Tag: Jorge Soler

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Last trip for Oakland team in San Francisco’s Oracle Park; Was trading Soler to Atlanta best move for SF?

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Former San Francisco Giants Jorge Soler and Atlanta Braves on Nov 2, 2021 during the 2021 World Series vs. the Houston Astros returns to the Braves after being traded from the San Francisco Giants on Tue Jul 30, 2024 (AP News file photo)

On San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Michael, tonight is the last time an Oakland team will be coming to Oracle Park this is the last Bay Bridge Series game between the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants in San Francisco. The A’s will be back but not as Oakland it’s going to feel very different.

#2 The A’s after this season move onto Sacramento in the interim, they will be hosting other big league clubs that will be playing in a minor league facility that lacks clubhouse size, weight room space and smaller family rooms, artificial turf, and much hotter conditions. Frankly it’s not a situation after playing at the Oakland Coliseum the players, fans or the media are really looking forward to?

#3 Trades, trades, trades, we’ll start with pitcher Alex Cobb who pitched for the Giants in 2022 and 2023, did not pitch in a game for the Giants this season goes to Cleveland and will pitch for manager Stephen Vogt whose had all sorts of success in Cleveland. Talk about how you see Vogt and Cobb that combination working together?

#4 How surprised were you to see Jorge Soler get traded to the Atlanta Braves, Soler was a productive hitter for the Giants with a .240 average 341 at bats, 82 hits, 12 home runs, and 40 RBIs. How much will the Giants miss him in the line up?

#5 Soler is from Cuba he came up from Florida which is closer for him in his adapted Miami is that a big factor for Soler going to Atlanta not to mention the Braves are a post season bound team?

Join Michael Duca for the San Francisco Giants podcasts each Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants bolster rotation and add Blake Snell on 2-year deal

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell and agent Scott Boras address the media on Wed Mar 20, 2024 at Scottsdale AZ (AP News photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants have strengthened their rotation, as they have agreed to sign 2023 National League Cy Young Award Winner Blake Snell to a two-year, $62 million contract, according to MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman

The deal caps off a strong off-season for the Giants, which started off with them adding Bob Melvin as manager, and continued with the signings of Jung-hoo Lee, Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks and Tom Murphy. Jorge Soler and Matt Chapman were signed during Spring Training, and Snell could be set to join them in the final week of camp.

Blake Snell came up with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016, and was their ace through the COVID-shortened 60-game sprint season of 2020. He won the American League Cy Young Award in 2018; struggled, but helped lead the Rays to the Postseason in 2019; and led them to the World Series in 2020.

Snell was infamously pulled by Rays Manager Kevin Cash in Game 6 of the 2020 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the bottom of the sixth inning, despite throwing a shutout. After Snell was pulled, the Dodgers scored two runs to take a 2-1 lead, and won the game 3-1 to win their first world championship since 1988.

Following Cash’s controversial move, Snell was traded to the San Diego Padres that off-season. Snell struggled in a 2021 campaign that saw the Padres collapse down the stretch. He then bounced back, and helped lead the Padres to the National League Championship Series in 2022. Snell then won his second cy young award in an otherwise disappointing 2023 season for the Padres.

Snell’s cy young season was believed to be a massive booster for him as he entered free agency. However, Snell, along with Chapman, Cody Bellinger and Jordan Montgomery, who were all represented by prominent agent Scott Boras, all remained on the market as teams reported to Spring Training in February. Snell, along with Chapman and Bellinger were signed after games got underway, and Montgomery remains a free agent.

Snell now joins Logan Webb, who finished second in cy young voting last season. Snell also joins what is set to be a strong rotation for the Giants. Along with Webb and Snell, Kyle Harrison, the young left-handed phenom, who saw time late in 2023, will be bumped from the second spot to the third spot in the rotation.

The rotation could also be further fortified by the experiment of turning the flamethrower Jordan Hicks from a reliever to a starter; the return of Alex Cobb and the newly-signed Ray off the Injured List; and the potential of right-handed Carson Whisenhunt making his major league debut later this season.

