Five out of eight divisions were won by two games or fewer.  Among the three with greater divides, two of the second-place divisional teams still posted winning records.

Yet no division is so unclear at this point in the offseason as the NFC West.  Recent divisional stud Arizona was inconsistent even during its prime and just witnessed its Hall of Fame quarterback pick the sunset he wanted to ride into.

The past two years the Cardinals have been aided by playing in arguably the worst division in football.  The three other teams in their division have the same combined win total as Indianapolis managed on its own.

Taking away divisional games (in which an NFC West team was guaranteed a win) the division sported an unhealthy .300 record as a unit.

With mediocrity can come great parity however. 

San Francisco already won two games against the Kurt Warner-led Cardinals last season, and are a young team that might just be finding itself.  With a great running back in Frank Gore and defensive player of the year candidate in Patrick Willis, they have several pieces in place.

Seattle boasts a rejuvenated front office, helmed by new head coach Pete Carroll.  They boast two first round draft picks (both within the first half of the round) and near carte blanche approval of owner Paul Allen to do what is necessary.

St. Louis seems the least likely to make a run at the division lead.  They are coming off a 1-15 record in which the shambles of a team managed less than 11 points per game.

The Rams do appear to have a solid coach in Steve Spagnuolo and one of the league’s best all around backs in Steven Jackson.  With the first overall pick they have a great chance at landing a cornerstone player to build the team around.

What all these teams have in common should be the deciding factor in who emerges atop the NFC West—questions at quarterback.

Arizona currently has one quarterback on its roster in former 10th-overall draft pick Matt Leinart.  Leinart has looked very ordinary in his limited time as a starter, posting a career rating of 71 despite throwing to one of the league’s best receiving corps.

The Cardinals will be adding to the roster before the season begins, but how they go about that remains to be seen.  The vote of confidence in Leinart makes an impact move like trading for Donovan McNabb or drafting a quarterback in the first round unlikely.

The team will probably bring in a younger name (be it a third-fourth round draft pick or a younger veteran) under the guise of backing up Leinart, with the idea that the competition for the starting role will be more subtle.

Trying to give support to Leinart could leave the team in a lurch however if the 26-year-old signal caller disappoints. 

San Francisco would like nothing more than for that to happen.  They have issues of their own at quarterback, having spent the last two years unable to establish a true number one guy from the Alex Smith/Shaun Hill tandem.

Barring any major surprises, Smith will be the opening day starter in 2010.  With more than double the starts of Leinart he can no longer use inexperience as an excuse to his underwhelming play.

Smith was drafted first overall in 2005, and carries a career rating even lower than Leinart’s at 69.  Taking over for Hill in Week 7, Smith actually posted encouraging numbers in 2009.

He ended the year with an 81.5 quarterback rating and had his first season with a positive toudown-turnover ratio. 

Smith should also have the luxury of an established number-one receiver for the first time in his career.  Michael Crabtree had 48 receptions for 625 yards despite missing all of training camp and five games to a contract holdout.  Translated to 16 games the numbers equate to almost 70 catches for 909 yards.

Given the time to learn the team’s playbook and develop a rapport, Crabtree should flirt with 1,000 yards in his sophomore year, something that could very much help Smith to finally emerge from first-overall disappointment.

Seattle shows up as a wildcard within the division.  Head coach Pete Carroll will bring an entirely new philosophy to a team that was 5-7 before it packed it in for the final four games.

Assuming he is still the opening day starter, Matt Hasselbeck is on the downward swing of his career, but still a proven veteran with a superior resume to the rest of the division.

If he can fend off the nagging injuries that slowed him the past few years, he is only two years removed from a 3,966 yard 28 touchdown 2007 season.  He isn’t the team’s long term answer anymore, but in the short term he holds the resume to get results.

Pete Carroll is actively seeking additional help at quarterback, be it to take over the starting role or just replace departed (via trade) backup Seneca Wallace.

While coaching at USC Carroll had a great track with turning out quarterbacks.  Four former Trojans are slated to start behind center in 2010 (Carson Palmer, Matt Cassel, Matt Leinart, and Mark Sanchez) two of which saw playoff action last season.

With a pair of first round picks to bolster a squad not long removed from seeing the postseason, Carroll and the Seahawks could find themselves leapfrogging Arizona and San Francisco if they can secure steady play from the quarterback position.

The final team in the division is also the farthest from entering the mix.  The St. Louis Rams were the NFL’s worst team in 2009, with only a single win.

They have holes at virtually every position, and it is uncertain what order they will work to address them in.

Marc Bulger proved last season that he no longer has the capacity to be even a temporary answer at quarterback.  Although only 32, a host of injuries have aged him prematurely, and he cannot be counted on to either play a full season or deliver results when playing.

Given the gaping hole behind center, the logical assumption would be that St. Louis would attempt to draft its quarterback of the future with the first overall pick.

It might not be the case however, as can’t-miss defensive tackle Ndamakong Suh makes for a tantalizing prospect for former Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Should St. Louis elect to forego Suh, the assumption is that they will draft Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford.

With nothing else to really work with in the passing game, it would be a great surprise if in his rookie year Bradford were able to produce the kind of results necessary to flirt with .500, let alone fight for a divisional crown.

Still, with any team in the NFC West capable of major surprise or letdown in 2010, stranger things could happen.

