The Las Vegas A’s Podcast — part of the House Always Wins Media Network

He turned down professional baseball at 18 to honor his commitment to UCLA. He later moved away from shortstop to help his team—and the player who replaced him eventually became the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft. Now Roman Martin, the A’s’ 2026 fourth-round selection, is beginning his professional career with the playoff-bound Stockton Ports. Martin joins Booney and Stockton Ports broadcaster Tim Fitzgerald for an honest conversation about his development at UCLA, his transition from shortstop to third base, the mental side of professional baseball, and the offensive power he believes has yet to appear in the box score. Tim also takes us inside Stockton’s dramatic playoff run, previews the powerhouse San Jose Giants, and evaluates several of the A’s’ most fascinating young players, including Drew Burress, Alex Sosa, Corey Braun, Josiah Romeo, and Michael Brooks. Finally, Tim delivers a fiery edition of Tim’s Take on MLB umpires, the ABS challenge system, and whether baseball really needs the so-called human element behind the plate. Subscribe to The House Always Wins Media Network for independent A’s coverage, prospect interviews, game breakdowns, and year-round analysis.

Henry Bolte didn’t just play baseball tonight—he turned the basepaths into his personal amusement park. The explosive rookie reached base in all five plate appearances, launched a 341-foot home run, drew three walks, stole three bases, and scored three runs as the A’s built a 5-1 lead over Toronto. Bolte created offense without needing anybody’s permission, pressuring the Blue Jays every time he stepped into the box or took a lead off first. But this one became a white-knuckle mess. Toronto erased the four-run deficit and tied the game on Andrés Giménez’s ninth-inning home run before the A’s loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom half. Jeff McNeil then chopped an infield single to shortstop, Donovan Walton raced home, and the call survived a replay challenge to give the A’s a wild 6-5 walk-off victory. Join Booney live at 10:30 tonight for the complete breakdown of Bolte’s electric performance, McNeil’s dramatic winner, Jacob Lopez’s night, and an A’s bullpen that nearly let the celebration escape.

The 2026 Lansing Lugnuts season is over, but the final week delivered one last collection of prospect fireworks. Alex Fernandez kicked down the door with a dynamic professional debut, Jake Reinisch completed a remarkable 44-game on-base streak, and Tucker Novotny finished his transformation from struggling reliever to legitimate starting-pitching prospect. Jesse Goldberg-Strassler also hands Lansing its final grade—and when 20 former Lugnuts finish the year at Double-A or Triple-A, the development staff deserves more than a polite golf clap. Then it is awards time across the entire A’s farm system. Jesse names Jamie Arnold his Pitcher of the Year, Davis Diaz his Breakout Prospect, Ryan Magdic his Biggest Surprise, Cole Conn his biggest stock riser, and Daniel Bucciero his player to watch in 2027. Booney and Jesse unveil their top-five performers, debate Leo De Vries, Ali Camarillo, Jared Sprague-Lott, and Davis Diaz, and ultimately crown Devin Taylor the A’s Minor League Player of the Year. Finally, Jesse closes the book on an unforgettable season and looks ahead to a pivotal offseason for the organization.

Bryan Woo shut down the A’s for eight innings, allowing only one hit and striking out nine as Seattle avoided the four-game sweep with a 2-0 victory. The A’s offense never found an answer, while the Mariners scored both runs during a five-single fourth inning against Gage Jump. The biggest positive came from newly recalled Seth Johnson. Acquired in the Colby Thomas trade, Johnson retired all six batters he faced and struck out four during two perfect innings. Join Booney for Last Call: A’s Postgame, live tonight at 8:00 PM PT, as we break down the loss, Johnson’s impressive debut and an encouraging 3-1 series victory in Seattle.

The A’s are officially on a heater! Jeffrey Springs delivered the kind of performance fans have waited a long time to see, shutting out Seattle across seven brilliant innings in a commanding 6–2 victory. Springs allowed only three hits, walked two and struck out six while keeping Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor and the Mariners’ lineup completely grounded. He didn’t merely survive seven innings—he controlled the entire game and gave the A’s exactly what they have desperately needed from him. The offense did its part against George Kirby. Max Muncy launched a 428-foot missile, Henry Bolte delivered an RBI double, and Donovan Walton drove home Muncy to build an early 4–0 advantage. Lawrence Butler then supplied the eighth-inning knockout punch with a two-run homer to left-center. The bullpen surrendered the shutout but never threatened the outcome as the A’s secured their fourth consecutive victory. Tonight on Last Call: A’s Postgame, Booney breaks down Springs’ revival, the suddenly dangerous lineup and whether this winning streak is something the A’s can finally sustain.

Budget Baseball gets a little smarter — and a lot more interesting — as hosts Sammy and Quinlan are joined by Sam from Where Stats Meet Instincts for a crossover episode built around one simple idea: stop looking at players as simply “good” or “bad.” The crew digs into the overlooked strengths of Hogan Harris, including his elite fastball characteristics and how his fastball/curveball combination creates problems for hitters. Then they turn their attention to Donovan Walton and why his ability to consistently barrel and pull the ball could make him a surprisingly useful piece for the A’s despite his defensive limitations. The conversation then gets spicy with a deep dive into Jack Perkins, who was recently sent to Triple-A despite some seriously intriguing underlying numbers. Is Perkins actually regressing, or is one disastrous fastball hiding a pitcher with two potentially plus weapons? From there, the crew goes player-by-player through the current A’s roster and debates who should return in 2027, including Luis Medina, JT Ginn, Gage Jump, Jacob Lopez, Zach Gelof, Lawrence Butler, Denzel Clark, Tommy White, Alika Williams and more. Finally, they tackle the biggest offseason question facing the A’s: Can the new front office turn their outfield depth into the pitching this roster desperately needs?

