That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Supervisor Chan, Posey, Braves, and MLB Collective Bargaining

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Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan who died Wed Nov 3, 2021 after be struck by a car in Alameda while walking her dog. Chan was 72 and was one of four County Supervisors who voted for the Oakland A’s new ballpark Howard Terminal. Here Chan speaks to the Alameda County Asian Health Services in Oakland on Wed Oct 27, 2021 (AP News photo)

Supervisor Chan, Posey, Braves, CBA

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan died after being struck by a car Wednesday. She was walking her dog in Alameda, according to her office said in a statement. Chan suffered a head injury and died shortly at Highland Hospital. Police say the driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

She was a hard working Supervisor for the people of the county and recently voted for the Howard Terminal new ballpark for the Oakland A’s. Although she was ‘on the fence’ on to build or not to build the Howard Terminal ballpark, at the end she was one of the four supervisors that voted in favor by a final tally of 4 to 1. May she Rest in Peace.

— Buster Posey announced his retirement after 12 years as catcher for the San Francisco Giants. Posey ends his career with three World Series rings as well as Rookie of the Year, seven (7) All Star Game appearances and MVP of the National League in 2012. In 2020 Posey did not played.

He chose to stay home with his family because of covid epidemic. Giants were ready to welcome Posey back for 2022, but he chose to retire to stay home with his family. A good decision (although he left over some $20 million dollars on the table) he is a principle family man of conviction with very straight set of priorities. Congratulations Buster Posey, who might be in the Hall of Fame five years from now.

— Atlanta Braves victory parade in downtown Atlanta, with millions of Atlanta fans on the streets, many with Tomahawks in hand. The parade ended at Truist Park, Home of the Braves, where all fans were allowed to walk into the park for free and celebrate with the players.

This Braves championship ends an incredible story where Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred removed the All Star Game from Atlanta to Denver in July in protest for a new ID voting law in Atlanta, which stands today and moved it to Denver, where there happens to be a similar law.

Atlanta is now recuperating from the financial lost of not hosting the ASG. They are benefiting much more economically and in prestige as they have won their second World Series since they play in Atlanta. Congratulations Atlanta, Georgia. This should be a lesson to Commissioner Manfred, that he is the Commissioner of Baseball and politics are not his forte. Leave the politics outside the stadium.

— Owners and Players of Major League Baseball have until December 2 (expiration day) to work out a new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement). Last time it was negotiated was 2016. There are many issues to be resolved – typical management (owners) vs. labor (players).

There is a feeling in the business that there is a high probability of a lockout of the 2022 season. Later this month I will have this issue explained in more detail as it is my feeling, that if they lockout the sport this might be very close to committing suicide and like 1994 (the last work stoppage) where the game “came back” in 1998 because of the home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, this time they might not be able to comeback.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears Football podcast with Daniel Dullum: Oregon State win for Cal was a great test of will for Bears

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Cal Bears quarterback Chase Garbers drops back to pass against the Oregon State Beavers on Sat Oct 30, 2021 at Arizona in Tucson this Sat Nov 5, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears football podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel looking at the Cal Bears (3-5) winning their last two games is this a vast improvement after losing three in a row?

#2 The Bears were coming off a healthy 26-3 win against the Colorado Buffaloes (2-6) to start the first of two wins and in convincing fashion 26-3 and after losing three in a row Cal hosted the Oregon State Beavers (5-3) and won what most critics have said was a big test going back to Memorial Stadium.

#3 The Beavers coming into Cal last Sat Oct 30th had won five of their last six games and had defeated some of the Pac 12’s most challenging teams like the Utah Utes (5-3 and first place) and USC (4-4) for Cal to defeat them 39-25 had to be the Bears biggest win of the season so far.

#4 Daniel, talk about Cal quarterback Chase Garbers he had a big day last week against the Beavers throwing 17-26 for 262 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The point that he didn’t have any interceptions says the O line was giving him lots of time to throw three touchdowns.

