Category: That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Who will be the leading candidate for first base for the A’s

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Oakland A’s Seth Brown (center) gets congratulations from former A’s third base Matt Chapman after hitting a two run home run back on Fri Jun 11, 2022 at Oakland Coliseum against the Kansas City Royals. Brown is auditioning for a job to start at first base which has been vacated after Matt Olson left for Atlanta (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury podcast:

#1 The Oakland A’s are looking for a first baseman after the trade of Matt Olson to the Atlanta Braves. One name came up was Seth Brown who has played 200 minor league games at first but only 13 with the A’s.

#2 The A’s are looking at Eric Thames a non roster invitee who played first base with the 2019 Milwaukee Brewers hit 25 home runs. That said he has had Achilles surgery and is 35 years old.

#3 The A’s in Sunday’s Cactus League game started at first base Dalton Kelly who was a Tampa Bay Rays prospect and is 27 years old. Kelly in the Rays Triple A farm club hit .244, 27 home runs and show promise with the glove on defense.

#4 A’s pitcher Sean Manaea has said that he’s trying to ignore all the trade rumors and is trying to focus on getting ready for the season. He knows that he’s on the bubble and numerous teams have expressed interest for his services.

#5 The St Louis Cardinals have expressed interest in obtaining both Manaea and pitcher Frankie Montas. Meanwhile the Minnesota Twins have been inquiring about Montas’ services but the A’s are waiting for the right offer.

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

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB 2022 Season back to the Past and Future

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You won’t see Arizona Diamondback pitcher Madison Bumgarner taking swings at the plate anymore with the new Universal Designated Hitter rule starting this season (AP News file photo)

MLB 2022 Season: Back to the Past and Future

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

After a short Spring Training because of the 99-day lockout by owners, each team will embark on their regular 162-game journey for the 2022 season, beginning on April 7.

New this 2022 Season

  • DH (designated hitter) now will be Universal. Sorry “old school” National League fans.
  • Pitchers will no longer have a spot in the batting order. Sorry for Madison Bumgarner.
  • Playoffs will expand from 10 teams (five each league) to 12 teams (six each league) Owners happy more money.
  • Three Divisional winners and 3 Wild Card teams in each league. The top two division winners in each league will receive byes to the Division Series. The other four teams in each league will play best-of-three series in what will be called the Wild Card round, with the higher seed hosting all three games.
  • No re-seeding for Division Series. The No. 1 seed plays the winner of the 4-5 series, and the No. 2 seed plays the winner of 3-6. – No more games known as (Game 163) to decide playoff spots. Playoff spots will be determined through tiebreaker formulas.
  • The Rule 5 Draft has been canceled for this season. Usually held each December, the Rule 5 Draft allows clubs without a 40-man roster to selected certain non-40 man roster players from other clubs. Clubs draft in reverse order of the standing from the previous season. No more.
  • There will be complete 9 inning games for Double Headers. (Double-Headers made-up from games lost because of lockout or rainouts this year.)
  • No “automatic runner” at second base at the start of extra-innings. It didn’t look like baseball.
  • Players’ uniforms will feature advertising, including patches on jerseys and decals on batting helmets. More revenue.

-The number of times a player can be optioned to the minor leagues in one season will be limited. –

Back to the Future: Beginning in 2023 – A Joint Competition Committee comprise of four active players and six members appointed by MLB plus one umpire will be tasked with making decisions on other changes, such as pitch clock, limits on defensive shifts, larger bases, and the automatic ball/strike system. Any rule changes that committee adopts can be implemented with 45 days’ notice to the players.

Pitch clocks will be used. There will be a ban on defensive shifts, an automatic ball/strike zone will exist and there will be larger bases. In 2023, teams will play five fewer games against division opponents, instead of playing one series against every team in the other league. Teams will continue to play their “rival” Inter-league team four times, twice at each ballpark.

(More on Pitch Clocks) In 2021, MLB implemented a pitch clock in the Low-A West five weeks into the season, giving pitchers 15 SECONDS WITH NO ONE ON BASE and 17 SECONDS WITH RUNNERS ON. The average time of a nine-inning game dropped from 3 hours and 2 minutes to 2 hours and 41 minutes after the pitch clock was introduced, with offense jumping across the board.

MLB & MLPA agreed to host games or tours in the following locations over the next 5 years: México, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Asia, London and Paris.

