AP File Photo: San Francisco Giants pitcher Mark Melancon, right, celebrates the 6-3 win over the the Atlanta Braves with Nick Hundley at the end of a baseball game Saturday, May 27, 2017, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
On the Giants podcast with Morris:
The Giants who have now swept both the Colorado Rockies and the Pittsburgh Pirates and this is all the while that they haven’t swept anybody all year. It inspired a lot of questions from a lot of people. You had to wonder how a team as talented as the Giants are and with that huge pay roll they have could have struggled to the tune of 51 loses in most the first half this season. The Giants handpicked this team pretty much from what they have and you had to wonder how they could have played so poorly.
So in some small sense the sweeping of these last two series is a small validation of what this club was supposed to be and for next season a larger sample size is what their going to need going forward and they need to stick with most of the players have now. Giants reliever Mark Melancon (You talk about stretching) did land on the disabled list and he lends to be a big part of the Giants six game win streak.
Melancon is very closeted about his physical issues and having blown four saves he had issues pitching this season and when he was with Washington last year that would indicate he’s had problems all along. Malancon is the player on this team to look to at first as to the reasons why as this team has been awful.
The Sacramento Kings have an estimated $59-million of available money under the $99-million salary cap limit for the 2017-18 season to sign free agents to play for the team. Part of that money — approximately $9-million — will go to Serbian shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic who the team signed to a three-year contract last week.
Kings new shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic
The Kings obtained the rights to Bogdanovic last year in a draft-day trade that sent Marquese Chriss to Phoenix and ultimately netted the Kings Georgios Papagiannis, Skal Labissiere and the signing rights to Bogdonovic.
Bogdanovic refused to sign with the Phoenix after being drafted by the Suns in 2014. By waiting until 2017, Bogdanovic was able to bypass the NBA Rookie System and enter the league in the Free Agent salary pool. He rolled the dice, played well in Europe for Fenerbahce of Turkey who won the EuroLeague Championship in 2017. Now he is a member of the Sacramento Kings making big dollars.
Signing the 6-foot-6 shooting guard fills a major need for the Kings but does not complete the many needs the Kings have for experienced players at key positions. Sacramento is a very young team at point guard, small forward and power forward. They need some veterans to play vital minutes until very young players can be developed to take over those positions which could take one to three seasons.
The Free Agent Market Opened on July 1
Otto Porter Jr. of the Washington Wizards
The Kings have been active in trying to interest free agents to come to Sacramento. The Kings were rumored have been fringe players in the Andre Iguodala sweepstakes. Not that it was a realistic pursuit, but it does prove the team has their sights set high.
Currently, they Kings are rumored to have made an offer to Restricted Free Agent Otto Porter, Jr. Reports have the Kings meeting with Porter on Sunday and offering him a maximum contract of $106-million over 4-years to take over the small forward role for the club. The Kings lost their veteran small forward when Rudy Gay decided to opt out of the final year of his contract to become a free agent.
Porter had his best best year as a pro in 2016-17 for the Washington Wizards. He averaged 13.7 points per game in 32-minutes of playing time. Porter shot 51.6-percent overall from the floor (43.4-percent from 3-point range). He averaged 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
As a restricted free agent, the Wizards have the right to match any offer that Porter receives from another team. Washington has indicated they intend to match any such offers; however, matching a “max offer of $106-million over four years would put the Wizards over the salary cap and force them to pay luxury tax. Most observers feel the team really does not want to pay that tax and will let Porter walk.
If the Wizards are inclined to let Porter go because of the money, that does not mean he automatically winds up in Sacramento. He is reportedly meeting with the Nets on Monday and will be meeting with a third unnamed team this week.
Porter is just 24-years old so he fits the Kings youth movement perfectly. He also has four years of experience that would be very welcome on team that is so young and full of rookies.
Atlanta Braves’ Ender Inciarte, left, is tagged out by Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell in the second inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 2, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. Inciarte attempted to score on a hit by Braves’ Brandon Phillips. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
By Morris Phillips
OAKLAND–That ever significant group of former A’s players floating around major league baseball always bares watching. Some leave Oakland just as their careers are ready to ascend, others resurface with All-Star size chips on their shoulders like Josh Donaldson.
