The Northern California Pro Sports Report

August 2008: Week 2 (with Gabriel Zitrin)

2008-08-19T09:12:36Z

<< Don't miss Lex's new show, POLITICAL SEX -- a real political dialogue that's actually fun to listen to! Just click here -- and remember to subscribe for the latest every week!>>

>>Don't forget to keep reading below the "Play" button, as the Report introduces an all-new blog, complete with commentary, pix, links, humor, and breaking news!<<

It's time for another full-tilt Northern California Pro Sports Report. This week on the report, the baseball teams play a little role reversal, while football's preseason drama heats up. And Jess's brother Gabriel stops by again to break down the Earthquakes' recent success.

The Giants have played good ball of late, finding a few gems among their mass of youngsters. What this could mean for the many longs months ahead;

The A's, meanwhile, suffer a horrid post-break slide. Why is a team that looked so good now so far against the ropes?

Before the 49ers sort out how to win, they must face down their own three-headed monster at QB. Jess predicts not only the opening day starter, but their record when the stretch drive expires;

The Raiders have some big-time players at some key spots. But Lex tells why their two bonus babies may end up under the gun, along with his own prediction of W's and L's;

And the Earthquakes match up well against the imploding Galaxy. But the looming league leaders may offer a better litmus test as the Quakes try to climb from the cellar.

It's showtime, on the Nor Cal Pro Sports Report!

UP NEXT: The football teams begin to answer some burning questions, while the baseball squads learn to play spoiler. Plus, the 'Quakes search out that scoring punch, while hoops drama draws ever closer.

The Nor Cal Pro Sports BLOG:

All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.

Rest in peace, Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac. This clip is one of Lex's favorite Mac Man moments; I'll never forget seeing Hayes play this number live.

The irascible Goose Gossage gets inducted into the Hall of Fame -- he waved at me when I was five -- and all you can find on YouTube is a few tirades and a hackneyed Hall speech. C'mon, MLBAM -- a little video content, please?

The Raiders have one thing going for them: one of the easiest schedules in the game...

How much did the 'Quakes pay the
shutterbug who came up with this pose?

This week's Niner game just might provide local rooters a fresh take on an old debate; meanwhile, it's looking more and more like one of my zany predictions will prove true...

Thought I'd mix in an excellent bizniz-type article from Forbes, for those who wonder what advertisers are thinking;

The Giants' baby-faced assassin, Tim Lincecum, is on pace to become the first orange-and-blacker to lead the majors in strikeouts in, um, a while...

As Andrew Baggarly writes, there are several Brad Ziegler / SF Giants connections -- including one jaw-dropping incident starring Freddy Lewis...

Thanks to those of you asking after Jules Tygiel and his family. Info here on a memorial service for the esteemed professor.

Don't forget to keep those comments and emails coming! Catch you again next week.

August 2008: Week 1 (with Kei Kamara)

2008-08-06T10:35:43Z

<< Don't miss Lex's new show, POLITICAL SEX -- a real political dialogue that's actually fun to listen to! Just click here -- and remember to subscribe for the latest every week!>>

>>Don't forget to keep reading below the "Play" button, as the Report introduces an all-new blog, complete with commentary, pix, links, humor, and breaking news!<<

It's time to welcome back the Northern California Pro Sports Report! This week on the Report, Lex returns from marital hiatus, Jess's brother Gabriel sits in for the soccer report, and the lads are joined by well-traveled footballer Kei Kamara, recently of the San Jose Earthquakes. Plus, the baseball tides turn as the Northern Cali sports scene hits the fall transition.

The A's quickly read the writing on the wall, as their least-significant trade to date seems to affect their momentum the most;

The Giants spend another dull deadline, as their best players stay put, while their trade bait goes limp in the water;

And the Earthquakes' fortunes are looking up, just in time for a well-publicized rematch with their greatest rivals.

It's the dog days of summer, and the Northern California Pro Sports Report is off the leash!

UP NEXT: The lads look in to the football camps, where competition and two-a-days are heating up. Plus, the ball clubs shift their focus for the remainder of the season; the 'Quakes look to finish strong; and the hoopsters hope to light it up with new lineups.

The Nor Cal Pro Sports BLOG:

All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.

