Kuiper to begin Chemotherapy immediately

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San Francisco Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper will take time some time off to begin chemotherapy released a statement saying he hoped to return this season after treatment (file photo from NBC Bay Area TV)

By Michael Duca and Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–San Francisco Giant broadcaster Duane Kuiper in a statement announced that he will immediately begin Chemotherapy treatment. Kuiper said he will be missing a few games but eventually plans to return later this season after receiving treatment.

Kuiper said he had taken some tests and doctors said he needed to start chemotherapy treatment and said he was confident that he has a talented medical team of doctors and healthcare professionals. Kuiper expressed his appreciation of those around him his family, fans, those close to the Giants, NBC Sports Bay Area, and everyone working at KNBR 680 the Giants flagship station.

Kuiper said while he will be taking a few games off is confident that he will be back to work broadcasting at some point this season. Kuiper’s statement to the media and fans is below:

“I wanted to let you know that I may be missing a few more Giants broadcasts than usual and I wanted to share what’s going on with me,” Kuiper said. “After some tests and visits with doctors, I was diagnosed with a medical condition that requires me to immediately begin chemotherapy treatment. I feel very fortunate that I have an incredibly talented team of doctors and healthcare specialists who will be assisting me throughout my treatment plan.

“And, of course, the support and love of my entire family, along with our incredible fans, everyone at the Giants, NBC Sports Bay Area and KNBR is overwhelming and deeply appreciated. I still plan on broadcasting this season, though I may take a few more games off if I’m not feeling well and I want to thank my broadcast partners for their unconditional support and willingness to step in and cover for me. Thank you for your prayers and for giving me the space and privacy to focus on my health at this time. While this was not the adventure I anticipated, I’m staying positive for a quick and full recovery.”

Michael Duca and Morris Phillips podcast San Francisco Giants baseball each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: USA Baseball Back at the Olympics

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Mike Scioscia former Los Angeles Angels manager will be managing the 2021 National Team and will be at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics (photo from USA Baseball)

USA Baseball Back at the Olympics

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

First Olympic Baseball tournament since 2008 and the United States of America is back after classifying this weekend. Baseball is back after a rule change that allowed the host nation to propose adding additional sports for games.

In 2016 Baseball and Softball were confirmed as Olympic sports (both softball and baseball are very popular in Japan) baseball was confirmed along with karate, skateboarding, sports chiming and surfing. Baseball will not be back in the 2024 Paris Olympics but could be added (more than likely) to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

More on this at the end. US Manager Mike Scioscia’s team qualified in Florida with a 4-2 victory over Venezuela. The US joins Israel, México, South Korea and host Japan. The final (six spot) will go to the winner of a final qualifying tournament later this month.

Dominican Republic and Venezuela with be among those going for the last berth. Cuba, winner of three of the five past gold medals failed to make the Olympics this year and their national team is in disarray as some players that were scheduled to fly from Florida to Mexico to join professional teams in that country defected, including a team physiologist.

The US Olympic team features promising minor leagues, who were allowed by their MLB teams to participate as well as veteran ex-major leaguers like pitchers Edwin Jackson and David Robertson. No current players in Major League clubs are allowed to participate in the Olympics.

The US baseball team has won gold once, in 2000 and bronze twice in 1996 and 2008. The baseball competition of the Tokyo Olympics gets underway on July 27 and concludes on August 7. Manager Mike Scioscia, who won a World Series with the Los Angeles Angels over the San Francisco Giants in 2002 said about his US Olympic team, regarding all his players young and veterans on his team: “Your priority has to be contained to the process to getting to the gold,” Scioscia said. “I think that there is an opportunity for players to get back on the drawing board as far as where their careers might be, but that’s t the primary reason they’re here.”

Good luck to Mike Scioscia and the USA Olympic Baseball team, hope they bring home the gold. Note: I agree with Japan accepting Baseball as an Olympic Sport. As a matter of fact I believe Baseball should be a regular sport at every Olympic.

Think of this; Skateboarding began in the 1950’s when surfers in Southern California wanted something to do when the waves were flat. It was then called “sidewalk surfing”which is now popular in many cities. Yet, baseball a sport that has been around for over a century and it is played in the Americas, Asia, Oceania and some countries in Europe is not?

I understand the French not wanting baseball during the Paris Olympics on 2024. the French would probably have Chess as an Olympic Sport before baseball. Men’s Soccer was first introduced at the Summer Olympics in 1900 in Paris, but the French will probably never accept baseball.

