problem with his ankle or swinging the bats; Pence gets break out slam; Giant legends pulling for the Baby Bull

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @BarryBonds

On the Giants podcast with Morris:

1 There was some concern that the Giants catcher Buster Posey would have ankle issues. but he answered that over the weekend, getting three hits including two doubles and left little doubt that his ankle and bat are back.

2 Giant outfielder Hunter Pence took a .056 clip into Sunday’s game struggling at the plate he got one that lept over the left centerfield fence for a grand slam. After the game Pence said his hitting has found a path and balance

3 Former Giant first baseman Orlando Cepeda was remembered by former Giant great Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Barry Bonds at the annual Spring Legends meeting, saying that Cepeda’s presence is sorely missed.

4 Giant pitcher Jeff Samardzija said he’s experimenting with several pitches for his 2018 repertoire. After having some rough spots in 2017, he wants an effective 2018.

5 Morris takes a look at the differences from last season’s club to this season’s team in Cactus League and says the Giants no doubt have improved.

Morris Phillips does the Giants podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco Giants Podcast with Michael Duca: Posey’s ankle just fine–rips two doubles on Friday; plus more Giants news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @NBCSGiants

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael:

1 San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey is suffering an ankle injury that has kept him out of Thursday’s game. Posey had enough rest he looks regular season ready as he hit two doubles in Friday’s game.

2 Former Giant and current Texas Ranger pitcher Matt Moore offered to give his number 55 to incoming pitcher. Also, former Giant Tim Lincecum, who signed with the Rangers. Lincecum chose #44 instead and reflected on his late brother Sean, who passed away last month.

3 Lincecum sold his $2 million condo in downtown Seattle so he can go back to being a regular guy. Lincecum is now living in a house in Madison Park.

4 Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija said he’s a big fan of Giants centerfielder Steve Duggar. Samardzija says Duggar “is fun to watch. What has been the biggest thrill about Duggar– his hitting or fielding?

5 San Francisco’s Mark Melancon has said he’s going through some discomfort when he throws. The Giants will be counting on Melancon to get healthy and close games.

Michael Duca does the San Francisco Giants podcasts each Friday for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Tony Renteria Sports Headlines Podcast: Manning offered up to $10 million from Fox or ESPN; Jones’ rant and Goodell protest costs him $2 million; Is Aldon Smith done?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @KNBR

On the Sports Headlines Podcast with Tony:

1 ESPN and Fox in a bidding war for Peyton Manning’s TV services the networks have offered as high as $10 million for Manning’s talents as an NFL analyst

2 Dallas Cowboys will have to pay the NFL $2 million for owner Jerry Jones speaking out on behalf of Ezekiel Elliott last season, who was suspended for six games last season. Because the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell would not lift or lighten the suspension and Jones went on a rant and also told the other owners not to renew Goodell’s contract which landed Jones and the Cowboys with a fine.

3 Oakland Raiders’ Aldon Smith–Will he be done or will he get another chance in football?

4 LeBron has selected four teams he is willing to considering during free agency the Cavs, Lakers, Rockets and 76ers where do you see LeBron ending up next season?

5 The Oakland A’s open their season at the Coliseum on March 29th a day game. It’s been years since the A’s played a home opener in the day time.

6 The A’s named former pitcher and Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers as special assistant to team president David Kaval.

Tony Renteria does the Sports Headlines podcast each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

San Francisco Giants Podcast by Michael Duca: Melancon feels better and it’s assured he will have a better season; Sanchez will see a lot of Sacramento this season; Lots of flu this spring, but Pence will be just fine

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

photo by eastbaytimes.com 2017 file photo: San Francisco Giants reliever Mark Melancon gets ready to deal as he prepares for 2018 in the hopes for a better season than last year

On the Giants podcast with questions for Michael:

1 Giants pitcher Mark Melancon says he’s feeling better and is confident he can finish games. Do you think he has it in the tank to have a better year this year?

2 The ninth inning is on the line. Giants manager Bruce Bochy is confident that Melancon, who signed with the Giants for $62 million for four years and finished with a 4.50 ERA last season, can do the job this season.

3 Melancon, who had pronator surgery, says he looks forward to returning to the mound in 2018 and wants to put 2017 in the rearview mirror.

4 Giants catcher Hector Sanchez is trying to land a roster spot, but with some of the National League’s top catching talent of Buster Posey, Nick Hundley, and Trevor Brown. it looks to be San Francisco’s top three catchers going into 2018, and Sanchez short of hitting like Lou Gehrig, this spring looks to be headed for a whole lot of Sacramento.

5 The flu has been an epidemic for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had 20 players affected and had to say away from the clubhouse. The Giants more fortunate just to have outfielder Hunter Pence out with the sickness and is expected back soon. Michael says that the epidemic has hit it’s peak and should be tapering off in the coming weeks.

Michael Duca does the Giants podcast each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com