The Long Game: Scott Feldman on Baseball’s Evolution

Locked On A's - Daily Podcast On The Oakland Athletics

In this episode, 13-year MLB veteran Scott Feldman takes us through the journey of a lifetime in baseball, from his early days at the College of San Mateo to being drafted by the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. Scott opens up about the realities of junior college ball, the highs and lows of the MLB draft process, and the experience of facing some of the league's toughest hitters. He shares how he adapted his pitching style to stand out, relying on skill over speed, and reflects on whether a player like him would still have the same chances in today’s analytics-driven game.

We also dig into some of baseball’s biggest changes, from player development in lower-market teams like the Oakland A's to the rise of sabermetrics and bullpen games. Scott provides his honest take on modern pitching strategies, like strict pitch counts and the rarity of true aces in today’s game. With insights from the field and behind-the-scenes stories, Scott gives listeners a rare view of how baseball has evolved—and the lasting impact these shifts have on players, teams, and fans alike.