One of my favorite quotes about the French: “France has neither winter nor summer nor morals—apart from these drawbacks it is a fine country.” -Mark Twain.

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

The Giants have the best record in MLB, It’s June. How long can it continue?

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By Morris Phillips

Who saw this coming?

The Giants (37-22) have the best record in MLB, the most road wins of any National League Club by a clear margin, and they’re atop the standings in the most challenging division in baseball, despite the heavy presence of the World Champion Dodgers and the loaded San Diego Padres.

They also have a boatload of injuries, a gaping hole in their rotation, and a clear need for bullpen upgrades that dates back to the season’s inception and spring training. So what do they do to keep this freight train moving?

Well, cross their fingers for one. The latest news is the toughest, as Evan Longoria has landed on the disabled list and is expected to miss four-to-six weeks with a shoulder sprain after his collision with Brandon Crawford on Saturday. Manager Gabe Kapler acknowledged this may be more than just “next man up” with Longo’s absence.

“He was swinging the bat very well,” Kapler said. “He was very patient at the plate, playing great defense. He’s one of the core pieces and leaders on this club. It’s going to be a major challenge to fill his shoes. I’m not sure we’re going to have anybody step right in and do what he was doing. At the same time, we have to turn the page and get ready to compete.”

So there you go from Kapler’s words: take a deep breath, and get ready to compete on Tuesday at Arlington, Texas against the Rangers. All the blanks will be filled in prior to first pitch.

Good news? The Giants next to opponents are struggling. The Rangers are on pace to lose 100 games, and the Nationals have seen injuries and poor play land them near the bottom of the NL East. In the absence of any assurances, the Giants approach will be to take advantage of those two first. Helping that cause, first baseman Brandon Belt is expected to come off the injured list and resume his spot at first base during the week long trip.

The methodology stays the same: the Giants have hit 85 home runs in 59 games, second best in baseball, and they’ve made those homers count by maintaining a 3.30 ERA that’s kept their games close, low scoring and prime to be affected by a timely home run or two.

Yes, one or two. The Giants just ended a stretch over the weekend in which they hit multiple home runs in eight of nine games. The first six games established a stretch that hadn’t been done since 2001, when Barry Bonds was resetting the season-long home run market with a record 73. Also, the team batting average which was abysmal earlier has ascended to .235, just off the MLB average of .237. Along with the homers, and the walks drawn (235 thus far, nearly four walks drawn per game) the Giants need to hit more consistently to withstand the NL’s best starting pitchers, several of whom reside in their division.

To keep that process moving in Longoria’s absence, Donovan Solano, Mauricio Dubon, Lemonte Wade Jr. and Alex Dickerson are the likeliest names to pick up their offense. Belt’s return will help as well with the hope that Crawford and Buster Posey maintain their strokes that have the veteran pair among the league leaders in several categories.

The other major question is who will join Kevin Gausman, Johnny Cueto, Alex Wood and Anthony Desclafani in the team’s rotation? Scott Kazmir, who made two starts, and Logan Webb are out of the mix with Webb injured and the 37-year old Kazmir designated for assignment over the weekend. The Giants are scheduled for play on 13 consecutive dates starting Tuesday so temporarily shortening the rotation won’t be an option. Another arm will have to deployed.

On Tuesday, the Giants have Alex Wood scheduled to face the Rangers” Jordan Lyles. Wood is looking for a bounce back after getting tagged with losses in each of his last three appearances after a 5-0 start to the season. Lyles faced the Giants at Oracle Park on May 11 and took the loss, part of a stretch where Lyles has lost four of his last five decisions over his most recent nine starts.

Oakland A’s Preview: A’s open two-game series with Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday at Coliseum

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Oakland A’s starter Chris Bassitt throwing a two hit shutout against the Los Angeles Angels at the Oakland Ring Central Coliseum on Thu May 27, 2021 (AP News file photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Oakland A’s open a nine-game homestand starting Tuesday night at the Coliseum. The A’s will play two games against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday and Wednesday. The A’s are In first place in the AL West with a record of 35-26, the A’s will send righty Chris Bassitt to the mound.

Bassitt’s record is 5-2. Bassitt lasted only four innings in his last start against the Seattle Mariners. However, since the beginning of May, Bassitt has allowed just four walks and three home runs. In last place in the NL West with a record of 20-41, the D-Backs will send out righty Jon Duplantier to handle the pitching chores Tuesday night.

