Tag: Sports Radio Service

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Tony Clark Major League Players Association executive director, resigns

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That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Tony Clark Major League Players Association executive director, resigns

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

ESPN reported today that the Major League Baseball Players Association executive director, Tony Clark, resigned Tuesday after an internal investigation revealed an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who was hired by the union in 2023, sources told ESPN.

The union, which was scheduled to start its spring training tour of all 30 clubhouses on Tuesday, abruptly canceled its 8 a.m. ET meeting with the Cleveland Guarduians in Goodyear, Arizona.

His resignation comes months before the MLPA will face an “almost certain” lockout by a good man and leader in negotiations will not be in charge of one of the country’s top labor unions when they face the owners next December.

During the union’s internal probe — which came in the wake of a wide-ranging and still-open federal investigation into the MLBPA’s finances and other alleged improprieties, including nepotism — the relationship between Clark and the woman came to light, sources said, and prompted him to step down after more than a dozen years as the union’s leader.

The federal investigation was triggered by a whistleblower complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board in November 2024, alleging self-dealing, misuse of resources, abuse of power, and nepotism. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires December 1, 2026, and then here comes the labor battle. What could be the “Main Event” in Baseball this year? A Lockout happens, and big money will be lost by both sides, and fans will sour on the game again, as they have done during previous strikes and lockouts. No es bueno.

No official successor has been named; the union is expected to select an interim leader shortly.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Kung Fu Robots demonstration almost too perfect; Bay FC players happy with new coach; plus more news

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Kung Fu robots demonstrate some serious martial arts in China almost perfect form that would be difficult to duplicate for a human on Mon Feb 16, 2026 (China Media Group (CMG) 2026 Spring Festival Gala photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, CNN reported on Monday night the technology of robots were domonstrated performing martial arts in China and there were a dozen doing a Kung Fu demonstration in unison as they were performing at a Spring Gala Festival. While martial arts is a huge sport and a huge sport at the Olympics what about the idea that robots can do martial arts and many things frankly better than humans?

#2 Bay FC Women’s soccer players have said that it’s a breath of fresh air that Bay has hired new head coach Emma Coates. After a tough 2025 last season under former head coach Albertin Montoya who was said to bully players in meetings, gave players the cold shoulder, punishing players who addressed mental health concerns, one player had anixety going to training. These issues were addressed and the to the players relief that their happy to have coach Coates leading them for this season.

#3 San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez is a quick learner according to Giants infield coach and former LA Angels manager Ron Washington. Washington said during Giants camp this week in Scottsdale that Arraez is picking up everything quickly and could turn into another Marcus Semien who developed into one of baseball’s top infielders.

#4 Lots of talk regarding the Sacramento A’s Nick Kurtz the talk hasn’t stopped since Kurtz ripped four home runs in one game in Houston last season and he’s expected to deliver the goods this season again.

#5 Someone wrote about that Roberto Clemente the former Pittsburgh Pirates legendary right fielder didn’t die chasing a trophy but carrying food to others who needed it such as the case of flying to Nicaragua where his plane crashed into the ocean before making it there in December 31, 1972.

#6 Major League Baseball players union representiative Tony Clark has resigned from his top position. The most likely reason is the impending players lockout that will take place and that Clark will be in the middle of a storm negotiating with MLB to prevent a salary cap that the owners plan to implement. In addition he’s being accused in a federal probe for having a inapporpriate relationship with his sister in law.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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

Giants report: SF adds OF depth, signs injured pitcher, Vitello’s team bonding

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Cleveland Guardians’ Will Brennan follows through with his swing against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning of a spring training baseball game on March 17, 2025, in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

By Vince Cestone

The San Francisco Giants are back in Arizona for spring training, as pitchers and catchers reported for duty last week.

The Giants are getting ready for their opener against the New York Yankees on March 25. The game will be televised exclusively on Netflix at 5:05 p.m. PDT. This will be the first game broadcasted in the 2026 Major League Baseball season.

Here are some news and notes from big league camp this week:

The Giants signed outfielder Will Brennan to a major league deal this week but it’s a split contract. That means he will get $900,000 when he’s playing in the big leagues and $400,000 when he’s playing in the minor leagues. While not a splashy move, Brennan can add addition depth to a Giants outfield that was ranked one of the worst in all of baseball last year.

The Cleveland Guardians non-tendered Brennan in November. The 28-year-old hit .267 with a .307 on-base percentage throughout his four year Major League career. His best year came in 2024, when he hit .264 with eight home runs and a .309 on-base percentage. The only issue is he’s been injury prone. If he can stay healthy, the Giants may have a solid backup outfielder or a steady fill-in if one of the starters get injured.

On the pitching side, the Giants signed right-hander Rowan Wick to a one-year major league deal. The problem? Wick is recovering from Tommy John surgery and won’t pitch in 2026. The deal does include a club option for 2027, so there’s a chance that Wick can pitch for San Francisco next year.

