Tag: Paul Skenes

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB Best Pitchers in the World

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (left) and the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (right) winners of the American League and National League Cy Young Award (photo by MLB.com)

MLB Best Pitchers in the World

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Just like the English Premier League is considered the best professional football Soccer league in the world, Major League Baseball is considered the best professional Baseball league in the World. What do these two leagues have in common?

The best paid and most talented in the world in their respective sports play there. The Best Pitchers in the World: -Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers (American League) 28 years old was born in Hayward, California, the 12th pitcher in history to repeat as Cy Young Award winner.

In 2025, led the American League in ERA (2.21) led the league in strikeouts (241) and best strikeout to walk ratio (7.3). New York Yankees captain and slugger Aaron Judge, identified Skubal as the best pitcher in Major League Baseball at the moment and a “young ace”.

Pedro Martínez Hall of Fame pitcher, called the Tigers’ ace a “bully on the mound” 2.212.22.) -Paul Skenes. Pittsburgh Pirates (National League) 23 years old born in Fullerton, California, unanimously won the 2025 CY Young Award winner, he joined Dwight Gooden and Fernando Valenzuela as the only pitchers ever to win the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young in the first two years in the majors.

Despite his 10-10 win/lost record he established the Pittsburgh Pirates strikeout record for a right handed pitcher (216) Skenes stated that the Pirates “owe it to the city” to win and that the team needs to set a higher bar than their “golden era” of recent baseball.

Although Football (Soccer in the US and Fútbol in the Spanish-speaking world) is the most international of Sports, baseball is played in more than 100 countries and has national baseball teams with the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) having 211 member national federations in 139 countries and territories. Some countries with popular professional leagues include the United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.

I remember when years in the past when my good friend Tony López was Sports Director for Univisión CH 14 San Francisco and I was same for Telemundo CH48 San José, Tony would always asked me why do they called it the World Series, when it was only teams of the US, and I always responded to Tony, it is because Major League Baseball is the premier league for baseball in the world, and every player that plays baseball from China to Australia, and points in-between always dream to play in the Major Leagues, because it is the mecca for the sport.

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

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O Sun Apr 27, 2025: Yanks skipper Boone demotes Williams as closer; Bucs Skenes demonstrates the mental part of his game; plus more MLB news

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New York Yankees starter Devin Williams has been demoted as the closer after a blown save against the Toronto Blue Jays on Fri Apr 26, 2025 at Yankee Stadium. Williams was booed off the field after the loss and will be a middle reliever. (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O Sun Apr 27, 2025:

#1 New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is considering removing Devin Williams as the closer his return the closer role would be based on improved pitching. On Friday Williams blew a save and the Yankee fans were unmerciful booing him off the field as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Yankees 4-2. Boone said he’ll do everything he can to get him back on track.

#2  Pittsburgh Pirates pitching ace Paul Skenes was facing Los Angeles Dodger mega star Shohei Ohtani in the fifth inning and had a 3-1 count on the Dodgers two way player. Skenes knew his back was to the wall and grew some extra confidence and threw two pitches that was on the outer edge of the strike zone. Then Skenes delivered a wicked curve ball that was going down Broadway but dropped at Ohtani’s shoe tops and Ohtani taking a big cut for strike three. That was some test of skill right there.

#3 Minnesota Twins obtained the services of infield Kody Clemens from the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies received cash for the exchange. Clemens was struggling for the Phils going 0-6, a walk, in seven games he was designated for assignment on Wednesday. The Twins added him to the 26 man roster and he made it in time for the Twins game on Saturday versus the Los Angeles Angels in Minneapolis. The move was made to fill infielder Luke Keachall who on the 10 day IL with a right forearm fracture.

#4 Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham was suspended by Major League Baseball for one game for “inappropriate actions toward fans” at Angels Stadium this week. Pham was supposed to be suspended for Friday’s game vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers but that suspension is in abeyance after Pham appealed. Pham 37 was caught on camera using a lewd hand gesture towards fans over the left field wall. Later a ball that was hit down the left field line that Pham made a play on a fan stuck out his glove on Pham. That fan was later moved to a different part of the park.

#4 Charlie, the Sacramento A’s who started the season in dead last in the AL West and at one time had a 2-7 home record have turned things around after sweeping the Chicago White Sox on the road and coming back to Sacramento this week taking two out three games from the Texas Rangers and and the first game of the three game set from the White Sox the A’s have added three more wins to their home record at Sutter Health Park to 5-9 as of Saturday. Was the rough beginning just a matter of getting used to the park for the A’s or was it a matter for the A’s to get their chemistry going?

#5 The San Francisco Giants paid tribute for former All Star and two time World Series Champion shortstop Brandon Crawford at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Saturday with former players on hand celebrating his retirement from baseball. Crawford career had 1404 hits, 147 home runs, 674 runs, and 748 RBIs and a career average of .249. Crawford played in San Francisco from 2011 to 2023 and finished his career in St Louis his last season was in 2024.

