Category: That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: American Ice Hockey Olympic star awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

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Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save against Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sun Feb 15, 2026 in Milan Italy (AP News photo)

American Ice Hockey Olympic star awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

On July 7, 2022, President Joe Biden awarded Simone Biles the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her athletic achievements, winning the Gold Medal at the Olympics, the nation’s highest civilian honor. American Olympic stars who made the country proud are favorites for US Presidents to present this type of award, and it happens more often than most people think.

Most recently Connor Hellebuyck , the goalie for the gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as announced to the nation by President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address, his first in his second term.

Hellebuyck made 41 saves to lead Team USA to a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the gold medal game of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter The American team’s defense was key in their victory during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hellebuyck’s performance was crucial in securing the U.S. men’s team’s first Olympic gold since 1980, stopping 41 of 42 shots.

The now world-famous goalie Hellebuyck (#37) is the primary starting goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets as of February 2026, known for his elite, award-winning play and recent Olympic participation. Hellebuyck is recognized as one of the top goalies in the NHL, having won multiple Vezina Trophies.

If you wonder why it is uncommon for a sitting US President to give an award to a US athlete, is this unusual? It is not, in fact, the previous US President, Joe Biden, who also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to US Olympic hero Simone Biles and others, such as world-famous chef José Andrés.

The President of the United States can award this medal to any American who contributes to the United States in any walk of life, for his/her contributions to the country. Although Hellebuyck plays professionally for the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL, he is an American who was born in Michigan.

The recipient of this award must be born in the US. Of the 32 National Hockey League teams (considered the premier professional league in this sport in the world), seven (7) are based in Canada. Hellebuycks’s Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Montréal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Calgary Flames.

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 podcast: Will MLB avoid a work stoppage?; Can any MLB team stop Yanks or Dodgers?; plus more news

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Major League Baseball Players Association senior director Bruce Meyer answers questions to the media in MLBPA offices in New York Mar 11, 2022 (AP News file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Will MLB avoid a labor dispute or lockout later in 2026?
With the current collective bargaining agreement scheduled to expire after the 2026 season and owners pushing for changes like a potential salary cap, there’s significant uncertainty about labor peace beyond this season.

#2 Can any team realistically stop the reigning champions and favorites?
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter 2026 as back-to-back National League champions and World Series winners and will try to become the first team since the 2000s Yankees to three-peat.

#3 How will the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system affect games?
MLB is implementing an automated strike-zone challenge system for the 2026 season, which could meaningfully change umpiring, game strategy, and pace of play.

#4 Which remaining free agents or trades will shape contending rosters?
With notable free agents still unsigned and trade rumors circulating, questions remain about where players like top free agents sign and how teams will bolster key areas.

#5 Amaury for the Sacramento A’s who will win key roster spots, especially around the infield?
With new acquisitions and players like Zack Gelof competing for positioning, a central question is whether veterans or younger talent will earn starting roles come Opening Day.

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: USA Hockey Gold for Country and Flag

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Team USA Jack Eichel celebrates with fans after defeating Team Canada at the hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Italy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

USA Hockey Gold for Country and Flag

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

For the third time in Olympic history, the United States won men’s hockey gold and for the first time since the Miracle on Ice in 1980 against the Soviet Union. Men’s hockey is the last event in the Olympics, and this 2026 Canada vs USA match did not disappoint.

The USA faced a tough and talented Canadian team, as NBC reported a huge audience for the final event of the Olympics. The game aired at five in the morning West Coast time. Many were up early to watch this event of the two big North American rivals who share a friendly border.

