mercurynews--2020-03-06--Bubble Watch: Flipping hits 8-year high, but not in California

“ Bubble Watch ” digs into trends that may indicate economic and/or housing market troubles ahead .
Buzz : House flipping is up to an eight-year high … but not in California !
U.S. homes were flipped 245,864 times last year — up 6.9 % in a year at a pace equal to 6.2 % of all sales , the highest since 2011 .
But in California , the 20,755 flips were down 0.9 % from 2018 and 5.6 % of all sales .
Only 12 of the 45 states ranked had a bigger drop and the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 .
If you think of the quick-selling “ flipping ” game … then flashback to the bubble mania of a decade-plus ago … you might feel a chill .
In most of the U.S. , flipping levels are way off from those days of made-for-TV peaks .
U.S. flipping in 2019 was 30 % below 2005 ’ s peak of 350,684 quick resales .
In California , flipping ranks 60 % below 2005 ’ s peak of 52,376 quick resales .
( Note : These are homes or condos involved in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Flipping ’ s muted status in California is unlikely the result of some rare , real estate sanity .
It ’ s most likely a symptom of few bargains to be found in California .
Let ’ s compare what flipped last year in California with the U.S. Statewide , a typical 2019 flip was a 1,408-square-foot , 50-year-old residence .
It was flipped for a median $ 445,000 — third-highest among the states — but it cost $ 351,500 — second highest — to acquire .
Sure , that equals a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs ) , but that ’ s only a 27 % simple return on investment — and only nine ranked states were lower .
By the way , a typical California flip , buy to resale , took 182 days — a middling No .
23 quickest .
Nationally , flippers used a similar-sized but newer property ( 1,440 square feet , 39 years ) that sold for a median $ 217,900 after being purchased for $ 155,000 .
That equaled a $ 62,900 gross profit , or a 41 % return .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
In Los Angeles and Orange counties , 5,638 homes were flipped last year , or 5.9 % of all sales , the No .
31 share among the 50 largest metro areas .
Last year ’ s flipping was down 3.6 % from 2018 , when only nine metros had bigger dips .
Flipping was down 62 % from 2005 ’ s peak of 14,645 quick resales .
Typical L.A.-O.C .
flip ?
1,385-square-foot , 59-year-old residence , sold for a median $ 623,750 , third-highest among the 50 .
Compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that equals a $ 134,250 gross profit or 27 % return — 15th lowest .
A typical flip took 189 days , only 12 metros were slower .
In Riverside and San Bernardino counties : 3,684 flips last year or 6.3 % of all sales , No .
29 among the large metros , and down 0.5 % from 2018 , the No .
34 performance .
This is off 67 % from 2005 ’ s peak of 11,247 quick resales .
And a typical Inland Empire flip ?
1,537-square-foot , 37-year-old residence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , No .
10 highest .
The $ 270,000 purchase price means $ 80,000 in gross profit or a 30 % return — 19th lowest .
It took 177 days .
On a scale of zero bubbles ( no bubble here ) to five bubbles ( five-alarm warning ) … ONE BUBBLE … and I would have said “ no bubble here , ” but it ’ s all-but-guaranteed that if California flippers had more opportunity , they ’ d be doing it more .
Flipping isn ’ t always bad .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly upgrade properties .
But this group does occasionally get , let ’ s say , too passionate about their buy-fix-sell opportunities .
Note that amid 2015 ’ s real estate insanity , California represented 15 % of all U.S. flipping .
Last year it was just 8 % .
Such figures suggest that in an already tight California housing market , flippers are finding competition from wannabe homeowners to rental investors to the emerging “ e-buyer ” instant cash buyers .
All of which makes flip properties even more difficult to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s a good sign .
But if you want to worry about flipping madness , and real estate angst can spread nationally , look to Texas where flipping jumped 15 % to a record high 16,588 last year .
Only eight markets tracked states had bigger jumps .
Arkansas , North Carolina , West Virginia and Wyoming also had record numbers of flipped homes .
And the typical Lone Star flip ?
A 1,744-square-foot , 31-year-old residence , sold for a median $ 212,188 ( No .
23 highest ) after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 36,188 gross profit , or a 21 % return .
That ’ s below California and only four states were worse .
And that flip took 175 days .
Limited profitability was noted by Todd Teta , Attom ’ s chief product officer .
Nationwide margins are the thinnest since the Great Recession .
“ That ’ s not to say that the home-flipping industry is tanking or losing its allure for investors because home flipping rates are higher than they ’ ve been in eight years .
But profits did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Valley Fair takes off wraps on $ 1.1 billion mall expansion in South Bay

“Bubble Watch” digs into trends that may indicate economic and/or housing market troubles ahead.
Buzz: House flipping is up to an eight-year high … but not in California!
Source: Attom Data Solutions
The Trend
U.S. homes were flipped 245,864 times last year — up 6.9% in a year at a pace equal to 6.2% of all sales, the highest since 2011. But in California, the 20,755 flips were down 0.9% from 2018 and 5.6% of all sales. Only 12 of the 45 states ranked had a bigger drop and the state’s flipping share was a mid-range No. 26.
The Dissection
If you think of the quick-selling “flipping” game … then flashback to the bubble mania of a decade-plus ago … you might feel a chill. In most of the U.S., flipping levels are way off from those days of made-for-TV peaks.
U.S. flipping in 2019 was 30% below 2005’s peak of 350,684 quick resales. In California, flipping ranks 60% below 2005’s peak of 52,376 quick resales. (Note: These are homes or condos involved in a pair of transactions within 12 months.)
Flipping’s muted status in California is unlikely the result of some rare, real estate sanity. It’s most likely a symptom of few bargains to be found in California.
Let’s compare what flipped last year in California with the U.S.
Statewide, a typical 2019 flip was a 1,408-square-foot, 50-year-old residence. It was flipped for a median $445,000 — third-highest among the states — but it cost $351,500 — second highest — to acquire. Sure, that equals a $93,500 gross profit (before any costs), but that’s only a 27% simple return on investment — and only nine ranked states were lower. By the way, a typical California flip, buy to resale, took 182 days — a middling No. 23 quickest.
Nationally, flippers used a similar-sized but newer property (1,440 square feet, 39 years) that sold for a median $217,900 after being purchased for $155,000. That equaled a $62,900 gross profit, or a 41% return. And it took 178 days to flip it.
SoCal view
In Los Angeles and Orange counties, 5,638 homes were flipped last year, or 5.9% of all sales, the No. 31 share among the 50 largest metro areas. Last year’s flipping was down 3.6% from 2018, when only nine metros had bigger dips. Flipping was down 62% from 2005’s peak of 14,645 quick resales.
Typical L.A.-O.C. flip? 1,385-square-foot, 59-year-old residence, sold for a median $623,750, third-highest among the 50. Compared with the $489,500 purchase price, that equals a $134,250 gross profit or 27% return — 15th lowest. A typical flip took 189 days, only 12 metros were slower.
In Riverside and San Bernardino counties: 3,684 flips last year or 6.3% of all sales, No. 29 among the large metros, and down 0.5% from 2018, the No. 34 performance. This is off 67% from 2005’s peak of 11,247 quick resales.
And a typical Inland Empire flip? 1,537-square-foot, 37-year-old residence, sold for a median $350,000, No. 10 highest. The $270,000 purchase price means $80,000 in gross profit or a 30% return — 19th lowest. It took 177 days.
How bubbly?
On a scale of zero bubbles (no bubble here) to five bubbles (five-alarm warning) … ONE BUBBLE … and I would have said “no bubble here,” but it’s all-but-guaranteed that if California flippers had more opportunity, they’d be doing it more.
Flipping isn’t always bad. These investors provide liquidity to homebuying and they quickly upgrade properties. But this group does occasionally get, let’s say, too passionate about their buy-fix-sell opportunities.
Note that amid 2015’s real estate insanity, California represented 15% of all U.S. flipping. Last year it was just 8%. Such figures suggest that in an already tight California housing market, flippers are finding competition from wannabe homeowners to rental investors to the emerging “e-buyer” instant cash buyers. All of which makes flip properties even more difficult to find.
And for the California market, that’s a good sign.
But if you want to worry about flipping madness, and real estate angst can spread nationally, look to Texas where flipping jumped 15% to a record high 16,588 last year. Only eight markets tracked states had bigger jumps. Arkansas, North Carolina, West Virginia and Wyoming also had record numbers of flipped homes.
And the typical Lone Star flip? A 1,744-square-foot, 31-year-old residence, sold for a median $212,188 (No. 23 highest) after a $176,000 purchase. That left a $36,188 gross profit, or a 21% return. That’s below California and only four states were worse. And that flip took 175 days.
Limited profitability was noted by Todd Teta, Attom’s chief product officer. Nationwide margins are the thinnest since the Great Recession.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--Kurtenbach: How did Stephen Curry look in his return to the court? My observations

