Rich Eisen on MLB’s Good (Elly De La Cruz) and MLB’s Very, Very Bad (A’s Ownership)

Rich Eisen reacts to the Oakland A’s owner’s comments about playing games in a minor league ballpark in Sacramento, and to the latest mind-boggling exploits of Cincinnati Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz.
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[@georgieboy_htown4eva4eva]

The owner of the A's is a joke. It's such a shame.

[@SergioGomez-fl1wz]

As an A’s fan, it hurts indeed

[@rossy2976]

Y'all act like Oakland is a great place you can't even have a happy meal there!

[@DamitFeelsGoodtobeaRaider]

@@rossy2976 they didn't have to build in oakland. an east bay suburb would have worked. many teams play in the suburbs these days (9ers, bengals, patriots, etc etc etc)

[@-SkyCat-]

@@DamitFeelsGoodtobeaRaider SF Giants Blocked them from going down there... it was one option that they tried Oakland is just a shithole...

[@DamitFeelsGoodtobeaRaider]

@@-SkyCat- they blocked them in the south bay, which is their right. but the giants have no such ability to block them in east or north bay.

[@chrishoff4229]

John Fisher: how to destroy an entire fanbase's interest in major league baseball in one greedy, fell swoop. As a 40-year Oakland A's fan, MLB is dead to me

[@WesJamison]

Me too. Was a fan since '85 left after the baseball strike when they traded all their Allstars. Such a tragic end to such a great organization.

[@BigDaddy52525]

With you bro. I went to the Coliseum a couple weeks ago. The customer service is a joke now

[@camreese]

Boycott the gap!

[@bravedown50]

But Manfred said you would just become Giants fans after the move….

[@chrishoff4229]

@@bravedown50 Hahahahaha. Yeah. That would never happen in a million years. Weird how people high up in sports have no idea what sports are or what they mean.

[@tylermccann848]

The A's ownership is arguably the worst in the five major US sports.

[@MrDjdanv]

Artie Moreno?

[@tylermccann848]

@@MrDjdanv worse

[@justinmorado9525]

What makes him even worse is that he also owns the San Jose Earthquakes of the MLS.

[@samshambles391]

* since Snyder sold the Commanders.

[@Steve8105]

Dolan of the knicks?

[@JoshZachary24]

Appreciate that you specifically shoutout John Sadak. Dude is so deserving of the love. Just a guy that is so genuinely excited about the team and the game.

[@maxherzog3287]

The Owner couldnt name one single player on the As

[@oiler62]

Yup, and probably doesn't know the rich, colorful history in their Oakland years. Too busy rooting for the Giants.

[@cameronmoscozo4676]

Cool to see Rich cover the A’s. The larger shows have kinda been quiet with it. And he just touched on surface of this.

[@NathanMoist]

The A's actually by record are not the worst team in baseball right now. By ownership yes.

[@cityhawk]

The White Sox don't have as horrible ownership as the A’s do, but it's more dysfunctional than given credit.

[@WesJamison]

The A's organization and MLB made me hate baseball. I'm no longer watching.

[@lovesgucci1]

Bizarrely, this is only the 2nd time in 20 years a team moved and before 2004, it was 1970 (Seattle Pilots to Milwaukee & became Brewers, Seattle got a new team almost right away) I hope MLB doesn’t go down the same route as the other 3 professional sports teams & move around

[@someguy7222]

@@lovesgucci1 At least they had the decency to change the name once in new city. It ought to be that any team that wants to move must offer the team for sale to a buyer willing to keep the team in place. (Team has to remain up for sale for at least 190 days). If nobody steps up - ok move. There has to be some type of protection for fans from abusive ownership

[@lovesgucci1]

@@someguy7222 The A’s are a storied name and I think that’s why Fisher wants to retain it, even if he tarnished the brand. I think if a state and/or city helps (to build or repair a stadium with any taxpayers money, for land or tax breaks) then the local government needs to have certain conditions made before the shovel touches the ground. One condition would be that they can’t tank the team & then claim that no fans show up & they need to move (Fisher doesn’t spend money, retain good players, doesn’t upgrade ballpark, no “ fan fest”, for example) I would also mention the keeping the name and record but that would probably be done fighting in court to either keep the team in the city or get a chance for an expansion team.

