The Oakland Athletics have played 79 games, and while they have not quite reached the midway point of their season, Ben Sheets has. The Athletics' right-hander has made 17 starts and has accumulated a 3-7 record with a 5.05 ERA.
Most A's fans ignored his early struggles and cited the fact that he did not pitch at all in 2009. Fans expected Sheets to struggle early, but to regain his form as the season progressed.
Unfortunately for A's fans this is not what happened.
Sheets went eight starts between his second and third wins and posted an ERA of ...
The Raiders have had a pretty busy off-season so far. They revamped the defensive front seven, brought in a new QB, and added depth to nearly every position.
Conventional wisdom would suggest that the Raiders still have, at least, one more significant move to make before the season, maybe a big free agency signing, a trade, or even a big supplemental draft move.
Here's a look at some moves the Raiders may make before the season.Begin Slideshow
If you are going to read this article I need you to stop laughing right now. I know what you are thinking, "Here we go again, the Raiders added some players and just like every year the fans think they are back."
Others might be saying, "Seriously? It's the middle of the day and you are already drunk?."
After a seventh consecutive season of losing 11 games or more the Raiders need a perfect storm to get back in the playoffs. Well that storm is developing and here are a few reasons why the Raiders will be playoff bound in 2010.Begin Slideshow
Raider Nation appears to be sleeping on Louis Murphy so far. Most of the talk has been about this offseason and for good reason.
"Big" John Henderson, Rolando McClain, and Lamarr Houston are now in Oakland to stop the run. The Raiders now have a legitimate quarterback in Jason Campbell.
The offensive line was addressed this offseason. Darren McFadden and Michael Bush should now have some running lanes. Campbell should be kept clean in the pocket.
There is even talk of how Darrius Heyward-Bey caught the ball in minicamp. From there, it goes to Chaz Schillens. He has returned ahead of schedule from injury.
All of the above is great, but we should ...
It is now quiet around the NFL, unless your name is Michael Vick. Most of the teams are in between OTAs and training camp. The Raiders look like they have their offense set for the upcoming season. Here is a preview of the Oakland Raiders starting offense for opening day 2010 against the Titans.
Quarterback: Jason Campbell is expected to be the starter with an injury to Bruce Gradkowski and inexperience among Kyle Boller and Charlie Frye. Campbell will make or break the success of the team. He has had improving stats in each of his last five seasons, and ...
The Sound of the Oakland Raiders : Listen and Read
Everything has a sound, sometimes audible, sometimes not so easily heard. "Autumn Wind" has been the song of the Oakland Raiders for many years. John Facenda was one of the best at reciting the sound and song of the Raiders.
His voice, tone, and inflections were so suitable for communicating the fearlessness, strength, and determination of the team.
The spirit of the Raider Nation is stirred when the symphonic rendition of "Autumn Wind" is played. The sound and song rallies the players to victory.
The lyrics contain these words:
"song"
"growl"
"shake" (a sound of great tree is made)
"laugh"
"Song" ...
When Oakland Athletics fans (well, the ones that are left) walk into the Oakland Coliseum, they see a third deck covered in forest green tarp (not because of rain but because it makes the rest of the stadium "look more packed") and a team full of super...who's?
Since 2000, the A's have won the Western Division four times and the wild card once.
But since 2006, the low-budget ball club has yet to make the playoffs and seem poised for another run ending on October 3 against fellow division bottom feeder, Seattle.
They've been a low-budget team for the entire first decade of ...
For Tom Cable, this has to be the time of the year that he stocks up on antacids and Pepto.
Because when it comes to the Raiders, this is the time he starts to play mix and match with the roster, trying to figure out which areas of concern are going to need the most attention.
Remember, these are not set to priority, but simply concerns that the team has to look at in the traning camp....a sneak preview, if you will. Enjoy!Begin Slideshow
The Oakland Raiders had a really bad wide receiver corps in 2009.
Last year, they were inexperienced, had the "dropsies," and were injured.
However, Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy showed signs of life, and Darrius Heyward-Bey has reportedly upped his game this off-season.
Still, this group is still a concern. The Raiders could use a productive veteran to be the number one or two wide receiver while "DHB" and Louis Murphy develop.
In Dallas, the Cowboys have their shiny new toy in Dez Bryant, and Roy Williams is buried behind him and Miles Austin.
So, the thought struck me: What about a trade for Williams?
At ...
It seems to me as if every single season, Raiders fans (including myself) are always saying: "The silver & black is back!" Obviously for the last few seasons that has never happened. However, this could be the moment we have been waiting for.
Think about it, we have stability at the quarterback position, we just finished the best draft we've probably had in years, and to add confidence we still have the same coach as we did previous years. Along, with the fact that we don't have to worry about a franchise quarterback sucking up all of the big ...