Snell will still need to pass a physical. Once he was done so, it could be assumed that Snell will join the Giants in their final week of camp in Scottsdale, and will get a start or two prior to the Giants’ opener in San Diego on March 28. It is most likely that Snell will begin the Regular Season in the minor leagues, and be ready to join the Giants in the middle of April.

Other Notes:

The Giants and Longtime Public Address Announcer Renel Brooks-Moon mutually parted ways on Monday.

Brooks-Moon, who had served as the Giants’ PA announcer for 24 years since then-Pacific Bell Park’s opening in 2000, has enshrined herself into Giants Lore. She was behind the microphone for the Giants’ run to the National League Pennant in 2002, and their three world championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014.

Brooks-Moon was at Barry Bonds’ breaking of the single-season record on Oct. 5, 2001 against the Dodgers, and his breaking of the all-time home run record on Aug. 7, 2007 against the Washington Nationals.

She was also there for Matt Cain’s Perfect Game against the Houston Astros on June 13, 2012, as well as Tim Lincecum’s two no-hitters, which were thrown on July 9, 2009 and June 25, 2014 respectively, both against the Padres.

Brooks-Moon has become a beloved and outspoken figure not just with the Giants, but with San Francisco and the Bay Area. She was the voice of the Cathedral of 3rd and King, and for so many younger fans, they do not know Giants Baseball without her.

There has yet to be word on who Brooks-Moon’s replacement will be, or how the process will play out.

Brooks-Moon was the second woman to be an MLB PA announcer. She succeeded Sherry Davis, who was the first.

J.D. Davis signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, following his release from the Giants on March 11.

Davis was encouraged to come to Oakland by Alex Wood, who had been a member of the Giants’ rotation from 2021 to 2023. They are also joined by Ross Strippling, who the Giants traded to Oakland on Feb. 2.

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Sandoval struggling at the plate in attempt to make roster

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San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval attempts to make it back to the majors since 2021. Sandoval heading to the field at spring training home of the Giants Scottsdale AZ (photo by AP News)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 San Francisco Giant try out Pablo Sandoval has only one hit in 13 at bats striking out nine times. Giants manager Bob Melvin and Sadoval’s teammates are pushing for Sandoval 37 to make it to the roster but he just may end up being a coach advising younger players when spring training is over.

#2 Melvin said that Sandoval is very affable and that his teammates realized how important Sandoval is to the organization. Giants third base coach Matt Williams says that Sandoval is working out with the younger players so he can pass on his knowledge to them.

#3 Michael talk about how you see this season’s outfield with Mike Yastrzemski in right, Jung Hoo Lee in center, and Michael Conforto in left field all left handed outfielders is that a defensive strategy. Only right hander is Austin Slater.

#4 Jorge Soler could play some outfield and could do it once a week and could hit against left handed pitching. How do you see that possibility getting Soler sometime in the outfield to give either Slater or Yastrzemski some rest.

#5 Wilmer Flores can gets some work in as the DH and away from being the platoon hitter. Melvin said that you want to get Flores some at bats he can help with the run production.

Join Michael Duca for the San Francisco Giants podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Sandoval hopes to win a roster spot and return to the show after 3 seasons; Flores could get less ABs with Soler in line up; plus more news

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Former San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval (who doesn’t look like this anymore) hopes to swing into a roster spot for the 2024 season after signing a minor league deal. Sandoval is seen here taking a hack against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning at Anaheim Stadium on Tue Aug 18, 2020. He was released by the Giants the following month Sep 2020 (AP file photo)

On the SF Giants podcast with Michael:

#1 Long gone are those Giants championship players Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, or even Sergio Romo but coming back to try and win a roster spot is Pablo Sandoval who hasn’t played in the show for three seasons. He last played with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. Sandoval wants this one bad and says he’ll even take a minor league job in Sacramento if he doesn’t make the big club for opening day.

