MLB The Show Post Season podcast with Charlie O: Verlander to start for Astros on Sunday night’s ALCS; Texas-Houston match up one for the post season ages

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander will be the starting pitcher against the Texas Rangers in game 1 of the ALCS on Sun Oct 15, 2023 at Minute Maid Field in Houston (AP News photo)

On the Charlie O MLB The Show Post Season podcast:

#1 Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker has announced that Justin Verlander will be his starting pitcher for game one of the ALCS he’ll be opposed by the Texas Rangers Jordan Montgomery. We know how much you love Verlander can he be a contributor in this series against the Rangers at Minute Maid Field on Sunday night.

#2 Dusty announced his second pitcher for Houston on Monday night in game 2 he’ll be starting Framber Valdez and for the Rangers Nathan Eovaldi on Monday night. You go back to when the Astros were realigned to the American League this is one of the reasons for it a cross state rivalry and what a show down with these two teams in it.

#3 Rangers second baseman Marcu Semien just had his fourth child during the break between the ALDS the Rangers just completed and the upcoming series with the Houston Astros which starts on Sunday night. Semien’s wife Tarah said to Semien that they were going to induce.

#4 The Atlanta Braves Kyle Wright had surgery on his torn capsule. Wright is expected to miss the 2024 season. Wright is 28 and had to procedure last Wednesday.

#5 Charlie, how realistic is it that Oakland could get an expansion team. Two high officials in MLB according to sports columnist Bob Nightengale said Oakland is in the running to get an expansion team. If MLB got out of Oakland would they still considering expanding there. They would want the city to secure an ownership and a new stadium?

Join Charlie O for the MLB The Show Post Season Podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The show podcast with Charlie O: Dodgers Kershaw rocked in game 1 against D-Backs; Phils 7 pitchers shutout Braves 3-0 in NLDS; plus more news

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw with face in his hands didn’t get out of the first inning in the NLDS game 1 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles as the Arizona Diamondbacks pounded Kershaw for six runs on Sat Oct 7, 2023. (AP News photo)

On MLB The Show podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw got rocked by the Arizona Diamondback for six runs in the first inning facing eight hitters and didn’t get out of the first inning at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night. In the first game of the NLDS in the Southland the D-Backs came away a winning in a laugher 11-2 to take a 1-0 series lead.

#2 The Atlanta Braves had momentum going into the NLDS but that sharpness got dulled as the visiting Philadelphia Phillies got some good pitching from starter Ranger Suarez who went 3.2 and gave up one hit. Suarez’ relief staff teammates seven pitcher in all shut the Braves out for the rest of the way for the 3-0 win. As the Phils take a 1-0 lead in the series. This was the first time the Braves had lost all year at Truist Park in Cobb County.

#3 Charlie, how key was Houston Astros starter Justin Verlander’s pitching six inning of shutout ball against the Minnesota Twins in game 1 of the ALDS. The Twins tried to comeback in the top of the seventh at Minute Maid Field with four runs but the Astros relievers held the Twins hitting back and came away with a 6-4 win.

#4 Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Gunnar Henderson’s second base steal attempt a miscommunication in the bottom of the ninth. The O’s were down to the Texas Rangers 3-2 and Gunnar said he saw the steal sign and took off on a 2-1 Aaron Hicks pitch. Henderson was thrown out on a Jonah Heim throw. Hyde was seen on TV saying “What the F—.”

#5 Charlie sad news former San Francisco Giants pitcher Jim Poole who pitched for seven different MLB teams and the bulk of his time was with Baltimore Orioles died of ALS Lou Gehrig’s decease at 57. Poole had been diagnosed two years ago with ALS. Poole made 431 appearances and was 22-12 with four saves and a career ERA 4.31.

Join Charlie O for the MLB podcasts throughout the 2023 post season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Roof for A’s new Vegas ballpark gives you two choices, inside and out; Verlander back in the heart of Houston; plus NFL news

Ex Mets Max Scherzer (left) and Justin Verlander. Scherzer was dealt to the Texas Rangers on Sunday and Verlander went to the Rangers on Tuesday (AP News file photo)

On MLB The Show podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 Jessica, the new Las Vegas Tropicana ballpark will feature a translucent roof that will give you some sun but your protected from the outside temperatures which can get well over 100. The Las Vegas A’s were at one time considering a retractable roof but this will be a fix roof and windows can be opened to get the fans some air. The covering set up will be similar to Allegiant Stadium where the Raiders play.

#2 Justin Verlander has found his heart back in the heart of Texas once more getting dealt back to Dusty Baker and the Houston Astros. Verlander who pitched for the Mets this season. Verlander was signed with the Mets for two years worth $86.7 million the Mets will be on the hook for $35 million of Verlander’s salary as he heads to Houston.

