Executive Access artwork

Executive Access

81 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 147 ratings

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 much, much more. Listen to or download individual episodes below, subscribe via iTunes or use your RSS reader so you never miss a single episode.

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Episodes

Ep. 71: International Scout of Mystery

September 28, 2020 05:02 - 35 minutes

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.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 70: Math Major to Reds VP

September 21, 2020 05:03 - 44 minutes

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.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 69: It Takes One to Know One

September 14, 2020 05:25 - 52 minutes

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.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Solid Rock in Cleveland’s Front Office

September 07, 2020 05:01 - 47 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 67: The Scout Turned GM

August 31, 2020 05:06 - 37 minutes - 36.3 MB

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

August 31, 2020 05:05 - 39 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 66: Always on the Lookout for Talent

August 24, 2020 04:08 - 43 minutes - 41.6 MB

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

August 24, 2020 04:05 - 45 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 65: The Smartest Man in Baseball

August 17, 2020 05:09 - 46 minutes - 43.4 MB

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

August 17, 2020 05:06 - 48 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 64: What's Brewing?

August 10, 2020 05:09 - 37 minutes - 35.1 MB

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?

August 10, 2020 05:04 - 38 minutes

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 63: Sure Betts

August 03, 2020 05:00 - 58 minutes

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 62: Scout Who Can Throw Spirals

July 27, 2020 13:31 - 55 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 61: Jack of All Trades

July 20, 2020 05:00 - 47 minutes

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 60: From Rice to Bryce

July 13, 2020 05:01 - 49 minutes

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 59: Man of Steel City

July 06, 2020 05:00 - 57 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 58: Trailblazer, actress and assistant general manager

June 15, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 57: The Wild Wild West

June 08, 2020 05:00 - 47 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 56: From general counsel to general manager

June 01, 2020 05:00 - 28 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

May 25, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

May 18, 2020 04:36 - 53 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

May 11, 2020 05:01 - 47 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

May 04, 2020 05:00 - 26 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 51: Journey from intern to assistant general manager

April 27, 2020 05:13 - 41 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 50: Building teams all over the map

April 20, 2020 05:03 - 52 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

April 13, 2020 05:00 - 57 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

Ep. 48: Expectations for a first-year GM

April 06, 2020 05:00 - 41 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choic...

Ep. 47: Building a ballclub to compete in the AL East

March 30, 2020 05:03 - 41 minutes - 38.9 MB

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 b...

Ep. 47: Bringing a championship back to LA

March 30, 2020 05:01 - 42 minutes

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 b...

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

December 08, 2019 04:05 - 1 hour

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. Yanke...

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

September 24, 2019 00:10 - 1 hour

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...

Ep. 44: Building a champion around homegrown players

September 06, 2019 04:34 - 33 minutes

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 43: How a baseball writer joined the Front Office

August 20, 2019 04:51 - 43 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand sits down with Rangers Assistant GM, Josh Boyd on his unlikely journey from a baseball writer to the front office, how scouts still play an instrumental role in acquiring talent, and how the Rangers landed Yu Darvish when he came over from Japan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 42: The role scouting has in winning a championship

August 06, 2019 17:16 - 49 minutes - 45 MB

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand sits down with D-backs Senior Vice President and Assistant GM, Jared Porter to discuss how working in the Cape Cod League helped shape his front office values, what he learned from Theo Epstein in both Boston and Chicago, and why he sees a successful future on the horizon with Arizona.

Ep. 42: The role scouting has in winning a championship

August 06, 2019 04:48 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MB

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with D-backs Senior Vice President and Assistant GM, Jared Porter to discuss how working in the Cape Cod League helped shape his front office values, what he learned from Theo Epstein in both Boston and Chicago, and why he sees a successful future on the horizon with Arizona.

Ep. 41: Deadline decisions with Dan O'Dowd

July 23, 2019 01:52 - 39 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with MLB Network analyst and former Rockies General Manager Dan O'Dowd to discuss a club's approach to the Trade Deadline, including, the importance of personal relationships and the role of social media in the negotiation process. Plus, he breaks down several key trades during his time in Colorado.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...

Ep. 40: Creating a winning culture in Colorado

June 25, 2019 03:24 - 46 minutes - 43.3 MB

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Rockies assistant GM of baseball operations Zack Rosenthal to discuss his climb to the top of Colorado's front office, working alongside Dan O'Dowd, and the importance of team culture. Plus, his favorite memories from the Rockies World Series run in 2007.

