Posey to retire on Thursday; Three time World Champ hangs it up after 12 seasons

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San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey is seen here playing just one of a handful of games during spring training on Feb 24, 2020. Posey did not play in the 2020 regular season and returned in 2021 and is announcing his retirement Thu Nov 4, 2021 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News file photo)

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO–Buster Posey, the last player to win all three World Series Championships with the San Francisco Giants in 2010, 2012 and 2014 will be announcing his retirement on Thursday, according to sources.

Posey, who was drafted by the Giants with the fifth overall pick in the 2008 MLB draft, and when he signed with the team on August 16 of that year, he was given a $6.2 million signing bonus, the largest up-front bonus in team history.

After beginning the 2009 season with the San Jose Giants, Posey was promoted to the Fresno Grizzlies, then the Giants Triple-A and after 35 games, he was called up to the big leagues on September 2 of that year and eventually made his debut on September 11 at AT&T Park and struck out in his first career at-bat against Hiroki Kuroda of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Eight days later, Posey picked up his major league hit off of Jeff Weaver of the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

Posey began the 2010 season with the Grizzlies, and was called up on May 29, 2010, and went three-for-four at the plate with four runs batted in. On June 9, Posey hit his first MLB home run off of Aaron Harang of the Cincinnati Reds.

Then Giants General Manager Brian Sabean traded Bengie Molina to the Texas Rangers on June 29, 2010 and after the trade, Posey became the Giants starting catcher.

After helping the Giants to their first World Series Championship over the Rangers later that season, Posey would be named the National League Rookie of the Year.

Just one month after the 2011 season began on May 25, Posey sustained a broken fibula, and torn ligaments in his left leg after a home plate collision with Scott Cousins of the Florida Marlins.

Posey returned to the team for the 2012 season and became the first National League catcher since Ernie Lombardi of the Cincinnati Reds in 1942 to win the batting title, and helped the Giants to their second World Series Championship in three years, when the swept the Detroit Tigers.

During the post-season awards circuit, Posey won the NL MVP, the Silver Slugger Award for catchers and the NL Comeback Player of the Year. Posey also won the Willie Mac Award from his teammates.

Posey would help lead the Giants to their third World Series Championship in five years in a thrilling seven-game series against the Kansas City Royals in 2014.

Once again, Posey and the even year magic of the Giants would come into play again in 2016, as the Giants defeated the New York Mets in the NL Wild Card game; however, they would lose in the National League Division Series to the eventual World Champion Chicago Cubs.

With the 2020 season being shortened due to the coronavirus, Posey opted out of the season to help his wife Kristen take care of their twins Addison and Lee, and two premature born twins.

Posey returned to the field for the 2021 season, and helped the Giants to their first NL West Division Championship since 2012, as the Giants won a franchise record 107 games.

During the season, Posey batted .304 with 18 home runs and 56 Runs Batted In.

The organization said last month that they would exercise the $22 million club option for the 2022 season.

While playing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, Posey showed hints of retirement to be at home with his wife and four children.

Eventually, Posey will be a member of the Giants Wall of Fame, probably get a statue at Oracle Park, have his number 28 retired and most definitely head to Cooperstown and into Baseball Hall of Fame.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast (Special Edition) with Rich Perez: Raiders find themselves in an another storm in Ruggs situation

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Former Las Vegas Raiders running back Henry Ruggs III mug shot has posted $150,000 bail and is under house arrest at his Las Vegas home. He was arraigned in court on Wednesday morning and will have another court date to appear. The court has also restricted him from driving, drinking, is under house arrest, must wear a ankle brace and Ruggs had to turn in his passport. (News 8 KLAS TV still photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, this team got through the Jon Gruden situation with flying colors now with former running back Henry Ruggs III how will they weather this storm.

#2 The Las Vegas judicial system rules that DUIs resulting in deaths will cost the offender two to 46 years either way Ruggs is looking at a long time in prison if convicted. It’s unfortunate as he was an up and coming star for the Raiders who has now gone from from hero to zero.

