Tag: Shohei Ohtani

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Say Adiós to the multi-year Mega Deal in Baseball

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owners will be taking on the MLB Players Assciation in bargaing talks over the next Collective Bargaining Agreement contract for the 2027 season. It could be a season that will see a lockout over a salary cap in MLB. (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

Say Adiós to the multi-year Mega Deal in Baseball

That’s Amauiry News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

I do not know if Las Vegas oddsmakers take any wagering on this, but I believe that after the 2026 season, which is soon to begin, we will not see any more deals like the Mets’ signing of Juan Soto in December 2024 for 15 years and $765 million or the one prior to Soto for Shohei Ohtani, also over $700 million.

The chances of another such contract occurring are zero. The much-anticipated owners’ lockout is coming by early next December. It is all about the salary cap, which is what the owners want. But it is much more than a cap, because there will also be a floor.

It goes like this: the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and some others will have no problem, but some of the other franchises could be in for a financial awakening. A floor is the mandatory minimum amount of money a professional sports team must spend on a player’s payroll during the season.

Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Baseball, works for the owners and is paid by the 30 teams. Manfred’s job is to make money for the owners and will always act as the owners’ representative in the labor negotiations. Nobody should be fooled; that is his job. The Commissioner serves at the pleasure of the MLB team owners.

Philosophically, he is the representative of Major League Baseball, but he is paid by the owners, so he will never take the players’ side, which is the job of the MLBPA, which is considered the strongest and most powerful in professional sports.

Among all the main professional sports leagues in the US, the NFL,NBA, NHL and MLB, Major League Baseball is the only one without a soft or hard salary cap(s);

While the Union is as powerful as any union in the United States, the owners always make money, as it should, since we are a capitalist system. It reminds me of the famous line from one of the greatest movies in history, The Godfather Part II, when Johnny Ola says, “Hyman Roth always makes money for his partners.” Some of you have told me you love the quotes I include in most of my articles. Below is one more, and if you are a real baseball fan, I know you will agree.

Quote: While the Commissioner holds great power over baseball, and some even call him the “face of the game”, the truth remains the fans pay to see Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and the stars that make the game the greatest; those are the faces of the game: -APG.

I believe the next baseball conflict will be won by the owners.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: How will MLB control gambling in the sport?; Qualifying offers and reshaping free agency; plus more news

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Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz leaves a Brooklyn federal courthouse Wed Nov 12, 2025 who is facing indictment charges for throwing certain pitches and taking bribes. (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 What are the biggest implications of the indictment of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz for MLB’s integrity and its efforts to police gambling?

#2 With the deadline Tuesday to accept or reject qualifying offers, which players (like Kyle Schwarber) are most likely to decline, and how will that reshape the free-agent market?

#3 How significant is Shohei Ohtani’s unanimous NL MVP and Aaron Judge’s AL MVP win this year — particularly because they’re back-to-back, a historic first?

#4 What could be the long-term impact of the Astros’ Minute Maid Park being rebranded to Daikin Park, both from a business/sponsorship standpoint and for fan perception?

#5 What strategies should teams prioritize now as the offseason really ramps up (with owners’ meetings, free agency, non-tender decisions) to position themselves for the 2026 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

MLB The Show podcast Bruce Macgowan: BoSox finally get in playoff in walk off clincher; Can Astros get the Wild Card wrapped up Sunday?

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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?”

Bruce Magowan filled in for Charlie O on MLB The Show podcasts heard each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Dodgers Ohtani on a tear with 53rd home run; M’s Raleigh hits 57th HR passes Griffey for most homers by a Mariner in a season; plus more news

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Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodgers Stadium on Sat Sep 20, 2025 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 Charlie the Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is swinging the bats he cracked his 53rd home run on Friday night against the San Francisco Giants. The home run was a 403 foot shot that he parked into the Dodgers grand stands in left field. Ohtani also scored his 140th run of the season a career high.

#2 Cal Raleigh slugged his 57th home run of the season that moved him past former Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey the most home runs by a Mariner in a season. Griffey in 1997 hit 56 home run that achievement got Griffey got him near unanimous induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

#3 Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout hit his 400th career home run on Saturday night against the Colorado Rockies. Trout who is an 11 time All Star hit the 485 shot in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies that was deposited into the left center field stands. The Angels got the win 3-0 which snapped a eight game skid for the Halos.

