Oaktown Boys

Announcement! The Oaktown Boys podcast is moving. We are now a part of FFSN's Oakland Athletics flagship podcast called OBP: Oakland Baseball Podcast. Please find us at Apple Podcasts for now as we work to expand the streaming services that host our new channel.

Spring has sprung and another A's baseball season is upon us! Dan and Cory share exciting news about joining FFSN, discuss the many intriguing performances from Spring Training, and dive deep into what the opening day roster will look like. Despite what many pundits around the league might say, there are glimmers of hope for A's fans this year.

The A's wrap up the season with a sweep of Slegna. The weekend was an eventful one with the retiring of Kurt Suzuki and Stephen Vogt, and possibly the last game as an Athletic for Chad Pinder. Vogt made it a memorable day with one last magical homerun.

With the season winding down, Cory and Dan lament over what went wrong throughout the year. However they manage to find some bright spots too. The last question remains, will they lose 100 games? Find out next time on Oaktown Boys!

Cory and Dan give Stephen Vogt his dues, in light of another big moment and what could be his last month as an Oakland Athletic "ballplayer". Then they discuss a nearly two decades of A's trade history, highlighting some wins and some near misses. A look ahead to the future includes a predicted pitching staff and some possible additions to make from the free agent market.

Dan and Cory recap the highlights of July's hot streak followed by the regression to the mean of more losing in August. Longtime favorites, Stephen Piscotty, Jed Lowrie, and Elvis Andrus have been let go. In their place Shea Langeliers, JP Sears, Nick Allen, Cal Stevenson, and other rookies look to step up for the future of the Athletics. The boys finish the pod by discussing what to watch for in the final month of the season.

Dan and Cory discuss the atrocity that was June, and the rough July so far, turning to the minor leagues to look at any possible silver linings. The boys also talk about the future of Frankie Montas in Oakland, the recent good news pertaining to Howard Terminal, and hearken back to better days by focusing on the greatness of Jermaine Dye.

Dan and Cory welcome their longtime friend, Tanner, who shares how he fell in love with the Oakland Athletics. The boys discuss All-Star possibilities for Blackburn and Bethancourt who are shining, despite overall team woes. They reminisce on the epic seasons Brandon Moss had with the team and look ahead on the season to come with as much optimism as one can have these days.

Dan and Cory are ready to admit this may not be Oakland's season. The boys discuss the state of the team at the quarter season mark, the good, the bad, and the ugly. They take a stab at analyzing how Kotsay has done so far and try to predict how the rest of the season will go.

The boys were scuffling, so Dan and Cory tried to wait out the storm until the next podcast, but the storm lasted too long. It was a sad fortnight indeed. However after nine losses in a row the team got it going again to take the first two out of three from the equally stinky Tigers, providing a glimmer of hope.

The A's offense is ice cold, however the pitching continues to keep them in games. Despite a disappointing series loss in Texas, the A's came home to some home cooking and split a two game set with SF. Sitting at 10-9, things aren't looking so bad. With several off days over the course of the next week maybe this team can get healthy and back on a roll.

The A's and their fanbase are getting slandered from virtually every angle these days, but we don't care, we just want to see our team play hard, have fun, and win games. That is just what they are doing. The A's continued their hot start by taking 3 of 4 from the Orioles. While the offense was finally cooled off, the pitching stepped up and kept them in games. Dan and Cory discuss the ways in which Mark Kotsay is proving to be the perfect man for the job, pushing all of the right buttons and pulling all the right strings.

The Swingin' A's are back. Through the first two series of the year, the A's have one of the most potent offenses in baseball. They are not perfect, certainly, but this team is showing a lot of fight early on and there have been plenty of good surprises so far. Through seven games they sit 4-3, which is a heck of a lot better than the so called experts around baseball predicted. People are already starting to talk about this island of misfit toys. Can the A's shock the world yet again?

Oh the life of an A's fan. We find ourselves yet again faced with what we will call a retooling of the big league squad. Dan and Cory spend most of the episode trying to look for silver linings in what, on the surface, appears quite bleak. We say goodbye to some old friends and welcome some new ones with open arms. The bottom line is baseball is back and that is good news for everyone. Let's Go Oakland!

The rollercoaster season continued as the A's followed a 5 game win streak with an unacceptable 4 game sweep at home at the hands of the Mariners. All hope was lost, until it wasn't. The A's then swept the Astros to keep the season alive. The weekend concluded with two walk-offs in a row, including an epic run home by Elvis Andrus on a broken leg. Sunday's game was punctuated by an emotional Mark Canha walk-off in what might be his final act in Oakland as an Athletic. The guys somewhat desperately discuss all of the possible ways the A's can technically still make the playoffs, and even win the AL West. Hope springs eternal.Follow us on Twitter: @BoysOaktownThis podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

Plenty of luck, combined with crazy on base skills from the offense and gutsy pitching performances led the team to a 5-1 week when they needed it most. The remaining slate is full of games against Seattle and Houston, so even the division isn't quite out of reach yet. However all eyes are on the chase to catch Toronto, Boston, and New York. Dan and Cory discuss the impact of Josh Harrison and how he may fit into the picture next year as well. They also reminisce about the days of watching Eric Byrnes fly around the outfield.Follow us on Twitter: @BoysOaktownThis podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

