Tag: Shohei Ohtani

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Does season ticket sell outs signal success in Sacramento for A’s or just a honeymoon?; AI says Clemente most popular Hispanic player of all time; plus more news

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Lawrence Butler of the Athletics conducts an interview at the Sawyer Hotel in downtown Sacramento on Mon Jan 6, 2025 regarding the A’s upcoming 2025 season in Sacramento (still from ABC 10 KXTV Sacramento)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Athletics selling out season tickets at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento does that signal that this relocation by the A’s was a successful idea or this is just a honeymoon in Sacramento and the A’s will eventually struggle in the standing like they had in past seasons?

#2 According to AI the most popular MLB Hispanic player of all time is former Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente who began his career in 1955 and in his second year in 1956 hit .311. After 1956 he hit above .300 in seven different seasons. He was defined as a pure hitter who drove in runs as well as being able to scores runs as well.

#3 According insiders three MLB teams were taken off Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki’s desired list the New York Yankees and Mets and the Texas Rangers. Sources are saying that Sasaki is down to three clubs the Toronto Blue Jays, the Los Angeles Dodgers, or the San Diego Padres. The San Francisco Giants have backed out of pursuing Sasaki. Sasaki is under 25 years old and is classified as a amateur and his salary will be limited from $5.1 million to $7.5 million per year. He will be regarded as a rookie phenom and could conger up endorsements that could add more to his finances depending how he performs in his MLB debut.

#4 Sasaki is another big signing possibility that has passed up the Giants. The Giants over the last two seasons missed signing in 2024 the likes of Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani. For 2025 the Giants so far have missed out on the following free agent signings Juan Soto, Ha Seong Kim, and Corbin Burnes. They managed to sign Willy Adames and Justin Verlander. The Giants last Thursday avoided going to arbitration with LaMonte Wade Jr, and relivers Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers. Are there a number of big name free agents avoiding San Francisco for specific reasons based on how the team has been a revolving door for managers, general managers, and team president changes and how CEO Larry Baer and team managing partner Greg Johnson who have final say have not been able to sign high profile players?

#5 The Seattle Mariners agreed to a one year deal with infielder Donovan Solano for $3.5 million. Also Solano could earn up to $1 million for plate appearances that ramp up to $200,00 for at bats totaling 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500. Solano hit .286, eight home runs, and 35 RBIs in 96 games with the San Diego Padres.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Angels Mgr Wash says get rid of 3 throws to first base limit; How Springs fits in A’s rotation; plus more news

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Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington seen managing against the Oakland A’s on Sat Jul 20, 2024 at the Oakland Coliseum. The last visit for Washington and the Angels to Oakland. Washington said in a ESPN interview that the three throw limit rule for pitchers to first base should be junked. (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 In a ESPN interview with Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington who was asked what rule changes he would like to see he said, to give pitchers all the time they need to make pitches, and get rid of the throwing to first base only three times limit. Washington said experienced pitchers can handle the pitch clock whereas it affects the younger pitchers.

#2 Amaury, talk about how the Athletics are building up their pitching staff first with acquiring Luis Severino and now getting Jefferey Springs from the Tampa Bay Rays. Springs in 2024 made seven starts was 2-2 ERA 3.27. How do you see him shoring up the starting rotation for Sacramento?

#3 The New York Yankees acquired pitcher Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. Williams a closer had an impressive ERA last season at 1.83 in 97 relief appearances. The Brewers in exchange got LHP Nestor Cortes and rookie prospect Caleb Durbin with cash considerations.

#4 Amaury, talk about the deal that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Isaac Paredes a first baseman, pitcher Hayden Weneski, and prospect Cam Smith. Tucker who suffered a shin injury played in 78 games for the Astros.

#5 Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman’s World Series walk off grand slam ball sold for $1.56 million including the buyers premium at SCP Auctions on Saturday night. Freeman hit the grand slam during game 1. The ball is the third most expensive ball bided it on behind Shohei Ohtani’s $4.392 million ball that he hit for his 50/50 home run, and Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball he hit in 1999 worth $3 million.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: 49ers Purdy out of action against Green Bay sore throwing shoulder; Raiders Crosby fined twice by NFL; plus more news

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is all wrapped up by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Nov 17, 2024 (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is a scratch for today’s game in Green Bay as he is suffering a shoulder injury on throwing side. Purdy will miss his first game in three seasons as starting quarterback for the 49ers and didn’t miss a start when he was a quarterback in college.

#2 Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby who did not get a sack for the third straight week. To make matters worse Crosby was fined by the league for unsportsmanship like conduct and unnecessary roughness. Maxx was charged with kneeing, striking, and kicking Miami Dolphin players,.

#3 New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones requested a trade after being the starting quarterback after nine seasons. Jones is in a four year $160 million contract and has not performed at the level the Giants would expect: In ten games for the Giants Jones has completed 63% of his passes for 2970 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.

