July 2008: Week 1 (with Shea Salinas)
Breaking News!
Just after we recorded and posted this week's show — typical! — the Kings outbid the L.A. Clippers to retain the services of guard Beno Udrih. But the Clippers got the last word — in the form of a verbal commitment from Warriors floor general Baron Davis.
Be sure to tune in to future episodes of the Report for ramifications, including a retrospective on the late Baron Davis Era in Northern California.
And now, back to your regularly scheduled program.
It's a rousing week on the Northern California Pro Sports Report! Two leagues had drafts; free agency has hit; and baseball is blooming. Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas joins the boys for a trip through the 'Quakes most dynamic — and entertaining — personalities. Guess which one Shea says looks like the psycho movie villain!
Plus, all this in local sports:
Amid the draft afterglow, the Warriors are shocked by a Baron Davis power play. What does Mullin have to do to keep Davis — or, what a former Warrior might mean to the new mix;
The A's have finally gained national attention as a contender, as they uncork a showdown in L.A. How did they do it; can they maintain it; and what does this mean for the trade deadline?
The Giants are one of the best teams in baseball... at winning... out of town. Lex and Jess debate a humble idea for getting the hitters to dent walls at home as well;
The Kings' current puzzles include sudden phenom Beno Udrih, always-puzzling Ron Artest, and the biggest reach of the draft. Are they really taking another step forward?
It looks like the Sharks liked their new man so much, they drafted him twice. Do the comings and goings fortell a more balanced offense even as the defense improves?
And the Earthquakes look to stay above water, shutting other teams out and racking up the points one at a time. Hear what it takes to make the long road haul a success.
It's a banner week in Northern Cali pro sports — and on the Northern California Pro Sports Report!
UP NEXT: The A's return home from a tough road stretch for another AL West showdown; the Giants threaten to contend in the weakened West; the hoops teams assess the free agent pool; and the 'Quakes seek a successful return home, all with football tumbling toward preseason play.
Played: 39 | Download | Duration: 00:50:07
June 2008: Week 3
New this week, Jess and Lex take you out to the ballgame, on a special edition of the Northern California Pro Sports Report! The lads try their hand at the simulcast from the bleachers, and review the action from a busy week.
The Sharks have a new head coach, fresh off a championship season. But can he do the same for the locals — and, how?
The A's get well against their longtime doormat, the Giants. As the trade deadline approaches, another potential All-Star has emerged;
The Giants report, straight from the bleachers, features some surprises both good and bad;
And the Earthquakes host the most popular athlete in the Galaxy, and look to make good in front of a record crowd.
All that and a plate of garlic fries — on the Nor Cal Pro Sports Report!
UP NEXT: The lads meet up with speedy Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas, and the rookie reveals all the best tidbits on his teammates and coaches! Plus: the Giants have more All-Stars than you might think; the A's slice through the National League; the Earthquakes look to tighten their D in D.C.; and new tales and old rumors from NFL minicamps.
Played: 131 | Download | Duration: 00:39:34
June '08: Week 2 (with Ken Korach)
The Bay heats up on this week's edition of the Northern California Pro Sports Report! First, Lex intro's guest cohost Mic Blake, of FearTheBeard.org; while Jess is joined by A's play-by-play man Ken Korach. Ken shares some of his proudest moments in sports, along with his lightest. Plus, all this from the field of play:
The A's look to keep pace with the mighty Bronx Bombers, as they wrap up an exciting stretch at home;
The Giants continue to surprise with a spate of victories; where did this come from, and can they sustain?
And the Earthquakes turn a corner in a battleground state.
Don't duck the heat wave — check out this week's Northern California Pro Sports Report!
UP NEXT: The A's and Giants look to maintain momentum, while the Earthquakes face off against the planet's most famous athlete in a NorCal-SoCal showdown.
Played: 123 | Download | Duration: 00:39:24
June 2008: Week 01 (with Mike Piazza)
It's that time again — time for a spankin' new Northern California Pro Sports Report! This week, the lads are joined by outgoing catcher Mike Piazza. The one-time Athletic and future Hall Of Famer reminisces on his career achievements, favorite teammates, and personal heroes. Plus, a look at the world of local sports:
The A's rebound from a tough road stretch with an inspiring sweep of the Evil Empire II;
The Giants surprise many by going for the sweep against the front-running D'backs;
And the Earthquakes match up against their former selves — and like what they see.
