A’s Plus

Matt Kawahara hosts The San Francisco Chronicle's podcast on the Oakland A's, featuring interviews with past and present players, managers and executives of the trend-setting franchise. With contributions from national baseball writer John Shea.

Sports
Baseball
101
Winter Meetings Wrapup
Beat reporters Susan Slusser and Henry Schulman talk about what the Giants and A’s did in San Diego and still need to do; the unorthodox new Giants coaching staff; the A’s interest in an old mate; and changes coming to both stadiums.
24 min
102
Winter Meetings, Day 2
In their second daily podcast from baseball’s winter meetings in San Diego, Chronicle beat reporters Henry Schulman and Susan Slusser have real news to discuss. The Giants made a significant signing for their rotation and a trade for two infielders, while Slusser learned that the A’s have a new backup catcher in their sights.
20 min
103
Winter Meetings, Day 1
Are the Giants serious about bringing Madison Bumgarner back? Are the A’s about to trade for a lefty reliever? And wait till you hear about Billy Beane’s fantasy football stud. It’s all in the first daily report from San Diego by beat reporters Susan Slusser and Henry Schulman.
17 min
104
Winter Meetings Preview
In a joint podcast, Giants beat reporter Henry Schulman and A’s beat reporter Susan Slusser delve into the teams’ needs as they head to baseball’s Winter Meetings, which begin Monday in San Diego. The trade and free-agent markets have been busier than usual, so there could be action.
19 min
105
Best of A’s Plus: How A's Access Will Look in 2020
COO Chris Giles stops by to explain exactly how successful the revolutionary A's Access ticketing plan has been, and he talks about the even more fan-friendly changes in store for 2020 — including expanded benefits and hassle-free changes. First published July 29, 2019.
15 min
106
The GM Meetings
Chronicle national baseball writer John Shea calls in from the baseball winter meetings in Arizona to discuss the A's potential plans, Marcus Semien's future and .... them cheatin' Astros?
18 min
107
Farm Director Ed Sprague: The Pitchers
Is there another Jesus Luzardo or A.J. Puk waiting in the wings? New A’s farm director Ed Sprague breaks down the team’s next wave of top pitching prospects.
13 min
108
Farm Director Ed Sprague: The Infielders
In the second of three installments on the A's minor-league system, new farm director Ed Sprague breaks down rising prospects in the infield, including three who will be vying for roster spots in Oakland next season.
10 min
109
Farm Director Ed Sprague: The Outfielders
In the first of three installments on the A's minor-league system, new farm director Ed Sprague breaks down the rising prospects in the outfield, a position that the A's are deeper at all levels of the minors than they have been in recent years.
12 min
110
World Series Preview
In a combined A’s Plus/Giants Splash, Susan, Henry and John Shea break down the World Series matchup and talk about the Nationals' history and the Astros' future. Plus: The Chronicle's baseball writers provide their picks to win it all.
34 min
111
Offseason Questions
The A's roster might look pretty set going into 2019, but Chronicle A's beat writer Susan Slusser and stats guru David Feldman discuss major questions looming at second base, in the bullpen, potentially at backup catcher and maybe even in the outfield.
30 min
112
Remembering the 1989 Earthquake
Chronicle Giants beat writer Henry Schulman and features writer Ron Kroichick share their memories of being at Candlestick Park during the 1989 World Series when the Loma Prieta Earthquake hit. Also contributing their personal memories are columnist Bruce Jenkins and national baseball writer John Shea.
36 min
113
Season Wrap
Chronicle A's beat writer Susan Slusser and Chronicle national baseball writer John Shea take a look at the A's wild-card loss to the Rays and the decision to start Sean Manaea over Mike Fiers, plus: what happened to Khris Davis this season? And the outlook for 2020.
38 min
114
Wild-Card Game Preview
Rays beat writer Marc Topkin from the Tampa Bay Times provides in-depth analysis of the A's wild-card opponent, including starter Charlie Morton, and David Feldman and Susan break down the A's issues and potential decisions going into Wednesday's big game.
42 min
115
Billy Beane on a Remarkable Year
The A’s VP of baseball operations discusses his team’s biggest surprises this season, the role “piggybacking” might play in a postseason scenario, and what a possible playoff roster might look like, including the likely wild-card starter.
28 min
116
Jesus Luzardo, David Feldman
A's phenom Jesus Luzardo discusses his pitches -- including his quick pitch -- in depth, along with his thoughts on "piggybacking." Then David Feldman and Susan Slusser talk about potential playoff pitching plans. And: Marcus Semien, MVP?
32 min
117
Sean Murphy, Jake Kaplan
Sean Murphy discusses his first two weeks in the major leagues, his power surge and catching Jesus Luzardo’s debut, then Jake Kaplan and Susan talk about the changing dynamics of the A’s-Astros rivalry.
22 min
118
A.J. Puk
The rookie lefty tells us how he’s adjusting to major-league life — especially the transition to the bullpen — and his rehab after Tommy John surgery. Then, David Feldman and Susan talk about tie-break scenarios, Jesus Luzardo and blowouts.
28 min
119
Sheldon Neuse, Billy Owens
Recent callup Sheldon Neuse discusses his transition to second base and how he snapped out of a major funk at Triple-A with a swing change, then assistant GM Billy Owens breaks down all the September callups and a few potential additions still to come.
21 min
120
Best of A's Plus: Jake Diekman
In this episode first published August 7, the left-handed reliever, acquired from Kansas City in July, talks about joining the A's and some of the strangest jobs he's had. Plus: His surgery for ulcerative colitis and his work with Gut It Out to help those with similar conditions.
16 min
121
New A’s Left Fielder Seth Brown
The outfielder discusses his big-league debut and getting hits in his first two at-bats, plus his 37-homer season at Las Vegas. And: David Feldman and Susan on September callups, possibly including Matt Harvey and Jesus Luzardo.
46 min
122
Looking ahead for A’s, Giants
Where will the Giants find starts for prospects Mauricio Dubon and Jaylin Davis? What will the A’s do behind the plate and and at second base in a tight playoff race? Chronicle beat reporters Susan Slusser and Henry Schulman delve into these and many other issues in a joint A’s Plus-Giants Splash podcast.
30 min
123
Corban Joseph, Ken Davidoff
Joseph, the new A’s second baseman, discusses his 12-year journey to the majors and talks about how Derek Jeter mentored him with the Yankees. Then, Susan and Ken Davidoff of the New York Post on the A’s success against the Yankees.
22 min
124
Tanner Roark and Feldy's Follies
New Oakland starter Tanner Roark talks about joining the A’s for the stretch run, his time in independent ball and his love of a particular libation. Then David Feldman and Susan talk about the home-run parade, Matt Chapman’s resurgence, the Corban Joseph move and in detail, potential upcoming pitching moves.
45 min
125
Bay Bridge Series Preview
John Shea and Susan Slusser preview the A's-Giants matchup this week and discuss the wild-card races for both teams. Plus: Pitchers hitting? And: John takes a look back at the 1989 A's and Giants 30 years later.
25 min