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

MLB podcast Michael Duca Thu Apr 17, 2025: Pirates Skenes will he have another Cy Young type season?; Braves Strider returns after missing last season; plus more news

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Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes (30) pitches to the Washington Nationals in the first inning on Mon Apr 14, 2025 in Pittsburgh (AP News photo)

MLB podcast Michael Duca Thu Apr 17, 2025

#1 There is a lot of talk about the Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes who is now considered an All Star. During the 2024 season Skenes had himself a season going 11-3 ERA 1.96 and so far this season is 2-1 ERA 2.96. Skenes says that he does focus when he gets some quite time and that brings him out on the field to make those starts. Can you talk about his skill as a pitcher and can he repeat the kind of season he had last year?

#2  Atlanta Braves right handed pitcher Spencer Strider faced the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday and threw five plus innings allowed two runs, struck out five, walked one and hit one batter in an 3-1 loss and it was Strider’s first appearance since he had surgery to repair an ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

#3 Veteran umpire Hunter Wendelstedt who was working first base took a line drive that hit him in the face. Wendelstedt the son of former umpire Harry Wendelstedt hit the ground after being hit off the bat by New York Mets center fieldr Tyrone Taylor in the seventh inning. Taylor and Minnesota Twins pitcher Louis Varland reacted in shock after seeing the ball hit Wendelstedt.

#4 The Chicago White Sox who got lit up by the Sacramento A’s 12-3 on Tuesday night at Rate Field designated right hand pitcher Mike Clevenger for assignment on Wednesday. Clevenger allowed three runs in the top of the ninth inning in Tuesday’s game. He had been struggling with an 0-2 record and an ERA of 7.94 in five appearances so far this year. He was 9-14 in 28 starts and eight relief appearances for the Sox.

#5 Miguel, finally talk about the job that San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee has been doing he’s hitting .333, 21 hits, 3 home runs, and 12 RBIs. He’s played some outstanding defense and went two for three with two hits and two runs scored in his last game on Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

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

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Skenes to start opening day for Bucs; Dodgers Ohtani goes deep in front of fans in Japan; plus more MLB news

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Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes will be the opening day starter for the Bucs on Thu Mar 27, 2025 against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes got the word from manager Derek Shelton that he would be the opening day starter. Skenes 22 years old a right hander was 11-3 and had an ERA of 1.96 in 23 starts for the Pirates in 2024 and won the NL Rookie of the Year Award. He said upon finding out that he would be the opening day starter “sweet.”

#2 Japanese and Los Angeles Dodger star Shohei Ohtani was raking at the Tokyo Dome on Saturday night in exhibition play against the Yomiuri Giants. Ohtani slugged a Titanic two run home run to right field to give the Dodgers a 4-0 lead and sent 42,000 fans standing and roaring for Ohtani.

#3 Miami Marlins outfielder Jesus Sanchez will be on the injured list for four weeks due to a oblique injury according to Marlins manager Clayton McCullough. Sanchez got hurt while playing in a spring training game against the Houston Astros. Sanchez 27 was a key hitter in the Miami line up last season hitting 18 home runs, 64 RBIs and 16 stolen bases an hit .252. He’ll be a bat that will be missed.

#4 Texas Rangers pitcher Jon Gray suffered a right wrist injury on Friday night which resulted in a fracture. Colorado Rockies first baseman Michael Toglia led off the fourth inning and lined one that struck Gray in the right wrist and will take him out of the rotation. The injuries are piling up for Rangers manager Bruce Bochy as left hand pitcher Cody Bradford is out with elbow soreness, pitcher Tyler Mahle is out forearm soreness. Not a great way to start the season as Bochy will have to work around the injuries to his pitching staff.

#5 Sacramento Athletic hitters are making good contact in spring training taking a look at some of the spring averages, starting with Lawrence Butler .355, 2 home runs, 7 RBIs, Shea Langeliers .348, 1 home run, 2 RBIs, Luis Urias .303, one home run, seven RBIs to name a few hitters who are doing some raking in the Cactus League for the A’s.

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

 

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O Sun Mar 2, 2025: Pete Rose being considered for reinstatement; Bucs Skenes expected to make a splash this season; plus more news

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Major League Baseball All Time hits leader Pete Rose is being considered by Commissioner Rob Manfred to lift the lifetime ban against Rose for gambling on baseball. Rose’s family has petitioned Manfred and MLB to reconsider the ban. (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O Sun Mar 2, 2025:

#1 MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reportedly is considering lifting baseball’s lifetime ban on former Cincinnati Reds and MLB all time hit leader Pete Rose. The Rose family had petitioned Manfred and he is considering the request. If the ban is lifted the late Reds player and manager could be eligible for being nominated for the Hall of Fame.

#2 Pittsburgh Pirates right hander Paul Skenes showcased his handy work during during the Grapefruit League for the first time in spring training. Skenes is know for his success last season going 11-3, ERA 1.96 with 170 strikeouts in 133 innings. There is little doubt why the Pirates selected him as the number one pick in the 2023 draft.

