Bleacher Report - Articles by Greg Squires

2009 Oakland Athletics Preview

Greg Squires — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:20:39 -0400

Heading into the 2009 baseball season, there may not be a team with more question marks than the Oakland A's.

A team that if all goes well could possibly contend for the American League West crown. But also, a team where finishing in last place is not completely impossible either.

The oft-injured Athletics roster is starting off the season whistling a familiar tune. Projected ace Justin Duchscherer is on the shelf already, as is co-closer Joey Devine. Not to mention that infield mates Mark Ellis and Eric Chavez are both trying to come back from offseason shoulder surgeries.

PITCHING

With Duchscherer beginning the season on the Disabled List instead of at the head of the A's rotation, the A's staff is even younger than originally projected. But, loaded with talent.

They will begin the season with rookies Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, and Josh Outman all in the starting rotation. The other two starters completing the rotation are Dallas Braden and Dana Eveland, both only 25.

Hard to expect good results from such a young pitching staff, however, the A's have done well with young pitching staffs in recent memory. Haren, Harden, Blanton, Hudson, Mulder, and Zito are all names that ring a bell.

The bullpen added 40-year old veteran Russ Springer into the mix, but the rest of the bullpen has an average age of 26. Brad Ziegler will hold down the closer's role depending on how the Devine injury unfolds.

INFIELD

The polar opposite of the A's pitching staff would have to be their infield. Not counting 25 year-old catcher Kurt Suzuki, the rest of the starting infield is all over the age of 30.

New additions Jason Giambi, Orlando Cabrera, and Nomar Garciaparra add some much needed veteran leadership to this team.

If they can remain healthy, the starting infield of Giambi, Mark Ellis, Cabrera, and injury prone Eric Chavez should be very solid. Bobby Crosby and Nomar Garciaparra will provide quality depth to the infield.

OUTFIELD

With the addition of Matt Holliday to an already serviceable outfield, the A's outfield could very well be their biggest asset.

Ryan Sweeney, who played well last season, will be leading off again this season and manning center field.

Travis Buck, only 25, needs to return to his 2007 form. He will split time in right field with all or nothing slugger Jack Cust.

Holliday, needs to prove he can hit somewhere besides Coors Field, and his career numbers show that he is fairly average elsewhere. But he will still be an upgrade to the middle of their lineup that lacked any pop last season.

Young speedster Rajai Davis rounds out the outfield and will be often used as a pinch runner and late inning defensive replacement.

ANALYSIS

The A's are a very young team. The A's are also a very talented team. If the young pitching staff can hold up, the A's offense should have enough firepower to keep them in contention.

However, if the A's continue to be riddled with injuries, this could quickly turn into a long and miserable season.

General Manager Billy Beane, by adding free agent veterans instead of releasing them, seems to think the A's can make a run at the top of the division this season.

And, if all the question marks surrounding this team turn out with positive answers, this 2009 A's team can be very good.

NFL's Next Move: Flag Football

Greg Squires — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:14:49 -0400

Oh, the joys of football season. Smashmouth football. Bone-crunching hits. Running backs vs. linebackers. Wide receivers vs. safeties. This is what NFL fans love about the game.

And the league is slowly but surely taking it all away.

Now, I understand the whole concept of them trying to make the game more safe. I understand the concept of making sure guys aren't getting beheaded. To an extent.

It's getting to the point where you're penalizing players for making an effort.

I'm not going to get into every rule that has been changed in the NFL over the years, but the game is drastically different then it was 20 years ago, and the new rule changes released earlier this week further prove the point.

I thought the whole reason these rookie contracts were so big now was because of the physical risks they could endure. If we're going to make the game softer, then the league needs to start paying them less. Are you aware that, last season, Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons made more than Tom Brady? That's absurd.

And if you're going to take out all these "risks" for the players, then we need to pay them less and drop ticket prices.

