Tag: That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: 2022 A’s New Manager Kotsay will be Tested Early

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Oakland A’s manager Mark Kotsay will be taking on challenges this season and can he be as good of a manager that former A’s manager Bob Melvin was? (file photo from si.com)

2022 A’s New Manager: Kotsay will be Tested Early

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Mark Kotsay is the Oakland A’s rookie manager this season, and his new-look A’s will open the season on the road, on April 8, against the Philadelphia Phillies for three games, then on to Tampa Bay and four against the Rays, followed by three more north of the border in Toronto against the Jays. Three teams loaded with talented stars with hopes of going deep into the postseason.

Kotsay is a good baseball man, a good man that served as a coach for Bob Melvin. Eager to begin his new managerial career, as he will be challenged early. He is about to open the season against three of the best teams coming out of Spring Training.

The A’s will return home to open the season with a seven-game game home stand, four against the Orioles and three against the much improved Texas Rangers.

The A’s will stay by in bay and visit the San Francisco Giants in a brief two-game interleague series and then return to Oakland to host the Cleveland Guardians for three games, followed by Tampa Bay for three and then, on the road again.

The A’s 2022 season begins with 17-straight games (ten of those on the road). But Mark Kotsay always wanted the challenge. He was a durable player in the major leagues during a 17 year career, four of those seasons with the A’s.

This is what Billy Beane said after the hiring of Mark Kotsay, a 46-year-old who spent the previous six seasons as a coach for his predecessor Bob Melvin. “Even as a player, he’d always expressed this was something that he wanted to do. He immediately took a coaching job as soon as he stopped playing, which shows the passion that Mark has had to do what he’s getting ready to embark on.”

The new A’s skipper, born in Whittier, California, signed a three-year contract to manage the Oakland Athletics through the 2024 season. A great collegiate record for Kotsay who was the top amateur player in 1995 when he won the Golden Spikes Award.

He was the Most Outstanding Player of the 1995 College World Series with his team the California State Fullerton Titans, won first team All-American honors in 1995 and 1996 and also won an Olympic bronze medal.

He batted for a .404 average during his three collegiate seasons (a school career record) as they went 149-41 during those years. A first-round draft choice of the Florida Marlins and earned a World Series ring in 1997. Played for the A’s from 2004 to 2007.

Wishing all the best to Kotsay as he embarks into a new career as major league manager. The A’s are rebuilding this season and nobody expect them to be a serious contender on a division were just about every other team, Angels, Rangers and Mariners have gotten stronger with various deals during the winter.

The Houston Astros, with the return of their #1 pitcher Justin Verlander as still favorites to repeat as division champion, even though they lost their shortstop Carlos Correa who signed a very surprising, but lucrative three-year deal with the Minnesota Twins for $105 million. Correa’s Puerto Rican compatriots were saying, Ay bendito! trans: Oh bless! when he signed the deal.

Optimism is always a good way to approach everything in life. There are always surprises in this game. Best example was the Giants of 2021, winning their division with 107 victories. You cannot find anybody on this planet that could have predicted such a season.

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: A’s Owner Charlie Oscar Finley Ahead of the Game

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Oakland A’s owner Charlie O Finley who made an appearance at the 1972 World Series at the Oakland Coliseum and owned the A’s from December 1960 until August 1980. Under his ownership the A’s won three straight World Series 1972 to 1974. (photo from Forbes)

A’s Owner Charlie Oscar Finley: Ahead of the Game

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

When baseball people talk and write about Kansas City and Oakland A’s owner Charlie O. Finley, they do not only talk about how controversial he was, how much he paid or did not paid his players, or winning three consecutive World Series, (something only done by one other team, the NY Yankees) but they also realize how much of a visionary and innovator he was.

An old friend of mine used to tell me all the time “most people do not get what they deserve”, but, in the case of Charlie O Finley he deserves to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

This is amplified today, when the game of baseball is going through sort of a “revolution”, which social media, all the statistics you need and really do not need to know, the designated hitter, the ghost runner, 7-inning doubleheaders, the exit velocity right off the bat, a future pitch clock, baseball is suffering from lack of interest by the younger population and only God knows how much more on the way.

