That’s Amaury News and Commentary: From My Baseball Notebook– The Era of Big Contracts could be History

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A’s Spanish broadcaster Amaury Pi Gonzalez (left) meets with New York Yankees pitcher Jim Catfish Hunter (right) before a 1975 game with the then Oakland A’s (photo from the author Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

MLB: The Era of Big Contracts could be History.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Starting pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter was the first modern baseball player to sign a multi-million dollar contract. The former Oakland A’s pitcher signed a landmark five-year, $3.05 million contract with the New York Yankees on December 31, 1974.

Hunter was the first actual free agent due to a contract dispute, making way for today’s huge salaries. A’s owner, Charlie O. Finley, breached the contract by failing to pay the required deferred compensation into an annuity, according to an arbitrator, which opened the door for George Steinbrenner of the Yankees to roll out which at the time was an incredible amount of money  $3 million plus.. In 1974, the median price of a home in the US was around $30,000.

Jim “Catfish” Hunter just came off the 1974 season with the Oakland A’s as the American League Cy Young Award winner. I remember when ex-catcher and later radio and television commentator Ray Fosse told me, “Catfish control was for the ages.” 

The Hall of Famer who pitched for 15 years was a dominant pitcher on the best team in baseball at the time, the three time World Champion Oakland A’s,1972-73-74. From 1971 to 1974, the right-hander won 20 or more games each season.

During Caffish Hunter’s first visit to Oakland in 1975 with his Yankee uniform, he seemed relaxed and told me, “I never thought I would be pitching for any other team but the A’s. These are great fans here in Oakland, but what happened was beyond my control. Now I’m a Yankee.”

In a previous article, I wrote that the 2026 season could be historic. The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires in December 2026, and all roads lead to an owner-imposed lockout thereafter. I believe the baseball owners have the upper hand this time, as they are seeking a hard salary cap like the other sports (every other major professional sports league), thus, the years of hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts for the best players will be officially over.

Why Catfish?  Jim “Catfish” Hunter got his famous nickname from Kansas City Athletics owner Charles O. Finley, who gave it to him in 1965 to create a flashier persona, inventing a story about young Hunter catching catfish to make it stick, though Hunter never really liked it.

Finley owned the Kansas City club and then the Oakland A’s for 20 years, from 1960 to 1980, when he sold the team to Walter A.Haas (Levi Strauss) for $12.7 million, I met Charlie O. Finley, yes, he was controversial, but he had a lot of good ideas, and in Oakland, he was a winner, and also,he was a shrewd businessman.

Thank you for reading My Baseball Notebook. I wish you a Very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Felíz Año Nuevo. See you in 2026!

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez: Celebrini will test out the Dallas defense at SAP Center Thursday night

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San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) scores an empty net goal in the third period against the Calgary Flames at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Dec 16, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 Macklin Celebrini has been a driving force for the Sharks, leading the team with 18 goals and 33 assists this season. How will he match up against a strong Stars defense?

#2 With Celebrini as the primary threat, how effectively can William Eklund and Tim Toffoli contribute to keep the pressure on Dallas?

#3 The Sharks have both Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic available in goal. Which one gives San Jose the best chance against Dallas’s scoring depth?

#4 Players like John Klingberg, Dmitry Orlov, Timothy Liljegren, and Shakir Mukhamadullin will be key in shutting down Dallas’s top scorers — how well can they limit chances?

#5 Will special teams play a decisive role for the Sharks against the Stars?

Join Lincoln Juarez Fridays for the Sharks podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings look to end 3 game skid against Portland tonight

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Rod Dillingham (4) goes airborne attempting to drive to the basket against the Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (left) and center Malik Monk (0) at the Target Center in Minneapolis Thu Dec 18, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 With Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine both out of the lineup, how will the Kings adjust their game plan — and which role will DeMar DeRozan take in carrying the offensive load?

#2 Russell Westbrook has been a key playmaker for Sacramento — can he continue his recent assist production and be the catalyst that keeps the Kings competitive in Portland?

