Tag: mlb

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: Fisher may not have the money for stadium; Sources say he’s been talking to other casino owners to chip in for the $1.1 billion cost

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Does Oakland A’s owner John Fisher have the $1.1 billion to pay for Vegas/Tropicana ballpark in Las Vegas? (photo by Athletics Nation)

On the A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 Maybe it’s a good thing that Oakland A’s owner John Fisher doesn’t have to pay a relocation fee because he’s having a hard enough time trying to find $1.1 billion to pay for his share of the building construction for the Tropicana ballpark. So far word is he has not plopped down the $1.1 billion and that he just very well may not have the money.

#2 There was talk that he was going to ask Goldman Sachs for the loan to cover the cost of paying for the construction share but after learning what the interest rates for the loan that bit of news got really quite.

#3 The A’s and the Tropicana were supposed to present the renderings for the new ballpark but that was called off earlier in December after two Nevada Deputies were killed and a renderings announcement would be rescheduled. Then it was expected maybe mid December but here we are in the first week of January and the only thing we’ve heard is the renderings are supposed to take place next week.

#4 Sources say that the A’s and the Tropicana have been showing renderings to other Casino owners and from those sources no casino operator has been willing to put in his share towards the stadium financing. If this is the case Fisher clearly doesn’t have the money and is going with hat in hand up and down the strip.

#5 Schools over Stadiums who might be the last hope to stop public financing for a new ballpark on the strip has come out with their campaign push on their X page stating reasons why funding the Tropicana ballpark with public money over education is a bad idea. Schools over Stadiums is looking for voter support in the event they can get an initiative on the ballot that would stop public funding of an A’s Las Vegas Park. Whatever the outcome for Schools over Stadiums the fight is on.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Rays Franco fails to show up for inappropriate relationship hearing in the Dominican; Braves acquire Sale from Red Sox for Grissom; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Wander Franco sits in the dugout during a game at the Tropicana in St Petersburg on Aug 13, 2023 during a MLB game. Franco was arrested on Sun Jan 1, 2024 and is under investigation allegation of having a inappropriate relationship with a minor in the Dominican Republic (AP News file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco 22, appeared at a prosecutor’s office with his two attorneys Teodosio Jáquez Encarnación and Juan Francisco Rodríguez Consoró, to answer to accusations of inappropriate relationships with minors. Details of the meeting was not forthcoming. He has been accused by two people and a third person came forward and that investigation is forthcoming. Franco was placed on leave last season. Franco signed an 11 year $182 million contract in Nov 2021 with the Rays.

#2 It’s the big deal that everybody in MLB is talking about the Atlanta Braves acquired pitcher Chris Sale and cash for infielder Vaughn Grissom who goes to the Boston Red Sox. Sale last season for the Sox was 6-5, ERA 4.30 with 125 strike outs. Grissom last season for the Braves hit .280, 21 hits, no home runs and 9 RBIs.

#3 The Red Sox picked up pitcher Lucas Giolito who pitched for the Cleveland Guardians last season. Giolito joins the Sox in a two year $38.5 million deal. Giolito a left hander will join the Sox starting rotation. Giolito went 8-15 with 4.88 ERA.

#4 Two Detroit Tigers scouts Gary Pellant 68 and Randall Johnson 67 have filed a law suit against the Tigers for age discrimination. Both Pellant and Johnson were fired by the Tigers after the 2020 season because of the false stereotype that older scouts lacked the scouting tools regarding analytics. There have been 51 of 83 older scouts of other MLB scouts who filed age discrimination suits against MLB for age discrimination over the same charges. The lawsuit mentioned that after Rob Manfred became Commissioner in 2015 there has been of recruiting younger scouts and doing away with the older scouts who were 60 and over.

#5 Last Friday Amuary you wrote about Cuban native and Oakland A’s pitching prospect Luis Morales who signed for $3 million last season. Morales from Cuba throws a fast ball that is in the triple digits. In Cuba he had been making $40-200 a month pitching. Morales defected and was caught by Cuban authorities in Guantanamo in the process of escaping the island, but he finally defected two years ago and here he is now with the A’s.

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

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: 49ers hoping to come back from embarrassing loss to Ravens; Raiders hope to keep it up in Indianapolis today; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese (left) and quarterback Brock Purdy (13) stand on the sidelines trying to make sense of it all as the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback LaMar Jackson were in full control at Levi Stadium on Mon Dec 25, 2023 (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie when you look at the Baltimore Ravens (12-3) quarterback LaMar Jackson last week he had all the time in the world to throw against the San Francisco 49ers (11-4) pass rush. It almost seemed like he was in command of that game on Monday Night Football and was able to find a receiver when needed.

