With over 50,000 downloads since 2007, The NOR CAL Report (NorCalProSports.com) brings insightful coverage and exclusive interviews to the savvy Northern California pro sports fan. The NOR CAL Report is available through the iTunes store (search: NOR CAL Report) and digital outlets from Podbean to Technorati --with special features only available at NorCalProSports.com.** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **It's an exciting new week on The NOR CAL Report! Thanks to you, we've eclipsed 50,000 downloads -- and there's plenty more to talk about. Such as:         Now, keep up with the latest on The NOR CAL Report -- become a fan on Facebook!The 49ers finally notch that W, a thrilling grinder at home. Their new strategy? Nab more picks than Alex Smith can throw...The Raiders trot out another stinker, losing an early lead to a weak Chiefs team, and JaMarcus Russell to the bench -- again...The Sharks lose a pair of tough road games, but little ground in the Pacific race;The Warriors grant Cap'n Jack his walking papers, and make sure it's to a team almost as bad as they are...The A's and Giants have added some impressive hardware this off-season, as an unlikely star gets rookie of the year recognition; and Timmy "the baby faced assassin" Lincecum gets Cy Young number 2While the Kings have used last week's NOR CAL showdown to propel them to a 4 game win streak and a .500 record. Have the Sactown stars really found their recipe earlier than expected?It's time to test that streak -- on The NOR CAL Report!UP NEXT:The Warriors shift the rumor mill to Nellie, while the Kings hope to remain the surprise of the league. The Raiders pray for redemption, and the Niners for playoff relevance. And the Sharks right the ship and bide their time 'til April.The NOR CAL Blog:All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.Here on the Report, we're nothing if not worldly -- and everyone loves a good blown call. So with apologies tothe locals, check out this alleged goal -- in extra time, with a WorldCup berth on the line. Asked postgame if he'd used his hand to steer the game winner, Thierry Henri answered "Oui; oui, oui;" if that's not enough, keep in mind France was also clearly offsides on the play...                                    With Coach Cable both making news by starting Steve Bartkowski (oops, Bruce Gradkowski) and topping the ESPN/NFL front page as a possible midseason firing, it's clear the Raiders aren't scared of change. One thing will stay the same: they've extended their Coliseum lease; drunken shouts of "Rraaaaii-durrrrs" will now echo through East Oakland into 2013...What to make of the Alex Smith - Aaron Rodgers matchup next week? Mike McCarthy, who coached the first NFL starts of both players (as the 49ers' o-coordinator, and later the Packers' head coach) says he's against throwing a rookie QB into the fire for a weak team...Why are the Kings better than expected, reason numero uno? Second year man Jason Thompson leads all NBA power forwards in rebounding, with an even 10.0...And why are the Atlanta Hawks suddenly a force? Check out the guy who could have been a Warrior, back when they signed injury-prone, one-dimensional Corey Maggette. This article doesn't exist without Josh Smith's prowess -- and it ain't about former Wa's Jamal Crawford or Joe Smith, neither...Ray Ratto realizes Tim Lincecum's second Cy Young Award -- in two full MLB seasons, mind you -- spells bad news for the Giants' financial plans. Left almost unsaid, is the notion that this could help wipe away fallout from his pot citation -- or not...Is the Sharks' recent losing streak worth sweating? In a word, no. Chicago in their own building will always be tough, and they lost by a single goal to the Preds, whom they'd just proven they can beat...Thanks for checking out The NOR CAL Report! Don't forget to Facebook us, and spam all your friends!