SAN FRANCISCO — It took nearly 20 minutes of game action to show up , full bore , but Stephen Curry ’ s magic returned to the court Thursday .
It was a desperation heave at the end of the shot clock — a flailing 30-foot 3-pointer that somehow found the bottom of the net — brought all of Chase Center out of their seats .
• Steph Curry excites in return as Warriors fall to Raptors , 121-113 • First impressions of Steph Curry ’ s first game back with Warriors • Warriors don ’ t have timetable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Looney ( hip ) to return • Photos track Stephen Curry ’ s road to recovery from hand injury to NBA return • Watch : Warriors ’ Steph Curry is back , so is his fabulous pregame routine Before that basket , Curry ’ s return to the court after a 58-game absence had been inauspicious — at least by his lofty , eminently entertaining standards .
A couple makes , a couple of misses .
A few nice passes , but a turnover and some miscommunications , too .
He was rusty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected .
He missed a bunch of time .
But after that shot , he was absolutely tremendous , finishing the game with 23 points , seven rebounds , and seven assists , albeit in a spirited but losing effort — Golden State lost to Toronto 121-113 .
The tight handle was there .
The vision was there .
The verve was there .
The energy that Curry can ’ t help but bring to the court and the arena , on the whole , was there .
Yes , that long , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point for Curry ’ s game Thursday .
No , it was also the moment where one of the great relationships in all of sports — the one between Curry and a home Warriors ’ crowd — was rekindled .
• Steph Curry excites in return as Warriors fall to Raptors , 121-113 • First impressions of Steph Curry ’ s first game back with Warriors • Warriors don ’ t have timetable for Draymond Green ( knee ) and Kevon Looney ( hip ) to return • Photos track Stephen Curry ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to NBA return • Watch : Warriors ’ Steph Curry is back , so is his fabulous pregame routine Oh , how the Warriors fans missed Curry .
Chase Center was loud Thursday — as loud as it has been all season .
There were chants of M-V-P and a spontaneous and full-throated yell of “ Warrrrrrriors ” at the beginning of the fourth quarter .
But it was evident that Curry missed the Warriors fans , too .
“ I ’ m happy to be back in my happy place , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Curry had only played 51 minutes of regular-season basketball in Chase Center before he and the worst team in the NBA took on the Raptors .
So while it was a return , it was also , in a way , another debut for Curry .
Not new , but not broken in — there was still a strangeness , a peculiarity , to No .
30 playing in the arena he effectively built .
• Steph Curry excites in return as Warriors fall to Raptors , 121-113 • First impressions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Warriors • Warriors don ’ t have timetable for Draymond Green ( knee ) and Kevon Looney ( hip ) to return • Photos track Stephen Curry ’ s road to recovery from hand injury to NBA return • Watch : Warriors ’ Steph Curry is back , so is his fabulous pregame routine After the morning shootaround before the game against the Raptors at the new arena , Curry held court with the media , but he needed to be reminded of the new protocols for scrums .
Back in Oakland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small table in the practice facility .
In San Francisco , where space is at a premium even the Warriors can ’ t afford , the interviewee holds a microphone .
Just another little thing for the Warriors ’ star to figure out .
Next on that list : his new teammates .
After one game , it ’ s still , unsurprisingly , a work in progress .
Curry didn ’ t return to play with Draymond Green — he ’ s out with a knee injury .
Klay Thompson won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall .
His backcourt partner to start the season — D ’ Angelo Russell — was traded weeks ago .
Even Kevon Looney was sidelined .
Amid a starting lineup where three players were on a two-way or a 10-day contract as recently as this season , Curry opened Thursday ’ s game as a willing passer .
It was hardly surprising — the Raptors defense had all eyes on him from the opening tip .
But Curry made sure those passes had some razzle-dazzle , though .
He tried so many behind-the-back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Curry claimed after the game that he was not making a conscious effort to pass with his left hand , but it ’ s hard to believe that he wasn ’ t out to prove that he was back to 100 percent .
But each pass was a reminder of what makes him special : even on the rare occasion his shot isn ’ t falling , Curry makes a big impact on the game — he ’ s still entertaining .
• Steph Curry excites in return as Warriors fall to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steph Curry ’ s first game back with Warriors • Warriors don ’ t have timetable for Draymond Green ( knee ) and Kevon Looney ( hip ) to return • Photos track Stephen Curry ’ s road to recovery from hand injury to NBA return • Watch : Warriors ’ Steph Curry is back , so is his fabulous pregame routine Remember when professional entertainers wanted to entertain ?
On the shooting front , Curry missed his first four 3-pointers Thursday , but then he started to look like the greatest shooter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flailing 3 .
It ’ ll take a while for everything to congeal with Curry and these Baby Dubs .
That ’ s if it ever congeals .
The Warriors are hoping that the final weeks of the season will be a springboard for next season , that Curry can create momentum for another title run .
But Thursday ’ s contest highlighted the reality of the situation : these games down the stretch are more a tryout for the Warriors ’ young players .
Yes , Curry will need to figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they will need to figure out how to play with him , too .
Despite it being Curry ’ s first game back in months , he was playing faster than his teammates Thursday .
Curry ’ s trademark constant kinetic play found him open pockets against the Toronto defense time and time again .
Yes , his patented reset shot .
Friday ’ s film session could easily be filled by all the times Curry ’ s teammates didn ’ t see him in the corner , wide open ( by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the positive affect Curry had on the Warriors ’ play was unmistakable .
His “ gravity ” , aka his innate , unparalleled ability to bend a defense in his direction , is not a myth — it ’ s real and was in full effect , despite his slow start Thursday .
Even without his shot but certainly , after it arrived , Curry created wide-open shots and cutting lanes for his teammates on nearly every possession .
The Warriors — who have been offensively and particularly 3-point challenged with Curry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ franchise-record 52 shots from distance tonight .
Sure , the Dubs only made 14 , with Curry making three , but that getting up that many shots — few of them tightly contested — can not be a coincidence .
It seems so obvious that it might be ridiculous to note , but Curry being on the court , even for only 27 minutes Thursday , made his teammates better .
Now imagine what happens when these new faces in new places start to become familiar to the Baby Faced Assassin .

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SAN FRANCISCO — It took nearly 20 minutes of game action to show up, full bore, but Stephen Curry’s magic returned to the court Thursday.
It was a desperation heave at the end of the shot clock — a flailing 30-foot 3-pointer that somehow found the bottom of the net — brought all of Chase Center out of their seats.
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Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role Golden State Warriors | Warriors to face Suns on NBA Opening Night, per report Before that basket, Curry’s return to the court after a 58-game absence had been inauspicious — at least by his lofty, eminently entertaining standards.
A couple makes, a couple of misses. A few nice passes, but a turnover and some miscommunications, too.
He was rusty to start. That was to be expected. He missed a bunch of time.
But after that shot, he was absolutely tremendous, finishing the game with 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, albeit in a spirited but losing effort — Golden State lost to Toronto 121-113.
The tight handle was there. The vision was there. The verve was there. The energy that Curry can’t help but bring to the court and the arena, on the whole, was there.
Yes, that long, improbable make was more than a turning point for Curry’s game Thursday. No, it was also the moment where one of the great relationships in all of sports — the one between Curry and a home Warriors’ crowd — was rekindled.
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Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role Golden State Warriors | Warriors to face Suns on NBA Opening Night, per report Oh, how the Warriors fans missed Curry. Chase Center was loud Thursday — as loud as it has been all season. There were chants of M-V-P and a spontaneous and full-throated yell of “Warrrrrrriors” at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
But it was evident that Curry missed the Warriors fans, too.
“I’m happy to be back in my happy place, for sure,” Curry said.
Remember, Curry had only played 51 minutes of regular-season basketball in Chase Center before he and the worst team in the NBA took on the Raptors.
So while it was a return, it was also, in a way, another debut for Curry. Not new, but not broken in — there was still a strangeness, a peculiarity, to No. 30 playing in the arena he effectively built.
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Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role Golden State Warriors | Warriors to face Suns on NBA Opening Night, per report After the morning shootaround before the game against the Raptors at the new arena, Curry held court with the media, but he needed to be reminded of the new protocols for scrums. Back in Oakland, there was a microphone on a small table in the practice facility. In San Francisco, where space is at a premium even the Warriors can’t afford, the interviewee holds a microphone.
Just another little thing for the Warriors’ star to figure out.
Next on that list: his new teammates.
After one game, it’s still, unsurprisingly, a work in progress.
Curry didn’t return to play with Draymond Green — he’s out with a knee injury. Klay Thompson won’t play for the Warriors until next fall. His backcourt partner to start the season — D’Angelo Russell — was traded weeks ago. Even Kevon Looney was sidelined.
Amid a starting lineup where three players were on a two-way or a 10-day contract as recently as this season, Curry opened Thursday’s game as a willing passer. It was hardly surprising — the Raptors defense had all eyes on him from the opening tip.
But Curry made sure those passes had some razzle-dazzle, though. He tried so many behind-the-back left-handed passes Thursday, I lost count. Curry claimed after the game that he was not making a conscious effort to pass with his left hand, but it’s hard to believe that he wasn’t out to prove that he was back to 100 percent. But each pass was a reminder of what makes him special: even on the rare occasion his shot isn’t falling, Curry makes a big impact on the game — he’s still entertaining.
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Report: Bob Myers returning to NBA in a different role Golden State Warriors | Warriors to face Suns on NBA Opening Night, per report Remember when professional entertainers wanted to entertain?
Novel concept.
On the shooting front, Curry missed his first four 3-pointers Thursday, but then he started to look like the greatest shooter of all time once again after the flailing 3.
It’ll take a while for everything to congeal with Curry and these Baby Dubs. That’s if it ever congeals.
The Warriors are hoping that the final weeks of the season will be a springboard for next season, that Curry can create momentum for another title run.
But Thursday’s contest highlighted the reality of the situation: these games down the stretch are more a tryout for the Warriors’ young players.
Yes, Curry will need to figure out how to play with his new teammates, they will need to figure out how to play with him, too.
Despite it being Curry’s first game back in months, he was playing faster than his teammates Thursday. Curry’s trademark constant kinetic play found him open pockets against the Toronto defense time and time again. Yes, his patented reset shot. Friday’s film session could easily be filled by all the times Curry’s teammates didn’t see him in the corner, wide open (by Curry’s standards).
Still, the positive affect Curry had on the Warriors’ play was unmistakable. His “gravity”, aka his innate, unparalleled ability to bend a defense in his direction, is not a myth — it’s real and was in full effect, despite his slow start Thursday. Even without his shot but certainly, after it arrived, Curry created wide-open shots and cutting lanes for his teammates on nearly every possession. The Warriors — who have been offensively and particularly 3-point challenged with Curry out of the lineup — attempted a franchise-record 52 shots from distance tonight.
Sure, the Dubs only made 14, with Curry making three, but that getting up that many shots — few of them tightly contested — cannot be a coincidence.
It seems so obvious that it might be ridiculous to note, but Curry being on the court, even for only 27 minutes Thursday, made his teammates better.
Now imagine what happens when these new faces in new places start to become familiar to the Baby Faced Assassin.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--Letter: If not Costco, where can poor families get food?

