Post by TheShadow on Sept 10, 2006 14:27:18 GMT -5
sfgate.com
by David White
Break up the A's, before they break up the Raiders' schedule.
A World Series run by the A's would throw a major wrench into the Raiders' October home slate, all because the American League beat the National League in this season's All-Star home game. The winner gets home-field advantage in the best-of-seven World Series.
That means, if the A's make it to their first World Series since 1990, they would host Game 2 on Oct. 22, and a potential Game 7 on Oct. 29.
For those who don't have a Raiders schedule handy, they host the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers, in order, those two Sundays. Something would have to give, and it won't likely be Major League Baseball's media event of the year.
Before moving on, allow Raiders chief executive Amy Trask to make one point clear: "We wish them well and we're rooting for the A's."
For this scheduling nightmare to unfold, the A's must win the AL West Division -- they had a 51/2-game lead over the Angels before Saturday's games. Then, they have to win two playoff series to capture the pennant.
Some time during their potential postseason run, contingency plans must be put in place. That's where the Raiders come in.
"We will work with the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the Oakland A's and the stadium authority to fashion a solution that works best for both teams and their respective fans," Trask said. "That's what you do when two teams share a facility. Bottom line is, we're all going to sit down."
It's likely the Raiders would have to move their games back one day because Arizona and Pittsburgh are non-division opponents. If they were playing an AFC West team, they could have swapped the home-and-away series.
World Series or not, the A's are rolling toward the postseason, so the Raiders will have to put up with the infield dirt in the middle of the football field a little longer.
"I've already been through two pair of pants, and it's only been preseason," safety Jarrod Cooper said. "Go out there, it rips your clothes off. It stinks. I always want the A's to do good, but that infield will tear you up."
Tomlinson rested: Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson didn't play in a single exhibition game, and not so he could save it for the Raiders.
Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer didn't want to risk injury with his star player. Whichever Raider hits Tomlinson first will be the first non-Charger to put a hand on Tomlinson since last season's New Year's Eve finale against Denver.
"He's the guy who carries the mail for us during the season," Schottenheimer said. "Because of the way he works, there's no concern on anybody's part. ... If you watch him in practice, he's the highest tempo of anyone who's around him."
Briefly: The Raiders are 5-0 against San Diego in season openers ... Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss is one touchdown away from 100 in his career.