The Ron Artest trade won't be announced 'til mid-month. But knowing Artest, we'll have plenty of zingers to bandy about 'til then. New 'mate Yao's thoughts: "There's worry, obviously, yes..."

Here's some evidence beloved ex-Quake Kei Kamara will fit in well in Houston, or anywhere (check out his t-shirt shouting out the very worthy Right to Play);

While we're at it, how 'bout the esteemed George Best for best goal in Earthquakes history...

There are already some nasty Raiders jokes going around. Locally, the bet's a little more forgiving: who will be "less bad," the Raiders or Niners?

It's not a great start, Al, when your dozens-a-millions dollar recruit tries to retire. Hey, where was this resigned attitude when Mr. Davis needed it?

Meanwhile, the Niners had a 3rd down specialist inducted to the Hall. Wonder how famous Fred Dean would be if they'd invented the sack before he hit his heyday;

For those who think the Brits are too high-falutin' to follow Major League Soccer, check out the fine site my bro Gabriel writes for;

A's fans, here's that Lowell Cohn comment painting Saint Billy as a Pinko. Intriguing; scary...

Don't forget to chime in yourself, via comment or email! See you next week.

July 2008: Week 3 (with Chris Carter)

2008-07-26T20:00:34Z

<< Don't miss Lex's new show, POLITICAL SEX -- a real political dialogue that's actually fun to listen to! Just click here -- and remember to subscribe for the latest every week!>>

>>Don't forget to keep reading below the "Play" button, as the Report introduces an all-new blog, complete with commentary, pix, links, humor, and breaking news!<<

Welcome back to the Northern California Pro Sports Report! This week, Mic Blake of FearTheBeard.org stops by, and California League home run leader and future A's star Chris Carter checks in as well, kicking off a first half "down on the farm" report. The lads hit the mailbag for your own best material. And don't forget to scroll down and weigh in, on the all-new NorCalProSports blog - bringing trade analysis, humor, and breaking news. Plus:

The Athletics' first half was better than expected, even as they shed stars. But can Billy Beane continue to play both buyer and seller?

The Giants are looking better than expected, as well, as a great young name is attached to a prestigious award;

The Warriors continue to battle the opt-out fallout. Is this the year Nellie loses his no-rookies tag?

The Kings' Ron Artest continues to write his own material. What his machinations mean for the team;

And the Earthquakes cruise through an international friendly and earn a point in league. Hear what the Report listeners have to say to Lex about soccer in the U.S.

You never know what'll hit next -- on the Northern California Pro Sports Report!

UP NEXT: Recently departed striker Kei Kamara waxes philosophic on all things soccer -- oops, football -- from the world game to the unusual pay scale and the Quakes' craziest personalities. Plus baseball resumes, the 'Quakes cross a border, the hoop squads tinker on, and football camps heat up.

The Nor Cal Pro Sports BLOG:

All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.

Apologies on the timing of this week's show. Mic and I solved some tech issues with real staying power! More to come soon on the most recent developments. Such as:

Athletics Nation quotes Van Halen on the Blanton fallout. Hey, a pitcher named Outman can't be all bad. Keith Law -- part of ESPN INsider, packaged with the Mag as one of the best deals in sports fandom -- is blasé in his analysis of the Blanton package. What do you expect for a 5-12 vet?

The Giants' Durham deal probably yielded zero future major leaguers: a homer-prone lefty reliever, and a speedster with D who can't get on base at single-A. What it did do was save a little cash and buy Eugenio Velez's glove some more time in the lineup.

This week, it seemed like everyone made news after we recorded. But is Marcus Williams really worth Kelenna Ass-a-bookie and a first round pick? (Um, no.) Plus, if Chris Kaman's really German, does that finally make Mike Piazza Italian? Hey, it's all Greek to Josh Childress.

Lex and I -- podcast vigilantes, we -- frequently lament the old-media dinosaur. An interesting piece here says that, in magazine ad buy trends, "flat is the new up." Well done, boys.

Jack Nicklaus worries that big money makes golfers soft. As opposed to what?

The Warriors have signed a 250 lb. cheerleader. Of course, Ronny Turiaf's agent calls him the Warriors' "most skilled big guy." Et tu, Andris Biedrins?

For no particular reason: my favorite YouTube clip: Ali G. taking apart England's first couple, Posh & Becks, for Comic Relief.

