WEST SACRAMENTO – Before the Athletics opened up a three-game series against the Rays at Sutter Health Park on Monday night, interim general manager Dan Feinstein met with reporters for the first time since taking on his new title.
Before fielding questions, Feinstein took a moment to talk about his predecessor David Forst, who on Friday left the A’s after 27 seasons -- including the past 11 seasons as general manager -- after he and the club mutually agreed to part ways.
“David Forst has been one of my closest friends for 25 years,” Feinstein said. “So, the last few days have been difficult for me, personally. I have enormous respect for David and the impact he’s made not only on me, but for so many people in this organization for a very long time. Things will not be the same here without him.”
Here are some highlights from Feinstein’s session with the media:
On the focus over the final 40-plus games of the season: “Our focus is going to be on supporting Mark [Kotsay], the staff and the players however we can for the remaining 44 games.”