If not Costco , where can poor families get food ?
Re : “ New Costco rule may help low-income folks after all ” ( Letter to the editor , Mercurynews.com , March 3 ) : So the letter-writer thinks it is great that Costco won ’ t admit low-income people to buy food at its food court because otherwise these low-income people will eat unhealthy food ?
Where are these families supposed to get affordable food ?
Healthy food is more expensive than “ bad ” food .
Food banks offer classes in how to prepare healthy food with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor .
Alameda County ’ s program for providing fruits and vegetables to at-risk people via “ food prescriptions ” may go statewide if a new bill passes ( “ Taking Alameda County ’ s ‘ food pharmacy ’ statewide : new bill , ” Mercurynews.com , Feb. 28 ) .
But this takes time .
Time the poor do not have because they are working many jobs .
Also , children from low-income families get good food at school .
Not enough , but it is good food .
• Letter : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted no on Contra Costa ’ s Measure J • Letter : Trump tax cuts are OK , but Sanders ’ ideas are too costly ?
I ’ m thinking poor families use what little resources they have to have a dinner out at Costco on the weekend .
I ’ m not faulting Costco for its business decision .
I ’ m faulting the letter writer for her Marie Antoinette-esque response .
Let them eat produce !
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

If not Costco, where can
poor families get food?
Re: “New Costco rule may help low-income folks after all” (Letter to the editor, Mercurynews.com, March 3):
So the letter-writer thinks it is great that Costco won’t admit low-income people to buy food at its food court because otherwise these low-income people will eat unhealthy food?
Where are these families supposed to get affordable food? Healthy food is more expensive than “bad” food. Food banks offer classes in how to prepare healthy food with what the food banks can give the poor.
Alameda County’s program for providing fruits and vegetables to at-risk people via “food prescriptions” may go statewide if a new bill passes (“Taking Alameda County’s ‘food pharmacy’ statewide: new bill,” Mercurynews.com, Feb. 28).
But this takes time. Time the poor do not have because they are working many jobs.
Also, children from low-income families get good food at school. Not enough, but it is good food.
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Letters: Insulate wires | CDE was wrong | Functional Chromebooks | Trump’s ego | Healthy debate | A new path Letters to the Editor | Letters: Local solar | Titan resources | Activism helps I’m thinking poor families use what little resources they have to have a dinner out at Costco on the weekend. I’m not faulting Costco for its business decision. I’m faulting the letter writer for her Marie Antoinette-esque response. Let them eat produce!
Tom Farrell
Santa Clara
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
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mercurynews--2020-03-06--Horoscopes March 6, 2020: Shaquille O’Neal and Connie Britton share advice.

Happy Birthday : An open mind will be privy to information that sets the foundation for what ’ s to come .
Your keen intuition and your desire to be successful will be the driving forces behind your accomplishments .
Change is available , but how you go about getting what you want will be what determines how far you get .
Don ’ t let jealousy , stubbornness or emotions hold you back .
Your numbers are 7 , 19 , 23 , 30 , 32 , 44 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbiased and passive when dealing with friends or relatives .
Controversial subjects will lead to feuds .
A spa day , romantic getaway or curling up with a good book will help you put things into perspective .
5 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Make a move for the right reason .
Don ’ t let emotions cloud your vision .
Look over your plans , and change whatever needs to be improved in order to keep moving forward .
An unwanted change will turn out to be better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-June 20 ) : Observe someone with more experience , and you ’ ll pick up valuable information that can help you advance .
If you aren ’ t sure about getting involved in something or about a change at home , take a pass .
Communication will be your link to affirmative action .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Don ’ t run from change .
Embrace an offer , and explore the possibilities .
Getting out and participating in functions or events that are meaningful will lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stars and will enhance your personal life .
3 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Don ’ t let your emotions stand between you and getting what you want .
If someone upsets you , don ’ t retaliate .
Concentrate on making money and getting work out of the way , not making expensive purchases to buy someone ’ s favor or to fight depression .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Look out for your interests , do what pleases you and bring about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward .
Get involved in events with people who offer knowledge , insight and possibilities .
Personal and physical transformations are favored .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Anger is a waste of time .
Let your success be your revenge , and forge ahead with confidence .
It ’ s time to do things differently and to stop letting others take advantage of you .
Make decisions that will put your needs first .
4 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Emotions will surface .
Find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something positive .
Honing skills , getting into tiptop shape and living a healthier lifestyle will help build strength , courage and a better future .
Don ’ t give in to someone who has poor judgment .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Don ’ t let the changes others make influence you to follow suit .
Consider what ’ s best for you , not what will make someone else happy .
A positive change is one that improves your life ; don ’ t make a backward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Take control , and follow through with your thoughts and actions .
Your timing will be impeccable .
Start a meaningful project .
Deals can be put in place if you stand by your convictions .
A positive personal change will improve your home life .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Refuse to fold under pressure .
Don ’ t agree to something that doesn ’ t feel right or that puts a dent in a project you can call your own .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ present and take care of yourself .
Avoid stressful situations .
3 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : You will achieve more if you refuse to let others interfere .
Put your energy where it counts .
Refuse to let someone dictate where or how you spend your time .
Use your charm and insight to override interference .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are enthusiastic , original and entertaining .
You are ambitious and persuasive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Shaquille O’Neal, 48; Connie Britton, 53; D.L. Hughley, 57; Rob Reiner, 73.
Happy Birthday: An open mind will be privy to information that sets the foundation for what’s to come. Your keen intuition and your desire to be successful will be the driving forces behind your accomplishments. Change is available, but how you go about getting what you want will be what determines how far you get. Don’t let jealousy, stubbornness or emotions hold you back. Your numbers are 7, 19, 23, 30, 32, 44, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be prepared for ups and downs. Remain unbiased and passive when dealing with friends or relatives. Controversial subjects will lead to feuds. A spa day, romantic getaway or curling up with a good book will help you put things into perspective. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Make a move for the right reason. Don’t let emotions cloud your vision. Look over your plans, and change whatever needs to be improved in order to keep moving forward. An unwanted change will turn out to be better than anticipated. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Observe someone with more experience, and you’ll pick up valuable information that can help you advance. If you aren’t sure about getting involved in something or about a change at home, take a pass. Communication will be your link to affirmative action. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t run from change. Embrace an offer, and explore the possibilities. Getting out and participating in functions or events that are meaningful will lead to interesting connections. Romance is in the stars and will enhance your personal life. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t let your emotions stand between you and getting what you want. If someone upsets you, don’t retaliate. Concentrate on making money and getting work out of the way, not making expensive purchases to buy someone’s favor or to fight depression. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Look out for your interests, do what pleases you and bring about the changes that will improve your life moving forward. Get involved in events with people who offer knowledge, insight and possibilities. Personal and physical transformations are favored. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Anger is a waste of time. Let your success be your revenge, and forge ahead with confidence. It’s time to do things differently and to stop letting others take advantage of you. Make decisions that will put your needs first. 4 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Emotions will surface. Find a way to channel excess energy into something positive. Honing skills, getting into tiptop shape and living a healthier lifestyle will help build strength, courage and a better future. Don’t give in to someone who has poor judgment. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t let the changes others make influence you to follow suit. Consider what’s best for you, not what will make someone else happy. A positive change is one that improves your life; don’t make a backward or lateral move. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take control, and follow through with your thoughts and actions. Your timing will be impeccable. Start a meaningful project. Deals can be put in place if you stand by your convictions. A positive personal change will improve your home life. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Refuse to fold under pressure. Don’t agree to something that doesn’t feel right or that puts a dent in a project you can call your own. Pay proper attention to the way you present and take care of yourself. Avoid stressful situations. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You will achieve more if you refuse to let others interfere. Put your energy where it counts. Refuse to let someone dictate where or how you spend your time. Use your charm and insight to override interference. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are enthusiastic, original and entertaining. You are ambitious and persuasive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--Bridge: March 6, 2020

