Canseco, Braden new studio analysts
MESA, Ariz. — Former A’s outfielder Jose Canseco, known for his outlandish comments, was named one of the team’s studio analysts, along with former Oakland pitchers Dallas Braden and Dave Stewart.
“It’s going to be interesting,” said Canseco, who expects to be at the Coliseum on Opening Night. “I think what I’ve always brought is honesty — I’m going to call it like I see it. Fans are going to get a noncensored, very analytical opinion.”
The Chronicle first reported the A’s interest in Canseco and Braden last week.
“We’ve been using Jose a little more over the past couple of years,” A’s senior adviser for broadcasting Ken Pries said. “He’s been making different appearances for us, coming to the ballpark, and that’s worked out very well. We’ve been very pleased with the fan response . ... Jose’s personality is very exciting. You never know what he’s going to say.”
Braden, who pitched the 19th perfect game in majorleague history in 2010, is an ESPN “Baseball Tonight” studio analyst. He’ll continue in that role in addition to the work he’ll do for NBC Sports California, the regional network that carries Oakland’s games (CSN California will be rebranded NBC Sports California on Sunday).
“I created a good rapport with the fan base, and they’re some of the most dedicated fans across the board,” Braden said. “The thought I might connect with the fans on an even deeper level now is exciting.”
Braden and his wife, Megan, are expecting their first child, so Braden is committed to only 15 telecasts initially, but that’s flexible, he said.
Stewart, fired as the Diamondbacks’ general manager after last season, was one of the greatest starters in Oakland history, going 119-78 with a 3.73 ERA in eight seasons and winning 20 or more games four years in a row.
Color announcer Mark Mulder’s role will expand from 20 games last year to 30. Regular color man Ray Fosse will work on the radio broadcasts when Mulder is on the TV side. Bip Roberts and Shooty Babitt will continue to work as studio analysts.
NBC Sports California will have hourlong pre- and postgame shows, so it is adding some big personalities to handle the extra workload.
Canseco, who will appear via satellite from his home in Las Vegas, could make for improved ratings even at the potential risk of some FCC violations. De Aza opts out: As expected, outfielder Alejandro De Aza decided to exercise the out in his minor-league deal with Oakland and the team released him.
De Aza, 32, was among the final candidates for the fifthoutfielder spot, but the A’s might go with four outfielders to open the season.
Jaff Decker is the frontrunner for the extra outfield spot should the A’s decide to keep a fifth outfielder or add one the first week or two of the season.
De Aza went 12-for-40 (.300) and scored nine runs in 19 Cactus League games, and he impressed the coaching staff with his strong defensive play, particularly in center.
“He knew going in that it might be a little bit of a long shot, but he performed well,” said manager Bob Melvin, who expressed hope that De Aza might re-sign with Oakland if he finds no other offers to his liking. “He knew how to lead off, swung the bat well for us . ... For an organization that’s a little thin in outfielders, I think he did a pretty good job.” Briefly: East Bay native Marcus Semien on the Raiders’ move: “They always say the Raiders leaving would benefit the A’s, but I think the community needs both.” ... Melvin said, “It’s too bad. Like us, they have a rich tradition and an unbelievable fan base.” ... Khris Davis (quad) will not play in a bigleague game until Wednesday but he will continue to get at-bats in minor-league camp, where he can limit the amount of running he does. ... Pitcher Sonny Gray (lat) threw at a distance of 105 feet Monday and second baseman Joey Wendle (shoulder) took batting practice.