Shohei Ohtani – Sports Radio Service

MLB The Show podcast Jessica Kwong: Polanco and Robert still out of the line up for Mets; MLB and Players Union first day of CBA negotiations; plus more news

Published on May 13, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

New York Mets designated hitter Jorge Polanco (11) stands in the on deck during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Apr 5, 2026. / D. Ross Cameron – Imagn Images

MLB The Show podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 The New York Mets who acquired Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr for the purposes being everyday players and the Mets knew their injury track records. It’s been six weeks and Polanco and Robert are still on the IL and it appears they won’t be returning anytime soon.

#2 Top Major League Baseball officials and members of the MLB Players Association were in a meeting Tuesday to start negotiations towards a collective bargaining agreement with less than six months before the current deal expires. At the heart of the matter is the salary cap with the players against a cap and MLB owners for a cap. It was a good idea to get started on negotiations now as both sides could find some middle ground. The players however are deadfast against any salary cap and if that’s the deal breaker the players could hold out forcing a lockout at the start of the 2027 season.

#3 Los Angeles Dodger designated hitter Shohei Ohtani in the middle of one of his worst slumps of his career has been benched for at least two games. Ohtani will pitch on Wednesday and will not hit and will also sit out for Thursday’s game against the San Francisco Giants. Ohtani before Tuesday’s game had just four hits in 36 at bats none of those hits were homers and is hitting just .233.

#4 Pittsburgh Pirates pitching ace Paul Skenes lost a no hitter in the seventh inning when the Colorado Rockies Mickey Moniak hit a clean single to break it up. Skenes struck out ten hitters and walk no batters facing 19 hitters. The Pirates would end up winning it 3-1.

#5 The Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy has been placed on the IL for a fractured middle finger Tuesday and could be out as long as eight weeks. According to Braves manager Walt Weiss. The Braves signed catcher Sandy Leon. Leon was playing in the idenpendent Mexican League. Leon played five games for the Braves last season.

Jessica Kwong does the MLB The Show podcasts every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB The Show podcast Jessica Kwong: Former Phils skipper Thompson says no ill will toward Philadelphia front office; Mets manager Mendoza walking on eggshells; plus more news

Published on April 29, 2026May 1, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thompson says he has no ill will towards his former team or the Phillies front office over his firing (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Jessica Kwong:

#1 Former Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thompson said he holds no animosty towards the Phllies organization as the Phils fired Thompson on Tuesday. The Phillies offered him another position in the organization. Thompson knows he was fired for the Phils 9-19 start.

#2 New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza showed up to the park knowing that the egg shells he walks on are the constant reporting regarding his job status, the Mets are 10-19. Aware of what happened to former Red Sox manager Alex Cora and former Phils manager Rob Thompson. The Mets have won three of their last ten games they picked up a big win on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals 8-0.

#3 Los Angeles Dodgers two way star Shohei Ohtani started on Tuesday night but was not hitting for the second time in 13 games. Ohtani wasn’t in the line up when he pitched in his last game.Manager Dave Roberts said that Ohtani’s goal is to make every start and there has to be some compromise.

#4 Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Soriano whose been lights out pitched six innings of shutout ball but Chicago White Sox catcher Drew Romo who bats both slugged two home runs in back to back at bats and the Sox handed Soriano his first loss of 2026 in a 5-2 win for the Halos. Soriano is now 5-1

#5 Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Chad Patrick might have had vision problems in the second inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks but after the Brewers trainers looked him over as Patrick stayed in the ball game and ended up getting the win. Patrick said he couldn’t see. He vomited between innings and Patrick said it felt like his eyeballs were on top of his head.

Jessica Kwong does the MLB The Show podcast everyother Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Strikeout rates high is pitch clock helping offense?; Cubs Counsell says it’s bizzare Dodgers carrying 14 pitchers over MLB maximum; plus more new

Published on April 22, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell stands for the national anthem on opening day Thu Mar 26, 2026 against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Counsell is questioning why the Los Angeles Dodgers are allowed to have one pitcher over the MLB maxium of 13 pitchers giving LA 14 (AP photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 With strikeout rates still high across Major League Baseball, are recent rule changes (like the pitch clock and shift ban) actually improving offensive production, or do pitchers still have the upper hand?