The A’s just walked into Seattle and delivered one hell of a statement! After falling behind 5-2, the offense erupted in the third inning with five runs, featuring home runs from Zack Gelof, Jeff McNeil, Alika Williams and Max Muncy. Then the A’s kept swinging, adding two more runs in the fifth to take a 7-5 lead and put the Mariners squarely on the ropes. This wasn't some sleepy September win — this was an offensive avalanche. Now the question is whether the A’s can slam the door and turn a wild night in Seattle into one of their biggest wins of the season. Last Call: A’s Postgame breaks down the comeback, the home-run barrage, the clutch at-bats, the pitching and the players who stepped up when the game was there to be won. Join us LIVE on YouTube at 10:30 PM for the full postgame reaction, because after a win like this, there is absolutely no way we're going quietly into the night!

The Lab is diving deep into the latest Top 30 A’s prospect rankings, and Aidan isn't simply reading the list and moving on. He explains how prospect rankings actually work, why prospect status matters, how MLB service time and the Prospect Promotion Incentive can impact teams, and—most importantly—why fans shouldn't treat prospect rankings like they're carved in stone. Some players are high-floor, some are high-ceiling, and comparing them without considering age, level, and development path can lead to some seriously bad conclusions. Then Aidan works his way through the entire Top 30, highlighting players like Leo De Vries, Drew Burress, Jamie Arnold, Breyson Guedez, Devin Taylor, Edgar Montero, Shotaro Morii and Brandon Nett. He also makes the case for some players to move higher, explains why Drew Burress' 5'9" frame shouldn't scare anybody away from his power potential, and identifies several prospects who could dramatically change their stock with one developmental adjustment. If you want to understand what's really happening inside the A's farm system—not just who appears on a list—this episode of The Lab is must-watch baseball nerd territory. Follow Us on "X": @lasvegasaspod Podbean: https://lasvegasathleticspodcast.podbean.com/ 0:00 Analyzing the Top 30 A's Prospects 0:39 Defining Prospect Status and Eligibility 1:27 The Prospect Promotion Incentive Explained 3:39 Decoding Scouting Grades and Rankings 4:24 The Problem With Unified Prospect Lists 30:32 The Future Star at Number One

Henry Bolte might finally be figuring it out. The A's crushed the Rangers 9-2, and Henry Bolte was the biggest reason why. Two home runs, a .341 average, and an .885 OPS over his last 30 games have The Faithful Few wondering whether we're finally seeing the version of Bolte the A's hoped would emerge. Kobi and Nick break down Bolte's turnaround, his potential as a future leadoff hitter and center fielder, why hitting the ball to all fields matters, and what these final weeks of the season could mean for the young A's heading into 2027. Plus, the guys get HEATED discussing Ketel Marte's controversial absence from the Diamondbacks during their playoff push, debate who they're rooting for in the American and National League postseason races, and react to Stan Kroenke becoming the new owner of the Angels. Topics include: Henry Bolte's breakout A's 9-2 win over Texas Jonah Heim's home run A's young players September development MLB playoff races Ketel Marte controversy Diamondbacks Stan Kroenke buying the Angels The future of the AL West The record may be 54-86. The Faithful Few never quit. GO A'S!

The Lansing Lugnuts had a brutal week, losing five of six, but there were still plenty of reasons to keep an eye on what is happening in the A’s minor-league system. Jesse Goldberg-Strassler joins Booney to break down the week, including Tucker Novotny’s impressive six-inning, five-hit, three-run, two-earned-run, nine-strikeout performance against a loaded Great Lakes lineup and Miles Naylor’s monster day featuring two home runs. Jesse explains what makes Novotny so interesting despite modest velocity and why Naylor’s power is undeniable — while pitch recognition remains a major part of his development. Then the conversation gets much bigger. Who could jump from Lansing to Midland in 2027? Could Drew Burress make an aggressive move? Where does Stephen Echevarria fit? What happens with Josiah Romeo, Alex Barr, Mason Edwards, Gabe Gackle, Aiden Weaver, Donnie Tricona and Samuel Dutton? Jesse also discusses Jose Parra’s electric arm, the importance of individualized development plans, the potential impact of a new A’s general manager on the minor leagues, and why Mark Kotsay’s comments about Jamie Arnold’s changeup reveal something important about how the organization wants prospects developed. From coaching staffs and technology to pitching philosophy and player development, this episode goes well beyond one bad week in Lansing.

The A’s came into Baltimore riding back-to-back series wins and promptly got swept, losing 4-3 in 10 innings, 5-3, and 8-5. The pitching once again became the story, with Jeffrey Springs getting crushed while continuing to receive starts, the offense leaving 25 runners on base, and the defense committing four errors. Meanwhile, the A’s repeatedly created opportunities and then found ways to leave them sitting there. At this point, Hobbs isn't pretending this is just another bad series. The season has become Evaluation Day. So who deserves to be part of what's next? Hobbs has plenty to say about Jeffrey Springs, Cade Morris, Jack Perkins, the bullpen's surprisingly solid work, and Lawrence Butler's offensive turnaround. He also aims at the recurring inability to bring runners home from third with fewer than two outs, the double-play problem, Jeff McNeil getting thrown out at home, the defensive breakdowns, and the crowded roster full of players seemingly filling the same roles. The question isn't simply why the A's keep losing — it's who should still be here when this team moves forward? Follow us on "X": @lasvegasaspod Podbean: https://lasvegasathleticspodcast.podbean.com/ 0:00 A Frustrating Weekend Sweep 1:23 Welcome to the Habit Hunter Podcast 3:01 Jeffrey Springs and the Pitching Woes 4:28 Opener Breakdown: A Bizarre Start 7:18 The Mental Toll of Missed Opportunities 10:20 Questionable Decisions from the Dugout 17:29 Saturday Night's Failure to Execute 35:49 The Final Game: A Familiar Collapse

The A’s 2026 season continues to unravel, and Sunday’s 8-5 loss to the Orioles in Sacramento was a fitting gut punch. The A’s jumped out to a 5-1 lead, getting a two-run double from Lawrence Butler, an RBI double from Jeff McNeil and a two-run homer from Jacob Wilson—but Baltimore slowly turned the game around before taking control. The Orioles tied it with a three-run fourth, then Gunnar Henderson delivered the knockout blow with a three-run homer in the fifth. Henderson added a triple in the eighth as the Orioles completed the sweep. We break down how the A’s let another winnable game—and another series—slip through their fingers. But this episode is about much more than one ugly loss. We take a hard look at the 2026 season as a whole, examine where the A’s went wrong, and ask the uncomfortable questions about what this organization actually has moving forward. Joining us is special guest Sam, host of Where Stats Meet Instincts, who brings a unique perspective shaped by his own experiences as a former college baseball player and coach. Sam explains how those experiences influence the way he evaluates players, development, and the farm system—and what the A’s need to do differently if they want their next wave of talent to actually become the foundation of a winning team.

