Executive Access

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MLB.com executive reporter Mark Feinsand provides a unique look at the people building our favorite teams by engaging in candid interviews with front-office personnel from around Major League Baseball. How they got into the game, why they do what they do, how they envision the future of baseball and…

MLB.com

  • Sep 28, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
  • weekdays NEW EPISODES
  • 43m AVG DURATION
  • 140 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Executive Access

Ep. 71: International Scout of Mystery

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 33:45


On this week’s Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Royals VP/Assistant GM of Major League & Int’l Operations Rene Francisco. They discuss Rene’s 25 years in Major League Baseball, the world of international scouting, the Royals' World Series run in 2015, almost landing Juan Soto and more.

Ep. 70: Math Major to Reds VP

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 43:02


On this week’s Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Reds VP and Asst. GM Sam Grossman. We discussed how he became involved in baseball, the evolution of analytics in baseball, continuity in the Reds front office and diving into the trade market going into the 2020 season.

Ep. 69: It Takes One to Know One

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2020 50:52


On this week’s Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by White Sox Director of Player Development Chris Getz. We discuss his transition from his playing career to working in the Royals front office, the evolution of player development over the past 15-years, how the rebuilding effort is going with the White Sox and much more.

A Solid Rock in Cleveland’s Front Office

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 45:47


On this week’s Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Indians Assistant General Manager Carter Hawkins. They discuss Carters influences on his career choice, his role in helping develop the Indians solid core, and what bringing a title to Cleveland would mean to him, plus so much more.

Ep. 67: The Scout Turned GM

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 37:53


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by vice president of player development for the Detroit Tigers Dave Littlefield to discuss his scouting days, his years at Montreal and Miami, and much much more.

The Scout Turned GM

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 37:53


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by vice president of player development for the Detroit Tigers Dave Littlefield to discuss his scouting days, his years at Montreal and Miami, and much much more.

Ep. 66: Always on the Lookout for Talent

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 43:40


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Mariners special assistant to the GM Tom McNamara to discuss the art of scouting, the inexact science of the amateur draft, the chaotic nature of a draft room and much more.

Always on the Lookout for Talent

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 43:39


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Mariners special assistant to the GM Tom McNamara to discuss the art of scouting, the inexact science of the amateur draft, the chaotic nature of a draft room and much more.

The Smartest Man in Baseball

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2020 46:52


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Cubs director of pitching and special assistant to the president and GM Craig Breslow to discuss his decision to pursue baseball over medicine, his experience pitching for Team Israel, his move the front office and much more.

The Smartest Man in Baseball

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2020 46:52


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Cubs director of pitching and special assistant to the president and GM Craig Breslow to discuss his decision to pursue baseball over medicine, his experience pitching for Team Israel, his move the front office and much more.

Ep. 64: What's Brewing?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 37:47


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Milwaukee Brewers VP of baseball ops Matt Kleine to discuss his early days as a baseball writer, his 13 years with the Crew, the arbitration process and much more

Ep. 64: What’s Brewing?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 36:41


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Milwaukee Brewers VP of baseball ops Matt Kleine to discuss his early days as a baseball writer, his 13 years with the Crew, the arbitration process and much more

Ep. 63: Sure Betts

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 56:53


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by D-backs senior VP and assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye to discuss the draft process, the importance of collaboration within a front office, making high-profile trades and much more

Ep. 63: Sure Betts

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 57:37


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by D-backs senior VP and assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye to discuss the draft process, the importance of collaboration within a front office, making high-profile trades and much more

Ep. 62: Scout Who Can Throw Spirals

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 54:09


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Oakland Athletics assistant general manager/director of player personnel Billy Owens to discuss his Minor League playing days, his early scouting days, working for Billy Beane and much more.

Ep. 62: Scout Who Can Throw Spirals

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 54:09


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Oakland Athletics assistant general manager/director of player personnel Billy Owens to discuss his Minor League playing days, his early scouting days, working for Billy Beane and much more.

Ep. 61: Jack of All Trades

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2020 46:28


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Los Angeles Angels special assistant to the GM Eric Chavez to discuss his 17-year Major League career, his time as a color analyst for the Oakland A's, managing the Halos' Triple-A team and much more

Ep. 61: Jack of All Trades

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2020 46:29


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Los Angeles Angels special assistant to the GM Eric Chavez to discuss his 17-year Major League career, his time as a color analyst for the Oakland A's, managing the Halos' Triple-A team and much more

Ep. 60: From Rice to Bryce

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2020 48:58


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Philadelphia Phillies assistant general manager Ned Rice to discuss his start with the Orioles, working for Andy McPhail, the highs and lows of pursuing high-profile free agents like Bryce Harper and much more

Ep. 60: From Rice to Bryce

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2020 48:58


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Philadelphia Phillies assistant general manager Ned Rice to discuss his start with the Orioles, working for Andy McPhail, the highs and lows of pursuing high-profile free agents like Bryce Harper and much more

Ep. 59: Man of Steel City

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2020 56:50


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Pittsburgh Pirates president Travis Williams to discuss his years as the CEO of the NHL's Penguins, experience in conducting a manager and general manager search, jump to baseball and much more.