Known as the longest international boundary in the world, and one of those that got up this early was my youngest son, Geoffrey, who is a huge San José Sharks fan and a big Hockey enthusiast, who played in an Amateur Ice Hiockey League, This was Geoffrey’s commentary on the game:

“It was a great game, one of the best games I have seen. But like most sports, defense wins championships, even though Canada had the best players, McDavid, Mackinnon, Crosby (hurt), and Celebrini, the USA had the best defense and Goalie. Solid defense, great goaltending, and some puck luck… gave the USA the edge. Also, it’s a shame that it was 3v3 for OT. It should be 5v5 just like the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”

Jack Hughes, who has played his entire NHL career for the New Jersey Devils, scored the winning goal at 1:41 into overtime, sending the Americans to their third Olympic title as they defeated Canada 2-1. The other goal for the US was scored by Matt Boldy, who plays for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League.

While Cale Makar, who plays for the Colorado Avalanche, scored the lone goal for the Canadians. This USA Olympic team defeated a very tough and seasoned Canadian team, even without their great player, Sydney “Sid the Kid” Crosby who suffered a lower-body injury in the quarterfinals against Czechia, causing him to miss the semifinal and the gold medal game against the USA. Despite trying to return, the injury sustained from a hit kept him out. He is there and together with the rest of the Canadians who received their Silver Medal.

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: Good News for Oakland

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Nothing but love from the heart as Olympic Skater Alysa Liu reacts after competing in the women’s figure skating free program at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Italy Thu Feb 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

Good News for Oakland

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Just days ago the Mayor of Oakland official car, her SUV was stolen from City Hall, it was recovered and the suspect was arrested in Vallejo. Oakland has been vilified for years for many reasons, including one very notable one; it is often cited across the country by sports fans as an example of Oakland’s inability to keep its sports teams in town.

But Oakland finally heard some good news, and it did not come from the Bay Area, but 6,000 miles away from Milan, Italy. Oakland-born figure skater Alysa Liu won the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on February 19, 2026.

She is the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the sport in 24 years, following a remarkable comeback after retiring in 2022. Started skating at age 5. At 13, she broke Tara Lipinski’s record to become the youngest U.S. national champion (2019) and was the first U.S. woman to land three triple axels in a single competition. Congratulations to Alysa, this was great and Oakland (in my opinion) could use a parade for her and the city.

Quote “I love struggling, actually. It makes me feel alive,” — Alysa Liu on the Olympic pressure.

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: NFL-The Chicago Bears are leaving Chicago for Indiana

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The Wolf Lake Memorial Park in the 2300 block of Calumet Avenue is a potential site of the new Chicago Bears stadium. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

NFL: The Chicago Bears are leaving Chicago for Indiana

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

Soldier Field, Chicago’s home of the NFL Bears for a half-century, soon will be a trivia question. A last-ditch $5 billion effort to keep the team in Chicago failed, ending their time in Chicago. The Chicago Bears ownership said in a statement, “The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed to completing the remaining site-specific due diligence necessary to support our vision of building a world-class stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana. We appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler, and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing this critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the globe.”

“We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship,” Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said, adding that he was “surprised” after the Bears’ shift to Indiana. Why are they moving out of Chicago? The Bears have never owned their home stadium (Wrigley Field or Soldier Field).

A new, privately developed stadium (with public infrastructure help) in Indiana allows them to control revenue streams, plus the team has long sought to leave their current, publicly owned stadium, which is considered outdated and too small compared to other NFL venues.

Some people in Chicago are fine with this move. Hammond, Indiana, which is located immediately adjacent to the Illinois state border, approximately 25-30 miles southeast of downtown Chicago. The drive typically takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

As part of the Chicago metropolitan area, it is the only city in Indiana that directly borders Chicago. At the end, it’s all about two words: modernization and money. The Bears need a new, modern facility to generate more revenue. As they move to Hammond, Indiana, they will keep their name, the Chicago Bears.

This is common. The Washington Commanders play in Maryland; the NY Giants and NY Jets play in New Jersey; the Dallas Cowboys play in Arlington; the LA Rams and LA Chargers play in Inglewood; and the San Francisco 49ers play in Santa Clara.