Bridge: March 6, 2020

When I watched today ’ s deal in my club ’ s penny game , South was Joe Overberry .
He thinks going down in pursuit of an overtrick is more honorable than making his bid .
At 3NT , Joe took the queen of spades and saw an easy overtrick : He led the jack of diamonds next .
East played low .
On the next diamond , West discarded , and East captured dummy ’ s king and shifted to the jack of hearts .
Joe lacked the entries to use the long diamonds , and the defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning two hearts , two clubs and a diamond .
“ Another cold game booted , ” North mourned .
Joe was unrepentant , of course .
At Trick Two , South lets the eight of diamonds ride .
If East takes the ten and shifts to hearts , declarer takes the king and forces out the ace of diamonds .
He wins four diamonds , three spades and two hearts .
If East ducks the ten of diamonds , South leads the jack .
East must duck again , so then South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two diamonds , two hearts and three spades .
You hold : S 6 3 H J 10 9 2 D A 10 4 2 C A 8 6 .
Your partner opens one diamond , you respond one heart , he bids one spade and you return to two diamonds .
Partner then bids three diamonds .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Partner is trying for game , and had your hand been any stronger , you might have jumped to three diamonds to invite at your second turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since you can make a slam if he has A K 5 2 , 3 , K J 8 7 5 3 , K 5 , you might cue-bid four clubs instead .

When I watched today’s deal in my club’s penny game, South was Joe Overberry. He thinks going down in pursuit of an overtrick is more honorable than making his bid.
At 3NT, Joe took the queen of spades and saw an easy overtrick: He led the jack of diamonds next. East played low. On the next diamond, West discarded, and East captured dummy’s king and shifted to the jack of hearts. Joe lacked the entries to use the long diamonds, and the defense set up East’s hearts, winning two hearts, two clubs and a diamond.
COLD GAME
“Another cold game booted,” North mourned. Joe was unrepentant, of course.
At Trick Two, South lets the eight of diamonds ride. If East takes the ten and shifts to hearts, declarer takes the king and forces out the ace of diamonds. He wins four diamonds, three spades and two hearts.
If East ducks the ten of diamonds, South leads the jack. East must duck again, so then South starts the clubs, winning two clubs, two diamonds, two hearts and three spades.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 6 3 H J 10 9 2 D A 10 4 2 C A 8 6. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart, he bids one spade and you return to two diamonds. Partner then bids three diamonds. What do you say?
ANSWER: Partner is trying for game, and had your hand been any stronger, you might have jumped to three diamonds to invite at your second turn. Bid 3NT or five diamonds. Since you can make a slam if he has A K 5 2, 3, K J 8 7 5 3, K 5, you might cue-bid four clubs instead.
North dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S 5 2
H A 6 3
D K Q 9 7 6 3
C 7 5
WEST
S J 10 9 8 7
H Q 8 4
D 5
C K 4 3 2
EAST
S 6 3
H J 10 9 2
D A 10 4 2
C A 8 6
SOUTH
S A K Q 4
H K 7 5
D J 8
C Q J 10 9
North East South West
2 D Pass 2 NT Pass
3 H Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S J
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--Word Game: March 6, 2020

Word Game: March 6, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — CLOTURE ( CLOTURE : KLO-cher : The ending of a debate by calling for a @ @ @ @ @ find 41 or more words in CLOTURE ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
@ @ @ @ @ book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last @ @ @ @ @ be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by @ @ @ @ @ , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed @ @ @ @ @ made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be @ @ @ @ @ if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are @ @ @ @ @ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang @ @ @ @ @ sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — CLOTURE (CLOTURE: KLO-cher: The ending of a debate by calling for a vote.)
Average mark 30 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 41 or more words in CLOTURE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — DECLASSE dale deal decal dele ease easel
else case cease cede clad class lace lade lase lass lead lease clees
less aced alee sale scad scald scale seal seed sled
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--Ask Amy: When my husband greets me like this, I feel like walking out

DEAR AMY : Over the past year , my husband has come to believe that conversation consists of asking lots of questions , even if they relate to details regarding a range of topics that I can not possibly know .
Topics run the gamut from information in the news to details about my relatives .
This has gotten worse over time .
Sometimes our “ conversations ” seem like an interrogation .
He does not converse with others in this way .
Recently , I returned home after driving seven hours to arrange an assisted-living facility for my mom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ask Amy : Can I tell my renter when to take a bath ?
• Ask Amy : We went all-out to accommodate these guests , but it wasn ’ t enough • Ask Amy : I know why they won ’ t go to her house , but it seems cruel to tell her • Ask Amy : Our kids have seen us drunk .
Should we tell them the whole story ?
• Ask Amy : This anonymous act of kindness threw us for a loop Upon entering the house , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues surrounding my mother ’ s trust and estate .
I felt like getting back in the car and driving away .
The next morning , I told him that his way of welcoming me home was highly undiplomatic , and that intensely questioning someone is not carrying on a conversation .
We are both 65 , I am fully retired , he is partially retired , and we do not have financial stress .
I do not have secrets from him , and we trust each other completely .
DEAR INTERROGATED : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cognitive problem , except your husband doesn ’ t seem to do this with other people .
Arriving home from a stressful trip not to a greeting but an interrogation is not the best way for him to love you .
Point this out during a calm moment .
Encourage him to dive into his outside friendships — because it seems that he is storing up a lot of what he sees as “ conversation starters ” for you .
If this gets worse , he should get a medical check-up .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My wife had several affairs .
I ’ m now in a very loving relationship with someone I adore .
My girls love her and she ’ s a great motherly figure .
We ’ ve talked extensively about marriage .
We rarely argue or disagree .
Our relationship is fantastic .
The one thing that bothers me involves texting and social media .
She routinely gets text messages from a male co-worker during the evening and weekend hours .
I firmly believe that it ’ s inappropriate and unnecessary for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work .
She is a devoted life partner , but why does this continue , even after I have expressed my concerns ?
Early in our relationship , before we were fully committed , she went on a trip that was previously planned to visit a man she was in a prior relationship with .
She wasn ’ t fully forthcoming about this until she returned home .
She said she didn ’ t think we were in a fully committed relationship .
I have forgiven her .
I ’ m thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why these behaviors continue .
She ’ s a very friendly and caring person , which may at times come across as flirtatious .
Am I being unreasonable and insecure , or should I be concerned ?
DEAR WONDERING : Your girlfriend is a “ devoted life partner.
” Devoted life partners get to have friends outside of the partnership .
These friendships should not be conducted in secret and should be acknowledged openly — and occasionally shared — with the family .
The friendship with this co-worker predates your relationship .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your lives together , you should meet one another ’ s friends and learn the backstory of these various friendships .
Platonic friendships outside of the primary relationship are not “ inappropriate ” or “ unnecessary.
” In fact , these friendships can demonstrate ( as well as expand ) a person ’ s capacity for other relationships .
Yes , texting and posting on social media during “ together time ” is distracting and rude to one ’ s partner .
Perhaps as a couple ( and family group ) , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use .
You need to differentiate between human instincts ( when you just know in your bones that something is amiss ) , and the toxic trust issues perpetuated in your marriage and triggered by this work friendship .
Discuss this tactfully with your partner , encourage her to be open and transparent about her friendships , and show an interest in meeting all of her friends .
DEAR AMY : I was shocked by your response to “ Annoyed , ” the young mother whose foreign-born mother-in-law constantly makes nonsense baby noises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response shocked me was because you got it right .
“ Annoyed ” should perhaps take the opportunity to listen to a podcast while her mother-in-law is “ goo-goo-gooshing.
” Thank you for encouraging this kind of adult-baby communication .
DEAR SHOCKED : I accept your backhanded compliment — and thank you .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: Over the past year, my husband has come to believe that conversation consists of asking lots of questions, even if they relate to details regarding a range of topics that I cannot possibly know.
Topics run the gamut from information in the news to details about my relatives. This has gotten worse over time. Sometimes our “conversations” seem like an interrogation. He does not converse with others in this way.
Recently, I returned home after driving seven hours to arrange an assisted-living facility for my mom — an emotionally draining experience.
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The next morning, I told him that his way of welcoming me home was highly undiplomatic, and that intensely questioning someone is not carrying on a conversation.
We are both 65, I am fully retired, he is partially retired, and we do not have financial stress. I do not have secrets from him, and we trust each other completely.
What gives?
Interrogated
DEAR INTERROGATED: This might be a sign of a cognitive problem, except your husband doesn’t seem to do this with other people.
Arriving home from a stressful trip not to a greeting but an interrogation is not the best way for him to love you. Point this out during a calm moment.
Encourage him to dive into his outside friendships — because it seems that he is storing up a lot of what he sees as “conversation starters” for you. If this gets worse, he should get a medical check-up.
DEAR AMY: I’m a 50-year-old divorced father of three wonderful daughters.
My previous marriage was not a healthy one. My wife had several affairs.
I’m now in a very loving relationship with someone I adore. My girls love her and she’s a great motherly figure. We’ve talked extensively about marriage. We rarely argue or disagree. Our relationship is fantastic.
The one thing that bothers me involves texting and social media. She routinely gets text messages from a male co-worker during the evening and weekend hours. I firmly believe that it’s inappropriate and unnecessary for the communication between the two of them outside of work.
She is a devoted life partner, but why does this continue, even after I have expressed my concerns?
Early in our relationship, before we were fully committed, she went on a trip that was previously planned to visit a man she was in a prior relationship with. She wasn’t fully forthcoming about this until she returned home. She said she didn’t think we were in a fully committed relationship. I have forgiven her.
I’m thinking about getting engaged, but I wonder why these behaviors continue. She’s a very friendly and caring person, which may at times come across as flirtatious.
Am I being unreasonable and insecure, or should I be concerned?
Just Wondering
DEAR WONDERING: Your girlfriend is a “devoted life partner.” Devoted life partners get to have friends outside of the partnership. These friendships should not be conducted in secret and should be acknowledged openly — and occasionally shared — with the family.
The friendship with this co-worker predates your relationship. As you two continue the process of braiding your lives together, you should meet one another’s friends and learn the backstory of these various friendships. Platonic friendships outside of the primary relationship are not “inappropriate” or “unnecessary.” In fact, these friendships can demonstrate (as well as expand) a person’s capacity for other relationships.
Yes, texting and posting on social media during “together time” is distracting and rude to one’s partner. Perhaps as a couple (and family group), you can all agree on parameters regarding phone use.
You need to differentiate between human instincts (when you just know in your bones that something is amiss), and the toxic trust issues perpetuated in your marriage and triggered by this work friendship. Discuss this tactfully with your partner, encourage her to be open and transparent about her friendships, and show an interest in meeting all of her friends.
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: I was shocked by your response to “Annoyed,” the young mother whose foreign-born mother-in-law constantly makes nonsense baby noises to her baby.
The reason your response shocked me was because you got it right.
“Annoyed” should perhaps take the opportunity to listen to a podcast while her mother-in-law is “goo-goo-gooshing.”
Thank you for encouraging this kind of adult-baby communication.
Shocked
DEAR SHOCKED: I accept your backhanded compliment — and thank you.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--Letter: I’ll tell you why I voted no on Contra Costa’s Measure J