#2 With Sandoval’s return he could help coach some of the younger players on the roster like shortstop Marco Luciano and outfielders Luis Matos and Heliot Ramos. He much of a plus is that having Sandoval around?

#3 Michael, with Jorge Soler in the line up now it’s expected that Wilmer Flores will get less at bats. Flores will get less at bats facing left handed pitching with Soler capable to face leftys. Flores says that it makes the team better and it’s known that it was Flores and Thairo Estrada who convinced Soler to come join the Giants.

#4 Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski says he’s feeling much better after coming off shoulder surgery. Yastrzemski says he throwing 90 feet and he has no restrictions on hitting.

#5 Austin Slater who had an elbow clean up procedure and had to have his ulnar nerve transposed, has no hitting restriction and is now throwing 150 feet.

#6 Giants pitcher Alex Cobb threw some pitches off the mound since having hip surgery. Cobb had a 12 pitch session and threw all fastballs on Monday and he threw off the mound once again on Tuesday. How much of welcome will it be for Cobb to be back in the rotation.

Michael Duca does the San Francisco Giants podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Cubs biggest move in off season was signing manager Counsell; Angels Rendon says baseball is not a priority; plus more news

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Chicago Cubs president of operations Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell speak to the media from the Cubs spring training camp facilities in Mesa AZ on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Chicago Cubs seem pretty comfortable with the players that they have and didn’t have any big signings over the winter. The one big move they did make is signing manager Craig Counsell from their division rival the Milwaukee Brewers for $40 million. Not a bad pay day for a manager.

#2 How surprised are you that Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon said that baseball is not a priority for him and that he only plays the game for a living. Rendon was injured for most of the 2023 season and is back at the Angels spring training camp.

#3 The New York Yankees Juan Soto said that he won’t talk about his future past the 2024 season as makes his debut at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa Florida for spring training. It been theorized that Soto wants to be a Yankee for life and would like an extension before the end of this season.

#4 Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will not play in the spring training opener Thursday against the San Diego Padres. Roberts said that Ohtani is coming off elbow surgery and Roberts added he’s not sure when Ohtani will be in the line up this spring. Roberts did report that Ohtani is making progress coming off surgery.

#5 Amaury, we didn’t get a chance to talk to you about the recent signing of Jorge Soler with the San Francisco Giants for a three year $42 million deal. Soler told the media at the Giants training facility in Scottsdale AZ that he expects to have big numbers this season.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice for the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants sign slugger Jorge Soler to cap off first week of camp

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Former Miami Marlins designated hitter Jorge Soler is looking forward to joining the San Francisco Giants this spring. Soler signed a three year deal with the Giants on Sun Feb 18, 2024 (AP News file photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants announced the signing of free agent slugger Jorge Soler to a three-year, $42-million deal to wrap up an interestingly-productive off-season for the team and President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi.

Despite popular belief, the Giants had a solid off-season. They brought on the old-time baseball man, Bob Melvin, as their manager. Then after missing out on Shohei Ohtani, they struck gold with Korean superstar, Jung-hoo Lee. They also added veteran left-handed starter Robbie Ray, as well as flame-throwing reliever Jordan Hicks, whom they will convert to starter.

Pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training on Tuesday in Scottsdale, Arizona, but that didn’t stop Zaidi from adding to the club. It has been a slow off-season throughout Baseball, and with quite a few choices still to choose from, Zaidi set his sights on the slugging outfielder, Jorge Soler.

Zaidi had traded outfielder Mitch Haniger to the Seattle Mariners in January, and right away, Zaidi got into contact with Soler. The Giants’ pitch to Soler included a zoom call, which was joined by Wilmer Flores and Thairo Estrada, whom along with Logan Webb and Mike Yastrzemski, are considered the clubhouse leaders for the Giants.

The deal was first reported Monday night by Susan Slusser, the Giants Beat Writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Soler was introduced Saturday afternoon at Scottsdale Stadium, the spring training home of the Giants.