Every football fan that I know enjoys seeing the big hits. They make you jump out of your seat and desperately wait to see the replay 10 more times.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't like cheap shots, either. There's no need for that in the game. But they're taking away more than cheap shots.

Quarterbacks now might as well have a little square sewn onto the front of their jersey representing the only "legal" place you can hit them.

Nobody wants to ever see a stretcher come out onto the field to cart a player off. But it is always going to be a possibility as long as the game is being played. You can't keep making rules that stop you from giving an effort on the field.

These rules are, in essence, destroying the game as we know it.

If a defender can not make a second effort to get to a quarterback once he's knocked down (as per a new rule released this week), then why should a quarterback be allowed to scramble out of the pocket? Or even pump fake, for that matter?

There is one huge reason that there is not a professional flag football league: It wouldn't get watched. And the more the NFL keeps taking the game away from the players, the that this is exactly what we're going to be left with.

In a Nutshell: Random Sports Thoughts Vol. 2

Greg Squires — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:42:40 -0400

So much for the thrill of an athlete getting his mug put on the cover of a Wheaties box. Not even the excitement of being put on the latest Madden cover will do anymore, apparently. The latest trend, being pioneered by the Denver Broncos one and only Jay Cutler, is to be the spokesperson for Kleenex brand tissues.

And as for Josh McDaniels, I just picture him trying to make the fake static noises on his cell phone, when Cutler tried to call him about the trade rumors... "Can you hear me now?"

Alex Rodriguez, could you please give me some more material besides steroids? Oh wait, what's this? Hookers? Seriously? And here I thought the Madonna thing was old news.

Matt Jones gets busted for having a beer on a golf course? I understand he was on probation and trying to keep his nose out of trouble (oops), but it's not like he was out on the links with O.J.

And besides, if you're not drinking a beer, then what else are you supposed to do as you wander aimlessly into the wilderness searching for your ball?

When told that Chicago Cubs' manager Lou Piniella was 65-years-old, 45-year-old Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen replied, “I’m not going to manage that [expletive] long,” he said. “I love my wife. I don’t know if Lou loves his wife.”

I don't know about anyones' wives but I do love me some Ozzie Guillen quotes.

Everyone catch Morgan State's Ameer Ali's judo hip toss on University of Oklahoma star Blake Griffin in the first round of NCAA tourney action? Is it possible that Dennis Rodman has opened up a basketball camp? Keep an eye out for any strange hair-dos on Ali next season. Or are those hair-dont's? I digress.

I'd like to get NBA legend Bill Russell and Portland Trail Blazer center Greg Oden side by side so I can see which one looks older.

Speaking of Bill Russell, in 1965, when Wilt Chamberlain became the first player to receive a $100,000 salary, Russell promptly went to Red Auerbach and demanded to be paid $100,001. His wish was granted. And yes, I'm speaking of the Wilt Chamberlain of Conan the Destroyer fame.

Marshawn Lynch of the Buffalo Bills held a news conference last week and stated that he believes he will be facing a suspension from the NFL after his latest run-in with the law. Two arrests in nine months will pretty much make that happen. However, he DID hold a press conference and apologize to the organization, teammates, and fans. And he was obviously serious too. He didn't even have his gold grill in.

In a Nutshell: Random Sports Thoughts

Greg Squires — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:21:02 -0400

Am I the only one in anticipation of Joe Torre's tell-all book of Manny Ramirez's cricket career?

Is March Madness not the coolest postseason in all of sports?

Imagine if MLB players would play the All-Star game with as much pride as they have so far in the World Baseball Classic. Could you imagine a postgame celebration in the All-Star Game like there was with the United States' ninth inning rally against Puerto Rico?

And with the level of players in the game, can't you imagine how good that game should be?

Will there be any backlash for Tiger Woods after having performance-enhancing surgery?

Phil Mickelson has a chance to push Tiger out of the No. 1 ranking soon. My thinking is, even if it happens, he'll just be renting it.