Ep. 40: Creating a winning culture in Colorado

June 25, 2019 03:18 - 47 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Rockies assistant GM of baseball operations Zack Rosenthal to discuss his climb to the top of Colorado's front office, working alongside Dan O'Dowd, and the importance of team culture. Plus, his favorite memories from the Rockies World Series run in 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep: 39: The Rays employ cutting-edge research in their continued success

June 11, 2019 03:48 - 50 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Rays VP of baseball operations James Click to discuss the evolution of analytics in baseball, the arbitration process and what he's learned from Andrew Friedman.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep.38: How the Cubs used the Draft to power a championship

May 28, 2019 01:37 - 52 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Cubs senior VP of player development and amateur scouting Jason McLeod to discuss the Draft process, working alongside Theo Epstein and his future goals in the game. Plus, what it’s like to be one of the rare few who have won historic championships with both the Red Sox and Cubs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 37: Rising the ranks with the Red Sox

May 13, 2019 23:58 - 50 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Red Sox senior VP and assistant GM Zack Scott to discuss how a chance encounter with Theo Epstein changed his career forever, the role of analytics in the game and what it's like working around Bill James. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 36: Building a ballclub to compete in the AL East

April 30, 2019 03:00 - 43 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Giants Special Advisor J.P. Ricciardi to discuss his decision to join Farhan Zaidi in SF, how his relationships with Sandy Alderson and Billy Beane have influenced his career, the ups and downs of his time in Toronto and if he'd ever return to Boston to work for his hometown team.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 35: The makings of Moneyball

April 16, 2019 02:25 - 56 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Athletics Executive Vice President Billy Beane to discuss his three decades with the club, the book that made him a household name and how the game has changed since his playing days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ep. 34: Anthopoulos, Rick Hahn, Dayton Moore and Mike Rizzo discuss the evolution of the front office

January 29, 2019 23:41 - 1 hour

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB Network's Brian Kenny and former GM Dan O'Dowd are joined by Braves executive VP and general manager Alex Anthopoulos, White Sox senior VP/general manager Rick Hahn, senior VP - baseball operations/general manager Dayton Moore and general manager and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo in a roundtable discussion detailing the ever-changing dynamics of the baseball front office, how their staffs have evolved over the years and the special relationsh...

Ep. 33: What Actually Happens at the Winter Meetings

December 06, 2018 05:41 - 57 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand details four very different aspects of the annual Winter Meetings. Former Mets and Orioles executive Jim Duquette details the dynamics of the GM's suite and the difficulty of finding a quiet place to talk with other GMs. Meanwhile, Founder and President of O'Connell Sports Management Tom O'Connell describes the process an agent goes through to meet with several different clubs in a very short period of time in order to successfully pitc...

Ep. 32: Three different paths to develop a successful Major Leaguer

November 27, 2018 05:18 - 39 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand chats with three members of different front offices detailing the art of developing a successful Major League player. Tigers VP and assistant GM David Chadd discusses the importance of scouting and details the successes he’s had winning championships with the Marlins and Red Sox. Mariners director of player development Andy McKay discusses how the makeup of a successful player is 100% mental. Rockies director of pitching operations Mark...

Ep. 31: Scouting and developing the international market

October 02, 2018 06:36 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MB

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand chats with Rangers Aassistant GM, Major League operations and international scouting Mike Daly to discuss how he identified future big leaguers like Josh Tomlin during his early scouting days, overseeing Texas' Minor League operations while the club signed players like Nomar Mazara and Rougned Odor and much more.

Ep. 31: Scouting and developing the International market

October 02, 2018 06:16 - 37 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand chats with Rangers Assistant GM, Major League Operation and International Scouting Mike Daly to discuss how he identified future big leaguers like Josh Tomlin during his early scouting days, overseeing Texas’ Minor League operations while the club signed players like Nomar Mazara and Rougned Odor and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.c...

Ep. 30: Building a winning culture with the Rays

September 25, 2018 05:44 - 31 minutes

On the Executive Access podcast, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Rays senior VP of baseball operations Chaim Bloom to discuss the surprising ways being a Latin classics major has helped during his front office career, what it feels like to tell a player he's been traded, and much more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices