Tag: Sports Radio Service

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: A’s unveil Tropicana Park renderings; They look like Sydney Opera House

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Oakland A’s ballpark rendering at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. The rendering some say reminds them of the Sydney Opera or Canada Place in Vancouver as presented by A’s president David Kaval in Las Vegas (renderings from the Oakland A’s web page)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, Oakland A’s team president David Kaval said the A’s will be unveiling the new renderings for the Tropicana Park before this Friday’s game at Las Vegas Ballpark.

#2 If these are just artist renderings this doesn’t solve the questions about how the park’s dimensions look like. What the public wants to look at are the actual blue prints done by an architect.

#3 Amaury, are these going to be the renderings that should have been presented in the first place? Will they be blueprints done by an architect that will answer a lot of questions that the public had been looking for? If they are just artists renderings the A’s will still be at square one.

#4 The other question is the funding and it was talked about once again. Will A’s owner John Fisher come up with his share of the funding at $1.5 billion. If he can’t get a loan say from a Goldman Sachs and can’t find minority partners would he have no other choice but to come back to Oakland?

#5 Amaury, talk about the significance of the A’s hosting the two spring training games at Las Vegas Ballpark this Friday and Saturday and what message this says to both the fans in Oakland and in Las Vegas in hosting these games.

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

Giants officially sign Matt Chapman to 1-year deal

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Former Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman circles the bases and will be playing on a regular basis for the San Francisco Giants for the 2024 season (AP News file photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants made the signing of third-baseman Matt Chapman official today on a one-year, $18 million deal that includes player options for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, as well as a mutual option for the 2027 Season.

The Giants announced the deal at a press conference Monday at Scottsdale Stadium. Chapman was joined by Manager Bob Melvin, whom he is reuniting with after five seasons together across the bay with the Oakland Athletics from 2017 to 2021. Chapman and Melvin made no secret about their excitement for their reunion.

“We had something really special with the A’s, and unfortunately, that got ripped out of our hands and broken up,” said Chapman. “To come back here and have an opportunity with an organization like the Giants that’s not afraid to spend; a team that’s not afraid to go and get free agents and keep guys together and adding; and do all the things you expect a winning franchise to do, we have the opportunity to do that here, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of that.”

“It just seemed like it was destiny,” Chapman added. “I think we’ve got some unfinished business [here].”

For [Champan, this is] the most comfortable spot, and he love[s] playing in the Bay Area,” said Melvin.

Indeed, Chapman is wasting no time making himself comfortable with the Giants.

“Since I’ve been here, I [have felt] super comfortable,” said Chapman. “Going through the defenses, going through all the drills. Got to do it for seven years, so it was just like riding a bike.”

However, Chapman’s arrival means that JD Davis has lost his job as the Giants’ everyday third-baseman. The speculation on the future of Davis is all over the place, from roles as a late-inning pinch-hitter, to being traded. Only time will tell for Davis.

Another player whose future is clouded by the arrival of Chapman is Casey Schmitt. Schmitt had an exciting rookie season for the Giants in 2023, and could perhaps see time as a utility man, as he tried to make even more noise in his sophomore season.

Though, no matter what happens, this off-season has proven that the Giants and President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi are willing to spend money. Despite losing out on Shohei Ohtani and prized starting pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Zaidi committed to spending over $250 million, as he added Jung-hoo Lee, Jordan Hicks and Jorge Soler.

Chapman is a career-.240 hitter. While his defense is his forte, Chapman also provides power. The Giants are hoping that Jorge Soler can end the Giants’ streak of 19-straight seasons without a 30-home run season from a player, but Chapman could end the streak as well.

Chapman hit 36 home runs with the A’s in 2019; 27 with the A’s in 2021; and 27 with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022. Chapman hit .240 with 17 home runs for Toronto in 2023.

Chapman is the second of the “Boras Four” to be signed. Cody Bellinger was re-signed by the Chicago Cubs to a three-year deal on Feb. 28. Starting pitchers Jordan Montgomery, and 2023 National League Cy Young Award Winner Blake Snell remained unsigned, but the Giants are believed to be in the running for snell.

Scott Boras indeed accompanied Chapman to his press conference, and he and Chapman offered their thoughts on the situation surrounding Boras and his clients.

“[It was] definitely a strange market this year,” said Chapman, who is expected to try free agency again after this season if his power numbers go back up. “The free agent market was a little abnormal. Our goals were to either get a long-term contract that we felt that I was worth. If not, get the short-term contract with opt-outs and bet on myself.”