#3 Jessica, the Baltimore Orioles (64-41) are jelling they’re 1.5 games in first place in the AL East and have won six of their last ten games. They just recently acquired right hand starting pitcher Jack Flaherty from the St Louis Cardinals to shore up the pitching staff. Flaherty was 7-6 with an ERA 4.43 with St Louis.

#4 The New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rogers says he’s willing to take a $35 million pay cut. Rogers said he was willing to take the pay cut so Jets general manager Joe Douglas could pursue some more talent to shore up the team. Rogers gets $112 million and will get $75 million in guaranteed money for the 2024-25 seasons.

#5 New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton broke the unwritten code by talking to USA Today about Hackett negatively. Payton said that Hackett’s 15 games with the Broncos last season was one of the worst jobs in the history of the NFL. Payton since has said he was going to call Hackett to apologize but Hackett said Payton never made that call.

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

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s will need serious game plan taking on Dusty and the Astros Friday night; Nevada lawmakers-A’s apart by $200 million

Bally’s Casino-Hotel resort is a site that the Oakland A’s have their eye on for a new ballpark which is planned to be completed by 2027. The A’s and the State of Nevada legislature are some $200 million apart from the $395 million tax credits needed to build the new ballpark on the Vegas Strip. (file photo from Fortune Magazine)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 The Oakland A’s (10-36) open a three game series against the Houston Astros (25-19) on Friday night at Minute Maid Field. The Astros are in second place in the AL West and the A’s have a huge job in front of them if their going to beat Astros manager Dusty Baker and the Astros.

#2 Former Houston Astro Justin Verlander who now wears a New York Mets uniform heard it from the Mets fans when he took his first loss for New York. Needless to say the Mets fans expectations are win now or they will make you pay.

#3 Daniel, With the Astros having a different starting rotation from last season does and are in second place in the AL West and the A’s with a long, long, climb to catch them their best aim is to just go out and have a good series against Houston.

#4 Daniel, the Nevada Independent reported that the Nevada legislation and A’s are some $200 million apart for the tax credits needed to build at the Tropicana site in Las Vegas. The A’s need $395 million and the Nevada legislature are willing to part with $195 million in tax credits for the ballpark. The clock is ticking as both sides need to come to an agreement on the financing by June 4th.

#5 Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said that her door is still open on Howard Terminal if the A’s and the Nevada lawmakers can’t come to a financial agreement on the Tropicana siteThao stated today (Thursday) with ABC 7. Thao would resume negotiations on Howard Terminal. Sources have said that the City of Oakland and the A’s were 90% of the way to finalizing the deal on Howard Terminal until the A’s announced they had a binding agreement with the Wild Wild West site in Las Vegas back in mid April which is now off the table.

Daniel Dullum is the Oakland A’s analyst Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Did Jets give up too much to get Rogers?; Bucs sign Reynolds to $100.6 M deal; plus more

There is no more passing the football around in the Frozen Tundra for former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers as he signs on with the New York Jets. Rogers had made it clear he was ready for a change of scenery and is relieved to be going to New York (AP News file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica:

#1 Jessica, we lead off the program with the New York Jets and their acquisition of quarterback Aaron Rogers. Jets general manager Joe Douglas said that getting Rogers was historic for the franchise but critics are questioning at what price the Jets had to fork up a 2023 second round pick, 2024 conditional second rounder that will increase to a first rounder if Rogers participates in 65% of the regular season. Is it worth it Douglas seems to think so.

#2 The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds got a rich eight year deal worth $106.5 million. The deal for Reynolds is the richest in Pirates history. Before signing Reynolds the Bucs were one of four big league franchises who had not signed a player for $100 million and over. The Kansas City Royals, Oakland A’s and Chicago White Sox remain the only teams who have not signed a $100 million player.

#3 New York Mets star pitcher Justin Verlander is reportedly on target to return May 3rd. Verlander has been injured since spring training and will make a rehab start this coming Friday. Verlander is recovering from a low-grade teres major strain. Verlander said it’s been frustrating but was told that his time will come and he’s just a week away.

#4 Jessica, it seems that Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout memorabilia especially from his rookie year is through the roof his 2009 Red Refractor card sold for $1 million. Turns out a Mike Trout signed little league ball went to auction and sold for $15,600. Trout’s uncle Kevin had the ball for two decades. Trout signed the ball when he was 12 years old. Uncle Kevin says if your kid is in Little League and makes it big in the big leagues get him to sign the ball now.

#5 New York Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant says the Rangers simply didn’t show up during Monday’s game on home ice at Madison Square Garden losing to the New Jersey Devils 3-1 and now tied with New Jersey at 2-2 in the series. Gerard referenced the offense scored only one goal through three period and it was the third and last period when they got on the scoreboard. On defense the Devils scored twice in the third period on Devils goaltender Akira Schmid who faced 23 shots.

