Tag: Justin Verlander

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: One-Year Contracts are Popular this Off-season

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One of the questions of one year contracts San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander has a second year left on his $22 million two year contract will the Giants exercise his second year or choose to opt out? (AP file photo)

One-Year Contracts are Popular this Off-season

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The San Francisco Giants have been lukewarm in the market for free agents this winter. In an effort to strengthen their pitching staff(bullpen, they have signed four pitchers this offseason, three of whom are on one-year deals. Tyler Mahle (1year,$10M), Jason Foley (1 year, $2M), Sam Hentges (1 year, $1.4M). They “splurge” by signing Adrian Houser to a 2-year, $22 Million Contract. Last season, the Giants signed Justin Verlander to a one-year, $15 million deal; all they got from the future Hall of Famer was four wins, which cost the Giants almost $3.7 million per win.

I do not believe Verlander will be back. Obviously, the Giants cannot afford the “luxury” of carrying a future Hall of Fame pitcher at the end of his career. With these new pitcher signings, the Giants are prioritizing other arms, making his return less sure despite Verlander’s expressed desire to pitch in 2026.

If the Giants want to really get serious? They would go for Framber Valdez, but that would take a multi-year contract and around $200 Million. If you want to catch the Dodgers, you go all the way with pitching. Yoshi Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki are the Dodgers’ rotation, and it’s lucky for the Giants that Clayton Kershaw retired. In 62 appearances vs. Los Gigantes in his Hall of Fame career, Kershaw compiled a 2.08 earned run average.

There have been a few multi-year multi-million contracts recently this winter. It is a hot pitching market, and so far, most of the largest deals have been pitchers, Dylan Cease to Toronto for (7 years $210M). Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai to Houston for 4 years, ($54M).

My prediction. We will continue this trend by teams of One-Year-deals, not only with the Giants but also with other teams. The looming 2026-2027 lockout is the reason for these short-term contracts and free agency. Players are seeking security ahead of the almost certain owners’ lockout expected around this time in 2026.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

San Francisco Giants podcast Morris Phillips: SF’s Verlander relieved to get first win; Giants meet the Mets on Friday

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San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers (16) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run in the top of the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Field in Cobb County on Wed Jul 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Justin Verlander got nervous after it started raining Wednesday at Truist Park in Atlanta. The game was in fifth inning and Verlander wanted to get this one in as an official and was short three out to make that that happen for his first win of the season.

#2 The Giants had a 3-0 when the rains came and was afraid that once again his efforts to pick up his first win would be squandered away. Verlander holds the Giants record for the longest winless streak for a pitcher in Giants history. Verlander has gone winless in his first 16 starts.

#3 “I didn’t know. I figured something like that would happen,” Verlander said. “This would be the game that gets rained out or we have a two-hour delay and they don’t let me go back out.”

#4 Verlander threw five shutout innings, allowed a hit, and walked five Atlanta hitters and got some run support to boot.

#5 The return to Oracle Park on Friday to face the New York Mets. Starting pitcher for the Mets RHP Clay Holmes (8-5 ERA 3.48) for the Giants RHP Logan Webb (9-7 ERA 3.08) first pitch 7:15pm PT.

Join Morris Phillips for the Giants podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Ohtani and Yamamoto key in Dodgers wins; Ex Dodger Taylor is getting some reps with Angels; plus more news

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Los Angeles Dodgers two way star Shohei Ohtani throws batting practice before meeting the New York Mets Sun May 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaruy News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, Los Angeles Dodgers two way star Shohei Ohtani threw a 22 pitch bullpen session one of the pitches was a 97 mph fast ball how close does he look to returning to the mound.

#2 The Dodgers who had been struggling losing four of their last ten games are showing signs of improvement with a 7-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Ohtani and Dodger pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto were both key players in this game. Yamamoto pitched six innings giving up two hits. Ohtani hit a home run for his second straight game for a league leading 19 homers.

#3 Former Dodger Chris Taylor reached a one year agreement at the MLB minimum salary with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Taylor started in centerfield on Monday night against the New York Yankees and batted in the eighth hole.

#4 The Detroit Tigers Tarik Skubal’s strike to balls ratio is 82 Ks to 3 Base on balls. Skubal is being compared to former Detroit Tiger Justin Verlander who was unstoppable during his Tigers days. Skubal on Sunday pitched a complete 5-0 shutout against the Cleveland Guardians in Detroit. Skubal has movement on his pitches and was dealing.

