Tag: mlb

Oakland A’s podcast with Rich Perez: A’s-Brewers exhibition a showcase for A’s future home in Vegas

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Oakland A’s owner John Fisher spoke with the media on Sat Mar 9, 2024 at Las Vegas Ballpark regarding the new Tropicana ballpark renderings which has been compared to an Armadillo or the Sydney Opera House (renderings courtesy of the Oakland A’s)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, you’ve been all weekend at Las Vegas Ballpark talk about the sense the players get from being in Las Vegas away from their regular spring training facility in Mesa AZ?

#2 John Fisher the A’s owner addressed the media over the two game series in Las Vegas saying that in terms of the new ball park or the Sydney Opera House that Fisher wanted a park that would fit in with all the other innovations of the Las Vegas Strip.

#3 Bjarke Ingels Group is the A’s lead designer for the ball park and Fisher had walked with BIG Group around the Tropicana to get a idea and design of what would work on the nine acre space. Fisher said he’s thrilled with what they’ve come up with.

#4 The A’s once it’s done would have the largest scoreboard in Major League Baseball at 18,000 square feet which according to the rendering would be on the right hand side on the roof of home plate.

#5 Finally Rich talk about your experience over the last two days working with the A’s and Brewers at Las Vegas Ballpark and having to sit next to the dugout during this exhibition game which drew a lot of media to cover a series where the A’s could call their home in 2028.

Rich Perez covered the Oakland A’s and Milwaukee Brewers two game series at Las Vegas Ballpark on Mar 8th and 9th for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Rich Perez: Fans and players talk about Sydney Opera House model stadium at Las Vegas Ballpark at A’s exhibition game

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Las Vegas Ballpark the site of the two game series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Oakland A’s in Las Vegas for Fri Mar 8, 2024 and Sat Mar 9, 2024 (Las Vegas Review Journal photo)

On the A’s podcast with Rich Perez:

#1 Rich, your podcasting and covering the Oakland A’s for us at Las Vegas Ballpark for tonight’s exhibition game vs. the Milwaukee Brewers. You had a chance to get down on the field and also around the ball park and ask how Nevadans feel about spending $380 million in public money for a new ballpark.

#2 Are people in Las Vegas where your at right now convinced that they’ll get a return for their public money on a ballpark that the A’s and the State of Nevada expect to sell out every event there for some 30 years so it will be paid off?

#3 Oakland A’s owner John Fisher says he’s secured half of the $1.5 billion of his share towards the construction costs of the ballpark. That would mean he still needs to find the other $500 million the clock has ran out and something needs to be decided on soon.

#4 Rich how much do you see of this hold up getting the funding and waiting for a design in the form of blueprints putting baseball and the A’s behind schedule.

#5 Your there in Las Vegas the Aviators ballpark although the players some of them anyway marvel at the artist renderings of the proposed Sydney Opera House ballpark some say this is just an idea but not the real thing?

Rich Perez is covering the Oakland A’s in Las Vegas for Fri Mar 9 and Sat Mar 10 for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s Relocaton podcast with Daniel Dullum: Kaval meets the media before A’s pre season game in Las Vegas

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Rendering of Las Vegas Tropicana ballpark part of the Armadillo series (renderings presented by the Oakland A’s)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel you had a chance to look at the future Las Vegas A’s Tropicana Ballpark which has been referenced as a Sydney Opera Place look a like or a Armadillo which Oakland A’s owner John Fisher seems to take as a compliment.

#2 It’s a multilayered roof which has area that look out from behind the home plate and the outfield window has a view of Las Vegas Blvd where you could see the New York New York casino and hotel.

#3 Ironically when Fisher gave comments about the Armadillo renderings he was speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle from his Jack London Square offices where the A’s dream of having a ballpark is all but dead once the A’s start play in Las Vegas in 2028.

#4 Fisher also said the financing has been figured out $380 million from the State of Nevada, $200 million will be money owed, and the Fisher Family will pay $500 million this would include equity investors. The catch could be whose going to be on the hook for the final $500 million. Could that come from another investor group or will Fisher have that unsolved for the rest of the baseball season?

#5 When you look at all of it Daniel and we’ve talked to fans and analysts like yourself it seems that Schools over Stadiums is a long shot but the last chance to get an initiative on the November ballot that would stop the public money for financing the Tropicana. The other is the lawsuit filed by Strong Public Schools who say the Nevada Legislature’s vote was suppose to be a two thirds vote not a majority vote.