Wick, 33, spent the past two years pitching in the Japanese league, where he had a 1.75 ERA in 87 2/3 innings. He could prove to be a solid arm at a bargain price for the Giants if he comes back healthy in 2027. Wick previously pitched for the Chicago Cubs from 2019-2022, even briefly becoming their closer in 2022. However, he faltered in late 2022 and started the 2023 season in the minors. Who knows? The Giants may be able to work their magic at rehabbing injured pitchers, and he may help them in the bullpen next year.

New Giants manager Tony Vitello is bonding with his new team in a way you don’t see every day. During practice last week, the Giants posted a video of Vitello taking grounders with the team during pitcher’s fielding practice. Vitello was feeding the ball to Logan Webb after fielding a grounder. Already, Vitello may be showing that he’s going to be a more hands-on manager when bonding with the team. Only time will tell if we’ll see more of Vitello on the field during practices.

The Giants signed Vitello to a three-year, $3.5 million annual contract. Vitello replaces Bob Melvin. After the 2023 season, Melvin was hired by former Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi, who was dismissed at the end of the 2024 season.

The Giants will kick off their spring training schedule on Saturday, Feb. 21, as they will take on the Seattle Mariners at 12:10 PST from Peoria, Arizona. The game will be televised on NBC Sports Bay Area, and you can also listen to the game on KNBR. Of course, Sports Radio Service will have all your San Francisco Giants coverage.

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings open second half against Magic Thursday at Golden 1

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Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives the lane against the Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (right) at Delta Center in Salt Lake Center on Sun Feb 15, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 How will the Kings’ offense adapt without Zach LaVine, who is out for the season with a hand injury — will DeMar DeRozan or Domantas Sabonis take on an even bigger scoring role?

#2 Can Russell Westbrook control the pace and create for teammates like Keegan Murray and Malik Monk, given Sacramento’s struggles generating consistent offense this season?

#3 Will Maxime Raynaud’s rebounding and energy be a difference-maker against Orlando’s frontcourt, especially if Sacramento needs more physical play on the glass?

#4 What adjustments might coach Doug Christie make defensively to contain Orlando’s scorers, and can veteran defender DeMar DeRozan lead that effort?

#5 How will Sacramento’s bench production — including contributions from Devin Carter and Nique Clifford — impact the outcome, particularly if starters like Sabonis and Murray face foul trouble?

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento Kings Monday podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

San Jose Barracuda podcast Madison Montez: What went wrong in loss to Silver Knights for Barracuda

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San Jose Barracuda forward Egor Afanasyev (11) moves the puck as the Henderson Silver Knights defenseman Jeremy Davies (84) dives to stop the shot at Tech CU in San Jose on Sun Feb 15, 2026 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast Madison Montez:

#1 How did San Jose respond defensively after giving up early goals, and could players like Filip Bystedt or Igor Chernyshov have done more to stem Henderson’s momentum?

#2 What adjustments might forward Donavan Houle have made in the third period that helped the Barracuda’s late goal despite the team trailing for most of the game?

#3 Did Barracuda defenseman Mattias Havelid play a key role in generating offensive chances, and how effective was he in transitioning play against Henderson’s pressure?

#4 What contributions did Quentin Musty or Oliver Wahlstrom provide in terms of forechecking or creating scoring opportunities, even though they didn’t record points?

#5 How did the goaltending performances from Gabriel Carriere (or Jakub Skarek) impact the outcome, and what could they have done differently to contain Henderson’s early scoring?

Madison Montez filled in for Marko Ukalovic who does the San Jose Barracuda podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB podcast Charlie O: WNBA-Union no drop dead date set yet; Qualities of new Raiders head coach Kubiak; plus more news

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the news media at the NBA All Star Game weekend in Los Angeles on Sat Feb 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:

#1 WNBA and the players association are still negotiating over a new collective bargaining agreement. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he is not ready to set a deadline to get a deal in place. The WNBA season is scheduled to start May 8th. Silver said that it’s getting pretty close to the 11th hour when it comes to bargaining.

#2 In essence the WNBA players want a more equitable revenue share model (gross revenue)Stronger working conditions and support systems, Significantly higher salaries and better pay structure, Broader benefits (retirement, mental health, parental), Both sides are still negotiating, and there’s no deal yet — and even talk of a potential work stoppage if terms aren’t met.

#3 What specific qualities or past achievements of Klint Kubiak made him an appealing choice for the Las Vegas Raiders head coach?

#4 Stephen Vogt  is the manager of the Cleveland Guardians, entering his third season in 2026 after being appointed in November 2023. He achieved historic success by winning the AL Manager of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025, his first two seasons, leading the team to an AL Central title in 2025. You got to know Vogt when he was a player at the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants no suprise that he’s come this far?

#5 Currently the Sacramento Kings are on a 14 game losing streak. It’s been a long tough streak for the Kings but the All Star break couldn’t have come at a better time?