The A’s have played better baseball lately, winning series against the Astros and Twins, and frankly, winning is a lot more fun than losing. But Sam is back on Where Stats Meet Instinct to separate the results from the things that actually tell us something about the future. Are these wins evidence that the A’s have finally figured something out, or are we simply watching a bad team experience some positive regression? Sam also digs into why the recent DFA-reliever additions may be more interesting than their ERAs suggest—and why those moves could reveal what the organization is actually looking for. Then it’s time to talk about the players who really matter. Lawrence Butler is playing much better, but can A’s fans evaluate him without letting frustration, expectations and contract money cloud the conversation? Henry Bolte is showing why struggling, adjusting and succeeding again can be far more meaningful than simply getting off to a hot start. Sam also breaks down Jacob Lopez’s resurgence, Gage Jump’s flashes of frontline potential, the development questions surrounding Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, and why the real story of this season may be hiding underneath the win-loss record.

Join The Faithful Few for an honest conversation about A's baseball and the future of the roster. In this episode, Nick DiCicco, Kobi, and Rants break down the latest news surrounding the team. We discuss the current state of A's fan culture, specifically looking at the rise of the self-proclaimed King of A's Twitter and what that status means for the community. It is a necessary listen for anyone trying to stay connected to the team during these challenging times. We also pivot to an analysis of the pitching staff. The crew evaluates the question of whether these arms actually matter in the long-term rebuilding plan. By examining the current depth and potential of the bullpen, we offer a realistic perspective on what supporters can expect as the season progresses. This discussion aims to cut through the noise and focus on the actual performance metrics that will define the next chapter for the organization. Subscribe for weekly A's breakdowns, and comment below if you think the pitching staff has what it takes to turn things around this year. Follow us on "X": @lasvegasaspod Podbean: https://lasvegasathleticspodcast.podbean.com/

Hobbes is back, and for once, there's a little sunshine breaking through the clouds. The A's took another series from the Twins, giving the team back-to-back series victories and a stretch of four wins in five games that actually gives A's fans something to smile about. Hobbes breaks down the ugly series opener, Jeffrey Springs' struggles, the A's maddening habit of leaving runners stranded, and the late offensive rally that made a blowout look a whole lot more respectable. Then comes the good stuff: Gage Jump's outstanding start, Carlos Cortes getting his power stroke back, Jeff McNeil continuing to rake, Henry Bolte making an impact, and the bullpen surviving long enough to preserve a win. Hobbes also takes a hard look at Hayden Younger, the decision-making from the dugout, Elvis Alvarado finally getting another ninth-inning opportunity, and why seeing the A's players actually smiling matters more than it might seem. As always, Hobbes hands out flowers where they're deserved—and a few asterisks where they're definitely not.

Lawrence Butler's traditional numbers may have looked ugly early in the season, but the underlying data tells a much more interesting story. Quinlan and Sammy break down Butler's recent improvement, including his hard-hit rate, average exit velocity, chase rate, career-best walk rate, and improving pull-air rate. They also examine how his knee recovery could be affecting his swing, defense, and speed, and why relatively small changes in how often he lifts the baseball could make a major difference in his overall production. The big question: was Butler actually as bad as those early-season numbers suggested? Then the conversation turns to Henry Bolte, and things get really interesting. Bolte has extraordinary athleticism, elite bat speed, game-changing speed and legitimate defensive upside — but his 64% ground-ball rate and high whiff rate create a fascinating development dilemma. Should the A's try to turn him into a power hitter by getting him to lift the baseball, or should they focus on reducing the whiffs and maximizing his ability to put the ball in play? Quinlan and Sammy also debate whether Bolte could eventually have 30-30 potential, how Drew Burriss and Tyler Soderstrom complicate the roster picture, and whether Soderstrom could eventually become the DH. Neither Butler nor Bolte is a finished product, but both give A's fans something increasingly rare: reasons to be optimistic.

The Stockton Ports had Fresno right where they wanted them. A 7-1 lead. Josiah Romeo was dominating on the mound. A 9-8 lead in extra innings. And a chance to leave Fresno with a two-game cushion in the race for the final playoff spot. Instead, the Ports suffered a devastating 10-9, 11-inning loss to the Grizzlies, turning what looked like a huge victory into one of the season's toughest losses. On this edition of The Port Report, we sit down with Stockton Ports voice Timmy Fitzgerald to break down the collapse and everything surrounding this critical series.

Jared Davis didn't exactly ease into his Lansing Lugnuts career—he kicked the door down. After arriving from the Arizona Complex League, the 17th-round pick immediately opened his Lugnuts tenure with five hits in his first five at-bats. Jesse Goldberg-Strassler breaks down what makes Davis so intriguing, from his unique batting stance and aggressive approach to the energy and personality he brings to the ballpark. We also dive into Pedro Pineda's breakout week, Breyson Guedes' power display, and Brian Arendt's massive three-run homer. There's plenty more to unpack as the Lugnuts continue their torrid stretch at Jackson Field. Jesse and Booney examine Tucker Novotny's emergence as a starting-pitching weapon, Ben Hanson's dominant outing, the progress of Dylan Fien and Daniel Bucciero, and the immediate impact of Jared Sprague-Lott and Ali Camarillo after their promotions. With the Lugnuts taking five of six and the postseason race tightening, Lansing has suddenly become one of the hottest teams in the league—and Jesse explains exactly what needs to happen next for the Lugnuts to make a playoff push.

