Locked On A's - Daily Podcast On The Athletics

This episode is a raw, unfiltered gut-punch — a 3AM, two-game, eight-loss reality check for the A’s. After watching every pitch of the latest back-to-back collapses, I dive into the mounting frustration and the deeper problem festering beneath the surface: this team is lifeless. I break down the defining moment of Tuesday night — a routine fly ball that fell between JJ Bleday and Lawrence Butler like a metaphor for this roster: no communication, no urgency, no trust. I talk about how that one play symbolizes a team that doesn’t sell out for each other, that plays like individuals trying to look cool instead of a unit fighting to win. Then comes the real heat — Kotsay’s postgame pressers and Forst’s interview before the game that lit the match. Their soft tones and excuse-laden comments were the final straw. From Kotsay’s Sunday stroll demeanor after a seventh straight loss to David Forst’s calm acceptance of failure as a “rough patch,” this episode calls out the lack of fire from leadership and demands better. I rip into the idea of “saving Mason Miller’s bullets” while games are being flushed down the drain and warn against the organizational obsession with talking up prospects like Luis Morales while the current major league team is sinking. It’s not a hit piece — it’s a passionate call for this franchise to rediscover its identity. This isn’t a rebuild problem. It’s a heart problem. And if this team wants to turn it around, they don’t need more time — they need to start caring like it actually matters.

The A’s dropped their sixth straight heartbreaker on Monday night, falling 4-3 to the Angels in Sacramento in a game that felt like a bad rerun. The A’s couldn’t cash in late. The bullpen held it close, but once again, the offense came up just short in the moments that mattered. The A’s had the tying run on in scoring position in the ninth but couldn’t deliver the big swing to flip the script. Meanwhile, the Angels did just enough to keep their win streak alive, using a three-run third inning and a clutch bullpen escape in the ninth to lock it down. The Halos, fresh off a sweep of the Dodgers, looked confident and composed while the A’s continue searching for answers. It's not panic time yet, but the frustration is building. The energy is slipping, and if someone doesn’t step up soon, this thing could spiral fast.

The wheels came off late—again. Clinging to a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth, the A’s turned to Tyler Ferguson to slam the door and give the A's a shot at snapping their four-game skid. Instead, the Giants kicked that door off its hinges. A leadoff walk, a bloop single, and a well-placed grounder later, the game was tied. Then came the gut punch—a two-out RBI knock that gave San Francisco a 3-2 lead they wouldn't give back. Just like that, the A’s handed over another winnable game, and with it, the Giants walked off with a two-game sweep and full bragging rights in the Bay. The A's bullpen, which has been surprisingly solid most of the season, blinked in the biggest moment, and the offense once again couldn't muster a late response. It wasn’t just a loss—it was a missed opportunity to change the tone. And right now, that tone sounds a lot like silence.

The A’s head to San Francisco for a pivotal three-game series against the San Francisco Giants, closing out a brutal 19-game stretch that has tested their depth, grit, and identity. Sitting at 8-8 with the goal of going 9-10, the A’s need at least one win to hit the mark—and two to make a real statement. But standing in their way is a veteran Giants team built on pitching, defense, and discipline, led by ace Logan Webb, who toes the rubber in Friday’s opener with a 2.61 ERA and a bag full of ground-ball-inducing tricks. After two blowout losses to the Dodgers, this is a gut-check series for a young A’s club looking to reassert its fight. On today’s Locked on A’s Show we break down what makes the Giants tick, how their recent slide could open the door for an upset, and the keys for the A’s to take two of three from one of the most fundamentally sound clubs in baseball. From patient at-bats against Webb to lefty-on-lefty matchups and the importance of clean defense, we cover it all. Plus, we zoom out to look at where the A’s stand in the big picture—and why this weekend in San Francisco might just be the spark that lights the next chapter of the 2025 season.