And, oh yeah, Henrik Stenson? Get a tan.

Aaron Boone is going to have open heart surgery. It's just a few years after requiring many Red Sox fans to have the same surgery.

Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade are fighting for an MVP trophy coming down the stretch. Quite possibly, this is because they are the only three players to avoid injury this season.

I'm waiting for Lane Kiffin to blurt out that Barack Obama didn't win the Presidential election legally.

I can't wait for West Coast fans to cry about Obama's "East Coast Bias" when they see his March Madness bracket.

I think we're in need of about 20,000 more NFL mock drafts.

I couldn't help but suspect Plaxico Burress when I found out that Houston Rockets' forward Carl Landry was shot in the leg.

The NHL regular season is getting ready to wrap up to prepare for a year and a half of playoff games.

Well, back to March Madness for me to see which teams will bust my bracket apart this year. As long as I do better than Obama, I'll be happy.

Oakland Raiders Offseason Continues to Amaze

Greg Squires — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:30:38 -0400

As players reported to the first day of offseason workouts in Alameda on Monday, some familiar faces came rolling in. Players we had not heard reports of being resigned, that is.

In rolled CB/KR Justin Miller, who apparently resigned for two years more than a week ago. Defensive tackle William Joseph showed up to the facility, apparently after having signed an undisclosed deal. Ricky Brown, Jon Alston, and Jon Condo all have signed one year tender offers as well, keeping them all here for another season.

Miller's signing alone might be a hint to Raider fans that even if available, Jeremy Maclin from Missouri will not be the Raiders selection at pick number seven. Having Miller back and already having Johnnie Lee Higgins on board would almost undoubtedly rule out the Raiders selecting a return specialist.

Joseph, entering his seventh season, is depth at defensive tackle. Brown and Alston, who combined for ten starts last season, will compete for an outside linebacker position. Combined with Condo, the three of them are all special teams players as well.

Jay Richardson told Raiders.com, "It's good to be back, good to see a lot of the old faces and teammates, good to see some of the coaches. It's good to see some of my old teammates like Trevor Scott, the young phenom. I love this area, I love the Bay Area so its good to be back."

I hate to keep whistling the same old song, but things sure do seem different. There is still a long way to go though, for the Raiders. But as they continue to amaze their fans this offseason, it sure seems like they're doing it the right way.

PGA Season Not Waiting Around For Tiger Woods

Greg Squires — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:18:19 -0400

With the Masters less than a month away, and the PGA season well in bloom, Tiger Woods is yet again dominating most golf conversations. Not shocking for this time of year, I know, but the man has only played in one tournament thus far as he recovers from his latest knee surgery.

Geoff Ogilvy has gotten off to a red hot start this season with two victories under his belt already. Phil Mickelson is off to his usual solid start as well.

There are also some players off to great starts this season that haven't been talked about as much in early season discussions, and quite simply, they should be.

Let me start first with Kenny Perry. Winner of the FBR Open, this Kentuckian sits second on the money list, having posted three top 10's already this season. Perry, who joined the tour in 1982, has 13 career victories, including three last season when he finished 15th in the FedEx standings. He is also fourth in Greens in Regulation (G.I.R.) this season.

Dustin Johnson, winner of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, is also off to a great start this season with four top-20's in his seven starts. He is third in the FedEx standings currently, and also ranks 10th on tour with an average driving distance of over 300 yards.

His driver is known to be a little erratic, but he is also seventh in sand save percentage, and boasts 108 birdies already this season in just 22 rounds.

Leading the tour currently, in scoring average, is Luke Donald. After a sub-par 2008 season, he has bounced back nicely and has finished in the top 25 in all five of his starts, including three top 10's.

The 31-year-old Englishman finished 105th last year in the FedEx cup standings, but appears to have regained his form from 2007. His best finish this season is a sixth place finish at the Northern Trust Open, and he also ranks sixth in putting average.