Whatever the circumstances, the current A’s need to be aware of the formers, even when they’re familiar opponents like Kurt Suzuki.
Suzuki smashed 59 home runs as an Athletic from 2007-2013, but in the ensuing seasons, the catcher had not returned the favor as a member of the Twins or the Nationals. His power numbers have decreased, as has his playing time, now as a backup for the Braves.
But Suzuki was back at the Coliseum on Sunday, in the lineup and making plays. And it wasn’t long before the 33-year old Suzuki looked like the 25-year old Suzuki of 2009 as an Athletic.
Suzuki clubbed a pair of home runs, the second breaking a 3-3 tie in the 12th inning, as the Braves went on to a 4-3 win and a sweep of the three-game series. The streaky A’s have now dropped seven in a row at home.
“I know the coaching staff over there. I’ve played for those guys,” Suzuki said. “It’s a good adrenalin feel coming around the bases.”
Suzuki didn’t reserve his impact on the game to just the two, lengthy home runs he hit. Behind the plate, Suzuki was critical, blocking a near wild pitch in the 11th that would have undoubtedly allowed the A’s to score the winning run from third base.
Also, Suzuki wasn’t bad calling and framing pitches, as starter Julio Teheran and seven relievers combined to strike out 17 A’s. Rajai Davis was punched out on a questionable pitch to end the 11th with the potential winning run at third base.
“Couldn’t happen to a better guy,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said of Suzuki’s various contributions. “It’s nice to see when good things happen to the good guys.”
The A’s couldn’t extend a streak of streakiness with a win. Oakland came into Sunday’s series finale having gone 8-8 in their previous 16 games, winning four, losing four, winning four then losing four again. But they dropped their fifth straight game despite coming up with game-tying runs in the seventh and 11th innings.
Atlanta Braves’ Kurt Suzuki, right, celebrates with Dansby Swanson (7) after hitting a home run off Oakland Athletics’ John Axford in the twelfth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 2, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
by Jerry Feitelberg
OAKLAND- The visiting Atlanta Braves beat the A’s again on Sunday to sweep the three-game series. The A’s sent left Sean Manaea to the mound and Manaea pitched well allowing just two runs. Manaea pitched into the eighth inning and allowed just six hits, two runs, walked two and struck out six. The Braves Julio Teheran kept the A’s scoreless until the seventh when they broke through to tie the game.
The Braves tallied their two runs in the second inning when former A’s catcher, Kurt Suzuki, hit a solo homer. The Braves’ second run scored on the double by Ender Inciarte drove in Danny Santana. The A’s Khris Davis homered in the bottom of the seventh to cut the deficit to one with his 23rd of the year. A’s shortstop Adam Rosales tied the game with a sacrifice fly to bring Franklin Barreto home.
Neither team scored in regulation, and the game went into extra innings. The Braves broke the tie in the top of the 11th inning when A’s reliever, Daniel Coulombe, gave up a double to Matt Kemp that allowed Nick Markakis to score from first. The A’s, however, tied the game again in their half of the inning. They were facing a former teammate, Jim Johnson, and thanks to a clutch single by Bruce Maxwell, evened the score. John Axford pitched the twelfth for Oakland and Suzuki took him deep to win the game for the Braves.
The A’s have three more games on the homestand against the Chicago White Sox before heading off to Seattle on Thursday. After the four-game set with the Mariners, the A’s will have four days off before resuming play. A’s first baseman, Yonder Alonso, was named to the American League All-Star team. It will be Alonso’s first All-Star game, and the game will be played in his hometown of Miami.
San Francisco Giants first baseman Brandon Belt (9) looks on before hitting a home run in the eighth inning during an MLB game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants on July 02, 2017 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)
By Jeremy Kahn
As the San Francisco Giants continue their winning ways, they just have to look at their first baseman and thank him for his contribution to the win streak.