As a matter of fact, nearly half of the 32 NFL teams do not play in the city they represent. However, the NFL is smart enough to keep these teams within distance of their fan bases. An exception? The Raiders, who left Oakland for Las Vegas, and that is not a “Sunday drive” over 400 miles. Another team left Oakland for Las Vegas, but they have not arrived yet, and they are not in the NFL. ]

Quote: Baseball is played on a diamond, in a park.The baseball park! Football is played on a gridiron in a stadium, sometimes called Soldier Field or War Memorial Stadium. -George Carlin (Comedian)

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: From My Notebook- Pelé the World’s Best Fútbol player FIFA US ’94 World Cup

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From left to right: Tony Lopez, Univisión -The Great Pelé– Amaury Pi-González, Telemundo (Photo TV Globo, Brazil)

From My Notebook:” Pelé, the World’s Best Fútbol player, FIFA US ’94 World Cup. —

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury PI-González

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three countries Canada, México, and the United States. This marks the first time three nations have jointly hosted the tournament, which will feature 48 teams competing across 16 cities from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will host six matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including five group stage games and one Round of 32 knockout match on July 1, 2026

. The Bay Area is a premier host city, welcoming teams like Australia, Switzerland, Qatar, and Algeria for a tournament running from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This will be the second time the US has hosted the FIFA World Cup. The U.S. previously hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which holds the record for the highest total attendance in World Cup history.

As the United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Bay Area welcomed the great Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé. The 1994 FIFA World Cup in the Bay Area was anchored by Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, which hosted six matches, including a memorable July fourth Round of the 16th game where Brazil defeated the U.S.1-0.

The Bay Area served as a key venue for the tournament, with Brazil based in the South Bay, turning Los Gatos into a party headquarters. The Brazilians were a class act, as I remember, and I had the pleasure of interviewing many of their great players in 1994 while working for Telemundo CH 48 San José.

The 1994 FIFA World Cup-winning Brazilian team, which competed in the USA, was managed by Carlos Alberto Parreira and featured star players Romário, Bebeto, Dunga (captain), and Claudio Taffarel. They defeated Italy in the final to win their fourth title, with a strong core also including Jorginho, Aldair, Marcio Santos, Mauro Silva, and Zinho.

Among the personalities present was perhaps the best player ever, the great “Pelé,” who decades earlier played in New York for the Cosmos. He was the guy who invigorated Soccer in the US and one of the guys responsible for the US hosting the ’94 World Cup for the first time.

Pelé played in four World Cup tournaments (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970) and scored 12 goals in his World Cup career. 1958, 1962, and 1970. He is the only player in history to win three World Cups. Today’s greatest Fútbol star is Lionel Mesi, who won the 2022 World Cup for Argentina. Who is the GOAT?

Although it is very subjective, I pick Pelé. who received his famous nickname as a child in school because he struggled to correctly pronounce the name of his favorite player, Bilé a goalkeeper for the team his father played on.

Pelé gave two television exclusive interviews in Spanish during the ’94 USA World Cup,one to my friend and colleague Tony López ,Sports Anchor for Univisión CH 14,San Francsico,  the other one to this reporter,Telemundo Sports Anchor for CH 48 San José. Pelé was proficient in three languages, his native Portuguese plus English and Spanish, born in 1940 he died in 2022, recognized as a worldwide sports icon, just like Muhammad Ali, Pelé was a once in a lifetime sports icon with a great  personality and vision for his sport.

At the time the sport (Soccer in the US) was not as popular as today and I truly believe our coverages on Spanish television between Tony at Univisión and me at Telmundo was much comprehensive than all the English format TV stations in the Bay Area, they truly could not compete with us because we were the only two TV station in Northern California that covered this sport year ’round not only during the World Cup.

The ABC,CBS,NBC affilaited stations here in the Bay Area really never covered this sport, unitl the 1994 World Cup took place here. It was like the US media just discovered Soccer.