#5 Boston Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler has something to say about a pitch that he said was a strike. The reply did show the ball landed in the box. none the less Walker argued the ball was a strike against New York Mets hitter Juan Soto. Walker was ejected from the game and manager Alex Cora came out and had his say as well.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

MLB podcast with Michael Roberson Sun Apr 6, 2025: Are torpedo bats legal?; Dodgers fall short of season opening consecutive win record; plus more MLB news

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Austin Wells of the New York Yankees hits a home run in the first inning of the Yankees’ game against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 29. The Yankees went on to win 20-9. Wells was using what some have dubbed a “torpedo bat.” Angelina Katsanis/AP

MLB podcast Michael Roberson Apr 5, 2025:

#1 Michael, talk about the torpedo bat. It has more mass one the barrel and gives players an advantage of impact as the bat meets the ball. The torpedo does what the traditional bat doesn’t. Is this bat legal and is it a better advantage say than the corked bat?

#2 The Los Angeles Dodgers were 8-0 going up against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night but it was sloppy baserunning that caught the Dodgers flatfooted and they wound up losing in a nail biter 3-2. The Dodgers were within two games of tying the Brooklyn Dodgers 1955 start of ten wins in a row.

#3 Cleveland Guardians Jose Ramirez had himself a Friday night slugging three home runs and making Cleveland history in hitting three homers in one ball game. Ramirez hit homers in the first, fifth and ninth innings.The Guardians ended up besting the Los Angeles Angels

 #4 Micahel, Friday’s home opener for the San Francisco Giants wound up being a marathon going 11 innings as the Giants edged the Seattle Mariners at Oracle Park 10-9. The other story was Giants veteran starter Justin Verlander who struggled in 2 1/3 innings of work surrendering five hits and three earned runs. Verlander also struggled in his last outing. It was Verlander’s first start at Oracle Park since the 2012 World Series 13 years ago when he was with the Detroit Tigers.

#5 Michael wanted to ask you about the Sacramento A’s opening homestand. The A’s got swept in all three games to the Chicago Cubs and all three contests were not even close. The A’s so far have faired better on the road as they are so far 3-2 getting two wins in Seattle and one in Colorado. It should also be mentioned the A’s have not sold out any of the three games in Sacramento.

Michael podcasts MLB Headline Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast Michael Duca: How Buster Posey has improved the club; Adames hitting .370 in camp; plus more updates

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San Francisco Giants team president Buster Posey seen on the Oracle Park scoreboard on Tue Oct 1, 2024 the day of his taking over the position (AP file photo)

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Michael, talk about some of the improvements that the Giants are going through. We’ll start at the top since the departure of former team president Farhan Zaidi talk about some of the differences in that president Buster Posey has made comparing to Zaidi?

#2 With the addition of Willy Adames he’s currently hitting a whopping .370, one homerun, five RBIs. From what you have seen of Adames in spring training how do you see his impact in the line up this season.

#3 Heliot Ramos has been in the lead off role so far this spring he’s hitting .250 with one RBI. Manager Bob Melvin is impressed with Ramos and wants to see how he’ll do for the rest of spring. What do you think of the notion of Ramos being the leadoff hitter?

#4 After suffering neck and shoulder injuries from the 2024 season pitcher Justin Verlander has had a great spring. Verlander was throwing 93.5 last season but has improved his velocity to 95 and over. Verlander has pitched in three pre season games and is happy what he can do with the fast ball.

#5 Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison lost ten pounds after suffering from the flu. After coming back from the flu his four seamer dropped from the high 90s has clocked below 90. Manager Bob Melvin said that Harrison is still working his way to trying to feel comfortable, “Maybe not quite there yet in terms of the velocity.”

Michael Duca does the San Francisco Giants Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB podcast with Michael Duca: Giants Verlander helping out younger players; Webb starting opening day; plus more news

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San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander (35) watches the pitchers throw at the Giants Cactus League park in Scottsdale AZ on Wed Feb 26, 2025 (AP News photo)

On MLB podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Your going to spring training what are some of the things that your looking forward to at the Cactus League.

#2 Your going to be in Scottsdale the spring training home of the Giants and you’ve host the San Francisco Giants podcasts for us what are some the things that you’ll be looking for in spring training.

#3 Justin Verlander is the big name on the Giants pitching staff but there is no surprise that Logan Webb got the call for opening day starter.

#4 Verlander will be helping out the young pitcher Yoda he will be. He’s already help Hayden Birdsong moving from one side of the rubber to the other.

