Locked On A's - Daily Podcast On The Athletics

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.

Gunnar Hoglund made his Major League debut in Miami and introduced himself to the baseball world with nothing short of a clinic. The former first-round pick shoved against the Marlins, showing pinpoint command, nasty off-speed, and a presence on the mound that screamed, "I belong." He didn’t just pitch—he embarrassed Miami’s lineup. The Fish looked helpless, flailing through six shutout innings like they were still in Spring Training. This wasn’t just a debut; it was a message to every national pundit who still pretends the A's don't matter. And if that wasn’t enough salt in the wound, former Marlin JJ Bleday returned to Miami and torched his old squad like he had something personal to prove, which he probably did. He racked up extra-base hits, scored runs, and reminded the Marlins why they were wrong to give up on him. Timely hits up and down the A’s lineup sealed the deal in a win that was as dominant as it was satisfying. This wasn’t a fluke, it wasn’t cute—it was A's baseball. And if you’re still sleeping, Hoglund just gave you a wake-up call with heat and a hammer.

The A’s head to South Beach riding momentum, but this is no time to get cocky—because Kyle Stowers and the Marlins are lurking with upset energy. In this crossover episode, we team up with Locked On Marlins host Jeremiah Geiger to break down why this series is anything but a layup. The Marlins may not have the flashiest record, but with sneaky power, young arms, and a chip on their shoulder, they’re exactly the kind of team that can steal a series if you’re not locked in. And Stowers? He’s quietly cooking, and if the A's let him get comfortable, he could be a serious problem. We dig into key matchups, bullpen edges, and which bats need to step up for the A’s to handle business. Is this a trap series? Absolutely—and the A’s better treat it like playoff prep, not a beach trip. Jeremiah gives us the inside scoop on how Miami’s retooling effort is progressing, why the Marlins aren't pushovers, and how Stowers might be playing his way into a long-term role. It’s a must-listen for any fan thinking this weekend will be easy—because overlooking Miami could be the A's first big mistake.

The A’s just rolled into Arlington and took three of four from the 2023 champs like it was nothing. Jeffrey Springs, who had been catching heat after a couple rough outings, shoved it all right back with six dominant shutout innings, silencing a loaded Rangers lineup and flipping the narrative on his season. This wasn’t just a solid start—it was a statement. The fastball had life, the changeup was untouchable, and Texas had no answers. If Springs needed a redemption arc, he just launched it in IMAX. Meanwhile, the bats kept doing what they’ve done all month—grinding out at-bats, capitalizing on mistakes, and showing they belong. Jacob Wilson continues to be the spark plug, Tyler Soderstrom and Miguel Andujar delivered early, and this lineup has found its swagger. Taking 3 of 4 on the road against a team most experts drool over? That’s not a fluke. That’s a flex. This episode breaks it all down, gives Springs his flowers, and reminds everyone that sleeping on the A’s is a choice—and a bad one at that.

The A’s rolled into Arlington and punched the 2023 champs square in the mouth, taking down Nathan Eovaldi and the Rangers with a 7-1 statement win. It was a night of grit, survival, and timely bombs. The Rangers had plenty of chances to put the A’s away early, going just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position, including a golden opportunity in the 6th—bases loaded, nobody out, tie game. But Justin Sterner, who's been nothing short of automatic, came in and slammed the door like a closer in October. The dude has now thrown 26.2 scoreless innings in an A’s uniform. That’s not just luck—that’s dominance. Then came the 9th inning, and the A’s bats woke up loud. Brent Rooker, who had been quiet, finally made some noise with a two-run laser off Rangers closer Luke Jackson to give the A’s a 3-1 lead. But Lawrence Butler wasn’t done—he dropped a grand slam on Texas to turn this one from a tight pitcher’s duel into a full-on beatdown. Final score: 7-1. This wasn’t just a win. This was a message. The A’s don’t care who you are, where you play, or how big your payroll is—they’re coming for you.

Jacob deGrom did exactly what he’s paid $185 million to do—dominate a team that couldn’t hit water if it fell out of a boat. The Texas ace carved up the A’s lineup like a sushi chef with a vengeance, allowing just a handful of base runners and striking out batters like it was a spring training tune-up. Meanwhile, the A’s pitchers looked like they were allergic to the strike zone, issuing walk after walk after walk until the Rangers didn’t even need to swing to score. If you’re a fan of four-hour games featuring 14 total hits and more free passes than a high school field trip, this snoozer was your Super Bowl. From the jump, the A’s looked flat, lifeless, and frankly disinterested. The only drama came from wondering whether the A's would issue more walks than they had hits (spoiler: they did). Watching this game felt like sitting in traffic while listening to someone describe a game you should be watching instead. A’s fans deserve better than whatever this was. Game 2 was baseball’s version of white bread left out in the sun—dry, stale, and completely forgettable. Here's hoping Game 3 brings more action and a little less Ambien.