#3 New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton will start the 2025 campaign on the injured list with elbow injuries. The elbow injury has kept Stanton from any spring training action since camp started. Stanton has received platelet rich plasma on both elbows. Stanton also has been away from camp due to a personal matter and expected back next at George M Steinbrenner Park in Tampa. Yanks infielder DJ LaMahieu is suffering from a calf muscle injury on Saturday against the Houston Astros. Manager Aaron Boone says the LaMahieu injury is “a little concerning.”

#4 An emotional former Milwaukee Brewer Willy Adames now with the San Francisco Giants faced his old teammates for the first time since the death of former legend broadcaster Bob Uecker. Adames if he would share his conversation with Uecker after finishing the NL Wild Card round. He said it was deep, emotional. Charlie didn’t realize how close Adames was to Mr. Baseball.

#5 John Shea of the San Francisco Standard wrote a piece regarding former Oakland A’s Spanish broadcasters Amaury Pi Gonzalez who is part of our broadcast crew and Manolo Hernandez Douen will not be returning to the A’s Spanish booth. The A’s although they have not announced a new Spanish radio flagship station and new broadcasters said in a statement that they will be making those changes but Pi Gonzalez and Hernandez Douen will not be returning. Shea said that the move was not fair after all the years that Pi Gonzalez put in since 1977 and he was notified on the first day of pitchers and catchers.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: 49ers make easy work of Aaron Rogers and Jets; Raiders decision to punt backfires in loss; plus more news

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rogers sits on the Jets bench during Sep 9, 2024 Monday Night Football game at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers took care of business with a convincing win over Aaron Rogers and the New York Jets. It seems like every player at every position for the 49ers successfully did their job in getting the 32-19 win.

#2 The Las Vegas Raiders lost on what critics say on a decision by Raider head coach Antonio Pierce deciding to punt rather than go for it on fourth and one with just over seven seconds left in the game. Pierce reasoned the defense would their job get the ball to the offense and score which didn’t happen Sunday afternoon.

#3 Turning to baseball, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes had himself a Monday night striking out nine batters over six innings and has a strike out total of 151 which is a franchise record. Skenes 10-2 allowed six hits in the 3-2 win over the Marlins and lowered his ERA to 2.10.

#4 You gotta talk about the near catch that turned out to be a home run when Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder Johan Rojas had the ball in the glove but the ball was jarred loose when Rojas’ arm made contact with the top of the padded fence and went over the fence for a home run.

#5 Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani just might swipe 50 bases for the season yet. Ohtani closed in on 50 stealing his 47th base against the Chicago Cubs on Monday. Ohtani was the lead off hitter in the contest who also scored twice and got two hits.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Bruce Magowan: Phillies Sanchez to replace Braves Sale on All Star roster; Judge holds Yanks record for most homers before All Star break; plus more news

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Philadelphia Phillies Christopher Sanchez seen here pitching against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wed Jul 10, 2024 at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia has been selected to the National League All Star team replacing Atlanta Braves Chris Sale. (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Bruce Magowan:

#1 Philadelphia Phillies LHP Christopher Sanchez (7-4, ERA 2.96) will be replacing Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale on the National League All Star roster. Sale is scheduled to pitch today and won’t pitch in the All Star Game in Arlington on Tuesday. With the addition of Sanchez that gives the Phillies eight all stars five of them pitchers a All Star record for most pitchers from one club.

#2 Not even Babe Ruth did it New York Yankees Aaron Judge belted his 34th home run the most home runs by a Yankees player before the All Star Break. Roger Maris who held the record for the most home runs in a season until being eclipsed by the St Louis Cardinals Mark McGwire hit 33 home run before the All Star break in 1961. So big achievement for Judge.

#3 The Detroit Tigers Gio Urshela hit a two run home run in the bottom of the tenth inning to help the Tigers make a comeback on the Los Angeles Dodgers at Comerica Park. The Tigers were down 9-4 in the ninth and tied it up 9-9 to force extra innings. With Urshela’s home run the Tigers came away with a 11-9 win.

#4 It was reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates Paul Skenes is disrupting the sportsbook with his success. One sportsbook had stopped betting on the possible National League Rookie of the Year. Skenes has been on a roll. Skenes was a 200-1 odds on long shot to win the Cy Young Award. Skenes is now in third place at a shot at winning the Cy Young behind the Phillies Zack Wheeler and the Braves Chris Sale. Skenes has also been named to the NL All Star team.

#5 Oakland A’s Spanish broadcaster Amaury Pi Gonzalez wrote that the A’s last home game ever in Oakland before moving to Sacramento next season could very well be a sell out. Amaury said that final home game on Thu Sep 26th at the Oakland Coliseum could see a capacity of 42,000 the fans last chance to say goodbye to the A’s as an Oakland team.

#6 Before we let you go we have to ask you about the announced retirement of A’s broadcaster Vince Cotroneo who has called A’s games since 2006 and will not work A’s games next season as the club plays it’s 2025 season in Sacramento.

Join Bruce Magowan for Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com