San Francisco Giants report: Stripling joins Manaea in the latest of signings

By Morris Phillips and Michael Duca

Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ross Stripling throws against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia on Tue Sep 20, 2022. Stripling joined the Giants signing a two year $25 million deal with a option for 2024 (AP News photo)

SAN FRANCISCO– Not waiting for the end of the year the San Francisco Giants made moves this week on Monday they signed former Oakland A’s left hander Sean Manaea who was anchor in the A’s bullpen when he pitched there. Manaea who signed a $25 million for two years with 2024 being a option year.

Manaea pitched for Oakland from 2016 until the end of the 2021 season. He joined the San Diego Padres soon after his former manager Bob Melvin went to manage in San Diego. Manaea’s 2022 season record 8-9 ERA 4.96. Manaea is being considered for the fourth or fifth spot in the Giants rotation. The Giants despite Manaea’s struggles in San Diego say they like what he brought to the Bay Area when he pitched here and he can adjust and the Giants are confident they can get him back on track.

Ross Stripling signing: On the heels of the Manaea signing the Giants signed right hand pitcher Ross Stripling in a $25 million two year deal. The contract call for an opt out after the first season. If Stripling pitches anything like he did in 2022 the Giants may not even give that opt out even a second thought. With Toronto Blue Jays Stripling went 10-4 with impressive 3.04 ERA in 134 plus innings.

Stripling 33, gets a $5 million signing bonus and will receive a $7 million salary for the 2023 season and Stripling who can reach for the brass ring and get a second year will get $12.5 million for the 2024 season. The Giants are looking to replace an effective pitching staff from the 2021 season in the pitchers of Alex Cobb, Anthony DeSclafani, Alex Wood and the Giants are looking for Alex Wood with Logan Webb, Jakob Junis, and Sean Hjelle to fill that void.

Now with Stripling and Manaea joining the pitching staff they could very well get an effective performance that the Giants have been looking for in their rotation. No doubt about it Stripling and Manaea bring lots of experience to the pitching staff. Manaea had had some arm problems in the past when he pitched in Oakland and was looking forward to working that out when he was in San Diego but will get a chance to work with Giants pitching coach Andrew Bailey.

Michael Duca and Morris Phillips both podcast Giants baseball for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders have home field against Patriots this Sunday

The Los Angeles Rams Jalen Ramsey (right) wasn’t covering the eyes of Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Devante Adams (17) from watching the Raiders fall but defending him after a completed catch in first half action at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday Night Football Dec 8, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, It seems that after the Las Vegas Raiders had won three straight that they may have righted the ship but going to Los Angeles and losing to the Rams in the last ten seconds of the game last Thursday night throws that winning streak out the window?

#2 Breaking down the play the Rams in those last ten seconds saw wide out Van Jefferson caught a 23 yard pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield to get the Rams to the promise land for the 17-16 win over the Raiders.

#3 Baker Mayfield was all but given up by the Carolina Panthers and sent packing the Monday before last Thursday’s game. Panther head coach Steve Wilks did not plan to use Mayfield as either as a starter or a back up quarterback. Mayfield wanted out of Carolina and in his first game with the Rams made good use of his time to help LA pick up their fourth win of the season.

#4 It was a game where there was just not enough offense for the Raiders who didn’t score at all in third quarter and just a field goal would have helped them get that fourth straight win but it was all for not in the one point loss.

#5 The Raiders try it all over again as they face the New England Patriots (7-6) this Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Patriots have won four of their last six games and head coach Bill Belichick has not lost his touch in his clever ways to win a football game.

Rich Perez is filling in for Tony Renteria who does the Raiders podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Purdy day to day with rib injuries and Samuel out for three weeks

A fired up Brock Purdy takes flight after converting a first half touchdown pass against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Dec 11, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 Dave, as reported this morning San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is listed day to day with rib injuries after going through an MRI on Monday the 49ers have listed Purdy as day to day.

#2 San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is estimated to be out for the next three games including on Thursday Night Football in Seattle. Samuel is suffering from a high ankle strain Dave talk about his absence will impact the 49ers for Thursday’s game?

#3 Dave, former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice said for the coaches to stop running Samuel up through the middle “Please stop running out skill player up the middle,” he wrote. “Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo and now Deebo Samuel all hurt!!”What’s your reaction to what Rice tweeted.