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With over 50,000 downloads since 2007, The NOR CAL Report (NorCalProSports.com) brings insightful coverage and exclusive interviews to the savvy Northern California pro sports fan. The NOR CAL Report is available through the iTunes store (search: NOR CAL Report) and digital outlets from Podbean to Technorati --with special features only available at NorCalProSports.com.** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **Welcome back to a big new show, on The NOR CAL Report! Thanks to you, we've eclipsed 50,000 downloads -- and we've brought in Sharks scorer Joe Pavelski to tell us what it's all about.         Now, keep up with the latest on The NOR CAL Report -- become a fan on Facebook!The 49ers arrive at a moment of truth at the 'Stick -- and the truth is, this team is further away than it looked...The Sharks enjoy a welcome back game from this week's interview, Joe Pavelski. Could this Sharkie squad be deeper and deadlier than years past?The Warriors and Kings square off in an early season NOR CAL classic -- and while one team looks on the upswing, you'll need to look closer to guess which one!Our numbers are up, and so are our spirits. It's all 'cuz your fan score is "hardcore" -- on The NOR CAL Report!UP NEXT:The 49ers and Raiders look to reclaim the glory, while the NBA squads get upwardly mobile. Meanwhile, the Fish continue to make an early push toward Lord Stanley.The NOR CAL Blog:All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.While the Sharks' season's gone swimmingly, losing their captain to the I.R. is more than just a footnote. This one could end up chomping the Sharkies where it hurts...Remember, it's called social networking for a reason. Add The NOR CAL Report on -- and don't forget to share with your friends...It seems this week's interview, the Sharks' Joe Pavelski, has caught the fever, scoring in consecutive games since he aired with us. And if you like the Pavelski piece, check out our interview with Jumbo teammate Joe Thornton -- our highest-rated show ever...From MLB's hot stove: Giants fans, are you seeking some names on offense beyond Bay and Holliday, neither of whom will land in S.F.? Here's three that could work: Speedy infielder Chone Figgins and versatile basher Mark DeRosa are free agents, while Tampa Bay triple-threat Carl Crawford could be pried in trade. One thing that bodes well for all, minus Holliday: they've proven themselves in the clearly stronger A.L. What about the crowded outfield? Randy Winn is gone...Giants' top prospect Angel Villalona's saga takes a strange twist this week -- Villalona is free, and his alleged victim's family has $139,000 -- and a greatly reduced interest in pursuing the case...More MLB hot stove action: Tim Dierkes has the Giants nabbing Nick Johnson and the A's Miguel Tejada in his Top 20 rumors. Both make good position sense (Miggy as a 3B-SS.) But Tejada means A's brass and fans facing their own steroid-bloated past -- an iffy prospect, made no smoother by the Giambi fiasco. In S.F., Adrian Beltre -- with averages of 25 HR, 88 RBI, and a pedestrian .325 obp the last three years in Seattle -- embodies Brian Sabean's defense-plus-swing-and-a-miss model player. Yes, that makes Pablo the Panda a full-time 1B; they're confident he hits the part...Meanwhile, 49ers great Joe Montana has put his house up for sale, at a price that would be more than three times the record for Sonoma county. On the plus side, I bet you could get him to throw in a couple autographs...A day after Steven Jackson's agent produced a convincing bellyache in Don Nelson's direction, Jack obliged by dishing a season-high fifteen assists, leading the Warriors to an NBA-high tally against the lowly Wolves. The prediction here: Nelson doghouse favorites like Anthony Randolph and Brandon Wright have productive NBA careers -- but only when Nelson and Jackson have run each other out of town, a mirror image of the Chris Webber saga two decades ago. That was a blow from which the Wa's have never recovered -- so it seems Jack's agent's got a point.We've always got a point -- on The NOR CAL Report! Thanks again for helping us reach the 50,000 mark. See you next week!

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With over 30,000 downloads since 2007, The NOR CAL Report (NorCalProSports.com) brings insightful coverage and exclusive interviews to the savvy Northern California pro sports fan. The NOR CAL Report isavailable through the iTunes store (search: NOR CAL Report) and digitaloutlets from Podbean to Technorati --with special features onlyavailable at NorCalProSports.com.** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **It's that favorite time of year, on The NOR CAL Report! Autumn has sprung, and with far away teams battling for the hardball crown, there's still gridiron, footie, and of course, hoops action to drool over!         {  Keep up with the latest on The NOR CAL Report -- become a fan on Facebook!  } The Warriors start the season on a sour note, as their ex-captain wants out, their guards bristle, and their coach concedes a playoff-less picture. But talent abides. Will the high-octane youngsters prove worth watching? The Kings may have filled long-time holes at point guard and head coach, even as other problems loom. Tough as it seems, could this season be life-or-death for pro hoops in once proud Sactown?The Sharks once again float atop the Pacific. So why is 2009 the year everything changes -- and what aspect promises to be the Fish's Achilles' heel?The 49ers ride Alex Smith to a near-victory against a near-good team. Now that the Niners have the fresh-faced QB and a host of receiving options, why have they gone a month without winning a game?The Raiders look far removed from the team that won one game, ever. Hear what the latest drubbing, at the hands of the Jets, means for the beleaguered franchise.Life is like a box of chocolates -- you never know what you're gonna get. But you always know where you can get it -- on The NOR CAL Report!UP NEXT:The lads catch up with revered Sharkie scorer Joe