Duplantier will be making his third MLB start for the D-Backs. He is 0-1 with an ERA of 9.35. In his last start against the Milwaukee Brewers, he allowed five runs in four innings of work. On Wednesday, Sean Manaea will go for Oakland. Manaea’s last outing saw him throw a complete-game shutout against the Seattle Mariners. The D-Backs have not announced their starter yet.

There are some familiar names on D-Backs’ manager Torey Lovullo’s roster. Catcher Stephen Vogt, outfielder Josh Reddick, and pitchers Joakim Soria and Ryan Buchter may all be making appearances in the two-game series. The D-Backs’ starting rotation has bit hit by the injury jinx.

Former San Francisco Giant ace Madison Bumgarner is on the 10-day IL. Other starters on the IL include Tyler Widener, Luke Weaver, and Seth Frankoff. Joakim Soria is listed as the D-Backs’ closer. Soria has yet to record a save so far this year.

The D-Backs have several pitchers that they are using as starters as well as relievers. Those players are Caleb Smith and Matt Peacock. Lovullo can use those two or Merrill Kelly, Riley Smith, and Zack Gallen as a starter for Wednesday’s game.

Carson Kelly is the D-Backs primary receiver. Stephen Vogt will back him up. The infield will feature Christian Walker at first base, Josh Rojas at second, Nick Ahmed at short, and Eduardo Escobar at third. Asdrubal Cabrera, in his 15th season, can fill in at either first, second or third.

Players patrolling the outfield will be David Peralta in left, Ketel Marte in center, and Josh Reddick in right. Lovullo may also use Tim Locastro, Josh Rojas, and Pavin Smith as replacements.

The D-Backs may be shopping several of their key players before the July 30th trade deadline. Names that have popped up as trade possibilities are Ketel Marte and Eduardo Escobar.

Escobar is leading the team with 14 homers and 41 RBIs. The New York Yankees are rumored to have Marte on their radar screen as they need a replacement for the injured Aaron Hicks.

The A’s are in the AL West, leading the Houston Astros by one game. The A’s need to beat teams with poor records, such as the D-Backs. A two-game sweep would be a good way to start the nine-game homestand. A’s manager Bob Melvin will have his team ready.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Giants acquire former A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell; Giants in Texas for two game series Tuesday

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San Francisco Giants have acquired former Oakland A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell from the New York Mets Triple A farm club. Maxwell will join the Giants double A affiliate the Richmond Flying Squirrels (file photo from the San Francisco Chronicle)

On the Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 Morris wanted to start with a top story the San Francisco Giants (37-22) have picked up former Oakland A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell from the New York Mets. Maxwell is well remembered for being baseball’s first player to take a knee during the national anthem during a game with the A’s. Gabe Kapler manager of the Giants noted for being a strong equal rights advocate on the team is very excited to get Maxwell who will join the Giants double A affiliate the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

#2 The Giants took three away from the Chicago Cubs (33-26) in the four game series which gave the Giants a good opportunity to show case the club against one of baseball’s best to see how their talents are matched up against the Cubs.

#3 The Giants lost the fourth and final game Sunday at Oracle in a close one 4-3 and thanks to home run help from Patrick Wisdom the Cubs avoided getting swept in four games.

#4 How much did it surprise you that the Cubs as good of a season that they were having got taken three games out of four to the Giants this weekend?

#5 The Cubs Kyle Hendricks who started the game gave up all the Giants runs they would get for the afternoon. Hendricks pitched 6.1 innings and seven hits and three earned runs for the win.

#6 The Giants turn their attention to the Texas Rangers (23-38) in a two game series starting Tuesday night in Arlington’s Ball Park starting for the Giants Alex Wood (5-3 ERA 3.48) and for the Rangers Jordan Lyles (2-4 ERA 5.75) how do you see this match up to start the series?

Michael Duca filled in for Morris Phillips for today’s Giants podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Barbara Mason: A’s open up two game series with Diamondbacks Tuesday night at Coliseum

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Oakland A’s reliever Sergio Romo throws in relief in the sixth against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Sun Jun 6, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the A’s podcast with Barbara:

#1 The Oakland A’s (35-26) took two out of three games from the Colorado Rockies (24-36) over the weekend series at Coors Field in Denver losing the third game on Sunday 3-1. Elvis Andrus and Tony Kemp have helped offensively and at short and second defensively.

#2 Despite the loss on Sunday the A’s hold a one game lead over the Houston Astros and have been getting some key pitching.