Charlie O. Finley is also very well knows by baseball historians for his innovations to the game of baseball. Here is some of what Finley brought to the game.

1-Color Uniforms: In 1963, few years prior to the franchise moving from Kansas City, to Oakland, the A’s who wore red-white and blues uniforms in KC. Mr. Finley introduced colors, like Kelly Green, Fort Knox Gold and Wedding Gown White. These uniforms stood-up instantly on the field. The A’s uniforms inspire and changed the game forever. In 1967 Finley introduced white shoes, just one year prior to moving to the Oakland Coliseum, in Oakland, California. A success now teams wear all kinds of different uniforms and colors of shoes. Mr. Finley was ahead of the game.

2-A Three Ball Walk: In 1971 games in both leagues were low scoring. Finley believed that instead of the traditional 4-ball walk to a hitter, there was a better way and came up with the idea of a 3-ball walk. Thinking it will shorten the game. Although that was not adopted. Today there is all kinds of talk on how shorten the game. In the minor leagues a pitch clock was used as an experiment and next season 2023 the Major Leagues are scheduled to adopt it. Again Mr. Finley was ahead of the game.

3-Inter-League Play: The Athletics owner wanted the American League to play the National League. He felt that it should be good for regional rivalries and this would create more interest among the fans, Charlie O. Finley died in 1996. That same year, owners unanimously approve inter-league play for the 1997 season. Mr. Finley was ahead of the game.

4-Designated Hitter: The A’s owner was a major proponent of the DH, that was very controversial then, but in 1973 that became reality. And this (2022) owners and players union approved the Universal Designated Hitter. Finley wanted to go further. The DH was usually a slugger, and slow runner, so Finley also wanted sort of a DR = Designated Runner. As a matter of fact he hired Herb Washington in 1974-1975 just to come up to run the bases after the DH got on. For 105 games Herb Washington just ran the bases, not for one second he took the field to play defense. Washington stole 38 bases in 41 attempts. Also Finley’s A’s were the only team to do such with Herb Washington; however Finley was on the right track when it came to the Designated Hitter. Charlie O Finley, again, was ahead of the game.

5-Night Playoff Games: The A’s owner talks about the advantage of having postseason games at night. He believed since most of the fans worked during the day (except on weekend) this would be a good marketing move for the game and popular to millions of fans that follow the game. He was ahead on this also!

6-Women in the Game: Mr. Finley’s A’s were the first team ever to use ball girls on the field. It was a good idea not only from the marketing point of view, but it opened the doors to more women and men getting involved in the game. Today many teams have not only ball girls on the field as well as Ball Boys and Ball Dudes (usually mature men) fan participation is popular. Yes, Finley was ahead of the game.

I recently spoke with Nancy Finley whose father was Carl Finley who was also the Vice President and a silent partner to Charlie. I used to talk with him a lot in the Press Box at the Coliseum back in the middle of the 1970’s; he was a very busy man.

Carl was cousin of Charlie Finley and according to his daughter Nancy: “Dad’s title was V.P. Dad was actually a silent partner to Charlie. This became well known at the time. Charlie trusted dad and not many others”, she continued, “Dad ran the team, 24/7 on a daily basis while Charlie was in Chicago most of the time. Charlie and dad spoke on the phone once or more per day” and “Dad was who kept everything intact throughout the mid to late 1970’s which were crucial”; Len Shapiro once said this to me as well as Andy Dolich. “With home games, dad approved the roster, from Clubhouse to Ownership; dad was who had the authority next to Charlie”. I fully agree with Nancy Finley that Charlie O Finley should be in Cooperstown.

Anybody who knows about the history of this game agrees that Charlie Oscar Finley was an innovator who left his fingerprints on the game of baseball. Love him, hate him (and many players did, he refused to pay million dollar salaries) doesn’t matter how you feel.

The fact remains that his contributions to the great game of baseball should be rewarded by a posthumously induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York.

Yes, Major League Baseball owners also are inducted into the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown. I hope in the near future they make room for Charlie O Finley. He deserves it.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer on the A’s Spanish flagship station 1010 Le Grande KIQI San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: The Tale of the Fire Sale–Chapman looks very close to leaving for Philadelphia or New York

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Oakland A’s Matt Chapman (26) will not be forearm bashing anymore with former teammate Matt Olson (right) seen here Mar 5, 2021 against the Los Angeles Angels in spring training at Hohokam Park in Mesa. Olson now with the Atlanta Braves and Chapman on the trade block (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary:

#1 Amaury, it comes as no surprise that once the lockout was lifted the Oakland A’s would have an early season fire sale and pitcher Chris Bassitt who left for the New York Mets was one of the first followed by A’s first baseman Matt Olson.

#2 And while it’s no surprise of their departure it’s still hard to grasp for anyone who follows the A’s that it’s a hard pill to swallow to have to say good bye to Bassitt, Olson and soon to be Matt Chapman.

#3 Olson led in many categories for the A’s at different times with on base percentage .371, 101 runs, 153 hits, 35 doubles, RBIs, home runs and walks with 88, 74 base hits, and four stolen bases.

#4 The in picking for players from the Atlanta Braves in the Olson deal two right handed pitchers Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes, catcher Shea Langeliers and outfielder Cristian Pache. Langeliers could be the key player in the deal a number one draft choice for the Braves. A’s team vice president Billy Beane might have some of that Money Ball magic going again and have himself a core of players in the works.

#5 Amaury talk about Matt Chapman being on the trade block bubble he’s the All Star third baseman the guy that A’s fans sought in their pack of baseball cards he’s very close to being no more and the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies are shopping Chapman hard core he might get a crazy Bryce Harper type contract.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzaelz at the mic for Oakland A’s Spanish radio beisbol all season long on flagship station 1010 KIQI LeGrande San Francisco and for News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: USA and Béisbol – Se Habla Español

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Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum logo. The Museum honors former Hispanic players in MLB (image from GuideStar)

USA and Béisbol – Se Habla Español

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The most recent US Census (2020) list Hispanics/Latinos as the largest minority in the United States. Around 18.7% of the US total population speaks Spanish, that is 62.1 million people, which makes the US  the second largest country in the world with Spanish speaking people.

México is #Uno and then the US #Dos. As a matter of fact the US have more people that speak Spanish than, Argentina and Colombia (two Latin American countries) each with just over 40 million Spanish speakers.

The US also “Habla Béisbol” when it comes to the boys of summer. Among all 30 Major League teams at least 32% of all players are Hispanics/Latinos, which comprises the largest minority. Among all 50 States, California leads the way as of 2020, census, with approximately  16 million Hispanic/Latinos in California.

Many will argue that because of “documentation reasons” (not full disclosure) the State of California might have close to 20 million or more people that speak Spanish, which would be around half of the population of the Golden State.

As far as Spanish speaking Béisbol fans. According to statista.com, over 20% of MLB fans in the United States are Hispanic/Latino. Total breakdown of the Ethnicity of MLB fans:

53% white, 29% Hispanic/Latinos, 17% African-Americans and 5% other. Our two MLB teams here in the Bay Area, according to statista.com,

Oakland A’s fans are: 53% White, 25% Hispanic/Latinos, 17% African-American and 5% Other.

The San Francisco Giants, 54% White, 25% Hispanic/Latino, 16% African-American and 5% Other.

The other three teams in Southern California lead the way when it comes to Hispanic Latino fans.

The Los Angeles Dodgers 51% White, 29% Hispanic/Latinos, 16% African-American and 4% Other.

The Los Angeles Angels, 49% White, 29% Hispanic/Latinos, 19% African-American and 5% Other.

San Diego Padres, 56% White, 26% Hispanic/Latino, 14% African-American and 4% Other.