Let me tell you why I voted no on Measure J. I voted no mainly because the measure lacked specifics @ @ @ @ @ of “ ideas , ” most of which will never happen .
An idea for @ @ @ @ @ for increased bus service .
But no specifically named project .
• Letter : If @ @ @ @ @ poor families get food ?
• Letter : Trump tax cuts are OK , but @ @ @ @ @ costly ?
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority had best stop coming to us for sales @ @ @ @ @ are set .
And the Metropolitan Transportation Commission had better think again about its upcoming @ @ @ @ @ more blank checks for “ ideas ” that will never come to pass .
Submit @ @ @ @ @ via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Transportation ‘ideas’ that
won’t happen won’t pass
Re: “Measure J headed for defeat” (Page A1, March 4):
Let me tell you why I voted no on Measure J.
I voted no mainly because the measure lacked specifics, instead offering a smorgasbord of “ideas,” most of which will never happen. An idea for ferry service. An idea for increased bus service. But no specifically named project.
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George Mathews
Antioch
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-03-06--Harriette Cole: I offered to buy her candy, but she stole it anyway

DEAR HARRIETTE : I have a friend I have known for ages .
I considered her to be family .
There was an incident , however , that changed it all .
One day , my friend and I went to a convenience store to pick up a few things .
I asked her if she wanted anything — even told her that I would pay — but she declined .
So I purchased my items and left the store .
When we were a block away from the store , she pulled out several candy bars .
I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had purchased them , and she said , “ I stole them.
” I told her to go back and return the candy , but she wouldn ’ t listen to me .
She ’ s done it numerous times since .
I was , and still am , disgusted by her actions .
• Harriette Cole : Something inside me says I ’ m not meant to be a lawyer • Harriette Cole : Her infuriating prediction about me has come true • Harriette Cole : Should I just stop eating , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cole : How can I tell if he ’ s going to hurt himself ?
• Harriette Cole : I scared myself by exploding at my friend My biggest problem is that my other friends do not know her bad habits .
I want to tell them because I do not trust going anywhere with her after she pulled that stunt , but I worry that they would think I am snitching on her .
She is my good friend , but I have a lingering fear of what kind of trouble she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do my other friends have a right to know ?
DEAR SPEECHLESS : Arrange a face-to-face meeting with your friend .
Tell her you don ’ t trust her anymore .
Ask her why she steals .
Tell her you are concerned that she will steal again while with you or with mutual friends , and that that is unacceptable .
Point out that you can be considered an accessory if she is caught while you are together .
Suggest that she get help to deal with her desire to steal .
Tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know and that you plan to tell them unless she would like to speak to them first .
Give her the courtesy of letting her know your plans .
Let your friends know what happened , that you have told her of your intention to talk to them and of your desire to support her as she works through this problem .
You may want to avoid going to places where she might steal if you continue to distrust her .
For more ideas on handling this difficult situation , visit adv4life.com/article/what-to-do-if-your-friend-shoplifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started liking a boy who likes her back .
They have talked on the phone a few times , but recently I learned that one of her best friends has started dating this boy .
From what I can gather , this friend started moving in on him after she learned that he and my daughter were talking .
How awful .
I feel so bad for my daughter , but I ’ m not sure what to do .
I feel like she has to work through this on her own , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see her hurting .
SOS !
DEAR BETRAYED DAUGHTER : Be a sounding board for your daughter .
Give advice only if she asks for it .
There is no simple solution .
She can confront her friend .
She can see how it plays out with the boy — see who he chooses .
When she is ready to talk about it , you can point out that she should be mindful of any friend who would intentionally try to steal a “ boyfriend ” from her .
Harriette Cole is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend I have known for ages. I considered her to be family. There was an incident, however, that changed it all.
One day, my friend and I went to a convenience store to pick up a few things. I asked her if she wanted anything — even told her that I would pay — but she declined. So I purchased my items and left the store.
When we were a block away from the store, she pulled out several candy bars. I was shocked. I asked her if she had purchased them, and she said, “I stole them.” I told her to go back and return the candy, but she wouldn’t listen to me. She’s done it numerous times since.
I was, and still am, disgusted by her actions.
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My biggest problem is that my other friends do not know her bad habits. I want to tell them because I do not trust going anywhere with her after she pulled that stunt, but I worry that they would think I am snitching on her.
She is my good friend, but I have a lingering fear of what kind of trouble she could face if she gets caught. Do my other friends have a right to know?
Speechless
DEAR SPEECHLESS: Arrange a face-to-face meeting with your friend. Tell her you don’t trust her anymore. Ask her why she steals.
Tell her you are concerned that she will steal again while with you or with mutual friends, and that that is unacceptable. Point out that you can be considered an accessory if she is caught while you are together. Suggest that she get help to deal with her desire to steal.
Tell her you think your mutual friends need to know and that you plan to tell them unless she would like to speak to them first. Give her the courtesy of letting her know your plans.
Let your friends know what happened, that you have told her of your intention to talk to them and of your desire to support her as she works through this problem. You may want to avoid going to places where she might steal if you continue to distrust her. For more ideas on handling this difficult situation, visit adv4life.com/article/what-to-do-if-your-friend-shoplifts.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter just started liking a boy who likes her back. They have talked on the phone a few times, but recently I learned that one of her best friends has started dating this boy.
From what I can gather, this friend started moving in on him after she learned that he and my daughter were talking. How awful.
I feel so bad for my daughter, but I’m not sure what to do. I feel like she has to work through this on her own, but as her mother, I hate to see her hurting. SOS!
Betrayed Daughter
DEAR BETRAYED DAUGHTER: Be a sounding board for your daughter. Give advice only if she asks for it. There is no simple solution.
She can confront her friend. She can see how it plays out with the boy — see who he chooses. When she is ready to talk about it, you can point out that she should be mindful of any friend who would intentionally try to steal a “boyfriend” from her.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-03-07--Man crushed to death in Berkeley suspected attempted theft of catalytic converter is identified

BERKELEY — A man crushed to death under a car Monday during a suspected attempted theft of a catalytic converter @ @ @ @ @ coroner ’ s office as 41-year-old Omar Zuniga .
Zuniga , a transient , was @ @ @ @ @ Monday under a car parked in the 900 block of Folger Street in West Berkeley @ @ @ @ @ a hand-cranked jack Zuniga used to lift the vehicle had collapsed , causing the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ .
A battery-powered reciprocating saw was also found underneath the rear of the vehicle , @ @ @ @ @ “ found evidence suggesting there had been a recent attempt to remove the vehicle ’ @ @ @ @ @ which had some minor damage .
Authorities said the vehicle did not belong to Zuniga @