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Joe Lacob still a favorite to buy Padres

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Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob is the leading candidate to buy the San Diego Padres but will have to keep the Padres in San Diego and will not be able to move them to Oakland. (file photo New York Times)

Joe Lacob is still the favorite to buy the Padres

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Joe Lacob tried to buy these teams in the past: the Oakland A’s, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Today, he is considered the favorite to buy the San Diego Padres, who are officially on the market. Bids are expected by the end of February 2026. The San Diego franchise is valued between $1.9 billion and $2.3 billion; however, the current ownership may seek around $3 billion.

While some reports label Lacob a leading suitor, other potential buyers are involved as well. Lacob, who also owns the NBA Golden State Warriors and the WNBA Golden State Valkyries, confirmed he has toured Petco Park in San Diego. While he has not yet committed to a final decision, all reports indicate he remains the leading suitor for the franchise.

Joe Lacob attempted to buy the Oakland Athletics in 2005 , reaching a verbal agreement to purchase the team from then-owner Stephen Schott for approximately $180 million. However, then-MLB Commissioner Bud Selig blocked the sale, favoring a bid from John Fisher and Lew Wolff, which ultimately led to Lacob purchasing the Golden State Warriors instead.

Lacob maintained a standing offer to buy the Oakland Athletics from John Fisher for over a decade, while expressing interest in buying the team for many years (over a decade). His standing offer to buy the team from Fisher and keep it in Oakland until 2022.

The A’s under Fisher are on their way to conclude a 3-year stay at Sacramento, the city they are using as a stopover until he inaugurates his new indoor park Las Vegas, Nevada. How much have MLB franchises appreciated during the past 40 years? Walter Haas Jr., then-chairman of Levi Strauss & Co., purchased the Oakland Athletics from Charlie O. Finley for $12.7 million on August 23, 1980.

Quote: “The Stock Market is a better investment than owning an MLB team” – Rob Manfred (2022), Commissioner of Baseball.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal come away from road trip with a split lose to Wake Forest Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal Ebuki Okorie (1) hangs onto the basketball while the Wake Forest Demon Deacons Mehki Mason (right) reaches in and Juke Harris is seated behind Okorie at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem NC on Sat Feb 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 What factors contributed to Wake Forest’s (13-12) victory over the Stanford Cardinal (16-10), and how did the Demon Deacons pull away in the second half? (Final score Wake Forest 68, Stanford 63)

#2 For Stanford the high scorers were Ebuka Okorie with 22 points, Benny Gealer 11 points, and Aidan Camman ten points try as hard as they may the Cardinal dropped this one on Saturday by five points.

#3 How did Stanford’s standout freshman Ebuka Okorie perform relative to his season averages, and did Wake Forest do anything specific to slow him down? (Okorie was averaging ~22.4 points per game before the matchup)

#4 Wake Forest got good scoring production out of Juke Harris who led with 25 points followed up by teammate Mekhi Mason with ten points.

#5 Up next for the Cardinal the Cal Bears at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sat Feb 21st. Cal had a split on the road losing to Syracuse 107-100 on Wednesday night and on Saturday they handled the Boston College Eagles 86-75 to improve to 18-8. How do you see this match with Stanford heading over to Cal on Saturday night?

Micahel Roberson filled in for Daniel Dullum who does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Quakes get a 2-0 shutout over NYC FC at the Coachella Valley Invitational

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NYC FC shutout the San Jose Earthquakes in the Coachella Valley Invitational on Sat Feb 14, 2026 (San Jose Earthquakes image)

By William Espy

The San Jose Earthquakes concluded their stint at the Coachella Valley Invitational on Saturday afternoon as they faced New York City FC in Indio.

It was a fairly uneventful first half in Indio, as both teams were unable to find the back of the net, taking the deadlock into halftime.

Hannes Wolf nearly gave NYCFC the lead in the 51st minute, but he was denied by Daniel. On the following corner, Daniel quickly gained possession of the ball for the Quakes.

Daniel Munie nearly deflected the ball into his own net about a minute later, but the Earthquakes goalkeeper remained vigilant.

The Earthquakes earned a dangerous free kick in the 61st minute, but the ball was deflected out of play for a corner.

San Jose got on the board first in the 71st minute, as Ousseni Bouda scored on a rebound chance, making it 1-0 for the Earthquakes.

Niko Tsakiris added to the Quakes’ lead in the 88th minute with a goal from a penalty kick. Minutes later, the final whistle blew and the Earthquakes were victorious, 2-0.

Now that preseason is over, their focus will turn to their home opener next Saturday against Sporting Kansas City.

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: All Star break gives Kings breather from further skidding

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Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkik (30) passed the ball against the Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott (7) at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wed Feb 11, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 How did DeMar DeRozan’s 20 point performance affect the Kings’ effort against the Jazz on Wednesday?

#2 What impact did Devin Carter have on the game in his role during the matchup versus Utah?

#3 How did Precious Achiuwa’s rebounding and defense contribute for Sacramento in this contest?

#4 In what ways did Maxime Raynaud influence the Kings’ performance against the Jazz Wednesday night?

#5 Talk about head coach Doug Christie and how he has managed through this most recent skid.

Tony Harvey does the Sacramento Kings podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.