Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders hope to snap 8 game skid face Falcons on Monday Night Football

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (12) looks to heave the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay on Mon Dec 9, 2024 (AP News photo)

#1 The Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) once again were on their opponents heels late in a game but once again the game got away from them in the fourth quarter. This time against the the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) the Raiders had a 14-10 but the Bucs pulled ahead with a touchdown in the fourth quarter that pretty much put the kibosh on any chance for the Raiders to come back losing to Tampa Bay 21-10.

#2 Once again the Raiders played a close game quarterback Aidan O’Connell didn’t throw anywhere close to 200 yards and if the Raiders were able to get just that much more offense just maybe they would have been able to get the lead.

#3 The Raiders scored twice in the second quarter with O’Connell rushing for a one yard touchdown at 8:07 making it 14-7 and with a 25 yard field goal at 4:28 by kicker Daniel Carlson cutting Tampa Bay’s lead to four points 14-10 at the half..

#4 Fourth quarter the Bucs added Rachaad White carried for three yard touchdown to pull ahead 21-10, Carlson for the Raiders booted a 27 yard field goal 21-13 at 3:05 and the Bucs put the final touches on scoring Sunday with a quarterback Baker Mayfield 29 yard pass to Jalen McMillan 1:56 giving the Bucs a 28-13 win.

#5 Sunday’s loss is the Raiders eighth consecutive. This has been a struggling effort by the Raiders just to get back in the win column a place they have not been since Sep 29th when they defeated the Cleveland Browns. The Raiders take that eight game skid into their next game at Allegiant Stadium against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football on Dec 16th. The Falcons lost to the Minnesota Vikings Sunday and the Falcons drop below .500 at 6-7. How do you see this game next week Monday?

Tony Renteria does the Raiders podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: How Soto improves Mets World Series chances; Phils to take a chance on Romano; plus more news

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto in the sunset will he improve the Mets chances to get into the World Series for 2025? (photo from Stable Diffusion Online)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The New York Mets odds to make the 2025 World Series went from +1200 to +750 after acquiring Juan Soto on Sunday night. What is your take away on the Mets chances to make the World Series with Soto in the line up and does the Yankees chances diminish now that Soto has left the Bronx?

#2 The Philadelphia Phillies have come to a one year agreement with Jordan Romano. Romano pitched in the 2024 for the Toronto Blue Jays but was suffered injuries and missed some relief duties and later had to have arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow. Romano had four strong seasons pitching before 2024 and was one of the best relief pitchers in baseball with a 2.29 ERA in 200 2/3 innings, 251 strike outs. Romano is taking a physical if he passes he’ll be relieving for the Phillies in 2025.

#3 Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki was posted to Major League teams and will be able to sign as a free agent on Tue Dec 10 to Thu Jan 23. Chiba Lotte Marines waited for the deadline until they were able to post Sasaki to a Major League team.

#4 Former Pittsburgh Pirate Dave Parker and former Chicago White Sox Dick Allen were elected to the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. Parker was the 1978 National League MVP and Allen was the 1972 American League MVP. Parker hit .290, 339 home runs, 1493 RBIs from 1973-1991. Allen who passed away in 2020 hit .292, 351 home runs, 1119 RBIs.

#5 Their jumping ship in San Francisco for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Outfielder Michael Comforto has signed a one year $17 million contract with the Dodgers. Comforto hit .238, 35 home runs, and 124 RBIs in 255 at bats and played left and right field for the Giants. Comforto is second ex Giant to leave for the Dodgers along with pitcher Blake Snell.

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

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Deebo says “Not Struggling at all just not getting the ball” on X

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel says he’s not getting enough touches on his X account although he’s second behind Jordan Mason carries (photo from the San Francisco 49ers)

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 On Monday San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel said on X “Not struggling at all just not getting the ball” is he right is he not getting enough chances or is he wrong he’s not producing from the chances that he’s given.

#2 Samuel had 97 yards from scrimmage in his last four games, is second in touches behind Jordan Mason. Against the Bears last Sunday Samuel carried for 35 yards from scrimmage five yards on two carries.

#3 49ers host the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football at Levi Stadium at 5:15pm PST. The Rams are second in the NFC West , they have won their last two games, and have won four of their last six games. Do you see the Rams being a much tougher customer than the Bears were?

