Locked On A's - Daily Podcast On The Athletics

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.

There have been plenty of surprises to start the season and the storylines are starting to form. Who has had the best start to the season and who needs to turn things around? The experts from the Locked On Podcast Network bring you their way too early season MVPs and a top 5 Power Rankings! All that and more on this week’s MLB SQUAD Show! 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. 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. PrizePicks Download the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game. Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB 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 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)

The future of the A’s doesn’t start in Las Vegas — it starts with the crack of the bat in Stockton and the snap of the mitt in Lansing. In this loaded episode, we’re joined by two of the best voices in the minors: Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, the broadcaster for the High-A Lansing Lugnuts, and Tim Fitzgerald, the man behind the mic for the Low-A Stockton Ports. These guys aren’t just calling games — they’re narrating the rise of the next generation of A’s stars. From Rodney Green Jr.’s electric tools to Tommy “Tanks” White’s raw power, Jesse gives us the scoop on the future faces of the franchise. Then Tim tags in to spotlight names like Tzu-Chen Sha and Myles Naylor — prospects flying under the radar now, but not for long. This isn’t just a farm system check-in. It’s a full-on scouting report for 2028, when the A’s are scheduled to hit the Vegas Strip with a stacked roster of homegrown talent. You’ll hear why these players matter, how close they are to making noise, and what their rise means for the A’s long-term plan. If you're tired of the same recycled stadium debate, this episode is your antidote — we’re talking future stars, not future blueprints. Get locked in.

The A's are in Chicago to face off against the White Sox in a battle between two teams trying to find something to feel good about. In this Locked On crossover, we team up with Todd Welter of Locked On White Sox to preview the upcoming three-game set between the struggling squads. We break down which team is in worse shape right now, why both fanbases are feeling a little hopeless (and maybe a little angry), and which players still give us a reason to tune in every night. There's a lot of pain here—but also a little pride. This one’s for the die-hards still showing up. We also get into the potential silver linings for each franchise: for the A's, a wave of young talent and sneaky-competitive energy; for the Sox, a few veterans looking to rediscover their form and some flashes of life from the farm system. Can either team get on track this week? Is this a "get right" series or a rock bottom showdown? Either way, someone’s gotta win. Maybe.

In this no-punches-pulled episode, we tackle the raw truth behind the outrage over the Oakland A’s relocation—and spoiler alert: it’s not really about Oakland. It’s about class warfare in 2025 form, where the battlefield isn’t the Coliseum but the billionaire class and those who resent them. The real villain of this saga isn’t John Fisher the man, but John Fisher the symbol—of unchecked wealth, of power without accountability, of decisions made from penthouses while regular folks struggle to cover rent. We dig into why this story is more than just a baseball relocation and explore how America's messy class structure fuels the venom. This isn’t a city-versus-owner tale—it’s a society-versus-status drama dressed up in green and gold. But then we flip the mirror back on the fanbase itself. Because when the Oakland Ballers, a fledgling indie team trying to keep pro baseball alive in the East Bay, came under fire for real safety and housing issues—where was the outrage then? Crickets. Not a peep from the same crowd that lights their torches anytime Fisher’s name is mentioned. That selective anger tells a bigger story about performative loyalty and misdirected resentment. We call out the hypocrisy, lay bare the facts, and challenge the so-called defenders of Oakland to examine what they’re really fighting for. This episode is for the fans who’ve been there through thick and thin, and a wake-up call for those just looking for a villain to boo.

Previewing A’s vs. Mets Series Locked on Mets Host Ryan Finkelstein On today’s episode of Locked On A’s, Ryan Finkelstein, host of Locked On Mets, joins the show to preview this weekend’s series between the New York Mets and the A’s in Sacramento. We break down what’s gone right for the Mets so far this season, including their pitching staff, the off-season signing of Juan Soto and re-signing of Pete Alonso, and how the vibes in Queens have shifted with the expectations. Ryan gives the inside scoop on what A’s fans can expect from this Mets squad. We talk matchups, players to watch, and why this series might just be the moment national media starts waking up to what’s brewing in Sacramento.