#3 In the two games that the A’s won against the Rockies on Saturday night in the second game, A’s starter Cole Irvin pitched six innings, six hits and one run for the win 6-3.

#4 The A’s got a four run win over the Rockies on Friday night 9-5 and A’s starter Frankie Montas went five innings giving up six hits and three earned runs.

#5 The A’s host the Arizona Diamondbacks (20-41) on Tuesday night Jon Duplantier (0-1 ERA 9.35) will start for Arizona and the A’s will go with starter Chris Bassitt (5-2 ERA 3.53) Barbara talk about this match up.

Join Barbara Mason each Monday for the A’s podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Lazy A’s Days: Rockies stand up, shut down A’s 3-1 on getaway day

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By Morris Phillips

Beleaguered opponents are showing up on the A’s schedule at just the right time.

In Denver, this weekend, the A’s cruised Friday and Saturday, holding a lead after each of the 18 innings on their way to a pair of crucial wins that kept them atop the AL West.

But on Sunday, the Colorado Rockies decided they weren’t the A’s stomping post anymore.

German Marquez found his groove, navigating traffic on the bases beautifully, as he kept the A’s scoreless for the first five innings, the centerpiece to the Rockies 3-1 at Coors Field. Marquez went six innings, allowing four hits and a run in the sixth, good enough to remind the A’s that their offense isn’t where they would prefer at this stage of the season.

“I have been working a lot on my mechanics to get my tempo back and now I’m getting the results,” Marquez said in explaining his effort to extricate himself from an iffy 4-5 start to the season. “I feel really happy about it.”

The A’s left Oakland limping last Sunday after suffering a pair of losses to the Angels in which their offense completely disappeared. The road trip to Seattle and Denver was just what they needed, going 4-2 while hitting .297 and hitting seven homers in the six games. But Sunday wasn’t part of the offensive uptick, with Sean Murphy’s RBI single in the sixth all the A’s could muster to talk about.

“All around, it was a great road trip,” Elvis Andrus said. “We won all series. So that’s what you’re looking for, continue to win series and maintain first place.”

The A’s fell to 35-26, one game ahead of the Astros, and kept the fourth best record in the American League. They’re not where they want to be–hitting on all cylinders–but opponents like the Mariners, Rockies and on Tuesday back in Oakland, the Diamondbacks, give the A’s an opportunity to pick up steam without key performers Ramon Laureano and closer Trevor Rosenthal, who’s status will be updated soon.

Kaprielian has made five starts now as one of those stop gap guys, and overall he’s been a success. Even on Sunday, as a muddled through with too many pitches too early in the ballgame, he kept the A’s competitive. Kaprielian went five innings, allowed two runs, and suffered his first loss of the season. Most importantly, he showed that he’s ready for start number six later this week, as manager Bob Melvin continues to lean on the rookie.

“You give up two runs when you score five, you look like you pitched a really good game,: Melvin said. “You give up two runs when you only score one, and you take a loss. But in this place, I’d take it.”

The A’s travel back to the Bay Area and get their second look at Arizona with Chris Bassitt pitching the opener in a matchup with Jon Duplantier. The A’s swept the two-game set at Chase Field in Phoenix earlier in the season.

NASCAR Sonoma Raceway: Larson survives chaos, wins at Sonoma

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The wine is just fine at the Sonoma Raceway where Kyle Larson celebrates the NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Sonoma Sun Jun 6, 2021 (AP News photo)

Larson survives chaos, wins at Sonoma

By Tom Zulewski

SONOMA, Calif. — Kyle Larson had a car that was untouchable as it zoomed around the Sonoma Raceway road course June 6. Several late restarts gave his challengers slivers of hope they could catch and pass him for the win.

With additional energy from his hometown crowd, Larson pulled through and continued to build on an increasingly successful 2021 season.

Larson survived a two-lap shootout, swept all three stages and took the checkered flag to win the Toyota/SaveMart 350. The Hendrick Motorsports driver won for the second straight week, earned his third win of the season, and gave team owner Rick Hendrick the company’s 270th victory in the NASCAR Cup Series since 1984.

A native of nearby Elk Grove, Larson had his toughest competition from Hendrick teammate Chase Elliott, who led for 13 laps and finished second.

“Stretching out from Chase and slowing down helped me learn the track,” said Larson, who tied Martin Truex Jr. for most wins on the 2021 season. “The car was unbelievable, and now we have some wins to show for it.”