David Zizmor does the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose State Spartans smash in 117-80 win over Lincoln University

San Jose Spartans player preparing before the match against Lincoln University on Monday December 9th at Provident Union Center (SanJoseStateMBB/x)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE-The San Jose State Spartans hosted the Lincoln University Oaks for a Monday night matchup. San Jose State is coming off of a 83-77 loss against the New Mexico Lobos on December 4th. Lincoln University is coming off a 117-72 loss against UC Merced. Both teams will be looking to get back in the win column.

Head Coach Tim Miles went with the same starting five except making a minor change in replacing Will McClendon and inputting Latrell Davis at point-guard. Will McClendon was out tonight with illness making him unavailable.

After the first half, the Spartans went into the locker room up 57 to 47. San Jose’s lead point scorer was Josh Uduje. Lincoln University’s was Joshua Russ with 18 points. Lincoln made 12 out of 27 3 point shots with a blistering 44% which is what kept them in the game. “We knew that was their MO. I didn’t feel good about the first half but felt good about the second half.” said Head Coach Tim Miles.

In the 2nd half, San Jose’s defense stepped up allowing Lincoln to attempt 15 3 pointers but only making 4, going down to 26%. The Spartans picked up their 3-point game making 7 of 18 for 33% after going 1-12 in the first half. San Jose got a boost from Latrell Davis, accounting for 8 assists. “He requires so much attention because of his ability to go downhill, so that’s a next step for his game to create problems” said teammate Josh Uduje.

San Jose got a good game out of their monster center Robert Vaihola. Vaihola registered 17 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks, and went 7-9 in shooting only missing the basket twice. 14 out of the 18 rebounds were defensive. “Just chillin around the rim, I just happened to be there”. said the Center.

“Credit Lincoln and Coach Middlebrooks, they did a good job, playing loose, playing fast, and shooting the ball extremely well.” said Head Coach Tim Miles after the 117-80 win. The Spartans will be back in action on Saturday against Cal Poly at 7pm. When asked about preparation for that game, Coach Miles said “One of the fastest teams in the country. Credit Cal Poly, they’ve done a great job.”

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: No Mercy Rule for Jazz; Kings blow out Utah 141-97 at Golden 1

Guard De’Aaron Fox (5) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) of the Sacramento Kings are please with how things are going against the Utah Jazz on Sun Dec 8, 2024 at Golden 1 Center (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Barbara, talk about how important Kevin Huerter was for the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night leading with 26 points as the Kings demolished the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center 141-97.

#2 The Kings are on a roll with their scoring they have won by 140 or more in their last two games. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs last Friday 140-113.

#3 The Jazz on the other hand have lost six of their last seven games and it showed how much Utah is struggling as the Kings had their way with the Jazz scoring at will.

#4 The Kings never let up they scored 43 points in the third quarter and De’Aaron Fox even beat the buzzer to give the Kings a 31 point lead going into the fourth quarter.

#5 The Kings face another struggling team the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans on Thursday night. The Pelicans are last in the Western Conference with a 5-20 record and the Kings are 12th with a 12-13 record. It’s a one game road trip as Sacramento returns home Mon Dec 16th against the Denver Nuggets. Barbara how do you see this Kings-Pelicans match up on Thursday night?

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento Kings podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda has Firebirds on the run both clubs meet again Thursday night

San Jose Barracuda celebrate their win over the Coachella Valley Firebirds at Tech CU in San Jose on Sun Dec 8, 2024 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 The San Jose Barracuda edged the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Sunday afternoon 2-1 at Tech CU Arena in San Jose. The Firebirds Nikolaus Brouillard scored his second goal of the season at 9:36 in the first period to put the Firebirds on the scoreboard to kick things off 1-0. It was early but the Firebirds are a good club were there any fears or worries from the Barracuda bench?

#2 At 15:17 the Barracuda’s Thomas Bordeleau scoring his fourth goal of the season to tie up the game in the first period.

#3 Oh yes nice job by goaltender Georgi Romanov stopped 32 shots nice work in keeping the Birds out of the net.

#4 Game hero Barracuda Donavan Houle scored the go ahead goal at 10:32 making it 2-1.

#5 The Firebirds are a tough a club but for head coach John McCarthy and company to take a two game sweep from the Firebirds the Barracuda in second place moved four points on the third place Firebirds in the standings.

#6 The Barracuda take on the Firebirds at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert this Thu Dec 12th at 7:00pm PST. You got to see both clubs on Saturday and Sunday how do you see this match up in the desert this Thursday?