The FIFA World Cup is widely considered the greatest team sporting event in the world, boasting the highest viewership and global popularity due to soccer’s immense reach. Held every four years, it attracts over 3.5 billion viewers and offers unparalleled intensity, cultural spectacle, and passion. 

  Quote:  “The World Cup is a very important way to measure the good players, and the great ones. It is a test of a great player,”  -Pelé

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: Tony Clark Major League Players Association executive director, resigns

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Tony Clark Major League Players Association executive director, resigns

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

ESPN reported today that the Major League Baseball Players Association executive director, Tony Clark, resigned Tuesday after an internal investigation revealed an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who was hired by the union in 2023, sources told ESPN.

The union, which was scheduled to start its spring training tour of all 30 clubhouses on Tuesday, abruptly canceled its 8 a.m. ET meeting with the Cleveland Guarduians in Goodyear, Arizona.

His resignation comes months before the MLPA will face an “almost certain” lockout by a good man and leader in negotiations will not be in charge of one of the country’s top labor unions when they face the owners next December.

During the union’s internal probe — which came in the wake of a wide-ranging and still-open federal investigation into the MLBPA’s finances and other alleged improprieties, including nepotism — the relationship between Clark and the woman came to light, sources said, and prompted him to step down after more than a dozen years as the union’s leader.

The federal investigation was triggered by a whistleblower complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board in November 2024, alleging self-dealing, misuse of resources, abuse of power, and nepotism. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires December 1, 2026, and then here comes the labor battle. What could be the “Main Event” in Baseball this year? A Lockout happens, and big money will be lost by both sides, and fans will sour on the game again, as they have done during previous strikes and lockouts. No es bueno.

No official successor has been named; the union is expected to select an interim leader shortly.

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 podcast: Kung Fu Robots demonstration almost too perfect; Bay FC players happy with new coach; plus more news

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Kung Fu robots demonstrate some serious martial arts in China almost perfect form that would be difficult to duplicate for a human on Mon Feb 16, 2026 (China Media Group (CMG) 2026 Spring Festival Gala photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, CNN reported on Monday night the technology of robots were domonstrated performing martial arts in China and there were a dozen doing a Kung Fu demonstration in unison as they were performing at a Spring Gala Festival. While martial arts is a huge sport and a huge sport at the Olympics what about the idea that robots can do martial arts and many things frankly better than humans?

#2 Bay FC Women’s soccer players have said that it’s a breath of fresh air that Bay has hired new head coach Emma Coates. After a tough 2025 last season under former head coach Albertin Montoya who was said to bully players in meetings, gave players the cold shoulder, punishing players who addressed mental health concerns, one player had anixety going to training. These issues were addressed and the to the players relief that their happy to have coach Coates leading them for this season.

#3 San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez is a quick learner according to Giants infield coach and former LA Angels manager Ron Washington. Washington said during Giants camp this week in Scottsdale that Arraez is picking up everything quickly and could turn into another Marcus Semien who developed into one of baseball’s top infielders.

#4 Lots of talk regarding the Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz the talk hasn’t stopped since Kurtz ripped four home runs in one game in Houston last season and he’s expected to deliver the goods this season again.

#5 Someone wrote about that Roberto Clemente the former Pittsburgh Pirates legendary right fielder didn’t die chasing a trophy but carrying food to others who needed it such as the case of flying to Nicaragua where his plane crashed into the ocean before making it there in December 31, 1972.

#6 Major League Baseball players union representiative Tony Clark has resigned from his top position. The most likely reason is the impending players lockout that will take place and that Clark will be in the middle of a storm negotiating with MLB to prevent a salary cap that the owners plan to implement. In addition he’s being accused in a federal probe for having a inapporpriate relationship with his sister in law.