Read more San Francisco 49ers news on BleacherReport.com

With the emergence of Ahmad Brooks, a pass rusher has slid down the list of positions of need.  However, right tackle and the offensive line as a whole remains an area of concern.  Below is a ranking of the 49ers positions of need:

1.  Right Tackle

The 49ers didn't re-sign Tony Pashos and haven't picked up a tackle thus far in free agency.  Adam Snyder pictured above is a versatile player who can play tackle or guard, but has proven to be backup with versatility.  With two picks in the draft the 49ers should use one of their picks to pickup a starting right tackle. 

Two players that might be available at pick 13 are Trent Williams and Anthony Davis.  Trent Williams might already be gone by 13, but given Davis has recently mishandled himself at Rutgers pro day he might slip to this pick.  If Okung, Bulaga, Davis, or Williams aren't available at this pick the 49ers should pick up at tackle at pick 17 or in the second round.  Projected Starter = ?

2.  Secondary (Covers safeties and cornerbacks)

This is one area of the field where the 49ers could afford to become younger and faster.  One great example of the lack of speed in the secondary was shown during the 2009 Atlanta Falcons game when the 49ers were burnt on long passing plays.  Dashon Goldson and Shawntae Spencer appear to be entrenched as starters.  Michael Lewis is coming off a year with multiple concussions, which is a concern. 

Nate Clements is a solid corner, but hasn't shown the playmaking ability that the 49ers were looking for when they signed him.  Reggie Smith and Curtis Taylor are promising safeties who are developing.  Taylor Mays, Joe Haden, and Earl Thomas could be around when the 49ers pick with their first two picks.  If the 49ers signed Mays, he would eventually start at strong safety to replace Michael Lewis.  It will be interesting to see if Haden runs a faster 40 at his pro day. 

If not that might create some red flags and the 49ers might view him similar to Nate Clements in terms of abilities.  Earl Thomas, in my opinion, is underrated.  He showed up at the combine heavier than his playing weight but still ran a fast 40.  Thomas has excellent playmaking ability, but the only thing hurting him is his height.  If the 49ers draft him he would play free safety and push Goldson over to strong safety. 

This draft is deep with cornerbacks.  A few names who the 49ers should look at in the middle rounds are Donovan Warren, Myron Lewis, Chris Cook, and Walter Thurmond.  Projected Starters = CB1, Shawntae Spencer; CB2, Nate Clements or Rookie; FS, Dashon Goldson; SS, Michael Lewis or Rookie.

3.  Kick/ Punt Returner

This is a major area for the 49ers to address.  I would put this at Number 2, but the secondary needs to become younger and add depth.  The 49ers have not targeted anyone thus far in free agency to return kicks. 

It appears that they will look to the draft for a kick/punt returner.  Plus there are prospects available throughout the draft that could play corner and return kicks.  A few cornerback prospects to look at in the draft are Javier Arenas, Walter Thurmond, and Perrish Cox.  The 49ers could also add a running back or wide receiver that has return abilities. 

They are deeper at the wide receiver position so it wouldn't surprise me if they picked a running back or cornerback with return abilities.  Projected Starter = ?

4.  Guards

This is a position where some competition would be welcomed.  David Bass started to look better toward the end of the season as did Chilo Rachal.  Bass played hurt for the first half of the season so he has an excuse for not playing up to par; however, this is an area where the 49ers should add at least a solid backup. 

There are a few guard and tackle prospects available in the second to fourth round that are intriguing.  Rodger Saffold is a prospect who could possibly play left tackle and may be around in the second round.  John Jerry is a guard who would be around in the third or fourth round.  Projected Starters = David Bass and Chilo Rachal.

5.  Outside (Rush) Linebackers

A team can never have enough pass rushers.  With Ahmad Brooks emergence at the end of last year it appears that the 49ers have at least three players who can put pressure on the quarterback.  It would be nice to see the 49ers add a player in free agency or in the draft to develop.  Projected Starters = Parys Haralson/ Manny Lawson/ Ahmad Brooks.

6.  Halfback and Fullback

The 49ers have three backs in Gore, Coffee, and Robinson that have similar running styles.  Moran Norris does his job at fullback.  To add more versatility to their offense the 49ers should add a change of pace back either a thumper or burner.  If they go the burner route, someone with return abilities would be key. 

This pick would likely be somewhere in the third to fifth rounds if the 49ers don not add someone in free agency.  Prospects that fit this type of mold are Toby Gerhart, LeGarrette Blount, and Dexter McCluster.  Projected Starters = RB, Frank Gore and FB, Moran Norris.

7.  Quarterback

It seems the roster is set at quarterback unless the 49ers have a high regard for one of the college quarterbacks in the draft.  Alex Smith continues to show glimpses of why he was selected No. 1 overall; however, he needs to show them on a daily basis.  Hopefully with the signing of Carr to push him and the carry over of the same offensive coordinator for the first time in his career, fans will finally see a playoff birth.  Nate Davis is a project quarterback with promise.  Projected Starter = Alex Smith.

8.   Wide Receivers

Morgan and Crabtree are young players who give the 49er's receiving corp hope in the future.  Jason Hill is a capable slot receiver with speed.  Brandon Jones showed some glimpses of why he was signed during free agency last year. 