Brandon Belt hit a huge single in a three-run seventh inning, and added a two-run home run in the top of the eighth inning and the Giants completed a three-game sweep with a 5-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
This was the sixth win in a row for the Giants, and completed their second consecutive sweep just one week after being swept at home by the New York Mets. The six-game winning streak by the Giants is their longest winning streak since eight in a row from June 11-19, 2016.
With the victory by the Giants, they have won six straight games against the Pirates, their longest win streak against the Pirates since 1953.
Jeff Samardzija won for the second game in a row, as he went six innings, allowing two runs on six hits and did not walk a batter. Samardzija last walked a batter on June 16 at Coors Field, when he walked D.J. Lemahieu to lead off the bottom of the seventh inning.
Samardzija added five more strikeouts, giving him 118 strikeouts on the season, while allowing 13 during the season.
Jordy Mercer gave the Pirates a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning.
Pirates starter Trevor Williams looked fantastic, as he pitched into the seventh inning and then the wheels began to fall off. Williams walked Hunter Pence, then Buster Posey and then Belt and Crawford each hit run-scoring singles to tie up the game. Kelby Tomlinson hit a sacrifice fly to give the Giants the lead for good.
On consecutive days, the Pirates lost games after leading in the fifth inning.
John Jaso hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning off of Stephen Okert, but the Pirates were unable to get any closer.
Sam Dyson pitched a perfect ninth inning to pick up his second save in as many days.
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 2, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
TODAY’S MLB Podcast questions with Daniel…
1 Giants bullpen keys win over Pittsburgh
2 Local kid strong in A’s debut
3 Managers Gone Wild! Dodgers’ Roberts fined, Padres’ Green fined
4 Astros rock Yankee bullpen in come-from-behind win
5 Yankees’ top prospect breaks in with homer, double
6 Mets admit signing Tebow “not a baseball decision”
Photo by San Jose Earthquakes: The fans give one of their favorite Quakes players a congratulations as San Jose gets a late goal in the 90th minute to get by the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 on Saturday night at Stanford Stadium
By London Marq
PALO ALTO–The Los Angeles Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes collided at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto for the California Clasico. A huge test for recently hired Quakes coach Chris Leitch. 50,000 jeering Earthquake fans created a raucous environment for the Galaxy in San Jose’s 2-1 win.
11 minutes in, Los Angeles would draw first blood with a goal from Van Damme quieting the crowd. From that point on, LA had the clear upper hand in the first half. San Jose’s play was lackluster, and they were seemingly unable to get out of their own way. While they had numerous chances in the scoring third of the pitch they failed to put any balls in the back of the net. The Galaxy fell into a level of complacency, and seemed content to hold onto their one goal lead.
The second half began with a sense of urgency for San Jose, but they still were having trouble finishing their chances. It took 30 minutes and some savvy footwork from Chris Wondolowski for the Quakes to get on the board in the 75th minute to tie it up. With 15 minutes left in the 90, LA became more aggressive trying to get their lead, that they had held for 64 minutes back.
At the end of the 90, four minutes were added to play. It seemed like we were dated for a draw. With two minutes left in additional time, Shea Salinas bulged that back of the net. Sending LA home with no points in a dramatic finish.
These two teams meet again on nine days for the next round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. If this league match was a preview, it will surely be a fun one to watch.
San Francisco Giants’ Denard Span (2) is congratulated by Brandon Belt (9) after scoring the winning run in the eleventh inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Saturday, July 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
By Jeremy Kahn
Ever since Bruce Bochy made his now famous comment about pole vaulting over mouse turds, it seems that the San Francisco Giants have turned a corner.
Denard Span scored on a wild pitch thrown by Daniel Hudson in the top of the 11th inning, as the Giants defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 at PNC Park.
Hudson’s wild pitch got by Elias Diaz and bounced into the dugout to score Span, as the Giants won their fifth straight after losing seven in a row.
Josh Osich won for the second time this season, while Sam Dyson picked up his first save as a Giant, as he pitched the 11th inning.
The Pirates blew an opportunity to win the game in the top of the ninth inning, as Hunter Strickland walked the bases loaded; however, Strickland struck out Diaz looking to end the inning and the threat. Diaz went 0-for-5 at the plate, with two strikeouts and left eight on base.