Pavelski. Stay tuned for results from the NBA openers, more surprises from the NFL squads, and a healthy dose of the San Jose icers.The NOR CAL Blog:All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.Don't forget to add us on  -- go now! Join in our heated discussions, and don't forget to share with your friends...The 49ers are debating moral victories again after the Colts game. One thing's for sure: losing Joe Staley and Nate Clements for most of the year won't help...We know our fans love baseball. So, since you asked, World Series watchers: Yankees in six. No, I can't stand the Evil Empire either -- and the Phillies clearly have what it takes. But this is the Yankees' year, and they're just too good. The key to a possible Phillies win? Somehow winning the battle of the bullpens. No, not Brad Lidge vs. Mariano Rivera -- the guys who pave the way for them. If C.C., A.J., and all-time winningest postseason pitcher Andy Pettitte finish what they start, six games may be an insult to the pinstripers...I've made a lot of the Giants' colorful nicknames this year. Now even their hitting coach has one: they've elevated Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens..."In his esteemed baseball archive, John Shea notes the Dodgers' marital stresses, along with some financial ones. He also links the Giants to two splashy free agent pitchers, of the international persuasion. For my money: no chance they lunge for Cuban 100 mph lefty Aroldis Chapman, whom I saw pitch live ("raw" is more like it) at the World Baseball Classic this spring. But the G-Men have made needed inroads into the Asian market, and it's true they might take the plunge for the impressive Japanese high school southpaw, Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi, favorite to go #1 overall in the ever-hypothetical international draft, has plenty of M.L. prospects and is actually more refined than the highly touted Chapman. What kind of Cuban name is Chapman, anyway?The Giants' Jeremy Affeldt, a friend of The NOR CAL Report, is up for an award for his crucial work with the Not For Sale Campagin...The Raiders coach and primary signal-caller (an outdated phrase if I've heard one) now say they've got an accord. Says I: not unless it's a Honda...I know, 49ers fans -- couldn't they tighten up on defense and win a jaw-crusher in Indy? Sure, they could. But weren't you listening? We've seen the defense play well before. What worries us is the offensive line struggles, now complicated by injury. I repeat what I said on (digital) air: Coach Singletary knows no one does running around like a chicken with his head cut off like Alex Smith. This Ray Ratto piece says Smith starting is Singletary's concession that his team can't run...The surprise isn't that FX is trotting out a sitcom about fantasy sports, it's that some people like it...Kings fans, take heart: in his column on '09-'10 potential breakouts, John Hollinger mentions not only Jason Thompson, but also Sean May as consistently productive players looking to nail down their roles. Of course, NOR CAL fans will also recognize Ike Diogu's name, and while it's true he's never had a full crack, it's also an exaggeration to call him consistently productive...A correction: I stupidly called Giants scouting guru "Bob Barr" on last week's show -- a bizarre throwback to my Georgia days. Bob, of course, helped impeach Pres. Clinton, ran against McCain and Obama, and held a mean poker face while donning a pimptastic mustache [below.] The Giants' lead scout, meanwhile, is Ron, of course...                                                        Speaking of name games: Until MattytheK pointed it out, I hadn't realized that Dodgers exbroiled exec Frank McCourt shares the same name as the late author. No, the writer who spent most of his life as a New York schoolteacher did not somehow buy the Dodgers -- but while we're on the subject, McCourt's fictionalized memoir Angela's Ashes is one of the great tours de force of 20th century.Thanks for an awesome first two years! We hope to offer many more -- so keep that feedback coming -- video? college sports? ladies beach volleyball?? -- and we'll see you again soon, on The NOR CAL Report! 

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With over 30,000 downloads since 2007, The NOR CAL Report (NorCalProSports.com) brings insightful coverage and exclusive interviews to the savvy Northern California pro sports fan. The NOR CAL Report is available through the iTunes store (search: NOR CAL Report) and digital outlets from Podbean to Technorati --with special features only available at NorCalProSports.com.** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **Welcome back to a brand new NOR CAL Report! This week, erstwhile Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard joins the lads for a firsthand tour of Raider Nation. Plus, with baseball and soccer in the rearview and football and hockey hitting full steam, there's plenty to chew on. Namely:The Raiders pull off the stunner of the season, riding Mr. 53 and a staunch defense to a victory over the front-running Phils. Is it possible, just possible, that the Raiders' new togetherness means better times ahead?The 49ers have two new additions: a contrite Michael Crabtree on the practice field, and a blazing "L" inscribed by the Atlanta Falcons. Which one truly indicates the team's new direction?The Sharks roll on, featuring improved play on defense. But wait, there's more -- the Sharkies also outscored both Bay Area football teams in the last week...The Earthquakes earn a pair of road points, and look to end their season with a bang as they square off with the Gals of L.A.;And the Giants re-sign two guys they hope can't be blamed for their putrid offense, while firing one guy who can. Jess is on the hot seat: do these moves aid, or kill, their upwardly mobile ways?We're movin' on up, on the West side -- on The NOR CAL Report!UP NEXT: The gridiron gangs try to beat recent history, and storied foes. Meanwhile, the Sharks heat up the ice while NOR CAL's NBA squads hope to squelch expectations. The NOR CAL