Three-time Ryder Cup member David Toms is off to a fantastic start as well, as he has had three finishes in the top six. He currently ranks third in putting average, second in driving accuracy, and seventh in total driving. Those kind of numbers add up to him being 13th on the money list in just five starts.

Sean O'Hair is also on his way to a solid season as he has finished inside the top 25 in all five of his starts. Four of those tournaments he actually finished inside the top 12 with his best being a fourth place finish at the Mercedes-Benz Championship. He currently ranks third in G.I.R., and 12th in scoring average at 69.72.

Twenty-five year old Kevin Na has also had one of the better starts this season, having finished inside the top five three times already. He currently sits ninth in both putting average and in sand save percentage. He is 16th on the money list through his first six starts.

And there are more than just this group that are off to good starts also. We just don't hear as much about them amid all the buzz of Woods' pending full-time return.

But this group will be ready.

They will definitely all be lurking around the top of the FedEx Cup standings come the end of this year.

Will we be talking about them then? I hope so.

Oakland Raiders To Trade Down in 2009 NFL Draft

Greg Squires — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:15:39 -0400

If Al Davis was smart, this headline is exactly what we would be reading on draft day.

Let's take a small peek into recent history, shall we? Since the return to Oakland, the Raiders have compiled a 92-139 record. Take out the four years Jon Gruden was leading the way, and they are a dismal 54-113 since returning to their roots, not to mention being 24-72 over the last six seasons.

Plainly put, Raiders fans deserve a better product, especially when you consider the fact that, in the 13 years spent in Los Angeles, they had 10 winning seasons and went to the playoffs seven of those seasons. They have put together six straight seasons of double-digit losses after having just four such seasons in their 43-year existence prior to 2003.

What happened? I think the list would be considerably shorter if we listed what has gone right. Bad coaching? Check. Bad drafts? Check. Bad handling of all personnel (coaches/players/front office)? Check.

Unfortunately, I'm not saying anything that Raider fans are not already aware of. So, let's get to step two. How do they go about fixing it? After all, there has to be a way.

Here's my take. First off, you have to build through the draft. Without drafting well, no team will ever succeed. Last season, the Raiders had just five selections in the draft, and this upcoming draft they have only six. When you've had six straight double-digit-loss seasons, that's not gonna cut it.

It's not like they can just plug a couple holes to make up for one bad season. This team needs to be infused with young talent. In 2007, the Raiders had 11 draft picks and took players like JaMarcus Russell, Zach Miller, Mario Henderson, Johnnie Lee Higgins, and Michael Bush. All are integral parts of any hope this team has of moving forward.

They could use another draft like that.

It seems that they've possibly learned at least one part this offseason, as the Raiders have not been big players on the free agent market. I'm not saying they shouldn't bring anyone in; however, free agency is not the way to fix these problems, as we have seen. In case you haven't noticed, most of the good players have come from the draft in Oakland.

There's the five players previously mentioned from 2007, and there are also players such as Shane Lechler, Nnamdi Asomugha, Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard, Justin Fargas, Robert Gallery, and Darren McFadden. All draft picks.

There is not one superstar coming out in this draft that can fix this team. And, let's face it, the roster needs some fresh blood running through its veins. The only way to do that is to have as many picks as possible.

The Philadelphia Eagles have 11 picks and there are six other teams holding nine picks each. Four of those seven teams were playoff teams last year, and the other three were all close. Generally speaking, the teams that are already playoff contenders or at least close may only feel like they are a player or two away, and would be willing to trade up to get a higher-quality player.

If the Raiders can find any takers, they need to jump on it. Whether it be trading a player or two for picks, or flat-out trading down to add more picks, it needs to be done. At this point, it's really the only way to go.

And Raider fans, be real about this. I know everyone has their opinion on drafting Crabtree, Raji, Maualuga, or one of many offensive linemen coming out. But, I also see you saying who would be great steals in later rounds. So, if they trade down from the seventh pick, that would just add to the possibilities. Right?