Hispanic Latino buying power: Hispanic buying power also has grown substantially over the last 30 years, from $213 billion in 1990 to $1.9 trillion in 2020. Hispanic buying power accounted for 11.1% of U.S. buying power in 2020, up from only 5% in 1990. 

The Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s business school list the total buying powers of the US Hispanic population at $1.539 trillion in 2018 and adding more than $500 billion since 2010 and is expected to grow nearly $400 billion more by 2023.

At this time, after the CBA was ratified yesterday, dozens of Hispanic/Latino players are leaving their homes for Spring Training, not only here in the US, but also from many Latin American countries were béisbol is king heading to tier camps in Arizona and Florida.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish play by play lead announcer for Oakland A’s baseball on flagship station 1010 KIQI LeGrande San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB Peace After 99 Days!

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addresses the news media on Tue Mar 1, 2022 in Jupiter FL. On Thu Mar 10, 2022 MLB and the Players Union agreed on a new CBA which should run through 2027 (AP News file photo)

MLB: Peace After 99 Days!

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

The lockout by owners of the players on December 2, 2021, concluded at mid-afternoon today in Manhattan, New York City as the MLB and the MLPA agreed to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Ending the first work-stoppage since the 1994-95 players strike.

Both sides went back and forth for months (with periods of inactivity) and at the end it concluded today. Last night Commissioner Manfred said the 2022 season will begin on April 14 (if by then everything was agreed upon).

Because of this agreement today the season is now scheduled to begin April 7, instead of the scheduled date, since last year of March 31. However, the regular 162 game schedule is on tap and they all be played, as those games from March 31 to April 6, will be made up through off days and double-headers during the season.

Among some of the issues resolved per this new CBA.

1-Minimum salary: $700,000 and peaks at $780,000 in final year of CBA

2-Pre-arbitration bonus pool: $50 million

3-CBT threshold: $230 million in 2023 and peaks at $244 in final year of CBA

If you are keeping score of which side won? I would not go there. I would honestly say, they both won, you never see any of these two groups of people looking for food in the trash bins behind McDonald’s.

So…Play Ball and good luck to everybody and your favorite teams.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez will be back behind the Oakland A’s Spanish radio microphone for the 2022 season and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Thats Amaury’s News and Commentary: MLB No Deal Around and Around It Goes

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Chief union negotiator Bruce Meyer, center, and general counsel Ian Penny, right, seen after negotiations at the Major League Baseball offices leave for the day in New York on Wed Mar 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

MLB: No Deal – Around and Around it Goes…

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Major League Baseball Commissioner Mr. Rob Manfred, Jr. spoke today after many days and hours (some that went from day to night) on the latest situation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which should be re-named (in my opinion) The Collective Bargaining Disagreement. This is what Mr. Manfred just told the baseball world this afternoon from New York City.

Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement today:

“In a last-ditch effort to preserve a 162-game season, this week we have made good-faith proposals that address the specific concerns voiced by the MLBPA and would have allowed the players to return to the field immediately. The Clubs went to extraordinary lengths to meet the substantial demands of the MLBPA. On the key economic issues that have posed stumbling blocks, the Clubs proposed ways to bridge gaps to preserve a full schedule. Regrettably, after our second late-night bargaining session in a week, we remain without a deal.

“Because of the logistical realities of the calendar, another two series are being removed from the schedule, meaning that Opening Day is postponed until April 14th. We worked hard to reach an agreement and offered a fair deal with significant improvements for the players and our fans. I am saddened by this situation’s continued impact on our game and all those who are a part of it, especially our loyal fans.

“We have the utmost respect for our players and hope they will ultimately choose to accept the fair agreement they have been offered.”

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: MLB and union far apart on Collective Balance Tax

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Major League Baseball Players Executive Tony Clark and the players are pretty much dug in on issues of the pre arbitration bonus pool and Collective Balance Tax. The owners and union met for 90 minutes on Sun Mar 6, 2022 and adjourned until next week Mon Mar 14th in Jupiter Florida (USA Today file photo)

On That’s Amaury’s podcast:

#1 Amuary, under the latest offer from the MLB players union the agreement would allow a 14 second pitch clock when the bases are empty and a 19 second clock when there are runners on base, larger bases, but we should say after 90 minutes of meeting on Sunday the two sides broke off talks without an agreement and will meet again next week Monday.

