Tag: Shohei Ohtani

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Giants wins of 3 straight on road from 4 run deficits a first since 1932 Cardinals; Jackie Robinson statue replacement almost ready; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The San Francisco Giants Patrick Bailey watches the flight of his grand slam against the New York Mets in the top of the eighth inning at Citi Park in New York on Fri May 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 It hasn’t been done since the 1932 St Louis Cardinals did it coming back from a four run deficit on the road in three consecutive games but the 2024 San Francisco Giants pulled it off with three straight come back wins on the road they did it against in Pittsburgh Wed 22 and Thu 23, then in New York Fri 24.

#2 A replacement for the sawed off Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita Kansas at McAdams Park. The statue of the first black Major League Player in the history of the game was sawed off from the ankles for it’s bronze value. Wichita Firefighters found the statue in a trash can about 7 miles from the park. One of the suspects has pleaded guilty to the vandalism and it as later found out the purpose was not for racist hate but for the bronze scrap metal. The good news is a replacement statue is nearly finished from the Art Castings Studio in Loveland Colorado.

#3 Charlie, in his first game back in San Diego former San Diego Padre Juan Soto returned as a New York Yankee after being traded in the off season. Soto belted his 14th home run of the season off Padres pitcher Yu Darvish a 423 blast over the center right field fence. The Yankees added two more home runs from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in the 8-0 victory for New York to open the series.

#4 Charlie simply put is the Dodgers Shohei Ohtani too good of a hitter to ever pitch again. So far this season Ohtani has 69 hits, 13 home runs, and hitting .340. Shohei is on the shelf for the rest of the season from pitching due to off season surgery. There is the discussion that the two way act might have seen better days and Ohtani will stick to just being the DH.

#5 Charlie, the Oakland Coliseum home of the Oakland A’s at least till the end of this season has been sold to the group African American Sports and Entertainment at 50% of the property whose goal is to build retail, housing, host pro soccer, and get an NFL expansion team. Meanwhile the A’s who own the other half of the Coliseum proper are reportedly willing to talk to AASEG about selling their half as the A’s will be leaving for Sacramento and later Las Vegas.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary : Comparing Ohtani to Babe Ruth; Padres Bogarts day to day with shoulder injury; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Dodger Shohei Ohtani rounds third base on a Will Smith base hit on Fri May 17, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, Babe Ruth once said that he didn’t want to pitch every other day while playing a position in the outfield. Ruth had said this before 1920 before he was traded and converted to being an outfielder. Much the same can be said about Los Angeles Dodgers two way player Shohei Ohtani who is taking the year off from pitching. Ohtani the designated hitter is not throwing from the outfield like Ruth did but he did want to play everyday and not wear his arm out by being a pitcher.

#2 Xander Bogarts second baseman of the San Diego Padres suffered a left shoulder injury during Monday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. Bogarts was going for a ground ball when he landed his left shoulder on a bases loaded grounder. Bogarts was not able to make the throw on Ronald Acuna’s infield hit that allowed a run to score. Bogarts signaled for the dugout and manager Mike Schildt and the trainer. Bogarts was given tests and they proved to be negative. Bogarts status is day to day.

#3 The Tampa Bay Rays placed starter Zach Eflin on the 15 day IL on Monday night in a game against the Boston Red Sox. Eflin is suffering from back inflammation. Eflin struggled this season at 3-4, ERA 4.12. Last season Eflin went 16-8. The Rays were counting on him signing him to a three year $68 million contract.

#4 It was mentioned it was a great time to be a Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Twins fan and a Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers fan. The Timberwolves and Mavericks of the NBA are headed for the third round of the NBA playoffs and the Twins are in third place only five games behind first place in the AL Central. The Rangers are just 1.5 games out of first place in the AL West.

#5 Amaury, the A’s are coming off an eight game losing streak. They went 1-9 on the last road trip in games played in Seattle, Kansas City and Houston and lost all but one of those games. They had to deal with the thunderstorms in Houston and now return to host the Colorado Rockies tonight here at the Coliseum. Can the A’s turn it around with home field advantage to open this six game homestand?

