Kings Emphasize Conditioning as Christie Sets Tone for Camp

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Doug Christie photographed at Golden 1 Center last season against the Chicago Bulls. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings held their annual media day on Monday and their first practice on Tuesday as they prepare for the 2025-2026 NBA season.

The Kings come into training camp with renewed expectations amid uncertain times for the team. All offseason, the Kings have been mired in trade discussions surrounding Devin Carter, Malik Monk, and Jonathan Kuminga. On media day, much speculation remained as Kuminga was not in attendance at the Warriors’ media day, and his future was uncertain.

However, on Tuesday, news came down that Kuminga had inked a new two-year deal with the Warriors. Scott Perry spoke with us on Monday about how he is set with the team he has in camp already.

“As we sit here today, this is our team and I’m excited about what we have going into this year. And again, my job each and every day is to listen, see what’s happening out there, can we get better? But I’m pleased going into training camp…”

Well, after Tuesday’s decision from Kuminga, the Kings will need to be happy with what they have in camp.

One area the Kings feel they significantly upgraded after the end of last season is the point guard spot. After trading De’Aaron Fox last season, the Kings were without a main point guard until they signed Dennis Schröder this offseason to a three-year deal. Schröder is expected to be the Kings’ starting point guard come opening night.

The Kings have a number of unanswered questions going into the season with a roster that hasn’t shown they can mesh as a cohesive product on the court. Last season, the Kings’ lack of defense and unpredictable, stale offense led to concerns surrounding the fabric of the roster and whether it needed to be torn down and rebuilt. The Kings have been clear they see no need to enter into a full rebuild. The line from GM Scott Perry since his hiring is that they expect to be “opportunistic and prudent” in their pursuit of players.

During media day and Monday’s practice, the Kings made it clear they think guys like Dennis Schröder fit the pillars they are preaching and want the players to put into action in order to compete.

“From myself and Scott, we are going to be the best-conditioned team in the NBA, one of the top ones for sure,” Head Coach Doug Christie said after practice to the media on Tuesday afternoon. “So trying to figure that out and them buying into that has been a message that they received since I took over and Scott was the general manager.”

The message is clear from the Kings: play with pace, but not just on the offensive end—on the defensive side of the ball too. When the media walked into practice, the Kings were running drills on fast-break sprints. It was a demonstration of what the team had talked about when wanting to be one of the best-conditioned teams in the league, and they were showing it for all to see.

Time will tell if the players buy into the messages from the coaching staff and front office. As we have seen before recently in Sacramento, the players must lead the accountability. Having a voice drill a mindset into you only goes so far; the players must hold each other accountable.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Who really was at fault for Giants 2025 fall?

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The Giants fired Bob Melvin after the 2025 season. / Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 What were the key factors that led to Bob Melvin’s dismissal as manager of the San Francisco Giants?

#2 How did the Giants’ performance in the 2025 season influence the front office’s decision to part ways with Melvin?

#3 Were there reported tensions between Bob Melvin and the Giants’ front office or players that may have contributed to his firing?

#4 What qualities or experience is the organization looking for in Melvin’s replacement?

#5 How does Bob Melvin’s tenure with the Giants compare to his previous managerial stints, particularly in terms of team development and clubhouse culture?

#6 Where does the buck really stop in the Giants front office? The Giants have not been in the World Series since 2014 that’s going on 12 years now. Does it stop with team president Buster Posey, general manager Zack Minasian or Giants CEO Larry Baer who is the one really responsible for the Giants not making it to the fall classic the last 12 years?

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

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tony Renteria: Turnover impacted the Raiders in loss to Bears

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Chicago Bears running back d’Andre Swift (4) gets in the end zone against the Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) in the second half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 28, 2025 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 How crucial were the turnovers by the Raiders (interceptions and fumbles) in swinging momentum and giving the Bears scoring opportunities?

#2 Did special teams errors — specifically the blocked field goal late in the game — directly cost the Raiders the win?

#3 Given the Raiders’ dominance in the run game (240 rushing yards), why was that not enough to secure a win?

#4 How did Geno Smith’s play (especially the three interceptions and limited passing yardage) undermine the offensive balance?

#5  Raiders fall to 1-3 next up they face the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis. The Colts are colts are coming off a tough loss to the Los Angeles Rams today 27-20. The Raiders have now loss three in a row can they overcome and get a win against the Colts who are 3-1?

Join Tony Renteria for the Raiders podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sharks Fall 3-2 to Ducks in third Preseason Game

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The Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier, left, skates with the puck as the San Jose Sharks’ Timothy Liljegren defends during the second period of a preseason game on Monday night at Honda Center. The Ducks won, 3-2. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks lost to the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in their third preseason game of 2025. Cutter Gauthier, Radko Gudas and Frank Vatrano scored for the Ducks.