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: Joe Lacob still a favorite to buy Padres

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Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob is the leading candidate to buy the San Diego Padres but will have to keep the Padres in San Diego and will not be able to move them to Oakland. (file photo New York Times)

Joe Lacob is still the favorite to buy the Padres

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Joe Lacob tried to buy these teams in the past: the Oakland A’s, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Today, he is considered the favorite to buy the San Diego Padres, who are officially on the market. Bids are expected by the end of February 2026. The San Diego franchise is valued between $1.9 billion and $2.3 billion; however, the current ownership may seek around $3 billion.

While some reports label Lacob a leading suitor, other potential buyers are involved as well. Lacob, who also owns the NBA Golden State Warriors and the WNBA Golden State Valkyries, confirmed he has toured Petco Park in San Diego. While he has not yet committed to a final decision, all reports indicate he remains the leading suitor for the franchise.

Joe Lacob attempted to buy the Oakland Athletics in 2005 , reaching a verbal agreement to purchase the team from then-owner Stephen Schott for approximately $180 million. However, then-MLB Commissioner Bud Selig blocked the sale, favoring a bid from John Fisher and Lew Wolff, which ultimately led to Lacob purchasing the Golden State Warriors instead.

Lacob maintained a standing offer to buy the Oakland Athletics from John Fisher for over a decade, while expressing interest in buying the team for many years (over a decade). His standing offer to buy the team from Fisher and keep it in Oakland until 2022.

The A’s under Fisher are on their way to conclude a 3-year stay at Sacramento, the city they are using as a stopover until he inaugurates his new indoor park Las Vegas, Nevada. How much have MLB franchises appreciated during the past 40 years? Walter Haas Jr., then-chairman of Levi Strauss & Co., purchased the Oakland Athletics from Charlie O. Finley for $12.7 million on August 23, 1980.

Quote: “The Stock Market is a better investment than owning an MLB team” – Rob Manfred (2022), Commissioner of Baseball.

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: Say Adiós to the multi-year Mega Deal in Baseball

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owners will be taking on the MLB Players Assciation in bargaing talks over the next Collective Bargaining Agreement contract for the 2027 season. It could be a season that will see a lockout over a salary cap in MLB. (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

Say Adiós to the multi-year Mega Deal in Baseball

That’s Amauiry News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

I do not know if Las Vegas oddsmakers take any wagering on this, but I believe that after the 2026 season, which is soon to begin, we will not see any more deals like the Mets’ signing of Juan Soto in December 2024 for 15 years and $765 million or the one prior to Soto for Shohei Ohtani, also over $700 million.

The chances of another such contract occurring are zero. The much-anticipated owners’ lockout is coming by early next December. It is all about the salary cap, which is what the owners want. But it is much more than a cap, because there will also be a floor.

It goes like this: the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and some others will have no problem, but some of the other franchises could be in for a financial awakening. A floor is the mandatory minimum amount of money a professional sports team must spend on a player’s payroll during the season.

Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Baseball, works for the owners and is paid by the 30 teams. Manfred’s job is to make money for the owners and will always act as the owners’ representative in the labor negotiations. Nobody should be fooled; that is his job. The Commissioner serves at the pleasure of the MLB team owners.

Philosophically, he is the representative of Major League Baseball, but he is paid by the owners, so he will never take the players’ side, which is the job of the MLBPA, which is considered the strongest and most powerful in professional sports.

Among all the main professional sports leagues in the US, the NFL,NBA, NHL and MLB, Major League Baseball is the only one without a soft or hard salary cap(s);

While the Union is as powerful as any union in the United States, the owners always make money, as it should, since we are a capitalist system. It reminds me of the famous line from one of the greatest movies in history, The Godfather Part II, when Johnny Ola says, “Hyman Roth always makes money for his partners.” Some of you have told me you love the quotes I include in most of my articles. Below is one more, and if you are a real baseball fan, I know you will agree.

Quote: While the Commissioner holds great power over baseball, and some even call him the “face of the game”, the truth remains the fans pay to see Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and the stars that make the game the greatest; those are the faces of the game: -APG.

I believe the next baseball conflict will be won by the owners.

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