50-80. Thirty games under .500. Football is almost here. And somehow… we're still talking about the A's. Kobe and Nicholas DeSicco return for a shorter-than-usual episode of The Faithful Few to laugh, complain, reminisce and try to figure out why we're still emotionally invested in a team that has made watching baseball feel like a character-building exercise. The boys break down the A's win in Houston, Jacob Lopez's strong outing, the late comeback, Dallas Braden giving All On Green's Rob some love, and the increasingly painful experience of hearing opposing dugouts sound more alive than the A's dugout. Then things get nostalgic. The conversation turns to Sacramento fatigue, the future Las Vegas ballpark, why a shiny new stadium won't mean much without winning, and the approaching football season. But the heart of this episode is the Coliseum: 2012 Game 162, Josh Hamilton's dropped ball, the BART ramp celebration, and the unforgettable memories that made being an A's fan so special. And then there's the Matt Chapman foul ball—a catcher's glove, Black Cherry seltzers, cardboard cutouts, a nearly empty stadium, and a broadcast that apparently couldn't stop talking about the catch. Next week, Athletics Rants joins the Faithful Few for a special draft episode. Subscribe, tell us your favorite A's memory, and come be part of the Faithful Few—because we're still here for some reason.

The A’s came into Houston looking to do exactly what the Habit Hunter demanded: spoil the Astros’ season. After getting shut out 4-0 in the opener, the A's responded with a dramatic comeback win and then erased an early 6-0 deficit in the finale to take two of three from Houston. The series featured Brian Serven’s three-run blast, Max Muncy’s go-ahead home run, Tommy White’s big production, and another impressive performance from Donovan Walton, who continues to make his case for more playing time and a higher spot in the batting order. But the wins don’t erase the problems. Hobbes breaks down the A’s struggles with strikeouts, runners left on base, double plays, defensive mistakes, base-running blunders, and questionable pitching decisions. He also examines Jacob Lopez’s outstanding start, the bullpen’s strong overall performance, Luis Medina’s continued struggles, Hogan Harris settling into a setup role, Elvis Alvarado’s emergence, and the frustratingly inconsistent performances from players such as Zack Gelof, Jonah Heim, and Max Muncy. With the Twins coming to West Sacramento next, the Habit Hunter takes one last look at what went right, what still needs fixing, and which players deserve more opportunities down the stretch.

The A’s just gave their fans something they desperately needed: a reason to smile. Down 6-0 to the first-place Astros in Houston, the A’s exploded for six runs in the fifth inning, with Brian Serven launching a three-run homer before Lawrence Butler and Tommy White helped complete the comeback. Then Max Muncy delivered the knockout punch in the seventh, launching a 409-foot solo homer to center to put the A’s ahead 7-6 for good.   On Last Call: A’s Postgame, we're celebrating one heck of a Sunday afternoon in Houston. We'll break down the six-run rally, Muncy's clutch blast, Jack Perkins throwing five huge innings of relief, Hogan Harris slamming the door in the ninth, and what this series win says about a young A's team that refuses to quit. In a season that hasn't provided nearly enough happy moments, this one absolutely deserves to be enjoyed.

The Athletics finally snapped their five-game losing streak in dramatic fashion, rallying from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Houston Astros 4-3. Jacob Lopez gave the A’s six strong innings, striking out nine while allowing just one run, and Donovan Walton provided the early offense with a 422-foot home run in the third inning. But after Houston grabbed control in the seventh on a Daulton Varsho homer and Jeremy Peña RBI single, the A’s appeared headed toward another frustrating loss. Then came the eighth inning. McNeil singled, Gelof walked, and a sacrifice bunt put the tying runs in scoring position before a wild pitch brought the A's within one. Lawrence Butler tied the game with a single, Tommy White doubled, and Jonah Heim delivered the go-ahead RBI groundout. Elvis Alvarado then slammed the door in the ninth with three straight outs. On Last Call A’s Postgame, we break down the comeback, Lopez’s performance, the eighth-inning rally, Tommy White’s three-hit night, the bullpen, the controversial sixth-inning moment involving Joe Espada and Hunter Brown, and what this win could mean for the A’s moving forward.

Baseball finally has a way to measure one of the most overlooked skills on the diamond: receiving the baseball at first base. In Episode 3 of The Lab, Aidan breaks down Baseball Savant's new first-base receiving data, explaining how Outs Above Average works, why the numbers aren't perfect, and why simply looking at the overall leaderboard doesn't tell the whole story. From scoops and low throws to high and wide throws, Aidan digs into what actually makes a first baseman elite at turning bad throws into outs. Then comes the part A's fans will want to hear: Nick Kurtz is already among the best in baseball at receiving the ball, ranking near the top of the league in scoops despite having limited experience at the position. Aidan also looks at Matt Olson's dominance, Tyler Soderstrom's receiving ability, Tommy White's early numbers, and the limitations of defensive analytics when height, wingspan, and the quality of the throw all enter the equation. The data may still need some polishing, but it is giving us something we've never really had before — a measurable way to appreciate the art of saving a teammate's bad throw.

The A's just got swept in Kansas City, dropping four straight games in a series that somehow managed to get more painful every day. The Habit Hunter breaks down the disaster from Mason Barnett's brutal start and the bullpen's latest meltdown to an offense that repeatedly went to sleep after scoring early. The A's scored first in three of the first three games and still couldn't win, while their parade of one-two-three innings, wild pitches, blown leads and defensive mistakes made this series feel less like baseball and more like a four-day hostage situation. But this episode isn't just about the losses — it's about figuring out who should still be part of the next version of this team. Tyler Soderstrom is done for the season, Jacob Wilson is also shut down, and Hobbes takes a much harder look at the players and coaches who may no longer deserve the benefit of the doubt. Lawrence Butler's baserunning and defensive mistakes take plenty of heat, while the bullpen, Bobby Crosby's decisions and an offense that produced 18 one-two-three innings in four games all end up in the crosshairs. The message is simple: this isn't about winning anymore. It's about finding out who wants to be here and who needs to go.

