Raiders on the Bay

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July 1st, 2023

June Ends with More Questions Than Answers

The inconsistency that has plagued the San Jose Raiders all season followed them through to the end of June. The team managed to take a 2–1 series win against the Boston Rebels, only to undo that good work by being swept 0–3 by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Raiders did at least open the currently ongoing Cincinnati Wildcats series with a win, leaving them 3–4 over their last seven games.

That run sees the Raiders sitting at 37–44 on the season, still last in the Pacific Division, now 13½ games behind the Portland Bruins. They have also lost some ground in the wild card race, slipping to 1½ games back as the calendar turns to July.

Injury Blow Forces Rotation Changes

There was significant bad news on the injury front on June 28th, when Joe Olsen was diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow. He is expected to miss up to six weeks, a frustrating setback in what has already been a difficult season for the young starter.

The injury forces another reshuffle of the rotation, with Luis Hernandez returning to take the fifth starter’s spot. Elsewhere, the pitching staff continues to fluctuate wildly from game to game. Willie Baca remains the lone true constant, once again underlining just how heavily the Raiders rely on him.

Power Without Support at the Plate

Offensively, the same problems persist. Joey Watts continues to supply elite power, now sitting on 25 home runs, but the lack of consistent production around him means those blasts often come without enough runners on base to swing games in the Raiders’ favour.

Meet the Player – Dave Jones

As a new month begins, we continue our regular Meet the Player feature. This time, we spoke with 36-year-old veteran right fielder Dave Jones.

Jones is one of the most talked-about figures in the clubhouse — a productive hitter with a reputation for a short temper and a confrontational edge. His scouting report highlights a strong understanding of the strike zone, above-average power, and a patient approach that leads to plenty of walks. However, he is also known to have a strained relationship with manager John Bernklau and hitting coach Adam Reaser.

Jones didn’t shy away from the tough questions.

Q: Dave, individually the numbers look solid — you’re hitting .309 with 13 home runs. How do you feel your season is going?

Jones:
“Statistically? I’m doing my job. I get on base, I hit for power when I get pitches to hit, and I don’t chase junk. That’s what I’ve always done. But I’m not someone who measures a season by personal numbers alone. If we’re not winning, it doesn’t feel like success, no matter what my line looks like.”

Follow-up:
Do you feel you’ve been asked to change your approach at all this season?

Jones:
“Let’s just say there have been suggestions. I know what kind of hitter I am, and I’ve been doing this a long time.”

Q: From your perspective, how are the Raiders doing as a team given the ongoing struggle to win consistently?

Jones:
“We’re a talented team that plays like it’s still figuring out who it is — and that’s a problem this far into the season. One night we look like we can beat anyone, the next night we can’t string together quality at-bats or hold a lead. That’s not effort, that’s execution and direction.”

Follow-up:
Do you think the issues are more mental or tactical?

Jones:
“Both. Confidence doesn’t grow in a vacuum — it comes from preparation and trust.”

Q: There are rumours you’re not working well with the current management, that you’re unhappy with your role and the overall team chemistry. How do you respond?

Jones:
“I’m unhappy with losing. If that gets twisted into something else, that’s not on me. I speak my mind. Some people like that, some don’t. I don’t have to agree with every decision to show up and play hard.”

Follow-up:
Is your role on the team clearly defined in your eyes?

Jones:
“It changes depending on who you ask. That’s part of the frustration.”

Q: Some say team chemistry suffers because you can be disruptive in the clubhouse. What’s your answer to that criticism?

Jones:
“Disruptive is a convenient word. I care. I hold people accountable — including myself. If that makes others uncomfortable, that’s not the same as being toxic. I’ve been on winning teams. They weren’t quiet places.”

Follow-up:
Do you think younger players misunderstand that intensity?

Jones:
“Maybe. But learning how to deal with pressure is part of being a professional.”

Q: Finally, what are your hopes for the rest of the season — and what do you think happens between you and the Raiders once your contract ends?

Jones:
“My hope is simple: we start playing up to our ability and make a real push, not just talk about one. As for the future? That’s business. I’ll play hard wherever I’m wanted. Whether that’s here or somewhere else, we’ll see.”