#3 Rich Wednesday morning in court Ruggs was wearing an neck brace as he listened to charges being read. There was a second DUI charge against Ruggs for the serious injuries of his passenger Kiara Kilgo-Washington and having a loaded weapon on the floor of his car. His bail was set for $150,000 in just an almost unbelievable situation. Driving 156 MPH after 3:20 AM on Tuesday and slamming into 23 year old Tina Tintor’s car that killed her and her dog.

#4 Ruggs is on bail the judge ruled he has to wear a ankle brace, no drinking, no driving, suspended license, passport confiscated and is under house arrest and Ruggs was never in any trouble before but faces some tough prosecution in his upcoming trial. His last game with the Raiders was Sun Oct 24th vs. Philadelphia at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

#5 The Raiders head to New Jersey with heavy hearts, they’ll be playing the New York Giants the Giants are a struggling team but in spite of that do you see the Raiders struggling this Sunday and being distracted regarding the Ruggs situation?

Join Rich Perez for the Raiders podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Roster moves made; Montana says Jones is the better choice than Lance; plus more

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) tries to skirt around Arizona Cardinal free safety Jalen Thompson (34) during Sun Oct 10, 2021 game at State Farm Stadium. Former 49ers quarterback Joe Montana said that New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones would have been a better pick than Lance. (AP News photo file)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 Tuesday was a busy day at the San Francisco offices at the Marie DeBartolo Complex in Santa Clara as the 49ers (3-4) have made some roster moves as follows, acquired defenseman Charles Omenihu, linebacker Tyrell Williams released, kicker Joey Slye wavied, and safety Kai Nacua has been moved to the practice squad.

#2 Dave, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and legend Joe Montana said he would have taken the New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones over 49ers back up Trey Lance. Jones so far this season is piling up on the yards at 1,997, nine touchdowns, six interceptions, for Lance 354 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception this season. Where do you stand on Montana’s choice of quarterbacks?

#3 Dave after losing four straight and going into Chicago with a 33-22 win has 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo turned a corner, critics still are calling for Lance to be the starting quarterback.

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

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa Walsh: Sharks pick up second straight win in front of all time smallest crowd

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The San Jose Sharks defenceman Mike Ferraro (38) celebrates his third period goal at 6:02 with teammates Brent Burns (88) and Nick Merkley (10) against the Buffalo Sabres on Tue Nov 2, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 The last two goals in the third period made all the difference for the San Jose Sharks (6-3-0) to get a two goal win over the Buffalo Sabres (5-3-1) on Tuesday night at SAP Center for the 5-3. All things considered with seven Sharks players and head coach Bob Boughner out for Covid 19 protocols.

#2 The Sharks grabbing two goals in the first period certainly set the tone with Jonathan Dahlen at 7:25 and Ryan Merkley at 12:49.

#3 In the third period the Sharks got two goals one each from Mike Ferraro at 6:02 and Tomas Hertl scoring his fifth goal of the season at 11:46

#4 Last night’s game was the Sharks all time lowest attendance in their franchise history 10,059 still a lively crowd as San Jose has now won two straight games in spite of drawing such a small crowd.

#5 The St Louis Blues (6-1-0) are coming to SAP Center on Thursday night. The Blues edged the Chicago Blackhawks (1-7-2) on Saturday night 1-0. The Blues are on a roll winning six of their last seven games how do you see this match up between the Blues and the Sharks.

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

Sharks Beat Sabres 5-3; Seven Sharks sit for Covid protocols still get second straight win

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San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl celebrates scoring his fifth goal of the season on this third period goal at 6:02 against the Buffalo Sabres at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue Nov 2, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

SAN JOSE- The San Jose Sharks defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-3 Tuesday night in San Jose. Sharks goals came from Tomas Hertl (2), Jonathan Dahlen, Ryan Merkley and Mario Ferraro. James Reimer made 25 saves for the win. Sabres goals came from Jeff Skinner (2) and Drake Caggiula. Craig Anderson made 22 saves in the loss.