Social Media News: Apple takes a Bite at Baseball. Apple now owns rights to the Friday-night package of MLB games. They will have exclusive rights to telecast two “Friday Night Baseball” games each week, a total of about 50 games per year, in the U.S and eight countries overseas, via Apple TV Plus.

So let’s make if fun again, because in the end, it is a kid’s game.

Hasta la vista.

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

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: The Tale of the Fire Sale–Chapman looks very close to leaving for Philadelphia or New York

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Oakland A’s Matt Chapman (26) will not be forearm bashing anymore with former teammate Matt Olson (right) seen here Mar 5, 2021 against the Los Angeles Angels in spring training at Hohokam Park in Mesa. Olson now with the Atlanta Braves and Chapman on the trade block (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary:

#1 Amaury, it comes as no surprise that once the lockout was lifted the Oakland A’s would have an early season fire sale and pitcher Chris Bassitt who left for the New York Mets was one of the first followed by A’s first baseman Matt Olson.

#2 And while it’s no surprise of their departure it’s still hard to grasp for anyone who follows the A’s that it’s a hard pill to swallow to have to say good bye to Bassitt, Olson and soon to be Matt Chapman.

#3 Olson led in many categories for the A’s at different times with on base percentage .371, 101 runs, 153 hits, 35 doubles, RBIs, home runs and walks with 88, 74 base hits, and four stolen bases.

#4 The in picking for players from the Atlanta Braves in the Olson deal two right handed pitchers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes, catcher Shea Langeliers and outfielder Cristian Pache. Langeliers could be the key player in the deal a number one draft choice for the Braves. A’s team vice president Billy Beane might have some of that Money Ball magic going again and have himself a core of players in the works.

#5 Amaury talk about Matt Chapman being on the trade block bubble he’s the All Star third baseman the guy that A’s fans sought in their pack of baseball cards he’s very close to being no more and the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies are shopping Chapman hard core he might get a crazy Bryce Harper type contract.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzaelz at the mic for Oakland A’s Spanish radio beisbol all season long on flagship station 1010 KIQI LeGrande San Francisco and for News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: USA and Béisbol – Se Habla Español

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Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum logo. The Museum honors former Hispanic players in MLB (image from GuideStar)

USA and Béisbol – Se Habla Español

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The most recent US Census (2020) list Hispanics/Latinos as the largest minority in the United States. Around 18.7% of the US total population speaks Spanish, that is 62.1 million people, which makes the US  the second largest country in the world with Spanish speaking people.

México is #Uno and then the US #Dos. As a matter of fact the US have more people that speak Spanish than, Argentina and Colombia (two Latin American countries) each with just over 40 million Spanish speakers.

The US also “Habla Béisbol” when it comes to the boys of summer. Among all 30 Major League teams at least 32% of all players are Hispanics/Latinos, which comprises the largest minority. Among all 50 States, California leads the way as of 2020, census, with approximately  16 million Hispanic/Latinos in California.

Many will argue that because of “documentation reasons” (not full disclosure) the State of California might have close to 20 million or more people that speak Spanish, which would be around half of the population of the Golden State.

As far as Spanish speaking Béisbol fans. According to statista.com, over 20% of MLB fans in the United States are Hispanic/Latino. Total breakdown of the Ethnicity of MLB fans:

53% white, 29% Hispanic/Latinos, 17% African-Americans and 5% other. Our two MLB teams here in the Bay Area, according to statista.com,

Oakland A’s fans are: 53% White, 25% Hispanic/Latinos, 17% African-American and 5% Other.

The San Francisco Giants, 54% White, 25% Hispanic/Latino, 16% African-American and 5% Other.

The other three teams in Southern California lead the way when it comes to Hispanic Latino fans.

The Los Angeles Dodgers 51% White, 29% Hispanic/Latinos, 16% African-American and 4% Other.

The Los Angeles Angels, 49% White, 29% Hispanic/Latinos, 19% African-American and 5% Other.

San Diego Padres, 56% White, 26% Hispanic/Latino, 14% African-American and 4% Other.

Hispanic Latino buying power: Hispanic buying power also has grown substantially over the last 30 years, from $213 billion in 1990 to $1.9 trillion in 2020. Hispanic buying power accounted for 11.1% of U.S. buying power in 2020, up from only 5% in 1990. 

The Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s business school list the total buying powers of the US Hispanic population at $1.539 trillion in 2018 and adding more than $500 billion since 2010 and is expected to grow nearly $400 billion more by 2023.

At this time, after the CBA was ratified yesterday, dozens of Hispanic/Latino players are leaving their homes for Spring Training, not only here in the US, but also from many Latin American countries were béisbol is king heading to tier camps in Arizona and Florida.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB Peace After 99 Days!

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addresses the news media on Tue Mar 1, 2022 in Jupiter FL. On Thu Mar 10, 2022 MLB and the Players Union agreed on a new CBA which should run through 2027 (AP News file photo)

MLB: Peace After 99 Days!

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

The lockout by owners of the players on December 2, 2021, concluded at mid-afternoon today in Manhattan, New York City as the MLB and the MLPA agreed to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Ending the first work-stoppage since the 1994-95 players strike.

Both sides went back and forth for months (with periods of inactivity) and at the end it concluded today. Last night Commissioner Manfred said the 2022 season will begin on April 14 (if by then everything was agreed upon).

Because of this agreement today the season is now scheduled to begin April 7, instead of the scheduled date, since last year of March 31. However, the regular 162 game schedule is on tap and they all be played, as those games from March 31 to April 6, will be made up through off days and double-headers during the season.

Among some of the issues resolved per this new CBA.

1-Minimum salary: $700,000 and peaks at $780,000 in final year of CBA

2-Pre-arbitration bonus pool: $50 million

3-CBT threshold: $230 million in 2023 and peaks at $244 in final year of CBA

If you are keeping score of which side won? I would not go there. I would honestly say, they both won, you never see any of these two groups of people looking for food in the trash bins behind McDonald’s.

So…Play Ball and good luck to everybody and your favorite teams.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez will be back behind the Oakland A’s Spanish radio microphone for the 2022 season and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Thats Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB No Deal Around and Around It Goes

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Chief union negotiator Bruce Meyer, center, and general counsel Ian Penny, right, seen after negotiations at the Major League Baseball offices leave for the day in New York on Wed Mar 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

MLB: No Deal – Around and Around it Goes…

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Major League Baseball Commissioner Mr. Rob Manfred, Jr. spoke today after many days and hours (some that went from day to night) on the latest situation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which should be re-named (in my opinion) The Collective Bargaining Disagreement. This is what Mr. Manfred just told the baseball world this afternoon from New York City.

Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement today:

“In a last-ditch effort to preserve a 162-game season, this week we have made good-faith proposals that address the specific concerns voiced by the MLBPA and would have allowed the players to return to the field immediately. The Clubs went to extraordinary lengths to meet the substantial demands of the MLBPA. On the key economic issues that have posed stumbling blocks, the Clubs proposed ways to bridge gaps to preserve a full schedule. Regrettably, after our second late-night bargaining session in a week, we remain without a deal.

“Because of the logistical realities of the calendar, another two series are being removed from the schedule, meaning that Opening Day is postponed until April 14th. We worked hard to reach an agreement and offered a fair deal with significant improvements for the players and our fans. I am saddened by this situation’s continued impact on our game and all those who are a part of it, especially our loyal fans.

“We have the utmost respect for our players and hope they will ultimately choose to accept the fair agreement they have been offered.”

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: MLB and union far apart on Collective Balance Tax

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Major League Baseball Players Executive Tony Clark and the players are pretty much dug in on issues of the pre arbitration bonus pool and Collective Balance Tax. The owners and union met for 90 minutes on Sun Mar 6, 2022 and adjourned until next week Mon Mar 14th in Jupiter Florida (USA Today file photo)

On That’s Amaury’s podcast:

#1 Amuary, under the latest offer from the MLB players union the agreement would allow a 14 second pitch clock when the bases are empty and a 19 second clock when there are runners on base, larger bases, but we should say after 90 minutes of meeting on Sunday the two sides broke off talks without an agreement and will meet again next week Monday.

#2 Other issues that were proposed the union lowered pre arbitration bonus pool going from $85 million to $80 million. The owners want a $30 million bonus pool on this bullet point it leaves a huge $50 million gap between the two sides.

#3 Amaury the hottest button in the talks is the Collective Balance Tax the union didn’t budge from it’s $238 million to a $263 million tax growth. The league proposed a slow climb on the CBT starting at $220 million to $230 million. Four owners have voted no on the players proposal and it’s been the sticking point in these negotiations.