The 49ers might look to add either a big red zone target with blocking skills or a small slot receiver through the draft.  The slot receiver would obviously need to have excellent return skills.  A few names come to mind: Jacoby Ford, Trindon Holliday, Mardy Gilyard, Carlton Mitchell, and Demaryius Thomas.  Projected Starters = WR1, Michael Crabtree; WR2, Josh Morgan.

9.  Left Tackle

Joe Staley has proven to be a solid left tackle; however, their is a chance that the 49ers might be in the position to draft a player with one of their first round picks who could compete for his spot.  Projected Starter = Joe Staley.

10.  Defensive Line

Justin Smith is relentless.  Aubrayo Franklin had a pro bowl type year.  The 49ers could possibly add additional depth through the draft or free agency; however, they have quality depth on the defensive line.  Kentwan Balmer continues to be a project and is still rehabbing from shoulder surgery. 

I wouldn't call him a bust, but he has a lot to prove by the end of this year.  A possible sleeper pick that would not be too surprising is the selection of Dan Williams in the first round to eventually replace Franklin at nose tackle.  Projected Starters = DE, Justin Smith; NT, Aubrayo Franklin; DE, Issac Sopoaga.

11.  Tight End

Delanie Walker and Vernon Davis are both playmakers and are almost guaranteed a spot on the roster.  The 49ers already have acquired some blocking tight ends to compete for a third roster spot.  This is a position that might see a draft pick towards the end of the draft.  Projected Starter = Vernon Davis.

12.  Inside Linebackers

Spikes and Willis have been an excellent combination.  The 49ers also have great depth with Scott McKillop and Matt Wilhelm.  This is a position where the 49ers should not have to worry.  McKillop appears to be in the mold of Jeff Ulbrich.  He is a solid backup who can start if required. 

If McClain or Brandon Spikes drop in the draft I wouldn't be surprised if the 49ers pick up either player to place alongside Patrick Willis.  Projected Starters = Takeo Spikes and Patrick Willis.

13.  Center

Eric Heitmann is the starter.  This position has no controversy to it.  Projected Starter = Eric Heitmann.

14.  Kicker

Another position has a solid starter.  The 49ers will probably sign a camp kicker.  Projected Starter = Joe Nedney.

15.  Punter

A position with a Pro Bowler.  Projected Starter = Andy Lee.

16.  Long Snapper

One of the best in football.  Projected Starter = Brian Jennings.

Read more San Francisco 49ers news on BleacherReport.com

However, like Chavez, the A's are being 100 percent realistic about the Gold Glover's chances at making a significant return in 2010.

Chavez, who is in the last year of that six-year, $66 million contract he signed in 2004, is at least making some strides towards a healthy return. 

Currently in three starts for the A's, Chavez is hitting .500 (4-8) with two homers. He hit his two homers in his last start against the White Sox. He is also currently making progress in his transition from third-base to first-base. 

Despite some footwork problems, Chavez is looking very solid so far at first. He should have no problem making the transition, considering he's a six-time Gold Glove winner.

His productive start should be good news for the A's and their fans.

Another player attempting a comeback is A's SP, Ben Sheets. Sheets who signed a one-year, $10 million contract, hasn't looked exceptionally well in his two starts this spring. 

In his last start, Sheets allowed five earned runs, which raised his spring ERA to 12.46. 

Despite the discouraging numbers, Sheets says that he feels good. The fact that his arm is feeling good after two spring starts should be good enough for A's fans. I myself, feel that Sheets will be ready come Opening Day. 

If both players can return to the field in 2010, the A's chances at capturing a division crown becomes much better. 

**Also, I apologize for my absence—I've been currently working on my FanSided Blog, Swinginas.com ...Also, if you have the time please feel free to check out my A's interview with Hotstove.com

Read more Oakland Athletics news on BleacherReport.com

This is a question that has been bubbling (or effervescing) in my mind for quite some time, especially after a derogatory blog from an "unbiased" reporter at ESPN named Jay Mariotti.

I have made quite a stink about ESPN ever since then, but not solely for that reason.  I had been hard-charging that ESPN has been selling the sizzle of racial bias (i.e. Pacman Jones) without selling the steak—to use a maxim from the sales industry.

Nada Nada Limonada

Simply put, that maxim means to sell what the product does, not what it is.  You can sell a car made from "40 bucks of steel" for $10,000, so long as the buyer wants the car badly enough.

Just as you can sell the "greatness" of a player (lemons) with arbitrary and manipulatable things such as statistics, which can be manipulated with PEDs and even the rulebook.

Before you get confused, I like sports stats as much as the next sabermatrician, because I think stats are a good way to evaluate a player.  Nevertheless, the stats don't always match the spatial (what you will see), or even the story (how the player got there, which affects his or her desire to be there and care about winning).

Before I started blogging, I worked primarily in sales (namely in selling credit cards). 

In many ways, I use The Bleacher Report to educate (or at least try to) people on how they are being manipulated to want something that is not worth what they are told it is worth, or what they think it is worth.  The first rule of mental conditioning is this: Make the person think that it was their decision the whole time.

Problem is that people often think that manipulation of others will make you a genius.  At that point, people convince themselves that it won't happen to them. 

Frankly, I think manipulation just makes you an ass, destructive, and a time-waster.  More precisely, it makes you a sociopath—see the fork-tongued blog, "Cable Should be Suspended, Al Davis Should Vanish" by Mariotti as an example.