BERKELEY — A man crushed to death under a car Monday during a suspected attempted theft of a catalytic converter was identified Friday by the coroner’s office as 41-year-old Omar Zuniga.
Zuniga, a transient, was found dead about 8:12 p.m. Monday under a car parked in the 900 block of Folger Street in West Berkeley.
Authorities said it appeared a hand-cranked jack Zuniga used to lift the vehicle had collapsed, causing the vehicle to drop and crush him.
A battery-powered reciprocating saw was also found underneath the rear of the vehicle, officials said, and investigators “found evidence suggesting there had been a recent attempt to remove the vehicle’s catalytic converter,” which had some minor damage.
Authorities said the vehicle did not belong to Zuniga.


mercurynews--2020-03-07--Recent Giants first round picks meet in at-bat that leads to rare spring training ejection

PHOENIX — Giants first round draft picks Phil Bickford ( 2015 ) and Joey Bart ( 2018 ) have had vastly different experiences in professional baseball , but the prospects met for a brief , entertaining and somewhat controversial moment in the ninth inning of Friday ’ s game between the Brewers and Giants .
With the game tied 5-5 , Bickford –who is now pitching in Milwaukee ’ s farm system– threw a 2-2 fastball that seemingly missed off the outside corner but was still called strike three by home plate umpire Ryan Blakney .
Moments later , Blakney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giants manager Gabe Kapler could step in and sort out the disagreement between his batter and the umpire .
“ I just had a conversation with ( Blakney ) about why not get my attention ?
” Kapler said .
“ I was trying to get his attention and have a conversation so that Joey didn ’ t have to be a part of that.
” Kapler said he thought everyone involved could have demonstrated more patience , but he also didn ’ t mind that Bart was showing some competitive fire with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think fire is good , I think intensity is good , I think all of those things can and should be channeled , ” Kapler said .
“ In particular , in a spring training game while we ’ re competing to the best of our ability , it ’ s a good time to practice both the intensity that you talked about and maybe patience.
” Nearly five years after the Giants drafted Bickford with the 18th overall pick and almost two years after they chose Bart at No .
2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High-A while Bart is on the cusp of the big leagues .
Bickford , who was drafted out of the College of Southern Nevada , was traded to the Brewers in a 2016 deadline deal that brought future All-Star closer Will Smith to San Francisco .
During his time in the Brewers organization , Bickford has been suspended for a drug of abuse and also dealt with a broken hand .
Before the Giants drafted him , he also tested positive for marijuana , which , as of December , 2019 , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league baseball .
Like Bickford , Bart has also fractured a hand since being drafted as he was hit by a pitch last April and forced to miss six weeks after undergoing surgery .
During an Arizona Fall League game in October , Bart fractured his thumb as another hit by pitch cut his post-season short .
Bickford has never advanced above High-A , but the 24-year-old struck out 53 batters in 32 2/3 innings last season and walked off the mound with confidence after striking out the side on Friday against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely open the year at Triple-A Sacramento and has been one of the Giants ’ best hitters this spring as the catching prospect is 6-for-13 with a 1.330 OPS .
The organization believes it ’ s only a matter of time before Bart becomes a middle-of-the-order mainstay whereas the Brewers will be happy if Bickford ever makes it to the majors .
Below is a list of Giants ’ first round draft picks from the last decade and where they are now .
2010-Gary Brown : Last played in affiliated baseball in 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract with the Toronto Blue Jays this winter 2013-Christian Arroyo : In major league camp competing for an infield job with the Cleveland Indians 2014-Tyler Beede : In Giants camp as a starting pitcher ( dealing with elbow injury ) 2015-Chris Shaw : In Giants minor league camp as an outfielder 2016-No first round pick : The Giants forfeited their first round pick to sign starter Jeff Samardzija .
In the second round , they drafted promising Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds .
2017-Heliot Ramos : No .
3 prospect in Giants farm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in minor league camp 2018-Joey Bart : No .
1 prospect in Giants farm system and in major league camp 2019-Hunter Bishop : No .
4 prospect in Giants farm system and in minor league camp

PHOENIX — Giants first round draft picks Phil Bickford (2015) and Joey Bart (2018) have had vastly different experiences in professional baseball, but the prospects met for a brief, entertaining and somewhat controversial moment in the ninth inning of Friday’s game between the Brewers and Giants.
With the game tied 5-5, Bickford –who is now pitching in Milwaukee’s farm system– threw a 2-2 fastball that seemingly missed off the outside corner but was still called strike three by home plate umpire Ryan Blakney. Moments later, Blakney ejected Bart for arguing the call before Giants manager Gabe Kapler could step in and sort out the disagreement between his batter and the umpire.
“I just had a conversation with (Blakney) about why not get my attention?” Kapler said. “I was trying to get his attention and have a conversation so that Joey didn’t have to be a part of that.”
Kapler said he thought everyone involved could have demonstrated more patience, but he also didn’t mind that Bart was showing some competitive fire with the game on the line.
“I think fire is good, I think intensity is good, I think all of those things can and should be channeled,” Kapler said. “In particular, in a spring training game while we’re competing to the best of our ability, it’s a good time to practice both the intensity that you talked about and maybe patience.”
Nearly five years after the Giants drafted Bickford with the 18th overall pick and almost two years after they chose Bart at No. 2, Bickford has yet to advanced past High-A while Bart is on the cusp of the big leagues. Bickford, who was drafted out of the College of Southern Nevada, was traded to the Brewers in a 2016 deadline deal that brought future All-Star closer Will Smith to San Francisco.
During his time in the Brewers organization, Bickford has been suspended for a drug of abuse and also dealt with a broken hand. Before the Giants drafted him, he also tested positive for marijuana, which, as of December, 2019, is no longer a banned substance in minor league baseball.
Like Bickford, Bart has also fractured a hand since being drafted as he was hit by a pitch last April and forced to miss six weeks after undergoing surgery. During an Arizona Fall League game in October, Bart fractured his thumb as another hit by pitch cut his post-season short.
Bickford has never advanced above High-A, but the 24-year-old struck out 53 batters in 32 2/3 innings last season and walked off the mound with confidence after striking out the side on Friday against the team that drafted him.
Bart will likely open the year at Triple-A Sacramento and has been one of the Giants’ best hitters this spring as the catching prospect is 6-for-13 with a 1.330 OPS. The organization believes it’s only a matter of time before Bart becomes a middle-of-the-order mainstay whereas the Brewers will be happy if Bickford ever makes it to the majors.
Below is a list of Giants’ first round draft picks from the last decade and where they are now.
2010-Gary Brown: Last played in affiliated baseball in 2015
2011-Joe Panik: Signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays this winter
2011-Kyle Crick: Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher
2012-Chris Stratton: Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher
2013-Christian Arroyo: In major league camp competing for an infield job with the Cleveland Indians
2014-Tyler Beede: In Giants camp as a starting pitcher (dealing with elbow injury)
2015-Phil Bickford: In Brewers minor league camp as a relief pitcher
2015-Chris Shaw: In Giants minor league camp as an outfielder
2016-No first round pick: The Giants forfeited their first round pick to sign starter Jeff Samardzija. In the second round, they drafted promising Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds.
2017-Heliot Ramos: No. 3 prospect in Giants farm system (according to MLB.com) and in minor league camp
2018-Joey Bart: No. 1 prospect in Giants farm system and in major league camp
2019-Hunter Bishop: No. 4 prospect in Giants farm system and in minor league camp


mercurynews--2020-03-06--Man shot in West Oakland

Man shot in West Oakland

OAKLAND _- A man was shot in West Oakland on Friday afternoon , police said .
His age and condition @ @ @ @ @ The shooting was reported about 3:05 p.m. Friday in the 1700 block of 14th Street @ @ @ @ @ have not determined a motive yet for the shooting or said if any arrests were @ @ @ @ @ neighborhood were shut down while police canvassed the area looking for witnesses and surveillance video @

OAKLAND — The man shot and killed in West Oakland on Friday was a father of three and a father figure to the Oakland youth he coached on the football field and the students he helped as a school counselor.
DeAndre Green, 34, was known to purchase everything from mattresses to football cleats for his students, his family said Sunday. Green was an assistant football coach at Oakland Technical High School, worked as a counselor at Castlemont High High School in East Oakland and previously coached at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, where he was a star wide receiver.
“In everything, he came last,” his nephew, Pastor Phil Miller said. “He never put himself first.”
Green was wounded in a shooting reported at 3:05 p.m. Friday in the 1700 block of 14th Street, near Pullman Way. He was later pronounced dead at the West Oakland building where he lived.
Police have not released a motive yet for the shooting, and no arrests have been made.
Born and raised in Oakland, Green attended De Anza High School in Richmond after his family moved to West Contra Costa. As a child, he “played church,” pretending to be the congregation’s pastor and making Miller his deacon. At the time of his death, he was a deacon at Miller’s church, Humanity Baptist Church in North Oakland.
After graduating from De Anza, Green earned a scholarship to Alabama A&M University but returned to play at Contra Costa College. He transferred to Montana State University, where he graduated with a degree in sociology.
Beyond coaching youth in Richmond and Oakland, most recently at Oakland Tech, Green worked with at-risk students as a Castlemont school counselor, his mother said.
“He had a big heart,” his mother, Melba Green, said. “He worked with homeless kids and would buy them mattresses, cleats” whatever they needed.
His family said he recently agreed to a job working with San Jose’s homeless residents.
“I want people to know you can be young and fly but live your life with a purpose,” Miller said. “He was such an inspiration.”
Green is survived by his wife, Snowtavia, and their three children ages 12, eight and six; his parents, Donnie and Melba Green, who have been married 45 years; two brothers and two sisters.
Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $10,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the killer. Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3821 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--Menlo’s girls basketball playoff game canceled because of coronavirus shutdown

