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.

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