All this week, on the Northern California Pro Sports Report!
UP NEXT: Oakland A's broadcast stalwart Ken Korach joins the boys for an inside look at his thoughts, his career, and this year's A's — plus some personal yarns spun nowhere else!
Played: 150 | Download | Duration: 00:32:17
May '08: Week 2
The Sharks bid a quick farewell to their all-time winningest coach. What does Ron Wilson's report mean for the franchise of horseshoes and hand grenades?
The A's started April in the doghouse, but May in the penthouse. What got them to national sweetheart status, and is it good enugh to keep them there?
The Giants watch as Tim Lincecum and Barry Zito head in opposite directions — but is the real face of the franchise heading for the door?
The 49ers continue to confound their followers, exploring a stadium deal in a Nor Cal city some folks have never heard of;
And the Earthquakes once again control the tempo, only to end up on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Are they destitute, or a team on the verge?
All this and more, on the Nor Cal Pro Sports Report!
UP NEXT: The lads are visited by the recently retired Mike Piazza. The future Hall of Famer reflects on his accomplishments, his teammates, and his heroes. Plus, a full spate of games in baseball, and the Earthquakes meet a very familiar foe.
Played: 200 | Download | Duration: 00:26:27
May 2008: Week 1
It's time for another thrilling Northern California Pro Sports Report! This week, one season ends in historic fashion, while others are just getting going. To wit:
The Sharks put up perhaps the best fight in modern hockey history... in a losing effort. What their 4-OT loss in Dallas means for the franchise — beyond missing the conference finals, again;
The A's look to show the league their hot start is for real. Hear the secrets to their success, and why the race with Anaheim reminds the lads of years past;
The Giants have survived the early season, but Barry Zito's reputation has not. What the Giants hope to do while nursing the most expensive middle reliever ever;
And the Earthquakes shut down FC Dallas, their defense allowing precious few shots and no goals. But what will it take to touch the back of the net themselves?
There's no excuses with the summer almost here, on the Nor Cal Pro Sports Report!
UP NEXT: The A's head for interleague play, the Giants try to pull some surprises, the Earthquakes look to add O to their D, and the Sharks pick up the pieces, as pro football looms.
Played: 196 | Download | Duration: 00:23:33
April 2008: Week 3
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Spring has sprung, on the Northern California Pro Sports Report! It's not only baseball season, but time for the NFL Draft and playoff hockey. On this week's Report:
The Raiders and Emperor Al play to form, drafting showy runner Darren McFadden (then sitting on their hands for four rounds.) Is McFadden mistake or legacy?
The 49ers sacrifice sexy for precious inches in the trenches, going with linemen early on. Does it mean they have enough skill to move toward respectability?
The Sharks did advance to Round 2, but hit a major hiccup against Dallas, including one Star who shows the Sharkies what might have been;
The A's continue to play the underdog to a tee. Does their endless supply of young fill-ins have what it takes to compete with their foes to the south?
The Giants have some bright spots — the same two everyone anticipated — but can't be happy about hiding their $126 million man in the bullpen;
And the Earthquakes put Win #1 on the board, before regressing to their losing ways. The 1-3 'Quakes are still undefeated in games in which they score!
The teams all have a lot to think about, and Jess and Lex have that much more to chat about. All, on the Northern California Pro Sports Report!
UP NEXT: The Sharks know if they don't swim, they'll die. The dust settles on the football teams' newest phenoms; the baseball squads head in opposite directions; and the 'Quakes unveil the new-and-improved Buck Shaw Stadium.
Played: 191 | Download | Duration: 00:30:04
April 2008: Week 2
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It's time for another rockin' Nor Cal Pro Sports Report. This week on the Report:
The Sharks go toe to toe with a worthy foe, as the lads recap a roilsome week of playoff hockey;
The Giants do their best to stave off last place, as a few of their youngsters rise to the top;
The A's suddenly look like the real deal, riding their own youth movement to a taste of first place;
The Warriors and Kings wrap up their seasons early, and quickly face a series of offseason crossroads;
And the 'Quakes look to post their first win in years, while the American footballers eye next week's draft.
All that and more, on the Northern California Pro Sports Report!
UP NEXT: The baseball teams look to surge ahead even as they struggle for their own identities; the Niners and Raiders bring in some fresh blood; and the Sharks look to add a new stage to their postseason legacy.