#4 Charlie turning to baseball news, former San Francisco Giants bench coach Aylssa Nakken has left the Giants to become an assistant for player development for the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken was the first female coach in Major League Baseball history on Arp 12, 2022. Former Giants manager Gabe Kapler brought her on board as a coach and she was a huge inspiration for girls and women softball and baseball players alike. Nakken will join former Giant coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Albernaz is associate manager and Correa is a field coordinator. Former Giants catcher Stephen Vogt who is the Cleveland Guardians was mainly responsible for bringing Nakken on board.

#5 The MLB Baseball Writers Association of America have voted Shohei Ohtani the National League MVP and Aaron Judge the American League MVP. Ohtani win the MVP Award for the third straight time. Judge led MLB hitters with 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, 133 walks, and hit .322. Both Ohtani and Judge were in the 2024 World Series.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: McCaffrey back, Samuel being evaluated; Sharks snap nine game skid with first win; plus more news

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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (left) sits with running back Jordan Mason (right) during the second half against the New England Patriots at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Sep 29, 2024 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 On the San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey doesn’t look like he has any set back and could be back. Deebo Samuel was seen wearing a oxygen mask leaving the game early talking to a doctor. Amaury no doubt the 49ers would like to see McCaffrey back and hope that Samuel is feeling better both are looking forward to the bye week this weekend.

#2 At some point the San Jose Sharks had to finally end their nine game losing streak and they pulled it off on Monday defeating the Utah Hockey Club in overtime 5-4. The Sharks last season lost their first ten games to start last season and have to be very relieved to get in the win column.

#3 Amaury, talk about how important was it for the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani to return for game 3 in New York after suffering from the left dislocated shoulder on a slide into second base in game 2 in LA.

#4 In the US the World Series is pulling a TV viewership of 16 million plus in Japan the World Series is pulling over 15 million viewers so Ohtani has done wonders for the series viewership.

#5 Amaury talk about long time Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez who won the Roberto Clemente Award. The award is given to a player that best exemplifies off field humanitarian service in the community. Talk about Perez his hard work and work off the field and he could very well be a future candidate for a spot for the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pete Rose podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: He was controversial, banned, all time hits leader, now belongs to the ages at 83

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Pete Rose in memorium 1941-2024 tribute dedication photo courtesy of the Cincinnati Reds

Pete Rose podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

Former Cincinnati Red Pete Rose a long time player and manager passed away on Monday at age 83. Rose had a fabulous career as a baseball player. Rose broke in in 1963 that’s 61 years ago. He holds the records for most hits ever.

He surpassed Ty Cobb for the most hits. He holds the record for a hitting streak at 44 games. He was know as Charlie Hustle. He’d give you 100%. He’s remembered for his collision with the late Cleveland Indians catcher Ray Fosse during the 1970 All Star Game.

I covered the Oakland A’s for many years and got to see Fosse who was an A’s broadcaster and never asked him about the collision with Rose and when I did get to ask him about it he would just simply say “that’s baseball” and “I was there to block the plate he had every right to crash into me.”

TMZ recently asked when they caught him on the street and asked him who was the best player not in the Hall of Fame right now. Rose said, “Joe Jackson” who was part of nine players who were accused of throwing the 1919 World Series. Although found not guilty of betting on the World Series by a jury MLB Commissioner at the time Kenesaw Mountain Landis banned Jackson and his teammates for life a ban that stands to this day. Rose is banned as well for life.

Jerry Feitelberg does baseball analysis at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The One Man Club 50-50

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Los Angeles Dodgers two way mega star Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting his 50th home run in the top of the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Thu Sep 19, 2024 (AP News photo)

The One Man Club 50-50

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

There is only one player in the One Man Club.

He did not pitch this season because he had Tommy John surgery in 2023. Thursday, September 19, 2024, Shohei Ohtani, while playing in Miami with the Los Angeles Dodgers, became the first man ever in the history of Major League Baseball with 50 homeruns and 50 stolen bases in one single season.

The 30-year-old Japanese international mega-star had elbow surgery last year. Now, Ohtani is headed to the playoffs in 2024 and could pitch again in 2025.

Shohei Ohtani, a once-in-a-lifetime player, will be on the Dodgers’ payroll for the next 20 years under the unique terms of the 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. We are fortunate to live during the Ohtani years since not many who witnessed the great Babe Ruth are left.

I know Ohtani was born in Japan, but as we have seen, this talented man plays the most challenging sport to master, baseball, where most of the time you fail; he makes it look easy. His talents make him look like he comes from another world.

Congratulations Ohtani! おめでとう

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary 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

Headlines podcast with Charlie O: Royals pick up Pham and Grossman off waivers; Dodgers Kershaw headed to IL with bone spurs; plus more news

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Former St Louis Cardinal Tommy Pham seen here hitting a sacrifice fly against the Milwaukee Brewers Wed Aug 21, 2024 at Busch Stadium in St Louis was picked up on waivers by the Kansas City Royals. (AP News photo file)

On Headline podcast with Charlie O:

#1 The Kansas City Royals picked up Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman. Both players were in the World Series last season with Pham playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Grossman with the Texas Rangers. What triggered the signing was Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino broke his thumb earlier this week and is expected to be out six to eight weeks.

