Tag: Sacramento A’s

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The Athletics traded Latino Player and American League record holder

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Former Oakland A’s 2023 base stealing leader Estuery Ruiz was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wed Apr 2, 2025. The A’s will be getting right hand pitcher minor leaguer Carlos Duran (AP News file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

The Athletics traded Latino Player and American League record holder

By Amaury Pi-González

Esteury Ruíz, the speedy outfielder for the A’s who established the current American League record for stolen bases by a rookie in 2023 with the Oakland A’s, is now wearing the blue and white uniform of the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

In return, the Dodgers shipped to Sacramento Minor League right-handed Carlos Durán. Although I have not spoken with Esteury since his departure, I wish him nothing but the best, a hard working and good young player who at least is lucky to leave the A’s and going to the best team and organization in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers, a much more cohesive system with young players will probably benefit young Dominican and make him a better player.

It has been challenging for the A’s organization to keep a good Latino player long enough to be identified by the A’s fans. The latest that comes to mind was Cuban Yoenis Céspedes, who was happy playing for the A’s in Oakland, as he always told me and in one occasion when the A’s asked me to interpret for him in front of a group of Oakland A’s fans. Céspedes played the first three of his eight-year career in the major leagues with the Athletics. For the A’s, the Céspedes story is nothing new.

It is difficult for a good Latino players to stay with this organization. In 2003 Miguel Tejada (Dominican) was traded, because the team claimed they could not afford him because they were a “small market team”,an excuse for saying they actually do not want to spend the money for good players.

The Bay Area is not a small market if you call an area with 7 million people “small” (at the time Tejada was traded) it was a two-team major league market, Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants. This past season, during an A’s player reunion, the last one at Oakland, Miguel Tejada came to our KIQI 1010AM Bay Area-KATD 990AM Sacramento broadcast booth at the Oakland Coliseum.

He told me during an interview during the game, “siempre me gustó jugar aqui en Oakland, estos son buenos fanáticos” trans-:”I always enjoyed playing here in Oakland, these are good fans”.Miguel Tejada won the AL MVP in 2002 while playing for the Oakland Athletics. He was a six-time All-Star and the MVP for the 2005 All-Star Game, earning two Silver Slugger Awards in 2004 & 2005.

Decades before Miguel Tejada, another Latino shortstop played for the A’s, Dagoberto Blanco (Campy) Campaneris, from Cuba, he played shortstop for the A’s during their dynasty of three-World Series championships. 1972-73-74. During his 19 seasons in the majors, Campy played 9 seaons with the Oakland A’s.

In the Bay Area, San Francisco, Oakland, and San José, have a large Hispanic population of about 30%, represented at least 20% in every county, including the affluent Marin County, the least in proportion. As far as Media market, the Bay Area ranks #5 in the country.

The A’s present home is Sacramento, which is the #20 media market in the country, but ‘there is more!’ After Sacramento, in about three years, they keep going backward (as planned) to Las Vegas, which is the #40 media market in the United States. I believe this is unprecedented in the history of Major League Baseball, maybe in the history of all pro-sports in the US.

For Esteury Ruíz at the end of the day, leaving the A’s and landing with the Dodgers could be the break of his life.

About Trades: Jesse Chávez, pitcher, is the most traded player in MLB history, traded a total of ten times.

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

Cubs Strike Early Again, Spoil A’s Bid for First Win at Sutter Health Park 7-4

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Shai Langeliers touches home plate and is congratulated by Brent Rooker after hitting a two-run homer in the A’s 7-4 loss to the Cubs on Tuesday night. (Photo: Athletics on Instagram)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento A’s returned to action for game two at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento on Tuesday night. After suffering an 18-3 blowout loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday, the Athletics aimed for redemption in their new home ballpark. Luis Severino took the mound for the A’s, hoping to deliver the club’s first victory at Sutter Health Park. However, the offense couldn’t rally late, and the A’s ultimately fell 7-4 to the Cubs.

As they did on Monday, the Cubs quickly jumped ahead with three runs in the first inning courtesy of a Seiya Suzuki homer on a 94 MPH sinker down the middle from Severino. From that point on, the Cubs maintained the lead.