“Obviously teams have different thoughts,” said Boras. “There are teams that want long-term [deals] for their particular reasons, and there are teams that want short-term. You kind of listen to both dynamics of what each team has, and wants, and talk to your clients and see what they want to do.”

Chapman also dispelled the reputation that the City of San Francisco has for homelessness and crime.

“I chose to come here,” said Chapman. “I think everybody’s different. Everybody has different things that matter to them, but I’m from California. I played in the Bay Area; I’m comfortable here; and people say what they say, but I think at the end of the day when you look at the franchise, they want to win. They’ve won before, [and] they know how to do it.”

“They have great players, [and] great coaches. So, I don’t see why people wouldn’t want to come here,” Chapman added. “I know that a lot of people have reached out and said they want to come play here and told me that, so I think if that’s [the] narrative, it’s going to change.”

Other Notes:

Giants Play-by-Play Announcer Duane Kuiper praised Manager Bob Melvin’s old-school approach on “Giants Talk” with NBC Sports Bay Area Giants Beat Writer Alex Pavlovic, and Cole Kuiper. He mentioned the departure from the way Gabe Kapler managed the team the last four seasons.

Kuiper also noted the fact that the Giants are taking infield drills every day. It is a drill that Melvin has long employed, as well one Bruce Bochy used when managed the Giants from 2007 to 2019.

Bulls White scores 37 points in four point win to defeat Kings 113-109

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Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) goes up for the throw down over the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (10) in the second half at Golden 1 Center Sacramento on Wed Mar 4, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night in Sacramento. The Kings were coming off a brief road trip that saw them make stops in Denver and Minnesota. The Kings were blown out in Denver but were able to pull out the victory in Minnesota against the Timberwolves 124-120.

The Kings were looking to stay on track against a hobbled Chicago team. Zach Levine and Lonzo Ball were among the Bulls who were inactive. Ball has missed significant time and will continue to do so due to his lower body injuries. On Monday, the Kings were set to take on the Bulls at 7 PM PST inside Golden One Center. The Bulls defeated the Kings 113-109 on Monday night. 

The Kings came out lethargic in the first quarter to start the game. The Kings couldn’t buy a basket early and didn’t appear to have much energy from the jump. However, they managed to keep pace with the Bulls early on. The Kings offense took off after about the halfway mark of the quarter. The Kings would outscore the Bulls in the first quarter 36-22 to take the big lead early. De’Aaron Fox led all scorers in the first quarter with nine points. 

In the second quarter, the Kings offense cooled significantly. The Kings were outscored by the Bulls 27-20 in the second quarter. The Kings were careless with the ball in the quarter, and their shots stopped falling. The Kings turned the ball over six times in the quarter and nine in the half, which didn’t help their cause.

The Kings would look to turn the tide back in their favor in the third. The Kings leading scorer at halftime was Fox, who scored 13 points. Ayo Dosunmu led the way for the Bulls in the first half with 15 points. 

In the third quarter, the Kings offense erupted. The Kings outscored the Bulls in the third quarter 35-28 as they built on their lead in the first half. The Kings offense was flowing, and the Bulls were struggling to make shots. Domantas Sabonis led the charge for the Kings as he scored 12 points in the third quarter. The Kings would lead the Bulls 91-77 after three quarters of play. 

In the final quarter, the Kings let the big lead slip away as they looked to secure the win. The Kings opened the quarter, leading the Bulls by 14 points. By the time the game arrived near the four-minute mark, the Kings only led by four points at 104-100.

The Kings were fighting for dear life down the stretch. However, with 36 seconds left in the game, Coby White would hit a floater to put the Bulls up 111-109. DeMar DeRozan would hit two big free throws with 3.5 seconds left to extend the lead to 113-109.

That’s where the game would end. The Kings would lose 113-109. It was a huge 14-point fourth-quarter upset from the Bulls, who were shorthanded. The Kings were led in the game by Fox, who scored 20 points. Coby White led the Bulls, scoring 37 points. 

Up Next: The Kings head on the road to take on the LA Lakers on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Cuda’s best showing against Firebirds this season thanks to Romanov despite loss

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The San Jose Barracuda and the Coachella Valley Firebirds battled into a shootout Sat Mar 2, 2024 at Tech CU at San Jose (San Jose Barracuda photo)

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 San Jose Barracuda goaltender Georgi Romanov stopped 47 Coachella Valley Firebird shots at Tech CU on Saturday night he had a great night in front of the net.