The A’s had a 5-1 lead. They had the Royals right where they wanted them. Then came the eighth inning, because apparently the universe decided we hadn't suffered enough. Kansas City scored seven runs on five hits, turning a comfortable 5-2 game into a 9-5 nightmare before anyone could even finish asking, “How are they going to blow this one?” Rave doubled in three runs, Garcia added another, and just like that, the A’s bullpen turned a four-run cushion into another loss. The A’s fall 9-7, drop their third straight and leave us with the only reasonable question left: IS THIS REAL??? There were positives — Jeff McNeil drove in two, JJ Bleday? No, wait, wrong universe. The offense actually did its job, scoring five runs early and adding two more in the ninth when Tyler Soderstrom? Again, wrong universe. The point is: seven runs in one inning will ruin basically anybody's evening. The A’s are now officially in that phase of the season where every lead feels like a temporary clerical error. Join us LIVE at 9:00 for Last Call: A’s Postgame, where we will attempt to explain how a 5-1 lead became a 9-7 loss without laughing, crying or staring silently into the middle distance.

The A’s were three outs away from stealing another one in Kansas City, but the ninth inning turned into a nightmare. Leading 3-1, the A’s handed the ball to Hogan Harris, who surrendered a single, a walk and then watched Kansas City tie the game on a two-run single from John Tolbert. After the A’s went to Elvin Alvarado, Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the gut punch—a walk-off RBI single that completed a three-run ninth-inning comeback and a 4-3 Royals victory. Before the collapse, the A’s did plenty right. Brady Basso and the pitching staff kept Kansas City largely quiet, while Jeff McNeil continued swinging a hot bat and the offense manufactured three runs, including a two-run sixth inning. Zack Gelof and McNeil helped set the table, while Nick Kurtz's replacement in the lineup and the bottom half of the order battled to give the A’s a 3-1 cushion. But in the end, another late-game failure turned a potential road win into another brutal loss. Last Call: A’s Postgame breaks down where it went wrong, the ninth-inning decisions, the bullpen meltdown and whether this was a game the A’s simply had no business losing.

John Fisher's fingerprints may be all over the A's biggest problem—and it has nothing to do with the batting order. In this explosive episode of Budget Baseball, Quinlan and Sammy examine the A's lack of investment in analytics, research and development, and player development following Ken Rosenthal's reporting on the David Forst departure. The question is simple: Can an organization realistically compete in modern Major League Baseball when it doesn't invest enough in the people and technology working behind the scenes? The A's may have talented players, but talent alone doesn't create a sustainable winner. Then Quinlan takes the discussion directly to the mound, breaking down JT Ginn, Jacob Lopez, Jack Perkins and Luis Morales to show how pitch-design decisions can either maximize a pitcher's strengths—or make them worse. From Lopez and Perkins being asked to throw sinkers that don't complement their fastballs to Morales' changing pitch mix, the conversation exposes the danger of blindly copying league-wide trends instead of building around what each pitcher actually does well. Are the A's making their pitchers worse? Is their analytics operation too small to uncover the next competitive advantage? And ultimately, does the responsibility fall on John Fisher? This is one of the most revealing episodes of Budget Baseball yet.

The A’s jumped on the board first behind Jeff McNeil’s 375-foot homer, but Kansas City answered immediately and never really gave them control of this one. Bobby Witt Jr. was the difference-maker, going 3-for-4 with a homer, double, stolen base, and three runs scored as the Royals turned a 1-0 deficit into a 6-1 lead. The A’s did fight back, with Tommy White and Brian Serven contributing to a three-run fifth inning that pulled them within two. But every time the A’s got close, Kansas City had another answer. Witt’s sixth-inning single helped set up another Royals run, and his eighth-inning double sparked a two-run rally that extended the lead to 9-4. The A’s managed one final run in the ninth, but it was far too little, far too late. Tonight, Where Stats Meet Instincts, hosted by Sam, takes over the postgame and breaks down Bobby Witt Jr.’s domination, the A’s pitching problems, the offensive bright spots and another frustrating loss that never quite felt out of reach until it was.

The A's finally put the bats and arms together and walked away with a series win over the Rangers, taking two of three behind some serious offensive fireworks. On this episode of The Habit Hunter, Hobbs breaks down the biggest moments from the series, including Jeff McNeil's monster performance, Henry Bolte's power surge, Carlos Cortez's big hits, Gage Jump's gritty start, JT Ginn's outing, and a bullpen that actually looked like it knew what it was doing. And yes, Hobbs has plenty to say about the A's lineup decisions along the way. Hobbs also dives into the latest roster moves, the A's continued struggles with runners in scoring position, the team's habit of giving opponents life after taking leads, and why certain players simply need to be on the field more often. Plus, there are thoughts on the A's broadcast, Jenny's unforgettable home-run call, potential changes for next season, and plenty of the trademark Habit Hunter sarcasm. The Habit Hunter is now available on YouTube and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

The drought is finally over! The A’s took two of three from the Texas Rangers, winning Sunday’s finale 5-2 to capture their first series win in West Sacramento since April 28-30 and their first home series victory since June 12-14. After going 0-12-1 over their previous 13 series at their current home ballpark, the A’s finally gave the home crowd something worth celebrating. Jacob Lopez delivered six strong innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on five hits, and the offense answered with three home runs from Lawrence Butler, Zack Gelof and Tommy White. On tonight’s Last Call Live, we break down how the A’s finally slammed the door on the Sacramento series drought. Butler’s 394-foot blast got the offense rolling, but Gelof’s 403-foot two-run bomb in the seventh put the A’s back in front for good before Tommy White launched the first home run of his major league career in the eighth. We’ll talk Lopez’s bounce-back performance, Gelof’s huge moment, White’s first career homer, Hogan Harris closing it out, and what taking two of three from a division rival actually means for this team moving forward.