[@beefy45]

The way the comish basically said A’s fans can root for the Giants is what killed my love for baseball

[@lovesgucci1]

@@beefy45 Manfred is out in less than 5 years & is one of the absolute worst spokesmen. Owners need to to select his successor wisely because I can see congressional hearings over these threats from all professional sports teams asking for billions of taxpayer money or else they will find a new city.

[@user-ci5sf5qj2k]

The A's had one of the most, supportive loyal, enthusiastic fan bases for years. Their ownership trashed that.

[@oiler62]

Yup, great fans who deserve a new ballpark with ownership that actually cared.

[@kcnoise]

Like 15K on a good night? Come on.

[@oiler62]

@@kcnoise the Giants struggled drawing fans before Pacbell. When both A's and Giants went to WS in 1989, the A's blew them out of the water in attendance, 2.7 million to 2 million.

[@chuckcribbs3398]

Then why did they have no money for players?? You can’t compete when there’s no money in a small market. And Oakland has become a shitehole. Who wants to own a team in California when the city is a dump? Blame California voters.

[@Nastynati0513]

Elly is the best thing to happen to my Reds since Ken Griffey Jr. signed with them in 2000. IMO

[@Tjstev]

In brining in eyes and excitement? Yes sir for sure. But steer has been the most consistent guy, don't forget about him. Reds future is as bright as the sun

[@djmetcalf3815]

Griffey on the Reds is akin to Emit Smith on the Cardinals.

[@tylergash3175]

Trading for Jr was a bad decision and set the Reds back years from contention. Went from a 96 win team in 1999 to an 85 win team in 2000 and the rest of his years with us were abysmal. We traded so much to get him that it destined the team to failure. No doubt was it exciting for the city like Cruz is, but it’s not comparable

[@M98747]

Yeah, I'm inclined to agree; however, Votto's breakout could also be considered.

[@chuckcribbs3398]

Will they pay him, is the big question.

[@itwasntme208]

How is fisher getting off the hook with national media (up to now at least). Has anyone seen the movie “Major League” ?

[@user-fx3zk3lw3v]

I havent been this excited about my reds since Jr came to Cincinnati

[@RodericSpode]

They are very fun to watch

[@DamitFeelsGoodtobeaRaider]

i haven't seen them yet (i live in east bay area) but this made me want to see them. maybe can catch them playing the giants er something.

[@Thesoutherndandee]

Lifelong Athletics fan, who lived in Colorado. Was special day when we would visit Oakland on vacation and I could go see games. I am utterly sad, I understand the hurt when a musician dies now.

[@JaggerDaBombs]

I don't want this to happen to the A's or their fans, but I want this for the owner. I want the Vegas deal to fall apart. Forcing A's to stay in the minor League stadium for the foreseeable feature. I don't know if it's possible in MLB, but the owners should do what the NFL owners did to Dan Snyder and force John Fisher to sell the team

[@johnchedsey1306]

This is my hope as well.

[@danielfitch4775]

John Fisher is such a joke

[@flyerfan1991]

Connie Mack is rolling in his grave.

[@danielfitch4775]

@@flyerfan1991 true

[@spenceAF]

typical greedy jew

[@ediaz951]

i hate how MLB is letting the A's dumb crap to happen. F vegas fr

[@loC2ol]

We didn’t ask for this bro. We will get schools over stadiums to a yes easily if it gets on the ballot. No public funds. And when that happens Fisher will be forced to sell. He can’t do it without the public money.

[@blackfootedferret]

Can you imagine Roger Goddell letting this happen?

[@blackfootedferret]

Can you imagine roger Goodell allowing this to happen?

[@smokey5100]

That very comment Fisher made is indicative in how disconnected he is compared to the actual fan base in this entire situation. Next year in MLB the Show '25 the A's will be the laughing stock as you play them in their tiny minor league ballpark. The Triple A's SMH. When the deal in Vegas falls apart we need Joe Lacob to SAVE BASEBALL IN OAKLAND!