The Sharks roster is still in a state of flux due to COVID-19 protocols. Jonathan Dahlen was back, as was Andrew Cogliano, but Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc were out. Erik Karlsson, Jake Middleton, Matt Nieto, Radim Simek and Marc-Edouard Vlasic remained out. Logan Couture returned after missing the last game, though not for COVID-19.

After the game, Couture said: “It was chaotic but proud of the effort again. I mean, found a way. Went down to five D early in that second period, or maybe even half way through that second period. Credit to those guys back there, they found a way. I mean, it wasn’t pretty, the whole game, but, found a way.”

Jonathan Dahlen scored first for the Sharks, at 7:25 of the first period. Brent Burns sent a shot from the blue line right down the middle and into a swarm of bodies at the net. The puck evaded Anderson and sliped back into open ice where Dahlen lifted it into the net. Assists went to William Eklund and Burns.

A little over a minute later, Buffalo’s Jeff Skinner tied the game during a delayed penalty. His shot zipped through traffic in the slot and past Reimer. Assists went to Vinnie Hinostroza and Robert Hagg.

Ryan Merkley made it 2-1 Sharks at 12:49. After holding the puck patiently at the blue line, he took a shot that went off of a couple Sabres in front of the net before landing behind Anderson. Assists went to Alexander Barabanov and Tomas Hertl.

Hertl made it 3-1 Sharks early in the second period. Rudolfs Balcers picked up a turnover in the Sabres zone and carried it almost to the goal line before passing it back to the Hertl at the top of the slot. Hertl carried the puck around traffic down to the net and put it past Anderson at 6:13.

Drake Caggiula cut the Sharks lead down a bit at 13:33. Hinostroza brought the puck across the line and then passed it to Caggiula on the boards. Caggiula took a hard shot that went by Reimer on the far side. Assists went to Hinostroza and Dylan Cozens.

Early in the third, Mario Ferraro scored his first of the season with a one-timer from the blue line, off a pass from Nick Merkley. Assists went to Merkley and Jasper Weatherby.
Tomas Hertl added another at 11:46 to make it 5-2. He got the puck from Balcers just as he entered the zone, then wove his way through traffic right down the slot before taking the shot. Assists went to Balcers and Ferraro.

Jeff Skinner scored his second of the game at 18:13. Just as the puck jumped off of Reimer’s glove, Skinner tapped it out of the air. It bounced off the back of Reimer’s helmet and landed over the line. Assists went to Tage Thompson and Rasmus Asplund.

A littl emore than half way through the second period, Sharks defenseman Santeri Hatakka left the game with an upper body injury. He did not return and the team did not have any updates after the game.

The Sharks made an excellent showing in the face-off circle, winning 64% of the draws. The shot count was consistently close through the three periods, ending up 28-27 Sabres. There were few penalties in the game, and fewer power play shots. The Sharks power play had one shot on goal, the Sabres power play had none.

The Sharks next play on Thursday, at home against the St. Louis Blues at 7:30 PM PT.

Jazz Interpretation: Utah wins a close one at home, beats the Kings 119-113

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By Morris Phillips

If you’re the Sacramento Kings, now 15 seasons removed from a playoff appearance, a trip to Utah to face the Jazz, the reigning champions of the regular season, turned out to be a good place to start if postseason play is still the goal.

While the Kings fell short, and dropped to 3-4 on the season, they played well enough to disrupt a Jazz team that’s now won 58 of their previous 79 regular season games, easily the best mark in the NBA dating back to the beginning of the truncated ’19-’20 season.

The Kings came up empty in the game’s final five minutes, losing a back-and forth contest 119-113 in which neither team held a double-digit lead. The Kings effectively put the Jazz on their heels by limiting their trademark made threes, but ultimately couldn’t respond as the home team dominated the glass, and picked up their defensive intensity down the stretch.