#2 For 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy no doubt one of his toughest outings since he got injured against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship last season. Purdy got into all sorts of trouble having to run out of the pocket, not time to pass and threw into traffic and got picked off four times.

#3 The Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) simply put it all together all afternoon last week in Kansas City against the Chiefs (9-6). They scored twice in just seven seconds in the second quarter and that pretty much took the wind out of the sails of head coach Andy Reid, Travis Kelce, quarterback Pat Mahomes and Taylor Swift.

#4 On tap today the Raiders need a big win in Indianapolis against the Colts (8-7). The Colts are no slouch winners of five of their last seven games. The Colts did take a tough loss from the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday 29-10. Seeing how these teams match up do you see this being a close game for the Raiders today or will the Colts have home field advantage at Lucas Oil Stadium.

#5 Schools over Stadiums and Oakland A’s fans have announced that they will host a FanFest at Jack London Square on Sat Feb 24th. More details are coming. Last Dive Bar who X’d the message said they will be joined by the following groups at the FanFest, the Oakland 68s, Oakland Ballers, Oakland Roots, Oakland Soul, Oaklandish, Breast Oakland, and the Last Dive Bar. Schools over Stadiums are hoping to attend. The A’s will not host a FanFest and are expected to play their last season at the Oakland Coliseum this season and leave Oakland and play at a alternate location. This FanFest could measure in helping raise funds for Schools over Stadium’s legal fees in their campaign to get an initiative on the Nevada ballot to stop the use of public funds for the A’s Las Vegas Ballpark.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary A’s prospect: Escaped Cuba in 2021 figures in the team’s future

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oakland A’s future prospect Luis Danys Morales (left) shakes hands with A’s assistant general manager Dan Feinstein during the signing of Morales (photo by the Oakland A’s)

A’s top prospect Escaped Cuba in 2021 figures in the team’s future

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–Luis Danys Morales defected from the Cuban National Sub-23 team in México in 2021. According to MLB, in 2023, the Cuban right-handed pitcher was considered the best young international prospect—the Oakland A’s signed Morales for $3 million.

A few years earlier, when he was 18 years old, Morales was caught by Cuban authorities in Guantanamo in the process of escaping the island, but he finally defected two years ago. Libertad!

Suppose you wonder why all the talented baseball players from Cuba have been defecting for decades to come to the US. They are not treated well, as they make an equivalent of $40 to 200 dollars per month in salary in Cuban pesos.

It is important to remember that because Cuba’s communist government abolished all professional sports in the country in the 1960s, today’s players only play for the pleasure of the country, and the entity that reigns over baseball evaluates “patriotism” as crucial as their baseball skills.

They have to play under the harassment of the government. One Cuban player who defected and who is not in the major leagues told me years ago “if we do not stand for the Cuban National Anthem before the game, in Cuba or abroad, we are in dire trouble.”

Morales is 6’3″and 190 pounds, with a 99 mph fastball and good stuff in his other pitches. Scouts consider he could be a future starter in the major leagues. Born in Antilla, Cuba (in the eastern part of the country) on September 24, 2002.

In 2023, pitched for the Lansing Lug Nuts of the Midwest League High-A affiliate of the Oakland A’s. He pitched 44 innings, struck out 55 in 14 games, 13 games as a starter, and ended with a 2.86 earned run average.

The A’s have a very young and inexperienced pitching staff; they recently signed Trevor Gott for one year and $1.5 million, plus other bonuses, including if he gets traded. Trevor Gott has become the most experienced pitcher on the A’s roster, although others might be signed in the future.

Gott has pitched in the AL West with the Mariners and the Angels and in the NL West with the Giants. “We are looking to add some experience to our pitching staff and our bullpen,” A’s general manager David Forst said to the AP. “Trevor has pitched well in our division and wanted to return to the Bay Area.”“We are looking to add some experience to our pitching staff and our bullpen,” A’s general manager David Forst said to the AP. “Trevor has pitched well in our division and wanted to return to the Bay Area.”

Happy New Year!