In today’s episode of Locked On A’s, Booney breaks down a disaster at Dodger Stadium that started with promise and ended in a pile of smoldering wreckage. The A’s came out swinging against the Dodgers’ bullpen game, drawing early walks and scratching across a run thanks to Shea Langeliers’ opposite-field double. Max Schuemann even launched his first homer of the year to keep things close at 3–2, showing that even the bottom of the lineup has some pop. But Osvaldo Bido? He gave it all back—and then some. After looking sharp against Ohtani to open the first, Bido melted like an ice cream cone on a summer sidewalk. He walked rookies, gave up missiles to Muncy, and handed the game over to Jason Alexander, who promptly turned it into a house fire. By the end of the third, it was 13–2, and the A’s were emotionally and physically face-down on the Dodger Stadium turf. Booney doesn’t sugarcoat the meltdown, calling out the brutal gap in talent between the two clubs, but also highlights the moments that still matter—Schuemann’s surprise homer, Langeliers’ clutch two-out knock, and how even in a blowout, there are lessons to take and frustrations to fire up a young squad. Plus, we preview the A’s next battle as they cross the bridge to face the Giants and Logan Webb, a groundball artist with a sinker that eats innings and dreams. Booney gives you the FanDuel angle, some Gametime hacks for last-minute ticket grabs, and all the real talk you need to keep your A’s fandom burning hot—even when the scoreboard turns cold.

The A’s rolled into Dodger Stadium last night and absolutely embarrassed the mighty Dodgers in Game 1, dropping an 11-1 bomb on L.A. like it was batting practice. Now, all eyes shifted to tonight’s matchup, where the A’s handed the ball to Gunnar Hoglund, the former first-rounder still trying to prove he belongs in a big-league rotation. It was a tall order—Hoglund’s got to face Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the $325 million man and L.A.’s prized ace. On paper, this is a mismatch. But baseball doesn’t care about price tags, and after last night’s demolition derby, it’s clear the A’s aren’t showing up just to trade jerseys. For the Dodgers, tonight was all about pride. They were humiliated on their home field, and Yamamoto’s job is was to restore order and remind everyone why L.A. is considered a World Series favorite. But the A’s? They’re playing with house money and swagger. If Hoglund can keep his nerves in check and pound the zone, there’s no reason this A’s team—yes, that A’s team—can’t hang another crooked number on the Hollywood hype machine.

On today’s episode of Locked On A’s, we ditch the prospect lists and bring you something far more valuable — results. Forget the rankings and the industry bias. We're spotlighting the Top 5 Minor League Performers in the A’s system based solely on production, not projections. These are the guys who are showing up and showing out — stacking extra-base hits, missing bats, and forcing their way into the big-league conversation whether the national outlets are paying attention or not. This isn’t about who MLB Pipeline or Baseball America says is “next.” This is about who’s getting it done now. You’ll hear detailed scouting reports and sharp analysis on Colby Thomas’ offensive explosion, Luis Morales’ evolving arsenal, Gage Jump’s breakout debut, Henry Bolte’s raw tools vs. real progress, and a bonus name who might not be on anyone’s radar — but should be. This is the A’s farm through the lens of performance, not prospect pedigree. If you’re tired of reading lists and ready to find out who’s actually producing in 2025, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

The A’s rolled into Dodger Stadium with nothing but grit, guts, and a few guys casual fans have never heard of—and then they took a blowtorch to the Dodgers' ego. Jacob Wilson led the charge with an unforgettable four-hit night, including two no-doubt homers that had LA fans heading for the exits before the seventh inning stretch. Wilson looked like a superstar in a lineup full of underdog swagger, launching missiles off Dodger arms and reminding everyone why you don’t need a nine-figure contract to be a nightmare at the plate. Oh, and Nick Kurtz? He picked a hell of a night to hit his first career bomb—an opposite-field shot that silenced the overpriced seats and sent the A’s dugout into chaos. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Springs turned into a surgeon on the mound, slicing through the Dodgers’ high-priced lineup like a hot knife through arrogance. Seven innings, one run, zero fear. The Dodgers couldn’t square him up if you handed them protractors. Springs made MVPs look like call-ups and gave the A’s bullpen a night off. This episode is pure gold for any A’s fan who’s been waiting to scream, “Told you so!” to the national media. The green and gold just walked into one of baseball’s most hyped ballparks and handed LA a lesson in humility.

