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amead17 · 12-13-2025, 10:02 AM

February 26, 2023

Spring Training Opens — And So Does the Window Into the Raiders

The gates are open.

With spring training officially underway, the San Jose Raiders have expanded their roster to 60 players, giving us our first real look at how this franchise might take shape. The initial 25-man first team now shares the field with 35 invitees from Double-A and Single-A, all competing for roles, impressions, and in some cases, careers.

For manager John Bernklau, this is where theory meets reality. Lineups will be tested, positions will shift, and assumptions made during the draft will be challenged. Not everyone here will break camp with the big club, and some decisions that feel distant today will arrive faster than expected.

What spring training ultimately brings—surprises, disappointments, or clarity—will go a long way toward defining the Raiders’ first season.

Unprecedented Access, First Voices

One unexpected benefit of this new league structure is access. For the first time, media have been given unusually open lines to players, and Raiders on the Bay will be taking full advantage.

And there was only one place to start.

Joey Watts doesn’t just enter camp as a projected starter—he enters it as a face of the franchise. At 22 years old, from The Hammocks, Florida, Watts already carries the weight of expectations, and so far, he’s embraced it.

We caught up with Watts early in camp.

Interview: Joey Watts

Q: First spring training with a brand-new franchise. What does today feel like for you?

Watts:
“It’s exciting. A little surreal, honestly. Everyone’s learning names, routines, how things work. But there’s a lot of energy here. It feels like a fresh start, and I think everyone’s trying to make the most of that.”

Q: You’re 22, already viewed as one of the league’s premier players, and a big fan favorite. How do you handle that kind of attention?

Watts:
“I don’t think about it too much. I just try to come to the park and do my job. The fans have been great, and I appreciate that, but I’m still learning. I’ve got a lot to prove.”

Q: Scouts talk about your elite power and your eye at the plate. Is plate discipline something you’ve always focused on?

Watts:
“Yeah, that’s always been important to me. I like knowing what I’m looking for. If it’s not my pitch, I’m okay letting it go. I think that helps everything else play up.”

Q: You’re expected to hit around .310. Do batting averages matter to you?

Watts:
“I care about quality at-bats more than numbers. If I’m seeing pitches, getting on base, and helping the team score, the average usually takes care of itself.”

Q: This spring, you’re getting time in right field after coming into the league as a center fielder. How are you approaching that change?

Watts:
“I’m open to it. Wherever the team needs me, I’m willing to play. Center field is what I’m used to, but right field has its own challenges. It’s about getting comfortable and trusting your reads.”

Follow-up: Does it change how you prepare defensively?

Watts:
“A little. The angles are different, the throws are different. But defense is defense—you work at it every day.”

Q: Your power is something people notice right away. Do you ever feel pressure to hit home runs?

Watts:
“No. If I try to do that, I usually don’t hit anything. I just try to stay balanced and let the power come naturally.”

Q: Manager John Bernklau has spoken highly of you. What’s your relationship been like so far?

Watts:
“He’s been great. He communicates clearly, and he listens. That means a lot, especially for a young player.”

Q: What are your goals for spring training?

Watts:
“Get comfortable, stay healthy, and help the team however I can. That’s it. Everything else comes after.”

The First Glimpse of a Cornerstone

Spring training will answer plenty of questions about the Raiders’ roster, but one thing already feels clear: Joey Watts isn’t shrinking from the moment.

He’s talented, composed, and comfortable with expectations—rare traits at 22. Whether in right field or center, at the top of the lineup or in the middle, he looks every bit like a player the Raiders can build around.

The games are still exhibitions.

But the foundation is being laid.

12-13-2025, 10:02 AM	#6
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,087	February 26, 2023 Spring Training Opens — And So Does the Window Into the Raiders The gates are open. With spring training officially underway, the San Jose Raiders have expanded their roster to 60 players, giving us our first real look at how this franchise might take shape. The initial 25-man first team now shares the field with 35 invitees from Double-A and Single-A, all competing for roles, impressions, and in some cases, careers. For manager John Bernklau, this is where theory meets reality. Lineups will be tested, positions will shift, and assumptions made during the draft will be challenged. Not everyone here will break camp with the big club, and some decisions that feel distant today will arrive faster than expected. What spring training ultimately brings—surprises, disappointments, or clarity—will go a long way toward defining the Raiders’ first season. Unprecedented Access, First Voices One unexpected benefit of this new league structure is access. For the first time, media have been given unusually open lines to players, and Raiders on the Bay will be taking full advantage. And there was only one place to start. Joey Watts doesn’t just enter camp as a projected starter—he enters it as a face of the franchise. At 22 years old, from The Hammocks, Florida, Watts already carries the weight of expectations, and so far, he’s embraced it. We caught up with Watts early in camp. Interview: Joey Watts Q: First spring training with a brand-new franchise. What does today feel like for you? Watts: “It’s exciting. A little surreal, honestly. Everyone’s learning names, routines, how things work. But there’s a lot of energy here. It feels like a fresh start, and I think everyone’s trying to make the most of that.” Q: You’re 22, already viewed as one of the league’s premier players, and a big fan favorite. How do you handle that kind of attention? Watts: “I don’t think about it too much. I just try to come to the park and do my job. The fans have been great, and I appreciate that, but I’m still learning. I’ve got a lot to prove.” Q: Scouts talk about your elite power and your eye at the plate. Is plate discipline something you’ve always focused on? Watts: “Yeah, that’s always been important to me. I like knowing what I’m looking for. If it’s not my pitch, I’m okay letting it go. I think that helps everything else play up.” Q: You’re expected to hit around .310. Do batting averages matter to you? Watts: “I care about quality at-bats more than numbers. If I’m seeing pitches, getting on base, and helping the team score, the average usually takes care of itself.” Q: This spring, you’re getting time in right field after coming into the league as a center fielder. How are you approaching that change? Watts: “I’m open to it. Wherever the team needs me, I’m willing to play. Center field is what I’m used to, but right field has its own challenges. It’s about getting comfortable and trusting your reads.” Follow-up: Does it change how you prepare defensively? Watts: “A little. The angles are different, the throws are different. But defense is defense—you work at it every day.” Q: Your power is something people notice right away. Do you ever feel pressure to hit home runs? Watts: “No. If I try to do that, I usually don’t hit anything. I just try to stay balanced and let the power come naturally.” Q: Manager John Bernklau has spoken highly of you. What’s your relationship been like so far? Watts: “He’s been great. He communicates clearly, and he listens. That means a lot, especially for a young player.” Q: What are your goals for spring training? Watts: “Get comfortable, stay healthy, and help the team however I can. That’s it. Everything else comes after.” The First Glimpse of a Cornerstone Spring training will answer plenty of questions about the Raiders’ roster, but one thing already feels clear: Joey Watts isn’t shrinking from the moment. He’s talented, composed, and comfortable with expectations—rare traits at 22. Whether in right field or center, at the top of the lineup or in the middle, he looks every bit like a player the Raiders can build around. The games are still exhibitions. But the foundation is being laid.