That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2022 Season-My Predictions

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez broadcasting last time the Oakland A’s were in the Postseason. October 3, 2018 At Yankee Stadium. American League Wild Card Final score: Yankees 7 Athletics 2. (Photo credit: APG Sports)

2022 Season – My Predictions–

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The season is here, even though we just had an abbreviated Spring Training and the CBA negotiations went deep into extra-innings, this will be a full 162-games season. And that is great news. Of all other sports, baseball (without a doubt), offers the most fun when it comes to predictions, there are more games, more ups and downs, more drama and great surprises. So here we go!

AL West

Houston Astros The more I look at the Seattle Mariners, the more improvement I see all over their roster. I like what they are doing in “Rain City”. They are already crowning Rookie Julio Rodríguez as the new “J-Rod” as the Rookie of the Year.

But I have to go with the Houston Astros, although they lost Carlos Correa to the Twins. Justin Verlander is returning to the mound, this is a veteran team with a good skipper who keeps everybody happy and knows how to win, in Dusty Baker.

I would not be surprised if the Mariners win the division. The A’s have a new look and it will be fun watching some of their future stars recently acquired, but they will not be in this race, they will play role of spoilers. Last time A’s were in a Postseason was in 2018.

Back to, the Angels line-up (all healthy) might be the most dangerous in baseball, but since Adam and Eve, without pitching nobody has won anything. Noah Syndergaard, aka “Thor” left the Big Apple for the Big A. But the Angelinos need more from the mound.

What a waste of a lineup it they do not win; Othani, Trout, Rendon and company. Last time the LA Angels made the playoffs was in 2014. Angels Owner Arturo (Arte) Moreno who spends more money than the US Congress would love nothing more than to be in the postseason. Arte is a good guy. Ay Caramba!

AL Central

Chicago White Sox The Minnesota Twins have a scary lineup and a good pitching staff, but the Chicago White Sox. this season are built not only to win this division but to go all the way to the World Series.

This will not be a tight race, White Sox by plenty. Last year they won the division by 13 games over Cleveland. There is a team now named the Guardians in Cleveland, they just signed José Ramírez, maybe one of the most underrated players in the game, he finally got paid, a multi-year $124 million contract.

But this is LaRussa’s division. We related to each other, Tony and I, were born on exactly threw same day, month and year, about 200 miles apart, Havana-Tampa, and not the cigars! This year is like the old Sinatra classic “My Kind of Town” Chicago!

AL East

Winner: Toronto The Blue Jays might be the team to watch and you cannot close your eyes when you see this team play. They are fun personified. Hard to have more fun than to watch this lineup, their solid pitching and the athleticism is by far the class of this division.

They’re young talented stars with some experience and they are going to compete in this always the most watched division in baseball. Tampa Bay Rays will be there and Boston Red Sox could compete all the way into September, they have Alex Cora, at 46 years old one of the most intelligent and accomplished managers in the game.

The Yankees always find a way, but they will not win the division, they wanted Frankie Montás of the A’s, and they still might get him, if they are in the race by July-August. If the Yankees win it, that is a surprise. You might get your passport ready, right now, for the postseason because you are not going to the Bronx, you are going to Canada.

NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers The Los Angeles Dodgers should win this division again with 100 plus wins. Games in the 2021 MLB season were initially played with limited capacity before being gradually increased to full capacity over the course of the season. Dodger Stadium will be rocking again this year between 3 to 3.5 million or more in attendance.

That’s a lot of Dodger Dogs. Further south the Bob Melvin Padres will survive a month or so without injured mega-star Fernando Tatís Jr, but they do not have the depth on their roster like the Dodgers, it is a must for Tatís to comeback healthy and stay healthy all season long.

I like the Giants rotation, even though they lost Kevin Gausman, they picked up Carlos Rodon, and if he can stay healthy, he will help. Their offense is not as good on paper compared to LA or SD. Giants could have signed Khris Bryant, but he signed with the thin-air Rockies in Colorado.

They open the season with their third-baseman, veteran Evan Longoria on the injured list. Attention, Giants fans; do not forget there are more opportunities for a wild card spot this year. But it will be tougher this year to “Beat LA”.

NL Central

St Louis Cardinals. For some reason I like the St Louis Cardinals, maybe is because they have the greatest of all baseball uniforms. The reunion between good friends and future Hall of Famers, Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols, might be all the inspiration they need, in a city personally I consider the best, bar-none, for baseball and fans in this country.