Blog:All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.Trivia time. Q: What 49ers player has been with the team longer than any other? (Answer below.)Good news from the Warriors' preseason finale: the Wa's outscored New Orleans by 43 points with rookie Steph Curry on the floor. The bad, and the ugly: after almost two years of flogging the "Monta at point" idea, Don Nelson picked a strange time to confess, "A lot of people suspect it anyway, but it might be better to just let (Ellis) play the 2... Maybe asking him to play point guard was too much..."The verdict is in, and the Raiders' Tom Cable-Randy Hanson battery case is ruled -- in the football parlance -- incidental contact. Attorneys say that won't keep Hanson from filing a civil suit. What's left appears to be a desperate man (Hanson) acting in the good graces of a desperate man (Al Davis.) Can you imagine being Cable, and inheriting this shrill bumpkin as a part of your one and only shot at the big time? It won't happen, but if Cable pulls this team over .500, ever, he deserves a medal...Giants fans, have you been following the turmoil at the top of the L.A. Dodgers? With the McCourts going through a nasty divorce they couldn't keep out of the postseason papers, that makes two teams in the 5-team N.L. West being torn asunder by marital unrest...Amidst the anniversarial fiddle-faddle over the 1989 Loma Prieta / Bay Series Quake, S.F. Mayor Art Agnos sets the record straight about Commissioner Fay Vincent stopping, re-starting, or even moving the Fall Classic...Speaking of the Giants losing out, Henry Schulman explains why the timing of Tim Lincecum's call up -- May 6, 2007 -- drains the Giants' pocketbook... and didn't provide the boost it appeared on the field. Short version: one week's impatience is about to cost the Giants ten, or tens of, millions of dollars...Remember, technically, Michael Bush was starting over Darren McFadden even before McFadden's knee  betrayed him. If you're looking to make a little long-term hay in Vegas, what are the odds on Bush, who's done nothing but produce when given the chance, having the more successful NFL career?You heard him shout it out on the show, but the website for Thomas Howard, a.k.a. Mr. 53, is worth pointing out again. So far, he beats out Jeremy Affeldt for the Webby, "pro athlete" division...It's official: NOR CAL fan favorite Adonnal Foyle is going to the Hall of Fame! Okay, maybe not the NBA Hall of Fame. But this HOF might be just as important...Trivia Answer: Nutrition freak Jeff Ulbrich. However, not only is "Brick" so quiet you might never have guessed him, he's also seriously considering retirement after being placed on the I.R. with his umpteenth concussion. As Brick himself points out, "The game has definitely evolved - players are faster, stronger,bigger. The collisions are definitely more violent. I don't think your skull gets thicker or the brain gets tougher..." Tough break for one of the game's good guys.I love y'all so much, I'll throw in a bonus question. True or False: The Giants now have a farm team called the Flying Squirrels. Lock in your answers, then click here to find out.We're all about the love -- on The NOR CAL Report!

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With over 30,000 downloads since 2007, The NOR CAL Report (NorCalProSports.com) brings insightful coverage and exclusive interviews to the savvy Northern California pro sports fan. The NOR CAL Report isavailablethroughtheiTunes store (search: NOR CAL Report) and digitaloutlets fromPodbean toTechnorati --with special features onlyavailable at NorCalProSports.com.** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **Dig in your heels, it's a high, hard one -- on The NOR CAL Report! First-ballot Hall Of Famer and Giant among men Randy Johnson joins the lads for an exclusive peek inside his illustrious career. Plus, almost all the NOR CAL pro teams -- plus your Cal Bears -- are making headlines, so we're covering a lot of ground:The Cal Bears make their NOR CAL Report debut -- and perhaps their swan song, as they take a massive dive against the Ducks. With USC looming, their promising season threatens to end before it's begun...The 49ers come within two seconds of Brett Favre and Minnesota. But is it true the face of the franchise -- unquestioned authority figger Mike Singletary -- suddenly is a moral victory kind of guy?The Raiders stink on ice at home, and are mercifully blacked out. 'Nuff said...The Giants are fading fast from the pennant chase, but have nothing but some back-slapping to do for this year. Oh yeah: minus a few helpful hints toward fixing their dreadful offense;And the A's wrap up their best month in three years, thanks to a lot of shrewd development and a little addition by subtraction. So what's the blueprint for next year -- and how long before this window closes?The Earthquakes break a long road unbeaten streak and divide the United in D.C.;The Kings hire a new head man -- but will it make a difference?Finally, the Warriors make waves as only they can, with Monta one-upping Jack's trade request with a whine all his own. The good news: like the Raiders, no team this bad is in the mood to credential Indies like us, so we can tell the truth on this sorry saga!We call 'em like we see 'em -- on The NOR CAL Report!UP NEXT: Raiders stalwart 'backer Thomas Howard joins Jess for a breakdown of the great, strange land called Raider Nation. Plus, baseball's out, football's in, and basketball is (sigh) just around the corner!The NOR CAL Blog:All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.Yes! Yes, I know! The 49ers signed Michael Crabtree. What's even more amazing than the speed at which it happened, is the terms of the contract. Here's how to understand it: the sixth year isn't a concession to the young receiver, it's the Niners saying, "if you go from big-time pain in the ass to two-time Pro Bowler, we get to keep you for just $4 million..."In case you've never seen Randy Johnson kill anyone, here you go. My PC had the strangest tick last week: every time I clicked to listen to the show (it's true, I'm in this to hear the sound of my own voice) rather than hear our Tom Petty intro, I'd get shuttled to this YouTube clip, of Randy Johnson killing a bird. Fastball; BOOM!; feathers... Fastball; BOOM!; feathers... Best virus I've ever had!Some Giants fans may be forgiven a little confusion, when the home crowd cheers Rich Aurilia like he's Manny Ramirez. (What's wrong with the Giants in a nutshell?) But Aurilia has been through a lot in S.F.. Says a tearful Richie: "I'm proud of the way the team played and the way I handled myself. I'm not going to any Hall of Fame or chasing any records. If it's about to end, then I'm OK with that"...What's a 52-29 home record worth in today's economy? A rockin' 2.8 million fans, playoffs or no. Apropos of nothing, the Giants have the two best nicknames in baseball: Pablo "the Panda" Sandoval, and Eugenio Velez's new monicker, Count Chocula...                        