#5 This Sat Nov 6 in Tucson the Cal Bears take on the Arizona Wildcats (0-8) a 12 noon kick off Daniel your in Arizona right now. The Wildcats have not won a single game this year and are starting to feel the pressure. The defense simply could not hold USC in their last game and Wildcats quarterback Will Plummer was 20-34 for 264 yards, no touchdowns and no picks. How do you see this match up this Saturday.

Join Daniel for the Cal Bears podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com each Friday

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Barnes and Kings host Hornets tonight at Golden One

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The Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives to the hoop with the Utah Jazz forward Royce O’Neale (rear) trying to put up a block on Tue Nov 2, 2021 at Salt Lake City. Barnes led the Kings in scoring on Wed Nov 3, 2021 against the Charlotte Hornets in Sacramento.

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, tell us about Tyrese Haliburton who went on a seven point run late in the fourth quarter to help the Sacramento Kings (4-4) pick up a 112-99 win over the visiting New Orleans Pelicans (1-8) at Golden One Center in Sacramento.

#2 The Pelicans had won only one game going into Wednesday night’s game and were an easy target for the Kings and an easier target for NBA Network’s Charles Barkley who said Zion Williamson has put on some weight which might be the team anchor.

#3 What made it even better for the Kings Williamson was not in the New Orleans line up but that said the Kings still needed all of the 20 points they scored in the fourth quarter.

#4 Jeremiah, tell us about Harrison Barnes whose been on the top of the leaderboard and Wednesday night was no exception scoring 23 points.

#5 The Kings host the Charlotte Hornets (5-4) tonight at Golden One. The Hornets are coming off a two game losing streak first losing to the Cleveland (4-4) at home on Monday 113-110 and to Golden State (6-1) in San Francisco 114-92 on Wednesday night. The Hornets have star shooters Miles Bridges, LeMelo Ball, and Gordon Hayward how do you see them matched up against the Kings tonight?

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Fall to Blues 5-3; St Louis scores 3 goals in second period

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St Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer stopped 23 shots in his first NHL game against the San Jose Sharks on Thu Nov 4, 2021 at SAP Center (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

SAN JOSE- The San Jose Sharks lost 5-3 to the St. Louis Blues Thursday. Blues goals came from Brandon Saad (2), Pavel Buchnevich, James Neal and Robert Thomas. Joel Hofer, in his first NHL game, made 23 saves for the win. Sharks goals came from Brent Burns, Logan Couture and Nick Merkley. Adin Hill made 23 saves in the loss.

After the game, Assistant Coach John MacLean was asked whether the Sharks let a win slip away here. He said: “No game’s a given here in the NHL. I mean, yeah we had some opportunities and we let a couple of opportunities slip away.” He summarized the loss as “just one of those games. We can’t forget that St. Louis is a pretty good hockey club and when they got the lead they shut’er down pretty good, they didn’t give us a lot after that.”

The Sharks scored a power play goal at 7:13 of the first. The teams were playing 5 on 3 due to several overlapping penalties. Burns’s one-timer went by three skaters and under Joel Hofer. Assists went to Tomas Hertl and Alexander Barabanov.

Brandon Saad tied it up with a short-handed goal as the Sharks power play was winding down. Tyler Bozak carried the puck into the zone along the boards and made a pass across the ice to Saad on the other side of the ice, avoiding two Sharks defenders. Saad’s quick shot went by Hill on the far side.

Logan Couture got the lead back for the Sharks with his own short-handed goal at 17:16. Couture stole the puck from [x]Faulk in the neutral zone before making a run into the o-zone. His wrist shot snuck under Hofer. Rudolfs Balcers got an assist.

The Sharks out-shot the Blues 12-7 in the first. Their power plays got seven shots on goal and their penalty kill gave up one shot. They also did well in the face-off circle, winning 56% of the draws.

The Blues tied it again at 4:20 of the second. Ivan Barbashev intercepted the puck in the o-zone and found Pavel Buchnevich by the face-off dot with a quick pass. Buchnevich shot it right in and beat Hill over the glove. Assists went to Barbashev and Klim Kostin.

Nick Merkley put the Sharks ahead again less than 30 seconds later. Merkley tipped Mario Ferraro’s shot, sending the puck between Jake Walman’s skates and under Hofer for his first of the season. Assists went to Ferraro and Burns.

