The A's Are Gone—But Who Is Really to Blame?

From The House Always Wins Media Network | A’s Baseball Podcasts · 47:36

Show by House Always Wins Media Network

DID THE GIANTS HELP DRIVE THE A'S OUT OF THE BAY AREA? OR DID CITY LEADERS FAIL TO KEEP THE TEAM? The A's are headed to Las Vegas, but the arguments over how we got here aren't going away. On this episode of THE SIXTH INNING: A'S BUSINESS AT SIX, Booney welcomes longtime A's fan Raymond Bourg for an unfiltered conversation about the past, present, and future of the franchise. And Raymond isn't afraid to challenge the popular narrative. From Tony La Russa's championship teams to the failed stadium proposals in Fremont, San Jose, and Howard Terminal, we're examining decades of decisions that helped shape the A's future. THE STADIUM CONTROVERSY Did the Giants' territorial rights prevent the A's from building in San Jose? Did the city and Alameda County fail to deliver on Howard Terminal? How much responsibility belongs to John Fisher? And why might the Braves' Truist Park development offer an important lesson for Las Vegas? THE BASEBALL PROBLEM The A's have completed five consecutive losing seasons. Is Mark Kotsay the right manager for this young roster? Where is the clubhouse leadership? Why has developing pitching become such an important organizational challenge? And how much longer should fans be expected to wait for meaningful baseball? ENTER TAYLOR SMITH At just 31 years old, Taylor Smith takes over baseball operations with experience from the Rays and Red Sox. Raymond brings a unique perspective. He lives in Cherokee County, Georgia, where Smith grew up and attended Creekview High School. We discuss Smith's background, the challenges facing the A's minor league system, the importance of scouting and coaching, and why organizational development may matter more than another expensive free-agent signing. THE 2027 MLB LABOR SHOWDOWN Could another MLB lockout be coming? We examine the battle over a potential salary cap, the luxury tax, player salaries, and what prolonged labor negotiations could mean for the A's as they prepare for their move to Las Vegas. THE BIG QUESTION: Can the A's finally build a competitive baseball organization before their new ballpark opens, or will fans be asked to endure another season of promises? This isn't about defending ownership or defending politicians. It's about understanding what happened, what needs to change, and what comes next. FOLLOW THE MONEY. UNDERSTAND THE GAME. 🎙️ THE SIXTH INNING: A'S BUSINESS AT SIX An original production of The House Always Wins Media Network. FOLLOW THE NETWORK YouTube: @dailypodcastonlasvegasas Instagram: @housealwayswinsnetwork TikTok: @housealwayswinsnetwork X: @lasvegasaspod Podbean: https://lasvegasathleticspodcast.podbean.com/p/our-shows/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Who deserves the most responsibility for the A's departure: the Giants, city and county officials, or A's ownership? And what must Taylor Smith accomplish in 2027 to restore your confidence? Let us know in the comments. #Athletics #LasVegasAthletics #TaylorSmith

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