Join David Zizmor for the 49ers podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Have A’s really thrown in the towel by dealing Murphy?

Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy, left, tries to tag Chicago White Sox’s Adam Engel (15), who scored the tying run during the ninth inning at the Oakland Coliseum Sep 9, 2022 (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

#1 Amaury, the recently traded Sean Murphy heads from the Oakland A’s to the Atlanta Braves how much is this a reflection of the A’s pretty much throwing in the towel for the 2023 season?

#2 Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said that while it’s hard to trade players away this is a great opportunity to get some great defense in a catcher like Murphy.

#3 Amaury, The Milwaukee Brewers are getting All Star catcher William Contreras and the A’s are getting catcher Manny Piña and pitchers Kyle Muller, Freddy Tarnok and Royber Salinas who are prospects from Atlanta and from the Brewers outfield prospect Esteury Ruiz.

#4 Murphy was third ranked amongst catchers only trailing the Phillies J.T. Realmuto and the Baltimore Orioles Adley Rutschman. Murphy hit .250, 134 hits, 18 home runs, and 66 RBIs in 2022. Besides his bat the Braves main reason for Murphy’s acquisition is defensive prowess.

#5 Murphy’s resume is incredible coming to the Braves he won the 2021 Gold Glove Award and was fourth in voting for the AL Rookie of the Year in 2020. The A’s are going to miss Murphy behind the plate and in the clubhouse.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez and Manolo Hernandez Douen are the Oakland A’s Spanish radio play by play announcers on flagship station 1010 LeGrande KIQI San Francisco and Amaury does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Will Warriors get deal done with team president Meyers?

Bob Meyers Golden State Warriors team president seen here in this 2017 photo. Meyer’s contract is set to expire in June 2023 and there has been no word on negotiations whether Meyers will renew or not. Meyers has been with the club since 2011. (AP News file photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Will the Golden State Warriors get a deal done with their president of basketball operations Bob Meyers whose contract expires in June. Meyers contract is entering the final months of his eight year deal while Warriors owner Joe Lacob insists that the Warriors love Bob and hopes he can stay on for a long time.

#2 Despite what Meyers says there is no guarantee that a deal would get done. Meyers is the architect of four NBA Championships for Golden State and a two time executive of the year award winner yet and still the Warriors (14-13) have had some tough patches this season, some tough roster decisions, a $500 million payroll and a luxury tax bill for the 2022-23 season.

#3 Meyers could reach a deal with Golden State because in the case of the Toronto Raptors team president Masai Ujiri who took the Raptors to the championship during his tenure he and the Raptors managed to reach a deal in the closing weeks of the 2021 season.

#4 The Warriors managed to get by the Boston Celtics (21-6) and stay a game over .500 with a 123-107 win at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday night. Warriors Klay Thompson led with 34 points followed by Stephen Curry with 32 points.

#5 The hot Milwaukee Bucks (19-6) host Golden State Tuesday night at the Fiserv Center in Milwaukee. The Bucks have won six of their last seven games and are looking for more.

Join Barbara Mason for the Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Grand Jury says City Council members too cozy with 49er lobbyists; 49ers-Seahawks match up for Thursday Night Football in Seattle

Santa Clara City Councilman Anthony Becker says a recent grand jury report were not facts but were accusations regarding 49ers campaign donations for Becker’s mayoral run and that city council members were “too cozy” with 49ers lobbyists (photo from santaclara.gov)

On the 49ers podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Santa Clara City Councilman Anthony Becker who recently lost in an election bid for mayor to current Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor said that a grand jury report saying four city council members were re-elected based on San Francisco 49ers campaign contributions totaling in the millions of dollars and that city council members may have breached their duties were “not facts those are accusations.”

#2 Becker along with the three other city council members Raj Chahal, Karen Hardy, and Suds Jain also spoke out against the grand jury report questioning the facts of the letter saying that the council members were cozying up to the 49ers and that they were elected with the help of the 49ers campaign donations.

#3 The grand jury went even further saying that the 49ers lobbyists were dictating city policy regarding policy reforms, also making public of written minutes of private meetings held between the city council and the 49ers team officials.

#4 Back on the field the 49ers prepare to battle the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Stadium in Seattle for Thursday Night Football. The Seahawks lost their last game on Sunday to the Carolina Panthers 30-27. How do you see the 49ers matching up against the Seahawks this Thursday.