Ep. 59: Man of Steel City

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2020 56:50


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is joined by Pittsburgh Pirates president Travis Williams to discuss his years as the CEO of the NHL's Penguins, experience in conducting a manager and general manager search, jump to baseball and much more.

Ep. 58: Trailblazer, actress and assistant general manager

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 63:29


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a 2017 interview with Yankees assistant general manager Jean Afterman to discuss her entrance into the game, working with and against George Steinbrenner, why more women aren't in front office positions and much more

Ep. 58: Trailblazer, actress and assistant general manager

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2020 63:30


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a 2017 interview with Yankees assistant general manager Jean Afterman to discuss her entrance into the game, working with and against George Steinbrenner, why more women aren't in front office positions and much more

Ep. 57: The Wild Wild West

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2020 47:07


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a trio of 2017 interviews with NL West executives Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, Padres GM A.J. Preller and Rockies GM Jeff Bridich to discuss their beginnings in baseball, mentors and more.

Ep. 57: The Wild Wild West

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2020 47:07


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a trio of 2017 interviews with NL West executives Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, Padres GM A.J. Preller and Rockies GM Jeff Bridich to discuss their beginnings in baseball, mentors and more.

Ep. 56: From general counsel to general manager

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 27:24


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a 2017 interview with Athletics senior adviser Sandy Alderson to discuss starting in baseball as general counsel, the analytics revolution and going to the World Series with the A's and the Mets.

Ep. 56: From general counsel to general manager

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2020 27:24


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a 2017 interview with Athletics senior adviser Sandy Alderson to discuss starting in baseball as general counsel, the analytics revolution and going to the World Series with the A's and the Mets.

Ep. 55: A how-to guide on busting curses

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2020 59:24


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a pair of 2017 interviews with Jed Hoyer and Mike Hazen, who are executive VP and GM of the Cubs and D-backs respectively, to discuss what it feels like to break a World Series curse and how they pulled off big trades.

Ep. 55: A how-to guide on busting curses

Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2020 59:24


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a pair of 2017 interviews with Jed Hoyer and Mike Hazen, who are executive VP and GM of the Cubs and D-backs respectively, to discuss what it feels like to break a World Series curse and how they pulled off big trades.

Ep. 54: From intern to general manager of the New York Yankees

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2020 52:32


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a 2017 interview with Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to discuss what it's like to work under George Steinbrenner, building the 1998 championship team and going on a spending spree in 2009.

Ep. 54: From intern to general manager of the New York Yankees

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2020 52:32


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a 2017 interview with Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to discuss what it's like to work under George Steinbrenner, building the 1998 championship team and going on a spending spree in 2009.

Ep. 53: The fruits of the Mark Shapiro front-office tree

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2020 45:26


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a trio of 2017 interviews with Mark Shapiro, Mike Chernoff and Ross Atkins, who are linked by Shapiro's "school for executives" with the Cleveland Indians.

Ep. 53: The fruits of the Mark Shapiro front-office tree

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2020 45:26


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a trio of 2017 interviews with Mark Shapiro, Mike Chernoff and Ross Atkins, who are linked by Shapiro's "school for executives" with the Cleveland Indians.

Ep. 52: Throwback with the GM behind the WS Champions

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 25:25


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a 2017 interview with Nationals general manager and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo to discuss his journey that included playing in the Minor Leagues and spending years as a scout.

Ep. 52: Throwback with the GM behind the WS Champions

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2020 25:25


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand throws it back to a 2017 interview with Nationals general manager and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo to discuss his journey that includes playing in the Minor Leagues and spending years as a scout.

Ep. 51: Journey from intern to assistant general manager

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2020 40:19


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Padres assistant general manager Josh Stein to discuss his accession through San Diego’s front office, trading for Fernando Tatis Jr., the signing of Manny Machado and much more.

Ep. 51: Journey from intern to assistant general manager

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2020 40:19


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Padres assistant general manager Josh Stein to discuss his accession through San Diego's front office, trading for Fernando Tatis Jr., the signing of Manny Machado and much more.

Ep. 50: Building teams all over the map

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 52:02


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Rangers assistant general manager Shiraz Rehman to discuss his career that has brought him to Arizona, Boston, Chicago, and now Texas, giving him a look at different operations all over the map.

Ep. 50: Building teams all over the map

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 52:02


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Rangers assistant general manager Shiraz Rehman to discuss his career that has brought him to Arizona, Boston, Chicago, and now Texas, giving him a look at different operations all over the map.

Ep. 49: Three former Yankees on their transition from the playing field to the Front Office

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2020 56:33


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand hosts a roundtable conversation with three members of the Yankees front office who also played for New York, Senior Director of Player Development Kevin Reese, and Directors of Pro Scouting Matt Daley and Dan Giese. Reese, Daley, and Giese discuss their unique paths to working in baseball after their playing careers ended and how their experiences fit in with Brian Cashman’s leadership style.