As July begins, the Raiders remain stuck between promise and disappointment. With injuries mounting, chemistry under scrutiny, and the wild card still just within reach, the next few weeks may determine not only the team’s fate — but the futures of several key figures within it.

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July 7th, 2023

Raiders Slide Continues as Pressure Builds

The San Jose Raiders’ season continues to drift in the wrong direction as another difficult stretch sees them lose further ground in both the Pacific Division and the wild card race.

The week began at home against the Cincinnati Wildcats, where the Raiders split the final two games with a win and a loss. Any hope of momentum quickly disappeared on the road, however, as the Raiders went 1–3 against the Tampa Pirates, a series that exposed many of the same flaws that have haunted the club all season.

Clubhouse Tensions Begin to Surface

Behind the scenes, there are growing rumblings that all is not well inside the Raiders’ clubhouse. While no player or staff member has publicly admitted to serious issues, there is a growing sense that things are not running as smoothly as management would like.

Sources suggest that veterans such as Joe Basinger have been working hard to keep more disruptive personalities in check as frustrations mount. With losses piling up and expectations unmet, the strain of the long season is beginning to show.

Trade Rumours Return

Unsurprisingly, trade rumours have resurfaced. This time, speculation links the Raiders with division rivals the Los Angeles Whitehawks. As with previous rumours, no player names have been mentioned, but with the season starting to slip away, it feels increasingly inevitable that discussions are taking place.

We attempted to get comment from General Manager Emanuel Black, but once again, no response was forthcoming.

Kibler Nearing a Return

There was at least some positive news on the injury front. Second baseman Steve Kibler has been assigned to AAA Las Vegas on a rehabilitation stint. If all goes well, the Raiders are hopeful he will be able to return to the major league roster soon — a much-needed boost to an offense that has struggled for consistency.

Stars Carrying the Load

On the field, the same pattern persists. Both the pitching staff and batting lineup continue to struggle, often simultaneously. Willie Baca remains the lone reliable arm in the rotation, while Joey Watts continues to shoulder the offensive burden. Outside of those two, production has been sporadic at best as the team threatens to unravel.

Road Trip Continues, All-Star Break Looms

The Raiders remain on the road as they head next to Oklahoma City for a three-game series against the 39–46 Triplets. After that, the club will finally get a breather with the All-Star Game on July 11th, a break that many inside the organization hope will provide a much-needed reset.

All-Star Voting Update

Despite the Raiders’ struggles, there is some recognition for individual excellence. Joey Watts is currently the only San Jose player featuring prominently in All-Star voting. He is leading all Wolf Conference centre fielders by roughly 500,000 votes, making him a near lock to represent the Raiders at the midsummer showcase.

As July rolls on, the questions facing San Jose grow louder. Whether this team can regroup after the All-Star break — or whether bigger changes are coming — may define the remainder of the season.

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July 12th, 2023

All-Star Break Brings Little Relief for Struggling Raiders

The San Jose Raiders limped into the All-Star break on a sour note after being swept by the Oklahoma City Triplets, a result that dropped their record to 39–51 and underlined just how difficult the first half of the season has been.

There was at least some positive news during the series, as Steve Kibler returned to the lineup following his injury layoff. While his presence didn’t translate into wins against the Triplets, there is renewed hope that having a full complement of regular hitters back together could help stabilise an offense that has too often gone missing.

The pitching staff, however, continued to struggle throughout the series. Despite the rough outings, the Raiders have chosen to stick with the current rotation, backing the group to work their way through the rough patch rather than making knee-jerk changes.

Watts Shines on the All-Star Stage

At the All-Star Game in Charlotte, the Raiders had just one representative — but he made it count. Joey Watts started in centre field for the Wolf Conference and delivered a trademark moment, going 1-for-2 with a home run in the third inning. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to secure victory, as the Wolf Conference fell 4–3.

A Tough Road Ahead

The second half offers no easy reset. The Raiders return to action with a four-game road trip against the Los Angeles Whitehawks, followed by home series against the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Capitals. With little margin for error, the pressure is firmly on.