Played: 230 | Download | Duration: 00:31:49
April 2008: Week 1
Spring is finally here, but Giants fans may prefer hibernation. The lads debate what's worse, the team's handling of the Bonds situation, or the also-rans the big man left behind;
The A's have their warts, but also plenty of players who could surprise. How many stages of rebuilding have they already surpassed?
The Sharks enjoy a full scale coming-out party, from talent mishmash to Lord Stanley favorites. But with the "second season" looming, every move comes under the microscope;
The Warriors have Jess and Lex divided — to the playoffs, or a long offseason? Do the Bay Bombers really have what it takes to make a difference deep into the postseason?
And the Kings float on, now irrelevant to the playoffs, yet better than most teams across the Mississippi. What comes next for Kevin Martin, Reggie Theus, and Ron Artest's own personal pick for franchise savior?
The lads reveal all as the seasons roll on — on the Northern California Pro Sports Report!
UP NEXT: The A's and Giants get their first eyeful of the standings, the competition, and their own assorted messes; the Sharkies bring home a tough playoff foe; the Warriors' season-long quest nears an end; and the Earthquakes look toward their first-ever game... again.
Played: 261 | Download | Duration: 00:40:08
March 2008: Week 2 (with Damon Bruce)
The Warriors continue their dash toward the playoffs. But with some massive games looming, questions still abound;
The Kings continue to rack up big wins, and are ready to assess their stars, their depth, and their coach as the season winds down;
The Sharks put together a franchise-record winning streak. How have the Teal finally come together, and can they justify their sudden ascension in the postseason?
The Raiders continue to throw mad, mad money around. Check out the latest moves out of left field, Mount Davis style;
The Athletics pack their bags for the Far East, as the opener in Tokyo fast approaches. Hear who's making the trip, and who's licking his wounds;
Plus, the Giants look for rays of light in Barry Bonds' long shadow. Damon Bruce sheds some light of his own on what could break right, or wrong, in 2008.
Playoffs to the left of me, baseball to the right — get stuck in the middle of the Nor Cal Pro Sports Pod!
Played: 241 | Download | Duration: 00:49:06
March 2008: Week 1 (with Gavin Glinton)
Hello, and thanks for joining us this week on the Northern California Pro Sports Pod! This week, Jess and Lex are joined by San Jose Earthquakes striker Gavin Glinton, who shares some crazy tales from the international game. Plus, a tour of Northern Cali pro sports: Played: 303 | Download | Duration: 00:00:00
The Sharks' rebuilt roster hits its stride, and hits back at the rest of the NHL. How the Sharkies finally found their formula for success;
The Warriors continue to race through the season at breakneck pace. But can they afford even one subpar performance if they want to see the postseason?
The Kings work out the kinks, juggling new guys, established regulars, a surprising record, and some new key injuries. The lads take a closer look at Coach Theus's season;
Plus, the Raiders and 49ers make it rain green. The question is: Is there no one left to tell Al Davis 'no'?
Jess and Lex spare no one, and tell all, on the latest Northern California Pro Sports Pod!
UP NEXT: KNBR mainstay and Pod favorite Damon Bruce weighs in on all things pro sports, with a special eye to baseball. The Warriors and Sharks look to settle their playoff status; the Kings wind down while the 'Quakes rev up; and the football teams' wild offseasons leave plenty of room for debate.
February '08: Week 3
The Sharks bring in a defenseman to contribute on offense. Finally, GM Doug Wilson beats the deadline — or, has he stuck a feather in his hat, and called it macaroni?
The Kings still have a lot to say for themselves — but three recent losses haven't helped. As they scoot up the power rankings, they still seek that elusive mix of talent to propel them to contender status;
The Warriors not only stand pat at the break, they lose their leading Latvian and his failing appendix. Jess and Lex square off on whether the Golden State Guards are a playoff team in the loaded West;
The 49ers and Raiders each make some news, most of it out of left field.
And all fields heat up in Arizona, as the Giants and A's open spring training with plenty of questions of their own.
It's time to show what you've got, as the summer of '08 creeps up — on the Northern California Pro Sports Pod!
UP NEXT: A special guest shakes the Pod with an audio debut from the fledgling Earthquakes. The W's and Kings each navigate a revealing stretch of games, while the Sharks learn to take or leave the new-look roster.