The Menlo girls basketball season and its quest for consecutive state titles ended Friday when the school withdrew from the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs because of a coronavirus shutdown on its campus earlier this week .
Bishop O ’ Dowd , which was to host the Northern California Division I quarterfinal that was rescheduled from Thursday to Friday , will advance to the semifinals Saturday at home against Clovis North .
Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. Menlo athletic director Earl Koberlein broke the news to the team in the afternoon along with Than Healy , the head of school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were 15 girls crying , ” Koberlein told this publication .
“ Very disappointed and very hard news to give .
It ’ s not fair to them , they did nothing to deserve this.
” He added : “ I told them , ‘ You ’ re still the state champ until someone beats you.
” Menlo , the 10th seed in the bracket , upset seventh-seeded Oak Ridge in Tuesday ’ s opening round .
The girls , who a year ago won the Division II state championship , found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ El Dorado Hills about the school shutdown , which was precipitated by the discovery that a staff member had contact with a relative who tested positive for coronavirus .
Over the past few days Menlo consulted a virologist and the department of health on the matter , but while no one campus is symptomatic the school ethically couldn ’ t guarantee no one would get sick with a four-to-14-day incubation period at play , Koberlein said .
“ We thank O ’ Dowd and CIF for being flexible and buying us an extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Koberlein said .
“ But at the end of the day we couldn ’ t get clarity on whether we can ensure that none of our girls or our student-athletes are infected .
We think we ’ re acting with an overabundance of caution when we closed the school , but we ’ d rather do that and be safe than have some catastrophic disease befall somebody .
“ It ’ s unfortunate that the girls got caught up in the mix.
” In its news release , Menlo stated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not considered a forfeit .
Bishop O ’ Dowd will advance to the NorCal semifinal Saturday , and the Knights wish O ’ Dowd the best.
” Menlo senior administrators plan to meet tonight to determine whether or not to reopen the campus on Monday .

The Menlo girls basketball season and its quest for consecutive state titles ended Friday when the school withdrew from the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs because of a coronavirus shutdown on its campus this week.
Bishop O’Dowd, which was to host the Northern California Division I quarterfinal that was rescheduled from Thursday to Friday, will advance to the semifinals Saturday at home against Clovis North. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Menlo athletic director Earl Koberlein broke the news to the team in the afternoon along with Than Healy, the head of school.
“As you can expect, there were 15 girls crying,” Koberlein told this publication. “Very disappointed and very hard news to give. It’s not fair to them, they did nothing to deserve this.”
He added: “I told them, ‘You’re still the state champ until someone beats you.”
Menlo, the 10th seed in the bracket, upset seventh-seeded Oak Ridge in Tuesday’s opening round.
The girls, who a year ago won the Division II state championship, found out on the bus ride back from El Dorado Hills about the school shutdown, which was precipitated by the discovery that a staff member had contact with a relative who tested positive for coronavirus.
Over the past few days Menlo consulted a virologist and the department of health on the matter, but while no one campus is symptomatic the school ethically couldn’t guarantee no one would get sick with a four-to-14-day incubation period at play, Koberlein said.
So proud of the reigning state champs! Such a difficult decision and unfair to them, but felt it was in the best interest of the community to error on the side of overly cautious given what we are learning about the coronavirus. https://t.co/h1hVgMgWPU — Earl Koberlein (@koberlein) March 6, 2020
“We thank O’Dowd and CIF for being flexible and buying us an extra day to try to work this out,” Koberlein said. “But at the end of the day we couldn’t get clarity on whether we can ensure that none of our girls or our student-athletes are infected. We think we’re acting with an overabundance of caution when we closed the school, but we’d rather do that and be safe than have some catastrophic disease befall somebody.
“It’s unfortunate that the girls got caught up in the mix.”
In its news release, Menlo stated that the “CIF indicated that this is not considered a forfeit. Bishop O’ Dowd will advance to the NorCal semifinal Saturday, and the Knights wish O’Dowd the best.”
Menlo senior administrators plan to meet tonight to determine whether or not to reopen the campus on Monday.


mercurynews--2020-03-06--Five things we learned in the Giants’ tie: Dubón leaving no doubt, Gausman falls yet thrives, bubble

Five things we learned in the Giants’ tie: Dubón leaving no doubt, Gausman falls yet thrives, bubble players hit

PHOENIX — Minor league options are often a curse for a player on the roster bubble , but Mauricio Dubón may not be on the bubble much longer .
The do-it-all utility man has been one of the best all-around players in Giants camp this spring and while there ’ s room for growth in Dubón ’ s game , it looks like the team and the player would stand to benefit if the development takes place in the majors this season .
Dubón , 25 , can play all around the diamond and while he committed a throwing error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday in a 5-5 tie against the Brewers , his errant toss was plenty strong and wound up being too high for first baseman Wilmer Flores to corral .
“ That throw from third base drew Flores off the bag just a little bit , ” manager Gabe Kapler said .
“ But one of the things we ’ re seeing with Dubón is the work that he ’ s doing on his throwing is really creating a lot of good carry with his ball .
A lot of good four-seam rotation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That plays well at shortstop , in center field and any time he ’ s turning it at second base.
” Earlier in the game , a smooth over-the-head catch down the left field line in foul territory provided an indication of what a smooth athlete Dubón is and why the Giants are confident he can ultimately be a plus defender in both the infield and outfield .
“ I could really see him legitimately playing center field quite a bit , ” Kapler said .
“ I think earlier in camp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take more of a wait and see approach , but I think at this point he ’ s demonstrated he can play center field and he can play shortstop for us.
” The Giants can live with the mistakes Dubón is bound to make because of the flashes of brilliance that show up so often .
In a two-run second inning , Dubón raced out of the batter ’ s box on a hard groundball to the left side of the infield and slid into second base safely with a hustle double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseman ’ s glove and into left field .
Later in the inning , Dubón scored from second base on an infield single from Yolmer Sánchez and a throwing error by Brewers second baseman Keston Hiura .
After catcher Omar Narváez left home plate to retrieve Hiura ’ s throw , Dubón sprinted home for an easy run .
With eight hits in 19 at-bats , impressive skills on the basepaths and the flexibility to handle a bunch of positions , Dubón provides the Giants with as much or more value than almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s work left to do , but that work should be done in the big leagues .
Giants starter Kevin Gausman doesn ’ t use a windup , but the right-hander doesn ’ t necessarily need one to deliver mid-90s fastballs and a devastating splitter that dives out of the strike zone .
“ I feel like you make your most important pitches out of the stretch , ” said Gausman , who ditched a windup after being traded to Atlanta in 2018 .
“ If I can have my mechanics be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what I want.
” With three innings of scoreless work on Friday against Milwaukee , Gausman has now thrown seven innings in Cactus League play while only allowing three baserunners .
Despite giving up two softly-hit singles and his first earned run of the spring against the Brewers , Gausman has been the Giants ’ most dominant starter to date and is giving Kapler confidence in his ability to build off a successful second half in the Cincinnati bullpen .
Gausman signed a one-year , $ 9 million deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to giving him an opportunity to start .
The former fourth overall draft pick knows performance could ultimately dictate a move to the bullpen , but he ’ s confident the tweaks the Giants have made will trigger sustained success .
He ’ s also hopeful that he ’ ll become more accustomed to fielding his position , as the Giants plan to incorporate a variety of shifts that will require pitchers to become a bit more active in the field .
On Friday , Gausman learned he wasn ’ t as fluid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he tripped and fell while running after a pop-up on the left side of the infield .
With Brewers first baseman Justin Smoak at the plate , the Giants used a four-man outfield and sent all three infielders to the right side of second base .
That proved problematic when Gausman threw a fastball in on the hands of Smoak , who popped the pitch up to the shallow left side of the diamond .
As the ball began falling from the sky , Gausman fell over and Sánchez , the second baseman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the play on a hit that was ultimately ruled a single .
“ I was trying to make a Top-10 play .
Now I ’ m probably a Not Top-10 play , ” Gausman joked .
And so there were 55 .
The Giants ended Thursday ’ s game against the Indians with 72 players in camp , but on Friday , the team announced its first round of cuts as 17 players were either optioned or re-assigned to minor league camp .
Three of the position players battling for roster spots all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around as outfielder Joe McCarthy , infielder Zach Green and first baseman Darin Ruf all produced loud contact that resulted in extra-base hits against Milwaukee .
After drawing a walk in his first plate appearance , McCarthy hit his first home run of the swing before Green and Ruf added doubles that hit off the outfield wall in the late innings of Friday ’ s game .
All three will have a tough time making the Opening Day roster , but the trio could be part of a high-powered Sacramento River Cats offense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Giants throughout the season .
It ’ s much easier to show the front office and coaching staff that a big season is one the way when you ’ re swinging the bat in big league games .
As slugger Chris Shaw , infielder Kean Wong and outfielder Jamie Westbrook learned on Friday , not everyone who began the spring in big league camp is so lucky .
Yelich deal official , so when do Giants make a move ?
Prior to Friday ’ s game between the Giants and Brewers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to announce the team had agreed to a nine-year contract worth north of $ 200 million with outfielder Christian Yelich .
The Giants have never given out a deal larger than the $ 167 million extension Buster Posey signed after he won the 2012 MVP , but they have chased after high-priced sluggers such as Giancarlo Stanton and Bryce Harper .
The Yelich deal is a reminder that on the Giants ’ current trajectory , it could end up being a great sign for the health of the franchise if the next long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catcher Joey Bart .
It ’ s unlikely president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi will be eager to sign Bart to a huge contract early in his career , but Bart could play his way into an extension that buys out arbitration years if he lives up to expectations in 2020 and 2021 .
Giants fans probably wouldn ’ t mind if the team lands Mookie Betts –who could make more than $ 400 million in free agency– next offseason , but if the organization is prudent and Bart produces , he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures from Zaidi .
Another note on Yelich : Reliever Trevor Gott struck him out on Friday with the type of high fastball that serves as a reminder as to why the Giants think he can pitch in high-leverage situations this season .
Former Giants replay coordinator Shawon Dunston has a new role in the organization as the club announced he will join former pitching coach Dave Righetti in the role of special assistant to player development .
The Giants announced their full 2020 player development staff Friday and while there weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some familiar faces fans will recognize .
Former Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong will continue as a roving pitching instructor while former catcher Eli Whiteside has rejoined the organization as a roving catching instructor after taking a year off from baseball .
Travis Ishikawa , the Giants ’ 2014 NLCS hero , is the hitting coach for the Arizona Rookie League ( black ) team .
Highly-regarded Triple-A manager Dave Brundage will return to his post with the Sacramento River Cats while one of Bruce Bochy ’ s former assistants , José Alguacil , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