I thought I'd explain "nada nada limonada."  It's a joke told in Mexico that roughly means, "nothing nothing, lemonade," and is meant to say that there is not much substance.

Make It Global

For those of you wondering why I have referenced Mariotti, it is central to this article, because Mariotti is a prime example of how sociopaths in the media will use fans and viewers as "whipping boys" (such as Raider fans) to compensate for their many flaws and insecurities, so rather than take ownership of their demons - they berate fans for, "terrorizing the enemy."

Frankly, I think people like that are just afraid of themselves, but it's easy to project that fear on the "crazies and rowdies" in the Black Hole (or otherwise).

I should add that there is more reason to call Mariotti a sociopath than just that blog.  Google his name to research the fact that he was a destructive influence in the workplace at the Chicago Sun-Times, and his less than amicable departure from the Sun-Times.

As it is said in many workplaces, "make it global."  The problem is not solely with the one culprit, it is a problem with every person that has done the same thing.  I guarantee like Joe Namath that Mariotti is not alone in his narcissism and incompetence.

Yet, the sheep in the audience have been trained to kowtow to narcissism and incompetence, because "everybody" wants to a cushy job of narcissism and incompetence.  No wonder the economy has gone to crap—no one cares about the integrity of their job, because they'd rather be some dope on the corporate dole.

That is because Narcissism and incompetence tend to be a common theme in the mainstream media.  But don't get me wrong.  I think there are exceptions whom I won't name, because I think they know who they are.  I will say however that about 90 percent of what comes from the mainstream media is total crap needed to finance the other 10 percent.

Don't Be a Cash Cow

I though, find it unbearable when people revere the 90%, because "everybody else does."  Before you think I'm just castigating the mainstream media, I'm not.  I think of my criticism as 360 degrees, in that, everybody should evaluate themselves, but at some point, someone has to speak up. 

Simply put, the sports media caters to oblivious fans to the detriment of other fans, while those fans need to get a clue.  Perhaps then, the sports media would change, in order to cater to a different—dare I say more enlightened—audience.  Enlightenment must come from the audience, because the media just caters to whatever you happen to be thinking even if it's wrong, because it is easy and lucrative.

In other words, you are the media's slut.  You're easy.

As I like to say: Pyschology is about understanding what and why a person wants something.  Politics is about giving to someone what that person wants.  And psychiatry is about getting someone to want something else, because perhaps, what you want is destructive...yet there are people that will enable that desire because it is profitable.

So don't be a cash cow.

(Blank) Sells and You're Buying

There is a cross-section between sports and generic marketing.  Many principles of marketing have become univesal, such as "sex sells." 

When you start to dig more deeply however, you start to realize that marketing and sales is about catering to the most divisive aspects of the human condition such as sex, bias, fear/drama.  I like to use "drama" because it creates a funny acronym of, "SBD," (for those of you that like an occasional fart joke).

For many years, Raider fans have claimed that the mainstream media is biased against the Raiders.  Fans of other teams have also claimed that the sports media is biased against their team.  Mariotti's blog amongst other things though, was the final nail in the coffin.

I have asserted in past articles that the mainstream media, namely the East Coast media, is biased because, well, East Coast teams tend to be more marketable and thus profitable. 

The simple reason why is that New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and DC are more populous cities, and thus, have a larger market that garners higher ratings.  More importantly, the fans in those cities tend to be more rabid and will watch anything and everything related to their team.

There is however a flaw to that. 

The Oakland metropolitan area is in fact more populous than the state of Massachusetts, where of course, the city of Boston is located. 

Yet, Oakland has been called a, "small market," and Boston a, "large market."  Moreover, according to Census data, the state of Massachusetts has been much slower in population growth than states such as California.

Thus, I must wonder if East coast teams garner higher ratings, merely because the mainstream media tends to cater to what those fans want to hear and see.  Those fans are embraced and affirmed, while everyone else gets a kick in the teeth. 

So why would they watch?

Why Do You Love or Hate the Oakland Raiders?

Finally and at long last, the question at hand.  I think that if any Raider fan is being honest, they would say that the period from 2003-2009 has been a tribulation to say the least.

We have given much slack to Al Davis, because he has won in the past by taking the blows and doing it his way.  Yet, the abysmal record ("abysmal" is relative to what Raider fans have come to expect), has made many Raider fans question their loyalty to the team and an NFL legend that has been transformed into a caricature.

Lately, Mr. Davis has started to remind me of Shylock the Jew from Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice (see "Tuck Rule Game").

Impatient fans have since clamored for Mr. Davis to conform to the ways of others and the NFL era, when he had succeeded for many years at taking the road less travelled.

Many have succumb to the idea that Mr. Davis no longer "gets it" when it comes to the Draft, after he had many successes in the Draft (see, JaMarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, and Darrius Heyward-Bey). As vaunted as the 1983 NFL Draft is in NFL lore, one of the untold stories about that Draft is how well the Raiders did from top to bottom.

What keeps you coming back for more?

If you look at a team like the New England Patriots, you will see many similarities between the Patriots of today and the Raiders of the 1970s: gutsy play-calling, a cavalier attitude to the rules (some of which has been justifiable), an emphasis on special teams, defense, timely offense, and an emphasis on just winning (as a team) rather than individual stats.