Saad tied it again with his second of the night at 8:09. A slick wrist shot from the face-off dot went off the post and in on the far side. Assists went to Robert Thomas and David Perron.

James Neal gave the Blues their first lead of the night at 11:42. Hill stopped Walman’s shot from the point but Neal picked up the rebound and swept it around the Sharks’s goaltender. Assists went to Walman and Tyler Bozak.

The Blues edged the Sharks in the face-off circle in the second period, 10 wins to 9. They also out-shot the Sharks 12-8. Their power play got three shots on goal.

Midway through the third period, Nikko Mikkola sent Logan Couture into the boards. Couture got up slowly and walked into the tunnel but he returned to the bench instead of going to the dressing room. After the game he said he was fine.

Robert Thomas scored an empty-netter with a minute left. Assists went to Colton Parayko and Hofer.

In the final tally, the Sharks won 58% of the face-offs. The Blues outshot the Sharks 28-26. The Sharks had nine shots on the power play and the Blues had four.

Thursday’s game was William Eklund’s ninth game. If he plays another with the Sharks, he cannot be sent down without triggering his entry level contract.

Due to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol, the Sharks are still without forwards Keving Labanc, Timo Meier, and Matt Nieto, and defensemen Erik Karlsson, Jake Middleton, Radim Simek and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Head Coach Bob Boughner, Head Trainer Ray Tufts and Equipment Manager Mike Aldrich are also out.

Of the Sharks’ young defensemen, John MacLean said: “One of the hardest positions to break into the National Hockey League is playing defense… the experiences they get, they played out of necessity, and you don’t jump on them because they gave a good solid effort.”

Logan Couture also talked about how the inexperienced players are doing:

“The guys that have stepped in and played their second or third NHL games have played well and they’ve given it all they have. The veterans, we can do a better job protecting those guys, playing out of our end and in their end a little bit more.”

The Sharks next play on Saturday at home, against the New Jersey Devils at 7:30 PM PT.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Ruggs under house arrest waiting for trial; Raiders in New Jersey to face Giants with heavy hearts

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Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is seated at the Las Vegas Justice Court on Wed Nov 3 for multiple DUI charges and running into victim Tina Tintor’s SUV RAV4 killing her and her dog on Tue Nov 2, 2021. Ruggs in under house arrest at his Las Vegas home. (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast:

#1 Tony, going into New Jersey on Sunday to face the Giants at the Meadowlands how much preparation and just general counseling and comfort will the players need to give each other in getting ready for this game.

#2 Tony, to say the least a shock once everyone found out Tuesday what happened regarding wide receiver Henry Ruggs III a well liked player it was hard on everyone to know he will not be their teammate anymore.

#3 For Tina Tintor the 23 year old victim she could not get out of her RAV4 SUV three bystanders tried to pull her out but were overcome by smoke and had to back away. Her family was in court on Wed Nov 3 for the initial court appearance of Ruggs.

#4 Tony, after winning their last two games and having a bye week last Sunday things were looking up and positive for the Raiders but how do you come back from something like this?

#5 The Raiders face the New York Giants (2-6) at the Meadowlands for Sunday the Giants are coming off a 20-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs (4-4). Giants quarterback Daniel Jones threw 22-32 for 222 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The Giants are a struggling team but where the Raiders are right now how do you see this game?

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

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Met’s now have 3 front office openings after firing GM; Jets have a quarterback controversy; plus more

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The New York Mets have lots to work on in the off season after the recent firing of Zach Scott which now creates three front office openings. AP file photo show the Mets hosting the Washington Nationals Sun Aug 29, 2021

On Headlines with Jessica:

#1 The New York Mets fired acting general manager Zack Scott, Scott who served for the Mets for only two months was arrested for driving under the influence. Mets team president Sandy Alderson has assumed Scott’s general manager duties.

#2 The Mets who fell apart in the second half of the season was an additional reason to the Scott firing, Alderson is now looking for a new general manager, a field manager as Luis Rojas was fired, and a new president of baseball operations.

