San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb gets the call to pitch the opener against the New York Yankees at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Wed Mar 25, 2026 (AP file photo)
San Francisco Giants podcast Stephen Ruderman:
#1 What makes the Yankees vs. Giants matchup on March 25, 2026, unique compared to other Opening Day games this season?
#2 Talk about today’s starting pitchers for the New York Yankees left hander Max Fried and for the Giants Logan Webb how do you see that match up.
#3 How does playing at Oracle Park influence the performance of both teams, especially hitters vs. pitchers?
#4 Which star players (like Aaron Judge or key Giants players) are expected to have the biggest impact in this Opening Night game?
#5 Can Giants team president Buster Posey live up to the expectations of getting a club together and get a competitve team on the field together.
Photo credit: SF Bay News Lab San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee (51) slugs a three run fourth home run against the Monterrey Saltanes on Tue Mar 24, 2026
SAN FRANCISCO–The San Francisco Giants open the regular season on Wednesday evening, and they look ready to take on the New York Yankees at Oracle Park as they beat the Sultanes de Monterrey 8-2 on Tuesday night.
Landon Roupp, who was looking to bounce back from his poor start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18, did just that. He threw 5 1/3 innings, giving up just four hits and two runs. He struck out six Sultanes batters but did walk three. Roupp figures to be the Giants’ fifth starter this season.
The Giants struck first in the fourth inning. After two walks, Giants’ outfielder Jung Hoo Lee launched a one-out, three-run homer against Sultanes pitcher Justus Sheffield that gave San Francisco a 3-0 lead. Lee is having a fantastic spring, hitting .455 (10-for-22), with a .500 on-base percentage and a 1.227 OPS.
The Sultanes answered back with two runs in the top of the fifth inning. With one out, left fielder Brayan Mendoza doubled in catcher Ricardo Genoves and center fielder Ismael Alcantra. That made the score 3-2 Giants. But the Giants got those runs right back the next inning.
Third baseman Christian Koss hit a little league home run to lead off the inning. Alcantra misplayed the ball in center, allowing Koss to come in and score. The play was scored as a triple and an error, giving the Giants a 4-2 lead.
Then, after a walk and a wild pitch, Jake Holton doubled in another run to make it 5-2 Giants.
San Francisco tacked on two more runs in the seventh inning when Victor Bericoto doubled in two runs, giving the Giants a 7-2 lead. Bericoto is having a fabulous spring, hitting .419 with a .422 on-base percentage and 1.120 OPS. He had three home runs and 14 RBIs in 43 at-bats this spring. Bericoto was recently optioned to the minor leagues, but he has certainly made an impression and could be back with the Giants very soon if he continues his hot hitting in the minors.
The Giants capped their scoring in the eighth inning, when Holton hit a two-out, RBI single to give the Giants an 8-2 lead. Holton went 2-for-3 on the night.
On the bullpen side for the Giants, Michael Fulmer and Blake Tidwell combined for 3 2/3 hitless innings and seven strikeouts. Tidwell had four strikeouts in two innings and closed out the game.
Up next, the Giants will open the season on Wednesday night against the Yankees at 5:05 p.m. at Oracle Park. Giants ace Logan Webb will be on the hill for the Giants against the Yankees’ Max Fried. The game will be televised exclusively on Netflix.
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello is making his MLB debuting straight out of coaching college baseball in Tennessee (AP News photo)
That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:
#1 With the 2026 MLB season set to begin this week (including an early Yankees–Giants matchup), which team storyline do you find most compelling heading into Opening Day, and why?
#2 New Leadership Impact How might Tony Vitello’s transition from college baseball to managing the San Francisco Giants affect the team’s performance and clubhouse culture this season?
#3 Roster Decisions & Breakout Players What do late spring training decisions—like the Pirates naming Carmen Mlodzinski as their fifth starter—tell us about how teams evaluate talent and readiness before Opening Day?
#4 Contenders & Predictions The Yankees are projected as strong playoff contenders again with key players returning. What factors will be most important in determining whether they meet expectations in 2026?
#5 League-Wide Trends From contract extensions (like the Blue Jays’ leadership) to roster cuts and prospect development, what broader trends do you see shaping MLB teams just days before the season begins?
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.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
New York Yankees left hand pitcher Max Fried will be the starting pitcher against the San Francisco Giants on opening day Wed Mar 25, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)
That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:
#1 Will New York Yankees’ new Opening Day pitcher LHP Max Fried lead the rotation to a strong start? .
#2 Which players could become surprise trade candidates before the 2026 MLB deadline?
#3 Why did Tarik Skubal leave Team USA after his World Baseball Classic appearance? The Detroit Tigers ace made headlines after stepping away from Team USA duties following his WBC debut.
#4 Which players are standing out in spring training as Opening Day approaches? Early performances—like big home runs and defensive plays—are drawing attention as teams finalize their rosters for the start of the 2026 season.
#5 MLB questions specifically about the Dodgers and Giants rivalry. The Dodgers multiple World Series wins and the Giants new manager Tony Vitello will he be able to get the Giants to the post season?