#2 The Barracuda lost the game in spite of Romanov’s great effort 3-2 in a shootout. Ramanov might as well have been standing on his head but the Barracuda whose had trouble with the Firebirds all season just couldn’t finish.

#3 Nathan Todd picked up his tenth point to continue his point streak to seven game in a row.

#4 Marko talk about Barracuda goals scored by Scott Sabourin with his 15th goal of the season at 4:31 in the first period also a goal by Brandon Cole at 16:45 in the third period.

#5 The Barracuda open a four game road trip which begins Fri Mar 8th against the Texas Stars. The Barracuda face the Stars again on Sat Mar 9th, then for two games Mar16 and 17 at Rockford against the Icedogs.

Join Marko for the Barracuda podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Curry hurting can only score 4 points against Celtics

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The Boston Celtics guard Jaylon Brown (7) is excited about scoring against Trayce Jackson Davis (32) and the Golden State Warriors in second half action at TD Garden in Boston on Sun Mar 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Golden State Warriors have been on a roll now with a 32-28 record and faced a major challenge Sunday afternoon against the Boston Celtics a game televised on national TV. The Warriors had a 3-1 road trip record on this short road trip.

#2 A physically struggling Stephen Curry who was questionable prior to this game was able to take the court. He struggled as did the entire team for the entire first half.

Head Coach Steve Kerr had been noticing a tired Curry

#3 The stars of this game were Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum who tore up the court in the first half. Starters on both teams sat out the second half in this demolition.

#4 This was a great opportunity for both benches to get some invaluable experience as this game became a bench game for the two remaining quarters of the second half. This game was a done deal at halftime.

#5 The Warriors thankfully back at home will take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. They really need a break right now after this game and so a few days off will be appreciated. The Bucks are another hot team in second place in the Eastern Conference.

Barbara Mason does the Golden State Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Colorado holds off late Cardinal rally, wins 81-71

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Colorado Buffaloes guard KJ Simpson (left) blows past Stanford Cardinal guard Kanaan Carlyle (3) at CU Events Center in Boulder Col on Sun Mar 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Stanford’s final Pac-12 men’s basketball road game ended in Boulder, Colo., with an 81-71 defeat at the hands of Colorado Sunday at the CU Events Center.

Colorado (20-9 overall, 11-7 Pac-12) was led by Tristan da Silva with a game-high 27 points on 11 of 18 shooting, including five 3-pointers. KJ Simpson also drained five 3s and finished with 22 points. J’Vonne Hadley scored 15 points for the Buffs, followed by Eddie Lampkin with 10.

DaSilva also grabbed 11 of Colorado’s 38 rebounds, and Simpson collected seven assists.

The Cardinal (12-17 overall, 7-12 Pac-12) received a 26-point effort from Maxime Raynard, who made 10 of 13 field goal attempts including two 3-pointers. The Paris, France, native registered his 11th double-double by pulling down 12 rebounds and equaling his season-best three blocks.

Michael Jones was next for Stanford with 13 points, followed by Kanaan Carlyle with 12 points and Brandon Angel had 10 points.

There were seven lead changes in the first half, with Stanford leading by as many as five points. Raynaud, Angel and Jones led a 12-3 run that put the Cardinal up 24-19. The Buffaloes responded with a 17-3 run, and though Stanford scored seven of the last nine points in the first half, CU led 44-37 at the break.

Raynaud scored 13 of his points in the second half, and Stanford whittled away at the Colorado lead. The Cardinal used a 13-3 run to close the second half, but the Buffaloes held on for the win,

Stanford returns to Maples Pavilion Thursday for its final regular season home game against California. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Warriors Buried By Celtics 140-88

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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) takes a fade away shot against the Golden State Warriors guard Lester Quinones (25) at TD Garden in Boston on Sun Mar 2, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

This a game the likes of which we decline to witness again this season. It was a massacre and that is putting it mildly. The second half was a bench game for both teams the Golden State Warriors (32-28) and the Boston Celtics (48-12) at TD Garden in Boston. Trailing by as much as 56 points in the fourth quarter this is a game that the team needs to put in their rearview. The final was an inconceivable 140-88 crushing of Golden State.

Game recap: The two teams traded baskets in the early going of the first quarter. Mid-way through the quarter the game was tied at 21. It all changed for the Warriors for the remainder of the first quarter.

The Celtics came unleashed and at the end of the first 12 minutes had gone on a 21-3 run and this game had taken a huge turn in favor of Boston. Stephen Curry who was able to start in the game came away empty in the opening quarter.