#3The Mets also were trying to hire former Oakland A’s manager Bob Melvin who has signed on with the San Diego Padres and A’s vice president Billy Beane. Beane is part owner of the A’s and it’s very unlikely he will leave Oakland for New York.

#4 Jessica it looks like a quarterback controversy at the New York Jets, back up quarterback Mike White threw for 405 yards and first stringer Zack Wilson came over to congratulate him after the game. White said that Wilson was “more juiced” about the win than he was. Jets head coach Robert Saleh said he’ll see how Wilson is doing coming off his knee injury regarding who he’ll start against the Indianapolis Colts this week on Sunday Night Football.

#5 Jessica, the New York Giants (2-6) are struggling having lost the Kansas Chiefs (4-4) last Sunday in Kansas City. The Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was 22-32 for 222 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The Giants host the Las Vegas Raiders (4-2) this Sunday in the Meadowlands.

Join Jessica for Headline Sports podcasts every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings pour it on the Pelicans 112-99 at Golden One

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Sacramento Kings head coach Luke Walton expresses himself to the officials as the Kings hosted the New Orleans Pelicans on Wed Nov 3, 2021 at Golden one Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night in the second night of a back-to-back as they started a four-game homestand. The Kings were welcoming in the New Orleans Pelicans who were without young and often injured star Zion Williamson.

The two teams were off to very different starts to the season. The Kings had played good basketball to start the year and have been showing promise with a record of 3-4 on the year. The Kings Harrison Barnes led the way with 23 points in the 112-99 victory at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wednesday night.

On the other hand, the Pelicans had started the year 1-6 reeling in the Western Conference and looking for anything to turn into momentum. The Kings and the Pelicans were set to play at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. However, before we dive into Wednesday’s action let’s look at how the Kings faired in their last game.

Flashback Tuesday: The Kings took on the Utah Jazz on Tuesday in the first game of a back-to-back. The Kings were wrapping up a road trip that saw them win and lose. It was a solid trip but the Kings were looking to return home. On Tuesday, the Kings put up a solid fight but ultimately came up short.

The Jazz managed to put the Kings away in a 119-113 win. It wasn’t a bad loss for the Kings but Luke Walton after the game stressed the importance of learning from mistakes and not letting it snowball.

Wednesday recap: The Kings were set for tip-off in Sacramento at 7 PM PST.

In the first quarter, the game was fairly even. Neither team got off to a particularly hot start. The Kings managed to narrowly outscore the Pelicans 27-26 in the first quarter. Both teams seemed to not be able to get into a rhythm on either side of the ball.

In the second quarter, the Kings were able to improve their performance overall. The Kings were able to hold the Pelicans to the exact same total they amassed in the first quarter which was 26. On the offensive side of the ball, the Kings managed to score 29 points to increase their lead to 56-52 going into halftime.

Richaun Holmes led the Kings in the first half with 12 points. However, Holmes would be ejected in the game after receiving a technical foul for arguing. The Kings would look to build on the lead and close out a struggling Pelicans team in the second half.

In the third quarter, both defenses fell asleep. The Kings were still able to outscore the Pelicans in the third, but the defense was nowhere to be found. The Pelicans scored 35 points compared to the Kings 36. The teams were running in the open court and knocking down their shots in the fast-paced third quarter. The Kings took the 92-87 three-quarter lead into the final 12 minutes.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings finished off the Pelicans. The Kings dominated the flow of the game in the fourth. The Kings managed to outscore the Pelicans 20-12 as the Kings defense put the clamps on the Pelicans offense. It has the feeling of a blowout in the final minutes as the Kings dribbled out the clock to end the game.

It was a great win for the Kings on the second night of a back-to-back to even their record at 4-4. The Kings were led in victory by an impressive Harrison Barnes who scored 23 points. Tyrese Haliburton added 20 points behind Barnes in the win for the win. The Pelicans greatest contribution came from Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Devonte Graham who each scored 16 points. The Pelicans fell to 1-7 on the season.

Up Next: The Kings get a much-needed day off on Thursday before taking on the Charlotte Hornets on Friday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento.