Daniel Dullum does the Oakland A’s Relocation podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Do you suffer from A’s fatigue?

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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Trevor May has been open being against the A’s leaving Oakland and also saying that A’s owner John Fisher should sell the team (AP News file photo)

Do you suffer from A’s fatigue?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

I know some A’s fans because they have told me they suffer from fatigue about the team’s current situation. What is fatigue? Fatigue is common, and one of the main components of fatigue is “burnout.” The constant talk about “they are leaving,” “no, they are staying,” “it is not over yet,” “sell the team,” they are heard all over the A’s fan-hood.

There is also “anxiety” about the Oakland-Las Vegas-Sacramento-Salt Lake City Athletics. Ex-A’s closer Trevor May has spoken publicly about his anxiety as a pitcher months before he blasted the Oakland A’s ownership.

Anxiety is very real, and although sports is just a part of life, which is meant for people to enjoy, some fans have worked themselves up with something of an obsession about their team potentially leaving Oakland, which creates a constant state of anxiety for uncertain things.

All the cities involved are trying to have the A’s play their games at their respective home parks; their elected officials and the teams that own the parks are all trying to get a piece of the A’s.

There are people on their podcasts in the Bay Area dedicating most of their time to the Oakland A’s saga, from local journalists to some other people outside the Bay Area like David Samson, once President of the Miami Marlins, on his top-rated podcast as he said: “Whether they were close or not, my view has always been that there is a deal to be done to keep the A’s in Oakland.”

He also says that he doesn’t believe the owners would force John Fisher to sell the team, so he doesn’t see a forced sale as an option.

Whatever your situation about the A’s, most things are not under your control. For example, if you do not have a vote in the City of Oakland or are not an executive of the Oakland A’s with the decision-making power to make something happen, you should not worry since you can’t control it anyway.

So what is the point of torturing yourself unless you are a masochist (enjoy experiments that give you pain)

Negotiations: The A’s and the City of Oakland are at an impasse. They have yet to agree to a lease extension beyond this 2024 season, during which they will play at the Oakland Coliseum.

This means that, as of today, it is still possible that this 2024 season will be the last time the Oakland A’s play at the Oakland Coliseum, which make 2024 a very historical year. But I will not let it worry me because I, just like you, cannot control the situation.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play 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

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: Is the Halo Stadium rendering better than the Sydney Opera House rendering?

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Who did have the better rendering the A’s “Halo” model or the “Sydney Opera House” model? Either way the A’s seemed determined more than ever to get started on the project. (renderings from the Oakland A’s)

On the A’s podcast with Jerry F:

#1 How surprised were you when you first saw the A’s renderings for their Tropicana ballpark in Las Vegas?

#2 Some have said the first rendering makes more sense than the second rendering a look a like to the Sydney Opera House.

#3 Still whatever design the A’s decide on the question is still being asked how John Fisher A’s owner is going to pay for his share of the construction costs.

#4 The Tropicana is going to implode the towers at the hotel and casino next month as they will stop taking reservations in early April. If this Fisher continues to struggle finding the money to pay for his half of the construction costs and work had already begun on the Tropicana what will the Tropicana do and will Fisher have no choice but to go back to Oakland?

#5 Jerry, with the new renderings out how much momentum does this give Schools over Stadiums in terms of their argument to stop public funding for the ballpark due to Nevada is 48th in the country on getting state funds for education, Nevada has the largest class size in the nation, the highest rate of educator vacancy in the USA.

Join Jerry for the A’s podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca: Angels and Giants are top contenders for pitcher Blake Snell

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Former San Diego Padres pitcher Blake Snell had been mentioned as favorites of the Los Angeles Angels or San Francisco Giants. Talks are heating up for Snell’s services. (AP file photo)

On the San Francisco Giants podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Michael, two teams are top contenders for pitcher Blake Snell’s services the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants. Reports say Snell is open to a short term deal and may not be interested in the Angels who want to shore up their bullpen. That could make Snell a heavy favorite to join the Giants.

#2 You’ve had the chance to talk with Matt Chapman the Giants star third baseman during his Oakland A’s days. You saw what he brought to the game each day. How do you see him fitting in the line up each day and no doubt can provide some power with his bat and has a good defensive glove.

#3 Bob Melvin the Giants manager has been like a magnet getting some star players to sign with San Francisco how much did Melvin play a role in getting players like Jorge Soler, Jung hoo Lee, and Chapman to join the Giants?