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Yanks Gil 14 K’s career high; Orioles Grayson back in rotation; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

New York Yankees starter Luis Gil pitches into the top of the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium in New York on the way to a career high 14 strikeouts on Sat May 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 The New York Yankees have a lot of history and rookie pitcher Luis Gil just added to another page to the history books with the most strikeouts thrown by a rookie with 14 against the Chicago White Sox in a 6-1 win.

#2 The Baltimore Orioles activated RHP Grayson Rodriguez from the 15 day IL who started against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday. Rodriguez came back from a shoulder inflammation injury. Rodriguez one of the keys to the Orioles pitching staff is 4-1 with a 3.71 ERA.

#3 Former Los Angeles Angels infielder David Fletcher and who is playing infield for the Atlanta Braves triple A affiliate has reportedly been placing bets with the same Los Angeles bookmaker Matthew Bowyer that Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter Ippei Mizuhara used. Fletcher’s close friend Colby Schultz who played in the Kansas City Royals farm system from 2018-2020 bet on baseball during his playing days. It was reported that Fletcher did not bet on baseball.

#4 On San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell, Snell returned to pitch at the Giants triple A affiliate you might have heard of them the Sacramento Rivercats. Snell was out with a shoulder injury threw five innings of no hit baseball and struck out ten batters.

#5 The Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher Shota Imanaga got into the history books by recording the lowest ERA 0.84 for any rookie in his first nine starts since it was last done back in 1913. Looking at Imanaga reaction after striking out his seventh batter he was even amazed at himself.

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

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Angels Rendon back on IL with hamstring injury; Orioles top prospect sent down after hitting .059; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Angeles Anthony Rendon (6) walks off the field with manager Ron Washington (left) and trainer Mike Frostad (right) after pulling up injured with a torn left hamstring against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark on Sat Apr 20, 2024. Rendon was placed on the 10 day IL.

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon who has played only not more than 58 in his last four seasons of his current seven year $245 million contract has a left hamstring tear and the recovery is expected to be a long one. Rendon is frustrated by the injury saying he’s doing everything to stay out there but says nothing is working.

#2 The Baltimore Orioles top prospect Jackson Holliday has been optioned to the Orioles minor triple A affiliate Nashville after managing just two singles, two walks in 36 at bats spread over ten games. Holliday struck out 18 times and was hitting .059 with just one RBI.

#3 The Orioles were just stunned when they were beat in the opening game of their three game series on Friday night by the Oakland A’s 3-2. The A’s had beat the New York Yankees Thursday. That showed shades of maybe Oakland might be up for challenging some of the tougher teams in the American League. Then on Saturday the Orioles got some clutch hitting and pitching shutting down Oakland 5-0.

#4 Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani who was greeted by a thunderous rain of boos at Rogers Centre in Toronto and did what he could only do hitting his seventh home run against the Toronto Blue Jays. Ohtani said he was not surprised and that he got booed in the dugout too. Dave Roberts Dodgers manager said that was funny too. Ohtani knew he was booed after deciding to sign with the Dodgers rather than the Blue Jays in the off season.

#5 Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge why the slump? Judge is hitting .186 with four home runs and the topper was the loss to the A’s on Thursday and Judge earned the golden sombrero with his fourth strike out. Judge said that he’s had worse starts than this one and that you just have to keep on working.

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

Headline Sports with Charlie O: Shohei says interpreter scandal has brought team together; Giants-Cards Negro League tribute in Birmingham: plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani rounds third base after hitting his 175th career home run a solo shot in the bottom of the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles Fri Apr 12, 2024

On Headline Sports with Charlie O:

#1 Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has said that when it comes to his teammates they speak the language of baseball. Ohtani mentioned after learning about his interpreter stealing some $16 million from to cover gambling debts it has brought Ohtani and his teammates closer together.