#3 How big of an impact can Malik Monk have as one of Sacramento’s leading scorers, especially with the Kings’ offense needing consistent perimeter shots?

#4 Keegan Murray offers size and defensive versatility — what matchup advantages might he have against Portland’s forwards, and can he help secure more rebounds for the Kings?

#5 With other young contributors like Maxime Raynaud seeing increased minutes due to injuries, will Sacramento’s bench production be enough to keep pace with Portland?

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts each Thursday 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. 

Cardinal manhandled the Mavericks 76-60 on Wednesday Night on the Farm

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The Stanford Cardinal forward Chisom Okpara (10) drives to the basket against the UT Arlington Mavericks guard Cash Chavis (1) at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Dec 17, 2025 (KGO San Francisco ABC 7 still photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (9-2) were un-hospitable hosts for the University of Texas – Arlington Mavericks (7-4), as they defeated them 76-60 inside the environs of Maples Pavilion on Wednesday night.

Although the Mavericks scored first points and led early by two, the Cardinal muscled their way into the lead and extended the margin to a high of 16 points, with the assistance of a 12-0 run.

During the first 20 minutes of play Stanford shot 50% from the field, and 43% from beyond the arc. They held the Mavericks to 41% and 20% respectively. By the end of the half, the Cardinal had garnered a 15-point lead, 40-25.

There was one player in double figures in the initial segment of the game. Stanford senior guard Benny Gealer tallied 11 points to forge the home team into a power position on the court.

In the second half, Stanford kept the pedal to the metal and sustained a significant lead throughout the second 20-minute block. They even increased their largest advantage to 19 points in the second half. Despite the large margin, Stanford’s last home game had to be in the back of their collective mind.

UTA did not just lay down on account of the huge deficit; they competed, pressed and fought with Texas Pride. However, the Cardinal was able to pull away and win by 16 points, 76-60.. Despite shooting worse in the second half, Stanford accomplished a comfortable home win.

The Cardinal produced four players with ten points or more. Both Chisom Okpara and Gealer scored 17 points, while AJ Rhosy offered 13 points and seven rebounds and Jeremy Dent-Smith chipped in ten points and five assists. UTA provided two players reaching that criteria, Sophomore guard Casmir Chavis put up 14 points and senior guard Marcell McCreary gave his team 12 points and five assists.

The Cardinal will next be in action Saturday, December 20 in Arizona at 5 PM PT as part of the Hall of Fame Series Phoenix against Colorado on ESPNU. The Mavericks will head to Tulsa, OK to face Oral Roberts, Monday, December 22 at 7 PM CT.

Barracuda fall to Firebirds 4-2 in midweek matchup

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San Jose Barracuda vs Coachella Valley Firebirds on Wednesday December 17th at Acrisure Arena (via coachellavalleyfirebirds/flickr)

By Madison Montez

The San Jose Barracuda took a tough loss to the Coachella Valley Firebirds 4-2 Tuesday night. After the Barracuda failed to keep the puck in their zone, Firebirds took advantage and scored for the first goal in Wednesday night’s midweek matchup in.

John Hayden put his team on top first, poking the puck in after many attempts. San Jose starting the third period on a powerplay and eventually getting 5 on 3 action, Oliver Wahlstrom scored his sixth powerplay goal to tie the game at 1-1. Mitchell Stephens, who beat the Barracuda to the puck, gave his team the lead again at 5:40 of the third period.

A minute into their third powerplay opportunity of the third period, Filip Bystedt tied the game at 2-2 a piece, scoring his third powerplay goal of the season. Picking up the ricochet and going coast to coast, Oskar Fisker Molgaard put his team ahead with 3:16 left of the third. To seal the win, Logan Morrison scored an empty net goal.

After the first period, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley nine to seven. After the second period, both teams had 14 shots on goal. After the third period, San Jose outshot Calgary 17-9. As a result, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley 40-30.