#2 Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell finds it strange that the Los Angeles Dodgers are allowed to carry 14 pitchers while the MLB maximum for pitchers on a roster is 13. The Dodgers use Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher and a designated hitter on his off days from pitching so it would seem Ohtani is not counted as being on the pitching staff. The underlying talk has been the Dodgers are an exception because Ohtani is a cash cow and huge draw for baseball so MLB looks the other way on the 13 maxium pitchers on a roster rule.

#3 With the Sacramento A’s recent success especially against some competive teams and recent series wins against a four game 2-2 split with Texas, winning two out of three with Chciago White Sox and taking the first of a three game series from the always tough Seattle Mariners and are first place in the AL West can this A’s team compete this season.

#4 The Mets continue to struggle losing their 12th straight game to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night. Francisco Lindor defened his manager Carlos Mendoza saying he’s not the problem the team just isn’t putting it together. The players like Lindor are standing up for Mendoza.

#5 Young Stars Taking Over Players like Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson are becoming faces of the league—how important is youth movement to maintaining fan interest and growing the sport globally?

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.

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From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Braves have not lost a series so far this season; Ohtani record setter could be in All Time greats circle; plus more

Published on April 14, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Atlanta Braves Mauricio Dubon clouts out a second inning RBI double against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Mon Apr 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Atlanta Braves remain unbeaten in series play so far—are they the early favorites for the World Series, or is it too soon to tell?

#2 Shohei Ohtani continues delivering historic-level performances—how is his 2026 start shaping his long-term legacy among all-time greats?

#3The Houston Astros are dealing with injuries, poor pitching, and internal issues—how serious is this early-season “crisis,” and can they recover?

#4 The Sacramento A’s came off a five game win streak defeating the New York Yankees twice and the New York Mets in a three game sweep but at home they continue to struggle losing to the Texas Rangers to open a six game homestand in Sacramento in a Monday night laugher 8-1. Is there a difference playing away than at home for the A’s?

#5 Anaheim Angels star Mike Trout had been struggling before the pandemic and battled injuries since 2019. Seven years later Trout had a big break out game hitting two home runs his 407th and 408th of his career that helped tie up the game 7-7 and later a home that got the Angels the lead. The New York Yankees however got a walk off wild pitch that allowed the Yankees Jose Caballero to score the game winning run. Despite the loss Trout is showing flashes of his old talent once again.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: This Baseball star is in Five Halls of Fame

Published on April 10, 2026April 12, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Martin “El Immortal” Dihigo who played in the Negro Leagues and is in five separate Hall of Fames is the focus of That’s Amaury News and Commentary (photo from Cooperstown Expert)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: This Baseball star is in Five Halls of Fame

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Martin Dihigo “El Immortal,” also known as “El Maestro,” born in Cuba (1906-1971), a legendary star and Negro League player, has been inducted into five (5) separate baseball halls of fame: Cuba, México, the United States, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. Also in the United States, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1958 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The five Hall of Fames are the most in history for a baseball player.

Dihigo is arguably the greatest Negro League player. He played all nine positions and was a standout pitcher and hitter. He managed the New York Cubans of the Negro Leagues from 1935 to 1936. The New York Cubans were founded by fellow Cuban Alejandro Pompez; the team featured Cuban and Latin American players of African descent. The New York Cubans won their only Negro League World Series championship in 1947. Led by manager Josá Maria Fernández and stars like Orestes “Minnie” Miñoso and Luis Tiant Sr., they defeated the Cleveland Buckeyes four games to one (with one tie) to secure the title.

One of the most incredible seasons for any professional baseball player in history was in 1938 in the Mexican League; Martin Dihigo won the Triple Crown as a pitcher in victories, strikeouts, and earned-run average. Then, that same season, as a hitter won the batting title with a .387 average. He did all that with the Aguila de Veracruz. In one game in México, On August 5, 1939, he struck out 22 batters during a 13-inning game, wearing the uniform of the Rojos del Aguila de Veracruz.