If anything, Mr. Davis was the first "team first" owner in the NFL, because he didn't care about race, behavior, and other things, so long as the team won, because if the team wins, then that would imply that the players have done their job.

For those who don't know, the NFL had been a deeply biased league for many decades until the American Football League came along and turned those biases on their head, because it turned out that many fans would watch AFL games (aka, "The Freedom League"), regardless of whether the players were black, white, or none of the above.

Remember what I said about enlightenment needing to come from the audience?

Until then, the NFL just treated players as "numbers not names" to paraphrase many country musicians (i.e. Hank Williams, Roger Miller), and would not print names on jerseys.  So for those of you wearing the jersey of your favorite football player, you have people like Al Davis to thank for that.

Tuck This

The analogy between the Raiders and Patriots is a deliberate one. 

I do believe that the best opinion is a combination of objectivity and subjectivity, because if you don't have a personal stake in the opinion, then why have it?  At the same time, you must be careful to not carelessly disregard valid points made by others.

I say that, because for some time now, I have seen an inextricable link between the fortunes of the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots.

For you Pat fans out there, I don't blame the Patriots for the woes of the Raiders.  I don't think you can deny however that the "Tuck Rule Game" symbolizes a point in NFL history where the fortunes of two clubs went in paradoxical directions.

Before then, the Patriots had been a mediocre team that had been seen as a push over, while the Raiders had long been feared and hated (sometimes irrationally) by the rest of the league.  Now, it's vice versa.

Ask not have you forgotten, ask what can be remembered

Everyone has a personal story related to their sports passion and here is mine.

In September of 2001, I travelled to New England to visit relatives.  In retrospect, I think it is funny that I asked my great uncle what he thought of the Patriots, and well, he didn't have choice words to say.

Ironically (at least in my mind), the Patriots would win the Super Bowl that year, in a season that of course included the, "Tuck Rule Game."

That September of course was when the Trade Towers and Pentagon were attacked.  At the age of 18, I like many others had to contemplate the purpose of what we choose to do and how important it truly is.

I had wanted to move to New York and be a writer and comedian.  Instead, I have spent many years since either babbling and brainstorming, sometimes desperately and sometimes to the chagrin of the other person.

Well, I'm selling myself short.  But that's what I do, because I try to inform or enlighten without making it all about me.  I self-deprecate, because I aim to embolden the other person with some confidence to think for themselves.

When you're a teen, youth tends to empower you with the meaning of life.  Not to sound conceited, but I had that sense on the meaning of life dramatically altered on and after September 11, 2001.

I think I was forced to "get old" when I was still 18.  It was easy to get caught in a loop of being jaded by life.

By the way, I spun the JFK qote, "Ask not..." just to give my take on it and apply it to the recent times, not to take away from what it means to someone else.

The Price of Loyalty

Until then, I had been a passive football fan (at best).

I grew up in the Bay Area, so if you weren't at least a fair-weather fan of the 49ers...then you were a Cowboys fan.  I didn't know any Raider fans for many years.  Ironically, that included my dad.  He had been a fan of Joe Montana, which led to a brief period of being a Chiefs fan (I have photographic evidence of that).

I should add however that, he had been a fan of Montana from the beginning.  After the 49ers finished 6-10 in 1980 and the Niners loaded up on d-backs in the Draft, my dad convinced my uncle to buy season tickets together.

So they waited all night one night to buy season tickets.  It even showed-up in the San Jose Mercury.  Turned out, my uncle used his credit card to buy the tickets and then turned around and stiffed my dad, because my uncle started dating.

So think about that for a second.  My dad was one of the few that believed in the 49ers in 1980 (which did not include my uncle).  Instead of being able to see "The Catch" that year, he was forced to endure the bragging about how much money my uncle was making by selling season, postseason, and Super Bowl tickets.

For about 15 years.

Fear Not

The first I really learned of the fact that my dad had been a lifelong Raider fan was 1997 when I was 14—you know, the 4-12 season of Joe Bugel.

Not an easy time to be a Raider fan.

One of the things that seemed to keep him loyal was seeing the Raiders beat the Broncos, which the Raiders did that year.  That is also one of the things that keeps my going: Seeing the Raiders beat the Broncos. 

I should say however that until the year 2000, even I had been intimidated by the appearance of the Black Hole.  I had even made jokes along with the hosts of the KDON morning show about the Raiders and a Raider fan who called once called in to claim, "They might not be there, but they're gonna be there!"

Huh?

Back then, it was easy to be consumed by fear. 

I was a freshman in high school and decided to leave for home-schooling, because I had been afraid of some poser that made many threats against me for wearing blue shirts.  Moreover, the school environment was a hostile one to say the least, where the detonation of explosives was a daily occurrence.

There would also be a bomb threat near the end of that school year.

I had felt justified in my fear in March of 1998 after the Jonesboro school shooting in Arkansas, and of course, the Columbine school shooting in April of 1999.  I later learned that much of my fear was just false perception, instilled by some wannabe gang-banger.

It is easy however to feel justified by fear by what you see on the news.

The theme here however is that fear is mostly perception.  I had been intimidated by the appearance of the Black Hole, because I was just projecting fear.  I think that is at least a small lesson to learn after the events of September 11, 2001.

"The only thing you have to fear is fear itself."  I had been jaded by life, until what's this?  A group of veterans that had been written off as decrepit were defying the perceptions.