This episode dives into the Cubs' impressive start, analyzing their performance against top-tier teams and their potential for a deep playoff run. The discussion also covers the financial hurdles faced by small market teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies, highlighting the importance of player retention and draft strategies. Plus, what is your favorite walkoff moment? 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! 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 AND FIFTY 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)

Today on Locked On A’s, we’re bringing you the real story straight from Sacramento — not from the tourists, not from the Vegas dreamers — but from a true local who’s lived it. Booney sits down with “Gebby,” a born-and-raised Roseville native, a diehard A’s fan, and a guy who still proudly holds A’s season tickets in the middle of the chaos. From wild nights at Arco Arena to random run-ins at Sutter Health Park, we dive deep into what it really feels like to live through the A’s rollercoaster — from dominance to uncertainty — while staying all in on the Green and Gold. Gebby brings heat with strong, unfiltered takes on Sacramento’s sports soul, what loyalty looks like today, and why moving a team isn’t as simple as billionaires want you to think. Plus, we swap stories from the 90s tech boom, what it was like working together in the Silicon Valley madness, and even dig up the legendary tale of Gebby’s one career at-bat in college baseball. You’ll laugh, you’ll feel some righteous anger, and most of all — you’ll remember why real fans don’t flinch when the world tells them to move on. This isn’t just another episode — it’s a rally cry for every A’s fan still standing tall. Grab your coffee (or your beer) and settle in: Locked On A’s is bringing the fire, every single day.

The A’s are standing at a crossroads, and over the next 19 games, we’re going to find out exactly who they are. Are they the tough, resilient group we saw battling in the Mariners and Rangers series, and again yesterday with that electric walk-off win against the White Sox? Or are they the young, immature team that folded against Milwaukee and the Cubs, playing sloppy and soft when the pressure mounted? One thing is crystal clear — there are no easy nights ahead. With matchups looming against the Rangers, Marlins, Mariners, Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants, this stretch will either expose the A’s or forge them into a team nobody wants to face down the line. It’s time for the truth. For the A’s to survive this brutal gauntlet, it’s simple: tighten the defense, get long outings from the starting rotation, manage the bullpen wisely, and manufacture runs with smart, aggressive baseball. JP Sears must pitch deep and set the tone, Mason Miller has to slam the door late, and young bats like Darell Hernaiz need to stay hot and spark the offense. There’s no room for excuses, no time for growing pains. By the time these 19 games are over, we’ll either be talking about the Oakland A’s as a young powerhouse making noise — or shaking our heads at a team that wasn’t ready for prime time. The defining moment is here.

The A’s just dropped a series win like a thunderclap, and the league’s still pretending not to hear it. In this episode, we torch the tired narratives, break down the statement series win, and call out the national media for sleeping through another A’s uprising. It wasn’t luck, it wasn’t fluke—it was dominance in all phases, from the mound to the box. We dig into the pitching performances that set the tone, the bats that silenced doubters, and the fire this team keeps playing with while everyone else keeps checking relocation headlines instead of the scoreboard. But we’re not stopping at game recaps. We’re turning the spotlight on the disrespect that fuels this roster daily. Why does this team keep getting treated like background noise when it keeps playing like a playoff problem? We talk clubhouse edge, underdog energy, and the players who are rewriting scouting reports in real time. If you’re still sleeping on the A’s, this episode is your wake-up call. And if you’re already on board? Buckle up—this ride’s just getting rowdy.

In this crossover episode of Locked on A's and Locked on White Sox, hosts Boonie and Todd Welter discuss the recent performances of their respective teams. They analyze key players like Tyler Soderstrom and Edgar Caro, exploring their potential and impact. The hosts delve into the A's struggles with effort and defense, as well as the White Sox's challenges with hitting. They also touch on roster moves, including the A's call-up of Nick Kurtz and the White Sox's pitching rotation. The conversation provides insights into both teams' strategies, player development, and expectations for the upcoming series in Sacramento. The hosts offer candid assessments of their teams' strengths and weaknesses, giving listeners a comprehensive look at two MLB franchises in transition.