Essentially, a 7-0 run by the Jazz decided it, after the Kings’ Richaun Holmes hit a short jumper to tie the game at 104. After a two-minute scoreless drought, the Kings trailed 111-104 with 2:27 remaining.

A key sequence in the deciding run was a foul on Utah’s Rudy Gobert that was challenged by the Jazz, and overturned upon video review. The ensuing jump ball saw Holmes whistled for a violation, which awarded the ball to the Jazz. Ten seconds later, Donovan Mitchell scored on a driving layup to put the home team up five. After a Holmes miss, Gobert capped the surge by the Jazz with a pair of made free throws.

Mitchell led the Jazz with 36 points, and Mike Conley contributed 30. The dynamic Utah backcourt combined for 25 made baskets including 11 threes. Bogdan Bogdanovich had 20 for Utah.

The Kings were led by Harrison Barnes with 23 points. Buddy Hield was next with 19 points off the bench, but he was hit with two technical fouls and ejected with less than a second remaining.

Davion Mitchell, the rookie, had 18 as seven of the eight Kings to see action scored in double figures. Still the initial NBA meeting of the D. Mitchells went to the veteran.

“He hit shots. He hit tough shots. You can’t really do anything about that,” said Davion Mitchell of Donovan Mitchell.

The Jazz enjoyed a 58-39 advantage on the glass. That disparity helped off set an unusually poor shooting night from distance for Utah, in which they missed 34 3-point attempts.

“I love the fight of our team,” Kings coach Bill Walton said. “It’s really fun coaching these guys. We’re learning these hard lessons. I hope we figure it out soon, but the details of the game is what’s costing us right now. Tonight, it was defensive rebounding.”

The Kings return home on Wednesday to face the New Orleans Pelicans, the start of a four-game home stand.

That’s Amaury’s World Series News and Commentary podcast: Miracle Astros come back and keep coming back

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Houston Astro Jose Altuve gets congratulations after scoring on a single in the top of the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves in game 5 of the 2021 World Series at Truist Field in Cobb County (AP News photo)

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

#1 Amaury, it really says a lot about the Houston Astros that they could come back after the Atlanta Braves hit a grand slam in the first inning and the score twice in the second and third innings and three times in the top of the fifth in game four.

#2 How remarkable is it for the Astros who were down 3-1 have now cut the lead to just one game for the Braves at 3-2. The series goes back to Houston for games six and possibly game seven.

#3 If the Astros can pull it off at Minute Maid Field tonight and force a game 7 what will they say about about manager Dusty Baker whose been a bit of a strategist in this World Series?

#4 It looks like last game 5 will be one that will be for the ages if the Astros come back and win games six and seven it will be game 5 that will long be talked about by both sides the Braves and Astros.

#5 Amaury talk about the pitching match ups for tonight’s game in Houston. The Braves have announced that Max Fried will go in game six and the Astros will start Luis Garcia for tonight.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez has called past World Series on Spanish national radio and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

How’s A Fast Start Sound?: Bears cruise past Cal State LA in exhibition opener, 92-58

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–No one knows if the Cal Bears will win enough to satisfy their fan base. No one knows how much time Coach Mark Fox will be afforded to turn things around in Berkeley. And no one knows if the Bears are talented or fortunate enough to win one game in the Pac-12, a conference that has gone from barren to loaded overnight.

But the Bears could grab uncertainty by the throat by winning early, and taking advantage of their one strength: continuity.

That process began on Monday night, in the wire-to-wire, exhibition win over Division II opponent Cal-State Los Angeles, 92-58.

Four of the five starters for Cal on Monday have at least one season in the program, as do 11 of the 14 players that saw action. Starter Grant Anticevich is in his fifth year, Andre Kelly his fourth, and Joel Brown his third. A fourth starter, Kuany Kuany and top reserve Jared Hyder are back for their second seasons.

That experience is key because none of the Bears are considered impact players and no one thinks anyone on the roster has an NBA future. That type of guy, guard Matt Bradley, transfered to San Diego State taking his team-best 18 points per game with him.