The A’s responded in the bottom of the second inning, as Brent Rooker blasted a two-run homer to left field, scoring Lawrence Butler. This narrowed the gap to 3-2, giving Sacramento momentum heading into the third inning.

After a scoreless second inning, Severino surrendered two more runs in the third on a Kyle Tucker home run and a Dansby Swanson RBI double. The A’s again battled back, with Shea Langeliers hitting a two-run shot in the bottom half of the inning, scoring Rooker, trimming the deficit to 5-4.

Despite the A’s resilience, their offense stalled from there. The Cubs added another run in the fourth when Ian Happ drove in Pete Crow-Armstrong with a sacrifice fly to center field, extending the lead to 6-4.

Severino concluded his night with scoreless fifth and sixth innings, ending with six innings pitched, allowing six hits, six runs (five earned), three walks, and six strikeouts. Although the final stat line may not reflect it, Severino delivered a solid outing overall.

Reliever T.J. McFarland allowed another run in the seventh inning on a Justin Turner RBI single, pushing the score to 7-4 Cubs. McFarland recorded just one out in his brief appearance. A’s relievers Ferguson and Sterner combined to pitch the final two and two-thirds innings without allowing any further runs.

The Athletics went quietly in the ninth, dropping the second game of the series 7-4. Cubs starter Justin Steele earned the win, pitching six and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out six. Severino was credited with the loss, and Ryan Pressly secured his second save of the year for Chicago.

The A’s will aim to avoid the sweep on Wednesday, facing the Cubs again at 12:35 PM at Sutter Health Park.

Cubs Spoil Sacramento Debut with 18-3 Blowout of Athletics

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A Rickey Henderson tribute is played on the screen after the Athletics are introduced at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — Major League Baseball made its debut in the Sacramento region Monday night under chilly conditions that resembled a Bay Area evening, as the cool Delta breeze swept through Sutter Health Park. The stage was set for the Athletics, now calling Sacramento’s newly renovated ballpark home, to host the Chicago Cubs in the first of their 81 home games this season. An enthusiastic, sellout crowd of 12,192 fans packed the stands to witness history.

Unfortunately for the home crowd, the Cubs dominated, handing the Athletics an 18-3 blowout loss.

Coming off a promising start to their season in Seattle, where the A’s split a four-game series thanks to strong pitching performances, Oakland’s pitching staff collapsed entirely on Monday night. 

The Cubs quickly established momentum, jumping out to a four-run lead in the first inning against A’s starter Joey Estes. Estes struggled with command throughout his brief outing, lasting only four innings while surrendering nine hits, six earned runs, four walks, and three home runs.

The Athletics briefly showed signs of life in the third inning when Jacob Wilson hit a solo home run to cut the deficit to 4-1. However, the Cubs responded immediately in the top of the fourth with a solo homer by Carson Kelly, restoring their four-run advantage.

In the bottom of the fourth, the A’s offense showed resilience again. Max Muncy drove in a run with an RBI double, followed by an RBI groundout from Jacob Wilson, bringing the Athletics closer at 5-3. Unfortunately, this would mark the end of the scoring for the home team.

The Cubs’ offense relentlessly attacked the A’s bullpen, piling on five runs in the fifth inning, six more in the sixth, and adding runs in both the eighth and ninth innings. Oakland’s bullpen struggled significantly: Mitch Spence allowed four runs (two earned) in just two-thirds of an inning, Noah Murdock surrendered six earned runs, and TJ McFarland and Jhonny Pereda each contributed an earned run. Ultimately, no A’s pitcher had an answer for the relentless Cubs lineup.

The Cubs defeated the Athletics 18-3 as they spoiled the A’s home debut in their new home. 

The A’s will seek to bounce back in game two of the series on Tuesday, with Luis Severino scheduled to take the mound following a solid outing in Seattle last week. First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m.