Interview: Manager John Bernklau — Full Q&A

During the All-Star break, Raiders on the Bay sat down with San Jose Raiders manager John Bernklau for an extended conversation about the difficult first half of the season, the state of the clubhouse, and what lies ahead. Below is the full interview, including all follow-up questions.

Q: Looking back at the first half of the season, how do you assess where the Raiders are right now, given the struggles in the standings?

Bernklau:
“It hasn’t been good enough, and I won’t pretend otherwise. We expected growing pains as a new club, but I also expected us to be a bit further along by now. That said, I don’t see a team that’s broken. I see a team that’s been inconsistent, a team that’s learning how hard it is to win at this level every single night. We’ve been close in a lot of games, and unfortunately close doesn’t count in the standings.”

Follow-up: Do you feel the record reflects the true ability of this roster?

Bernklau:
“I think it reflects our execution more than our talent. On paper, I believe we’re better than our record. But baseball isn’t played on paper. When you don’t execute — whether that’s missing spots on the mound, not cashing in runners, or making mental mistakes — you get exactly the record we have. So in that sense, yes, the record is fair. It’s on us to change it.”

Q: What do you think needs to improve in the second half for results to start turning around?

Bernklau:
“We need to simplify things. We’ve had stretches where guys try to do too much — pitchers trying to be perfect, hitters trying to hit five-run homers. The best teams do the small things well consistently. Quality at-bats, first-pitch strikes, clean defense. If we can stack those habits day after day, the wins will follow.”

Follow-up: Is there a specific area — pitching, defense, situational hitting — that you’ve circled internally?

Bernklau:
“If I had to pick one, it’s situational baseball. We’ve left too many runners out there and given away too many outs. That applies to both sides of the ball. Those moments swing games, especially tight ones, and we’ve lost our share of tight games.”

Q: With the trade deadline about three weeks away, do you expect the Raiders to make any moves? Have you spoken with Emanuel Black about the direction of the team?

Bernklau:
“Emanuel and I are in constant communication. Right now, it’s about information gathering. Where are we truly short? Who needs more opportunity? What makes sense not just for this year, but beyond? We’re not going to make moves just to say we made them. If something lines up that improves us, we’ll be ready.”

Follow-up: Would you prefer adding help, or creating opportunities for younger players if things don’t turn?

Bernklau:
“I don’t see those as mutually exclusive. If a younger player is ready, I’m all for giving him that chance. At the same time, leadership and experience matter, especially when things are tough. We’ll strike a balance. The goal is progress — whether that’s immediate or laying groundwork for next year.”

Q: There’s been talk that team chemistry is being tested and that a few leaders are holding things together. Do you think that’s affecting results?

Bernklau:
“When you’re losing, chemistry is always questioned. That’s part of the job. Are there frustrations? Of course. These guys care. I actually worry more when there’s silence than when there’s emotion. We have leaders who are speaking up, pulling guys together, and that’s a positive. But yes, tension can creep into performance if you don’t address it.”

Follow-up: How do you handle a team when things start to go off the rails a little in terms of confidence and chemistry?

Bernklau:
“You talk. You listen. You stay consistent. Players need to know the message doesn’t change just because the standings look ugly. I try to remind them that confidence comes from preparation, not results. If we keep doing the work the right way, the confidence comes back. You can’t fake it.”

Follow-up: How important is the All-Star break itself in resetting that confidence?

Bernklau:
“It’s huge. Physically and mentally. Sometimes guys just need to step away, breathe, and remember they’re good baseball players. You come back a little fresher, a little hungrier. What we do coming out of the break will tell us a lot about this group.”

As the Raiders open the second half facing a daunting schedule, Bernklau’s message is clear: the season isn’t over, but the response has to come now.

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July 18th, 2023

Raiders Split Whitehawks Series as Roster Moves Add to Turbulent Week

It has been a hectic and eventful few days for the San Jose Raiders, both on and off the field. The club managed to steady itself slightly by splitting a four-game road series with division rivals the Los Angeles Whitehawks, dropping the first two games before responding with wins in Games Three and Four. While the split helped stop the bleeding, the Raiders remain a long way from building real momentum and now sit at 41–53 on the season.