Both teams had a shot to show off their special teams. For San Jose, they went 2-5 on the powerplay. Coming into tonight’s game, San Jose came second on the powerplay and last on the penalty kill. For Coachella Valley, they went 0 for 5 on the powerplay. Coming into Wednesday night’s game, Coachella Valley came sixth on the powerplay and fifth on the penalty kill.

For San Jose’s Gabriel Carriere, this was his first matchup ever against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. For Coachella Valley, Nikke Koko got the start. Carriere, who recorded the loss, made 26 saves on 29 shots. After coming off of a 27 save win on the 12th, Carriere’s record is now 6-6-2-1. Koko who recorded the win, made 38 saves on 40 shots. After coming off of a 23 saves on 23 shots coming into relief, Koko’s record is now 9-4-1-1.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Nikke Koko
  2. Oskar Fisker Molgaard
  3. Oliver Wahlstrom

The Barracuda will be in action again on Saturday against the Ontario Reign for the first of four straight matchups between these two teams. The last time these two teams faced off was on Saturday November 15th when the Barracuda came out on top 4-3.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: NBA Expansion to Las Vegas

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is considering expansion teams to Las Vegas and Seattle that will be up for discussion sometime in 2026 (CNN photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: NBA Expansion to Las Vegas:

NBA Expansion to Las Vegas

That’s Amaury News Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

A decision on expansion (potentially to 32 teams) is anticipated sometime in 2026. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Las Vegas support for basketball. The Commissioner notes support in Las Vegas for the WNBA Aces, the Summer League, and the NBA Cup.  Seattle is also another city that the NBA is showing interest.

The Seattle SuperSonics played in Seattle for 41 seasons, from their inaugural 1967-1968 season until relocating to become the Oklahoma City Thunder after the 2007-2008 season. They were Seattle’s first major sports franchise and won one NBA championship in 1979 under legendary coach Lenny Wilkens.

I remember as I covered the Warriors visiting Seattle with the team and witnessed the support of the Supersonics fans, the arena where they played was right, where the World’s Fair was held in 1962, today known as Seattle Center,  next to the Space Needle and the Monorail. It was made even more famous in 1963 with Elvis as the star in the movie “It Happened At The World’s Fair”.

Expasion history: Last time the NBA expanded was in 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) joined as the league’s 30th team. While there’s been talk of expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle, no new teams have joined since the Bobcats’ debut.

More Hoops: Below made the rounds here in the Bay Area and in the national news of one Golden State Warriors Fan complaining to owner Joe Lacob about the struggles of the team recenlty even as Stephen Curry scoring in big numbers but still no victories.

(via Justdutari/Reddit, Alex Simon/SFGate)

A Warrior fan wrote Lacob: “Dear Joe, Please do something about this team. What Steph need to do every night to win? Drop 50 points? Team is need a real second option. Jimmy tool are being underutilized because he is playing as a power forward due to the small position players. We have no true center.”

Lacob replied: “You can’t be as frustrated as me. I’am working on it. It’s complicated. Style of play. Coaches desires regarding players. League trends. Jimmy is not the problem.”

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor: Ayiuk’s demise didn’t distract the team at all

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Oct 5, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor:

#1 How much is the Brandon Aiyuk situation going to impact the San Francisco 49ers as Aiyuk and the 49ers are headed for a split. Aiyuk had been work for a resolution as Aiyuk has one more year left on his contract and is out on the reserve/left team list and cannot return for the rest of the season.

#2 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Rickey Pearsall with a right knee cruciate ligament injury.Peasall caught an eight yard pass during the first play and caught six passes for 96 yards in the 49ers win over the Tennessee Titans 37-24 last Sunday.

#3 Next up for the 49ers (10-4) the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) at Lucas Oil Field for Monday Night Football on Dec 22. The Colts have lost five of their last six games and have lost four in a row the 49ers are catching the Colts in the middle of a slump.