Kings Drop a Heartbreaker to Pacers 111-109

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Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) takes a foul as he take a shot in between the Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) and forward Keegan Murray (13) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Mon Mar 31, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (36-39) had every opportunity to beat the Indiana Pacers (44-31) Monday night but when push came to shove they collapsed in the final minutes of the game losing 111-109.

They made some critical mistakes in the fourth quarter but did lead going into the final two minutes. The Pacers had not led the entire second half until Tyrese Haliburton hit a three to take a one-point lead 100-98 with 1:17 left in the game.

With the Kings fighting for a playoff spot this loss is a killer for Sacramento. DeMar DeRozan had the game high with 31 points and Domantas Sabonis had another double double with 16 rebounds and 25 points. Malik Monk missed numerous shots finishing with only five points in 29 minutes of play.

Game recap: The Kings led Indiana after the first 12 minutes of play in a tight match-up 28-27 and at the half had a 60-54 lead. Sacramento outscored the Pacers in the second quarter 32-27. This had been a hotly contested game and going into the second half it was up for grabs.

The Pacers won the third quarter 27-26 but continued to trail in the game 86-81. They had not led since late in the second quarter as the Kings continued to fight to keep the lead. Going into the fourth quarter, the Kings had a fight on their hands.

Throughout the final quarter neither team was able to hit very many shots. It was a very sloppy fourth quarter for both teams. The Kings had the lead in this game with 1:27 left in the game. The Pacers had missed a slew of three’s in the final minutes of the quarter but at 1:17 Tyrese Haliburton hit the three that got Indiana their first lead of the second half 100-98.

The Kings lost this game with some very ineffective offense. They missed five shots in the final two minutes of play and committed five fouls. What is so disappointing is that the Kings had a 16 point lead at one time in the second half.

They were not at all good at the line shooting 64% while the Pacers were perfect at the free throw line. This game was a nail-biter from start to finish but the Kings could not hit the shots that would have made the difference in this game losing it to the Pacers 111-109.

DeMar DeRozan had the game high scoring 31 points and Domantas Sabonis had a double double with 16 rebounds and 25 points. Zach LaVine also had a good game with 20 points. Malik Monk had a sub-par game only scoring five points in 29 minutes of play but he was very good defensively with seven rebounds along with starter Keegan Murray who also had seven rebounds. In this final countdown none of these players can letdown and there was a real letdown Monday night for Sacramento. The fourth quarter was especially sloppy at times.

Game notes: With seven games left on the season, the Sacramento Kings (36-39) took a tough loss the Indiana Pacers (44-31) in a crunch situation. The Pacers are sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference while the Kings are hanging on for dear life in tenth place in the Western Conference.

The Kings have to win most of these upcoming seven games. They were blindsided by the Orlando Magic Saturday night to the tune of 121-91. They were due for a productive game and couldn’t get the win over Indiana to start this seven game stretch. It is crunch-time for the Sacramento Kings if they want to get back in this.

Wednesday night the Kings will take on the 16-59 Washington Wizards. This is a must-win for Sacramento despite being on the road. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 4:00 PMPDT at he Capital One Center in DC as Sacramento will be looking to put on end to this horrible nine game losing streak on the road.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Seattle Mariners own the Pacific Northwest

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The author Amaury Pi Gonzalez is paid a tribute being on the Seattle Mariners Wall of Fame as a former Mariners broadcaster (photo from Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

The Seattle Mariners own the Pacific Northwest

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The ATH of Sacramento opened the 2025 season in Seattle, winning two of the three games in Seattle. The Seattle Mariners have been a regional team since 1977, when they were born. Before the Oakland Athletics moved, they were the closest team to the Mariners. But today, since the Athletics departed Oakland, the Mariners’ “closest”Major League rival are the San Francisco Giants, 800 miles away to the south, across two and a half States.

The Mariners draw from the Seattle/Tacoma area, eastern Washington, Vancouver, Canada, Idaho, Oregon, and northern California. Especially during weekend games, many people travel from all these areas to visit Seattle.

The Seattle Mariners have one of the most extensive radio coverage with affiliates not only in Washington State, Idaho, and British Columbia, Canada, but also all the way up to Alaska, and in the middle of the Pacific in Hawaii. In all those places, you can hear their games on the Mariners radio network and watch them on their Root TV Network, including as far east as Montana.