Are the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates making the right moves by firing their managers mid-season? With Bud Black and Derek Shelton out, the MLB landscape is shifting. Our hosts discuss the impact of these decisions on team dynamics and performance. Plus who are the top teams in baseball right now? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. Wonderful Pistachios Get snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more! Supply House Join the TradeMaster program today at SupplyHouse.com/TM and start ordering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies with just a few clicks. Plus, use promo code S-H-5 for 5% off your first order. That’s SupplyHouse.com! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The latest episode drops you straight into Hollywood vs. Hustle: your up-start 21-20 Athletics—just two measly games off the AL West lead—march into Dodger Stadium to stare down the defending champs who flaunt MLB’s best record (27-14) and a gaudy 15-3 fortress-level home mark. I bring in Jeff Snider of Locked On Dodgers to break down a marquee series duel—But money alone doesn’t fuel a dynasty; we peel back how the Dodgers’ “selfless clubhouse” culture—think Mookie, Freddie, and Ohtani running a Fortune 500 think-tank—became their real secret sauce. Dodger Blue Then I swing the mic back to the Green-Collar side, torching the national pundits who still tag this A’s surge “fluke.” I spell out why the record should be even better—late bullpen hiccups, a BABIP cooler than Dodger blue, and an offense that drags pitchers into street fights. Expect bold predictions (spoiler: The A's steal at least one in Chavez Ravine), real-life analogies (picture a thrift-store startup hacking Wall Street), and a loud reminder that culture isn’t exclusive to seven-figure zip codes. Buckle up—because if the A’s light up L.A.’s stage this week, the rest of baseball’s “experts” will finally have to learn our name.

The A’s just wrapped up another brutal series at their temporary home in Sutter Health Park, where wins have become as rare as affordable rent in the Bay Area. After dropping two of three to the Yankees—capped by a 12-2 Sunday beatdown that looked more like a spring training mismatch than a regular season showdown—the A’s now own the worst home record in all of Major League Baseball. The bats were silent, the bullpen imploded, and the only consistent thing about this team in Sacramento is their uncanny ability to disappoint the home crowd. This was supposed to be a fresh start. Instead, it's feeling more like a holding tank for pain. But despite the chaos at "home," the A’s remain in the thick of the AL West race, mostly because nobody in the division seems interested in running away with it. Now comes a pivotal California road trip against the Dodgers and Giants—two clubs that don’t care about your narrative and will happily stomp on your playoff dreams. If the A’s want to stay relevant in this wild division dogfight, they’ll need to find a pulse on the road and prove they can do more than just survive outside of Sacramento. Because let’s face it: home ain't helping.

The Yankees crashed the Sacramento party and handed the A’s a cold slice of reality in Game 1, flexing their October muscle with a 10-2 win that felt even more lopsided than the score. Osvaldo Bido danced through early trouble but couldn’t keep the Bronx bats quiet for long. Paul Goldschmidt and Jason Domínguez hit back-to-back solo shots in the third, and Domínguez—aka The Martian—kept orbiting with a sac fly and another blast in the seventh to seal it. The A’s, meanwhile, looked utterly lost at the plate, striking out 12 times and managing just four hits all night. Will Warren, the Yankees’ rookie starter, mowed through the lineup like he’d pitched in the bigs for a decade. This is what seemed to be Sacramento’s postseason debut, coming into the game, and the Yankees treated it like batting practice. Tyler Soderstrom botched a key play in the second, but the lineup failed repeatedly with runners on, and even the usually reliable Brent Rooker couldn’t get a clutch knock. By the sixth, you could feel the tension shift from anticipation to resignation. The A’s got a leadoff double from Nick Kurtz and still couldn’t bring him home. If Game 1 was a tone-setter, the Yankees just dropped the hammer—and the A’s better find a response fast.

Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees are rolling into Sacramento, and the A’s are waiting with smoke in their eyes. On tonight’s episode, we dive deep into the chaos of a Major League powerhouse showing up at Sutter Health Park — a setting that feels more like a proving ground than a ballpark. What does this matchup say about the state of the A’s, the direction of the franchise, and the undeniable fire this roster is starting to show? We’re breaking down Judge’s arrival, the atmosphere in Sacramento, and what this moment means for a fanbase that's been disrespected for far too long. We’ll also hit the storylines — the young A’s arms who don’t give a damn about names on the back of the jersey, the underdog energy flooding NorCal, and why this series could be a turning point in the narrative around A's baseball. Live chat is open, takes will be hot, and we’re not pulling punches. It's not just A’s vs Yankees — it’s A’s vs everyone who forgot what this team is made of.

On today’s Locked On A’s, Booney dives deep into the uncanny parallels between rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson and the Yankees legend Derek Jeter. From both being selected sixth overall in the draft to their similar approaches at the plate—balanced, disciplined, and capable of hitting to all fields—Wilson is showing signs he might just be the A’s next cornerstone. Booney breaks down Wilson’s poise, his flashes of leadership, and his steady defense, even while acknowledging the early whispers of doubt. With insight from former Yankee and A’s third baseman Scott Brosius, who shared what made Jeter a generational leader, Booney lays out a compelling case that Wilson might just be walking in similar footsteps—just with a green-and-gold twist. But that’s not all—this episode also takes a turn into deeper territory. Booney addresses whether baseball has lost its purity as politics continue to seep into the sport. Using the A’s relocation saga as a backdrop, he opens up about his own role in fanning the flames of division. Has baseball’s role as a cultural unifier been compromised, or can it still serve as a rare escape in an increasingly chaotic world? With raw honesty, Booney reflects on his past commentary, asks whether Mariners fans are being too soft, and challenges all of us to preserve what’s sacred about the game.

Mark Kotsay just managed the worst game in the history of baseball, and Booney is here to torch every second of it. After a rage-filled drive back from Sacramento, he’s going live with a no-holds-barred breakdown of the baffling decisions that sent the A’s spiraling against the Mariners—while being surrounded by Seattle fans acting like they’ve got more rings than the Yankees. Spoiler alert: they’ve got as many titles as the Savannah Bananas. And Booney’s not letting that slide. From bullpen misfires to head-scratching lineup choices, tonight’s episode of Locked On A’s pulls no punches. This wasn’t just a bad game—it was a cosmic-level gut punch to every A’s fan who thought things might finally be turning. Booney’s calling out the nonsense, firing off on Seattle’s fake dynasty energy, and warning sensitive viewers to steer clear. Because when the A’s get screwed this hard, someone’s gotta say what we’re all thinking.

In today’s episode of Locked On A’s, Booney breaks down last night’s instant classic in Sacramento, where the A’s and Mariners delivered one of the most thrilling games of the season. From Luis Severino’s gritty start to Jacob Wilson’s ice-cold walk-off single in extras, this one had it all—momentum swings, clutch hits, and playoff-level drama. Booney takes you inning by inning through the emotional rollercoaster, highlighting standout performances from Shea Langeliers, JJ Bleday, and of course, the rookie hero Wilson, whose confidence and poise are quickly becoming legend. If you missed it, don’t worry—Booney paints the picture like you were there in the stands with a rally towel in one hand and a hot dog in the other. The episode also dives into tonight’s pitching matchup, breaking down Emerson Hancock’s inconsistent arsenal and how the A’s can keep the pressure on early. Booney calls out key offensive matchups, shares injury updates on Zack Gelof and others, and gives a sneak peek into this weekend’s series against the Yankees. With the A’s now four games over .500 and the vibes at an all-time high, this episode captures not just the win, but the growing swagger of a team that’s tired of being underestimated.