But Bradley was the only one to depart the program. So if anything, Cal has an opportunity to surprise more talented teams that might not be up to speed immediately due to them having to integrate a top freshman or key transfer into their starting lineup or core rotation.

The Golden Eagles of downtown Los Angeles typify the prevailing upheaval throughout the college game. They return only one contributor and essentially have an entirely new team. They lost their first exhibition to UC Riverside by 34 points, and they didn’t figure to be much more competitive against Cal.

They weren’t.

Cal shot 62 percent from the floor, led by as many as 39, and won by 34 as well. Anticevich missed just two shots and finished with a game-best 23. Kelly put up 17 points in 17 minutes of action, and he too only missed two shots.

Jordan Sheppard, the lone newcomer for Cal to start the exhibition, scored 11 points, and seven-footer Lars Thiemann added 10.

Sheppard, who spent the last three seasons at Charlotte of Conference USA where he averaged nearly 12 points per game, spoke highly of his new teammate Anticevich after the game.

“That’s the Grant we see every day,” Sheppard said. “It’s nothing new to us. There’s more to come. He played great, unbelievable.”

Freshmen Sam Alajiki and Obinna Anjanwu made their debuts, but for the most part, played tentatively. The pair combined to miss six of their eight shots.

Freshman Marsalis Roberson from Oakland was held out, and sophomore Monty Bowser did not see action.

The Bears open their regular season schedule on November 9, 2pm at Haas Pavilion again the UC San Diego Tritons. That occasion will be only the second time the Bears have actual fans in the building since February 2020 with Monday being the first.

Cal Bears basketball podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal’s first game with fans in 2 yrs tonight in exhibition vs. Cal State LA in Berkeley

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Cal Bears guard Joel Brown (1) stands in front of a copy of the 2021-22 season schedule as the Bears tip off against Cal State LA tonight Mon Nov 1, 2021 at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley (Cal Athletics photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Morris:

#1 Morris, talk about Cal head coach Mark Fox this is third year at the helm last season was a dreadful memory for Fox with a 9-20 record.

#2 The Bears are back playing an exhibition that you will covering tonight against Cal State LA it’s a new beginning that coach Fox hopes to put together a winning season.

#3 When Fox took over Cal in 2019 it had one of the worst records in college basketball and Athletic Director Jim Knowlton said to Fox it’s going to take time to build up from rock bottom.

#4 One of Cal’s key stars Matt Bradley transferred to San Diego State without Bradley who led in scoring how impacted will the Bears be without his talents?

#5 So it’s the first game an exhibition game against Cal State LA tonight at Haas Pavilion a first game since 2019 with fans allowed inside the gym talk about some of the expectations tonight?

Join Morris for all Cal Bears podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors host Hornets Wednesday night first meeting of the season

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Golden State Warrior guard Stephen Curry (30) tries to shovel off a pass between the Oklahoma City Thunder defenders center Mike Muscala, rear, and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during Sat Oct 30, 2021 game in San Francisco (AP News photo)

On the Warrior podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, Golden State Warriors (5-1) continue to roll winning their fifth game against one loss with their most recent win against the Oklahoma City Thunder (1-5) 103-82 on Saturday night. This season has been a big difference compared to last season so far.

#2 Barbara, talk about Stephen Curry’s performance getting 20 points in just 27 minutes which also gave some rest for Draymond Green who came off the bench and scored 14.

#3 The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to just 15 points and the Thunder as a team was held to 35.8% shooting by the Warrior defense.

#4 Not only Green’s contribution with 11 rebounds was big the Warriors Andrew Wiggins scored 14 and it really help bury the Thunder under with a 21 point difference.

#5 The Warriors host the Charlotte Hornets (4-2; 3rd in division) on Wednesday night at Chase, Barbara talk about the Hornets top three scorers Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, and LeMelo Ball can these three possibly be able to score big on the Warriors defense?

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