[@farakhhanif]

Why would he be your savior? What makes you think he cares? He took the Warriors from Oakland and moved them back to SF…

[@dervodogg]

@@farakhhanifbecause he’s said so himself….

[@smokey5100]

@@farakhhanif I asked my magic 8 ball. Appreciate your concern 💯

[@805fillmore]

@@dervodogg He never said that.

[@Jodeanson.23]

Been an Oakland A's fan for 52 years. Since I played church league baseball and fell in love with the game. But now Fisher, Manfred and every single MLB team owner that was complicit with their vote to approve of this boondoggle move to Vegas has ended my participation with anything MLB. Hey Rich? I don't imagine you have the time to look at this wormhole of comments-but if you do please continue to impart your wisdom on how this situation is a great big stinking steaming bowl of wrong.

[@trademark23]

Fisher has ruined the A's completely.

[@r.e.goodrich759]

Let's not forget, Manfred is complicit in this, and wants the move to Las Vegas to come to fruition. He's a villain here as well.

[@jameslombardo2]

Never thought I’d hear Rich Eisen drop a Redding & Vacaville plus In N Out in a show

[@LoneStar62]

A’s? Nah. The Nomads. The Nevada Nomads.

[@manfrombc5162]

Would actually be kind of a cool name.

[@jimmymcfarland4184]

Thank you Rich! Keep giving Elly the love! Life long Reds fan. We’ve got a team!

[@IanSane]

The situation with the A's is so embarrassing that I'm wondering at what point MLB will make John Fisher disappear. The owners of these teams don't like to suggest the idea of a mechanism to remove bad owners because they fear it ever being used against themselves but we know it kind of does exist. The NBA and NFL effectively expelled Donald Sterling and Dan Snyder. They both technically sold their respective teams but they were effectively forced out. MLB themselves effectively got rid of Marge Schott. This guy is trying to take a team that is beloved by their fanbase and move it somewhere that actually doesn't want them and has no plans to accommodate any new stadium for them and with that falling through he's moving them to a minor league stadium. This is ridiculous! MLB needs to sit him down and tell him he's selling and if he doesn't I almost expect him to be the victim of a mysterious accident. But then Rob Manfred is effectively the John Fisher of sports commissioners so probably nothing will happen but I think under previous commissioners this would all have been settled by now.

[@someguy7222]

You're right - MLB can't make him leave but... But they could strongly recommend it. They should but they won't. Billionaire bros take care of their own

[@GreenHornet1962]

I've heard people now starting to refer to them The Triple A's. Sell the Team!

[@jakelugenbeel2666]

i was just at that In-N-Out in Vacaville on my way to SF lol

[@ThePatrickakes]

I was just there on my way back from SF!

[@thewkovacs316]

fisher exists because mlb ownership allows him to

[@someguy7222]

MLB is complicit to the BS...you're so right

[@oiler62]

Should of never sold to Selig's buddy Lew Wolff who turned it over to Fisher. Reggie Jackson's group actually put in a higher bid and were committed to building a new ballpark in the O

[@someguy7222]

@@oiler62 MLB ol' boy network

[@oiler62]

@@someguy7222 yup, really pisses me off!

[@sn0wbengal]

I Love my A's, will Always Love my A's! But having Fisher as the Owner crushes my Soul and breaks my Heart.

[@j-dub.d-tray]

Thanks for this Rich. This story will continue to provide material for you

[@codenamelarry6518]

John Sadak is a great broadcaster for the Reds; I honestly don’t know why he wasn’t broadcasting games over Tom Breneman as there’s a drive to deep left field for Castellanos, and that’ll make it a 4-0 game.

[@lamonthale6190]

Bro your sidekick reminds me of Ed McMahon on the Johnny Carson show. 😂

[@S_Over_Street]

I-80 in Vacaville intersects with I-505 that goes Northbound to meet up with I-5 heading towards Redding. While I-80 continues towards Sacramento.

[@joshuadesautels]

"Dear Oakland/A's fans, "OK, I get it now. You have my deepest sympathies. "Sincerely, Rich Eisen"

[@sikwilly45]

Jesus. And us Pittsburghers thought Bob Nutting was bad.