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

Mets sign Correa, San Francisco drops him after failing physical due to undisclosed reasons

Former Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa failed two physicals according to the San Francisco Giants thus forfeiting a $350 million deal. Correa came to terms with the New York Mets later on Tues Dec 20, 2022 signing Correa to a $315 million 12 year deal after the Giants deal fell through (AP News file)

By Morris Phillips and Michael Duca

SAN FRANCISCO–Carlos Correa who had signed a $350 million with the San Francisco Giants but the deal was annulled due failing two physicals. Correa who had past back problems it was reported that was not the reason why he failed his physicals.

The Giants and Correa could have negotiated for a lower salary number but that will not be necessary after learning the Giants had decided to drop Correa due to the failed physicals the New York Mets came in and signed Correa to a $315 million 12 year contract.

The Giants were set to introduce Correa to the media on Tuesday morning at 11 AM but the presser was canceled after learning of Correa’s physical results. The Giants would not disclose the specifics of why Correa failed his physical but it sure didn’t make a difference to the Mets who grabbed him right away after learning the Giants no longer were interested in his services.

Upon learning the news about the Giants and Correa no longer doing business together many in MLB and those who cover Correa were shocked upon learning the news on Tuesday. Once Mets owner Stephen A Cohen learned of Correa being back on the free agency market it didn’t take long for the Mets to reach out to him with an offer that he quickly agreed to and signed.

The Mets during the Correa sweepstakes weren’t able to sign him because the Giants had upped the offer to $350 million to the Mets $315 million. The Mets kept the number the same but figuring it was known that Correa failed two physicals and the Mets believed in Correa regardless signed him and hope to rehabilitate Correa inspite of his injuries.

Cohen was in Hawaii when the deal went down, “We need one more thing, and this is it,” Cohen said “This was important … This puts us over the top. This is a good team. I hope it’s a good team!” The Mets general manager Billy Eppler meanwhile kept busy and on Tuesday they also signed another big name pitcher Justin Verlander who had just won the 2022 World Series with the Houston Astros.

Eppler who was at the baseball winter meetings earlier this month on Dec 4-7 in San Diego pursued Verlander and with pitcher Max Scherzer in the rotation the Mets have two of the best starters in baseball for the 2023 season.

Michael Duca and Morris Phillips both cover SF Giants baseball for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The Show Postseason 2019 podcast with Daniel Dullum: Taking a look at wild card matchups; Bochy gets ready for retirement; plus more

photo from the olympian.com: Oakland Athletics’ Ramon Laureano makes his way through the dugout after hitting a solo home run on a pitch from Seattle Mariners’ Marco Gonzales during the third inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Seattle.

On the MLB The Show podcast with Daniel Dullum:

1 Playoff pairings are almost set: A’s to host AL Wild Card vs. Tampa Bay

2 Giants hope to give Bochy a good sendoff against Dodgers

3 Verlander gets 3,000th K, Astros clinch home field; Mets’ Pete Alonso sets MLB rookie HR mark

4 Look for managerial changes in the next few days

5 After 72 seasons, Cubs play final game on WGN-9

The MLB The Show podcast with Daniel is heard every Sunday and through the postseason on http://www.sportsradioservice.com

A’s beat the Astros 3-2 and win the series 3-1

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Graphic: @Athletics

By Charlie O. Mallonee @Charlieo1320

First, the Oakland Athletics defeated Justin Verlander (18-6) for the first time since 2013 on Thursday night. Secondly, they won the four-game series from the Astros 3-1 by winning the final game 3-2. The A’s record improved to 87-60 for the season.

The Athletics have now won three consecutive games and are now in sole possession of AL Wild Card Slot #1 by ½-game over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays lost on Thursday night to the Texas Rangers 6-4.

The A’s got to Verlander early

If you are going to beat Justin Verlander, you have to get to him early in the game. Oakland scored their first run of the game in the top of the first inning when rookie Seth Brown doubled to left field to drive Marcus Semien home to score the first run of the game.

In the top of the third inning, Marcus Semien led off with a single to left. With one out, Matt Olson hit a towering fly ball for a two-run home run into the upper deck in right field off a Verlander fastball. It was Olsen’s 32nd home run of the season.

That would be all the scoring for the A’s in the contest, but it would prove to be all they would need.

The A’s starter won the game

Homer Bailey made the start for Oakland and recorded the win (13-8). He worked 5.1-innings allowing just one run (earned) off three hits. Bailey struck out four Astros and walked three.

The A’s used five pitchers in the game.

Liam Hendriks picked up his 21st save of the season closing out the game for the A’s.

Final Totals

For the A’s: 3 runs, 6 hits, 1 error, 5 Left on Base

Up next

The A’s have to play outside in the heat and humidity of the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex versus the Rangers. It should be about 92-degrees with 58-percent humidity at game time on Friday night.