One of the very best organizations in the game, the Cards always manage to make it interesting. History has it they have won the most World Series in the National League, with eleven, and only the Yankees with 27, have won more in the same city among all teams in history..

NL East: New York Mets

Do we have enough drama in New York? Never! And this season will have more drama as veteran skipper Buck Showalter takes the control as first year manager of the Metropolitanos. The World Champion Atlanta Braves lost their heart and soul, the great first-baseman Freddy Freeman, who was one of the most popular players ever in Atlanta since Larry “Chipper” Jones.

They gained A’s Matt Olson so they did not lose much power there. The Bravos won 88 games last year and won the World Series. I see the Mets ascending and like the improved Philadelphia Phillies, it could be a three-team race.

When everything is right, the Mets might have the best trio of starters in the game, #1 Jacob DeGrom, #2 Matt Scherzer and #3 Chris Bassitt. Whatever happens, I still Love New York, I lived there after my US Army service and there is no city like it.

To expedite things, let’s go-by the playoffs and land in the World Series.

League Champion AL: Toronto Blue Jays NL: Los Angeles Dodgers

World Series Champion: Toronto Blue Jays

Adiós muchachos.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Oakland A’s Spanish lead play by play talent heard on 1010 KIQI Le Grande San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Mickelson to sit out the Masters; Tiger will play in the Masters; plus more

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Phil Mickelson seen here at the PGA Championship golf tournament on the Ocean Course, Saturday, May 22, 2021, in Kiawah Island, S.C. has vied not to play at the Augusta GA Masters this April 7-10, 2022 (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Tony R:

#1 Phil Mickelson has pulled out of the Augusta he was invited and was not disinvited according to  Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley. Mickelson had said he was going to look into joining the Saudi Super Golf League and leave the PGA. Mickelson has not played in a PGA event in two months.

#2 What hurt Mickelson most was when he said, “They killed (Washington Post journalist Jamal) Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights, Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates” said Mickelson in his book “Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar.”

#3 Tony, Tiger Woods says he’s feeling pretty good and said he had to have Nike custom make shoes for him that would take a lot of pressure of his back and help his golf swing. Tiger said he’s ready to get back and play in the Masters in Augusta April 7-10.

#4 Turning to Major League Baseball the Oakland A’s are in Philadelphia this Friday to open the 2022 season they have pretty much fire saled much of their veteran talent including former starter Sean Manaea who they sent to the San Diego Padres for two prospects. The A’s are expected to struggled this season and end up in last place in the AL West.

#5 Tony, the San Francisco Giants will be without starters third baseman Evan Longoria and outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. due to injuries. The Giants will be starting their number one ace Logan Webb who had a great 2021 and are hoping for big things from him in 2022.

Join Tony Renteria for Headline Sports each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Griffith’s OT win propel Condors over Barracuda in 3-2 win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The San Jose Barracuda forward Joachim Blichfeld (86) takes a shot in front of the Bakersfield Condors right winger Seth Griffith (39) at the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield on Wed Mar 6, 2022 (photo by the San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — It was a nice comeback, but the result was still the same.

Seth Griffin scored the game winning goal in overtime to give The Bakersfield Condors a 3-2 overtime victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Wednesday morning.

Griffth’s 23rd goal of the season came at the 1:48 mark in the extra session. Griffith skated in from the blueline and around Joachim Blichfeld and finished off a brilliant play with a backhand shot top shelf past ‘Cuda goalie Alex Stalock.

Despite earning a point, San Jose has lost a season worst eight games in a row with eight games left to play. Bakersfield have won three out of its last four games and sit in fourth place in the Pacific Division with 72 points.

Bakersfield (31-18-5-5) drew first blood in the final minute of the first period with a power play goal. Dylan Holloway set up Yanni Kaldis at the point and the Condors defenseman sent a quick shot past Stalock for his fifth goal of the season at the 19:02 mark.

It was the seventh straight game San Jose (20-36-3-2) has given up a power play goal to the opposing team.

The Condors doubled their lead with a short-handed goal early in the second period. James Hamblin pick pocketed Artemi Kniazev inside the ‘Cuda zone. Hamblin got Stalock to go down before putting a backhander past him for his 18th goal of the season at the 5:08 mark.

San Jose has given up five short-handed goals in their last eight games.