Played: 271 | Download | Duration: 00:44:32
February '08: Week 2 (with Marty Lurie)
Welcome to the latest Northern California Pro Sports Pod. It’s the time for hope and renewal, as A’s broadcast icon Marty Lurie joins the boys for a springtime chat, and the local FanFests leave the smell of grass and hotdogs in the air. Meanwhile, those in season are finding the climb to the top ain’t easy.
This week on the Pod:
The Sharks are now officially underachievers, as they reassess their position in the Pacific, along with their roster, as the trade deadline approaches;
The Kings finally deal mainstay Mike Bibby, and get a maturing Dukie and some cap room. They’re ahead of the game plan, but behind the competition in the cutthroat West. Now, what to do with Ron Artest?
The Warriors survive the opening salvos of the Chris Webber era, only to drop another game to a team that owns them. Are the current roster and Monta Ellis’s brilliant play enough to lead them to the promised land?
Marty Lurie stops by the Pod, sharing A’s stories and glories from the past and present. Marty also provides his unique insight on the season to come – plus, why following the A’s is not unlike criminal defense;
The Giants start their spring with more vim, more verve, and a lot less offense. As they trumpet the new look’s supposed stalwarts, can they keep enough fan butts in the seats?
Plus, the San Jose Earthquakes make their latest debut on the Bay Area sports scene, with two preseason games against their former selves from Houston. Jess explains why Dynamo-Quakes matches should never be called “friendlies” – and what to expect from the roster as Opening Day in Oakland approaches.
The Pod always puts you on top of your game – so click below for this week’s show!
UP NEXT: The Warriors scrape to stay in the crowded West playoff picture, while the Kings adjust to life after the trade deadline. The Sharks try to keep their heads above water, the new A's and Giants limber up in Arizona, and the 49ers and Raiders start flushing their rosters and looking toward the draft.
Played: 268 | Download | Duration: 00:58:49
February '08: Week 1 (with Joe Thornton)
Joe's Sharks come out of the All-Star break strong, playing an inspiring string of games and picking up a threatening new bruiser with no intention of scoring goals;
The Kings, fresh off a clean bill of health, put together an undefeated episode of Pod, as Jess must apologize to a big man tough enough to do his own dishes;
As the Warriors continue to roll, the difficult West boasts two new All-Stars — but neither of them named Baron Davis. This week, a Saturday night showdown with the Kings means a lot more than anyone ever expected.
The locals are winning, and Jess and Lex are feelin' the joy — as Lex finds his own special reason for strappin' on the pads again. It's Weekend Warrior time, on the Nor Cal Pro Sports Pod!
UP NEXT: A's pregame legend Marty Lurie joins the lads for a walk down memory lane, plus a look ahead at the splendor of Oakland in the springtime. The hoop teams duke it out on a floor near you, the Sharks look to put together that elusive streak. And the Niners fool 'em all again, pitting the Wonderbust against Mr. Nobody.
Played: 310 | Download | Duration: 00:41:08
January '08: Week 4 (with Janie McCauley)
The Warriors lead this week's news, bringing back the man who brought them down. Chris Webber and Don Nelson reportedly turn back the clock to their trial by fire. Does Webber help, or hurt, the exciting Warriors' chances?
The Raiders drop a bombshell, with deafening whispers of Coach Kiffin's imminent demise. If someone tells you you resign, aren't you actually fired? And, is there anyone in sports crazier than aging honcho Al Davis?
The Sacramento Kings find themselves back at full strength, and better yet, positioned to make a winner of Coach Theus a lot sooner than expected;
The A's Fanfest offers a chance to get up close and personal with the field, the players, the spring. But are the lackluster crowds a sign of tough times to come, or are the A's players themselves right to expect their young guns to thrive?
Plus, the Giants practice addition by subtraction, as the player you love to hate departs for a city that loves to boo.
Jess and Lex get it sorted for you and your loved ones, on the Nor Cal Pro Sports Pod!
UP NEXT: The lads hold court with none other than the reigning NHL MVP, Sharks forward Joe Thornton. Big Joe shares his thoughts on everything from dating to plane travel — oh, and even hockey. Plus, the football front offices continue to discard the textbook, the A's and Giants play winter fix-it, and the basketball teams look to maintain their winning ways.
Played: 298 | Download | Duration: 00:38:30
January '08: Week 3
The Sharkies continue to perplex, even as they rack up the wins. Now they boast multiple All-Stars — but can they hoist the cup without jettisoning some key players?