The A’s had Texas on the ropes, but the Rangers came roaring back to steal Game 2, 5-3, and Wyatt Langford was the difference. Langford collected three hits, including a massive 421-foot two-run homer in the sixth inning that flipped the game and erased the A’s early 3-0 advantage. The A’s jumped ahead in the second behind a three-run home run from Henry Bolte, but after that early punch, the offense went quiet when it mattered most. Tonight on Last Call, we break down another frustrating loss, the A’s inability to protect a three-run lead, Langford’s monster performance, and a bullpen that ultimately gave Texas the opening it needed. The A’s had plenty of chances to answer after Langford’s homer but managed just one hit over the final four innings. Now the series comes down to the finale, and the question is simple: Can the A’s bounce back and take the series, or will Texas leave Sacramento with the W?

Jeff McNeil put together a monster night, collecting four hits and driving the A’s offense in an impressive comeback victory over the division-rival Texas Rangers. The A’s jumped out early, watched Texas answer with three runs in the sixth, then fought right back behind McNeil’s big bat—including a 400-foot home run—and a huge three-run eighth inning. On tonight’s Last Call, we break down how the A’s turned a tight game into a statement win, McNeil’s four-hit performance, Lawrence Butler’s 411-foot blast, and the late-inning rally that put Texas on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Is this the kind of win that can give the A’s some momentum—or just another fun night in an otherwise frustrating season? Join us live at 10:00 tonight on YouTube!

The A’s may be 47-74, but there is plenty to talk about on Episode 6 of The Faithful Few. Kobe and Nick break down the shocking departure of David Forst, the controversy surrounding the A’s calling it a “mutual parting of ways,” and what the move could mean for the next general manager — and potentially Mark Kotsay. Is the organization finally getting serious about building a winning team before the move to Las Vegas? The guys also celebrate Gage Jump’s electric 11-strikeout performance against the Red Sox, Lawrence Butler finally finding his swing, and Jacob Wilson putting together an incredible errorless streak at shortstop. Then things get ridiculous with another edition of Bush League or Not? Before the guys settle another Tailgate Draft — this time selecting the most unique features in MLB ballparks. Plus: the 2002 A’s 20-game winning streak, Tropic Thunder, the Great Tailgate Draft Voting Controversy, and plenty of A’s fan therapy. Subscribe to The House Always Wins Media Network and become part of the Faithful Few.

David Forst is out, but somehow Mark Kotsay is still in the dugout — and that decision is going to get plenty of attention tonight on All On Green. Rob and Big Stud are back live at 6:30 PM PST with plenty to say about the Forst firing, what it means for the A’s front office, and whether Kotsay has done enough to justify keeping his job. They’ll dig into potential managerial candidates, Jacob Wilson’s comments about Forst, the growing frustration surrounding this roster and the bigger question hanging over the organization: where is the accountability? And there’s plenty more on the menu. Rob will talk about his trip to Boston, Jamie Arnold continues ramping up toward his arrival, and Leo De Vries made some noise by posting Junior Caminero’s monster home run. Then it’s time to turn the attention toward today’s matchup with the Rays. The frustration is real, the questions are piling up, and Rob and Big Stud aren't exactly known for whispering when the A’s give them something to talk about. All On Green goes live at 6:30 PM PST on YouTube.

David Forst is out, and Sam is taking a step back to grade his entire tenure as the person running the A’s baseball operations. In this episode of Where Stats Meet Instincts, Sam breaks down Forst’s performance across four critical areas: the MLB Draft, trades, free agency and international signings. The verdict? It’s complicated. The A’s have drafted extremely well in recent years, earning an A-, while the trade record lands around a C, free agency gets a D, and international scouting receives an F. Put it all together, and Sam lands at roughly a C- for the Forst era — while also acknowledging the enormous degree of difficulty he faced operating with limited resources. But the real question isn't whether David Forst deserved to be fired. What happens next? Sam explains why he doesn't want to see the A’s simply promote someone from inside the organization and instead argues for a younger, outside baseball executive capable of completely modernizing the organization. From pitching development and minor-league development to player evaluation, international scouting and roster construction, Sam lays out exactly what he wants from the next A’s front office. The A’s are entering a new era, and Sam believes this is their chance to finally build the baseball operation that can make them competitive in Las Vegas.

The Port Report lands a huge interview as A’s first-round pick Drew Burress joins the show to talk about his whirlwind journey from Georgia Tech to being selected No. 8 overall in the 2026 MLB Draft. Burress opens up about the emotional end to his college career, playing alongside his Georgia Tech teammates, adjusting from metal to wood bats, his first week of professional baseball, and what it feels like to finally turn a lifelong dream into reality. He also explains why Georgia Tech was ultimately the best decision for his development and how he is building a routine for the grind of professional baseball. Burress also addresses one of the biggest knocks that followed him throughout his career: his height. The Georgia Tech home run king explains why being labeled “too short” motivated him, how he developed the strength and power to compete against much bigger players, and why he believes production ultimately matters more than measurements. The Port Report also breaks down the impressive debuts of Roman Martin and Alex Sosa, the Stockton Ports' playoff chase, Mason Patel joining the organization, the development of several pitching prospects, and what the firing of David Forst could mean for the A’s organization moving forward.

Sammy and Quinlan are back with another LIVE episode of Budget Baseball, coming your way at 6:00 PM on YouTube—just before first pitch as the A’s open a series against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays enter at 71-46 and sitting atop the AL East, while the A’s are 47-71 and looking for answers during another frustrating season. The big headline is the return of Zack Gelof from the injured list, while Jacob Lopez gets the ball for the A’s against Tampa Bay’s Freddy Peralta. Sammy and Quinlan break down the pitching matchup, Gelof’s return and what to watch for when these two clubs finally meet for the first time this season. But this episode goes well beyond tonight’s game. Roster construction is front and center, as Sammy and Quinlan examine what the A’s should actually be building toward and, perhaps more importantly, what the organization’s next general manager hire will tell us about ownership’s vision. Is the next GM going to be empowered to tear things down and rebuild the baseball operation, or are we simply getting another version of the same philosophy? With the A’s future direction hanging in the balance, Budget Baseball tackles the questions that matter—and they aren't afraid to go where the answers might hurt.