And there's plenty of good talent who's stock is dropping. Aaron Maybin (pictured above), Andre Smith, and Peria Jerry, to name a few.

Can Crabtree fix this team? Can Raji? Monroe? All great players, no doubt. But, the Raiders need more help than that, and there's only one way to do that.

Hopefully, when we wake up on draft day, this is the headline we see.

Greg Squires' 2009 NFL Mock Draft

Greg Squires — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:10:29 -0400

So, mock draft after mock draft have been written and they keep starting off the same way. With the Detroit Lions drafting a quarterback. Almost everyone has them starting the draft off with Matthew Stafford from Georgia. I beg to differ.

So, without further ado, here's a take at what the draft might look like if the Lions do NOT pick Stafford.

1. With the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Detroit Lions select...

Aaron Curry LB, Wake Forest

The safest pick in the draft. The Lions have drafted QB's high in the past. A few WR's as well. They'll finally buy into the slogan that "defense wins championships".

2. With the No. 2 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the St. Louis Rams select...

Eugene Monroe OT, Virginia

The 6'6" 315 pounder will inherit the task of blocking for Steven Jackson and protecting Marc Bulger. Very athletic with great balance.

3. With the No. 3 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Kansas City Chiefs select...

Michael Crabtree WR, Texas Tech

A legitimate No. 1 wideout. Considered by many as the best player in this years draft. Chiefs add another weapon to go alongside Gonzalez and Bowe for new arrival Cassel.

4. With the No. 4 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Seattle Seahawks select...

Jason Smith OT, Baylor

Quick, nimble, aggressive, and athletic tackle. Pro-Bowl-caliber player for years to come. Desperate need to keep Hasselbeck healthy.

5. With the No. 5 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Cleveland Browns select...

Malcolm Jenkins CB, Ohio State

Big, quick, physical corner. Good tackler, hard worker, team leader. Browns take a local favorite.

6. With the No. 6 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Cincinnati Bengals select...

Brian Orakpo DE, Texas

Freak of nature. Outstanding pass rusher. Very versatile player and extremely good in pursuit. DE/OLB combo.

7. With the No. 7 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Oakland Raiders select...

B.J. Raji DT, Boston College

Big, nasty player that occupies blockers. Can collapse the pocket on a pass play and is also a beast to try and run against. And the Raiders can't stop the run.

8. With the No. 8 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Jacksonville Jaguars select...

Michael Oher OT, Ole Miss

Big, strong, mobile, nasty, and tough offensive tackle. Jones-Drew will put up solid numbers running behind him.

9. With the No. 9 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Green Bay Packers select...

Vontae Davis CB, Illinois

Very fast corner. Will allow the Packers some freedom in their secondary. A ball hawk who is aggressive and physical.

10. With the No. 10 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the San Francisco 49ers select...

Matthew Stafford QB, Georgia

Above average athlete for a quarterback and can make all the throws. Played in a pro-style offense. Team leader/captain type player.

11. With the No. 11 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Buffalo Bills select...

Everette Brown DE, Florida State

An absolute force from the DE/OLB slot. Has both strength and speed coming off the edge.

12. With the No. 12 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Denver Broncos select...

Rey Maualuga LB, USC

Aggressive, large, physical inside linebacker presence; hard hitter that punishes ballcarriers.

13. With the No. 13 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Washington Redskins select...

Andre Smith OT, Alabama

Good all around tackle with the potential to be the best offensive lineman in this draft. Large frame, strong, and agile.

14. With the No. 14 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the New Orleans Saints select...

Brian Cushing LB, USC

Solid tackler with great range and good athleticism. Hard worker and a great competitor. Very active linebacker.

15. With the No. 15 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Houston Texans select...

Tyson Jackson DE, LSU

Another team leader type that is a hard worker. Ideal size and strength coming off the outside. Powerful and physical player.