Ville Husso made 22 saves for the win. Pavol Regenda and Adam Gaudette scored for the Sharks. Goalie Jakub Skarek played the first half of the game for the Sharks, making 13 saves on 16 shots. Gabriel Carriere made 14 saves in the second half.

In a scoreless first period, Anaheim outshot San Jose 9-6. Each team took a single penalty, overlapping for about 30 seconds of four-on-four play. Sharks defenseman Vincent Desharnais was called for cross-checking Ducks center Tim Washe, then Ducks winger Alex Killorn was called for slashing Sharks defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin.

Just 21 seconds into the second period, Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba was called for cross-checking Sharks winger Pavol Regenda and roughing Vincent Desharnais. Desharnais received a matching roughing penalty. The resulting Sharks power play was unproductive.

At 6:22, the Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier scored a power play goal. He intercepted the puck as the Sharks tried to clear it up the middle and put it past Jakub Skarek on the glove side with a wrist shot.

Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas made it 2-0 at 7:09 with a snap shot through traffic that beat Skarek on the stick side. Assists went to Sam Colangelo and Nikita Nesterenko.

Frank Vatrano made it 3-0 at 9:13. Tyson Hinds got behind the Sharks defense and Vatrano was not far behind, ready to take a cross-ice pass to score with a snap shot. An assist also went to Ryan Strome.

Pavol Regenda ended the shutout, deflecting a shot from Mukhamadullin at 13:29. An assist also went to Oliver Wahlstrom.

In all, the officials called ten penalties in the second period. The shots were closer than in the first, 10-9 Anaheim.

The Sharks took another penalty at 2:50 of the third period, a high-sticking call to Kasper Halttunen. Desharnais was also called for high-sticking at 13:02.

Adam Gaudette cut the Anaheim lead to one with a snap shot at 15:59. Shane Bowers got the assist.

The Sharks next play on Wednesday in San Jose against the Ducks again at 7:00 PM PT.

San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic: Cuda get ready for Condors in first pre season game next Saturday

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San Jose Barracuda forward Igor Cherynshov (24) is preparing with his San Jose teammates for their first pre season game against the Bakersfield Condors on Sat Oct 5, 2025 at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield (photo by the San Jose Barracuda)

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Which new or recently signed Barracuda players are expected to make a big impact in camp, and what are their roles likely to be?

#2 Which prospects are on the bubble between Sharks vs Barracuda, and what would decide whether they stick with the AHL or get NHL minutes?

#3 How much is the coaching staff likely to lean on recent standout performances (AHL stats, prior season) when evaluating players, compared to potential and development upside?

#4 What are the expectations for players returning from injury (or who missed games), and how will that affect their chances in camp?

#5 San Jose Barracuda open up pre season action against the Bakersfield Condors next Sat Oct 4th in Bakersfield talk about some of the things that head coach John McCarthy is looking for in this upcoming game?

Join Marko Ukalovic does the San Jose Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Taking a look at some of the rookies in Kings camp

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Sacramento Kings Dennis Schroder can be a huge difference working with the rookies and young players in camp for the upcoming 2025-26 season (Sacramento Kings X photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Which young players or rookies in camp have the best chance to outperform expectations and earn a rotational spot, and why?

#2 How will the coaching staff manage the minutes and development balance between veterans and less experienced players during scrimmages and preseason games?

#3 How will the Kings integrate their veteran acquisitions shooting guard Dennis Schröder with young core players during camp, and will that impact early rotations?

#4 Which players on non‑guaranteed or Exhibit 10 contracts like Terence Davis have the best shot to make the opening night roster, and what will they need to prove?

#5 Which guard — among Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, Devin Carter or others — might miss the rotation, and what factors defense, playmaking, shooting will decide that outcome?

Join Barbara Mason for the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Monday and throughout the 2025-26 NBA season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Giants fire Bob Melvin after two seasons

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Former San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin signs a hat for a fan on Sat Sep 27, 2025 at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Melvin was fired by the Giants on Mon Sep 29, 2025 one day after the regular season was completed. (AP News photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants announced Monday morning that they have dismissed Manager Bob Melvin after just two seasons.

Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey informed Melvin Monday morning.

“After meeting with ownership, I met with Bob today to inform him of my decision,” said Posey in a statement put out by the Giants this morning. “On behalf of the organization, I want to express my appreciation to Bob for his dedication, professionalism and class. I wish him all the best.”

Melvin was brought in following Gabe Kapler’s dismissal following the 2023 season. After several off-season acquisitions, expectations were high for the Giants last season. 

However, a season-ending injury to Jung Hoo Lee, and complications surrounding then-President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi complicated things. The Giants were never able to put much together last season, and they finished their third-straight mediocre season at 80-82.