The A’s will send RHP Chris Bassitt (10-5, 3.63 ERA) to the hill to face the Rangers LHP Brock Burke (0-1, 3.52 ERA). Bassitt won his last start versus the Tigers at the Coliseum last Saturday night.

A’s beat the Astros 5-3 on Wednesday night to take a 2-1 series lead

9-11 b
Graphic @Athletics

By Charlie O. Mallonee

When you have to play a four-game series with the team who owns the second-best record in Major League Baseball, your goal has to be to go for a 2-2 split. That most certainly is a success level. You might not have gained any positions, but you will not have lost any either.

On Wednesday night, the A’s beat the Astros 5-3 to take a 2-1 series lead in their four-game series with the mighty Houston Astros. Now, the Athletics can play with “reckless abandon” on Thursday night and try to win the series. Not only would that help them in their pursuit of the AL Wild Card Slot #1, but it would really put them inside the heads of the Astros, who could be their first-round opponents in AL Playoffs.

LHP Brett Anderson has a strong start

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Photo: @Athletics

Anderson worked 5.0-innings allowing just two runs (both earned) off seven hits (one HR). He walked three and struck out four hitters. George Springer hit his 34th home run of the season off 2-2 pitch from Anderson. It traveled 433 feet over the center-field wall.

Anderson threw 86 pitches (54 strikes). He was also credited with the win, which raised his record to 12-9 for the year. Anderson faced 23 batters in his 5.0-innings on the mound.

An A’s reliever stepped into the spotlight

Jesus Luzardo made his long-awaited major league debut on Wednesday when he entered the game as a reliever for Anderson. Oakland had scored four runs in the top of the sixth inning to stake the rookie to a 5-2 lead.

Luzardo got off to a great start getting the first two hitters out, but then he gave up a home run to Martin Maldonado. He gathered himself and struck out Myles Straw for the third out of the inning.

Luzardo set the Astros down in order in the seventh and eighth innings.

The rookie LHP worked 3.0-innings giving up one run (earned) off one hit while walking none and striking out two Astros. He tossed 36 pitches (22 strikes).

Luzardo became the first player born in Peru to play in the major leagues.

Don’t forget the guy who got the save

Mr. Dependable — Liam Hendriks — recorded his 20th save of the season setting the Astros down in order including striking out two batters.

Focus on the A’s with the bat

  • Marcus Semien had a 3-for-5 night with the bat scoring two runs and posting one RBI. One of his hits was his 28th home run of the season.
  • Rookie Sean Murphy went 1-for-4 at the plate. He hit his fourth home run of the season in the sixth inning.
  • Matt Olson had a 1-for-4 night hitting with a double (24) that drove in two runs.

AL Wild Card Race

The Tampa Bay Rays are still in Wild Card Slot #1 but by just 1/2 game over the A’s. The A’s own AL Wild Card Slot #2 but are just 1/2 game ahead of the Indians.

It really is a three-team race. The Red Sox are now 10.0-games out the Wild Card and have lost five games in a row. They are now playing for next year.

Up Next

It will be a good pitching matchup in the season-series finale between the A’s and the Astros on Thursday night. The A’s will send RHP Homer Bailey (12-8, 4.87 ERA) to the mound to face possible Cy Young winner RHP Justin Verlander (18-5, 2.52 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 5:10 PM Bay Area time.

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: A’s open homestand Tuesday night against LA hoping to hang onto wild card hopes; Panda gets ready for Tommy John surgery after send off; plus more

Photo credit: bleacherreport.com

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

#1 The Kansas City Royals challenged the A’s when they were at Kaufman Stadium and so did the New York Yankees to conclude the road trip. Even through the pit falls, the A’s are only a 1/2 game out for a wild card berth. This thing could go right down to the end of the season?

#2 Pablo Sandoval, the man that San Francisco fans call the Panda, took a curtain call hitting for as a pinch-hitter on Sunday in the seventh inning in what can be considered the Panda’s last game in San Francisco. Sandoval played numerous positions for the Giants and will be having Tommy John surgery.

#3 The Houston Astros continued to prove their a force to be reckoned with after their starter Justin Verlander threw his third career no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. It was the second time that Verlander threw a no-hitter at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

#4. The Oakland Raiders get to open the season at the Coliseum against the Denver Broncos for Monday Night Football. The Raiders had a successful preseason and head coach Jon Gruden is confident about the team going into week 1.

#5 This is the Raiders’ last season at the Coliseum. Gruden certainly wants it to be a great send off for the Raiders and wants to drive them to a postseason that could get them to the AFC Championship to the finally the Super Bowl. He would love to bring a trophy to Oakland for the final year there.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez is the Oakland A’s Spanish play-by-play announcer heard on KIQI 1010 San Francisco. Also, join Amaury for That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com