16. With the No. 16 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the San Diego Chargers select...

Knowshon Moreno RB, Georgia

They're going to eventually need a different RB in San Diego and Moreno has all the tools. Thirty rushing TD's the last two season at Georgia.

17. With the No. 17 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the New York Jets select...

Mark Sanchez QB, USC

Safe pick for the Jets. Has all the qualities that you look for in a quarterback. Had a great combine AND the Jets are in the market for one.

18. With the No. 18 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Chicago Bears select...

Jeremy Maclin WR, Missouri

Looking to bolster their offense the Bears go after Maclin. Electric speed, quick in and out of his cuts. Also a dangerous return man.

19. With the No. 19 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select...

Percy Harvin WR, Florida

Tampa need help at receiver badly and Harvin is exactly what they could use. Would be a dynamic weapon for their offense and would quickly be a fan favorite.

20. With the No. 20 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Detroit Lions select...

Peria Jerry DT, Ole Miss

Athletic and fast and 300 pounds. Causes havoc at the snap of the ball and can easily penetrate into the backfield. Lions defense is instantly better with Curry and Jerry on the field and they still would have the possibility of Freeman in Round Two to get a QB.

21. With the No. 21 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Philadelphia Eagles select...

Chris "Beanie" Wells RB, Ohio State

Every down back with above average athleticism. Size, power and speed.

22. With the No. 22 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Minnesota Vikings select...

Alphonso Smith CB, Wake Forest

Very athletic corner. Excellent speed with outstanding instincts and hands. Has the supreme confidence you look for in a corner.

23. With the No. 23 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the New England Patriots select...

James Laurinaitis LB, Ohio State

Very productive inside linebacker. Sideline-to-sideline guy and a reliable tackler. Versatile and experienced.

24. With the No. 24 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Atlanta Falcons select...

Aaron Maybin DE/LB, Penn State

Quick, explosive linebacker with top 10 potential. Has the ability to start right away for the Falcons.

25. With the No. 25 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Miami Dolphins select...

Clint Sintim LB, Virginia

Great size and strength. Good pass rusher. Aggressive player who explodes through his tackles.

26. With the No. 26 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Baltimore Ravens select...

Darrius Heyward-Bey WR, Maryland

Rare combination of size and speed. 6'2" 210 pounds with great speed. Would instantly become a favorite target of Joe Flacco's.

27. With the No. 27 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Indianapolis Colts select...

D.J. Moore CB, Vanderbilt

Versatile, reliable corner. Aggressive playmaker instincts. Can also return kicks.

28. With the No. 28 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Philadelphia Eagles select...

Louis Delmas S, Western Michigan

Tough, physical safety. Tough to replace Brian Dawkins, but this kid has all the intangibles.

29. With the No. 29 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the New York Giants select....

Kenny Britt WR, Rutgers

Giants need help and insurance at the position and they land one from their own backyard. Britt has good size, good speed, and good hands.

30. With the No. 30 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Tennessee Titans select...

Hakeem Nicks WR, North Carolina

Very productive college receiver with great hands. Ideal red-zone target. Physical receiver.

31. With the No. 31 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Arizona Cardinals select....

LeSean McCoy RB, Pittsburgh

Good speed quickness and vision. Played his best in big games. Looks for the home run on every play.

32. With the No. 32 pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select...

Max Unger C, Oregon

Excellent size, very versatile. Great awareness and good mobility also. Played two years at tackle as well.

I know it is IMPOSSIBLE to please every single fan and team when doing a mock draft and this is my first attempt at one. So, without ripping me apart too badly, let me know your opinions on how I did.

Thanks and hope you enjoyed it.

Golden State Warriors: It's Not as Bad as it Seems

Greg Squires — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:58:58 -0400

I know there are a lot of you that canot get past the headline before you want to start ripping my argument apart.

But that is okay. I am sure my argument is not without holes.