#2 Charlie, got to ask you about the Rickwood Field MLB tribute to the Negro Leagues it’s an upcoming on Jun 20, 2024. The Tribute game will feature the St Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants and it will be played on Birmingham Alabama home of the Birmingham Alabama how important is this game as a tribute to so many black players during the Negro League years?

#3 On Saturday it was a long day for Detroit Tigers third baseman Zach McKinstry and his teammates. McKinstry playing third base committed a three base error when Minnesota Twins Ryan Jeffers hit a ground ball that went through his legs that allowed three runners to score. Later Tigers manager AJ Hinch called on McKinstry to come into pitch as the Tigers had already used five pitchers. McKinstry walked Manuel Margot with one runners on. McKinstry then gave up a home run to Matt Wallner which then accounted for six of the Twins 11 runs that McKinstry was responsible for.

#4 More Twins news you might remember Carlos Correa who couldn’t sign on with either the New York Mets or San Francisco Giants at the beginning of the 2023 season and later got on with the Twins. The Twins shortstop Correa was placed on the ten day injured list on Saturday due to a right oblique strain. Correa was seen clutching his right side during an at bat. Correa teammate Byron Buxton said it was like a gut punch watching Correa having to leave the game.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Ohtani says interpreter stole money to pay off gambling debts; Interpreter never graduated or worked at Sox or Yanks; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Will Ireton Los Angeles Dodgers manager of performance operations (left) interprets for Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (right) at a pre game press conference at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Mon Mar 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 A look into Los Angeles Dodger’s designated hitter Shohei Ohtani’s personal trainer Ippei Mizuhara stole the money from Ohtani to pay off his gambling debts. It was learned that Ohtani did not pay for Mizuhara’s gambling debt Ohtani said the $4.5 million to pay the debt was stolen by Mizuhara. Ohtani made it clear he did not know about Mizurhara using the stolen money to pay an illegal bookie.

#2 Mizuhara’s background was found to be suspicious as well it was discovered he never attended UC Riverside and never graduated there in 2007, Mizuhara never was an interpreter for the Boston Red Sox pitcher Hideki Okajima from 2007-2011. The Red Sox released a statement saying that Mizuhara never worked for the Red Sox. It was also reported that Mizuhara was an interpreter for the New York Yankees in 2022 but the Yankees said that Mizuhara never was an interpreter for them in 2022.

#3 Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that it was good that Ohtani addressed the media before Monday night’s game at Dodger Stadium. It gave Ohtani a forum to clear the air and address some of the questions about his knowledge that money was going to an illegal bookie to pay Mizuhara’s debts.

#4 Although no one will admit it in the Dodgers clubhouse that this whole thing is a distraction but has to be the largest paid athlete of all time tied to a gambling scandal and it’s turned into a federal investigation and questions where is this going to end up?

#5 Turning to the Oakland A’s the A’s have announced that they have cut the time in half on Thursday opening night and will open the gates at the Oakland Coliseum parking lot from four hours to two hours early. The A’s have said they did that because there was no sense opening up the lot when they are expecting a low paid attendance to show up. Two large A’s fan groups the Oakland 68s and the Last Dive Bar said that cutting the parking lot times from two to four hours will cut their boycott time down to just two hours and they also planned to have tailgates before the game now that time has been cut in half. The 68’s said the A’s are playing mind games.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer for the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports with Charlie O: Can Ohtani interpreter stay in Japan avoid extradition?; Ex-O’s owner Angelos dead at 94 great accomplishments; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former Los Angeles Dodgers interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (left) and Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani no longer will be working together after Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers for allegedly massive theft of Ohtani’s money for gambling (photo from ESPN)

On Headline Sports with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, how bad of a look is it for baseball to have Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter allegedly stealing some $4.5 million from Ohtani to use it to gamble with an illegal bookmaker with Ohtani’s name on it. The big question is from the face of the story and everything we know does it look like or appear that Ohtani could have had a hand in this scandal based on the money transfers being in Ohtani’s name? Ippei Mizuhara the interpreter reportedly has said that Ohtani didn’t have anything to do with gambling which is being investigated by the US Attorney’s office.