Of course, I'm referring to Rich Gannon, Tim Brown, and Jerry Rice. 

I know that Gannon's reputation amongst Raider fans is sketchy at best, but you can't deny the resilience he had to bounce around from team to team for years.  Tim Brown had wallowed in obscurity for years as the main weapon for a wayward club, yet never acted like Terrell Owens would in later years.  Jerry Rice refused to quit, even though he could have easily retired with much contentment on his career.

So what was my excuse to be in a funk?

Remember what I said about how psychiatry is a matter of getting someone to want something else that is not destructive? 

Back then, I do believe that I wanted to be afraid.  The world made more sense, because fear is "arithmetic" not "geometric,"—to steal by re-purposing an idea I boosted from The Daily Show .

The ability to react to fear, strangely instills a person with meaning.  When there is a clear and present danger, then that means an opportunity to be a hero, or to wallow in self-pity and drama.

Thus, I had to replace the fear with something else, otherwise the feeling of emptiness would take over, and I would be right back to where I started.

What could I replace fear with that would be constructive?  Took a note from George Constanza and used reverse psychology on myself.  At that point, I realized that for many years I had disliked love songs, and in some cases, mocked them.

To be as trite as I can possibly be, all I needed was love.  And the one song that stood out as "real" without being too sappy was "Better Days," by Bruce Springsteen.

Believe it or Not

To rewind a bit, I had had an online encounter in December of 2001, in which I was messaged by someone who wanted to know about the joke behind the name "HAL" in 2001: A Space Odyssey , because I had listed that movie as a favorite on an AOL profile.

I didn't know that at the time, but it kicked off an online relationship that has lasted ever since, even though we've never met in person.  Here's the kicker: she is a Patriots fan.

Oh, cruel and paradoxical fate!

I have claimed many reasons for why I became interested in blogging, and why I think there is a greater good to it.  But remember what I said about objectivity and subjectivity?

In a year vaunted as symbolic of the future and human potential (or lack thereof) and yet everything seemed uncertain, one thing became certain.

Some would probably call me a rabble-rouser and an attention whore.  I would say that that is not entirely accurate. 

Though I have made some controversial claims, I would only do so if I truly believed it.  With that said however, I would hope for the added benefit that it would come to the attention of someone with the power to elevate me to where I could gain her love.  That somehow, someone would take a little pity on my perceived plight and allow me to ascend to that which I most wanted.

To leave you then with a haunting and humorous cliff-hanger. 

She's now a news editor for a Warren Buffet company in the New York media.

Oh, cruel and paradoxical fate!

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As of yet, Al Davis has been surprisingly quiet. To me it's been somewhat refreshing to see Davis and Co. not jump at the slightest opportunity to splash some cash.

BUT...as we all know, the Raiders struggled with the passing game last season (to put it lightly!) and we desperately need a weapon in the receiving game.

So this is the move Al Davis should pull the trigger on with the Raiders' first free agent acquisition of this offseason....the mercurial TERRELL OWENS.

With both Anquan Boldin and Antonio Bryant off the market, I see almost no reason why we aren't desperately trying to snap up T.O. before Mr. Ochocinco has his way and gets Cincinnati to offer him a contract.

The Raiders' pass offense last season was horrible as we all know. We came in 29th in passing yards/game (159.8) and 31st in points/game (12.3). The QB situation was far from ideal but let's focus on the WRs at the moment...

Let's first take a look at what the Oakland Raiders' WRs did in 09...

• Johnnie Lee Higgins: three years experience, 19 receptions, 263 yards, 0 TDs
• Chaz Schilens: two years experience, 29 receptions, 365 yards, 2 TDs
• Todd Watkins: three years experience, 8 receptions, 90 yards, 0 TDs
• Darrius Heyward Bey: one year experience, 9 receptions, 124 yards, 1 TD
• Louis Murphy: one year experience, 34 receptions, 521 yards, 4 TDs
• Nick Miller: one year experience, placed on IR without appearing in a game.
• Javon Walker: .....
  

Along with these guys, the following WRs are on the Raiders roster:

• Yamon Figurs: four years experience, 3 career receptions, 86 yards, 1 TD (more a return guy)
• Paul Hubbard: one year experience, 0 career receptions.
• Shaun Bodiford: two years experience, 1 career reception, 13 yards, 0 TDs.

If you're gonna tell me that list of WRs is gonna get the job done in 2010 then you gotta be crazy!

I've discussed the move for T.O. with my brother who, like myself, bleeds silver and black, and he hates the idea. And to be honest, I agreed with him until a few days ago. When I thought about the idea a bit more, however, I had a change of heart.

Here's why, and it's pretty simple...he PRODUCES.

T.O's '09 stats: 55 receptions, 829 yards, 5 TDs. What's more, he played 16 games and averaged 15.1 yards/catch.

Sure, his stats last season were by no means Earth-shattering, but they surpassed, by quite some margin, what any other Raider WR achieved. Despite having to deal with the poor state of affairs, football-wise, in Buffalo, T.O. produced and didn't run his mouth or complain—he did what he had to do.

For those that think this is just as bad an idea as the Javon Walker move was (thankfully that fiasco is now over), you are wrong!

Walker had numerous knee surgeries and was signed to the Raiders on a six year, $55 million contract (it pains me to write that!), having started only five games the previous season in Denver, catching 26 balls for 287 yards and zero TDs.