Join Marko Ukalovic for the San Jose Barracuda podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford takes commanding win over Cal 89-81 at Haas Pavilion

Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) with arms out stretched tied as leading scorer with 20 points against the Cal Bears at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sat Dec 7, 2024

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford Cardinal (8-2) Maxime Raynaud converted almost 50% of his shots leading the Cardinal with 20 points he was getting the open shot quite often today against the Cal Bears (6-3).

#2 The Cardinal pretty much were having their way in the first half outscoring Cal 47-31.

#3 The Cardinal defense held the Cal Bears to single digits the Bears Andrej Stojakovic and and Javon Blacksher were the only two players to get into double figures.

#4 Talk about Stanford’s defense they were able to keep the Bears at arms length for most of the game. The closest that Cal they tied it up but just couldn’t take the lead at any point in the contest.

#5 Stanford hosts the Merrimack Warriors (3-6) at Maples Pavilion on Tue Dec 17th. Merrimack has won their last two games but lost six in a row before that. How do you see this match up on Tuesday night?

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Soto breaks the bank signs an MLB record 15 year $765 million deal with Mets

Juan Soto models his New York Mets uniform as he joins the Mets on a 15 year, $765 million contract he signed on Sun Dec 8, 2024 (photo by SNY)

Soto breaks the bank

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

On Sunday, December 8, 2024, Juan Soto, a free agent, signed a 15-year deal with the New York Mets for $765 Million. Soto, born in the Dominican Republic, now has the most significant contract in professional American sports, more than the previous holder of that distinction, Japanese two-way star LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani, who recently won the NL Most Valuable Player for the third time.

Juan Soto beat Ohtani by $65 million. To put Juan Soto’s contract/salary in perspective, the Dominican Republic, where Juan Soto was born 26 years ago, on an island of 11 million people. The average salary in this Caribbean nation is $7,272 per year or about $606 per month.

However, if you think the Dominican Republic is the poorest island in the Caribbean, you are mistaken. Cuba, which is the largest island in the Caribbean, according to all available data, the average salary of a Cuban citizen is around $30 to $40 US dollars per month or roughly 4,000 Cuban Pesos per year.

The reason is straightforward: Cuba’s government is a communist system where the communist leaders set the wages, they put the prices, and they distribute the wealth. This was not the case for Cuba until 1960 when the island was one of the most prosperous and advanced countries in the Caribbean and all of Latin America.

Unsurprisingly, the Mets, not the Yankees, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Giants, or any other baseball team, signed Mr.Soto. It was the New York Mets, whose owner, Steven A. Cohen, is considered one of, if not the wealthiest, MLB owners, with an estimated net worth of $16 to 20 billion.

The news of Soto signing this incredible contract hit the Dominican Republic like a thunderbolt, and all the media reported it as Breaking News with great pride and admiration. One colleague from the Dominican Republic told me “Nos sentimos muy orgullosos de ser el pais con el pelotero con el salario más grande en la historia” Trans: “We feel very proud to be the country with the baseball player with the largest contract in history”

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com weekly

Kings down Jazz 141-97 in blowout win

Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) drives the lane as forward Domantas Sabonis (11) sets the pick and the Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (center) can’t reach Fox at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Dec 8, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night, returning home after a brief two-game road trip. Their journey took them through Memphis and San Antonio, where the Kings suffered a 115-110 loss to the Grizzlies but rebounded with a 140-113 victory over the Spurs on Friday night.

The win against San Antonio was much needed as the Kings fought to stay around the .500 mark. Focused and determined, the Kings entered Sunday’s game looking to win two in a row for the first time since November 4th and 6th. Coming into the matchup, the Kings (11-13) hosted the Utah Jazz (5-17) at 7 PM PST. The Kings ultimately dominated, defeating the Jazz 141-97.

In the first quarter, neither team played particularly clean basketball. The Kings committed three turnovers, giving up five points, while the Jazz had five turnovers, also resulting in five points. Kevin Huerter got off to a hot start for the Kings, shooting 3-of-4 and scoring eight points in the quarter. The Jazz struggled offensively, shooting just 35% and scoring 23 points. Meanwhile, the Kings managed 26 points to take a slim early lead.

The Kings brought strong energy into the second quarter, starting with an 8-2 run fueled by quick baskets from Keon Ellis and Kevin Huerter, prompting the Jazz to call a timeout with 10:10 left. The Kings didn’t let up for the rest of the quarter, outscoring the Jazz 36-22 to take a commanding 62-45 lead into halftime. Kevin Huerter led the Kings’ charge, while Keyonte George paced the Jazz with 14 points at the break.