Join David Zizmor for the 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Celebrini ignites Sharks’ third-period breakout in 6-3 win

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Sharks players huddle up after scoring the first goal vs. Calgary on Dec 16, 2025, at SAP Center in San Jose, CA (Sharks Media)

By: Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE, CA– Another Hockey night in the Bay Area after a long stretch of games on the road, the Sharks are finally back, hosting the Calgary Flames.

It has been a ride for both teams so far during the last couple of days. The Teal won in overtime after an impressive comeback at Pittsburgh in overtime with a 6-5 score. Calgary, one of the worst teams in the NHL this season, has found some momentum, winning four of the last five. On Saturday night, the Flames took the win against the Kings.

FIRST PERIOD

From the outset, it was a hockey game nobody expected. The Sharks and the Flames delivered a show of back-and-forth hockey. The Sharks struck first as John Klingberg netted the first one with an assist from Macklin Celebrini. Barclay Goodrow put the second up for the Sharks, making it 2-0 close to the final minutes of the first period. Calgary did not back down and responded quickly, with Blake Coleman and Ryan Lomberg netting one each for the visitors to make it an even game. Once again, Barclay Goodrow made his double to seal the period with the lead in the first.

SECOND PERIOD

In the second, the Sharks had to continue on the mission to dominate. At the start of the 2nd, a penalty against Sharks’ defenseman, Timothy Liljegren, in the penalty kill, the Sharks responded accordingly. The game turned very physical for both sides. Both teams came even in shots on goal, 16 for the Sharks and 17 for the Flames. in the 2nd, the score remained the same, up by 1 for the Sharks.

THIRD PERIOD

San Jose extended its lead early in the third when Celebrini finished a deflected score to make it 4-2. Tyler Toffoli added a goal later in the period to push the lead to 5-2. Calgary got one back from Nazem Kadri, but another Sharks tally sealed the 6-3 final.

San Jose outshot Calgary 26-30 and won the faceoff battle while continuing to refine its balanced attack. Calgary was unable to convert on its power-play opportunities and surrendered.

STANDINGS IMPACT: The Sharks improved to 17-14-3 and will look to build on the wins as they continue their homestand with a winning streak and look to improve in the highly contested Pacific division. Next game is at home vs. the Dallas Stars. Calgary dropped to 13-17-4 and will try to rebound in its next game in the Emerald City vs. the Seattle Kraken.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tony Renteria: Can Raiders defense control a tough Texans offense this Sunday?

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Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll speaks with the media following the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sun Dec 14, 2025 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 Can the Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) control the tempo on the road and quiet a young Houston Texans (9-5) offense in a hostile Houston environment? The Texans are on a six game win streak the Raiders could be coming into a buzzsaw.

#2 How will the Raiders’ defense match up against Houston’s passing attack, especially in the red zone?

#3 Will the Raiders’ rushing game be effective enough to keep their offense balanced and sustain long drives?

#4 Which Raiders playmakers need to step up most for Las Vegas to secure a late-season road win?

#5 With playoff implications potentially looming, can the Raiders execute cleanly and avoid costly mistakes against the Texans?

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Does Garcia impact the Phils outfield plans and Castellanos?; Will D-Backs trade Marte?; plus more MLB news

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Texas Rangers’ Adolis García hits an RBI single during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the W. Sacramento Athletics, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 How will Adolis García’s reported one-year, $10 million deal with the Phillies impact Philadelphia’s outfield plans and Nick Castellanos’ future with the team?

#2 With the Diamondbacks signing Merrill Kelly and Michael Soroka, are they still willing to trade outfielder Ketel Marte this offseason?

#3 What were the most notable selections and potential impacts from the 2025 Rule 5 Draft?

#4 Which prospects headline the Athletics’ top 10 2026 MLB prospect list, and how might they influence the franchise’s future?

#5 What standout moments from the 2025 season (like Freddie Freeman’s 18th-inning walk-off) are shaping narratives as the offseason continues?

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.