Take it easy, loyal listeners. Thanks for checkin' in. And see you soon, on the Northern California Pro Sports Report!

July 2008: Week 2 (with Jules Tygiel)

2008-07-17T23:39:40Z

<< Don't miss Lex's new show, POLITICAL SEX -- a real political dialogue that's actually fun to listen to! Just click here -- and remember to subscribe for the latest every week!>>

>>Don't forget to keep reading below the "Play" button, as the Report introduces an all-new blog, complete with commentary, pix, links, humor, and breaking news!<<

Welcome back to the all-new Northern California Pro Sports Report! This week, on a special friends and family edition of the Report: Lex's dad George Lewinski (senior editor of The World) sits in, and dishes the insight you can only get at home. Plus, the late, great baseball historian Jules Tygiel shares his lasting thoughts on the great American game. All that, on top of a busy week on the local scene:

The Warriors go all topsy-turvy, losing a big star, courting his would-be partner-in-crime, and finally ending up with a third man the Reporters say is the beginning of the end in Oakland;

Billy giveth, and Billy taketh away, as the upstart A's ditch their brightest star. For better, or for worse?

The Kings get their offseason in order, complete with a bolt of insight from Mr. Left Field himself;

The Giants win some and lose some, as even their ace proves mortal in the vulnerable West;

The Sharks continue to abandon the youth movement for living in the now. Will their change of heart buy them a Stanley Cup, or cost them one?

And the Earthquakes drop a tight contest, featuring a turn of etiquette only soccer could feature.

There's a lot to talk about, and we'll cover it all -- on the friends and family edition of the Northern California Pro Sports Report.

UP NEXT: Jess catches up with an A's future star down on the farm. Mic Blake of FearTheBeard.org rejoins the show as Lex gets his nuptials on. Hardball hits the break with some All-Star pitching, and a stiff trade wind blowing. The hoop squads continue to rebuild, as the Quakes finally return home, and football looms.

The Nor Cal Pro Sports BLOG:

That's right, keep checking this space for more info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.

Last week's best: Is Earthquakes defender Nick Garcia leading a sinister double life?

* Forget how happy Chris Mullin says he is to display Corey Maggette's work ethic to the younger players. In his heart, Mullin knows the Maggette signing was wrong. He was too good a player not to...

* A friendly word to the newly single Sarah Silverman: I'm single too, my lascivious funnywoman. I'll treat you oh-so-much better than Joe Franklin did...

* Maybe the A's fumbled one, but their A-ball club put on a show to remember. Check out my interview with their biggest star next week. Meanwhile, I saw two single-A games, featuring, count 'em, seven strikeouts by Dan Ortmeier, who looks permanently lost...

* Here are those Warriors and A's attendance numbers we mentioned; drag out the calculator and draw your own conclusions.

See you all next week!

July 2008: Week 1 (with Shea Salinas)

2008-07-04T16:07:17Z

<< Don't miss Lex's new show, POLITICAL SEX -- a real political dialogue that's actually fun to listen to! Just click here -- and remember to subscribe for the latest every week!>>

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: Late, great baseball historian Jules Tygiel visits the show for a final look at the twin threads of baseball and American history. Plus: 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.

June 2008: Week 3

2008-06-26T00:58:11Z

<< Don't miss Lex's new show, POLITICAL SEX -- a real political dialogue that's actually fun to listen to! Just click here -- and remember to subscribe for the latest every week!>>

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.

June '08: Week 2 (with Ken Korach)

2008-06-18T13:18:21Z

<< Don't miss Lex's new show, POLITICAL SEX -- a real political dialogue that's actually fun to listen to! Just click here -- and remember to subscribe for the latest every week!>>

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.

June 2008: Week 01 (with Mike Piazza)

2008-06-11T13:54:20Z

<< Don't miss Lex's new show, POLITICAL SEX -- a real political dialogue that's actually fun to listen to! Just click here -- and remember to subscribe for the latest every week!>>

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!

May '08: Week 2

2008-06-01T21:32:41Z

It's time for another kickin' Northern California Pro Sports Report. This week, the Sharks resurface in the news, while the San Francisco teams make headlines outside the sports pages. All this on the Report:

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.

May 2008: Week 1

2008-05-13T22:25:07Z

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.