Posey was brought in to replace Zaidi at the end of last season, which gave Melvin more freedom to manage during games. The Giants also signed Willy Adames to bolster their offense, and following an 18-10 spring, expectations were high for the team.

The Giants started the season on fire, winning eight of their first nine games. They got their record to 24-14 after a win against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 7. There was a true belief and determination by the team to make this a special season.

Unfortunately, the Giants lost their mojo and played .500 ball for the next month and a half. Following a sweep by the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park in late June, cracks began to appear in the armor of the team.

Despite the Giants’ struggles, Posey exercised Melvin’s option for next season on July 1. The Giants regained their momentum to win seven of their next nine.

However, after a brutal loss to the Dodgers to end the first half on July 13, the Giants collapsed, losing 12 of their next 14 to fall the way to under .500. That led Posey to sell at the trade deadline, as reliever Tyler Rogers, closer Camilo Doval and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski were all dealt for prospects.

Things continued to get worse for the Giants in August, and they fell to seven games under .500 at 61-68 after a walk-off home run by William Contreras in Milwaukee on Aug. 22. The summer was lowlighted by a 1-15 stretch at home.

After a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 15, which was the Giants’ 14th loss in their previous 15 home games, Melvin raised eyebrows saying, “We take the field every day, and gotta do it the next day, unfortunately.” It was a comment that rubbed Giants’ fans in a negative way, and showed signs of a manager losing his edge.

After Contreras’ walk-off home run on Aug. 22, the Giants suddenly got hot again. They won 11 of their next 12, and 14 out of 18 in total to get to just a half-game back of the New York Mets for the third wild card spot in the National League on Sept. 12.

At the end, it was the same story. The following night, the Giants blew a 4-1 lead to the Dodgers with Logan Webb on the mound in a brutal 13-7 loss. Three nights later, the Giants scored four runs in the top of the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, but blew the lead in a brutal 6-5 loss.

The Giants ended up eight out of ten, and were eliminated on Sept. 23. The Giants did win their final four to finish right at .500 at 81-81 for the second time in the last four years, but the damage was already done. At the end, the Giants finished just two games behind the Cincinnati Reds for the third wild card spot in the National League.

What started off as a magical season eventually turned into the Giants’ fourth-straight mediocre season. It was also the third time in the last four years in which the Giants were at double digits in games over .500, but failed to finish over .500.

“After careful evaluation, we determined that making a change in leadership was in the best interest of the team,” Posey said in the statement. “The last couple of months have been both disappointing and frustrating for all of us, and we did not perform up to our standards. We now turn our focus to identifying a new leader to guide us forward.”

Melvin’s tenure is the shortest of any Giants’ manager in 40 years. Melvin became the first Giants’ skipper to last less than four seasons—or shall we say less than three games shy of four seasons—since Jim Davenport was brought in in 1985, only to last 144 games in a brutal 100-loss season, the worst in the Giants’ 68 seasons in San Francisco.

The Giants went 131-133 in Melvins’ two seasons at the helm.

Posey and the Giants will now look for a new skipper to help break the spell of mediocrity that has engulfed the Giants over the last four seasons.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB Notes 2025 -Giants get No Satisfaction; A’s finally recognize Sacramento

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Sacramento A’s outfielder Brent Rooker models the Sacramento uniform the A’s will use when on the road for the 2026 season. (photo by Sacramento A’s X)

MLB Notes 2025 -Giants get No Satisfaction

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The San Francisco Giants got “No Satisfaction” like the great Rolling Stones song, as they ended the season with an 81-81 record, a tie, and. a .500 mark. Not going to the postseason. The Giants last qualified in 2021. They have a lot of work to do in the next few months to try to join the “big boys” of this division, LA and SD.

Mets learned that Money is not the Answer. The New York Mets, with the highest payroll in baseball, featuring Juan Soto at $765 million and Francisco Lindor at $341 million, among others, had a shot but failed to win game #162.

They are not going to the postseason. Manager Carlos Mendoza? His job is in danger. In New York, there is always danger for managers. The Cincinnati Reds had the 22nd-largest payroll among all 30 teams, approximately $90 million, and one of the best managers, Terry Francona.

They clinched a wild-card spot in the last game of the season. The last time the Reds were in a postseason was in 2020. Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians) completed a historic comeback, overcoming a 15 1/2 game deficit to take the lead this month and won the AL Central Division on the last day of the season by leaving the Detroit Tigers in the rear view mirror.

The feat that makes it the largest deficit ever erased to win a division in Major League Baseball history. Manager and ex-Oakland A’s catcher Stephen Vogt, in his second season as manager, took the team to the top. Blue Jays, Oh Canada!