Boston took a 44-22 lead into the second quarter. Jaylen Brown erupted in the first quarter hitting three consecutive 3s to close out a great start for the Celtics. He scored 19 points in the opening quarter.

The second quarter was a rough one for the Warriors as Boston continued extend their lead. The Warriors were doing a poor job handling the pressure, the offense from outside and ball control committing eight turnovers while the Celtics had a single turnovers.

The Warriors were shooting at 33% while the red-hot Celtics were solid with 62%. This was as close to a perfect first half that Boston has possibly seen this season. At the half the Celtics had punished Golden State in every possible way; offensively, especially from downtown, as well as defensively.

After the first two quarters, Boston led by an astonishing score of 82-38 and if one is doing the math that is 44 points. This was a season high for Boston in Celtic history in the first half of any game.

Not a single Warrior had double digits in the first half. Curry only had four points for the quarter and the high for Golden State was Moses Moody with nine points. Boston won the second quarter 38-16.

The Celtics finished the half with 15 shots from outside to the Warriors 3. Jaylen Brown had the high for Boston with 25 points followed by Jason Tatum with 22. This was so far a good-old fashioned spanking that would be near to impossible to overcome and to compound it all it was happening on national TV.

Klay Thompson did not return for the remainder of the game with left hamstring tightness. it was a nightmare that continued into the third quarter. At 9:00 in the third quarter Boston took a 51 point lead 95-44.

Most of the Golden State starters did not take the court to start the quarter and it eventually became a bench game for both teams. Younger players on both benches were getting some invaluable experience at the expense of the Warriors.

Curry had four points, obviously not even close to 100% and Thompson had six points. Thankfully this is only one game and all eyes will be watching their Wednesday matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks and how they bounce back. Boston finished the third quarter leading 115-62.

The Warriors did win the fourth quarter 26-25 probably the only bright spot in this game. The final was 140-88. Lester Quinones had the high for Golden State with 17. The Warriors did not get their three’s going from the start and finished with seven to the Celtics 25.

Post game notes: Sunday afternoon the Warriors faced the ultimate challenge taking on the first place Eastern Conference Celtics at TD Garden. The Warriors came into this game off a win over the Toronto Raptors 120-105 Friday night. The Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks soundly despite a triple-double from Lucas Doncic 138-110.

Curry was questionable with right knee bursitis but did play and he had to be aggravated by his pain as he scored only four points. The Warriors would really needed him in this game and they needed him as healthy as possible. The Celtics are on a role and between Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum Golden State was challenged defensively.

Thankfully the Warriors travel home on what, more than likely, will be an extremely quiet flight. They have a few days off to digest this game and put it behind them as they prepare to take on the Milwaukee Bucks who are currently tied for second place in the Easter Conference, nine games behind the Celtics. They will not be a pushover in another battle between the east and the west. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT Wednesday night.

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: How Giants Chapman’s bat will help; Braves Acuna Jr. out for opening day with irritated meniscus; plus more

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Atlanta Braves Ronald Acuna Jr will miss opening day due to an irritated meniscus. (AP News file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, how much do the Giants improve after signing third baseman Matt Chapman to a three year $54 million deal. They’ll certainly depend on his bat.

#2 The Atlanta Braves Ronald Acuna is suffering from an irritated meniscus. It’s not so bad where he will miss opening day. Talk about how important Acuna’s bat is for the Braves.

#3 Boston Red Sox second baseman Vaughn Grissom is not expected to be in the opening day line up. Grissom was taking ground balls a week before spring training games started but injured his groin and now is being observed and Sox manager Alex Cora didn’t have a time when Grissom would be back.

#4 Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Daniel Voglebach rubbed it in a bit hitting a two run homer off New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole in the first inning. Voglebach after hitting the ball flipped his bat and slowly ran the bases. Cole said after the game “I don’t forget a lot of things.”

#5 Oakland A’s team president David Kaval said he will be unveiling the artist renderings for the A’s new ballpark in Las Vegas at the Tropicana. The plan is to level the Tropicana and redo the 35 acre block at Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd. The other item everyone involved is waiting for is if John Fisher can come up with the financing of his share of the ballpark.