Ep. 49: Three former Yankees on their transition from the playing field to the Front Office

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2020 56:33


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand hosts a roundtable conversation with three members of the Yankees front office who also played for New York, Senior Director of Player Development Kevin Reese, and Directors of Pro Scouting Matt Daley and Dan Giese. Reese, Daley, and Giese discuss their unique paths to working in baseball after their playing careers ended and how their experiences fit in with Brian Cashman's leadership style.

Ep. 48: Expectations for a first-year GM

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 41:09


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand sits down with Giants General Manager Scott Harris to discuss how a lunch meeting with former Giants GM Al Rosen jump-started his baseball career, why working with Farhan Zaidi was so appealing, and what the Giants have to do to get back to the playoffs. Plus, Harris reflects back on his journey to becoming a GM, especially the time he served with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer building a champion in Chicago.

Ep. 48: Expectations for a first-year GM

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 41:09


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Giants General Manager Scott Harris to discuss how a lunch meeting with former Giants GM Al Rosen jump-started his baseball career, why working with Farhan Zaidi was so appealing, and what the Giants have to do to get back to the playoffs. Plus, Harris reflects back on his journey to becoming a GM, especially the time he served with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer building a champion in Chicago.

Ep. 47: Bringing a championship back to LA

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020 41:56


Season 4 of the Executive Access podcast begins as MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with legendary baseball executive, Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten. Kasten discusses how he got involved in baseball working for Ted Turner, building a dynasty with the Braves and running organizations in three different sports at the same time. Kasten also discusses his time with the Nationals and why he selected Mike Rizzo to lead the franchise. Lastly, Kasten talks about how running the Dodgers has been one of the best experiences of his career, his relationship with Magic Johnson, Vin Scully and why he believes in Andrew Friedman to lead the Dodgers to a world championship.

Ep. 47: Bringing a championship back to LA

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020 41:57


Season 4 of the Executive Access podcast begins as MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with legendary baseball executive, Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten. Kasten discusses how he got involved in baseball working for Ted Turner, building a dynasty with the Braves and running organizations in three different sports at the same time. Kasten also discusses his time with the Nationals and why he selected Mike Rizzo to lead the franchise. Lastly, Kasten talks about how running the Dodgers has been one of the best experiences of his career, his relationship with Magic Johnson, Vin Scully and why he believes in Andrew Friedman to lead the Dodgers to a world championship.

Ep 46: How to sign a superstar at the Winter Meetings

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2019 61:42


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand details some of the most historic transactions that took place at the Winter Meetings. Longtime Rangers beat reporter T.R. Sullivan discusses the historic contract Alex Rodriguez signed with Texas in 2000. Boston Globe reporter Peter Abraham explains why the Red Sox signed Carl Crawford to a 7-year deal in 2010. MLB.com’s Matthew Leach recalls when Albert Pujols shunned the Cardinals to sign a 10-year deal with the Angels in 2011. Yankees beat reporter Bryan Hoch chronicles the 2008 Winter Meetings and how Brian Cashman got CC Sabathia to come to the Bronx. Plus, Tigers beat reporter Jason Beck details how Dave Dombrowski was able to trade for Miguel Cabrera from the Marlins during the 2007 Winter Meetings.

Ep 46: How to sign a superstar at the Winter Meetings

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2019 61:42


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand details some of the most historic transactions that took place at the Winter Meetings. Longtime Rangers beat reporter T.R. Sullivan discusses the historic contract Alex Rodriguez signed with Texas in 2000. Boston Globe reporter Peter Abraham explains why the Red Sox signed Carl Crawford to a 7-year deal in 2010. MLB.com's Matthew Leach recalls when Albert Pujols shunned the Cardinals to sign a 10-year deal with the Angels in 2011. Yankees beat reporter Bryan Hoch chronicles the 2008 Winter Meetings and how Brian Cashman got CC Sabathia to come to the Bronx. Plus, Tigers beat reporter Jason Beck details how Dave Dombrowski was able to trade for Miguel Cabrera from the Marlins during the 2007 Winter Meetings.

Ep. 45: Mike Elias on getting Baltimore back to the World Series

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2019 59:27


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand sits down with Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias on how his time working for the Cardinals and Astros has prepared him for a successful rebuild in Baltimore, what he saw in Carlos Correa in the 2012 Draft and how he envisions the Orioles front office to look in 2020 and beyond.

Ep. 45: Mike Elias on getting Baltimore back to the World Series

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2019 59:28


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias on how his time working for the Cardinals and Astros has prepared him for a successful rebuild in Baltimore, what he saw in Carlos Correa in the 2012 Draft and how he envisions the Orioles front office to look in 2020 and beyond.

Ep. 44: Building a champion around homegrown players

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2019 32:24


On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand chats with Royals Vice President/Assistant General Manager Scott Sharp on how instrumental player development was in KC’s back-to-back World Series appearances in 2014 and 2015 and how his time playing in the Minors helped shape his outlook in the Front Office.

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