The Barracuda had only three shots in the middle frame as they were outshot 23-10 after 40 minutes.

San Jose cut the lead in half with a power play goal past the halfway mark in the third period. Blichfeld cleaned up a rebound with a hook and drag move in the right slot and snapped home a wrist shot past Condor’s goalie Stuart Skinner for his team leading 23rd goal at the 11:04 mark.

Blichfeld set the single season franchise record for power play goals with 12 as he eclipsed the mark set by Danny O’Regan back in 2011 season.

The Barracuda scored the equalizer late in the third period thanks to a good individual effort by Jayden Halbgewachs. Blichfeld sent a pass up into the Condor’s zone. Halbgewachs made a nice move around Marcus Neimelainen before roofing a shot top shelf past Stuart for his 17th goal of the season at the 15:33 mark.

Stuart (17-4-5) finished the morning stopping 18 of the 20 shots he faced to earn the victory. Stalock (4-6-1) made 34 saves on 37 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-5 on the power play. Bakersfield was 1-for-1.

The Three Stars of the Game were: 1) Griffith 2) Hamblin 3) Halbgewachs

Stuart is 9-0 against San Jose on home ice.

UP NEXT: San Jose return home to begin a two-game series with the Henderson Silver Knights on Saturday 4/9 at 6:00pm at SAP Center.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: McDavid scores game winner Oilers edge Sharks in OT 3-2

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers (91) tries to get the puck past the San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer (47) second period at the SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Apr 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 The San Jose Sharks (29-31-9) fell 2-1 in overtime to the Edmonton Oilers (41-25-5) Tuesday at SAP Center. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Connor McDavid scored for the Oilers and Mike Smith made 31 saves for the win and also talk about the three injured players and two that had to leave the game for the Sharks.

#2 Tomas Hertl scored the first goal of the game on the power play at 15:32. Hertl caught a pass from Brent Burns on the blue line and scored with a one-timer through the short side. 

#3 The Sharks held that lead until mid-way through the third period, when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tied the game with a short-handed goal.

#4 McDavid scored the game winner 31 seconds into overtime. Smith caught Brent Burns’ shot and made a pass to McDavid who was on his way up the ice. McDavid scored with a back hand past Reimer’s glove.

#5 Next up for the Sharks the Calgary Flames (41-19-9) just got by the Los Angeles Kings (38-24-10) on Monday night. The Flames snapped a three game losing streak with the win. Flames coming in on Thursday night how do you see these two teams?

Join Mary Lisa for the Sharks podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pelicans control Kings wire to wire in Sac’s last home game 123-109

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The New Orleans guard CJ McCollum (3) drives to the bucket against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Tue Apr 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (29-51) were back in action on Tuesday night for their last home game. The Kings were set to welcome the New Orleans Pelicans (35-44) on Tuesday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. The Kings last played on Sunday evening against the Golden State Warriors as they lost that game 109-90.

On Tuesday, the Kings lost to the New Orleans Pelicans by the final of 123-109 in the Kings last home game of the season.

In the first quarter, both teams started slow. The Kings fell behind early in the first quarter only to pull closer as the quarter came to a close. Overall, the Kings scored 25 points in the first quarter compared to the Pelicans 27. The Kings offense was down several players on Tuesday, but most notably, it was De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

In the second quarter, It wasn’t any better for the Kings. The Kings offense played well in the second quarter as they began to pick up the pace. However, the increase on offense also led to worse play on the defensive end.

The Kings scored 32 points in the second quarter but allowed the Pelicans to score 33 points and further their lead. Damian Jones led the way for the Kings in the first half as he scored 15 points. Jaxson Hayes led the way for the Pelicans on offense as he scored 12 points in the first half.

The Kings would need to control the Pelicans on offense if they wished to secure a win in their final home game of the season. The Kings went into halftime down 60-57.

In the third quarter, the story only got worse for the Kings. The Pelicans offense remained in high gear as the Kings struggled to mount any sort of gameplan on the defensive end of the floor.

The Pelicans continued the offensive onslaught as they scored 35 points on the Kings in the third quarter. On the other hand, the Kings only scored 27 points in the third as the deficit grew in Sacramento. It would tackle a miracle for the Kings to come back in the fourth quarter as they were down 95-84.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings didn’t show much fight. The trend of being outscored in every quarter of the game continued as the Pelicans outscored the Kings 28-25 in the final quarter. It was a disappointing end to a disappointing season for the Kings.