Matt Moore went 5.2 innings, allowing one run on four hits and walked four before being replaced by George Kontos with the bases loaded. Kontos responded by striking out Josh Harrison to end the inning.
Josh Bell drove in the only Pirates run of the afternoon in the bottom of the third inning, as his single scored Andrew McCutchen.
NOTES: Jeff Samardzija looks for the sweep on Sunday afternoon, as he takes the mound against Trevor Williams.
Chris Stratton was recalled from Sacramento, and the Giants sent down Dan Slania, who pitched a perfect ninth inning in his major-league debut on Friday night. Stratton will be used primarily out of the bullpen.
Joan Gregorio, who is a top prospect in the Giants farm system, who is currently with the Sacramento Rivercats was suspended for the remainder of the season after testing positive to a Performance Enhancing Drug.
In his first rehab appearance with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Eduardo Nunez went 1-for-3 at the plate with a double.
#Athletics played game 81 of the season on SAT. They had to start a rookie pitcher who did an impressive job. Here's your 2:20 WRAP. pic.twitter.com/x83J6mMSwU
— Sports Radio Service (@SportsRadioSrvc) July 2, 2017
Game Summary
The Oakland Athletics entered the game with the Atlanta Braves on Saturday in search of their first win in three games. They were also looking to rebound after just avoiding being no-hit on Friday night.
The Athletics had to turn to a rookie pitcher making his first start in the major leagues to face the Braves in the second game of the series. RHP Paul Blackburn was called up from Triple-A Nashville to make the spot start because Jharel Cotton is still battling a blister on his thumb. Blackburn had to face-off with cagey knuckleball throwing veteran R.A. Dickey.
Scoring
The Braves put the first run on the board when Tyler Flowers scored from second base off Danny Santana’s double to left-center in the top of the second inning. Flowers had advanced into scoring position when SS Franklin Barreto’s throw sailed over the glove of Yonder Alonso into foul territory. Barreto was charged with an error. (Braves 1, A’s 0)
The A’s scored their first run in the bottom of the fourth when Ryon Healy hit a one-out single up the middle driving in Khris Davis from second base. Oakland had additional chances to score in the inning but did not take advantage of those opportunities. The inning ended on a bases loaded double-play. (Braves 1, A’s 1)
The Braves scored again in the seventh inning. Sean Doolittle replaced A’s starter Paul Blackburn on the mound. With one out, Danny Santana singled to left. He then proceeded to steal second base. Then in a very aggressive move, Santana moved up to third by stealing the base. Dansby Swanson hit a double and Santana scored easily. (Braves 2, A’s 1)
Rookie Dansby Swanson had big day for the Braves*
Nick Markakis led off the eighth inning for the Braves by hitting a double to right field off Madson. Markakis moved to third when Matt Kemp grounded out. He scored when Matt Adams hit a sacrifice fly to left field. (Braves 3, A’s 1)
The Athletics roared back in the eighth inning. With one out, Jed Lowrie walked. That brought DH Khris Davis to the plate to face Braves reliever Arodys Vizcaino who was brought in to pitch the eighth inning. Davis hit the 1-2 pitch from Vizcaino over the left-center field wall for a two-run home run to tie the game at 3-3. It was the 22nd home run of the season for Davis. (Braves 3, A’s 3).
In the ninth inning with Santiago Casilla on the mound, the Braves Danny Santana reached first base on a fielding error charged to Franklin Barreto. Santana then was able to successfully steal second. Dansby Swanson hit a double to left field that drove Santana home with what would prove to be the game winning run. (Braves 4, A’s 3).
Outstanding Performances
Athletics
Paul Blackburn pitched 6.0-innings in his first major league start giving up just one run (unearned) on three hits. He struck out three batters and walked one.
Ryon Healy went 3-for-3 on the day plus a walk and a RBI (51). It was his 23rd multi-hit game of the season.
Khris Davis had a 1-for-3 game that included a two-run home run (22) and two RBI (56).
Khris Davis hit his 22nd HR of the season on Saturday*
Braves
Rookie Dansby Swanson had a 2-for-4 day at the plate. He hit two doubles and recorded two RBI (35).