The series itself was highlighted by the emphatic return of Steve Kibler to the starting lineup on July 13th. In the series opener — a heartbreaking 9–8 loss — Kibler delivered one of the best individual performances of the Raiders’ season, going 5-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. His performance included three doubles, tying a Wolf Conference record for most doubles in a single game.

Over the full four-game set, Kibler went an impressive 11-for-18, clearly trying to make up for the time lost to injury. His return immediately helped the Raiders’ offense find some life, as the team was competitive in three of the four games. Joey Watts continued to hold his batting average steady, while Elimilton Janeiro also chipped in with some timely hits, giving the lineup a more balanced look than it has had in recent weeks.

Once again, however, pitching proved to be a mixed bag. Inconsistency from the bullpen came into sharp focus on July 15th, when the Raiders made a surprise mid-series move — trading reliever Boudewijn Shingler to the Whitehawks in exchange for minor league second baseman Mike Saunders.

From the Raiders on the Bay perspective, the return appears underwhelming, as Saunders does not project as a clear future contributor at the major league level. The trade forced the Raiders to briefly recall Chris Benton from AAA to cover innings, though Benton was soon demoted again following another move.

Ironically, the trade did not hurt the Raiders on the field in the short term. Shingler, now pitching for Los Angeles, blew a save opportunity in the Raiders’ 5–2 win on July 15th. Shingler departs San Jose with a 4–0 record from 23 relief appearances, though his 8.31 ERA tells a far more concerning story.

On July 18th, the Raiders officially moved to reshape the bullpen, signing free agent reliever Greg McPhillips to replace Shingler and sending Benton back to AAA.

With questions swirling around the timing and logic of the move, Raiders on the Bay spoke with General Manager Emanuel Black to get clarity on the decision.

Interview: General Manager Emanuel Black
Q: You have traded Boudewijn Shingler away for a minor league player. How do you see this trade and how it will help the team?

Black:
“We looked beyond the surface numbers. Boudewijn picked up wins, but his overall effectiveness wasn’t where we needed it to be. An ERA over eight puts a lot of strain on the rest of the pitching staff, and we felt it was time to move in a different direction.”

“Mike Saunders gives us organizational depth at second base, which is something we’ve lacked at times this year. This move also opened up a roster spot so we could pursue another bullpen option that better fits what we’re trying to do.”

Follow-up: Some fans feel Saunders doesn’t project as a future major league player. How do you respond to that?

Black:
“Not every move is about immediate upside. Depth matters over a long season. Saunders gives us coverage in the system and flexibility to make other moves. Sometimes the value of a trade isn’t just the player coming back — it’s what the move allows you to do next.”

Q: Why did you decide to make the trade now, especially while the Raiders were in the middle of a series against the Whitehawks?

Black:
“The timing wasn’t ideal from the outside, but the opportunity presented itself. Los Angeles was motivated, and we were ready to act. Waiting doesn’t always make things better, especially when you feel a change is necessary.”

Follow-up: Was there any concern about how this might affect the clubhouse mid-series?

Black:
“There’s always concern, but this is a professional environment. Players understand the business. Credit to the group — they stayed focused and responded well on the field.”

Q: Do you think the signing of Greg McPhillips will help the bullpen more than Shingler did?

Black:
“We believe so. Greg brings a more consistent profile. He throws strikes, keeps hitters off balance, and doesn’t try to overpower everyone. That kind of reliability is important for us right now.”

Follow-up: Will McPhillips have a defined role, or is it performance-based?

Black:
“It’s performance-based. He’ll earn opportunities as he goes. We’re looking for stability first, then we can build roles from there.”

Q: Shingler was one of the quieter players in the clubhouse, and McPhillips appears to be similar. Was that intentional?

Black:
“Yes, to a degree. We weren’t looking to change the dynamic of the clubhouse dramatically. Greg is professional, keeps his head down, and focuses on his work. That fits where this team is right now.”