On today’s episode of Locked On A’s, we throw batting averages and box scores out the window and tap into what being an A’s fan is really about—grit, grind, and the unbreakable bond between a team and its believers. Host Booney rips the mask off the myth of polished baseball and reminds the world that the A’s aren’t a brand—they’re a belief. From the heartbreak of ownership apathy to the glory days under Walter Haas, this episode is a tribute to the loyal, the overlooked, and the unshakably proud. If you've ever been counted out, this one hits home. Then we shift from raw emotion to raw talent, spotlighting Justin Sterner, the waiver-wire weapon who's quietly become one of the nastiest arms in the A’s bullpen. Booney takes a victory lap for calling Sterner’s breakout before spring training even hit full stride. And just like with Sterner, there's another name you need to know before the hype train leaves the station—Cole Conn. A 12th-round pick and switch-hitting catcher with a stat line that screams "watch me," Conn is kicking down doors in High-A with the kind of bat and leadership you can’t teach. This episode is a shot of truth, passion, and green-and-gold pride you won't hear anywhere else.

IT WAS OFTEN AND EARLY FOR THE FIRST PLACE RANGERS AS THEY VISITED SACRAMENTO FOR GAME 1 OF A THREE GAME SET. TODAY ON LOCKED ON A’SROOKIE SENSATION NICK KURTZ HAS ARRIVED IN SACRAMENTO AND IS SCHEDULED TO MAKE HIS MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT TOMORROW NIGHT. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? THAT IS A LITTLE BIT LATER. MY GOAL FOR THIS SERIES WAS NOT WINS OR LOSSES, RATHER EFFORT AND ATTITUDE.DID WE GET ANY BETTER TONIGHT OR WAS IT MORE OF THE SAME? I WILL GET TO THAT IN JUST A BIT. FIRST, IT WAS THE RANGERS EARLY AND OFTEN TODAY AS THEY HIT A’S STARTER HARD FROM THE GET GO.

Nick Kurtz is coming, and the buzz for the A's is deafening. On today’s episode of Locked On A’s, we break down the biggest A’s story of the week—the call-up of 2024 No. 4 overall pick Nick Kurtz, who’s expected to make his MLB debut Wednesday. To give us the inside scoop, we bring in the man who’s had a front-row seat to Kurtz’s rise: the voice of the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, Matthew Neverett. From Kurtz’s makeup to his swing to how he handles elite velocity, Matt gives us the truth on whether this dude is ready to mash in The Show. But that’s not all. The Aviators are rolling in the early goings—first place in the PCL—and they’re not doing it with smoke and mirrors. Grant Holman is shoving, and Daniel Susac, the former Arizona standout and recent PCL Player of the Week, is showing exactly why he was a first-rounder. We dive into how deep this Aviators team is, how close they are to helping the A’s, and what it all means for the A’s rebuild, catching fire sooner than people think. If you’re not watching Vegas, you’re missing the future—period.

Can the Dodgers, Padres, and Giants keep the National League West race thrilling until the end? With the Dodgers and Padres neck-and-neck and the Giants just a game behind, this MLB season promises intense competition. Dive into the dynamics of division races, the emotional toll of different types of losses, and the elusive quality of being "clutch" in baseball. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-rays/ Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/ 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. 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! Wonderful Pistachios Get snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more! 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 AND FIFTY 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)

Yesterday’s meltdown against Milwaukee? Yeah, toss it in the dumpster and light a match. The A’s are 10-12 and, given the chaos of this roster, that’s almost impressive. But there’s no time to lick wounds—first place Texas is rolling into town, and this Rangers team isn’t just good on paper anymore. They’ve got the bats, the bullpen, and the bravado to back it up. On today’s episode, we break down where the A’s stand after the Brewers series and how the A’s patchwork pitching staff will need to rise up against one of the deepest lineups in the league. It’s a challenge, sure—but one the A’s better embrace if they want to keep pace in the AL West. We dive deep into what makes the 2025 Rangers dangerous again: a healthy Corey Seager and Josh Jung anchoring the infield, Adolis García still doing his one-swing-damage thing, and even a patched-up rotation led by Jacob deGrom and Marvel-prospect-turned-MLB-wildcard Kumar Rocker. Oh, and Patrick Corbin is… still breathing. But hey, the A’s won’t see Eovaldi, so there’s a sliver of hope. We size up the matchups, spotlight the key arms, and ask the million-dollar question: can the A’s hang with the big boys this week, or will Texas stomp their way through another series? Let’s get into it.