[@BHox01]

Oh, he is. There's just several levels below even him, and snake manfred & fisher are down there

[@fngmain6864]

7:28 to get to Elly

[@chadwaters5666]

The Rivercats used to be the A's AAA affiliate for years. They just switched to the Giants affiliate a few years ago

[@johnmcho]

This whole thing is surreal to me as a life long A's fan with connections to Sacramento, Vegas and even Salt Lake. I'd feel much better about this if the owners wouldn't let them keep the name when they move to Sacramento. Rebranding should be mandatory.

[@17craigers]

Fisher got that minor league mindset, what an embarrassment

[@chuckcribbs3398]

My brother worked in management at the Tropicana for years. His last day was last week. Lad Vegas has way more going for it than Oakland or California. Times change, things change.

[@marksieber4626]

Once again mlb shows they have absolutely no regard for the sport, the fans, the players. This is why I just can’t follow baseball anymore.

[@jfayiii]

As bad as A's ownership is, the commissioner (i.e. the guy who represents all owners) is even worse. Baseball is in very bad hands. There will be a movie made in the future about their malfeasance.

[@DamitFeelsGoodtobeaRaider]

it'll be called dumeyball.

[@phillipmiller3076]

I didn't think anything could be worse than the Arizona Coyotes' situation (awful team, evicted from stadium, can't move for the life of them) and yet the A's are astronomically worse. Funny how as soon as Billy Beane was no longer an exec they fold in Oakland almost immediately. I feel awful for sports fans in Oakland (not just baseball, either)

[@foxbat1766]

This so infuriates me!!! As a resident of San Antonio, TX, we've been begging for something besides Spurs Basketball. We'd love to have a Baseball Team; we tried to get the Marlins, but were used as leverage awhile back, but we don't care... We'd spend the money to get you a shiny new stadium for the 'San Antonio Athletics', but after seeing this farce, I don't think I want this owner, just like we don't want that Poser Mr. Davis and his 'Las Vegas Raiders' and his using San Antonio as Leverage as well. (Spurs and Raiders, same color scheme, it would have been a perfect fit...)

[@matthewm2634]

The other owners have the power to remove him yet he stay?!?! He’s the Dan Scheinder of baseball and absolutely needs to go. He’s a joke and so are the A’s. He needs to go!!

[@previnsnaidu1]

He’s the worst owner in all of sports. He’s a nepo billionaire that has ruined our historic franchise. I hate fish boy with all my heart, he’s a horrible human being

[@johnmcho]

Owner of the A's: Come watch the Yankees in Sacramento.

[@mattwilham4349]

You neglected to mention that part of Elly’s night was an error that allowed him to score from first on a sac bunt… Yup. Scored from first on a sac bunt. I don’t care if the throw got by Hoskins. Dude was flying. Nobody else in the league would have scored on that play

[@jondxsc]

Don Garber should also force John Fisher to sell the San Jose Earthquakes!

[@johnchedsey1306]

May Fisher's Vegas deal fall apart and he's forced to move his team to a dirt lot in Goldfield, NV.

[@naveeny1]

Actually you are right about tge facility. The Las Vegas Aviators facilty is nicer and newer then Sutter Health park.

[@karenwinston8911]

I was hoping to hear your take on the Angels' announcers going off during Saturday's game. Very good take on the MLB and their continual bad press (almost all self-inflicted).

[@jonathanhaven1690]

Hey remember when the Reds swept the A’s in the 1990 World Series

[@lhfirex]

It felt bad a couple years ago when my Reds were trading their good players to the Mariners and Twins... but damn if the prospect haul hasn't already paid huge dividends. It's where they got guys like Spencer Steer and Matt McLain.

[@jaydeebee21]

McLain was a reds draft pick

[@Nati_Native_Noise]

Cruz is a phenom and he's giving baseball some much needed juice

[@pathutchison7688]

I’m pretty sure that the reason he said Judge was that he couldn’t name an A’s player.