#2 Baltimore Orioles former owner Peter Angelos has passed away at age 94. He oversaw an Orioles organization that had it’s highs and lows but the one thing everyone will remember him by his when got the plans together in the early 90s to build Camden Yards which opened in 1992. It was the ballpark that started other major league franchises to want a new ballpark for themselves. Angelos commandeered the idea of having the Orioles play a exhibition series against the Cuban National team in Havana Cuba on March 28, 1999. It was the first time that any team from the US played in Cuba since 1959. Later that season the the same two teams met again on May 3 at Camden Yards.

#3 The Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper who hasn’t played in a exhibition game since Mar 14th was in the line up against the New York Yankees yesterday. Harper had been out with sore back. Harper played in a simulated game on Friday and got in the line up on Saturday. Harper had back spasms last season.

#4 The San Francisco Giants announced that they will begin looking for a new PA announcer to replace the popular Renel Brooks Moon who had been the Giants PA announcer for 24 seasons. The Giants plan to rotate PA announcers during the season until they settle on someone they will hire. The Giants said they couldn’t reach a deal with Renel and sources say she wasn’t rehired because she was outspoken on social injustice issues.

#5 The Oakland 68s and the Last Dive Bar two Oakland A’s fan groups have voice their displeasure regarding the Oakland A’s cutting the usual opening night parking lot time from four hours down to two hours. The A’s say that the expect a low attendance for Thu Mar 28th and that opening the lot for four hours before the game would not be necessary. The 68s and the Last Dive Bar call the A’s decision “mind games” and a deliberate way to cut into their parking lot boycott that they planned.

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

Headline Sports podcast with Augie Mesenburg: Ohtani’s interpreter under investigation for theft

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (left) and his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (right) will no longer be working together as Mizuhara was accused of massive theft of Ohtani’s funds that he allegedly used for gambling. The Dodgers fired Mizuhara on Wed Mar 20, 2024. (AP file photo)

On Ohtani’s interpreter under investigation for theft podcast with Augie:

#1 Representatives of Los Angeles Dodger designated hitter Shohei Ohtani accused Ohtani’s interpreter Ippei Mizuhara of stealing from Ohtani and using the money for gambling.

#2 The Feds are now investigating. It was reported that Ohtani also covered Muzuhara’s gambling debts in the neighborhood of $4 million.

#3 The Los Angeles offices of Berk Brettler said that Ohtani was the victim of massive theft the law firm turned over the case to the federal authorities.

#4 It as also reported that Mizuhara placed bets with a bookmaker. It’s a question whether Ohtani will press charges for the theft but it’s mostly unlikely as he considered Mizuhara like a brother. Ohtani will have to stay away from Mizuhara during the investigation.

#5 Apparently the scandal hasn’t disrupted Ohtani’s concentration on baseball as he hit an RBI single in the top of the eighth inning in the Dodgers four run rally against the San Diego Padres on opening day in Seoul Korea at the Korean Series.

Augie Mesenburg is a podcast contributor for http://www.sportsradioservice.com. Augie also is a reporter for KHAI 103.5FM in Honolulu

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Were Giants trying to pinch pennies in not keeping PA announcer Renel?; Ohtani is preparing to play the field; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Former San Francisco Giants PA Announcer Renel Brooks Moon parted ways with the Giants after the two sides could not agree to terms on a new contract that expired in Dec 2023.This photo shows Renel in the Oracle Park PA booth in 2002. Renel will work as a volunteer community representative for the Giants. (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 San Francisco Giants first black female PA announcer Renel Brooks Moon who was the PA announcer at Oracle Park for 24 seasons could not reach a contract agreement with the Giants. According to reports Renel and the Giants had extensive discussions about a new deal but couldn’t arrive at an agreement. Renel’s contract expired in December. Renel will now be a volunteer for the Giants as a community activist and mentor. Was this a money saving deal for the Giants or was Renel asking too much from the Giants and didn’t get her contract renewed?