#5 Mike Trout connected for a spring training home run on Wednesday it was his first home run in ten months and he’s recovered from his back problems and hopes to be swinging the bats for the Los Angeles Angels for 2025.

#6 Michael, talk about Anthony Rendon he’s expected in camp for the Angels and has had suffered injuries keeping him out of the line up at times over the last two seasons.

#7 The Dodgers owe eight players $1 billion did the Dodgers get into the red with the inflated payroll that they have.

#8 The salary cap has been a well talked about issue as the Collective Bargaining Agreement is up after the 2026 season it’s an issue that could trigger a players strike.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Sounds unusual and strange as A’s no longer use Oakland moniker for first time since 1968

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Sacramento A’s catcher Shea Langeliers sporting a Rickey Henderson T shirt at Surprise Stadium in Surprise AZ before their game against the Kansas City Royals on Mon Feb 24, 2025 (Sacramento A’s X photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury the Sacramento A’s open this first week at spring training in Mesa for the first time since 1968 without the Oakland moniker while it was expected it still sounds and feels very strange to those are following the A’s in Oakland and those who are following the club in Sacramento.

#2 Amaury, talk about the talk in spring training that baseball is moving down the list as a sport that no longer one of the most popular sports in America. That it’s viewership and interest has fallen and it might fall even worse now that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and ESPN are no longer working together.

#3 Amaury, matter of fact when you go to ESPN’s headline banner on the main page of their website MLB no longer appears as one of the major sports in the banner. It now just shows NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAM, and More Sports you have to now hunt for MLB on the banner. MLB is buried on the main page banner and ESPN barley mentions MLB in it’s news reports through it’s programming.

#4 How much responsibility does Manfred hold since he has two MLB teams playing in minor league parks for the 2025 regular season, the Tampa Bay Rays are going up for sale and they might move to Orlando, the A’s will not play any post season games in their interim park in Sacramento but at a neutral site if they make to the playoffs, the players are not happy that Manfred is using the robo umpire and they prefer the human umpire, and baseball could move to a salary cap after the 2026 season something the players oppose and could trigger a players strike.

#5 Just how confident are the San Francisco Giants in starting a 42 year old Justin Verlander and how successful will Verlander be in helping the Giants contend. There are those who say Verlander who suffered neck and shoulder pain last season at best could be a ten game winner. Some other critics say that Verlander is washed up.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Does season ticket sell outs signal success in Sacramento for A’s or just a honeymoon?; AI says Clemente most popular Hispanic player of all time; plus more news

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Lawrence Butler of the Athletics conducts an interview at the Sawyer Hotel in downtown Sacramento on Mon Jan 6, 2025 regarding the A’s upcoming 2025 season in Sacramento (still from ABC 10 KXTV Sacramento)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Athletics selling out season tickets at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento does that signal that this relocation by the A’s was a successful idea or this is just a honeymoon in Sacramento and the A’s will eventually struggle in the standing like they had in past seasons?

#2 According to AI the most popular MLB Hispanic player of all time is former Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente who began his career in 1955 and in his second year in 1956 hit .311. After 1956 he hit above .300 in seven different seasons. He was defined as a pure hitter who drove in runs as well as being able to scores runs as well.

#3 According insiders three MLB teams were taken off Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki’s desired list the New York Yankees and Mets and the Texas Rangers. Sources are saying that Sasaki is down to three clubs the Toronto Blue Jays, the Los Angeles Dodgers, or the San Diego Padres. The San Francisco Giants have backed out of pursuing Sasaki. Sasaki is under 25 years old and is classified as a amateur and his salary will be limited from $5.1 million to $7.5 million per year. He will be regarded as a rookie phenom and could conger up endorsements that could add more to his finances depending how he performs in his MLB debut.

#4 Sasaki is another big signing possibility that has passed up the Giants. The Giants over the last two seasons missed signing in 2024 the likes of Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani. For 2025 the Giants so far have missed out on the following free agent signings Juan Soto, Ha Seong Kim, and Corbin Burnes. They managed to sign Willy Adames and Justin Verlander. The Giants last Thursday avoided going to arbitration with LaMonte Wade Jr, and relivers Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers. Are there a number of big name free agents avoiding San Francisco for specific reasons based on how the team has been a revolving door for managers, general managers, and team president changes and how CEO Larry Baer and team managing partner Greg Johnson who have final say have not been able to sign high profile players?