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer 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 relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: No renderings ready yet; Construction details still being worked out ; Vegas residents face taxes going up with A’s stadium

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The implosion of the two towers are in the making at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to make room for an Las Vegas A’s ballpark at the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd. Construction is set for Apr 2025. The A’s, Bally’s, and the Tropicana will be working with the City and State on getting the construction details worked out. (AP News photo)

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 The Tropicana Hotel and Casino the future site of the Las Vegas A’s have reached a five year deal with the Culinary Union 226 which covers 300 employees. The deal may not reach the full five years. The Culinary union is one of the strongest unions in Las Vegas if not the strongest. It was one of the unions who stood behind the State Legislative drive to publicly fund the A’s new ball park.

#2 The A’s are scheduled to break ground April 2025, the construction plans are still being drawn up and insiders say renderings are either partially ready but not completed to present to the public yet. Vegas residents have expressed concerns about more taxes as a result of the A’s new park. Some are not excited about the A’s coming to Sin City.

#3 As of Dec 28 the A’s nor the Tropicana have provided renderings of the ballpark and how A’s owner John Fisher is suppose to pay his share of the $1.1 billion for the ballpark in Vegas and Fisher and the A’s have been pretty hush hush on both issues.

#4 The new contract with the Culinary union allows the union to organize hiring employees to work at the new Tropicana ball park. The workers will be food service, cashiers, cooks, restaurant service, just to name a few positions.

#5 The A’s were going to unveil their renderings at the beginning of this month but that was postponed because of two Nevada State Highway Patrol officers were killed and out of respect for the families the unveiling was postponed.

#6 The A’s, MLB, the Tropicana are also waiting for approval from Federal Aviation Administration, development plans, finalization of bonding, a lease agreement, construction timelines, which should take most of the 2024 calendar to finalize these issues.

#7 Schools over Stadiums and Oakland A’s fans have announced they will host a Fan Fest. Joining the Fan Fest are the Oakland 68s, Oakland Ballers, Oakland Roots, Oakland Soul, Oaklandish, and the Last Dive Bar. Most likely this will be a FanFest to push raising monies for legal funds and a campaign money for the Schools over Stadiums drive to put an initiative on the ballot to stop the use of public funds for the Las Vegas ballpark and put the funds for use for schools for the Nov 2024 election in Nevada. The FanFest is scheduled for Sat Feb 24th at Jack London Square in Oakland.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2023 Asian Winter in Baseball

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Ichiro Suzuki the former Seattle Mariners star started a huge following for Asian players in MLB. Ichiro is on the cusp of being voted in the MLB Hall of Fame. Here is Ichiro addressing the media on Fri Aug 26, 2022 the day before he was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame. Ichiro will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2025 (AP News file photo)

2023 Asian Winter in Baseball

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Since the 2022 World Series ended and until today, some of the most coveted and expensive free agents in the game are players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshiubo Yamamoto, both Japanese, who signed with the Dodgers and shelled 1 Billion dollars total for both players. ($1 Billion US dollars is equal to 141,613,142,860 Japanese Yen)

Also, Jung Hoo Lee, a South Korean outfielder who signed with the San Francisco Giants; Masataka Yoshida with the Boston Red Sox; and Yuki Matsui, who signed with the San Diego Padres from the Japanese professional leagues.

Not signed yet: From Japan, the two free agents are Shota Imanaga, a lefty-control pitcher, and Naoyuki Uwasawa, a right-handed pitcher. Uwasaka was not even posted yet.

-The West Coast a Pioneer to Asian players:

-Japan: The first Japanese player was pitcher Masanori Murakami, who was with the San Francisco Giants. However, after just 2 years, the connection of players from Japan to the major leagues was closed

-South Korea: In 1994, Chan Ho Park, a pitcher, became the first Korean-born player to p[play in the major leagues.

The most impactful player from Asia?  Ichiro Suzuki played from 2001 to 2019 with the Seattle Mariners: a lead-off hitter-outfielder, great contact hitter, and tremendous throwing arm from right field. Ichiro had 200 or more hits in ten consecutive seasons with the Mariners from 2001 to 2010.

Ended his career with 3,089 hits and .311 average. He will be the first Asian player inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York. No other Asian baseball player has played for this long and enjoyed this much success.

During my years calling Mariners games for Spanish radio in Seattle, I met Ichiro when he first came into the major leagues from Japan; a hard worker and eccentric player, he would carry his favorite bats inside a particular case like a great violinist carries a Stradivarius.

Ichiro was very reserved as a player, some say, shy; I did interview him a few times with one of his interpreters. I would answer the question in English to his interpreter, who would then ask him in Japanese, and he (the interpreter) would return the answer in English to me.