#4 Giants outfielder/catcher Blake Sabol has changed uniform numbers twice giving up #2 for Soler, #26 for Chapman, and should be safe from another number switch wearing #61. Sabol whose been a great sport with the number changes says if there are some hits inside the #61 jersey he may stay with that number.

#5 Michael, do you see Melvin using Chapman at shortstop so JD Davis could get some reps at third base. Davis will be sitting a lot of games that Chapman will be starting unless he gets to DH?

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: A’s unveil Tropicana Park renderings; They look like Sydney Opera House

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Oakland A’s ballpark rendering at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. The rendering some say reminds them of the Sydney Opera or Canada Place in Vancouver as presented by A’s president David Kaval in Las Vegas (renderings from the Oakland A’s web page)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, Oakland A’s team president David Kaval said the A’s will be unveiling the new renderings for the Tropicana Park before this Friday’s game at Las Vegas Ballpark.

#2 If these are just artist renderings this doesn’t solve the questions about how the park’s dimensions look like. What the public wants to look at are the actual blue prints done by an architect.

#3 Amaury, are these going to be the renderings that should have been presented in the first place? Will they be blueprints done by an architect that will answer a lot of questions that the public had been looking for? If they are just artists renderings the A’s will still be at square one.

#4 The other question is the funding and it was talked about once again. Will A’s owner John Fisher come up with his share of the funding at $1.5 billion. If he can’t get a loan say from a Goldman Sachs and can’t find minority partners would he have no other choice but to come back to Oakland?

#5 Amaury, talk about the significance of the A’s hosting the two spring training games at Las Vegas Ballpark this Friday and Saturday and what message this says to both the fans in Oakland and in Las Vegas in hosting these games.

Amuary Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland Athleticos Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Giants officially sign Matt Chapman to 1-year deal

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Former Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman circles the bases and will be playing on a regular basis for the San Francisco Giants for the 2024 season (AP News file photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants made the signing of third-baseman Matt Chapman official today on a one-year, $18 million deal that includes player options for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, as well as a mutual option for the 2027 Season.

The Giants announced the deal at a press conference Monday at Scottsdale Stadium. Chapman was joined by Manager Bob Melvin, whom he is reuniting with after five seasons together across the bay with the Oakland Athletics from 2017 to 2021. Chapman and Melvin made no secret about their excitement for their reunion.

“We had something really special with the A’s, and unfortunately, that got ripped out of our hands and broken up,” said Chapman. “To come back here and have an opportunity with an organization like the Giants that’s not afraid to spend; a team that’s not afraid to go and get free agents and keep guys together and adding; and do all the things you expect a winning franchise to do, we have the opportunity to do that here, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of that.”

“It just seemed like it was destiny,” Chapman added. “I think we’ve got some unfinished business [here].”

For [Champan, this is] the most comfortable spot, and he love[s] playing in the Bay Area,” said Melvin.

Indeed, Chapman is wasting no time making himself comfortable with the Giants.

“Since I’ve been here, I [have felt] super comfortable,” said Chapman. “Going through the defenses, going through all the drills. Got to do it for seven years, so it was just like riding a bike.”

However, Chapman’s arrival means that JD Davis has lost his job as the Giants’ everyday third-baseman. The speculation on the future of Davis is all over the place, from roles as a late-inning pinch-hitter, to being traded. Only time will tell for Davis.

Another player whose future is clouded by the arrival of Chapman is Casey Schmitt. Schmitt had an exciting rookie season for the Giants in 2023, and could perhaps see time as a utility man, as he tried to make even more noise in his sophomore season.

Though, no matter what happens, this off-season has proven that the Giants and President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi are willing to spend money. Despite losing out on Shohei Ohtani and prized starting pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Zaidi committed to spending over $250 million, as he added Jung-hoo Lee, Jordan Hicks and Jorge Soler.

Chapman is a career-.240 hitter. While his defense is his forte, Chapman also provides power. The Giants are hoping that Jorge Soler can end the Giants’ streak of 19-straight seasons without a 30-home run season from a player, but Chapman could end the streak as well.

Chapman hit 36 home runs with the A’s in 2019; 27 with the A’s in 2021; and 27 with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022. Chapman hit .240 with 17 home runs for Toronto in 2023.