#5 The 49ers are relying heavily on rookie quarterback Brock Purdy for a win in Seattle on Thursday Night Football and just get your evaluations on how you see Purdy matching up against the Seattle pass rush in this upcoming game?

Join Marko for the 49ers podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Knicks Randle and Barrett score 27 defeat Kings 112-99

Sacramento Kings guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley (5) during the first half at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sun Dec 11, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

NEW YORK, NY. — The Sacramento Kings have shown promise in the first third of the season – but took a step back at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night, falling 112-99 to the New York Knicks.

Sacramento had their worst start in two dozen games to a sold-out crowd in New York City. They had an opportunity to turn the game around when Knicks star Julius Randle was ejected in the third quarter, but failed to rise to the occasion.

“Julius kind of had his way with us. Big strong player and we didn’t execute anything, we talking about executing going into the game, so he got us on our heels,” said Kings head coach Mike Brown.

“You’ve got to give their whole team… the coaching staff to their players on down credit because they kicked my behind and all the other coaches and players in our locker room on the behind today.”

The Kings were ahead 9-8 but then allowed the Knicks to go on a 28-10 run. Sacramento trailed 36-22 at the end of the first quarter. The Knicks lead by as many as 19 points and ended the half ahead 66-50.

Domantas Sabonis and Harrison Barnes pulled their weight, but needed help from the rest of the team. Sacramento was 6 of 21 from the three-point line. Meanwhile, Randle had 27 points for the Knicks.

Sacramento made a decent push at the start of the second half and got within 11 points when Keegan Murray scored with 9:21 left in the third quarter. Randle was ejected with 3:35 left in the third after contesting a non-call and getting two technicals. That gave the Kings a chance to catch up and turn the game around, which they did not manage to do. Murray made a basket with 9:21 left in the third but the Knicks responded with the next six points.

Isiah Hartenstein made.a tip-in that boosted the Knicks to a game-high 21-point lead with less than two minutes left in the third. The Knicks lead 95-80 at the end of the third.

A free throw by Sabonis brought the Kings within 11 points with 1:41 left in the game. The Knicks won their fourth consecutive game for the first time since late March 2022.

Sabonis posted 17 double-doubles in 24 appearances this season. He tied Nikola Jakic for the lead in the NBA. The Kings were without De’Aaron Fox and Alex Len, who were out with injuries.

The Kings (14-11) continue their road trip to on Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tip-off is at 4 p.m.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Bosa expected in line up today; Can Purdy bring another Mr. Irrelevant performance against Bucs?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy addresses the media during the post game press conference following the game against the Miami Dolphins at Levi Stadium (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Nick Bosa nursed his injured hamstring and missed practice and is questionable for today’s game at Levi Stadium.

#2 Receiver Deebo Samuel was trying to recover from his deep thigh bruise he did play against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday what are his chances for today?

#3 Quarterback Brock Purdy brought his A game against the Dolphins and it was good enough for a 49ers win against one of the toughest teams in the NFL. Purdy came in with swagger was pumped up on good plays for his future do you see him being a team leader and a winner?

#4 Joe, Brock looks well prepared and with Bosa in the line up today how do you see the 49ers going up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6) without them?

#5 The Bucs quarterback Tom Brady and the offense did not score in eight series and scored twice in the next three series enough to defeat the New Orleans Saints. Which team are the Buccaneers the team that struggled to get on the scoreboard or the team that can get things done under pressure?

Join J Hawkes for the 49ers podcast Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors play well on both ends of court beat Celtics 123-107

Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry during the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Dec 10, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors (14-13) still smarting from losing to the Jazz on Wednesday, had to face the Boston Celtics Saturday night at the Chase Center. The Celtics entered the game with the best record in the Eastern Conference, 21-6. Boston also had the best road record in the NBA, 10-3.

The Warriors beat the Celtics three straight times in the NBA Finals last June to win their seventh NBA crown. The Celtics came to town with a single obsession. Beat the Warriors. Boston led the NBA in scoring and has one of the best on defense.

Two questions had to be answered Saturday evening. Could the Warriors take down the Celtics? Could Boston show the Warriors they are aiming to play the Warriors again in the finals?

The Warriors answered one of the questions. Even though they are in 11th place in the Western Conference, the Warriors can beat any team when they play well on both ends of the court. The Warriors showed their champion DNA as they beat the Celtics 123-107.