Later, I would take the tape upstairs to my broadcast booth to edit for my pre-game show. It was exciting. One of the most curious answers he ever gave me was when I asked him if he learned any words in Spanish, and it was ‘peligroso’, which means ‘dangerous’. I later learned that he was ‘miked’ during a  live game that was nationally televised and said a word that he did not mean to say.

On October 1, 2004, Ichiro Suzuki broke George Sisler’s single-season record with a  258th hit. I called that game; it was one of Ichiro’s greatest accomplishments. That season Ichiro ended with 262 hits.

Quote: If I’m in a slump, I ask myself for advice  -Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro will not be eligible for the Hall of Fame until 2025.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Will Ohtani and Yamamoto be worth the $1 Billion spent; Dodger’s Ohtani gifts Kelly’s wife with new Porsche

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (left) showed his appreciation to Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly’s (right) wife Ashley (center) as Ohtani got Kelly’s jersey 17. This was actually a gift from both Ohtani and Kelly to Kelly’s wife for the numeral change on the jersey. (Getty photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 It was the two signings by the Los Angeles Dodgers this week with designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto for a combined $1 billion are these deals going to be worth all that money?

#2 The Seattle Mariners and catcher Mitch Garver have reached a two year $24 million agreement. Garver hit .270, 19 home runs and 50 RBIs. Tell us how Garver will have give the M’s boost in their line up.

#3 Got to ask you about Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly selling his uniform number 17 in exchange for a brand new Porsche from Ohtani for his wife Ashley Kelly. The new car was parked in front of Kelly’s home and his wife answered the door to see the new silver Porsche as the delivery driver told her “it’s yours.”

#4 The San Diego Padres signed Yuki Matsui for a five year $28 million contract. This was the Padres biggest splurge since last spring training. Matsui was the top reliever in Japan where he saved 236 games and had an 2.40 ERA. The Padres are expecting Matsui to be the core of the pitching staff.

#5 ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian said that it doesn’t seem right that the Cleveland Guardians got the number one draft pick and the Oakland A’s end up with the fourth lottery pick. Amaury despite the A’s coming in fourth in the lottery can you see the A’s getting talent for their future in spite of not getting the number one draft pick?

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

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Raiders tough task face Chiefs Monday in KC; Ravens-49ers preview for Super Bowl?; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thu Dec 14, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, lets start with the Las Vegas Raiders who in their last game clobbered the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium 63-21. It was a game where the Raiders who previously lost 3-0 to the Minnesota Vikings just four days before saw quarterback Aidan O’Connell throw for four touchdowns on Thursday Night Football.

#2 The Raiders have tough task again when they visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs (9-5) have had their struggles they have lost four of their last seven games and quarterback Patrick Mahomes was fined $50,000 and head coach Andy Reid $100,000 for criticizing the officials from Sun Dec 10th’s game. The Chiefs turned it around beating the New England Patriots last Sun Dec 17th with a 27-17 win. How do you see this match up Raiders at Chiefs on Monday.

#3 Ever since their three game collapse earlier this season the 49ers have been one of the NFL’s unstoppable teams winning six straight. They crushed the Arizona Cardinals in their last game 45-29. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy continues to roll with four touchdowns.

#4 The 49ers host the Ravens on Monday Night Football on Christmas night at Levi Stadium. The Ravens with and identical record as the 49ers 11-3 have quarterback LaMar Jackson under center who has a lot of confidence and success this season will the Ravens have success like the last six teams the 49ers have faced?

#5 Rob Manfred and MLB have some new rule changes for the 2024 season. Two seconds have been taken away from the pitcher who used to have 20 seconds now it’s 18 seconds to throw a pitch. Also the baserunner before had to run on the dirt from the foul line and three foot line or take a chance of being called out for interference. Now the base runners lane will go from the cut of the infield grass, the distance from foul line and the infield grass. The distance between the infield grass to the foul line will be 18 and 24 inches in all big league parks. It widens the runners path up the first base line.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s still need FAA approval regarding Las Vegas Airport; Vegas fans are not excited about A’s coming

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The air traffic tower under construction at the Las Vegas Airport in this Aug 6, 2014 photo. The runways for take off and landings front where home plate will face at the Las Vegas ballpark and there are concerns if the stadium lights would be a distraction for pilots. The A’s and the Tropicana are waiting for FAA approval in that part of the venture. (AP News file photo)

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel, our talk show host Jimmy Price went on location at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel and did a close visual of the property and intersection. He confirmed that this will be a tight space for a retractable and the two towers at the Tropicana will need to be demoed and as of the end of December no renderings as of yet.