Cycling through pit stops pushed Larson back at times during the race, but it didn’t take long for the No. 5 car to make up the deficit, no matter who was up front among seven different drivers. Crew chief Cliff Daniels was surprised at how good the car was, especially during the three late-race restarts.

“I didn’t expect to see us make up ground that quick,” Daniels said. “Kyle nailed all three restarts perfectly.”

Larson’s win pulled him within 47 points of leader Denny Hamlin, who finished eighth at Sonoma.

“I’ve had a few good weeks, won stages, and took some huge chunks off the deficit,” Larson said. “Just keep gaining stage points, run up front and be smooth.”

Facing his teammate in Elliott, it clearly wasn’t easy for Larson to finish the job, especially with the race extended to two overtime laps.

“I was hoping to get a better launch so I was clear into Turn 2, but lost a bit of front grip,” Larson said. “I couldn’t get to the gas as soon as I needed to, so Chase was able to stay close. I got better outbraking him into the corners, so I could pass pretty easily.”

With the sweep at Sonoma, Larson extended his Cup-best stage win total to 11, well out in front in the series. Martin Truex Jr., who was looking for a third straight win at Sonoma, finished third, Joey Logano finished fourth and Kyle Busch completed the top five.

The race was slowed by cautions eight times for 18 laps, and the winning average speed was 71.445 mph.

NBA Playoffs podcast with Joe Hawkes: Hawks edge Sixers 128-124 in game 1; Clippers advance to next round defeat Mavs in game 7, 126-111

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The Atlanta Hawks Trae Young (11) who led in scoring takes a jump shot in the second half of play against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia in game 1 on Sun Jun 6, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the NBA Playoffs with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe, the Atlanta Hawks (1-0) are really showing what a powerful successful team they are with a first game victory over the Philadelphia 76ers (0-1) 128-124 on Sunday at the Wells Fargo Center.

#2 The Hawks Trae Young is over having pop corn spilled on him in New York during the first round of the playoffs and was spilling baskets against the Sixers leading in team scoring with 35 points which all counted in a four point first game win.

#3 Game two is Tuesday night in Philadelphia the Hawks Young has been leading scorer, Bogdan Bogdanovic was second in scoring with 21 and Kevin Huerter was third in scoring with 15. For the 76ers Joel Embiid top scorer on Sunday with 39 and four 76ers finished in double figures. Joe how do you get a read on game 2?

#4 It wasn’t even close the LA Clippers had offensive control, they had ball possession and the Mavericks certainly were struggling to shut down the Clippers shots.

#5 Joe talk about Leonard Kahwai 28 points and Marcus Morris 23 points and the Clippers heading to the next round of the playoffs.

Join Joe each Sunday for the NBA Playoffs podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Rahm couldn’t believe he tested positive at Memorial Tournament; Nets Harden out after 1:43 of play; plus more

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Collin Morikawa fist bumps Jon Rahm following the second round of the PGA Memorial Golf Tournament before Rahm found out he was positive for Coronavirus and disqualified from the event on Sat Jun 5, 2021 (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica:

#1 Jon Rahm was forced to withdraw from the PGA Memorial Tournament due to contracting Coronavirus. Rahm was emotional and seen crying after being told he was disqualified from the tournament. Rahm had been vaccinated after having contact with someone who had the virus.

#2 Jessica, Talk about another hard luck story the Brooklyn Nets James Harden who had to leave game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night in Brooklyn due to a hamstring injury. Harden played only one minute and 43 seconds and had to leave the game after pulling up after driving.

#3 Essential Quality held off runner up Hot Rod Charlie at the Belmont Stakes on Saturday. Hot Rod had lead during the race but Essential Quality caught up and wound up winning by a length in an exciting finish.

#4 In other Belmont Stakes news protestors outside of the race said their were over 90 horses that have raced have died at the Belmont and the horses are being used to make millions which could go to help New Yorkers. “For far too long, this industry has been given cover under the banner of sport, indeed, the sport of kings,” said Patrick Battuello, founder and president of Horseracing Wrongs. “When in fact, stripped to its core, it’s nothing but animal exploitation, animal cruelty and animal killing. This cannot be fixed or reformed. It has to end.”

#5 Jessica, former Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson said on LA’s radio station AM 570 that the Lakers Dennis Schroder is “not a Laker” and “he doesn’t bring the mentality and attitude we need.” Magic also added ” He had a chance to show that in this and to me, he failed in this series”

Jessica Kwong does Headline Sports every other Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com