Join Charlie O for Headlines podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose State Loses In Las Vegas Against UNLV 68-50

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The San Jose Spartans forward Tibet Gorener (12) studies the basket during a free throw against the UNLV Runnin Rebels at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Sat Mar 2, 2024 (San Jose Spartans photo)

Saturday, March 2nd, 2024

By Troy Ewers

The Runnin Rebels of UNLV host the San Jose State Spartans in the final away game of this regular season for the Spartans. Last game San Jose State lost to No. 20 San Diego State. – Myron (MJ) Amey Jr. produced a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead San José State(9-20, 2-14 Mountain West) in a 72-64 loss at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.  

A low scoring first half, neither team shooting more than 40% from the field. UNLV started the game with a 13-2 run eight minutes in and even though SJSU would bring it close at points in the half, the Spartans couldn’t string together a good enough run to take the lead. UNLV with the lead at halftime 33-18. 

Second half it was clear San Jose State couldn’t get a bucket at all. Shooting better than the first half, but not so much better as they only could generate 17-53 from the field. Neither team was hitting well from three, but UNLV shot well enough from the field to hold a commanding lead.

Spartans leading scorer Alvaro Cardenas delivered 17 points to try to get the Spartans to close the gap, but Runnin Rebels Dedan Thomas Jr. led UNLV in points with 18 points and it was a big part of UNLV’s lead here. The clock ran out and it was forsure over at this point as UNLV beat the Spartans 68-50. 

Next game for San Jose State is tier final game of the season in San Jose at the Provident Credit Union Event Center and it’s against Utah State, Wednesday night March 6th. 

Barracuda fall in shootout to Coachella Valley 3-2

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Barracuda. Danil Gushchin gets warmed up before a game (taken on 3/2/24).

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- Looking for redemption the Barracuda took on Coachella Valley in the second of back-to-backs this time at home.

The Barracuda were rocking a little bit of a different look tonight as they were sporting the Tigres Del Mar jerseys.

In goal for San Jose was Geogri Romanov who heading into this one he had a 6-8-5 record with a 3.42 GAA and .891 SV%. For Coachella Valley it was Ales Stezka in goal who was sporting a 12-5-1 record with a 2.60 GAA and .910 SV%.

Unlike the last time these two played each other San Jose was able to pull out front first with a goal from Scott Sabourin just 4:31 into the game. The goal was Sabourin’s 15th of the season with Nathan Todd getting the primary assist his 29th of the campaign.

San Jose would have an opportunity to extend the lead as Coachella Valley took a too many men penalty a few minutes later but were unable to convert.

Later in the period Coachella Valley had a chance of their own to tie the game as Artem Guryev took a holding penalty but the Barracuda would kill it off. Shockingly enough that penalty was the last one taken in the whole game.

The score remained 1-0 for a while until 14:35 into the second period when Jimmy Schuldt scored his fourth assisted by Barracuda killer Kole Lind.

Things continued to be tight as the tension ratcheted up in the third period with both teams throwing big hits. An injury would come though not on a big hit but rather on a dump in as Jacob MacDonald accidentally hit his teammate Jack Studnicka in the face with the puck. Thankfully Studnicka was able to get up but he was leaking quite a bit as he skated off the ice.

Then adding insult to injury the Firebirds scored on a rebound batted in by their captain Max McCormick. Right after the goal was scored the refs got togethor and after a brief discussion they waved it off deeming the goal to be batted in with a high-stick.

The tie was not preserved for much longer though as on a delayed penalty Coachella Valley scored on a one-time goal from Andrew Poturalski. The goal was his 12th of the season assisted by Cale Fleury and Gustav Olofsson.

The game looked bleak until Jordy Bellerive was able to find Brandon Coe springing the zone and he hit him with a breakaway pass. Coe would not miss as he made a beautiful move to the backhand and tucked the puck home tying the game back up at two.

The game remained tied and so free hockey was in store for the home crowd. Coachella Valley was able to generate some dangerous chances but as he had done all night Romanov stood tall making three saves.

With the score still tied it was time for a shootout with San Jose’s three shooters being Danil Gushchin, Ozzy Wiesblatt, and Brandon Coe. None of them were able to score but the Firebirds were able to get one from Devin Shore which was enough to secure the win.

With the loss San Jose now falls to 17-28-8 with Coachella Valley improving to 34-13-5.

Coachella Valley continues to be the bane of San Jose’s existence as the Firebirds are 13-1-0-0 when playing against them.

Of note was Romanov who played a stellar game making 47 saves and singlehandedly keeping San Jose in the game at points.

The three stars of the game were: 1st: Ales Stezka 2nd: Georgi Romanov 3rd: Devin Shore

San Jose will have a little bit of a break before playing the Stars on Friday on the road at 5 p.m.