#4 New York Yankee Giancarlo Stanton says his 450th home run is a nice round number that he hit on Saturday night against the Baltimore Orioles on the way to a 6-1 win. Stanton now now has played in 1719 games joining Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, Alex Rodriguez and Harmon Killebrew who got to 450 faster than Stanton.

#5 The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Minnesota Twins 8-0 for their tenth win in a row on Saturday and swept a doubleheader shutting out the Twins twice in front game and in the night cap. The Guardians have now won 15 of their last 16 games and are closing in on first place Detroit in the AL Central. How much of that speaks to the great job that Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt has done someone you spoke with often when he used to play in Oakland?

 Charlie O does the MLB The Show podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Davey Johnson ex Mets manager dead at 82; Astros Trammell two colored bat is removed from game; plus more news

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Former New York Mets manager Dave Johnson (left) holds the Commissioner’s World Series trophy as presented by former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig (right) after the 1986 World Series victory over the Boston Red Sox. Johnson passed away on Fri Sep 5, 2025 (AP News file photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 Former New York Mets manager Davey Johnson who commandeered the Mets to the World Series Championship over the Boston Red Sox in 1986 has passed away at age 82. Mets media relations representative Jay Horwitz announced that Johnson’s wife Susan told him of his death after suffering a long illnes in Sarasota Florida. Johnson died on Friday. Johnson played second base for the Baltimore Orioles who won the Series titles in 1966 and 1970.

#2 Houston Astros outfielder Taylor Trammell will not be disciplined by Major League Baseball after umpires took Trammell’s multi colored bat after New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone requested that umpires check the bat after Trammell hit a double. Trammell said that appreciated MLB’s explanation that their was discoloration on the two colored bat.

#3  Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani threw for 3.2 innings, 70 pitches, 44 strikes, and topped out at 101.5 mph and allowed three hits and a walk and struck out five hitters. in spite of the good outing by Ohtani the Dodgers lost to the O’s 2-1.

#4  Los Angeles Angels minor league player Rio Foster is listed in critical condition after being involved in a auto accident on Friday morning. Foster was reportedly receiving medical care at a local hospital and played for the High A Tri City Dust Devils in Pasco. Tri City canceled it’s ball game against Hillsboro on Friday night. The Dust Devils said that thoughts and prayers are with Foster and his passenger who both in critical condition. Foster was hitting .267 with ten home runs and 40 RBIs.

#5  The Los Angeles Angels continue to stumble and the Sacramento A’s continue to run up the victory column. Neither will get into the post season but it’s been a race to get out of the cellar for the A’s who are now a game and half behind the fourth place Angels and with a win on Sunday the A’s would be within a half game of getting out of last place and sweeping the Angels in a three game series in Anaheim.

Charlie O does the MLB The Show podcast each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Bad idea to play World Series as late as Nov 5th? O’s Eflin and Bautista on IL; plus more MLB news

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Pete Alonso (right) and the New York Mets if they make the 2025 World Series could be forced to play in cold and wet conditions as late as Nov 5th as MLB scheduled the World Series to start Oct 24 and end Nov 5th. (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, How bad of an idea is it that MLB has scheduled the World Series to start on Oct 25 with the possibility of the New York Mets hosting in cold weather that could drop in the 40s at night. Further the World Series could run as long as Nov 5th. Some critics are calling this a really bad idea playing in possible freezing conditions that could bring rain or snow.

#2 A Hawaiian real estate investor and broker are suing Los Angles Dodgers two way star Shohei Ohtani and his agent Nez Balelo for getting developer Kevin J Hayes Sr and real estate broker Tomoko Matsumoto fired from a $240 million luxury housing development on Hawaii’s Big Island that they wanted Ohtani to endorse. The lawsuit reads, “Balelo and [Ohtani], who were brought into the venture solely for [Ohtani’s] promotional and branding value, exploited their celebrity leverage to destabilize and ultimately dismantle Plaintiffs’ role in the project — for no reason other than their own financial self-interest,”

#3 The Baltimore Orioles have lost two pitchers for the rest of the season. Right hander Zach Eflin will be getting a lower back procedure and closer Felix Bautista is suffering from a significant shoulder injury. Bautista is scheduled to see the doctor to get an update this week.