Is it too early to call a season over for some MLB teams? This episode dives into the intricacies of when to make that call, with a special focus on the top-performing bullpens in Major League Baseball. Also let's talk about slumps. How do new environments affect performance? Tune in for expert analysis and engaging debates that promise to enhance your understanding of the evolving MLB season. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. Wonderful Pistachios Get snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more! Upwork Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. With Upwork, you can find specialized freelancers in marketing, development, design, and more—experts ready to help you take your business to the next level. Supply House Join the TradeMaster program today at SupplyHouse.com/TM and start ordering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies with just a few clicks. Plus, use promo code S-H-5 for 5% off your first order. That’s SupplyHouse.com! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The A’s returned home to Sacramento riding high off a 5-2 road trip—and immediately lit the fuse on an instant classic. In a back-and-forth battle with the first-place Seattle Mariners, the A’s traded punches all night, never blinking under pressure. Luis Severino gave them a solid start, Shea Langeliers went deep, and the offense clawed back after a four-run third from Seattle. The game saw clutch hits, smart base running, and a bullpen that kept the A’s within striking distance long enough for the drama to unfold. And then came the fireworks. After the Mariners scratched across a run in the top of the 10th, the A’s came right back. Jacob Wilson, the rookie with ice in his veins, stepped to the plate with the game tied and the winning run on base—and ripped a single to right for the walk-off win. The crowd erupted. The dugout emptied. It was the kind of moment that turns a season. Final score: A’s 7, Mariners 6. One game into the series, and the A’s just made it clearthey’re not here to participate, they’re here to dominate.

Today on Locked On A’s, we’re torching the gaslighting. Because once again, the national baseball media is doing what it does best: lying through its teeth about the A’s. Whether it’s parroting John Fisher’s talking points or pushing propaganda to justify a move nobody asked for, the spin cycle is in full effect. We’re diving into three stories today that the mainstream either won’t tell you, or won’t tell you truthfully: First, Sacramento’s been killing it with A’s attendance, and no one in national media wants to talk about it. They’re pretending like fans don’t exist, while 10,000+ show up in a temporary ballpark. We’ll break down the numbers and show why the fans are doing their part while MLB keeps pretending they aren’t. Second, let’s talk Las Vegas. Everyone keeps saying the A’s will draw once they land on the Strip. But where’s the evidence? We’ll look at the realities of Vegas sports attendance, the Mirage that is tourist support, and why expecting 30,000 people per night is the biggest gamble of all. Third, we follow the money — or lack of it. Where exactly is John Fisher getting the rest of the cash to build this $1.5 billion stadium? Spoiler alert: it ain’t falling out of his trust fund. And yes, taxpayers in Nevada better keep an eye on their wallets, because this deal reeks of future public funding, broken promises, and bailout begging.

The A’s rolled into Miami and left with a series win, thanks to a gritty 3-2 victory capped off by a clutch ninth-inning rally. JP Sears was nails on the mound, spinning 6.1 strong innings and giving up just two runs on four scattered hits. The Marlins never got comfortable against the lefty, who mixed speeds, painted corners, and kept the fish flailing all afternoon. The A's bullpen slammed the door late, setting the stage for some ninth-inning heroics. With the game tied in the final frame, rookie slugger Nick Kurtz stepped up and smoked a triple into the left-field corner, turning up the pressure in a big spot. Mark Kotsay pulled the right string, sending up Tyler Soderstrom to pinch hit—and the kid delivered. Soderstrom laced a line drive single through to centerfield, plating Kurtz with what turned out to be the game-winning run. Just like that, the A’s took the series in Miami and reminded everyone that this team isn’t here to be polite—they’re here to win.