The Kings fell to the Pelicans by the final of 123-109. The Kings were led in the defeat by Damian Jones, who had 22 points. The Pelicans leading scorers were Jaxson Hayes and CJ McCollum, who each had 23 points. This game would conclude the 41 home games the Kings played at Golden One Center for the season.

Up Next: The Kings go on the road to take on the LA Clippers on Saturday in LA time of the game TBD.

Sharks Fall 2-1 in OT to Oilers, Three Injured Blocking Shots

Published on by M WalshLeave a comment


Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith (41) blocks a shot by San Jose Sharks left wing Alexander Barabanov (94) as Tyson Barrie (22) at the SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Apr 5, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

SAN JOSE- The San Jose Sharks fell 2-1 in overtime to the Edmonton Oilers Tuesday at SAP Center. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Connor McDavid scored for the Oilers and Mike Smith made 31 saves for the win. Tomas Hertl scored for the Sharks and James Reimer made 22 saves in the loss.

Tomas Hertl scored the first goal of the game on the power play at 15:32. Hertl caught a pass from Brent Burns on the blue line and scored with a one-timer through the short side. Assists went to Burns and Timo Meier.

After the game, Sharks Head Coach Bob Boughner said:

“We did everything we needed to do five-on-five. It’s one of our best, most solid games in a long time and, you know, a little bit the story of our year. You know, out-chanced the team, we had so many chances, Smith plays great and you can’t get that second goal you need.”

Sharks goaltender James Reimer said: “Good game. I think both teams played hard, played well. Unfortunately someone has got to lose.”

The Sharks held that lead until mid-way through the third period, when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tied the game with a short-handed goal. The Sharks had spent over a minute trying to set up their power play when the Oilers attacked in numbers. They moved the puck across the ice three times before Nugent-Hopkins took the shot from in close. Assists went to Zach Hyman and Darnell Nurse.

Connor McDavid scored the game winner 31 seconds into overtime. Mike Smith caught Brent Burns’ shot and made a pass to McDavid who was on his way up the ice. McDavid scored with a back hand past Reimer’s glove.

John Leonard was injured blocking a shot on his first shift of the second period. The shot appeared to hit him in the ankle and he left the game. Jonah Gadjovich and Jaycob Megna both sustained injuries blocking shots late in the third period, within seconds of each other. Both stayed on the ice until the whistle blew, at which time Gadjovich went to the dressing room and Megna went to the bench.

The Sharks power play got three shots and a goal and gave up one goal. Their penalty kill gave up no shots and got one short handed shot. In the face-off circle, the Sharks won 54% of the draws. Timo Meier had nine shots on goal, nearly twice as many as the second most shots in the game, five from Logan Couture.

The Sharks next play on Thursday at home against the Calgary Flames at 7:30 PM PT.

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Warriors look to pick up third win in row against slumping LeBron and Lakers

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) makes for a fast break on the Sacramento Kings Justin Holiday (9) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Apr 3, 2022 (AP News photo)

#1 Dave, after losing four straight games the Golden State Warriors (50-29) got key wins against the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings (29-50). How much of a relief did this have to be for the club considering they had lost those three games and were without Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

#2 Despite not having Curry and Thompson the Warriors got some offense from forward Andrew Wiggins who led with 25 points and guard Jordan Poole who finished behind Wiggins with 22 points.

#3 The Warriors host the Los Angeles Lakers (31-47) on Thursday night at Chase Center. The Lakers are having troubles of their own with seven loses of their last eight games. The Lakers are on a eight game loss streak losing their last game to the Denver Nuggets (47-32) 129-118 at Crypto Arena on Sunday night.

Join David Zizmor throughout the NBA postseason for the Golden State Warriors podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: Amtrak joins Union Pacific in A’s Howard Terminal law suit; Former Dodger Tommy Davis passes at 83

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Artists rendition of what the Howard Terminal ballpark would look like if built. The project is meeting lots of opposition from a number of plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits including Amtrak and Union Pacific just this week (photo from the Port of Oakland)

On That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amtrak Capital Corridor has joined Southern Pacific in a lawsuit to stop the Oakland A’s Howard Terminal build. Both plaintiffs claim that public safety risk which involved traffic, pedestrian safety where railroad tracks encircle the entire Oakland Port location. The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) is the A’s last chance at building at the terminal and the A’s need a two thirds vote on June 2 if the Commission votes it down the project is dead.