Chapman is the second of the “Boras Four” to be signed. Cody Bellinger was re-signed by the Chicago Cubs to a three-year deal on Feb. 28. Starting pitchers Jordan Montgomery, and 2023 National League Cy Young Award Winner Blake Snell remained unsigned, but the Giants are believed to be in the running for snell.

Scott Boras indeed accompanied Chapman to his press conference, and he and Chapman offered their thoughts on the situation surrounding Boras and his clients.

“[It was] definitely a strange market this year,” said Chapman, who is expected to try free agency again after this season if his power numbers go back up. “The free agent market was a little abnormal. Our goals were to either get a long-term contract that we felt that I was worth. If not, get the short-term contract with opt-outs and bet on myself.”

“Obviously teams have different thoughts,” said Boras. “There are teams that want long-term [deals] for their particular reasons, and there are teams that want short-term. You kind of listen to both dynamics of what each team has, and wants, and talk to your clients and see what they want to do.”

Chapman also dispelled the reputation that the City of San Francisco has for homelessness and crime.

“I chose to come here,” said Chapman. “I think everybody’s different. Everybody has different things that matter to them, but I’m from California. I played in the Bay Area; I’m comfortable here; and people say what they say, but I think at the end of the day when you look at the franchise, they want to win. They’ve won before, [and] they know how to do it.”

“They have great players, [and] great coaches. So, I don’t see why people wouldn’t want to come here,” Chapman added. “I know that a lot of people have reached out and said they want to come play here and told me that, so I think if that’s [the] narrative, it’s going to change.”

Other Notes:

Giants Play-by-Play Announcer Duane Kuiper praised Manager Bob Melvin’s old-school approach on “Giants Talk” with NBC Sports Bay Area Giants Beat Writer Alex Pavlovic, and Cole Kuiper. He mentioned the departure from the way Gabe Kapler managed the team the last four seasons.

Kuiper also noted the fact that the Giants are taking infield drills every day. It is a drill that Melvin has long employed, as well one Bruce Bochy used when managed the Giants from 2007 to 2019.

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: How Giants Chapman’s bat will help; Braves Acuna Jr. out for opening day with irritated meniscus; plus more

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Atlanta Braves Ronald Acuna Jr will miss opening day due to an irritated meniscus. (AP News file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, how much do the Giants improve after signing third baseman Matt Chapman to a three year $54 million deal. They’ll certainly depend on his bat.

#2 The Atlanta Braves Ronald Acuna is suffering from an irritated meniscus. It’s not so bad where he will miss opening day. Talk about how important Acuna’s bat is for the Braves.

#3 Boston Red Sox second baseman Vaughn Grissom is not expected to be in the opening day line up. Grissom was taking ground balls a week before spring training games started but injured his groin and now is being observed and Sox manager Alex Cora didn’t have a time when Grissom would be back.

#4 Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Daniel Voglebach rubbed it in a bit hitting a two run homer off New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole in the first inning. Voglebach after hitting the ball flipped his bat and slowly ran the bases. Cole said after the game “I don’t forget a lot of things.”

#5 Oakland A’s team president David Kaval said he will be unveiling the artist renderings for the A’s new ballpark in Las Vegas at the Tropicana. The plan is to level the Tropicana and redo the 35 acre block at Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd. The other item everyone involved is waiting for is if John Fisher can come up with the financing of his share of the ballpark.

Join Charlie O for Headlines podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa: Sharks drop the puck with Stars in Dallas tonight

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San Jose Sharks left wing William Ecklund (72) goes for the congratulatory skating lap in front of the Sharks bench after scoring a second period goal against the Anaheim Ducks at SAP Center on Thu Feb 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast with Lisa:

#1 The San Jose Sharks are on a five game skid. They lost their last game to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night 6-4 at SAP Center in San Jose.

#2 Without starting goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood Sharks back up goalie Kaapo Kahkonen was pelted with shots on goals all night long facing 29 and saving 24 in the 6-4 two goal loss to Anaheim.

#3 The Ducks Adam Hentrique had a goal and two assists and Frank Vatrano scored his 27th goal for a team both scored goals to help pace the Ducks.

#4 The Sharks Anthony DuClair scored twice for San Jose, Mike Hoffman and William Ecklund also contributed with a goal each for the Sharks.

#5 The Sharks are in Dallas to open a home at home series which starts Saturday night and picks up on Tuesday night in San Jose. The Stars are no joke one of the toughest teams in the NHL who are in first place in the NHL Central Division at 36-17-9. How much do the Sharks have their hands full starting tonight in Dallas?

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