PHOENIX — Minor league options are often a curse for a player on the roster bubble, but Mauricio Dubón may not be on the bubble much longer.
The do-it-all utility man has been one of the best all-around players in Giants camp this spring and while there’s room for growth in Dubón’s game, it looks like the team and the player would stand to benefit if the development takes place in the majors this season.
Dubón, 25, can play all around the diamond and while he committed a throwing error in his spring debut at third base on Friday in a 5-5 tie against the Brewers, his errant toss was plenty strong and wound up being too high for first baseman Wilmer Flores to corral.
“That throw from third base drew Flores off the bag just a little bit,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “But one of the things we’re seeing with Dubón is the work that he’s doing on his throwing is really creating a lot of good carry with his ball. A lot of good four-seam rotation that’s keeping the ball straight. That plays well at shortstop, in center field and any time he’s turning it at second base.”
Earlier in the game, a smooth over-the-head catch down the left field line in foul territory provided an indication of what a smooth athlete Dubón is and why the Giants are confident he can ultimately be a plus defender in both the infield and outfield.
“I could really see him legitimately playing center field quite a bit,” Kapler said. “I think earlier in camp I was saying we’re going to take more of a wait and see approach, but I think at this point he’s demonstrated he can play center field and he can play shortstop for us.”
The Giants can live with the mistakes Dubón is bound to make because of the flashes of brilliance that show up so often. In a two-run second inning, Dubón raced out of the batter’s box on a hard groundball to the left side of the infield and slid into second base safely with a hustle double after the ball trickled off the third baseman’s glove and into left field.
Later in the inning, Dubón scored from second base on an infield single from Yolmer Sánchez and a throwing error by Brewers second baseman Keston Hiura. After catcher Omar Narváez left home plate to retrieve Hiura’s throw, Dubón sprinted home for an easy run.
With eight hits in 19 at-bats, impressive skills on the basepaths and the flexibility to handle a bunch of positions, Dubón provides the Giants with as much or more value than almost everyone in the clubhouse.
There’s work left to do, but that work should be done in the big leagues.
Gausman stretching out
Giants starter Kevin Gausman doesn’t use a windup, but the right-hander doesn’t necessarily need one to deliver mid-90s fastballs and a devastating splitter that dives out of the strike zone.
“I feel like you make your most important pitches out of the stretch,” said Gausman, who ditched a windup after being traded to Atlanta in 2018. “If I can have my mechanics be the best out of the stretch, that’s what I want.”
With three innings of scoreless work on Friday against Milwaukee, Gausman has now thrown seven innings in Cactus League play while only allowing three baserunners. Despite giving up two softly-hit singles and his first earned run of the spring against the Brewers, Gausman has been the Giants’ most dominant starter to date and is giving Kapler confidence in his ability to build off a successful second half in the Cincinnati bullpen.
Gausman signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Giants this offseason because San Francisco committed to giving him an opportunity to start. The former fourth overall draft pick knows performance could ultimately dictate a move to the bullpen, but he’s confident the tweaks the Giants have made will trigger sustained success.
He’s also hopeful that he’ll become more accustomed to fielding his position, as the Giants plan to incorporate a variety of shifts that will require pitchers to become a bit more active in the field.
On Friday, Gausman learned he wasn’t as fluid of a fielder as he thought when he tripped and fell while running after a pop-up on the left side of the infield. With Brewers first baseman Justin Smoak at the plate, the Giants used a four-man outfield and sent all three infielders to the right side of second base.
That proved problematic when Gausman threw a fastball in on the hands of Smoak, who popped the pitch up to the shallow left side of the diamond. As the ball began falling from the sky, Gausman fell over and Sánchez, the second baseman, was too far away to make the play on a hit that was ultimately ruled a single.
“I was trying to make a Top-10 play. Now I’m probably a Not Top-10 play,” Gausman joked.
The competition carries on
And so there were 55.
The Giants ended Thursday’s game against the Indians with 72 players in camp, but on Friday, the team announced its first round of cuts as 17 players were either optioned or re-assigned to minor league camp.
Three of the position players battling for roster spots all reminded Kapler why they’re still around as outfielder Joe McCarthy, infielder Zach Green and first baseman Darin Ruf all produced loud contact that resulted in extra-base hits against Milwaukee.
After drawing a walk in his first plate appearance, McCarthy hit his first home run of the swing before Green and Ruf added doubles that hit off the outfield wall in the late innings of Friday’s game.
All three will have a tough time making the Opening Day roster, but the trio could be part of a high-powered Sacramento River Cats offense that ends up supplying much-needed reinforcements to the Giants throughout the season.
It’s much easier to show the front office and coaching staff that a big season is one the way when you’re swinging the bat in big league games. As slugger Chris Shaw, infielder Kean Wong and outfielder Jamie Westbrook learned on Friday, not everyone who began the spring in big league camp is so lucky.
Yelich deal official, so when do Giants make a move?
Prior to Friday’s game between the Giants and Brewers, Milwaukee held a press conference in Phoenix to announce the team had agreed to a nine-year contract worth north of $200 million with outfielder Christian Yelich.
The Giants have never given out a deal larger than the $167 million extension Buster Posey signed after he won the 2012 MVP, but they have chased after high-priced sluggers such as Giancarlo Stanton and Bryce Harper.
The Yelich deal is a reminder that on the Giants’ current trajectory, it could end up being a great sign for the health of the franchise if the next long-term contract the organization hands out goes to catcher Joey Bart.
It’s unlikely president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi will be eager to sign Bart to a huge contract early in his career, but Bart could play his way into an extension that buys out arbitration years if he lives up to expectations in 2020 and 2021.
Giants fans probably wouldn’t mind if the team lands Mookie Betts –who could make more than $400 million in free agency– next offseason, but if the organization is prudent and Bart produces, he could be the first player to receive nine figures from Zaidi.
Another note on Yelich: Reliever Trevor Gott struck him out on Friday with the type of high fastball that serves as a reminder as to why the Giants think he can pitch in high-leverage situations this season.
Giants announce player development staff
Former Giants replay coordinator Shawon Dunston has a new role in the organization as the club announced he will join former pitching coach Dave Righetti in the role of special assistant to player development.
The Giants announced their full 2020 player development staff Friday and while there weren’t many big changes, there are some familiar faces fans will recognize.
Former Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong will continue as a roving pitching instructor while former catcher Eli Whiteside has rejoined the organization as a roving catching instructor after taking a year off from baseball. Travis Ishikawa, the Giants’ 2014 NLCS hero, is the hitting coach for the Arizona Rookie League (black) team.
Highly-regarded Triple-A manager Dave Brundage will return to his post with the Sacramento River Cats while one of Bruce Bochy’s former assistants, José Alguacil, will manage the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels.