SNEAKY GOOD MOVE: Barlow + Ibáñez = Depth, Grit, and Zero Spotlight

The A’s didn’t chase headlines — they chased solutions. This episode breaks down why the Scott Barlow signing matters way more than casual fans think, with Jeff Carr from Locked On Reds joining to give real insight from someone who watched Barlow pitch in pressure situations all season. The conversation gets into the good and the uncomfortable truth: swing-and-miss stuff, real late-inning experience, and the one factor that could decide everything — command. The big picture is simple: young bullpens lose games late. Veterans help you stop bleeding runs when the game gets loud. If the A’s want to turn close losses into wins, this is exactly the type of move that starts that shift. Then the focus shifts to Andy Ibáñez — the kind of player contenders quietly rely on all year — before getting real about the Max Schuemann DFA and why the emotions around it are so complicated. Schuemann represents the grind, the underdog story, the guy fans want to succeed. But baseball isn’t built on feelings — it’s built on roster math, timing, and opportunity windows. The episode tackles the hardest question head-on: did he get a real shot, or did timing work against him? It’s honest, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s the reality of how big-league rosters actually work. Scott Barlow A’s, Scott Barlow Athletics signing, A’s bullpen 2026, Jeff Carr Locked On Reds interview, Andy Ibanez A’s analysis, Andy Ibanez scouting report, A’s roster moves 2026, Max Schuemann DFA reaction, Did Max Schuemann get a fair shot, A’s offseason moves breakdown, Athletics bullpen upgrades, A’s depth signings analysis, Locked On A’s podcast, Athletics roster construction, A’s bullpen preview 2026, A’s infield depth chart 2026, MLB roster moves analysis, Athletics player development timeline, A’s front office strategy, A’s special live show analysis Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. 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) #Athletics #LasVegasAthletics #ML Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.