Nintendo owned a stake in the Mariners until 2016, when it sold most of its shares to First Avenue Entertainment, retaining a 10% ownership stake. Mr.Joh W. Stanton, an American businessman, is currently the owner of the Seattle Mariners.

T-Mobile Park in Seattle is their home; previously, it was called Safeco Field.

Of all the indoor stadiums in baseball, this is my favorite. A retractable roof can be closed or opened in 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the climate conditions. If there is a city in MLB that needs a roof to play baseball, it is Seattle. Here it rains for a good 9 months of the year., So, during the baseball season, fans do not worry about the rain because with a retractable roof, “rain or shine,” they will always see Mariners baseball.

Seattle is one of my favorite cities in the country, and in baseball especially, I had the good fortune of broadcasting their games. However, I first discovered Seattle when I was stationed in Ft Lewis, a US Army active service base about 45 miles north of Emerald City. This area is beautiful and green all year round.

Mariners fans are loyal and enthusiastic. Beginning this season, they have never appeared in a World Series. They were also riding the longest playoff drought in any of the four major sports, at 20 seasons, before snapping that in 2022. A very famous quote is attributed to Benjamin Franklin: “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” I believe Mr.Franklin, so maybe the Mariners can make it all the way to 2025. Good luck to them.

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

M’s just get by A’s 2-1 to take three game set; Athletics home opener Monday in Sacramento vs. Cubs

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Sacramento A’s baserunner Miguel Andujar (22) slides underneath Seattle Mariner shortstop JP Crawford who throws to first to complete a double play in top sixth inning at T Mobile Park in Seattle on Sun Mar 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

Mariners Edge Athletics in Tense Pitchers’ Duel, 2-1

By Mauricio Segura

Under a chilly March sky at T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Mariners narrowly secured a 2-1 victory over the Sacramento Athletics, bringing their early-season record to 2-2. Julio Rodríguez delivered the decisive hit: a pivotal two-run homer in the sixth inning, his first longball of the season, electrifying the Seattle faithful and providing just enough offense for a resilient Mariners squad.

For most of the game, pitching controlled the tempo. Athletics left-hander JP Sears practically matched Mariners starter Bryan Woo pitch-for-pitch, both hurlers maneuvering through five innings without surrendering a run. Sears held Seattle hitters in check until Rodríguez changed the momentum of the game with his towering shot to left field, scoring Victor Robles and putting Seattle ahead for good.

The green and gold got on the board first, thanks to first baseman Tyler Soderstrom. Continuing his scorching start to the season, Soderstrom launched his third home run: a solo blast in the fourth inning, highlighting his early-season .467 batting average and team-leading four RBIs. Despite Soderstrom’s valiant effort, the Athletics struggled offensively, stranding multiple runners in scoring position throughout the game.

Outstanding defensive plays from both teams ensured the game remained close. Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena was particularly active, including a key catch on JJ Bleday’s sharp line drive in the sixth, helping stall a potential Athletics rally. Meanwhile, Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler consistently covered significant ground, notably catching multiple sharp flyouts from Mariners hitters Mitch Garver and Donovan Solano to keep the score tight.

The game reached a tense peak in the ninth inning when Mariners reliever Andrés Muñoz took the mound to close things out. After Athletics catcher Tyler Soderstrom singled to spark a flicker of hope, Muñoz quickly shut the door by striking out Gio Urshela, sealing the win for Seattle.

With the loss, the Athletics are even at 2-2, mirroring their rivals’ tight early-season competition. While their offense struggled overall, collecting just four hits, the Sacramento squad has bright spots to build on, notably Soderstrom’s standout performance.

Next up, the A’s will make their long-awaited debut in Sacramento with their home opener at Sutter Health Park. They’ll host the Chicago Cubs on Monday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The newly upgraded ballpark, now the smallest in Major League Baseball by capacity, will offer fans an up-close look at the team’s next chapter, as excitement builds for big-league baseball in California’s capital.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of publications as well as his own, Golden Bay Times, and is honored to provide A’s away coverage to Sports Radio Service for the 2025 season.