#2 Also Jimmy mentioned that some of the retail, businesses and people who work and live by the strip do not want the A’s to come to the Tropicana because it will create horrible congestion and a ballpark at Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana will be more of hinderance. Don’t forget the FAA has to approve the stadium as well as home plate faces the landing and take off runway at Las Vegas Airport.

#3 The other point that was brought up was this thinking by the A’s that they’ll bring in attendance by depending on tourism and visiting teams fans will travel with the team like they do for the Raiders. In baseball it’s been brought up whose going to come on a Monday or Tuesday to see the Royals or Pittsburgh Pirates at Tropicana Field very few was the answer.

#4 The A’s ballpark in Las Vegas may not be a destination spot for visitors in Vegas because the product of the A’s just won’t attract visitors from coming. If the A’s were to rebrand themselves as say the Las Vegas Blackjacks or another name then promote themselves as such much in the same way the Washington Nationals did when they left Montreal that marketing strategy might work but using the A’s and their colors it’s not going to fool or excite too many fans.

#5 Once again the non existence of renderings have fans and Vegas residents wondering what is going to work at the park. The Texas Rangers it was said did a great job of their design at Globe Life Field with their luxury boxes and and stadium layout to attract fans in Arlington. The A’s trying to shoehorn a park in the Tropicana that will be tight fit it might not only be the smallest park in the Majors but it could turn into the biggest disaster development mistake in MLB.

Join Daniel for the Oakland A’s relocation podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Dodgers reload and acquire Yamamoto

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Yoshinobu Yamamoto seen here dealing with Team Japan during the World Baseball Classic signed a 12 year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thu Dec 21, 2023 (AP file photo)

Dodgers reload and acquire Yamamoto

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The Los Angeles Dodgers so far have had a sensational off-season, which began with signing the #1 Free Agent and two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to an incredible 10-year-$700 million deal. A couple of weeks later, they signed free-agent pitcher Tyler Glasnow.

Today, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, considered the best pitcher in Japan, is also a Dodger with a $375 million contract; the Yankees, the Mets, and the Giants made offers for Yamamoto, but he chose the Dodgers. No surprise here; as soon as the Dodgers signed Ohtani, the two-way superstar was recruiting Yamamoto to come to Los Angeles.

Although it is not yet confirmed, it is believed that the Yamamoto contract is for 12 years and $325 million. Also, there is a posting fee of $50 million. The $325 million is the most given to a pitcher, more than Yankees’ current American League Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, beating Cole by $1 million. Yamamoto will be making a $27 million per year salary.

The Dodgers, one of three teams last season to win 100 games, the other two were also divisional winners, Atlanta (104) and Baltimore (101), look like the team to beat again in the National League West. Adding Glasnow and Yamamoto to the Dodger rotation is crucial to their hopes of repeating as divisional champions, combined with a great top-of-the-lineup headed by three of the best hitters of MVP caliber in the game: Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani.

The Giants also were interested in Yamamoto, but the Dodges outbid them. The Giants’ best free-agent signing is South Korean star outfielder Jung-Hoo Lee, who received a 6-year $113 million contract from San Francisco; he can opt-out after four seasons.

His agent is Scott Boras, and many in the business believe that although Lee is a star outfielder, Boras might have oversold the player to the Giants. Cody Bellinger, who had a great season with the Chicago Cubs, is still available and one of the best position players in this 2023 class of free agents.

Many teams have shown interest in the 2019 NL Most Valuable Player; if the Giants want Bellinger, they might have to overspend, some say around $200 million. With all respect to Bellinger, I do not think he is worth that much.

Still, it is all relative to how much the Giants would want Bellinger in Orange and Black. By not acquiring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Giants continue to ‘swing and miss’ at the most prominent free-agent names available during the last few years.

According to Alex Pavlovic, Yamamoto informed the Giants that he would not be signing with them; the Red Sox and Blue Jays were also after the Japanese hurler. The Giants’ offseason focus was on Ohtani and Yamamoto. Unfortunately, not only did neither choose to come to San Francisco, but they went to LA to the Dodgers, the one team the Giants despise the most. Like the French say: “c’est la vie. — that’s life.

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