#2 He could do it all, pitch, hit and now play the field. Los Angeles Dodgers two way player and could be a three way player by converting his services to the field. Although as manager Dave Roberts reiterated Ohtani will not pitch this season but will begin throwing drills once the Dodgers come back from Korea. Roberts said that Ohtani will mostly be a designated hitter.

#3 Amaury get your thoughts on the big signing of former San Diego Padre and now San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell who signed with the Giants on Monday for a two year contract worth $62 million. Snell was 14-9 with a 2.25 ERA for San Diego in 2023. How will he be an impact to the Giants rotation.

#4 Nothing worse than getting an injury in spring training to put off your regular season and that’s the case for Cincinnati Reds centerfielder TJ Friedl who on Saturday was attempting to make a diving catch fractured his right wrist. Friedl will be reevaluated in three to four weeks. Fridel had such a great season in 2023 that the Reds were looking forward to making him their everyday centerfielder.

#5 Former Reds first baseman Joey Votto hit one out in his first at bat for the Toronto Blue Jays. Votto rather than retire sought to join another big league team and the Jays wanted to take a look at what he could do. Votto pounded a 392 foot home run off the Philadelphia Phillies frontline pitcher Zack Wheeler in the first inning at Clearlake Florida on Sunday.

#6 Salt Lake City has been in talks to possibly host a pre season game or two for the Oakland A’s at Smith’s Ballpark in Salt Lake City. The A’s had been in talks with Sacramento over use of Sutter Health Park. Salt Lake City is in serious MLB mode to get a big league team. They want to have the A’s move to Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City would finance the ballpark and land and finance a ballpark village. How realistic for that to happen starts with if the A’s can’t get to Las Vegas?

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports with Stephen Ruderman: Pitching injuries have turned into an epidemic; Yanks Cole out at least 3-4 weeks with elbow and shoulder pain; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Gerrit Cole starting ace for the New York Yankees is dealing with an elbow and shoulder issues and will be out of action for the next three to four weeks (AP News file photo)

On Headline Sports with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Stephen, there has been numerous pitchers who are having elbow, arm, and shoulder issues that has taken them out of action and it’s not even the regular season yet. Is this a matter of over throwing or just some of the pitches that are thrown causes the injuries?

#2 New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole will be out from three to four weeks due to a nerve irritation and edema in his throwing arm. Cole wants to take his time on the recovery and not come back too fast and re-injure himself.

#3 Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani said that playing in the Korean series will be full of memories. It’s been a great week Ohtani who just got married to his wife Mamiko Tanaka. Ohtani who will not pitch this season but will be a designated hitter. The Dodgers will face the Korea Baseball Organization on Mar 16th and on Mar 18 they’ll face Team Korea. On the 20th and 21 the Dodgers will face the San Diego Padres in Seoul.

#4 Former New York Mets pitcher Jim McAndrew who pitched from 1968 to 1973 and was part of that Amazing Mets team who won the World Series in 1969 passed away at 80 years old. McAndrew is remembered for starting a game in September 1969 that he won that put the Mets in first place for the first time in eight years. McAndrew was 36-49 ERA 3.65 and had four saves.

#5 After defeating the San Francisco Giants in arbitration and then the Giants turning around and releasing third baseman JD Davis, Davis was picked up by the Oakland A’s and signed a one year contract for $2.5 million and can pick up another $1.1 million in bonuses. Davis was offered $6.55 million and won a $350,000 pay increase in arbitration to $6.9 million but the Giants turned around and released Davis. Critics have said the Giants bargained in bad faith by releasing Davis.

Stephen Ruderman filled in for Charlie for Headline Sports heard Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com