We know this team won't be raising payroll much. But since you asked, what does it take to make it a true contender? Pretty simple. Re-sign Brad Penny, and turn Jonathan Sanchez, some spare parts from the farm, and $20 million into Prince Fielder (by trade) and Jason Bay (free agent.) By the way, to all those, like Lex, who thought the Giants missed their window on trading Sanchez last winter -- he looks like a guy who's turned the corner. Brian Sabean has made hay trading good looking young pitchers again and again...Personally, I don't think it's a big deal if cops at a Raiders game are actually Raiders fans -- go for it. But when the cop snaps a 49ers fan's elbow without provocation -- well, I guess you call that a rivalry...Regarding the Raiders' attempts to play in the NFL without any media coverage: Scott Ostler can only offer up his own lies and insinuations...Thanks as always for checking out the blog, and for tuning in to The NOR CAL Report!

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With over 30,000 downloads since 2007, The NOR CAL Report (NorCalProSports.com) brings insightful coverage and exclusive interviews to the savvy Northern California pro sports fan. The NOR CAL Report isavailablethroughthe iTunes store (search: NOR CAL Report) and digitaloutlets fromPodbean to Technorati --with special features onlyavailable at NorCalProSports.com.** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **Check out www.lexxxluthor.com for details on Lex's European tour with German band The Mainstream!It's all systems go -- on The NOR CAL Report! This week, all four in-season squads check in with big victories. And there's more coming down the pipe:The 49ers have a pair of smashing division wins, and a pristine 2-0 record. They've made a lot of changes, but a big one has come at the very top...The Raiders flounder, then pull out an unlikely road victory. Could there be two gutty, flawed, smash-mouth winners straddling the Bay?The Giants are still in this thing -- barely. Speaking of flaws, what fun is a hero who's got it all? The Giants are so up and down, it's actually fun to think about missing the playoffs and fixing the roster...And don't look now, but the A's can't lose, spilling playoff hopefuls in their wake. Are Rajai and the young guns farther along than we thought?Plus, Lex is back and happy to weigh in on the Sharks' Heatley deal. But he knows one guy that could keep Dany and co. from Lord Stanley -- and why does Heatley's dark past remind the lads of a seemy Giants news flash?The NOR CAL scene is hoppin', and there's always room for more -- on The NOR CAL Report!UP NEXT: Future Hall Of Famer Randy Johnson joins Jess and Lex for an exclusive interview, just as he rejoins the Giants for the postseason hunt. Join the lads for their once-in-a-lifetime visit with the Big Unit! Plus, the Giants and A's wrap up the regular season, as the NFL squads look to stay hot on Sunday.The NOR CAL Blog:All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.Trivia Question: What MLB team's starting lineup features a pair of hitters who backed up current NFL starters at quarterback while in college? (Answer below.)If you're wondering why, in the midst of a pennant drive, pundits keep complaining about the Giants' offensive futility, bear in mind: their .308 on-base percentage is somehow 35 points lower than the Washington Nationals...With Barry Bonds on trial, Jim Caple contributes the obligatory Bring Back Barry column. I wouldn't mention it, but for a good line on the S.F.-L.A. rivalry being under-appreciated back east: "Pedro Martinez only shoved Don Zimmer; it's not like he ever hit him over the head with a bat..."S.I. players poll: the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum is players' tip-top, least favorite place to play in; meanwhile, the Raiders were picked by majority of ESPN readers to be the worst team in football -- more than twice as many as 0-16 Detroit. Some good news in Oakland? The A's, long accused of a three-run homer addiction, lead baseball in steals since the All-Star Break...By the way, Colorado is 45-14 when Carlos Gonzalez starts... And how 'bout the A's 6-man rotation idea? No, it won't last into next season -- because good baseball people know pitchers have to actually pitch. Regularly. Don't worry, if your problem is too many quality starting pitchers, you're moving in the right direction...Yes, one of the most shocking stories of the ball season comes out of the Dominican Republic, where Giants top prospect Angel Villalona is under arrest for murder. I'm honestly not comfortable saying anything more, but here's a teammate of Villalona's who touches on the man in his surprisingly crisp blog...Trivia Answer: The Colorado Rockies. OF Seth Smith backed up Eli Manning at Ole Miss; 1B Todd Helton held the clipboard for Eli's brother Payton at Tennessee.That's all for this week. But don't miss next week's gem with the Big Unit! Randy Johnson's best response? I asked him what's been his favorite, proudest moment -- World Series MVP, 300th victory, throwing that pitch over John Kruk's head -- tune in next week for the answer! And thanks as always for tuning in to The NOR CAL Report.