#2 Other issues that were proposed the union lowered pre arbitration bonus pool going from $85 million to $80 million. The owners want a $30 million bonus pool on this bullet point it leaves a huge $50 million gap between the two sides.

#3 Amaury the hottest button in the talks is the Collective Balance Tax the union didn’t budge from it’s $238 million to a $263 million tax growth. The league proposed a slow climb on the CBT starting at $220 million to $230 million. Four owners have voted no on the players proposal and it’s been the sticking point in these negotiations.

#4 The union wants a minimum salary of $725,000 with a $20,000 raise for each season. MLB wants a $700,000 minimum with an annual $10,000 raise.

#5 The union has asked for a draft lottery of the top six pick and MLB wants the top five picks this could be one issue that could agree on one way or the other.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: MLB History of Work Stoppages

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Former Major League Baseball Players Association Executive the late Marvin Miller who organized the first strike in MLB history in 1972. Here is Miller addressing players of the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox during spring training 1977 (New York Times file photo)

MLB History of Work Stoppages

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

MLB History of Work Stoppages (strike=players) (Lockout=Owners) caused by humans.

Date Days Reason

April 1972 13 Strike

February 1973 18 Lockout

Feb-March 1976 17 Lockout

April 1980 8 Strike

June-July 1981 50 Strike

August 1985 2 Strike

Feb-March 1980 32 Lockout

Aug 1994-March 1995 232 Strike

December 2021-Present 91 Lockout *

*2022 MLB cancels first two series of the regular season that was to begin on March 31.

Join Amaury Pi for News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: Whose the pressure on most MLB or the Players as both sides continue to meet today; plus more news

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Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper going to the dugout after striking out against the Miami Marlins in file photo on Sat Oct 2, 2022 at LoanDepot Park in Miami. Harper is seriously considering joining the Japanese League if the lockout continues at length (AP file photo)

On That’s Amaury:

#1 Amaury, Major League Baseball and the Major League Players Union negotiated until 2:30 AM this morning and agreed to meet again this morning. It was reported that there were gaps in some of the major issues and that some progress was made. This is the ninth day in a row of negotiations between both sides.

#2 Amaury update us on the two options the owners presented to the players on one of the major deals that looks like it can get worked out. A. 14 playoff teams, a minimum salary of around $700,000 and around $40 million in a bonus pool divided among the top pre-arbitration players. or B. 12 playoff teams, a minimum salary of around $675,000 and around $20 million in the pre-arbitration bonus pool. 

#3 Amaury, NHL announced that the NHL immediately has cut all ties with the Russian hockey leagues and any league affiliated with Russia because of the attacks and invasion on Ukraine. The league will cease doing business with any Russian league and freeze any new players coming to the NHL. The NHL currently has 50 Russian players who can stay on board with the their NHL teams.

#4 Amaury, It’s a very difficult time for the Russian players and their families who have been put in a rock and hard place. The Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin said that he hopes for peace and knows that this will be a long tried and true test for NHL Russian players and their families.

#5 Florida Marlins CEO Derek Jeter is stepping down from the top position and he also is giving up being a part owner as well, Jeter who came over from the New York Yankees after retiring to be CEO at the Marlins.

#6 Jeter’s first act of duty when took over as CEO in 2017 was to fire long time former Marlins players who worked in the front office, Andre Dawson, Tony Perez, Jeff Conine, and former manager Jack McKeon which were unpopular moves at the time.

Join Amaury for News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Popular A’s Players could be Traded

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Oakland A’s slugger Matt Chapman could be on the trade block once the lockout is over along with many other key A’s players (AP file photo)

Popular A’s Players could be Traded

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–As the negotiations continue this week in Jupiter, Florida, between MLB and the MLPA, there are potential trades. These trades cannot happen until the Collective Bargaining Agreement is agreed on by both sides by the owners and players.