Nick Kurtz is smashing Triple-A pitching like a big-leaguer stuck in the minors, and after torching the PCL for a .386 average with six bombs in nine games, the question isn't if he should be called up; it's why the hell not? On today’s episode of Locked On A’s, we break down the Kurtz Conundrum: what roster dominos need to fall, who might be out of a job, and why getting Kurtz to Sacramento, if we’re being technical, isn’t as simple as it sounds. DFA Pereda? Cut Seth Brown? Flip Miguel Andújar for pitching? The A’s front office has decisions to make, and we walk through every scenario like we’re sitting in David Forst’s chair. We also dive into the A’s recent series against the Padres, where the team dropped two of three and looked completely lifeless in the rubber match. The heart of the lineup has gone missing, the “home” crowd in Sacramento is anything but, and the offense managed just two hits in a 2-1 loss that felt like a gut punch. But hey, the bullpen showed up, and Jacob Wilson extended his hitting streak to 14. With the Mets coming to town and a brutal schedule ahead, the A’s need answers fast—and Nick Kurtz might just be one of them.

The 2025 MLB Season is fresh and new and the storylines are already forming. Hot starts, cold starts, torpedo bats, juiced balls and lots more! The experts from the Locked On MLB network bring you their thoughts on the early season so far. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Wonderful Pistachios Looking for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Get snackin’ and get crackin’ with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more. Just Ingredients Visit JustIngredients.us and use code LOCKEDONMLB for 20% off your order! And for more wellness tips, follow @just.ingredients on Instagram. 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 LOCKEDONMLB 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)

SPECIAL GUEST MATT GEORGE FROM LOCKED ON KINGS. The A’s are back home—or at least, their temporary home in Sacramento—for a six-game stretch against two of the best teams in baseball: the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets. But after getting swept by the Cubs in their first series at Sutter Health Park, questions are already swirling. On this episode, I break down what I saw firsthand during those first two games, and it wasn’t just about the box score. The energy was flat, the crowd was disinterested, and the entire vibe felt like a team in limbo, not one embracing a fresh start. Sacramento, a city known for passionate sports fans, didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet—and that disconnect is impossible to ignore. Joining me is Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento, who’s been reporting from Sutter Health and watching this all unfold. We dive into whether the media is fueling the negative narrative—or just calling it like it is. Are the real baseball fans getting cheated out of a true big-league experience, or is this criticism of the A’s relocation chaos totally fair? It’s a brutally honest conversation about what happens when a team has no identity, no clear direction, and no real home. And hey, maybe the A’s come out swinging this week and flip the script. Or maybe… this story goes a lot deeper than just a bad opening series.

Locked on Padres Host Javier Reyes Joins us as we preview the series between the Padres and A’s. The A’s are riding high after taking two of three in Colorado—yes, even Coors Field couldn’t slow down this team’s momentum. Now, they technically return home, though the vibe still feels more like a road trip with better laundry access. Waiting for them? One of baseball’s most stacked squads: the San Diego Padres. Loaded with star power and payroll, the Padres are a measuring stick for anyone trying to prove they belong. So we brought in a guest who knows them inside and out—Javier Reyes, host of Locked On Padres—for a coast-to-coast showdown of insight and smack talk. In this episode of Locked On A’s, we break down what to expect in this upcoming series, from key matchups to which team has more to prove. Can the Green and Gold keep their bats hot and make another statement against a National League powerhouse? Or will the Padres’ star-studded lineup put the brakes on the A’s momentum? Either way, it’s a heavyweight clash with real litmus test energy, and we’ve got you covered from first pitch to final out.

The A’s head to the Mile High City for a showdown with the struggling Colorado Rockies, and we’ve got Locked On Rockies host Paul Holden joining the show to break it all down! Both teams have stumbled out of the gate to start the season, but something’s got to give in this series. Can the A’s take advantage of Coors Field’s thin air and finally get the bats going? Or will the Rockies use home-field advantage to pile on the misery? We talk matchups, key players to watch, and what each team needs to do to come away with a much-needed series win. Paul and I also dive into the bigger picture—who’s in worse shape long-term, the A’s or the Rockies? We debate which fanbase should be more frustrated, how these teams can turn things around, and whether this series is the spark that finally gets one of them back on track. Plus, we make some bold predictions for the series, because let’s be honest—someone has to win these games!