Warriors defense stop Hornets 114-92; Poole finishes on top with 31 points

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The Charlotte Hornets guard LeMelo Ball (2) drives against the Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (right) Wed Nov 3, 2021 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

An amazing defensive display gets Golden State past the Charlotte Hornets 114-92 Jordan Poole finishes with 31 points for the win.

Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (6-1) took on the Charlotte Hornets (5-4). This is probably the toughest team that Golden State has faced so far this season. The trio of Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward and LeMelo Ball will test the Warriors defense. The Hornets are number one in the league on scoring off turnovers so it is crucial that the Warriors keep turnovers to a minimum.

The Warriors came out really flat in the first quarter shooting nine of 19 and struggling with turnovers yet again with seven already in this game. The score after the opening quarter was 26-21 in favor of the Hornets. Charlotte’s Hayward, Bridges and Ball lived up to their reputation with 21 points in the quarter. Jordan Poole had a great start in this game scoring ten points, two of them from downtown.

Despite sluggish play by Steph Curry with five points, Draymond Green with three and Wiggins coming up empty the Warriors led 53-52 at the half. Golden State was in this game thanks to the reserves and Jordan Poole who had 22 points. He was 6-9 from downtown turning in a great first half.

The Hornets Miles Bridges had 21 points at the half and would be tough to stop in the second half. Golden State already had 10 turnovers in the first half and they could not continue on that path.

The Warriors defense continued to hold the highest scoring team in the league to 43 percent. Mid-way through the third quarter the Warriors held a 70-63 lead. The tale of this quarter was the Golden State defense. The Hornets could hardly buy a basket in the quarter and constantly turned the ball over accumulating eight. The Warriors led after three 80-67.

The Warriors would have to hold tight in the fourth quarter against Charlotte known for being a second half team. The Hornets started to turn things around and fought back from 15 points down to within seven. With three minutes left in the game the offense and defense really stepped up. Jordan Poole would finish with 31 points. Daniel Lee had 15 points and Gary Payton II with 14. This win came courtesy of the reserves and another amazing defensive display.

Despite 32 points Bridges could not get his team past Golden State. The two benches were a stark contrast. Golden State had 42 points while Charlotte had 11.

Friday night the Warriors will take on the New Orleans Pelicans going for their seventh win. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Heat first period outburst buries Barracuda 4-1

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San Jose Barracuda and Stockton Heat matched up at the SAP Center in San Jose on Wed Nov 3, 2021 (photo from the San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE—There’s a heatwave happening in the Central Valley. And it has nothing to do with the weather.

The Stockton Heat scored three goals is the first period en route to a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Wednesday evening at SAP Center.

San Jose is 2-2-0 in its past four games. Stockton have won five games in a row and still haven’t lost in regulation.

Stockton (5-0-1-0) drew first blood four minutes into the first period. A turnover by the Barracuda inside their own zone led to Adam Ruzicka all alone on ‘Cuda goalie Alexei Melnichuk. Ruzicka made one move before lifting a backhander past Melnichuk for his fifth goal of the season at the 4:04 mark. Jacob Pelletier was credited with an assist.

Pelletier now has eight points (2G, 6A) in fives game for Stockton to begin his rookie season.

Stockton doubled its lead just under two minutes later. Glenn Gawdin skated around Adam Parsells and sent a pass through the crease over to Luke Philip who tapped home the puck into an empty net for his third goal of the season at the 5:54 mark.

The Heat scored their goal of the period on the power play. Andy Welinski sent a pass from the point over to the right faceoff circle to Martin Pospisil who sent a wrist shot on net. Ruzicka, who was camped out in front of the crease, redirected the puck past Melnichuk for his second goal of the game and sixth of the season at the 11:13 mark.

San Jose (2-2-1-0) weren’t able to generate much offense as they were busy killing off penalties in the entire second half of the period. Their best chance to get on the scoreboard was on a short-handed odd man rush where Kyle Topping’s shot was saved by Heat goalie Dustin Wolf.

Stockton out shot San Jose 14-6 in the opening 20 minutes.

It’s been a tough few days for ‘Cuda head coach Roy Sommer. The game in Stockton was canceled due to two San Jose players and their goalie coach that tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday afternoon. That had left the team with only 12 players available to play.