They won the LA East Title over the Yankees. Last time the Blue Jays were in the postseason? 2016. Again, Vlad Guerrero Jr. justifies his $500 million, multi-year contract. New York, New York, Start spreading the news.

The Yankees secured a wild-card spot and advanced to the postseason as they finished in second place behind the Toronto Blue Jays. While the Blue Jays have their eyes on their third World Series title, the Yanks are going after their 28th.

Could the #1 city in the country have another parade? As I was on vacation, I ran into their last parade in Lower Manhattan in 2009, the last World Series they won. The Seattle Mariners won the AL West division, clinching their first AL West title since 2001.

Catcher Cal Raleigh had 60 home runs, 125 RBIs, and a .248 batting average. First catcher ever to hit 60 home runs in a single season, and the 12th catcher in history to have multiple 30-plus HR seasons. Cal Raleigh holds the MLB record for most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single season, surpassing Mickey Mantle’s 1961 record of 54 home runs with his 55th of the 2025 season, and, like above-mentioned, he ended with 60 home runs.

He is one of two top candidates for the AL MVP, with Yankee Aaron Judge, who won the batting title. hitting .330 with 53 home runs and 114 RBIs, plus an OPS of 1,149. The Brewers from Milwaukee ended with the best record in baseball, 97-65, winning the AL Central Division and marking their best year in franchise history.

They have never won a World Series. In 1982, they lost their only World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals, in the battle of the “beer cities.” Four million Blue. The Los Angeles Dodgers surpassed 4 million in attendance.

The Dodgers hold the record for the longest active streak of consecutive playoff appearances in MLB, a streak that stands at 13 seasons. They were the favorites to win the World Series prior to the start. With the MLB postseason underway, the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers are all involved.

“All World” Ohtani hit his 55th home run during their last game of the season at Chávez Ravine. My pick for the team that could go all the way, not mentioned here, is the San Diego Padres. They have all the talent necessary to make it all the way to the 2025 World Series Champions.

A’s Big News ! The A’s biggest news at year’s end. The Athletics will be introducing a new gold/yellow alternate jersey for the 2026 season, featuring “Sacramento” written on the front, in honor of their temporary home at Sutter Health Park. Why?

Lots of people, not only in California but all over the country, had NO IDEA where the A’s were playing. I know I missed other teams that are in the postseason, but I am exhausted.

Quote: Baseball was made for kids, and grown-ups only screw it up. ~Bob Lemon Adiós muchachos!

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

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez: Raiders can’t hang on in the end lose to Bears 25-24 at Allegiant

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Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) hits a 29 yard field goal in the fourth quarter with 6:45 left in the game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 28, 2025 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez:

# 1 Which player(s) made the pivotal play(s) (interception, sack, forced fumble, etc.) that ultimately swung momentum in favor of the Chicago Bears?

#2 How did Bears quarterback Caleb Williams perform under pressure — e.g. his passer rating, completion rate, or turnovers when blitzed or late in the game?

#3 Did Las Vegas Raiders Ashton Jeanty (or the Raiders’ run game) break through the Bears’ run defense — and if so, when / how often?

#4 Which team had the advantage in third‑down conversions, and how did that affect ball control and scoring opportunities?

#5 In a tight game, how did special teams (kickoff returns, field goals, blocked kicks) factor into the final outcome?

#6 Raiders fall to 1-3 next up they face the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis. The Colts are colts are coming off a tough loss to the Los Angeles Rams today 27-20. The Raiders have now loss three in a row can they overcome and get a win against the Colts who are 3-1?

Join Rich Perez for the Raiders podcasts after each home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor: Jaguars first half defense holds back 49ers in 26-21 win

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Jacksonville Jaguars Parker Washington returns a punt against the San Francisco 49ers punter Thomas Morstead (7) and Isaac Guerendo (31) during second half at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Sep 28, 2205 (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor:

#1 The Jacksonville Jaguars defense held off the San Francisco 49ers offense for much of the game on Sunday to get their third win of the season defeating the 49ers in Santa Clara 26-21.

#2 It was the return of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy who threw 22-38 for 309 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. In spite of his efforts the 49ers fall by a touchdown for their first loss of the season.

#3 Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence was 21-31 for 174 yards and a touchdown. It was the second quarter when Jacksonville scored 17 points that was really the difference.

#4 For the 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey he tallied 49 yards in 17 carries is there still speculation he’s playing with pain?

#5 Next up for the 49ers the Los Angeles Rams long time rival. The Rams won 27-20 defeating the Indianapolis Colts at Indianapolis today. The Rams improve their record to 3-1. 49ers head to Los Angeles for Thursday Night Football on Oct 2 for a 5:15pm kick off how do you see those two teams matching up?

David Zizmor is an NFL analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com