#4 San Francisco Giants lose another one this time to the San Diego Padres 4-1 the loss drops San Francisco to 4.5 games for the last and coveted NL Wild Card spot. The Giants have one more game with San Diego Wednesday and three coming up with Tampa Bay starting Friday.

#5 Houston Astro closer Josh Hader was placed on the 15 day IL due to a left shoulder strain. Hader could not pitch on Monday night and was experiencing shoulder discomfort prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox. Hader had a workout before Monday’s game and said he did not feel right.

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: Pawol did great job in first game as MLB’s first woman umpire; Yanks and Williams continue to suffer; plus more

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Jen Pawol makes baseball history as the first female umpire to work an MLB game in history working the first game of a doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins at Loan Depot Park in Miami on Sat Aug 9, 2025 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 Jen Pawol made baseball history becoming the first female to work a MLB regular season game. Pawol’s made her umpiring debut on Saturday’s first game of a doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. Pawol worked first base and had a relatively quiet first game.

#2 New York Yankees reliever Devin Williams battled against the Houston Astros in a 5-3 loss on Friday night allowing three runs in the tenth inning. The Astros Carolos Correa got a base hit and Taylor Trammell hit a two run home run for a 5-2 score. Williams has allowed four home runs in his last eight appearances.

#3 Hall of Famer and former New York Yankee Mariano Rivera tore his Achilles tendon while chasing a fly ball at an Old Timer’s game on Saturday. Rivera will need surgery. Mariano’s agent Fern Cuza said that Rivera who is 55 will have the operation in less than a week.

#4 Former Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki has his No.51 retired in a pregame ceremony in Seattle before facing the Tampa Bay Rays. Ichiro said to the crowd, “What’s up Seattle!” and added “Iam so grateful to be here today to receive this highest of honors.”

#5 Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hit his 40th home run of the season on Saturday night against the Toronto Blue Jays in a 9-1 win. Ohtani hit a 417 foot shot off Jays starter Chris Bassitt which gave the Dodgers a three run lead.

Charlie O does the MLB The Show podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Former A’s star Dave Parker dies at 74; Dodgers Ohtani throws fastest pitch of career 101.7 mph; plus more news

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During a tribute to the World Champions 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates Dave Parker (39) who was on that club tips his hat to Pirates fans at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Sat Jul 20, 2019. Parker passed away on Sat Jun 28, 2026 at age 74. (AP file photo)

Headline Sports Podcast Charlie O:

#1 It is with sadness to report that former Oakland A’s outfielder and better known with the Pittsburgh Pirates Dave Parker has passed away at 74 years old. Parker a two time World Series Champion his cause of death was disclosed by the Pirates on Saturday. Parker hit .290, 2712 hits, 339 homers, and 1493 RBIs. Parker was part of that A’s 1988 and 1989 World Series teams.

#2  Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani threw the fastest pitch in his MLB career clocking in at 101.7 mph and pitched two innings allowing one hit, one walk against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night at Kaufman Stadium. It was the first time that Ohtani pitched more than one inning this season.

#3 Former Texas Ranger Elvis Andrus received a plaque and entered the Rangers Hall of Fame. Andrus was a close to National Hall of Famer and former Ranger Adrian Beltre for eight seasons they played together. Beltre said of Elvis, “He’s one of the best ballplayers to play here with the Rangers. He did so many things to make our ballclub better when we played.”

#4  Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper at Truist Park in Cobb County faced live pitching for the first time since he was place on the IL back on June 6. Harper is going through hitting in the cage after suffering an injury to his right wrist. Harper was on the ten day IL and traveled to Atlanta and take in a morning workout.

#5 The only way the Sacramento A’s are going to beat one of the most powerful teams in MLB the New York Yankees is by good pitching they got that out of a combination of two pitchers. Starter JP Sears had himself a good outing 5.2 innings, allowing two hits, three walks and four strikeouts. A’s reliever Jack Perkins pitched 3.1 innings allowed one hit, one walk and three strikeouts to get the 3-0 shutout.