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With over 30,000 downloads since 2007, The NOR CAL Report (NorCalProSports.com) brings insightful coverage and exclusive interviews to the savvy Northern California pro sports fan. The NOR CAL Report isavailablethroughtheiTunes store (search: NOR CAL Report) and digitaloutlets fromPodbean toTechnorati --with special features onlyavailable at NorCalProSports.com. ** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **Check out www.lexxxluthor.com and follow Lex as he tours with his European band The Mainstream in Germany and Holland.It's Opening Day, football style -- on The NOR CAL Report! And when football season rolls around, and there's still meaningful baseball to talk about -- now, that's something special. Plus, the local hockey squad has squeezed into the news in big fashion! To wit:The 49ers go to the desert looking for a big division win -- and get one. But can they be serious about the run-first philosophy after this performance?The Raiders come oh-so-close to a big division win of their own. Does this game mean they're as improved as they looked - and just how did it slip away?The Giantscome home to an N.L. West fest, hoping to stay afloat against those hoping to stomp them to the netherworld. When you think they're in,they're out; but when you think they're done, there they are. And the story continues...The A's can't make their own postseason waves, but they can take some names, including those of the Texas Rangers. The young team is under water, but the periscope shows a bright future, and (shh!) a pretty decent present;And the Sharks make big waves of their own, finally netting the big fish they swore they'd catch. But can former Sen Dany Heatley lead them to the big water?UP NEXT: Future Hall Of Famer Randy Johnson joins Jess and Lex for an exclusive interview, just as he joins the Giants for the postseason hunt. Join the lads for their once-in-a-lifetime visit with the Big Unit! Plus: The Raiders and Niners look to ride tough defense to big wins against old foes; and, Lex's take on the big Sharks trade.The NOR CAL Blog:All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.Wondering about Randy Johnson, who shapes up to be the oldest Giants reliever ever? Yes, he threw that simulated game, and yes, he says he has a torn -- not strained -- labrum. What's the difference? Medically, it's a matter of degrees. If it's a bad enough strain, with enough fraying, they'll call it torn. Remember, in the same vein, almost every pitcher has a partly torn rotator cuff -- throwing a spheroid with an overhand motion is just not natural to the human body. But as a pitcher, I've had surgery to repair a torn labrum, and I can tell you: pitching through one can be mighty painful. It's almost impossible to throw through, not around, that sharp pain. For the moment, the Unit claims he's pain free -- and no one's ever dared question his toughness...Say the Giants do make the playoffs. Is there any historical precedent for a postseason qualifier with an offense this bad?A's fans, noticed a trend? Not only has Matt Holliday propelled the Cards to the top (48 RBI in 47 games), but the man Oakland traded for him, Carlos Gonzalez, is going crazy in Colorado, hitting .329 with 10 HR since the break. Fluke? Just remember, CarGo also hit .339 at AAA this year, with OPS over 1.000 in both cases...Raider rooters, forgot exactly where Louis Murphy came from? It was the fourth round in 2009, and if it weren't for a catch overturned by replay, he would have had 2 TDs and over 100 yards in the physical opener vs. San Diego...Not for nothing, but 39 year-old Mariano Rivera's current streak of 36 straight saves is his longest ever -- and in mid-September, the Yankees are simply everyone's pick for best team in baseball. The best team in the National League? The smart money's still on the Colorado Rockies...Hard to know what to make of the Raiders dumping Jeff Garcia, except for Lex's admonition that "the patient" is in charge, and patient Davis likes the deep ball -- ergo, JaMarcus Russell. Too bad, given that Darren McFadden looks like a terrific young receiver. Meanwhile, the Eagles, fresh off the news about Donovan McNabb's ribs, couldn't be happier to have the three-time Pro Bowler...Ever find yourself in a packed bar at 2 a.m., screaming out Don't Stop Believin'? Then you'll understand why Journey's Steve Perry is p.o.'d at the L.A. Dodgers...Remember as always, to subscribe -- and tell your friends! We never stop believin' -- in The NOR CAL Report!

