Major League Baseball is no stranger to franchise shifts. But the ongoing saga of the Oakland Athletics’ relocation continues to be a masterclass in complexity and controversy. With their scheduled relocation to Las Vegas still in talks, the team is lodging temporarily in Sacramento. And as the A’s dig into this interim phase, statements from league officials are scrutinized closely.
After a visit in February 2025, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred gave his impression of the A’s temporary home, Sutter Health Park. He called the 14,000-seat minor league venue “charming,” adding that Sacramento was abuzz with excitement about MLB’s arrival. Manfred assured that efforts were made to provide players with “as close to a major league experience as it can possibly be.” He also reaffirmed that opening a new Las Vegas stadium in 2028 was still in line.
Well, this “charming” framing has become an immediate touch point for media reaction. And they weren’t entirely positive.
During a podcast with Fox Territory, ESPN Insider Jeff Passan quipped, “‘Charming and intimate’ is what realtors say when the house is small.” He questioned if the league truly wants potential playoff games to be hosted in minor league stadiums. This humorous comparison cleverly reframed Manfred’s diplomacy, implying the facility might be undersized or lacking for MLB standards.
Rob Manfred called the A’s new ballpark in Sacramento “charming,” but does the league really want potential playoff games being played in minor league stadiums?
“Charming and intimate is what realtors say when the house is small.”@JeffPassan with more. pic.twitter.com/XmtcjZBQKT
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 25, 2025
Jeff Passan has doubted the A’s move for a long time. He often criticizes the process, even calling it a “disaster” and questioning the team’s owners. And his present sarcasm simply fits his usual doubts. It is cleverly pointing out the real difference between a minor league park and a true major league stadium. Commissioner Manfred promised an experience “close” to the majors. But Passan’s joke makes you wonder if “close” is really good enough for the big leagues!
Stadium controversy and the A’s road ahead
Looking down the road, the A’s big plan is still to move permanently to Las Vegas by 2028. They likely see it as a fresh start in a new city. This situation is very different from the stadium problems the Tampa Bay Rays are dealing with. The Rays had no choice but to move temporarily to another field in Tampa after Hurricane Milton wrecked their stadium. Their plans to build a new ballpark in Florida are now delayed. But Manfred seems to really want the Rays to stay in the Florida market.
And all of these make it look like the league uses different takes on teams depending on their unique situations and the cities involved.
Amidst all this off-field uncertainty, the Athletics’ Cactus League performance was a mixed bag. By mid-March, the team boasted a tough win-loss record of 5-12, one of the lowest in the league, and was running at a negative differential of -36. That record captures the challenges confronting the team on and off the field, as it gets ready for its regular season in unusual circumstances.
Despite the team’s overall spring record, some individual performances gave reason for optimism. Hitting prospect Jacob Wilson led the team with four home runs and 12 RBIs, and Miguel Andujar tallied a team-high 15 hits. Outfielder Junior Perez even had a stellar .600 batting average. A decisive 10-1 victory over the Royals, with contributions from key players, alongside off-season signings Luis Severino and Gio Urshela, suggests potential bright spots for the upcoming games.
While the A’s navigate their temporary Sacramento home and look towards Las Vegas, their journey remains a focal point of debate. How fitting do YOU find the term “charming” for a temporary MLB home in a minor league park? Care to join the conversations?
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