The A’s dropped another one last night, and let’s not sugarcoat it—they got out-toughed. The Brewers just punched the A’s in the mouth early, and never looked back. It wasn’t just about talent or execution. It was about mentality. It was about culture. Milwaukee played like a team that knows who it is, that plays for each other, and that expects to win. The A’s? They looked like a team still figuring out who they want to be, they do not have an identity, that’s a death sentence. Team culture isn’t just some fluffy buzzword coaches throw around in pressers. It’s the heartbeat of every winning clubhouse. It’s how teams handle adversity, how they respond to failure, and how they grind out wins when the bats go cold and the bullpen’s taxed. The Brewers have that edge because their culture is built on accountability, consistency, and toughness. They don’t play down to their opponents. They set the tone. Meanwhile, the A’s are still trying to stitch together leadership, identity, and belief—three things you can’t fake, not for 162 games. What made last night’s loss sting wasn’t just the final score—it was how easily the Brewers imposed their will. The A’s had moments, sure, but Milwaukee never blinked. That’s a veteran club that knows how to win close games, how to close out innings, and how to shut down momentum. The A’s? They’re still in culture-building mode. And until that flips—until they build a room full of guys who hate losing more than they like stats—they’ll keep losing these “winnable” games to teams like the Brewers, who simply want it more

The A’s just delivered their most complete performance of the 2025 season, steamrolling the White Sox 8-0 to secure a sweep in Chicago. It was loud, it was early, and it was often—Lawrence Butler and Jacob Wilson doubled on the first two pitches of the game to put the A’s on top before the White Sox even knew what hit them. Butler, aka The Law Dog, wasn’t done—he crushed a solo homer in the fifth to kick off a home run parade. JJ Bleday mashed a two-run shot in the sixth, Tyler Soderstrom hit his MLB-leading ninth homer in the seventh, and Brent Rooker capped things off with a bomb in the ninth. On the mound, JP Sears shoved—six shutout innings, just three hits, total control. But don’t get too comfy. As sweet as the Chicago sweep was, the real measuring stick comes this weekend in Milwaukee. The A’s are hot, riding high, and clicking on all cylinders—but the Brewers aren’t pushovers. It’s a clash of momentum and legitimacy. Can the A’s prove they’re more than just early-season darlings? Locked On A’s host Booney teams up with Locked On Brewers host Chuck Friemund for a preview of the showdown, diving into what this series means for both clubs. Buckle up—this could be a statement series.

The A’s just keep hanging around, don’t they? A Gritty win in Chicago tonight. Today on Locked on A’s! Two straight wins in Chicago, and while it wasn’t the cleanest baseball you’ll ever see, it was the kind of win that good teams find a way to get. Tonight had a little bit of everything—clutch hitting, solid pitching, and a bullpen that somehow, someway, managed to hold it together until the ninth, when the grim reaper known as Mason Miller slammed the door. We’ve got to talk about JJ Bleday. The guy came into this one ice cold, but tonight? He looked like a dude on a mission. Three hits, a double, a game-tying RBI, and one of the best catches you’ll see all week—saving two runs in center field. That’s the kind of all-around performance that can spark a turnaround, both for Bleday and for a team that refuses to go quietly. Plus, Gio Urshela, out of nowhere, with the swing that changed the game. We’ll also dig into Osvaldo Bido’s outing—calm, composed, exactly what you needed from your starter—and break down how the bullpen managed to keep the Sox off the board despite some high-wire moments. And yeah, we’re talking Mason Miller. Again. Because how can you not? Stick around—this is Locked On A’s, where we don’t just recap wins, we celebrate the fight.

Tyler Soderstrom is HIM. The 22-year-old first baseman didn't just show up to Guaranteed Rate Field—he owned the place. Soderstrom unloaded two three-run nukes in a 12-3 demolition of the White Sox, giving him a league-leading eight home runs on the year. Not Aaron Judge. Not Mike Trout. Not Shohei Ohtani. Tyler freaking Soderstrom is sitting on top of the MLB home run leaderboard. The A’s jumped all over Chicago pitching like it stole something, piling up 12 runs and leaving no doubt who the hotter team was. In this episode of Locked On A’s, we break down Soderstrom’s absolute tear and what it means for a franchise that's suddenly not just scrappy—they’re dangerous. We’re talking statement wins, big bats, and the kind of swagger that makes you believe this team isn't just punching up—they're looking to take over. We also look at what’s fueling this offensive surge, spotlight other breakout performances, and ask the question nobody else seems ready to: Is this A’s team for real? Spoiler alert—hell yes, they are.