#2 Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw could be back on the IL having suffered bone spurs. Kershaw has had on going problems with the big left toe according to Manager Dave Roberts who said that it has effected his pitching. On Friday night against the Diamondbacks, Kershaw struggled in the first inning giving up two runs. Then in the second inning he gave up a home run to Corbin Carroll and that’s when Roberts and the head training came out and took Kershaw out of the game. Kershaw had already missed four months of the season before returning.

#3 Once again the Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is making history hitting his 43rd home run and stealing his 43rd base on Friday. Ohtani is on the way to winning his third straight MVP after the Dodgers defeated the Diamonbacks 10-9 at Chase Field. Ohtani is the first member of the 43-43 club.

#4 Que up the Rocky theme for pitcher Samuel Aldegheri from Italy who made his MLB debut on Friday against the Seattle Mariners. Aldegheri after a nice introduction at the Big A in Anaheim was rocked the M’s for five earned runs and seven in total. The Angels lost to the Mariners 9-5. Despite the loss Aldegheri said he was happy and admitted being nervous the first time out.

#5 One of the people that will be missed after this Oakland A’s season is over and the team leaves Oakland to start playing at Sutter Health in Sacramento will be A’s play by play announcer Vince Cotroneo. Controneo has been with the A’s since 2006 and did say after making the announcement that he was leaving last July and said at the time that he is capable of announcing beyond the 2024 season. Controneo was not renewed for a new contract and it was speculated in the industry that the move not to renew Controneo was a cost cutting measure.

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

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Can Ohtani make the 50-50 club?; Astros Neris returns to Houston for second time; plus more

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Los Angeles Dodgers two way player Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a grand slam against the Tampa Bay Rays in the bottom of the ninth at Dodger Stadium on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Los Angeles Dodgers two way player Shohei Ohtani became the sixth player to join the 40-40 club hitting a home run and stealing a base against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodgers Stadium on Friday night. Ohtani has been call a once in lifetime player and often compared to Babe Ruth being able to pitch and swing the bat.

#2 The Houston Astros signed right hander Hector Neris. This is Neris’ second time back with the Astros and he was a free agent when the Astros picked him up. The Astros did not disclose terms. Neris this season is 8-4, ERA 3.89 for the Chicago Cubs before being released on Thursday. Neris pitched for the Astros in 2022-23 going 12-7, ERA 2.69.

#3 Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder Alex Call has been place on the ten day IL due to a foot injury. The Phillies in turn called up catcher Drew Millas from Triple A Rochester. Call was hitting .343, with three home run and 14 RBIs. They’ll no doubt miss his bat.

#4 The San Diego Padres Fernando Tatis who is recovering from stress in the right thigh bone. Tatis took batting practice last Friday. Tatis has been out with the injury for the last two months. Tatis last played on June 21st and was placed on the IL on June 24th. Tatis was hitting .279, 14 home runs and 36 RBIs.

#5 The State of Nevada all of sudden has found public funds to finance a Warner Brothers studio in Las Vegas when they have no finances for public Schools. Nevada is already financing the future Las Vegas A’s with public tax money to the tune of $380 million and said they don’t have money to fund public schools. Same likely excuse when they fund for Warner Bros no money for schools and plenty for Warner Bros studios. Nevada is the number 34 out of 50 in the country in public education.

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

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: MLB Players break out the strange bats for Players Weekend; Rangers deGrom to face live hitters soon; plus more news

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Toronto Blue Jays Ernie Clement stands in at the plate with his pencil bat during “Players Weekend” the weekend where players used unusual looking bats on their trips to the plate. (photo by mlb.com)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie wanted to ask you about something kind of fun yet very strange it’s “Players Weekend” Major League players are using bats painted like a giant pencil, lightsabers, team bats, and green colored bats. No doubt this was a marketing ploy to get fans to buy these “freaking bats” as they call them.

#2 You might remember Jacob deGrom who starred with the New York Mets, deGrom who now pitches for the Texas Rangers has been rehabbing and pitched to live hitters for the third time in recent weeks. deGrom hopes to pitch for the Rangers for the first time since June 2023.

#3 Charlie do you believe MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s new rule change for starting pitchers requiring them to pitch six innings with the exception if a pitcher throws over 100 pitches, gives up four or more runs or gets injured. This new rule for pitchers will be implemented starting next season. Will this put a pitcher’s health in jeopardy?

#4 Last Monday a host of cameras and photographers and broadcasters near the left field line where the Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani was throwing and playing catch with intensity. Ohtani made 71 throws with a wide legged spread apart set while the trainer using the radar gun. While it was said that Ohtani will not return as a pitcher this season and he’s been the DH he is making a attempt to return after having two elbow surgeries.

#5 The San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s play what will be their final Bay Bridge series game today at the Oakland Coliseum. Bob Melvin who managed with both the A’s and Giants and broke in at the Coliseum after coming up with Cal Berkeley said he will leave a lot of memories out on the field after Sunday’s game in completed.

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