[@jasonvoss6559]

Rich described my drives when I lived there and right down to the in and out burger

[@evilamo]

If Fisher sells the fans will come

[@ryancasablancas8361]

Glad to see Rich talking about baseball. That and NBA (maybe some hockey) is all I want to hear about for the next few months. I don’t want to hear the word ‘quarterback’ until September.

[@davidleary4524]

The draft is in 2 weeks so😄

[@Athletics510]

Oh shoot he said Vacaville!!!! I see you Rich!!!! 1:40

[@jacobm3632]

“The Las Vegas A’s of Sacramento”

[@Tony_Ruiz95]

Oakland been taking L’s ! First the Warriors go back to Frisco, then the Raiders move to Vegas & now the A’s moving as well smh Town Bidness I guess lol

[@SeventhSonofASeventhSon77]

... And Denny's..and In N Out Burger, and Walmart and... Well you get the point.

[@someguy7222]

None of them needed to go. Oakland is STILL paying off the bonds that for "Mt.Davis" that lured the Raiders to come back. The Warriors really didn't need to go. The arena in Oakland was selling out. The A's are another. What happens when an owner hates the city his team plays in. Why do people find such joy in - All y'all teams left haha you guys suck. We're just everyday blue collar people. We're not inept politicians and billionaire sports franchise owners. Why the glee at taking a poop on the fans? We're the ones who suffer.

[@Tony_Ruiz95]

@@someguy7222 it’s not a shot at the fans, but the city & the people in charge that are ruining the city lol I doubt the Warriors or Raiders would’ve left if the city would’ve allowed them to build a new stadium. But then again these people were voted into office by the city lol so…

[@SeventhSonofASeventhSon77]

@@someguy7222 Why? Because it's up to the Oakland citizens to hold their failing city leadership accountable for their multitude of failures, and it doesn't happen... Most people just blame the "greedy" owner for making the moves necessary to keep his players, stadium staff and fans safe even though every other good business is also leaving the area for the same reasons. For the record I've been an A's fan since 86. I don't like seeing them go, but I understand why they're leaving.

[@CrashPK77]

John Fisher is the Charles O. Finley of George Steinbrenners.

[@jamesstinedurf9841]

i get what people are saying about the As playing in that smaller park, but i'm looking forward to seeing it. if nothing else, it'll be like nothing else in MLB. it'll be a unique experience

[@BigtimeAL]

John Fisher displayed on how out of touch he is with owning a baseball team when can’t name one single player from the A’s. What a jerk

[@donaldgoulding6087]

Mlb commissioner should force a franchise sale.

[@londondonson6602]

Rich where are those directions to?

[@Skiguru990]

All those details, and one key one was missed - this move by the A's was in-partnership with the Sacramento Kings. I'd recommend NBA fans in Sacramento start scouting what hotels are best for access to T-Mobile arena, because I expect the NBA is about to do Sacramento like they did Seattle....

[@einarjuel]

"Outstanding In-n-Out" Cultured

[@chavy-_-4690]

Shoutout Vacaville

[@ianbent0n]

Would've been nice to have all this attention from the national media 6-12 months ago, before the owners voted. Now it's toothless. I blame Mayor Thao for doing a dogshit job at communicating Oakland's position. Compare her "efforts" with Kevin Johnson in 2011-2013, dude singlehandedly kept the Kings.

[@someguy7222]

Yeah I hate to agree but I do. The mayor is in WAY over her head and seems to me she is secretly relieved the whole saga won't be on her immediate plate anymore. She only used this as a means to try to gain political capital and points. Back in '79 when Finely at first tried to sell the team to Miller of Denver - Richard Newhouse (on behalf of mayors office) went balls to the walls to try to salvage the A's for Oakland and find a local buyer. That urgency was never seen from the Thao office.

[@lightweight1365]

No owner of any team should be allowed to do this. The teams should follow the Packers model and belong to the fans in the city.

[@paultuke5110]

Go Elly!

[@KSRJ92]

As an A's fan, I really hope this blows up in John Fisher's face, and he's actually forced to sell, but that at the moment that seems like a pipe dream

[@tonywilliams6428]

Elly is one of the 5 most exciting players in MLB

[@jedi1967]

Rich Eisen got a tan ir C Rica....nice. He deserves it and you are my best sports broadcaster

[@BensonMTG]

Why don’t they have the A’s play at the already excising Vegas minor league team location?