#4 The union wants a minimum salary of $725,000 with a $20,000 raise for each season. MLB wants a $700,000 minimum with an annual $10,000 raise.

#5 The union has asked for a draft lottery of the top six pick and MLB wants the top five picks this could be one issue that could agree on one way or the other.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB History of Work Stoppages

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Former Major League Baseball Players Association Executive the late Marvin Miller who organized the first strike in MLB history in 1972. Here is Miller addressing players of the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox during spring training 1977 (New York Times file photo)

MLB History of Work Stoppages

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

MLB History of Work Stoppages (strike=players) (Lockout=Owners) caused by humans.

Date Days Reason

April 1972 13 Strike

February 1973 18 Lockout

Feb-March 1976 17 Lockout

April 1980 8 Strike

June-July 1981 50 Strike

August 1985 2 Strike

Feb-March 1980 32 Lockout

Aug 1994-March 1995 232 Strike

December 2021-Present 91 Lockout *

*2022 MLB cancels first two series of the regular season that was to begin on March 31.

Join Amaury Pi for News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: Whose the pressure on most MLB or the Players as both sides continue to meet today; plus more news

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Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper going to the dugout after striking out against the Miami Marlins in file photo on Sat Oct 2, 2022 at LoanDepot Park in Miami. Harper is seriously considering joining the Japanese League if the lockout continues at length (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury:

#1 Amaury, Major League Baseball and the Major League Players Union negotiated until 2:30 AM this morning and agreed to meet again this morning. It was reported that there were gaps in some of the major issues and that some progress was made. This is the ninth day in a row of negotiations between both sides.

#2 Amaury update us on the two options the owners presented to the players on one of the major deals that looks like it can get worked out. A. 14 playoff teams, a minimum salary of around $700,000 and around $40 million in a bonus pool divided among the top pre-arbitration players. or B. 12 playoff teams, a minimum salary of around $675,000 and around $20 million in the pre-arbitration bonus pool. 

#3 Amaury, NHL announced that the NHL immediately has cut all ties with the Russian hockey leagues and any league affiliated with Russia because of the attacks and invasion on Ukraine. The league will cease doing business with any Russian league and freeze any new players coming to the NHL. The NHL currently has 50 Russian players who can stay on board with the their NHL teams.

#4 Amaury, It’s a very difficult time for the Russian players and their families who have been put in a rock and hard place. The Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin said that he hopes for peace and knows that this will be a long tried and true test for NHL Russian players and their families.

#5 Florida Marlins CEO Derek Jeter is stepping down from the top position and he also is giving up being a part owner as well, Jeter who came over from the New York Yankees after retiring to be CEO at the Marlins.

#6 Jeter’s first act of duty when took over as CEO in 2017 was to fire long time former Marlins players who worked in the front office, Andre Dawson, Tony Perez, Jeff Conine, and former manager Jack McKeon which were unpopular moves at the time.

Join Amaury for News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB says a deal must be in place by 5 pm today or first week of regular season will canceled

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Both MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred (left) and MLB Players executive Tony Clark (right) are seen at 2017 World Baseball Classic in file photo. Both MLB and the Players Union have agreed to extend negotiations until 5 PM today in Jupiter FL Tue Mar 1, 2022 (file photo from Bleed Cubbie Blue)

MLB and MLB Players called it a night at 2:30 AM EST and will resume negotiations later this morning

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Major League Baseball and the Major League Players Union reported at 2:30 AM that there are still some gaps in some of the major issues. Both sides will resume meeting later this morning but MLB has said that if an agreement is not met by 5:00pm EST today the first week of the regular season will be canceled which is scheduled to start on March 31st.

Owners and players negotiated past the “deadline” that had been established by Commissioner Rob Manfred, which was 12:00 midnight, Feb 28. According to the Commissioner and MLB baseball that deadline, if not met, would have canceled at least Opening Day March 31.

A day prior to this agreement the owners said they will be ready to cancel all the games in the month of April. MLB locked out the players last December 2. The season is suppose to begin on March 31.

If a new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) is agreed upon it would expire in 2027.

More details to come.

Catch Amaury Pi Gonzalez with all the latest on the MLB-MLBPA negotiations on Tuesday’s podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com