“This is a guy that [brings] you a real impact as a manager,” said Manager Bob Melvin, who plans to hit Soler cleanup. “One guy can have a big impact, especially with that type of power. One swing’s always potentially three runs [with Soler].”  

Soler, who hit 36 home runs for the Miami Marlins last season, is a good fit for the Giants. He is the first true slugger they have had since Barry Bonds left at the end of the 2007 Season. The Giants have not had a single player hit 30 home runs in a season since Bonds hit 45 in 2004, and Soler who also hit 48 home runs in 2019, stands a good chance of ending this slump.

“I expect to have good numbers here,” said Soler through translator and Giants Spanish Play-by-Play Announcer Erwin Higueros. “As far as the team, I was able to talk to the coaches [and] to [Melvin], and hearing about the chemistry that they have, [that is what] I like most.”

Soler also has two rings. He was a big part of the 2016 Chicago Cubs, who beat the Cleveland Indians in a seven-game fall classic to end the 108-year Curse of the Billy Goat, the largest championship drought in Sports History. 

Soler was also the 2021 World Series Most Valuable Player for the Atlanta Braves in their six-game series win over the Houston Astros. He led off that world series with a home run, and then hit a mammoth home run that left Minute Maid Park entirely in Game 6. 

Soler will primarily be used as a designated hitter, but he should see time in the outfield, where the Giants are pretty much set with Michael Conforto in left; Lee in center; and Yastrzemski in right. 

The Giants are now also set offensively, as J.D. Davis (third); Marco Luciano (short); Estrada (second); and Flores (first) are set to make the infield. There is also excitement surrounding Giants catcher Patrick Bailey, who is entering his sophomore season.

Other Notes:

  • Position players reported to camp on Saturday, and are set for their first official workout today, and they will continue to get ready for the Giants’ cactus league opener next Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. 
  • The Giants will also be joined by guests, as is the custom every spring. This year’s guests will include Barry Bonds; Buster Posey; Hunter Pence; Will Clark; Ron Wotus; Dave Righetti; and Dusty Baker.
  • Giants’ two-way prospect, Reggie Crawford, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee, will now primarily focus on hitting. 

“The primary focus is hitting,” said Crawford. I decided on that a few weeks ago, so that’s what we’re going to do.

Stephen Ruderman is a San Francisco Giants beat reporter for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB podcast with Michael Duca: A’s getting lots of publicity in Vegas during Super Bowl week; SF Giants latest deals

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Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman is in talks with the San Francisco Giants as of Thu Feb 8, 2024 (AP News file photo)

On the MLB podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Michael, when Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman says the A’s should stay in Oakland, that the A’s need to live their dream with a waterfront ballpark and they don’t have any plans is that not only truthful talk but also from a mayor whose city will not reap the financial benefits from a team that will be playing in unincorporated city like Paradise?

#2 It’s Super Bowl week and with Mayor Goodman speaking out on the A’s and grabbing headlines from football what does that say about how important relocating teams the wrong way in baseball?

#3 Michael, talk about the lawsuit by Strong Public Schools that argues the public money for the A’s Las Vegas ballpark was not voted on legitimately by the Nevada State Legislature back in April. That the legislature was supposed to vote on SB1 as a two thirds vote not by a majority. Strong Public Schools say they have a strong case and it could take down what is now looking like a house of cards for the Tropicana, the A’s and MLB.

#4 Michael switching over to the San Francisco Giants are talking with Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman talk about his chances of coming over to San Francisco and what it would mean to have him in the line up everyday?

#5 The Miami Marlins Jorge Soler is in talks with the Giants. Soler is in the final year of his three year $36 million contract and had opted out for agency. Soler is a right fielder and designated hitter he hit .250 with 36 home runs last season how do you see Soler helping out in the Giants line up for 2024?