#2 Amaury, Couldn’t start the podcast without mentioning the passing of the late Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Tommy Davis who passed away on Monday at age 83. Davis had a .294 career average, 153 home runs, and 1,052 RBIs.

#3 Davis said towards the end of his career that he was bitter for being released so much he played for 11 different teams including the Oakland A’s two different times. Davis said that he was released because he was too laid back and argued he played better that way. He was noted for shaving or reading a book between at bats when he was a DH for the Baltimore Orioles between 1972-75.

#4 Former Oakland A’s designated hitter Khris Davis was signed by the Mexico City Red Devils for a one year deal. Davis’ mother is Mexican and who speaks Spanish is from Guadalajara and this has to be very special for Davis to play in the Mexican League.

#5 Mark Kotsay said Saturday that he was debating whether to start Sean Manaea or Frankie Montas for opening day on Friday but that answer was made for him when Manaea was traded to the San Diego Padres on Sunday morning. The A’s were scheduled to play the Padres that morning and Manaea got to start against his former team and heard some all in fun chirping from his ex-teammates during his first game with the Pads.

#6 Former Houston Astro Carlos Beltran admitted that the Astros crossed the line in 2017 stealing signs electronically. Beltran who is now a analyst for the YES Network calling New York Yankee games said “the cheating was working did you truly expect us to stop.”

#7 Amaury, MLB’s hottest prospect the Seattle Mariners Julio Rodriquez not only is up and coming but he made it to the opening day roster. The 21 year old from the Dominican hit .419 this spring and the Mariners were so impressed what he did at the plate hitting three home runs and and eight RBIs. Rodriguez can also play left, center and right defensively and are hoping for big things from his this season.

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

Sacramento Kings podcast with Morris Phillips: Shooting that killed six, injured 12 take precedence before Sunday’s game

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Fans and players of the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings prior to the game stand in a moment of silence to remember those who were killed or injured on Sun Apr 3, 2022’s shooting in downtown Sacramento just blocks away from the Golden One Center in downtown Sacramento. (photo by the Sacramento Bee)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Morris:

#1 Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed the media before Sunday’s game at the Golden One Center in Sacramento. Kerr’s whose father was gunned down in Beirut in 1984 talked about the shooting that took place before Sunday’s game in Sacramento where six were killed and 12 were injured saying that everyone is crushed before the start of the game about what took place.

#2 Morris you and I have taken to those same streets near the Golden One Center many times, for example on Ninth between K Street and J Streets in downtown Sacramento and the neighborhood is rough after dark the Kings have one more home game left but it certainly puts fear into those who travel to downtown for business or pleasure.

#3 To the game on Sunday night the Sacramento Kings (29-50) who had won four of their last five game previous to Sunday’s game were totally broadsided by Golden State (50-29) in a 19 point loss. The Kings were defeated by a Warrior team that played without stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

#4 Morris the Kings had a tough time defending the Warriors Andrew Wiggins with a team leading 25 points, followed by Jordan Poole 22 points, and former King Nemanja Bjelica with 19 points.

#5 Morris, the Kings will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, the Pelicans have won four of their last six games. They took a tough loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in their last game 119-100. How do you see the Pelicans and Kings matching up on Tuesday?

This is Morris’ last Kings podcast for the 2021-22 season and he will be doing the San Francisco Giants podcasts starting next Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: How Warriors missed Thompson’s presence in Sacramento on Sunday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson celebrates a great offensive night on Sat Apr 2, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco sat out Sun Apr 3, 2022 in Sacramento due to a management injury (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, the Golden State Warriors didn’t have the use of Klay Thompson due to a management injury. Watching the contest in Sacramento on Sunday night could you see a difference with Thompson out of the line up.

#2 There is no doubt with a Thompson and Curry out of the line up the Warriors have to lean on scorers Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins to provide for offense.

#3 In the Warriors game on Saturday you couldn’t tell that Thompson had any injury issues he was lights out scoring 36 points.

#4 As you could see from their game against the Utah Jazz a huge difference when Thompson is in the line up they got a four point win against a good club.

#5 The Kings are a team that has been on the move lately before Sunday’s game they had won four out their last five. They narrowly lost the the Phoenix Suns on Sun Mar 20th they’re a team that the Warriors had own in the past.

Join Barbara Mason for the Golden State Warriors podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com