First of all, I am aware that the Golden State Warriers record is 21-42. Yes, I am aware that we are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league. And I am also aware that we only occasionally play defense, and that may be a stretch.

This team is young, people.

They are bound to play sloppy, forget defensive assignments, and get outsmarted by more seasoned veterans. That craftiness comes with time.

After Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette, and Jamal Crawford, the most experience we can have on the floor comes from 22-year-old Andris Biedrins.

Crawford will likely not be with the team next season.

Biedrins, despite being 22, is starting to develop his game, and is averaging a double-double per night. Rookie forward Anthony Randolph, 19, has a world of talent as well and averages over 15 rebounds per 48 minutes played.

And lets not forget that Monta Ellis has missed 50 games. Second-year player Brandan Wright has missed half the season as well.

Marco Belinelli, Kelenna Azubuike, and C.J. Watson have all made great strides this season in becoming better players.

Belinelli has vastly improved his defense, Azubuike has become a much more consistent shooter, and Watson has shown that he is more than capable backup at the point guard position.

In addition, rookie Anthony Morrow is shooting 50 percent from three-point range this season as well.

Now, in this upcoming draft and free agency, the Warriors have pressing needs at point guard and power forward. I believe point guard to be more of an issue because the Warriors desperately need a quality point guard to run the offense through.

In a healthy season, I would like to see what a rotation of Wright, Randolph, Biedrins, and Turiaf can do up front.

Now, trust me, I am not trying to look at this team through rose colored glasses. I know there are many flaws on this team that need to be fixed and probably some things that will not get fixed soon enough.

But, next time you are watching them play, keep in mind how young this team is. The mistakes you are seeing them make have to be expected.

It is part of the maturity process of this league. Instead of adding up the turnovers or missed defensive assignments, watch for the positive signs.

Watch Belinelli pick someone's pocket as they think they have him beat on a drive. Watch Azubuike nail outside jumpers with a hand in his face. Watch Randolph stuff a defender going to the hole and quickly release an outlet pass starting a fast break.

I am not proclaiming that next season we will win 50 games and be the fourth seed in the playoffs. I am simply asking you to watch the games a little bit differently.

They are not as bad as they seem.

Bobby Crosby Aching to Be Traded From the Oakland A's

Greg Squires — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:52:32 -0400

With the additions made by the Oakland A's this offseason, Bobby Crosby feels like the odd man out. And he's obviously right.

With the signing of Orlando Cabrera, Crosby has lost his job as Oakland's starting shortstop. He has talked to team management and asked to be traded to a team in need of an everyday shortstop.

Crosby, who was the 2004 AL Rookie of the Year, hit 22 home runs his rookie season. He has failed to crack double digits since that time. Last season he hit all of seven home runs in 145 games.

The A's were wanting him to accept a role as a utility infielder, and be a backup at second base and shortstop.

Crosby told the San Francisco Chronicle, "I'm not going to put on a front and act like it's fine. A utility role, playing second, is not something I want to do."

He is slated to earn $5.2 million this season, which is a pretty steep price for a player with a career batting average of .239. Not to mention that he has played in less than two-thirds of Oakland's games the last four seasons due to injuries.

To truly be an "everyday" player, you're actually required to be on the field.

The A's are unlikely to find any takers for him at his current salary, at which point we will see if he accepts the utility role or not. Or the A's may have to bite the bullet and let him go for almost nothing.

One thing is for certain, if Crosby gets his wish and finds a team in need of his services, the A's will have a little more space on the trainers table.

Raiders Can't Afford to "Bust" In This Draft

Greg Squires — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 04:01:27 -0400

As many fans have, I have wasted time by looking at mock draft after mock draft. Some utterly ridiculous, some very insightful. And all different. Everyone has their own ideas of what is going to happen and what teams need what help and when they should draft it. That's the fun of it I guess.