There was no time for the recent callup from Orlando to get any practice time before tonight’s game.

“That’s probably the best team in the division and we were a little shorthanded on the back,” said Sommer. “And the guys (who just got here) haven’t had (a chance to) practice yet. They just got off the plane today. So that made a big difference.”

The Heat extended its lead with their second power play goal of the game midway through the second period. Ruzicka sent in a wrist shot on Melnichuk that was initially stopped but Pospisil cleaned up the rebound with a backhand shot for his second goal of the season at the 8:12 mark.

San Jose finally got on the board late in the middle frame. Cole Moberg sent a shot on net from the right end line. The puck ricochet off Wolf into the middle as Scott Reedy crashed in and put the puck into the back of the net for his third goal of the season at the 12:57 mark.

“Just not a real good hockey game (from us). (We) didn’t come out of our end real clean. Turned some pucks over in the neutral zone and didn’t have any (offensive) zone time,” Sommer said.

A scoreless third period featured lots of chippiness between the two teams that have no love lost for one another. Multiple scrums with pushing and shoving ensued throughout the final 20 minutes.

Wolf finished the game with 22 shots on 24 shots to earn the victory. Melnichuk stopped 24 of the 28 shots he faced in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-4 on the power play. Stockton went 2-for-5.

‘Cuda forward Timur Ibragimov was injured in the third period with an apparent lower body injury when he was tripped up inside the Heat zone. He was not able to finish the game.

This was the first meeting between the two clubs since March 10, 2020, marking a 603 day gap between games.

The Barracuda are 34-20-2, including 18-11-1-0 at home, all time against the Heat.

Forward Noah Gregor remained on the Covid-19 protocol list. Goalie Zachary Sawchenko was released from the list.

San Jose recalled goalie Zachary Emond, defenseman Montana Onyebuchi and forwards Jake McGrew and Kyle Topping from the ECHL’s Solar Bears on Monday.

UP NEXT: San Jose host the Texas Stars on Saturday 11/6 at 1:15pm at SAP Center.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: From Defecting his Country to World Series MVP

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The Atlanta Braves Jorge Soler holds the 2021 World Series MVP Award in the Braves defeat of the Houston Astros on Tue Nov 3, 2021 at Truist Park in Cobb County GA (photo by the New York Times)

From Defecting his Country to World Series MVP

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

Although there are no diplomatic relations between the US and communist Cuba, that has not stopped dozens of Cuban baseball players escaping the island for years now. They have traveled via small homemade rafts in the middle of the night (very dangerous journey) or when their national team plays in a foreign country. They ask for political exile. Later, these players find their dreams, to play in the major leagues.

Jorge Soler of the Atlanta Braves in one of those Cuban players. He just won unanimously the Most Valuable Player of the 2021 World Series. Their first World Series championship since 1995. After leaving Cuba, under awful circumstances, Soler was signed by the Chicago Cubs to a 9-year $30 million contract.

In 2016 was traded to Kansas City for reliever Wade Davis, two years later he fractured a toe in his right foot and missed the rest of the season. With the Kansas City Royals. Jorge Soler established their new season home run record. In 2019 Soler’s 48 home runs, broke the previously home run record for the Royals, held by Mike Mustakas of 38 home runs in 2017.

During the NLDS on October 12 Soler tested positive for covid a few hours before the Braves played the decisive Game 4 against the Milwaukee Brewers. He had to leave the stadium and remain away from the team for at least 10 days, also missing the first 4 games of the NLCS against the LA Dodgers. He returned last Thursday for the World Series and the rest (like they say) it is history.

The slugging outfielder has come full circle with a great performance in the 2021 World Series, especially the 3 run home run in the third inning of the six game, a line-shot over 440 feet, that left Minute Maid Park, “A la calle” into the street. The Braves won 7-0 against the Houston Astros and that home run was crucial to open the scoring as the Astros were under pressure against great pitching for 6 innings from their star left-hander Max Fried.

World Series MVP Jorge Soler from Pinar del Río, Cuba (province famous for producing the best cigars in the world) hit, .300 with 6 hits, 4 home runs, 6 runs batted-in, 4 runs scored and 3 walks.

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