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.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
Major League Baseball Players Association senior director Bruce Meyer answers questions to the media in MLBPA offices in New York Mar 11, 2022 (AP News file photo)
That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:
#1 Will MLB avoid a labor dispute or lockout later in 2026? With the current collective bargaining agreement scheduled to expire after the 2026 season and owners pushing for changes like a potential salary cap, there’s significant uncertainty about labor peace beyond this season.
#2 Can any team realistically stop the reigning champions and favorites? The Los Angeles Dodgers enter 2026 as back-to-back National League champions and World Series winners and will try to become the first team since the 2000s Yankees to three-peat.
#3 How will the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system affect games? MLB is implementing an automated strike-zone challenge system for the 2026 season, which could meaningfully change umpiring, game strategy, and pace of play.
#4 Which remaining free agents or trades will shape contending rosters? With notable free agents still unsigned and trade rumors circulating, questions remain about where players like top free agents sign and how teams will bolster key areas.
#5 Amaury for the Sacramento A’s who will win key roster spots, especially around the infield? With new acquisitions and players like Zack Gelof competing for positioning, a central question is whether veterans or younger talent will earn starting roles come Opening Day.
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.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
Milwaukee Brewers Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home in the bottom of the fourth inning at American Family Park in Milwaukee to go up in the series 2-0 on the Chicago Cubs in game 2 of the National League Division Series on Mon Oct 6, 2025 (AP News photo)
That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:
#1 The Milwaukee Brewers moved two games ahead of the Chicago Cubs defeating the Cubs on Monday night at American Family Park in Milwaukee 7-3 in convincing fashion in game 2 in the NLDS.
#2 The Cubs are painted in a corner down 0-2 and have their backs to the wall as they send game 3 back to Chicago. The lovable losers need every inch of support from their friendly confines at Wrigley Field on Wed Oct 8.
#3 What’s happened to the New York Yankees they caved on Monday night to the Toronto Blue Jays 13-7 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
#4 It was all Blue Jays in the second inning with two runs, in the third inning with three runs, and the Jays fans turned their ball caps inside out in the bottom of the fourth as the Jays scored six runs and put away game two as the Jays go up in the series 2-0.
#5 Yankees pitchers got lit up in game two as well starter Max Fried who suffered pitching three innings allowing eight hits, seven runs, two walks and got only one strike out, reliever Will Warren went 4.2 innings seven hits and six runs and one walk and six strikeouts. What’s happened to the Yankees pitching?
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.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
Sacramento A’s outfielder Brent Rooker models the Sacramento uniform the A’s will use when on the road for the 2026 season. (photo by Sacramento A’s X)
MLB Notes 2025 -Giants get No Satisfaction
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
The San Francisco Giants got “No Satisfaction” like the great Rolling Stones song, as they ended the season with an 81-81 record, a tie, and. a .500 mark. Not going to the postseason. The Giants last qualified in 2021. They have a lot of work to do in the next few months to try to join the “big boys” of this division, LA and SD.
Mets learned that Money is not the Answer. The New York Mets, with the highest payroll in baseball, featuring Juan Soto at $765 million and Francisco Lindor at $341 million, among others, had a shot but failed to win game #162.
They are not going to the postseason. Manager Carlos Mendoza? His job is in danger. In New York, there is always danger for managers. The Cincinnati Reds had the 22nd-largest payroll among all 30 teams, approximately $90 million, and one of the best managers, Terry Francona.
They clinched a wild-card spot in the last game of the season. The last time the Reds were in a postseason was in 2020. Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians) completed a historic comeback, overcoming a 15 1/2 game deficit to take the lead this month and won the AL Central Division on the last day of the season by leaving the Detroit Tigers in the rear view mirror.
The feat that makes it the largest deficit ever erased to win a division in Major League Baseball history. Manager and ex-Oakland A’s catcher Stephen Vogt, in his second season as manager, took the team to the top. Blue Jays, Oh Canada!
They won the LA East Title over the Yankees. Last time the Blue Jays were in the postseason? 2016. Again, Vlad Guerrero Jr. justifies his $500 million, multi-year contract. New York, New York, Start spreading the news.
The Yankees secured a wild-card spot and advanced to the postseason as they finished in second place behind the Toronto Blue Jays. While the Blue Jays have their eyes on their third World Series title, the Yanks are going after their 28th.
Could the #1 city in the country have another parade? As I was on vacation, I ran into their last parade in Lower Manhattan in 2009, the last World Series they won. The Seattle Mariners won the AL West division, clinching their first AL West title since 2001.
Catcher Cal Raleigh had 60 home runs, 125 RBIs, and a .248 batting average. First catcher ever to hit 60 home runs in a single season, and the 12th catcher in history to have multiple 30-plus HR seasons. Cal Raleigh holds the MLB record for most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single season, surpassing Mickey Mantle’s 1961 record of 54 home runs with his 55th of the 2025 season, and, like above-mentioned, he ended with 60 home runs.
He is one of two top candidates for the AL MVP, with Yankee Aaron Judge, who won the batting title. hitting .330 with 53 home runs and 114 RBIs, plus an OPS of 1,149. The Brewers from Milwaukee ended with the best record in baseball, 97-65, winning the AL Central Division and marking their best year in franchise history.
