The A’s still remain the same franchise despite their impending move to Sacramento, but to general manager David Forst, the team’s departure from Oakland serves as the beginning of a new chapter.

“I’m proud of what we did in my time here and of what the A’s have done in terms of providing a lot of really great memories for people, a lot of great teams,” he said Friday. “I think it’s fair to think about that chapter ending and moving on to something else.”

Their attention now turns to turning the team from upstarts to contenders. After winning 69 games (after consecutive 100-loss seasons) and going exactly .500 in the season’s second half, a playoff appearance in Sacramento isn’t completely far-fetched.

Here’s what stuck out during Forst and manager Mark Kotsay’s end-of-season availability:Forst expects payroll to increase >> Between Brent Rooker, Lawrence Butler, and Mason Miller, the A’s have an enviable foundation, but filling out the team’s weak spots via free agency remains a challenge for the notoriously frugal franchise.

The A’s traditionally have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball and ranked dead last this season, per Spotrac. Now, they will have to convince major league players to sign major league contracts to play in a minor league ballpark. Still, Forst expects the team to be active in free agency and for the team’s payroll to increase.

“It’ll take some time to figure out what the interest is in playing here and coming to this situation,” Forst said. “I do have an outstanding manager to play for, and we have a really good team, an improving team on the field that I would hope players want to be a part of. We’re going to have to sell the situation and the ballpark as much as we can.”

Some of that payroll increase could come through arbitration cases. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Rooker, entering his first year of arbitration, is projected to make $5.1 million. Seth Brown is projected to make $3.8 million, but he stands out as a non-tender candidate given his age (32) and him finishing this season with negative WAR.

Navigating the artificial turf >> Forst said that artificial turf has yet to be laid down at Sutter Health Park, but clarified that the team still expects to use the synthetic surface. Construction has begun on the clubhouse and dugouts.

The use of artificial turf instead of grass will result in hotter on-field temperatures, especially during the summer. The A’s have looked at the schedule and tried to limit the number of days games they have in June, July and August within the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Forst said the team has talked to MLB to receive an exemption for Sunday night games (teams typically play day games on Sundays so the visiting team can fly to its next destination) and was encouraged about the discussion.

Owens as a Giants GM candidate? >> Buster Posey, the Giants’ new president of baseball operations, announced during his introductory news conference that the team will be looking for a new general manager after transitioning Pete Putila into another role. One possible candidate is A’s assistant general manager Billy Owens, who has been with the organization for more than 25 years.

Forst said the A’s have not received a call from the Giants about Owens, but said he thinks “the world of Billy Owens and what he brings to this organization,” adding that “there are a lot of things that Billy is capable of.”

Note >> Forst confirmed that Kotsay remains signed through next season, saying they will discuss Kotsay’s future along with ownership in the offseason. Additionally, Forst expects the entire coaching staff to return.