Join Michael Duca Thursdays for the MLB podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: O’s and Rays headed for post season; ex-Phils manager Manuel improving after stroke; plus more news

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Philadelphia Phillies hitting coach Charlie Manuel looks on prior to the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Aug. 14, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Phillies announced Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, that former manager Manuel has suffered a stroke. Manuel was undergoing a medical procedure in Florida when he was afflicted, the team revealed. Sun, Sep 17, 2023 doctors said 12 hours after the procedure Manuel was showing signs of improvement (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays both teams who have great seasons clinched for the AL playoffs after the Texas Rangers lost to the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday.

#2 Good news after the scary experience that ex-Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel 78, had a stroke while going through a medical procedure in Florida. Doctors were able to remove a blood clot from the 79 year old manager Sunday and reported that Manuel has shown improvement. While Manuel was manager for the Phillies he won five NL East titles between 2007-2011. Manuel was fired by the Phillies in 2013 after a 53-67 start of that season.

#3 Cuban born designated hitter and outfielder Jorge Soler of the Miami Marlins hit a home run upon his return from the 10 day IL. Soler had been placed in the IL due to a right oblique strain. Soler said he was feeling discomfort taking swings on Sep 5th but feels alright now going 2-3 with a home run on Sunday.

#4 Pitcher Corey Kluber will not pitch again for the rest of the season for the Boston Red Sox due to right shoulder inflammation. Kluber announced that he has ended his minor league rehab assignment and will not make his third rehab assignment at Triple A Worcester last Saturday. Kluber is a two time Cy Young Award winner.

#5 The New York Mets threw a huge bash for Bartolo Colin at Citi Park in Queens on Sunday. The Mets celebrated Colin’s home run he hit on May 7, 2006. It was Colin’s first home run off the San Diego Padres James Shields and Colin became the oldest player at age 42 years and 349 days to hit a home run. Colin pitched in the big leagues for 21 years. Colin also was a former pitcher for the Oakland A’s and made a big splash with fans and teammates during that time as well.

Amaury PI Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice for the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsadioservice.com

A’s shutout by Marlins Cabrera in 4-0 loss at LoanDepot Park to open series

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Oakland Athletics third baseman Aledmys Diaz (12) and Miami Marlins Bryan De La Cruz (14) hugs after De La Cruz was caught between bases during the fifth inning at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Fri Jun 2, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Mary Anne

The Oakland Athletics (12-47) looked to avoid a two-game losing streak as they started a new three-game series against the Miami Marlins (30-28) on Friday. The A’s and the Marlins matched up at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. The A’s just couldn’t get any hitting going getting struck out ten times by Marlins starter Edward Cabrera for a 4-0 shutout to open the three game series in Miami.

The A’s starting lineup consisted of Esteury Ruiz, Ryan Noda, Brent Rooker, Seth Brown, Aledmys Díaz, JJ Bleday, Jonah Bride, Shea Langeliers, Tony Kemp, and Shintaro Fujinami. Fujinami, a Japanese pitcher who bats and throws right, took the loss and fell to 2-6 on the season after pitching just one inning. Hogan Harris pitched five innings, while Austin Pruitt pitched 1.2 innings and Sam Moll pitched 0.1 innings.

The A’s had their work cut out for them against the Marlins, but they couldn’t get anything going. Miami opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning as Jesus Sanchez homered on a fly ball to left field and Bryan De La Cruz scored to give the Marlins a 2-0 lead.

As if they haven’t already done enough damage, Miami added two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Jorge Soler doubled on a sharp line drive to JJ Bleday and Jacob Stallings scored to give the Marlins a 3-0 lead. Bryan De La Cruz scored again as he singled on a ground ball to Seth Brown and Jorge Soler scored to give the Marlins a 4-0 lead.

Cabrera pitched six innings on four hits, one walk and ten strike outs before being lifted in the seventh for reliever JT Chargois who was followed by two more relievers who held down the fort to shutout the visiting A’s.

The A’s and Marlins meet again on Saturday, June 3 at 1:10 pm Pacific. Luis Medina (0-4 ERA 6.83) seeks his first win of the 2023 season will be opposed by the Marlins Eury Perez (2-1 ERA 2.84) in the second game of the series.

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