They have never won a World Series. In 1982, they lost their only World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals, in the battle of the “beer cities.” Four million Blue. The Los Angeles Dodgers surpassed 4 million in attendance.
The Dodgers hold the record for the longest active streak of consecutive playoff appearances in MLB, a streak that stands at 13 seasons. They were the favorites to win the World Series prior to the start. With the MLB postseason underway, the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, and defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers are all involved.
“All World” Ohtani hit his 55th home run during their last game of the season at Chávez Ravine. My pick for the team that could go all the way, not mentioned here, is the San Diego Padres. They have all the talent necessary to make it all the way to the 2025 World Series Champions.
A’s Big News ! The A’s biggest news at year’s end. The Athletics will be introducing a new gold/yellow alternate jersey for the 2026 season, featuring “Sacramento” written on the front, in honor of their temporary home at Sutter Health Park. Why?
Lots of people, not only in California but all over the country, had NO IDEA where the A’s were playing. I know I missed other teams that are in the postseason, but I am exhausted.
Quote: Baseball was made for kids, and grown-ups only screw it up. ~Bob Lemon Adiós muchachos!
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.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
The Boston Red Sox clubhouse was spraying the bubbly after defeating the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston on Fri Sep 26, 2025 to advance to the playoffs. (AP News photo)
MLB The Show podcast Bruce Magowan:
# 1 Did the Red Sox’s walk‑off clincher on Friday finally end their postseason drought?
#2 Can the Astros still salvage a wild‑card spot after their gut‑punch loss to the Angels?
#3 Will Shohei Ohtani’s jersey stay at No. 1 in MLB sales—for a 4th straight year?
#4 Is Aaron Judge being shortchanged in AL MVP debates?
#5 How many more teams will the Red Sox or Yankees displace in the AL wild‑card race today?”
Sacramento A’s third baseman Max Muncey (10) watches a ball fall in the outfield hit by the New York Yankees Cody Bellinger the ball fell in front of A’s outfielder Tyler Soderstrom in the bottom of the first inning at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Sun Jun 29, 2025 (AP News photo)
Sacramento A’s podcast Barbra Mason:
1. The A’s finished a series with the New York Yankees last night getting a real beat down in game three losing 12-5 on Sunday.
2.The A’s made a valiant effort in the sixth inning scoring four runs to cut the Yankee lead in half trailing 10-5 but New York continued to score a couple more runs while the A’s were unable to score for the rest of the game.
3.It was another huge game for Aaron Judge who continues to hit those homers in fact there were a multitude of homeruns in this game for the Yankees.
4.This was a tough outing for Luis Severino who only pitched for 3 2/3 innings allowing five hits, seven runs, and three walks. The Yankees Marcus Stroman had a much better outing only allowing three hits and one earned run.
5.The A’s now head to Tampa Bay for a three-game series with the Rays. LHP Jacob Lopez (2-4 ERA 3.56)will take the mound for the A’s and the Rays will start RHP Drew Rasmussen (7-5 ERA 2.45). First pitch 3:35pm PT.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Sacramento A’s starter Luis Severino delivers a pitch at Sutter Health Park. Severino pitched against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx Sun Jun 29, 2025 (AP News file photo)
A’s Luis Severino not a happy Camper
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
Luis Severino, in his first season with the A’s is the #1 starting pitcher on the team’s rotation. Severino received the largest contract in Oakland A’s history. A three-year deal worth $67 million, including a $10 million signing bonus. With this contract, the Dominican right-hander surpassed the previous record for an A’s player (any position), which was in Oakland, a six-year, $66 million contract extension for third baseman Eric Chávez in 2004.
The Severino deal was finalized in December 2024. The highest-paid A’s player is also the most outspoken. He explicitly stated that Sutter Park in West Sacramento feels like a Spring Training game, indicating the lack of intensity and atmosphere of a regular Major League Baseball Game.
That is very understandable. Remember, Severino came from pitching all his career (10 years) in New York. In the Big Apple, there is never a lack of intensity or atmosphere. He mentioned that the clubhouse in Sacramento, being in left field, is an inconvenience. And then during day games, pitchers are subjected to the sun, which adds to the discomfort, and added, “I was not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings by saying that.”
Leaving New York for Sacramento for Severino must feel like leaving a real metropolis to play in a ranch. For the record, he did not say that; I did. I lived in New York City for a few years. Luis Severino’s problems extend not only to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, but also on the road.
This Sunday at Yankee Stadium, he pitched 3.2/3 innings, gave up five hits, of which two were home runs, and lost. His record today, a week away from the All-Star Break, is 2-9 with a 5.18 earned run average in 19 games as a starter.
For their #1 starter, that is not what the A’s envisioned this season. He is having a bad season, and from his comments, it’s very clear that he’s not having fun. Severino’s best season was in 2018 with the New York Yankees, 19-8 with a 3.39 ERA. Quote: “Pitching is the art of instilling fear” -Sandy Koufax.
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.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
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