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With over 30,000 downloads since 2007, The NOR CAL Report (NorCalProSports.com) brings insightful coverage and exclusive interviews to the savvy Northern California pro sports fan. The NOR CAL Report isavailablethroughthe iTunes store (search: NOR CAL Report) and digitaloutlets fromPodbean to Technorati --with special features onlyavailable at NorCalProSports.com. ** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **Check out www.lexxxluthor.com and follow Lex as he tours with his European band The Mainstream in Germany and Holland.This week, it's a special edition of The NOR CAL Report, as the newest Giant, Buster Posey, joins Jess for a sit down on all things pro ball.With Lex in Europe and Jess gearin' up for the stretch drive at the ol'ballpark, it's a short show this week -- but the September madnesslends the perfect opportunity to check out some of our greatest material so far! Scroll back just a few days, or all the way back to our Monta Ellis, Joe Thornton, Matt Cain, or Too Short episodes!UP NEXT: The Giants look to pull ahead, the A's press on, and the Raiders and Niners hope to start off on the good foot! Remember to keep coming back for all the action -- on The NOR CAL Report!The NOR CAL Blog:All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.Trivia Question: Who has the most hits of any active player who's never reached the postseason? (Answer below.)To say that Brian Sabean and the Giants have reversed course on Posey and Madison Bumgarner may be an understatement. Hey, no hard feelings -- this time of year, anything goes. Now Sabean jokes that the Giants "were just waiting until [Bum] turned 20 and we could get around the child labor laws...."Am I remembering this wrong, or didn't Raiders fans, even in recent years, hold out some hope through the preseason? The biggest news was positive, mostly the promise of high draft picks JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden. But after the Hayward-Bey draft, the Cable-Hanson debacle, and now the whole Richard Seymour vibe -- even by Raiders standards, it seems like the punch line came way ahead of the joke this year...Speaking of refusing to report, here's a great article connecting the Michael Crabtree holdout, Deion Sanders, and last year's tampering investigation of the 49ers (here's the vid of Primetime shilling for Crab's agent)... A salary dispute helped the Niners steal a terrific replacement for Marvel Smith at tackle... Word there also that former Niners are promoting a bold new site, www.trenchfantasy.com, which finally incorporates line play into the NFL's fantasy behemoth. Act now, for the real deal...Is the Crabtree drama a major crimp in the Niners' fortunes, or not? Yes and no. Yes, in that he really could have turned into their #1 WR option within just a few games (and Vernon Davis was a Pro Bowl alternate for his blocking, not his stone hands.) No, because in an offense led by the stalwart but scatterarmed Shawn Hill, San Francisco's success depends more on pounding opponents than floating airy fade passes. Football as it should be.My thoughts on Prince Fielder and the Brewers' elaborate, pre-planned HR celebration? That's so bush, I can't believe it happened anywhere near the Major Leagues. As a pitcher, would I throw at them for that? Call me old school, but yes, without a doubt -- even, as Torii Hunter suggests, as a member of another team. What's next, the portly vegetarian peels his shirt off and does a lap around the field? Yuck...                           Not for nothing, but A's (and Giants) fans have probably realized, a team that relies on Brett Tomko to shore up its rotation has given up hope...When Pedro Martinez downed the Giants in the rubber game in Philly, he moved to 3-0 in his first five starts. Remarkable -- because he's got a winning record after five starts for the fifteenth straight year. That's the most... in the history of mankind. The guy who had fourteen: Christy Mathewson, starting in 1901. No wonder Eugenio Velez, who homered off Pedro to lead things off, called him the greatest pitcher he'd ever faced...Trivia Answer: Randy Winn.Thanks for sticking with us through another long week! Lex promises fresh strudel for all listeners as soon as he gets back -- just write to norcalprosports@gmail.com!