It felt like a breakout half for the Kings, who needed to sustain their momentum in the second half.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to pour it on offensively, outscoring the Jazz 43-29. The Kings appeared to have rediscovered their identity, scoring 140 points on Friday and putting up 105 through three quarters on Sunday—a welcome sight for fans. Heading into the final frame, the Kings led 105-74.

The fourth quarter could best be described as garbage time. The Kings extended their lead to as much as 44 points with 5:30 remaining. They outscored the Jazz 36-23 in the final period, sealing an emphatic 141-97 victory. Kevin Huerter led the Kings with 26 points, while Keyonte George topped the Jazz with 25 points in a losing effort. The Kings improved to 12-13 as the Jazz fell to 5-18 on the season.

After the game, coach Mike Brown praised the Kings’ ability to play at a high level, stressing the importance of committing to “every possession.” Brown repeated the phrase so many times during his postgame press conference that the media couldn’t help but chuckle as he asked, “Is that clear?” Message received, Coach. The question now is whether the Kings can build on this performance and go on a winning streak.

Fun Note: Doug McDermott gave fans a reason to cheer in garbage time, shooting 6-of-7 from three-point range.

Up Next: The Sacramento Kings will hit the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 5 PM PST. With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram likely to be out, the Kings will need to capitalize on the opportunity.

Barracuda edge Firebirds 2-1 to sweep weekend series

San Jose Barracuda forward Anthony Vincent (#76) battled for a puck alongside Coachella Valley Firebirds defenseman Cale Fleury during the blah blah’s 2-1 victory at Tech CU Arena on Sunday DEC 8, 2024. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — Donovan Houle scored the game winning goal in the third period to give the San Jose Barracuda 2-1 victory over the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Sunday afternoon at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose swept the weekend series and and has won five out of its past six games. Coachella Valley has lost five of its past six games.

Coachella Valley (11-8-1-2-25 points) drew first blood with an even strength goal near the halfway mark of the first period. Ville Ottavainen set up Nikolas Brouillard up at the point and the Firebirds defenseman blasted a slapshot past Cuda goalie Georgi Romanov for his second goal of the season at 9:36.

San Jose (14-6-0-1-29 points) scored the equalizer with a power play goal late in the opening frame. Shakir Mukhamadullin’s slap shot from the point was initially saved by Firebirds goalie Nikke Kokko, but the puck bounced out to Thomas Bordeleau who buried the rebound in for his fourth goal of the season at the 15:17 mark.

Tensions boiled over from last night as both teams danced the tango with the fisticuffs twice in the period. Tucker Robertson and Lucas Vanroboys fought at the 2:41 mark and then Ian McKinnon and Scott Sabourin battled it out on the ice with 24 seconds remaining.

“They (Coachella Valley) came out competitively tonight and I thought we matched them. I thought we responded appropriately. It’s good to take care of that side of it and get back to playing hockey,” Cuda head coach John McCarthy said.

Things calmed down in a scoreless second period. There were only two minor penalties in the penalty, both by San Jose. However, Coachella Valley weren’t able to cash in on either opportunity as once again the Barracuda penalty kill kept the Firebirds from taking the lead in the middle frame.

“You always talk about having your goalie be your best (penalty) killer. Askie (Yaroslav Askarov) has been huge for us. Tonight Gerogie (Romanov) was awesome. Also being on the same page and out competing their five guys with our four,” defensman Jimmy Schuldt said.

Houle’s game winning heroics for San Jose happened just past the halfway mark of the third period. Collin White sent the puck back up to the point. Mukhamadullin sent a wrist shot on net that was redirected by Houle that knuckleballed past Kokko for his fifth goal of the season at the 10:32 mark.

“I just tried to get to the net and get a stick on the puck,” said Houle on his game winning goal. “Luckily, I tipped it. It was a great feeling.”

Romanov (4-3-0) finished the game stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced to earn his fourth win of the season and jump over the .500 mark for the first time this season. Kokko (6-1-1) suffered his first regulation loss of the season as he made 36 saves on 38 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-5 on the power play. Coachella Valley was 0-for-3.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Houle 2) Romanov 3) Bordeleau.

UP NEXT: San Jose begins a five-game road trip on Thursday 12/10 when they take on the Coachella Valley Firebirds at 7:00pm at Acrisure Arena.