The Lansing Lugnuts are rolling, and one of their biggest young pitching stories just earned a ticket to Double-A. Steven Echavarria has been promoted to Midland after putting together a breakout season in Lansing, capped by a career-high nine strikeouts over six dominant innings against Lake County. Now Jesse Goldberg-Strassler joins Booney to break down what Echavarria accomplished in Lansing, what made his development so impressive and what the promotion means for his future in the A's organization. And if his 100-mph fastball to finish his career-best outing was any indication, Midland is about to find out what Lansing has been watching. But Echavarria wasn't the only story from an absolutely bonkers series against Lake County. The Nuts won five of six, including a 6-1 victory behind Jorge Marcheco and a wild 6-5 comeback that ended with Daniel Bucciero's two-out, ninth-inning walk-off single. Jake Reinisch continued his hot streak with multiple clutch home runs, 18-year-old Breyson Guedez picked up his first High-A RBI, Pedro Pineda launched a massive three-run homer, and the Nuts came within one victory of the first six-game sweep in franchise history. We're breaking down all of it — plus the prospects whose stock is rising fastest in Lansing.

The series-win drought is finally over! The A’s walked into Boston and walked out with a 4-3 victory over the Red Sox, securing their first series win since June 15 against the Rockies. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't easy, and it certainly wasn't boring. The A’s jumped out early, fell behind 3-2, then fought their way back behind a clutch RBI double from Jonah Heim in the eighth to tie the game before Max Muncy delivered the knockout punch in the ninth, doubling home Max Schuemann to put the A’s ahead for good. Booney breaks down a game that featured everything: JT Ginn battling through five innings, Nick Kurtz getting the day off, Jacob Wilson reaching twice in the first inning, Luis Soderstrom continuing to make things happen, the bullpen shutting Boston down late, and Hogan Harris surviving a tense ninth inning to close it out. After losing series after series for nearly two months, the A’s finally have something to celebrate. Is this the beginning of a turnaround—or just one very satisfying interruption to the madness? Last Call: A’s Postgame Live gets into all of it tonight at 9:00.

The episode centers on the strange but welcome reality that the A’s actually won a series against Boston, immediately after the organization parted ways with David Forst. The transcript looks at whether those events are connected, what Forst’s departure could mean for the culture and decision-making inside the organization, and whether interim GM Dan Feinstein represents the beginning of a larger front-office overhaul. Hobbs also makes the case that Mark Kotsay’s time should be coming to an end and that the A’s need to start making serious decisions about which players belong in the organization’s future. But this is still The Habit Hunter, so one series win doesn't get everybody off the hook. Hobbs tears into the ugly series-opening loss, the strikeout epidemic, questionable bullpen decisions, the constant shuffling of young pitchers, Jeff McNeil's lack of playing time, and the A’s maddening habit of pulling pitchers when they're rolling while leaving struggling arms in too long. Then comes the fun part: Gage Jump delivers six innings and a career-high 11 strikeouts, the offense wakes up, Jacob Wilson contributes, Jonah Heim comes through, and the A’s finally give their fans something to smile about.

In Episode 2 of The Lab, Aidan goes deep into the A's farm system with his ranking of the top 24 position-player prospects in the organization. But this isn't another copy-and-paste prospect list. Aidan explains exactly how he evaluates players, breaking prospects down through four primary categories—discipline, power, fielding and running—while explaining why he puts more emphasis on some tools than others. He also discusses why prospect rankings can be misleading, why minor-league defense is difficult to evaluate, and why simply looking at batting average, home runs or stolen bases doesn't tell the entire story. Then comes the fun part: the rankings. Aidan breaks down players ranging from established high-end prospects and young international players to potential future utility players and prospects whose windows may be closing. Leo DeVries, Devin Taylor, Breyson Guedez, Johenssy Colome, Shotaro Morii, Cole Conn, Daniel PBucciero, Edgar Montero, Cameron Leary, Myles Naylor and many more make the conversation. There are big projections, major questions and a few players Aidan believes could surprise people. And just when the conversation gets rolling, Aidan explains why pitching prospects deserve an entirely different evaluation—and promises that breakdown is coming next.

The losing streak is FINALLY over! After nine straight losses, the A’s walked into Fenway Park and took down the red-hot Red Sox 7-3 behind an absolute gem from Gage Jump, who dominated Boston for six innings while striking out 11. The offense chipped in with a huge middle-inning rally, including RBI hits from Shea Langeliers, Jacob Wilson, Max Muncy, and Jacob Wilson, a two-run double from Andrew Walton, a 413-foot blast from Tyler Soderstrom and a 439-foot exclamation point from Lawrence Butler. After nine straight nights of misery, the A’s finally gave their fans something to celebrate. Tonight on Last Call: A’s Postgame LIVE, Booney is NOT alone! The one and only Aaron Cameron (@BootlegGuy) joins the show for a full breakdown of the win, Gage Jump’s electric performance, the offensive contributions, and whether this victory can actually mean something for the final stretch of the season. But the conversation goes well beyond tonight’s box score — Booney and Aaron will also dive into the David Forst situation, where this franchise goes from here, and what needs to happen for the A’s to finally find their way. LIVE TONIGHT AT 8:00 PM ON YOUTUBE — DON'T MISS IT!

David Forst is OUT — and the A’s just blew up the front office heading into the most important transition in franchise history. After more than two decades inside the organization and nearly 30 years of the Billy Beane/David Forst era, Forst is gone, with assistant GM Dan Feinstein stepping in on an interim basis while the A’s launch a “comprehensive” search for a new general manager. Was this truly a mutual parting of ways, or was Forst fired? And did his reported reluctance to move to Las Vegas play a role? Last Call is going straight into the fire. Tonight, following the A’s vs. Red Sox game, Booney breaks down what Forst’s departure means for the franchise, the young core, the pitching disaster, the coming move to Las Vegas and the enormous challenge facing whoever takes over the front office. The A’s are 45-70, staring at another losing season, and now they’re replacing the man who has been running baseball operations since Beane stepped into an advisory role. Is this the beginning of a real reset—or another chapter in the A’s organizational chaos? Join us LIVE at 8:00 PM tonight for Last Call: A’s Postgame.