Langeliers Leads A’s Past Mariners, 4-2, With Power and Poise

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Sacramento A’s Shea Langeliers (23) crosses the plate to the congratulations of teammate Brent Rooker (25) as Seattle M’s catcher Cal Raleigh (right) tries to set up for the next batter at T Mobile Field in Seattle on Sat Mar 29, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

Baseball fans often whisper about the magic hiding in spring evenings at T-Mobile Park, but Saturday night, it was Sacramento Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers who conjured something special, powering his team to a gritty 4-2 win over the Seattle Mariners.

After a quiet start, the Mariners scratched out an early run in the second inning, sparked by a single from the always-imposing Rowdy Tellez, who eventually came home after a stolen base and throwing error by Langeliers himself. Unfazed, the A’s catcher redeemed himself quickly and dramatically in the fourth inning.

With two outs and Brent Rooker perched on second after a crisp single, Langeliers stepped into the batter’s box and unleashed a towering two-run homer to left field, stunning the home crowd and flipping the momentum decisively in Sacramento’s favor. The Mariners, previously in control, now found themselves trailing.

The Athletics added insurance in the sixth when Miguel Andujar knocked in JJ Bleday, widening the lead to 3-1. But Seattle wasn’t ready to concede. A resilient Jorge Polanco delivered an RBI single in the bottom half of the inning, closing the gap to a tense 3-2.

Clinging to that narrow lead, the Athletics manufactured another crucial run in the seventh when Brent Rooker’s sharp grounder eluded Mariners third baseman Polanco, allowing Jacob Wilson to cross home plate and extend their lead to 4-2.

On the mound, Athletics starter Osvaldo Bido showed resilience, overcoming early traffic to limit the Mariners to two runs. His steady composure was vital, especially following a challenging spring where he struggled with a 7.02 ERA. Saturday night, he proved those statistics don’t always predict the future.

Seattle’s Bryce Miller was similarly gutsy but less fortunate, victimized by timely A’s hits and his defense’s shaky moments. Miller, who allowed three earned runs through five-plus innings, demonstrated flashes of brilliance overshadowed by costly missteps.

The Mariners mounted a late threat in the ninth with J.P. Crawford’s single igniting hopes of a comeback. However, A’s closer Mason Miller extinguished Seattle’s rally with authority, striking out Victor Robles and Julio Rodríguez in succession, earning his first save of 2025 and securing the green and gold’s second consecutive victory.

Saturday night’s win was the A’s small but meaningful revenge after losing their season opener to Seattle. They are now 2-1, have notably turned a page in their history by opening this season with youthful energy; their Opening Day roster features three infielders under the age of 24, a first since 1965. Max Muncy, just 22, underscored this youthful renaissance by turning an impressive unassisted double play in the first inning, a highlight that set the game’s defensive tone.

As these AL West rivals gear up for another clash tomorrow afternoon, with JP Sears taking on Seattle’s Bryan Woo, the series promises more excitement. The Athletics, rejuvenated by tonight’s triumph, aim to carry forward their fresh energy and youthful swagger. Meanwhile, the Mariners seek redemption, hoping to recapture their opening-night spark.

  • Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of publications as well as his own, Golden Bay Times, and is honored to provide A’s away coverage to Sports Radio Service for the 2025 season.

A’s Bounce Back Big, Thump Mariners 7-0 at T-Mobile Park

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Sacramento A’s 22 year old hitter Max Muncy slugs a solo home run for his MLB hit against the Seattle Mariners at T Mobile Field in Seattle in the top of the eighth inning on Fri Mar 28, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Mauricio Segura

If last night’s deflating opener had Sacramento A’s fans reaching for comfort food, Friday night’s thrilling redemption must have them reaching for confetti. The Athletics emphatically silenced the Seattle Mariners in a 7-0 shutout, energized by a mix of veteran savvy and youthful exuberance, giving fans plenty to celebrate in their 125th franchise season.

Starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs was a magician on the mound, dazzling Mariners hitters across six dominant innings. With a potent combination of pinpoint control and deceptive velocity, Springs allowed only three hits while striking out nine, a reassuring performance after yesterday’s bullpen struggles.

But Friday night belonged to the Athletics’ bats, particularly Brent Rooker, who rebounded spectacularly from an opening night strikeout nightmare. After striking out four times last night, tying a dubious A’s Opening Day record held previously by Jack Cust and Eddie Joost, Rooker emerged as tonight’s comeback hero. He belted a towering two-run homer to center field in the fifth inning off Mariners’ ace Luis Castillo, giving Oakland a decisive 2-0 lead.

Joining the slugfest, Max Muncy, the Athletics’ promising young second baseman, notched his first major league hit in style: a majestic home run to left-center field in the eighth. This feat undoubtedly etched a cherished memory for the 22-year-old rookie, who is the youngest position player in an A’s opening lineup since Eric Chavez in 2000.

Adding to the youth movement, Tyler Soderstrom showed again why he’s viewed as the cornerstone of the Athletics’ future. After making history on Opening Day with his two-homer night, a first for an Athletic since Khris Davis in 2017, he delivered again tonight. His sizzling double in the seventh scored JJ Bleday, stretching the lead to 5-0.

The Athletics’ depth shone brightly as pinch-hitter Luis Urías sent a ninth-inning solo shot screaming into the left-center seats. Urías, signed just this offseason, provided a firm exclamation point on the A’s offensive statement.

Defensively, JJ Bleday sparkled, notably throwing out Mitch Garver at the plate in a pivotal fifth-inning moment, preventing Seattle from scoring. Moments later, Bleday further frustrated Mariners fans with a sliding catch on a sharply hit line drive from J.P. Crawford, ending the inning and preserving the shutout.

Despite the tough loss, Seattle did show flashes of defensive moments. Outfielder Victor Robles made a spectacular diving catch to rob Gio Urshela of a hit, providing one of the Mariners’ few defensive highlights.

Starting pitcher Luis Castillo battled hard, striking out five over five innings, but ultimately allowed two critical runs that set the tone. Mariners hitters seemed perpetually a step behind, mustering a mere scattering of hits and striking out a total of 13 times, their frustration palpable amid the electric atmosphere at T-Mobile Park.

The win snaps the Athletics’ troubling seven-game losing streak against the Mariners on Opening Day, a streak dating back to 2018. It also marks a sweet turn of fortune after yesterday’s tough 4-2 loss, offering fans hope that maybe, just maybe, this season’s squad has the spark to rewrite some recent history.

As the A’s celebrate Friday night’s victory, attention turns to Saturday’s matchup. The Athletics’ Osvaldo Bido, coming off a solid 2024 campaign, will face off against Seattle’s Bryce Miller, promising more drama at T-Mobile Park.

– Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of publications as well as his own, Golden Bay Times, and is honored to provide A’s away coverage to Sports Radio Service for the 2025 season.

MLB podcast Michael Duca Tue Mar 25, 2025: How playing MLB games will work in minor league parks; Moniak’s release by Angels comes as a surprise; plus more news

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Los Angeles Angels Mickey Moniak heads home after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a spring training game Wed Mar 5, 2025 in Tempe AZ. Moniak was released by the Angels on Mon Mar 24, 2025. (AP News photo)

MLB podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 Michael the Sacramento A’s are about to play an entire season in a minor league park that seats 14,014 fans including adding them on the outfield grass behind the fence. Do you see this concept working at Sutter Health Park. Will the amenities be acceptable for fans and players.

#2 81 games is a long season if you consider working in a tiny work space such as the players, fans, employees will have to at George M Steinbrenner Park for the Tampa Bay Rays and the Sacramento A’s at Sutter Health Park. In the course of that amount of games will there be a point where it’s workable or not workable for those involved?

#3 The Los Angeles Angels released outfielder Mickey Moniak on Tuesday. The moved shocked many who have followed Moniak who hit .219, 14 home runs last year. In two and half seasons with the Angels Moniak hit .242 with 100 RBIs and had an OPs of .709. Moniak was going to share the outfield duties with Jo Adell. His release comes two days before the regular season.