Another week goes by and the Oakland A's are still hanging onto their playoff hopes. The past week they won three in a row but then lost two. With 19 games left, every game is must-win. Dan and Cory discuss the current bullpen hierarchy as well as what might be the magic recipe to reach the postseason. They also look back on some all-time Athletics offensive single-season record holders, and the short-lived A's career of Jermaine Dye.Follow us on Twitter: @BoysOaktownThis podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

After a solid series win in Detroit that featured some suspect play but good results, the bottom completely fell out against the Blue Jays. The boys discuss the irony of the inverse relationship between offense and pitching for this team, get excited about Khrush and defend BoMel's honor.Follow us on Twitter: @BoysOaktownThis podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

The losing streak reached 6 games on Thursday, but was thankfully followed by two close wins that may catapult the team to a hot September. After suffering a two game sweep to the Mariners, they split a four game set at home vs the Yankees, highlighted by a Sunday Night Baseball victory on ESPN. Dan and Cory discuss the impact of Paul Blackburn, the revival of Khris Davis, and the updated playoff picture.Follow us on Twitter: @BoysOaktownThis podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

The A's lost three out of four to the White Sox, while Bassitt suffered a brutal injury on a comebacker to the face. The nightmare continued back in Oakland allowing back to back go-ahead pinch-hit homeruns to the Giants to lose the final two games of that series. Dan and Cory discuss the impact of the running game, Khris Davis heating up in AAA, and the developing playoff picture.Follow us on Twitter: @BoysOaktownThis podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

Despite some boneheaded mistakes and a few bad outings by Sean Manaea, spirits are high following a strong offensive week led by a resurgent Matt Chapman. Other highlights include the A's setting a new franchise shutout record with a 17-0 victory, AJ Puk looking comfortable with the big league squad, and Mitch Moreland heating up with three home runs in two days,Follow us on Twitter: @BoysOaktownThis podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

The new guys have quickly established themselves as legitimate contributors, with Starling Marte leading the charge. Despite the sad news of Fosse's cancer battle and Laureano's suspension, the A's rallied for a 5-1 record this week, finishing with a sweep of the Rangers before they head out for a long road trip.Follow us on Twitter: @BoysOaktownThis podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

Reinforcements have arrived! The A's added Andrew Chafin, Starling Marte, Yan Gomes and Josh Harrison this week, while managing to keep the major league squad in tact. They all made their presence felt immediately, highlighted by an 8-3 victory on Sunday with contributions from each. It was a crazy deadline, but a good one for the A's.This podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

After a bright start to the week, featuring dominant performances by Irvin, Kaprielian, and Manaea, the wheels fell off in Seattle. Back to back losses on wild pitches and three total one run losses in a row have everyone feeling deflated. The guys highlight the brilliance of Romo lately, the walk-up songs for players on the team, and hold out hope for better days ahead.This podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

The guys discuss an all-around offensively bad week. Aside from the levity of the All Star festivities and the draft, the week provided mostly bad news. Following a win to start the second half, the A's ended up losing the series in depressing fashion. To add insult to injury the vote to decide the fate of the A's in Oakland is fast approaching on July 20th.This podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

The All Star break arrives at the perfect time for the A's as they manage to stop the skid and win a series, winning three of their last four games and leaving us all feeling better than expected. Dan and Cory have more specific trade discussions and highlight the newest Oakland Athletic, #25 overall pick in the 2021 draft, Max Muncy. (lol)This podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

The boys take a mostly optimistic angle while revisiting the events of the past week. Highlights include Frank the Tank's first big league bomb, continued excellence from James Kaprielian and Sergio Romo, and Matt Olson's first all star selection. The Red Sox series over the 4th of July weekend didn't provide the fireworks we were hoping for, but three tight games left us feeling cautiously optimistic. This podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

Following a series split in Texas, near disaster struck in San Francisco, but Swirvin Cole Irvin stepped up to prevent a sweep at the hands of the Giants. Dan and Cory revisit potential trade targets and have some fun discussing who might one day take the reigns from Bob Melvin.This podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

A's stay hot to sweep the Angels, but come back down to Earth against the Yankees. Discussions include the clicking offense, Matt Olson's beautiful hair, and possible solutions for the Luzardo fiasco.This podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

Cory and Dan discuss the continued hot streak by the Oakland A's, led by Matt Olson. Chapman turns a corner and gets on the home run board. Andrus and Kemp continue to win fans over. The starting rotation is cruising and Mark Canha is going to the all star game?This podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0

Cory and Dan discuss the hot week sparked by Oakland manager Bob Melvin. Tony Kemp and Elvis Andrus are unexpected heroes. Sean Manaea leads the rotation to a winning week.This podcast uses these sounds from freesound:"bart - sf train arriving at macarthur.aif" by IEDlabs ( https://freesound.org/s/82316/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0"Baseball calvary sting long sustain.wav" by vckhaze (https://freesound.org/s/380696/) licensed under CC0 1.0