Dihigo retired at 45 years of age and died of heart trouble in Cienfuegos, Cuba, on May 20, 1971. He was 65 years old. He died on Cuba’s Independence Day. May 20, 1902, is Cuba’s Independence Day from Spain.

Before Shohei Ohtani, Cubans revered Martín Dihigo as the first true two-way player who dominated as both a pitcher and a batter in the professional league

Historical Note: The first documented, official baseball game in Cuba took place on December 27, 1874, at the Palmar de Junco field in Pueblo Nuevo, Matanzas. Habana defeated Matanzas 51–9 in a seven-inning match. The field is considered the cradle of Cuban baseball and the world’s oldest active stadium.

Quote: Orestres Miñoso (All-Star): “He was a big man, but he was big in all ways, as a player, as a manager, as a teacher, as a man”.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O: Pirates continue to farm out great talent; Mets Soto out with calf injury; plus more news

Published on April 5, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Pittsburgh Pirates Konnor Griffin sprints for home plate in the second inning against the San Diego Padres Fri Apr 3, 2026 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh (AP News photo)

MLB The Show podcast Charlie O:

#1 How significant is Konnor Griffin’s debut for the Pirates, and what does it suggest about their future competitiveness? (Griffin had an RBI double in his first at-bat and helped secure a win.) Once again the Pirates know how to bring up some solid talent.

#2 What impact could Juan Soto’s early exit with a calf injury have on the Mets’ lineup and short-term outlook?

#3 Are the Dodgers emerging as early offensive favorites after Shohei Ohtani’s explosive performance (HR and 4 RBIs)?

#4 How might weather-related postponements and doubleheaders (like Brewers–Royals and Cubs–Guardians) affect team momentum and pitching rotations this week?

#5 Some of the moves talked about on some of the San Francisco radio station about Tony Vitello the San Francisco Giants manager that he’s over his head jumping from college right to The Show. The Giants were clobbered twice by the New York Mets in their four game series and lost that last game three to the San Diego Padres to close their series 7-1. Is more a concern about a pitching staff than Vitello’s managing?

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Ohtani returning to pitching duties for Dodgers; Rangers deGrom hoping to rebound from injury; plus more news

Published on March 31, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani gets a turn at bat slugs a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the bottom of the first inning at Dodger Stadium on Thu Mar 26, 2026 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

#1 How might Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching impact the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation and early-season momentum?

#2 What are the expectations and risks surrounding Jacob deGrom’s 2026 debut after his recent injury scare with the Texas Rangers?

#3 What does the historic early-season performance of MLB rookies suggest about the league’s emerging talent pipeline in 2026?

#4 How significant is the reported record-setting contract for prospect Seattle Mariners Colt Emerson, and what does it indicate about teams investing in young talent?

#5 How important was it for former San Francisco Giants pitcher Juan Marichal to appear for Team Dominican during the World Baseball Classic it really inspired the players when he showed up.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O: Yanks Judge slugs 2 homers to open camp; Ohtani to join WBC; plus more news

Published on February 22, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Aaron Judge takes batting practice on Mon Feb 16, 2026 for the New York Yankees on Mon Feb 16, 2026. Judge hit two home runs against the Detroit Tigers in exhibiton play on Sat Feb 21, 2026. (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:

#1 How significant was Aaron Judge’s two-home-run performance in his 2026 Spring Training debut for the New York Yankees, and what does it signal for the Yankees’ season prospects?

#2 How will Shohei Ohtani’s planned Cactus League games with the Los Angeles Dodgers before joining the World Baseball Classic affect both his preparation and the Dodgers’ spring training strategy?

#3 What impact will the news of Pittsburgh Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski’s death at age 89 have on the baseball community and how are teams commemorating his career?

#4 What were the key highlights and takeaways from the Washington Nationals winning both games in their split-squad spring training action on Feb 21?

#5 Critics are saying the 2026 Sacramento A’s could be this year’s sneakest team. They have some key players in the their line up with Denzel Clarke, Jacob Wilson, Lawrence Butler, Nick Kurtz, and Shea Langeliers that can hit the big fly.

Charlie O does Headline Sports each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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

Published on February 12, 2026 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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.

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

Published on November 18, 2025 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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?