The A's may be buried in the standings, but that doesn't mean the season has become meaningless. Sam explains why he continues tuning in every night despite the losing streak, arguing that the most important developments aren't showing up in the win column. Instead, the spotlight shifts to the organization's young core, with a detailed breakdown of the starting rotation, bullpen, and position players who could shape the franchise over the next several seasons. Sam also dives into why Jacob Lopez, JT Ginn, Gage Jump, Jack Perkins, Mason Barnett, Henry Bolte, Tommy White, and newly acquired Seth Johnson deserve fans' attention. He discusses what the trade deadline revealed about the A's organizational philosophy, why the pitching staff remains the club's biggest challenge, and how player development—not wins—has become the most important storyline over the final weeks of the season.

The A’s continue searching for answers after another frustrating series loss, and this time Hobbs has plenty to say. Despite encouraging performances from starters J.T. Ginn and Jacob Lopez, the same painful pattern keeps showing up — strong pitching wasted by bullpen breakdowns, questionable decisions, and an offense that disappears at the worst possible moments. The A’s were in position to win close games against the Reds, but once again the bullpen turned promising nights into disappointing losses. On this episode of The Habit Hunter, Tim “Hobbs” Burns breaks down the biggest problems facing the A’s, including the handling of young pitchers, the confidence crisis impacting relievers, Nick Kurtz’s injury situation, the Colby Thomas trade, and why certain players are thriving while others appear lost. Hobbs also examines the recent struggles of Carlos Cortez, the continued inconsistency of the lineup, and why the A’s keep repeating the same mistakes. With the possibility of a 100-loss season becoming more realistic, Hobbs asks the uncomfortable questions A’s fans are thinking — and he is not holding back.

Mia and Soph are hanging on by a thread as they react to what feels like an endless nightmare for the A's. From a growing injury list that now threatens stars Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson to the team's collapse in the AL West standings, the duo unleashes one hilarious rant after another while trying to figure out if anyone—or anything—can save the season. Along the way they roast the Dodgers' spending spree, debate the most annoying fanbases in baseball, question why baseball tickets cost a fortune to watch struggling teams, and somehow convince themselves the clubhouse might actually need an exorcism. Then the conversation takes a wildly entertaining turn as Mia and Soph sort A's players into Hogwarts houses, rank their biggest baseball "icks," debate giveaway nights, make bold predictions for the rest of the season, and explain why real fans never leave games early. It's equal parts baseball therapy session, comedy show, and fan roundtable, making this one of the funniest and most relatable episodes of Trending yet.

This week on The Port Report, Stockton Ports broadcaster Tim Fitzgerald welcomes one of the Athletics' most intriguing young pitching prospects, Josiah Romeo, for an in-depth conversation covering everything from his journey to professional baseball to his development inside the A's organization. The 2024 sixth-round pick discusses why he chose to sign with the A's over attending Florida State, how competing with Team Canada and in the MLB Draft League convinced him he was ready for pro ball, and what life is really like navigating a full professional season. Romeo also dives into his evolving pitch arsenal, including his developing changeup, pitch sequencing philosophy, and the importance of command over pure velocity. Romeo also reflects on the adversity that helped shape his season, explaining how a reset in the Arizona Complex League improved both his preparation and mentality before returning to Stockton with renewed confidence. Tim and the crew also discuss the latest wave of Athletics draft picks arriving in Stockton, prospect development throughout the organization, Gavin Turley's recent surge, Edgar Montero's impressive defensive upside, and why patience remains one of the most important ingredients in developing future major leaguers. It's an insightful look inside player development featuring one of the brightest young arms in the Athletics system.

This week on Where Stats Meet Instincts, Sam steps away from spreadsheets and advanced metrics to explore something every baseball fan sees but few truly understand: the emotional and mental toll of losing. Drawing from years as a Division II college player and coach, Sam shares firsthand experiences from enduring devastating losing streaks, explaining what really happens inside a clubhouse when confidence disappears, pressure mounts, and every decision feels like the wrong one. It's an honest look behind the curtain that challenges the idea that players and coaches simply "don't care." From bullpen management and impossible coaching decisions to the psychology of hitting, compartmentalizing failure, and why trying harder often makes baseball players perform worse, this episode offers a perspective fans rarely hear. Sam also discusses leadership, player-only meetings, clubhouse culture, and why bad pitching can overwhelm even the healthiest team environment. It's a thoughtful conversation that reminds us baseball isn't just a physical game—it's a mental battle fought every single day.

This week on Lugnuts Weekly, the spotlight belongs to one of the most overlooked pitchers in the A's farm system: Samuel Dutton. Jesse Goldberg-Strassler explains why the former Auburn standout has quietly become one of the Midwest League's most dependable arms, breaking down how Dutton has reinvented himself multiple times during his first full professional season. Rather than overpowering hitters, Dutton attacks with intelligence, adaptability, and efficiency, proving that not every future big-league starter needs triple-digit velocity to succeed. The second half of the show turns into one of the most entertaining episodes of the year as Booney and Jesse hold a seven-round prospect draft, building their dream 2030 A's roster using only players from the Stockton Ports and Lansing Lugnuts who have yet to reach the majors. From Devin Taylor and Leo DeVries to Bryson Gidez, Wei-En Lin and Shotaro Mori, every selection sparks debate. Now it's your turn—whose roster would you rather build around? Vote in the comments and settle the debate!

The A’s have officially reached the point where even the most loyal fans are searching for distractions. On Episode 6 of The Faithful Few, Nicholas and his co-host break down a brutal stretch that has the A’s sitting at 45-67 and wondering if this team can even avoid another 100-loss season. From the trade deadline, possible sellers, injuries, player development, and the growing frustration surrounding the culture of the clubhouse, the guys ask the biggest question of all: what exactly is the plan moving forward? But when baseball gets painful, sometimes you have to find the humor. The guys introduce a brand-new “This Day In A’s History” segment celebrating Rickey Henderson, debate whether it’s time for a managerial change, discuss the massive MLB trade deadline moves involving the Dodgers, and then shift gears into football season. The episode wraps with a hilarious tailgate draft featuring everything f