[@gavinweltmer4091]

As an A’s fan, I approve of this reaction.

[@softballhumanoid]

Everything's being ruined by rich kids who were born third base and think they're entitled to a home run.

[@brianibarra7421]

Wait Rich lived in Redding? That’s where I am from

[@Bignitsuj]

He said that because Aaron Judge went to High School very close to Sacramento and will have many local fans coming to see him. (Linden High School) Go Lions!

[@weskeaton1]

The As will replace the Pirates as the last stop before your career ends. Nobody with options is gonna go play there.

[@Raxman263]

Unless someone can throw a lot of cash to their owner, you just have to live with it for 3 years. 2500 in Sacramento looks better than 2500 in the Oakland Coliseum. The players still get their salaries and it's better than playing in the Cow Palace.

[@XorgeG]

As a baseball fan that lives in Sacramento im excited, ive been watching more baseball now than ever. BUT fisher sucks and i feel for Oakland. Smh

[@Sledgeh101]

If ever there was an opportunity to use the TOILETS!!! drop, this segment was it. Missed opportunity.

[@SirVic42]

Especially since the Sacramento park probably has more functioning toilets than the Oakland park, unless you consider the entire Oakland park to be a toilet.

[@shonz88]

MLB stadiums are supposed to last 70-100+ years. Why are all owners trying to get a new stadium built every 30 years?

[@TexasDragon]

I wish every city in the country anonymously reject the A’s from moving to their city so MLB had to force him to sell the team

[@franky2473]

Rich said Vacaville 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽 Yoooooooooo 🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@JoyStickJester_]

Rich they already requested a trademark for Sacramento A's/athletics so they will have city name

[@jacobjackson3372]

One thing missed here is that Aaron Judge was born in Sacramento so he was trying to appeal to sacramento baseball fans by mentioning a hometown hero. Still stupid, but makes more sense.

[@cityhawk]

Not the Oakland, Sacramento, or Las Vegas A’s, they should be called what my mother called them The Know Nothing A’s. 🤣

[@snarfsnarf3062]

Fisher squatted on the coliseum with the Raiders just to try and follow them to vegas

[@zachlee7945]

Tbf they’re not even gonna sell that stadium out 😭 they get less than 10k most times at their own ballpark imagine one in Sacramento like

[@mystmag7]

If the A's had any good players left, Atlanta would have already traded for them.

[@kchall5]

Because of the draconian Covid regulations in Canada, the Jays had to play their home games in the U.S., first at their spring training stadium in Dunedin, FL, and later at their Buffalo AAA affiliate. It's not unprecedented, and I don't have a dog in this fight, but the city of Oakland probably bears as much of the blame as Fisher. They probably could have gotten a stadium deal of some sort, although based on the images I've seen the city of Oakland is a basket case.

[@PaulA-dc3dh]

It’s Free!!!! That’s why he is going there. He is homeless and cheap and it makes stupid sense? When is MLB going to kick him out!!! SELL now!! There are tons of Bay Area people ready to buy.

[@Trifelivin]

Making lefts LMAO cmon Rich ... greetings from UC Davis

[@pikeeplaya]

When I first read the title of this video, I thought Eich was actually implying the Reds have good owners 😂

[@nick0875]

MLB fans do not show up to any A's games, let them play for years in front of an empty stadium. Do not give their owner any of your money even when a popular opposing team is there to play. The rest of the owners are also guilty in allowing this nonsense. They should be paying you to show up not you wasting your money on this.

[@marcusgarcia5089]

"Sacramento is a beautiful town" haha c'mon Rich. I get it, you gotta be nice.

[@someguy7222]

Sacramento might be a lovely town. No doubt that it is. Las Vegas is a lovely town, in its own way. Doesn't matter. The team should remain in Oakland.

[@MPB059]

I feel bad for the fans of the Oakland A’s. John fisher is the worst owner not just in MLB, but in all of entire North American sports.