The Warriors’ Splash Brothers, Klay Thompson, and Stephen Curry scored 66 points in the game. The Warriors are 14-0 when Curry and Thompson each scored more than 30 points Saturday night. The Warriors took the lead for good early in the first quarter. Jordan Poole knocked down a three to put the Warriors ahead 15-13.

Boston never regained the lead. The Warriors won the first quarter 33-25. Curry, Thompson, and Poole continued to make buckets to pace the Warriors to a five-point halftime advantage,68-63.

The Warriors were ahead 65-54 when Boston went on a 7-0 run. Curry connected on a three to right the ship. Thompson finished the half with 24 points. Curry had 17, and Poole 13. Jonathan Kuminga was the only bench player to score in the first half. He added four points.

The Warriors, who usually own the third quarter, didn’t blow the Celtics out of the arena Saturday night. They did play well as they won the quarter 27-20 to finish the period leading Boston 95-83. Curry scored the first five points for the Warriors in the quarter.

Boston kept fighting back, but the Warriors defense held the Celtics to 20 points. In the fourth quarter leading 97-85, Kuminga made three straight buckets to propel The Warriors to a 15-point lead 103-86. Boston responded with an 11-2 run to close the gap to eight, 105-97. Jaylen Brown was keeping Boston in the game.

The Warriors had put the clamps on Boston’s other superstar, Jayson Tatum. The Warriors defense held Boston to 24 points in the final stanza to win 123-107.

Game Notes and Stats: The Warriors win improved their record to 14-13. Golden State is now 12-2 at the Chase Center this year, and the Warriors are 11-6 in their last 17 games. Boston’s record falls to 21-7

Thompson’s line was 34 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Thonpson was 14-for-26 from the floor. He made four threes. Curry’s line was 32 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Curry shot 12-for-21 from the floor, and he made six threes. Poole had 20, Draymond Green 11, and Kuminga finished with 14. 

The Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins missed his third straight game with a groin strain.

The Warriors shot 51% from the floor. They made 13 threes as a team. They held Boston to 43% from the floor. The Celtics leading the league in making three-point shots made 12. Brown led Boston with 31 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Brown made three threes. Tatum finished the night with 18 points and seven rebounds. He made two three in nine attempts. Coming off the bench, Malcolm Brogdon had 16, and Blake Griffin and Marcus Smart had 13. 

The Warriors start a six-game road trip Tuesday night when they face the Milwaukee Bucks. They then play the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets before returning home. So far, the Warriors are 2-11 on the road this season. They must figure out how to win on the road. Warrior head coach Steve Kerr has his work cut out for him.

The game in Milwaukee starts at 4:30 pm.

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Letang expected to return to Pens in ten days; Leafs Engvall suspended for one game; plus more news

 Pittsburgh Penguins’ Kris Letang plays during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Boston. It was reported that Letang could return in ten days after suffering a stroke back on Nov 28, 2022 (AP News file)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 Pittsburgh Penguins Kris Letang was told that he could go back to a normal life Thursday after ten days. LeTang had a stroke back on Nov 28th. Letang 35, was back at practice this week after missing four games and is on a day to day stick tap.

#2 The Toronto Blue Maples Leafs forward Pierre Engvall was suspended for one game for high sticking the Los Angeles Kings defenseman Sean Durzi at 1:02 in the third period Thursday night it was assessed as a match penalty.

#3 Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scored an empty netter against the Seattle Kraken on Friday night it was goal number 796 making Ovechkin four goals shy of 800. Ovechkin is now five goals short of reaching Gordie Howe who is second on the all time list with 801. Wayne Gretzky is number one with 894 goals.

#4 Matt, how bad does it have to get for the Colorado Avalanche as Nathan MacKinnon will miss four weeks of action due to a upper body injury. MacKinnon left in first period against the Philadelphia Flyers. MacKinnon winced and favored his left side before leaving the ice.

#5 The Edmonton Oilers Jesse Puljujarvi has doubts about his ability to play in the NHL so far this season Puljujarvi has one goal, five assists in 26 games this season. Puljujarvi feels he’s gone down hill he had double hip surgery four years ago. Puljujarvi has ability if last season was any indication with 14 goals and 22 assists, and 36 points but this season has fallen off.

Matt Harrington does the NHL podcast Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com