But, as we sit here, I can't help but realize that this draft will be the 20th anniversary of a pretty decent draft class. Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas, Deion Sanders and a Raider you may have heard of in the second round named Steve Wisniewski. There were even late round steals that turned out to be pretty good in their day. Dave Meggett (fifth round) and Rodney Peete (sixth round) are a couple.

But, there was another pick that stands out. And no I'm not talking about Troy Aikman going No. 1. I'm talking about second pick Tony Mandarich(pictured above). Selected second overall right ahead of the grouping of Barry, Derrick, and Deion by the Green Bay Packers. Mandarich was a highly regarded offensive tackle coming out of Michigan State. First team All-American, Outland Trophy winner, and 2-time Big Ten Lineman of the Year.

After three years of his four year contract he was cut by the Packers and is widely regarded as one of the biggest draft busts of all time. The Green Bay Packers had a young quarterback named Brett Favre at the time. You may have heard of him. I'm sure their main concern at the time was to protect him and give him time to stay upright and throw the ball.

In retrospect, can you imagine if they had added a Derrick Thomas or a Deion Sanders to a defense that already included Reggie White? Can you imagine what might have been had they selected Barry Sanders and he spent his career alongside Brett Favre? Possible history changing stuff here.

Now, the Raiders dilemma. They are caught in the same position of having to keep a young quarterback on his feet so he can throw the ball downfield. There are some good solid lineman in this draft that could very well be exactly what they're looking for. Does that mean they should look at nothing else? I don't think so.

They could draft an offensive lineman. They could draft a defensive lineman. They could draft a wide receiver. Heck, this is still Al Davis, and he could draft a linebacker or a corner too. There is some really good talent in this draft on both sides of the ball.

The simple facts are that the Raiders have a lot of needs and that different players would help them in one area or another. They have had a good offseason so far and need to follow it up with a strong draft. Everyone has differing opinions on who those picks should be, but the truth is, what the Raiders can not afford to do, is draft a "bust".

Raider Nation: Things Seem Different

Greg Squires — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:18:05 -0500

This time of year hasn't always been kind to the Raiders organization. Offseasons are supposed to be filled with things like hope, promise, and change. Well, the change part they have done plenty of times. Unfortunately, it's usually their head coach.

Their offseasons have been filled with ridiculous free agent signings, coaching carousels, and questionable draft picks. Javon Walker, Tommy Kelly, Lane Kiffin, Sebastian Janikowski, the list could get quite long if one was so inclined. But I'm trying not to dwell on their past mistakes.

This offseason has been different. There is almost a refreshing breeze sweeping through the Raider Nation. What is causing it? Nobody seems quite sure. They just know it's different. And seemingly for the better.

Instead of signing ridiculously priced free agents from elsewhere, they paid money to two proven and worthy players of their own, Nnamdi Asomugha and Shane Lechler. Some feel they were still paid too much, but at least it was to two players they know what to expect from. They didn't shell it out to another DeAngelo Hall.

They kept interim coach Tom Cable who finished off last season after the firing of Lane Kiffin. The players seem to like him and they did play fairly well down the stretch last season against teams that had much more to play for than the Raiders did.

Last year's contract signing debacles have started to get corrected. Javon Walker agreed to a substantial paycut. Other players who have restructured their deals include Robert Gallery, Tommy Kelly, and Justin Fargas.

This just doesn't seem like the Raiders and Al Davis. Is there somebody behind the scenes pulling the strings? Is it Al himself, finally realizing his past mistakes? Nobody seems to be able to say for sure why, but there seems to be a different feel about it. And if it is someone behind the scenes, then who is it? Is Cable being allowed to have a say?

Of course, this all could go up in smoke if they sign Terrell Owens. Everyone would know right away that this is the same old Raiders at that point. Or they could draft everyone based on 40 times again. Then all would seem normal in Raiderland.

But for now, Raider Nation, there's a different feel to this offseason. A nice feeling. Nobody is quite sure what is causing it. But it's refreshing.