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With over 30,000 downloads since 2007, The NOR CAL Report (NorCalProSports.com) brings insightful coverage and exclusive interviews to the savvy Northern California pro sports fan. The NOR CAL Report isavailablethrough the iTunes store (search: NOR CAL Report) and digitaloutlets from Podbean to Technorati --with special features onlyavailable at NorCalProSports.com. ** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **Check out www.lexxxluthor.com and follow Lex as he tours with his European band The Mainstream in Germany and Holland. It's Labor Day week, and The NOR CAL Report is puttin' in overtime! This week, the Giants are back from the dead, and challenging for an October surprise, while the A's look to a distant future, and the football and basketball squads hope the future is now. Plus:The Raiders have the talent to go toe-to-toe with half the teams in the league. So why are the players looking at the cellar, while the head coach stares down jail time? Lex knows; and Jess has a feeling who's for real, and who's a mirage...The 49ers have a lot to crow about, a few very real fears, and a surprise face of the franchise -- while a major media outlet has them pegged for dead last...The Giants are last week's major miracle, and pray their unlikely sweep against Colorado leads them through a rare successful road trip. And don't look now, but guess who's taken the mantle;The Earthquakes are just hoping for one step forward, one step back -- and they've managed to beat a weak sister for that step ahead...While the Warriors are up to their old tricks, balancing an imbalanced roster with a disgruntled star -- a recipe Wa's fans are oh too familiar with.There's nothin' like that old home cookin' in the heat of summer -- on The NOR CAL Report!UP NEXT: It's Buster redux, as Giants phenom Buster Posey joins Jess for a chat about life in the pros. Plus, look forward to the Reporters' favorite pieces; guest stars Monta Ellis, Matt Cain, Joe Thornton and co. remind us why The NOR CAL Report is your destination for this season's sports scene.The NOR CAL Blog:All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.Fans of the invaluable Eli Whiteside: wondering who the next nobody will be who comes along and saves the Giants' season? Among September call ups, Waldis Joaquin stands out. Since posting an ERA over 4.00 in the Sally League just last year, the 22-year-old Dominican has come on strong. When the Giants promoted him to set up at Triple-A, he struck out sixteen (versus seven baserunners) in just 8 games. With their bullpen showing signs of wear, Joaquin is a fresh arm who just might be for real...Speaking of Whiteside, latest hero Brad Penny says, "There's not a guy who's called a better game for me in my career." With his defense, he could stick for years even hitting .212, ala Brad Ausmus. And with pitch-calling the least advanced of surprise call up Buster Posey's skills, Eli is suddenly in a position to lead...There's word here that the A's Andrew Bailey not only made an impressive R.O.Y. push in August, he actually did not give up a run -- or even a walk. Other relievers, take note: this is how it's done. In the same piece, Erik Karabell says the Giants placed a waiver claim on all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman, although a trade agreement was never reached...As for the Rrraiders, their final preseason games highlight problems that promise to outlast Chaz Shillins' injury. Chiefly: when things go wrong at quarterback, who will step up? And if you're tired of hearing us dog the Raiders, well, their underachieving neighbors, the Warriors, have just released the schedule of the teams assigned to outscore them...And seriously, write us, or leave a comment: are the Raiders the most penalized team of all time? This is history class; site your sources. Positive reinforcement, I promise, for 'A' students...I'd love to ease off on the Raiders, really but permit me one more report: it's embedded in a piece on British soccer is an ESPN the Mag poll, in which readers are asked to predict a few events in the next decade. The results? The U.S. is more than twice as likely to win the World Cup as the Raiders are to win the Super Bowl. Unkind? You bet. Inaccurate? Yeah. And in the interest of fairness: pigs flying was not among the choices...Why is the A's story about Miguel Tejada allegedly tipping pitches to opponents in 2001 suddenly such a big deal? (Why is A-Rod accused of the same thing, around the same time? Is this somehow a performance enhancing drug story spinoff?) But the biggest question: why has the Sac Bee, linked by ESPN.com, now deleted the story?One man who knows more about October than anyone this side of Mariano Rivera went to a pennant contender for a hundred grand or so. And mark my words -- there's an excellent chance John Smoltz, 42 and rehabbing or not, throws some tremendous clutch innings in the playoffs once more...Scanning the waiver wire for fantasy bargains in 2010? I doubt ambidextrous wunderkind Billy Wagner is finished yet. Yes, he turns 39 next summer. But Wagner's already throwing 96; his career WHIP is lower than Mo Rivera's, and the last time he failed to strike out more than a batter per inning was: never...Finally, you want my take on the N.L. wild card race? Here's the facts. It's statistically more likely that a team other than Colorado or S.F. wins the wild card -- the Braves and Tommy Hanson, probably; even the Marlins or Cubs -- than the Giants actually taking this thing. That's just reality. But the fun of it: you can be sure, Giants fans, that more unlikely things have happened. And that, in a nutshell, are why the Giants have already sold out the entire Dodgers and Rockies series. I don't have to tell you, it's been years since this kind of buzz -- go drop the dollars and take advantage.We're all about the comforts of home -- but as Lex'll tell you, sometimes it's time to spread your wings. We'll hit you up from all over the globe, and never miss a beat -- on The NOR CAL Report!

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