Danny Santana also went 2-for-4 against the A’s plus he scored two runs and had one RBI.
Nick Markakis went just 1-for-4 but that one hit was a double that ultimately turned into a run.
Closer Jim Johnson – who struggled when was a Oakland Athletic – picked up his 18th save of the season. He worked a perfect ninth inning striking out two Athletics.
Player who had the toughest game of the day
Oakland rookie infielder Franklin Barreto really struggled on Saturday. He started at shortstop for the A’s and committed two errors which resulted in two Atlanta runs.
Most baseball experts see Barreto as a second baseman but he has seen a great deal of time at shortstop in the minor leagues. Fans cannot forget that Barreto is a rookie.
Oakland Manger Bob Melvin’s comments on the loss to Atlanta
— Sports Radio Service (@SportsRadioSrvc) July 2, 2017
Meet Paul Blackburn
Blackburn was called up from Triple-A Nashville to make a spot start for Jharel Cotton who is dealing with a blister on his thumb.
He’s a Bay Area product who was born in Antioch
Blackburn attended Heritage High School in Brentwood
The pitcher was a 1st round draft choice (#56 overall) of the Cubs in 2012
Was traded by the Cubs to the Seattle Mariners on July 20, 2016 as a part of a four-player deal
Blackburn was dealt to the Athletics in November 2016 in the trade that sent infielder Danny Valencia to Seattle
Braves
Atlanta plans to send RHP Julio Teheran to the mound on Sunday to face the A’s. Teheran is 6-6 in 2012 with 5.30 ERA in 16 starts. He has given up 59 runs (53 earned) off 96 hits. Teheran has struck out 62 batters and walked 34.
Teheran has really struggled in the Braves new Sun Trust Park. Only one of his six victories has come at home in Atlanta. He is a much tougher pitcher on the road.
Teheran has faced the A’s just once in career back in 2014. He led the Braves to a 4-3 win over Oakland.
Athletics
Oakland will counter by sending LHP Sean Manaea to the hill on Sunday. Manaea is 7-4 with a 3.87 ERA. His seven wins has him tied for ninth best in the American League. Left-handed hitters are batting just .127 off Manaea while right-handers are hitting him at .243 clip. The mark against lefties is the second lowest in the major leagues with 50 or more innings.
Manaea won his last start over the Astros in Houston on Monday. He worked 5.2-innings giving up one-run (earned) on nine-hits while walking three and striking three. Manaea has never faced Atlanta.
Matt Chapman visits Stockton
Matt Chapman’s rehab process from his bout with cellulitis in the left knee is running ahead of schedule which is great news for the Athletics. Chapman will be the Designated Hitter for the Ports in Stockton on Saturday night. He will then take a start at third base on Sunday for the Ports.
The A’s medical staff will evaluate Chapman’s knee after his weekend in Stockton in order to determine what the next step will be for the rookie. Chapman is eligible to come off the disabled list now.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz tips his hat to fans as he leaves in the ninth inning of the team’s baseball game against the Oakland Athletics on Friday, June 30, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
On the MLB Podcast with Matt:
Last Friday night was a just a tough night for the Oakland A’s in general, they were nearly no hit by Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz and he was dealing there’s no doubt about. There is no other way to look at it other than he was dealing. He was commanding high in the strike zone, he was getting strike outs, he was getting weak pop ups. Normally a pitcher is throwing a no hitter into he ninth inning there’s been maybe one or two fielders but for the most part the Braves have two former Gold Glovers in the outfield of Nick Markakis and Ender Inciarte.
The Braves really didn’t make a lot of web gem plays and as the you got deeper and deeper in that game it felt like the A’s were going to get no hit and that was what was going to happen. It was really a battle with Foltynewicz with his pitch count which was starting to be an issue when he getting into the 90s in the seventh inning and his arm might fall off before he can get into the eighth inning and that’s what really happened. Foltynewicz had the confidence to finish the game but he ran out of gas before giving up that ninth inning homer to the A’s Matt Olsen to lose the no hitter.