Owens, on the contrary, is a physical specimen and has only featured in less than 14 games ONCE in his 14 seasons in the NFL. Owens isn't going to be a down-the-field threat with his increasing years, but clearly feels he has something left in the tank, otherwise he wouldn't be looking for a job...

If Al Davis can sign T.O. for a reasonable sum of money, I see absolutely no reason why we should not make the move. Oakland needs to breathe some life into this offense, and the proven production of T.O. may be just the ingredient that this team needs to regain the swagger it's been missing since the days of Gannon and Tim Brown/Jerry Rice.

What does the rest of the nation think?

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Kershaw should be dominating, one day; In fact, I believe he will be as early as the second half of this season. Look for him to post around the same ERA (2.79-2.90) as last year, but with about 30 to 35 more innings pitched (200-205). Joe Torre is respected as being a very baseball-intelligent man, and he compared Kershaw to Sandy Koufax. That is a high praise for someone who respects Sandy as much as anyone who has seen him play.

C: Russell Martin

Martin had the worst season of his career last year. He is a focused young talent who loves the home run. It is sometimes very hard to re-teach an approach at the plate, but Russell has changed his physique dramatically this time around. I believe he will put up fairly potent stats in 2010.

His stolen bases may go down to about six or nine swiped bags, while his batting average could rise by 10 to 25 points (.260-.275). Russell has great determination and is a leader of the team: now it's time for him to earn his money.

1B: James Loney

James is going to be 26 in May; he has most definitely not reached his prime. He is a Gold Glove-caliber defender, and has batted predominately in the .280 region. Should the trend of Dodgers hitters developing continue, Loney should be ready to hit over 20 HRs and eclipse 100 RBI. He may become a Dodgers great at first base should he stay with the club for a long period of time.

2B: Blake DeWitt/ Ronnie Belliard

Blake DeWitt is the right man for the job. He would bring a left handed, 10 to 15 HR threat to second base. Plus he has the potential to be an All-Star in about three years, given an everyday job. 

He can hit, always has, and probably always will while he stays healthy. Work ethic counts for a lot in baseball and this guy is full of it. His upside is tremendous.

Ronnie put up great numbers and was as solid as he could be expected last year. He will make for a good backup plan should DeWitt falter. Although, you may see his stock rise as long as he stays happy in this big market setting.

3B: Casey Blake

Consistent, professional, and tough, Blake brings attributes to the club that are far more potent than his HR total. He is building on his career average mark every year, showing that he is steadily getting smarter. That makes for a good combination, with him still being in good enough physically shape to play near every day. He brings a sense of leadership and calm to a young and feisty club; invaluable.

SS: Rafael Furcal

Raffy has had a rough couple of years battling injuries. Last year could be a sign that he's declining, or just simply uncomfortable mentally with his back. Either way, he needs to overcome whatever it was that happened last year. Furcal is a solid catalyst, and when he succeeds, so does the team.

LF: Manny Ramirez

Manny wasn't Manny last year, but don't let this fool you: He was a Hall of Famer before the positive test for heightened testosterone. A man's legacy may have been saved due to the media's coverage of the steroid era, making Manny's test results not really much of a surprise. This year gives him an opportunity to redeem himself. We'll see what script Hollywood has for Manny in his final season.

CF: Matt Kemp

Kemp is a beast with a bunch of potential. Nicknamed the Bison, I personally see him as the future face of the franchise. Determined and more focused then ever, Matt could be primed for an MVP season. He has hovered around .300 the last two years, and recently passed the 30-30 plateau. This kid should have a year that will steal the headlines. Prediction: .312 AVG, 36 HR, 47 SB, 105 RBI, 202 H, 118 R, 31 doubles, 10 triples.

RF: Andre Ethier

Everybody tends to think each year is Andre's peek year. I believe that Ethier will put together an All-Star season next year, and will win a Gold Glove. His defense is growing steadier, and his ability to pull the ball has now grown exponentially. He should hit roughly 35 to 38 HRs. With Furcal and Kemp in front of him, and Manny behind, this should be a mighty season for Andre.

RP: Jonathan Broxton

Brox is a massive human being, and a force on the mound. He can hit 100 mph, and dominates lefties with a devastating slider. Fantasy baseball has him as the No. 1 closer for a reason.

He posted a sub-2.65 ERA last season with 114 strikeouts. Also, look for how the veterans will influence the young mind, via Dodgers closer Eric Gagne. He should be poised for a gutty 2010 season.

You too can assess the Dodgers. My take is that they are primed for an extraordinary year, capable of defeating a worthy rival in the Philadelphia Phillies. Only time will tell.

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Rumors are swirling about the availability of Troy Smith and Derek Anderson, and the prospect of one of them coming to Oakland. This speculation is, in my opinion, an exercise in futility.

Al Davis has made up his mind about who he wants to see competing for the Raiders starting quarterback job. His second round tender on Bruce Gradkowski, the retention of JaMarcus Russell, and the free-agent signing of J.P. Losman are clear signs of what the boss wants.

In Oakland, what the boss wants, the boss gets.

That said, is it possible for Davis to make a run at one of these two players? Probably not, but that doesn't stop the rumor mill.

The fact is, signing either of these men would instantly upgrade the quarterback position in Oakland; either of them would automatically become the best player on the team at that position.