The Warriors streak on, avoiding losing stretches and putting fear into the Pacific Division. How high should they set their sights?
The Kings defy the odds again, maintaining respectability until the return of their core trio of Martin, Bibby, and Artest. Now they'll get a chance to stack up against the league healthy;
The A's sign some key players to avoid arbitration. But how long will they stay in green and gold — and what exactly is arbitration, anyway?
The Earthquakes make a splash in the MLS Superdraft, trading away the #1 overall pick for a die-cast franchise pillar. The lads reveal how the league's idiosyncracies will affect the team's developing personality;
And the 49ers make another bizarre hire, as they throw their offense out of the frying pan, and into the fire. And what of municipal stirrings in Santa Clara?
Your best source for answers is the Northern California Pro Sports Pod!
UP NEXT: The AP's Janie McCauley shares her baseball experiences, from the Bay Area to Beijing. Plus: the Sharks tackle a revealing stretch at the Tank, while the Kings embrace a rare opportunity to get ahead. The Warriors look to continue their season-long roll, while the scuffling baseball and football teams continue their offseason fine tuning.
Played: 283 | Download | Duration: 00:50:02
January '08: Week 2 (with Kyle McLaren)
The Warriors continue their climb atop the jerky-tough Pacific Division, culminating in a thriller in O.T. against the champs;
The Kings continue to push good teams to the limit, but most of their victories are just moral these days;
The Raiders pull an about-face on a long-tenured coach, as Al Davis plays a card only he holds;
The Sharks continue to motor along — now, if only the rest of the country will stay awake long enough to donate some All-Star clicks;
And the A's have a lot to talk about — both bad and good — in the wake of the Nick Swisher deal, as the lads mix it up over a legend from years past.
Click right here for this week's version of the Nor Cal Pro Sports Pod!
UP NEXT: The Warriors look to stay on a roll, while the Kings try to stem the tide until their stars return. The Sharks have a lot to prove at home, while the football front offices are shaken up for the new year.
Played: 280 | Download | Duration: 00:52:00
January '08: Week 1
The Raiders finish on life support, and say goodbye to some valued defensive personalities, as the JaMarcus Era dawns;
The 49ers finish ahead of the Raiders in the 'W' column, but the biggest front office moves are the ones they don't make;
The Sharks have seemingly mastered the road; now if only they can tame the Tank;
The Kings are hit by yet another key injury, and struggle to keep their heads above water;
The Warriors, meanwhile, chug along as a terror in the formidable West;
And the A's trade youth for youther, as Billy Beane and co. eye the foggy Cisco Field future.
It's a week of defining ourselves; make your New Year's resolution the Nor Cal Pro Sports Pod!
Played: 191 | Download | Duration: 00:32:18
UP NEXT: Kyle McLaren, the San Jose Sharks' own gentle giant, tells Jess and Lex the secret to his killer hip check. Plus, the lads sift through the A's fire sale, do their best to prop up the Kings, and happily watch the Warriors and Sharks bullet to the front of the pack.
BREAKING NEWS: A'S TRADE NICK SWISHER
A's fans its official prepare for some losing baseball in Oakland the rebuilding process has officially begun... The Pod presents an on-the-spot breakdown of the trade and a little info about who the A's got for Swish.
Played: 180 | Download | Duration: 00:06:25
December '07: Week 4
The Kings put together a solid month in the face of crazy injuries; will the underdogs get a trade boost in the second half?
The Warriors are officially one of the most feared teams in the NBA, while Lex personally insures BD's All-Star berth;
The Sharks appear ready to fulfill their destiny as a stacked squad, as strong play in goal more than offsets a few veteran disappearing acts;
The Raiders stare down another lost season, but see the JaMarcus Russell era more clearly every week;
The 49ers' recent spate of wins recalls lipstick on a pig, as the 49ers look to rework their organization from the very top right down to the third-string QB;
The A's unofficially throw in the towel nine months early by trading Dan Haren, netting a few very promising players who won't help much before Fremont;
And the Giants make a splash, signing CF Aaron Rowand to bruise fences and teach any young'uns how to play the game right.
As the weather cools, the local sports heat up — on the Northern California Pro Sports Pod!
Played: 204 | Download | Duration: 00:48:46
UP NEXT: New year, new beginnings for the football squads; the Sharks and Warriors look to build on their recent success; while the Kings hope to keep surprising good teams; and the A's and Giants present contrasting ideas on how to build a long-range plan.