Join Charlie O for the MLB podcast The Show Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O Sun Jun 1, 2025: Ohtani and Judge both homer in Yanks-Dodgers WS rematch; LA’s Betts returns after fracturing toe; plus more MLB news

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Shohei Ohtani the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar watches the flight of the baseball in the sixth inning for his 22nd NL leading home run against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Fri May 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O Sun Jun 1, 2025:

#1 In the 2024 World Series rematch on Friday the Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani and the New York Yankees Aaron Judge both homered in the first inning. It’s like the perfect scenario between both teams on the big stage. The Yankees are the winningest team in the AL and the Dodgers tied for second best record with three other team in the NL.

#2 The Dodgers Mookie Betts stubbed his toe in a dark bathroom but the injury isn’t enough to keep him off the ballfield. Betts stubbed his toe against a wall while walking in a dark bathroom on Wednesday. Betts fractured the toe and missed only Thursday and Friday’s games and was back in the line up on Saturday.

#3 After being out with a left knee injury Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout returned to the line up on Friday night. Trout who normally plays in the outfield was the designated hitter against the Cleveland Guardians and hammered a fourth inning base hit for his only hit of the game in four at bat attempts. Trout said that despite striking out in two at bats he felt good on his return. Saturday Trout went 3-4 so he’s getting his groove back in the DH role.

#4 Things continue to get rougher for the last place Colorado Rockies who lost their ninth out of their last ten games this time to the New York Mets 4-2. The Mets Francisco Lindor had himself a game hitting a homer from the left and right sides. Juan Soto snapped his 0-17 slump with a RBI double.

#5 The Sacramento A’s have now lost 15 of their last 16 games. They have shuttled players from their Las Vegas affiliate to Sacramento to see if they can tweak what’s wrong but A’s manager Mark Kotsay is still looking for solutions. It’s been since the first week of May that the A’s at one time were just one game from moving into first place in the AL West but have fallen back into the cellar now some 8.5 game off the pace.

Join Charlie O for the A’s podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB podcast Michael Duca Fri May 9, 2025: Bucs fire manager had enough of Shelton replaced by Kelly; Ohtani didn’t want to sign a 15 yr deal with Dodgers; plus more news

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Former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton talks with umpire Mike Estabrook between innings in a game against the San Diego Padres at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Sat May 3, 2025. Shelton was fired by the Pirates on Thu May 8, 2025. (AP News photo)

MLB podcast Michael Duca Fri May 9, 2025

On the MLB podcast Michael Duca:

#1 Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton was fired Thursday after Shelton had a tough April and the Bucs couldn’t get on track falling to last place in the NL Central. Pirates general manager Ben Cherrington replaced Shelton with bench coach Don Kelly. Shelton becomes the first big league manager to get fired this season. The Pirates on a seven game losing streak and have a losing record of 12-26. Shelton had managed the Pirates since 2019.

#2 Los Angles Dodgers two way superstar Shohei Ohtani could have signed a 15 year deal with the Dodgers and retired at the age of 44. Ohtani didn’t want to take any risks by signing a lengthy deal and face declining skills according to Ohtani agent Naz Balelo. Ohtani has a 10 year $700 million deal the largest in pro sports.

#3 Michael, very sad news on the passing of former 1984 Detroit Tigers star Chet Lemon who died on Thursday at his home in Florida. Lemon a three time All Star outfielder and went to the 1984 World Series with the Tigers was 70 years old. Lemon’s wife Gigi said he was sleeping on the sofa and not responsive. Lemon suffered from a rare blood disease for the last 30 years and had a number of strokes that left him unable to walk or speak. Lemon was also a former Chicago White Sox.

#4 Michael, after watching to uncut video of 20 year old fan who fell from the top of the 21 foot wall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition remain in pain and said that he broke everything. Kavan Markwood gave his first interview to TribLive news on Wednesday and said he still hasn’t seen the video yet.

#5 Michael kind of a fun question that viewers wanted to asked you, new Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago was he a Cubs or White Sox fan? Robert Provest the Pope’s former name was born in the Bronzeville neighborhood in the South Side of Chicago. He grew up in the South suburbs in a town called Dolton. He maintained his ties to the city. Question 2 What Chicago baseball team would Pope Leo XIV pray for to win and do you see him returning to Chicago to meet his fellow Chicagoians?

Michael Duca does the MLB podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com