Troy Smith is an intriguing player. A live arm, great mobility, a legitimate threat with his legs, and, according to his Raven teammates, a leader.

The Heisman trophy winner had proven to John Harbaugh that he was good enough to start for Baltimore over Joe Flacco in 2008. Unfortunately, Smith became ill and lost his shot to Flacco, who stepped in and played extremely well in his rookie year.

The knock on Troy is his size. Listed at 6'0" and 225 pounds, he is a bit undersized to be considered a prototypical quarter back. Really? Tell that to Jeff Garcia and the "undersized" Super Bowl MVP, Drew Brees! Both of these players are smaller than Smith and enjoyed success in the league.

Derek Anderson is a player that seems to fit the Raiders' scheme of deep passing and playaction. Big arm, great size at 6'6" and 229 pounds, and a Pro Bowl under his belt. In that Pro Bowl season, Derek put up good numbers while surrounded by talent that was, at best, average.

The issue Anderson is most criticized for is his inconsistent accuracy. On one play he puts the ball right on the money, the receiver never has to break stride, and a big play is the result. On the next play his mechanics break down and he delivers the ball 15 yards off the mark.

He also lacks the pocket awareness to regularly avoid sacks. He shows panic when things break down, and doesn't seem to have the vision to escape like other big quarterbacks such as Ben Roethlisberger or Peyton Manning.

Overall, it is true that both of these players would be better than anyone the Raiders have at the moment. If one of them were to come to Oakland, someone on the team now would have to be cut. The obvious choice for dismissal would be Charlie Frye. I don't see that as a bad thing.

It is my opinion that neither of these players will end up in Oakland because Al Davis has already made his choice. If he were interested in either of them, he would have made a move already.

Anderson is rumored (not confirmed) to be visiting Seattle, not Oakland. Smith has made it clear through his agent that he wants to play in his home town of Cleveland, not Oakland.

The Brown's acquisition of Seneca Wallace may prohibit this, but it is still Troy's first choice. It's not likely he would even consider coming to Oakland if given the opportunity.

What does all this mean? Well, to me it means that Oakland has what they have, and will have to make due with the players that are already here. That's not to say that Al Davis won't change his mind and go after one of these guys. If there's one thing we know about Al Davis it's that...

The boss gets what the boss wants!

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The team has its long term answer at quarterback in Philip Rivers, one of four players to earn MVP votes in 2009.  Behind him they are also extremely well served with Billy Volek entrenched in the backup role.

The duo has given the team tremendous strength and depth at the position, but it has also wedged Charlie Whitehurst out of any chance at taking snaps in a San Diego uniform.

He has shown all the tools to be a starting quarterback.  At 6’4’’ and 220 pounds, he has the athleticism and fluidity to build on.  Were San Diego to lose Volek, Whitehurst has shown enough that they would probably be comfortable inserting him into the number two role. 

Whitehurst went into this offseason a restricted free agent.  San Diego assigned him the lowest tender, which means a team would have to part with a pick from the same round in which Whitehurst was drafted if they were to sign him away.

The team’s low tender may also signal a willingness to talk if a team wants to negotiate, allowing for a package slightly below a third-round choice in overall value.

It would all be moot were no team interested, but that does not appear to be the case.

Overt talks have not begun anywhere, but at least two teams have shown up in the ever-popular rumor mill regarding Whitehurst.

Arizona has only one quarterback on its roster in the so-far unimpressive Matt Leinart.  The team has expressed its faith in the young signal caller but at the very least needs to find depth at the position.

Whitehurst would give them a depth-player that is still relatively cheap to acquire and young enough to remain with the team awhile.  He could give subtle competition for a starting role without presenting an overt threat to Leinart (as a savvy vet might provide).

Kurt Warner's retirement left Arizona in a lurch and the team is unlikely to grab a quarterback early in this year’s draft.  Picking up an inexpensive young player with some upside and a career spent in one of the league’s better passing offenses the past few years could be a great low-risk move for the team.

Seattle has also appeared in the conversation for Whitehurst.  The Seahawks traded away longtime backup Seneca Wallace and at the very least someone behind Matt Hasselbeck in the short term, and a new franchise face in the long-term.

The Seahawks lack a third-round choice, having traded it away to draft Deion Butler last season, but could work out an alternative trade arrangement with the San Diego.  Their fourth-round choice would not be far from Arizona’s third—Arizona holds the 88th pick in the draft’s third round to Seattle’s 101st pick in the fourth.

Seattle is well stocked at the top of the draft, and doesn’t have the win-now pressure other teams could be facing.  Head coach Pete Carroll made a career of churning out NFL quarterbacks at USC—four of which are NFL starters at this point (Leinart, Carson Palmer, Mark Sanchez, and Matt Cassel).

Both Seattle and Arizona have already brought Whitehurst in for visits.  The Cardinals would appear to have the more pressing need for a quarterback, but Seattle represents a situation well suited to landing Whitehurst.

Either way, the true benefactor could be San Diego.  The team already has the short and long term answers as well as depth all taken care of at the position.  Losing Whitehurst would represent a nonexistent subtraction to the team’s lineup while possibly adding a draft pick as high as the third round. 

Given that San Diego has a host of smaller needs to go with the pressing ones at nose tackle, running back, and corner, allowing Charlie Whitehurst to sign an offer sheet elsewhere could be one of the team’s best moves of the offseason.

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