The negotiations continue this week in Jupiter, Florida and according to Commissioner Rob Manfred if by the 28th of this month they do not come to an agreement, games scheduled to begin on March 31 (Opening Day) season would be in jeopardy and MLB games would begin to be cancelled every day and taken off the schedule. If the lockout continues.

Some big names are still on the trading block, although not much is happening at this time. Perhaps the biggest name is that of World Champions Atlanta Braves, first baseman Freddy Freeman.

The Braves offered him a five year $135 million contract, but is reported he is looking for a six-year deal. Hard to see how the Atlanta Braves cannot resign him. There still time for the Braves to keep one of their most popular players since Hank Aaron in Atlanta.

As far as the A’s, these established players could be on the move, (not necessarily all of them)  Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Sean Manaea, Chris Bassitt, Frankie Montás and Lou Trivino. A fire sale?  It could happen, as the A’s are looking to trim payroll and hope to remain competitive with a load of prospects that they would receive in return.

#1 Most probable to leave Oakland: Matt Olson who could is in high demand. If the Atlanta Braves  cannot resign their All Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, Atlanta is a good place for him after all he was born there, 27 years ago.

Another place for Olson, the New York Yankees, who might not be able to keep Anthony Rizzo at first base. Matt Olson ended tied for #5 in home runs in the American League (2021) with 39. Olson has won two Gold Gloves and three Fielding Bible Awards, and was an All-Star in 2021.

Right after the 2021 season ended and prior to MLB lockout on December 2, the Yankees were first to show interest in the slugger, who could be a menace at Yankee Stadium, where the ball really flies to right field.

#2 Possibility: Matt Chapman, one of the best third basemen in the game who has won three Gold Gloves, the Yankees were rumored to seek his services, Chapman defensive reputation is such, that the Yankees brass believe they could even use him as their everyday shortstop.

Other teams include: Seattle, Tampa Bay, Colorado, LA Dodgers and Toronto. However, Chapman is an arbitration eligible player with two more years of control by the A’s. He is due to make a $9.5 millions this season.

#3 Chris Bassitt who enjoyed his best season in 2021 and was selected to the All Star game. Bassitt has been coveted by a handful of teams including the LA Angels, who are still in need of more starting pitching. Bassitt had a remarkable 2021 season.

He got hit in the head by a line drive in Chicago in the month of August, but completed  his best season to date, 12-4, 3.15 ERA in 27 games started, pitched 157 1/3 innings  and recorded 159 strikeouts. Good starting pitchers are not in great supply these days, so the possibility of Chris Bassitt leaving Oakland, in my opinion, is over 50%.

Other possible A’s to depart Oakland via trade: Pitchers Frankie Montás and Sean Manaea. After Bassitt, Frankie Montás was the best starter for the A’s. Sean Manaea is a good strong lefty with experience and he could easily fit on many teams either in the American or National League.

Reliever Lou Trivino is a possibly specially when closer Trevor Rosenthal who signed  a 1-year deal in 2021 for $11 million, required two surgeries and never threw a single pitch for the club, could be ready to pitch this season.

But the biggest news for the Oakland Athletics in this 2022 season remains the conclusion of their search for a new ballpark. The Oakland City Council recently voted 6-2 in favor to certify the environmental impact report for the A’s proposed stadium project at Howard Terminal.

A’s President Dave Kaval mentioned that was as positive step to keep the A’s in Oakland, but also reiterated he is working in parallel plans with Oakland and Las Vegas.

Only in Baseball: It was reported that Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto was offered a 13 year $350 million contract and rejected it. Born in República Dominicana, Soto, just 23 years old, is regarded by many in baseball as the best left handed hitter in the game, last season he ended with a .313 average 29 home runs and 95 runs batted in.

Finally regarding the current lockout: According to Associated Press MLB players would lose around $20.5 million daily for each regular-season day missed. The owners much more than that.

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