#4 Michael Duca ESPN with us on the podcast and like ESPN wrote about the New York Yankees they got to carry it like a battlescar can the Yankees really bounce back after their fifth inning World Series nightmare?

#5 Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts who lost 18 pounds couldn’t keep solid food down is reportedly on the mend and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had him in the line up for today’s exhibition game after being out of action since the beginning of spring training.

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

Sacramento’s Major League Moment Has Arrived

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Newly renovated Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento shines in the late March Sun as the Giants took on the River Cats (Photo: Jeremiah Salmonson/SRS)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — Baseball in Sacramento is nothing new. Yet, having a team at the sports pinnacle of competition call the city home is uncharted territory.

The Sacramento River Cats have been playing in the West Sacramento ballpark since the year 2000. Sutter Health Park, formerly known as Raley Field, sits across the Sacramento River from downtown and the capitol building of the state of California. On hot summer nights, the delta breeze rolls in to cool the ballpark down, making it one of the best minor league baseball experiences in the country.

Yet, it was nowhere near Major League Baseball standards.

With the A’s departure from Oakland this past fall after decades of uncertainty surrounding a stadium, the Athletics Baseball Club finds itself in the cozy confines of Sutter Health Park for the 2025 season and beyond. The current plan is for the A’s to be in Sacramento through 2028, but who knows how that timeline will hold up. Nevertheless, the ballpark needed significant upgrades for the A’s to call it their home, albeit temporarily.

Who was responsible for improving the stadium?

Well…

The River Cats and the stadium are now owned by the chairman and owner of the Sacramento Kings, Vivek Ranadive. Vivek purchased the club and the stadium in an August 2022 deal that some saw as a first step in bringing MLB to Sacramento. “I’ve been in touch with the commissioner, I’ve gotten to know him, Rob Manfred, and they will be creating a new team,” Vivek said in Spring 2024. “They want it to be on the West coast, they would love it to be in California, and I think this is a great showcase for us. We can prove that there’s a market here and we can make the team successful. I think we are in full position to get the new franchise… We are investing in making this an MLB-level stadium, and our hope is that it leads to a permanent MLB team.” Clearly, for Vivek, this is about more than a temporary stay for the Athletics.

With Vivek’s vision for the city in mind, the team got busy on improvements to the stadium this past offseason. On Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend the first baseball game at the new and improved venue, a matinee affair.

The stadium and playing surface underwent significant improvements that include a new 75’ x 32’ scoreboard in right-center field, a new network along with improved audio systems, a renovated visiting clubhouse, a new multi-level home clubhouse that includes a weight room and hitting tunnels, a new grass and dirt playing surface specially designed to handle the heat and heavy use this summer, and an additional rooftop seating area on top of the home clubhouse.

The improvements are impressive, and they surely elevate the grounds to MLB standards. Kings president of business operations John Rinehart, who oversaw the renovations, and owner Vivek Ranadive can be proud of the new-look ballpark.

Giants starter Landen Roupp discussed what he thought about the upgrades after his five innings of one-run ball on Sunday: “It’s beautiful, a lot better than it was. It felt good to play here again and see the upgrades. It was really nice.”

Giants scheduled opening-day starter and Rocklin (a 20-minute drive from Sacramento) native Logan Webb also had good things to say when asked about his initial impressions of the stadium: “I noticed the scoreboard, and the batter’s eye. The grass is nice… it looks good!”

The Athletics will officially christen the new digs in the first MLB regular-season game on March 31st at 7:05 P.M. PST. The A’s will take on the visiting Chicago Cubs in the much-anticipated three-game series at Sutter Health Park.

So, while baseball in Sacramento is not new, MLB baseball in the capital city certainly is. It’s an exciting time for local baseball fans, as a year of anticipation finally becomes reality. The stage is set for the city to show what it can offer MLB, and don’t be fooled—the league and commissioner Rob Manfred will be watching closely.

Jeremiah Salmonson is a Sacramento A’s beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com