Follow-up: Does this move signal more changes ahead as the trade deadline approaches?

Black:
“We’re evaluating everything. Nothing is guaranteed, but we’ll continue to look for ways to improve the team. The goal is to make smart, measured decisions that help us both now and in the future.”

As the Raiders attempt to build off a hard-earned series split and adjust to yet another roster shake-up, the coming weeks will reveal whether these calculated moves can finally bring some stability to a season defined so far by turbulence and inconsistency.

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July 24th, 2023

Raiders Tread Water Again as Bobbio Trade Signals Eye on the Future

The San Jose Raiders’ season of inconsistency rolled on this past week, as they finished their six-game homestand with a 3–3 record, taking two of three from the Charlotte Hornets before dropping two of three to the Washington Capitals. While the split avoided further damage, it did little to help the Raiders climb the standings. They now sit at 44–56, 15 games back of Pacific Division leaders Portland and six games out of a Wild Card spot.

As has become the pattern, the Raiders showed flashes on both sides of the ball without sustaining them. On the mound, Willie Baca continued to be the lone pillar of consistency in the rotation, giving the team a chance whenever he took the ball. Beyond him, however, the starting pitching struggled to string together quality outings. The bullpen mirrored that same volatility — capable of shutting games down one night, only to give them away the next.

Offensively, there were positives to take. Steve Kibler stayed red-hot since returning from injury, continuing to anchor the lineup with quality at-bats. Joey Watts added to his growing power resume, launching more home runs to bring his season total to 29, further cementing his status as the offensive centerpiece of the club.

Injury Woes Strike Again

Unfortunately, the injury bug once again bit Dave Jones. The veteran right fielder strained his oblique against Charlotte — the second time this season he has suffered the same injury. Jones is expected to miss 4–5 weeks, raising serious concerns about his durability for the remainder of the year. Chris Bruehl has been recalled from AAA to fill the roster spot.

A Franchise-Altering Trade?

Off the field, the biggest development came on July 19th, when the Raiders made a bold and controversial move, trading closer Danilo Bobbio and pitching prospect Miguel Martinez to the Dallas Marshals in exchange for minor league prospect Simon Moyer. To fill the immediate bullpen vacancy, Chris Benton was promoted from AAA.

From the outside, the trade appears motivated as much by finances as performance. Bobbio is out of contract at the end of the season and currently earns $17 million, a figure the Raiders’ tight budget likely could not accommodate going forward. Moving him now allowed the club to extract some value rather than risk losing him for nothing.

That said, the loss of Miguel Martinez could loom large in the future. Martinez is widely viewed as a promising pitching prospect, and if he develops as expected, this trade may be remembered as a costly one. Bobbio leaves San Jose having made 30 relief appearances, recording 16 saves, a 1–4 record, and a 3.03 ERA — steady numbers for a team that has struggled to close games.

Emanuel Black on the Bobbio Trade

We spoke with General Manager Emanuel Black to get his perspective on the move and the thinking behind it.

“These decisions are never easy,” Black said. “Danilo gave us everything he had, and we’re grateful for what he brought to this team. But we also have to be realistic about where we are as an organization and what our financial structure looks like going forward.”

On the inclusion of Miguel Martinez in the deal, Black was candid about the cost:

“Miguel was a tough piece to move. We believe in his potential, there’s no question about that. But when you’re trying to make deals at this point in the season, you sometimes have to give value to get value. That’s part of the business.”

Asked about the return of Simon Moyer, Black emphasized long-term flexibility:

“Simon gives us a controllable asset we can develop within our system. He’s not a finished product, but we like the raw tools and the work ethic. This isn’t about instant results — it’s about building options for the future.”

Black also addressed the perception that the trade was primarily a cost-cutting move:

“Finances are always part of the conversation, but they’re not the only factor. We’re trying to position ourselves to be competitive in a sustainable way. Sometimes that means making hard choices before the deadline instead of after it.”

As the Raiders move deeper into the season, this trade may come to define their direction — a shift away from short-term patchwork and toward long-term recalibration. Whether that strategy pays off will only become clear in the months and seasons ahead.

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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.