#5 The Seattle Mariners agreed to a one year deal with infielder Donovan Solano for $3.5 million. Also Solano could earn up to $1 million for plate appearances that ramp up to $200,00 for at bats totaling 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500. Solano hit .286, eight home runs, and 35 RBIs in 96 games with the San Diego Padres.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Verlander joins Giants 1 year $15 million deal; Peter Seidler wife suing brothers in law suit for control of Padres; and more MLB news

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Former Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander has signed with the San Francisco Giants on Tue Jan 7, 2025 for one year at $15 million (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 San Diego Padres wife of chairman Peter Seidler, Sheel Seidler is suing Peter’s two brothers Robert and Matthew Seidler on Monday for control of the Padres. Sheel filed the motion in Texas probate court along with her three children. Sheel said she has been ostracized from the team since Peter’s death in November 2023. The Padres said on Dec 21 that Peter’s older brother John would become the team’s controlling person. Sheel has filed a the lawsuit opposing such claims that go against the wishes of her husband Peter.

#2 The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lux comes to the Reds for a draft pick and an outfield prospect. Lux won two World Series titles with the Dodgers and was considered one of the top prospects in baseball. Hyeseong Kim signed with the Dodgers last week and Mookie Betts will move to shortstop. Lux hit .251, 10 home runs, 50 RBIs and 110 hits.

#3 Former New York Met David Wright uniform number five will be retired. Wright’s will become the tenth player to have his number retire by the Mets since owner Steve Cohen had owned the team since 2021. Wright joins the Mets Hall of Fame joining pitcher Tom Seaver both will enter the Mets Hall of Fame on the same day.

#4 The San Francisco Giants have signed pitcher Justin Verlander for one year at $15 million. Verlander had a 8.10 ERA over 17 games last season.

#4 Kansas City Royals Michael Lorenzen agreed to a one year $7 million contract. Lorenzen rejoins the Royals as he was part of their stretch run in the latter part of the 2024 season. Lorenzen 33 was 7-6 with a 3.31 ERA in 130 1/3 innings with Texas and Kansas City last season.

#5 Amaury it now comes down to six MLB teams in the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes. Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants. Sources have said the Dodgers and Padres are top two teams in the hunt for Sasaki. Sasaki’s agent Joel Wolfe said that Saski might play in a mid to small market club which could open it up to all MLB clubs.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for the That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Bosox Duran suspended 2 games for anti gay slurs; Mookie joins Dodgers after 2 months on IL; plus more news

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Boston Red Sox Jarren Duran center was suspended for using anti gay slurs on a fan was heckling him, plate umpire Jordan Baker (left) and Houston Astros catcher Yanier Diaz (right) heard Duran’s remarks. Duran ended up apologizing to both Baker and Diaz for what he said on Sun Aug 11, 2024 at Fenway Park in Boston (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Boston Red Sox Jarren Duran has been suspended two games for using an anti gay slur during the Sox loss to the Houston Astros. Duran started his suspension on Monday night and concludes it tonight in games against the Texas Rangers. Duran had enough of a fan’s heckling and said  “Shut up, you f—ing f—-t.” Realizing what he did he apologized to plate umpire Jordan Baker and Astros catcher Yanier Diaz.

#2 Los Angeles Dodgers rightfielder Mookie Betts has returned after suffering a broken hand injury and missed nearly two months. The Dodgers activated Betts who is an eight time All Star and 2018 AL MVP. The Dodgers designated Amed Rosario for assignment to make room for Betts.

#3 The Seattle Mariners and outfielder Victor Robles have agreed to a two year $9.75 million contract extension that runs through the 2027 season. Robles also gets $2 million in bonuses and escalators for the incredible turnaround he’s had this season. Robles is hitting .269, 36 hits, three runs, and 10 RBIs.

#4 For the Houston Astros Justin Verlander it’s been a long haul for his return. This will be Verlander’s second rehab start as he’ll pitch in the minor leagues before he rejoins the Astros. Verlander pitched at triple A Sugar Land on Saturday night. Verlander had suffered from neck stiffness for the last two months.

#5 The Las Vegas Stadium Authority will meet on Thursday and will have an updated draft for the Oakland A’s lease agreement for the $1.5 billion ballpark that will be built on Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana. The A’s still are seeking financing for their share of the construction costs at $300 million in debt and $850 in equity from owner John Fisher’s family. The A’s are still looking for minority investors. The hunt for investor help has been going on for months now.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead broadcast voice on 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