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July 28th, 2023
Raiders Swept in Atlanta as Roster Turnover Continues
The San Jose Raiders’ difficult road stretch took another downturn as they were swept 3–0 in Atlanta, pushing them further back in both the Pacific Coast Division race and the Wild Card hunt. The Raiders now sit at 44–59, with momentum firmly against them as the season winds toward its final months.
While a couple of the losses in Atlanta were tight, the story of the series was a familiar one. The Raiders’ offense struggled to string together meaningful rallies, and the bats never truly came alive. Steve Kibler and Joey Watts were both neutralized by an Atlanta rotation that executed its game plan effectively, leaving San Jose without its usual sources of run production.
On the mound, Willie Baca once again stood out as the lone consistent performer in the starting rotation, continuing to give the Raiders quality innings. The bullpen, often under scrutiny this season, was largely asked to pitch with deficits already on the board. To its credit, it managed to keep games within reach, but without offensive support, there was little chance for late comebacks.
Another Trade Signals Long-Term Thinking
Off the field, the Raiders remained active in reshaping their roster, completing another trade that reflects both financial maneuvering and future-focused planning.
San Jose sent 31-year-old second baseman Jose Gonzalez and 17-year-old first baseman/left fielder Mike Kobs to the Oklahoma City Triplets. In return, the Raiders acquired 30-year-old relief pitcher Jahiem Jones and 20-year-old center field prospect Willie Cortez.
Gonzalez had been a regular contributor this season, batting .251 across 47 starts and 87 total games, while Kobs impressed in limited opportunities, hitting .278 over 48 games. Jones arrives with a 5–1 record and a 4.12 ERA from 42 relief appearances, offering immediate bullpen depth. Cortez is viewed as a longer-term project with upside in the outfield.
Financial considerations clearly played a role. Gonzalez had two years remaining on a contract paying $10.5 million annually, a significant commitment for a club operating under a tight budget.
To address roster gaps, the Raiders recalled Nick Wilkerson from AAA Las Vegas and promoted Mike Saunders, recently acquired in an earlier deal.
Emanuel Black on the Gonzalez–Kobs Trade
General Manager Emanuel Black spoke candidly about the rationale behind the latest moves.
“We’re in a spot where we have to balance today with tomorrow,” Black said. “Jose gave us solid, professional at-bats, and Mike Kobs is a young player with real potential. Those aren’t easy players to move.”
On the financial implications of dealing Gonzalez, Black didn’t shy away from the reality facing the club:
“The contract situation was part of the decision, absolutely. We have to be responsible with our resources, and that flexibility allows us to keep building instead of getting stuck.”
Black expressed optimism about what the Raiders are getting in return, particularly on the pitching side:
“Jahiem Jones gives us another reliable arm right now. He’s been effective in relief, and with how our bullpen has been tested all year, that matters.”
As for Willie Cortez, Black emphasized patience and development:
“Cortez is the type of player we want to invest in. He’s young, athletic, and still has plenty of room to grow. Losing Kobs hurts, but we believe Willie can develop into an impact player if we do things the right way.”
Black also addressed concerns that constant roster turnover could impact clubhouse morale:
“These guys understand the situation we’re in. No one’s happy with the record, but the message is clear — we’re trying to build something sustainable, not just patch holes.”
As the losses pile up, the Raiders’ on-field struggles are increasingly intertwined with front-office decisions. Whether these moves ultimately stabilize the bullpen and produce the next wave of contributors will define not just the remainder of this season, but the direction of the franchise moving forward.
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