It took GM Reggie McKenzie two years to clean up the mess left in Oakland by former Raiders owner Al Davis. Chris Paul Jersey . For everything Davis did for the franchise in its 54-year existence, the team was floundering under him late in his time presiding over the team. When McKenzie was hired in early 2012, he probably circled March 11, 2014 on his calendar. He knew it would take two years to complete the teams much needed deconstruction, and it wouldnt be until March this year – the opening of free agency – that the Raiders would have a shot at actually building a sustainable winner. But what happens when you have all the money to spend, but nothing to spend it on? The answer, apparently, is to load up on aging veterans in a weak free agent crop, hoping they have enough gas to elevate the roster to competitiveness while at the same time mentor the fairly barren corps of young players who will one day, hopefully, form the nucleus of a winner. The list of free agents whose motors at this stage in their careers are justifiably questioned is a long one, but it doubles as the list of players who will determine the Raiders ultimate fate this season, so McKenzie needs this gamble to pay off. Matt Schaub, Maurice Jones-Drew, Donald Penn, Justin Tuck, Lamar Woodley, Antonio Smith, and Carlos Rogers will all be leaned on for one – or two – last strong seasons to bridge the gap while the Raiders build up their crop of young talent. For their part, the veterans are saying all the right things. Phrases like “playing motivated” and “chip on our shoulder” have been thrown around a lot in Oakland leading up to the season. The reality is that the Raiders should be more competitive this year, but still nowhere near able to challenge for a playoff spot, especially in the tough AFC West. McKenzie and company feel strongly Schaub wont repeat his disastrous 2013 campaign, in which he broke the record for consecutive games throwing a pick-six, but its unrealistic to think the 33-year-old will recapture the magic of his 2009 or 2010 season. Other vets brought in, such as pass rushers Tuck, Woodley, and Smith, are too talented to completely fall off a cliff, the three combining for 21 total sacks just last season. And at running back, so long as Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden alternate their weeks on the sideline with injuries, theres hope for the running game as well. Its nearly impossible for the future to not look brighter than the past in Oakland, while young talents like Khalil Mack and Derek Carr give the fans tangible reasons to get excited. But the future may still be a couple years away. The last two years were the deconstruction period, the next could very well be the rebuilding phase. Danilo Gallinari Jersey .com) - The Oklahoma City Thunder will try to get back on track Monday night when they welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves to Chesapeake Energy Arena. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Jersey . -- The Orlando Magic finally are showing the patience in critical moments that coach Jacque Vaughn has been waiting for all season. http://www.clippersnbateamshop.info/montrezl-harrell-clippers-jersey/ . The Laval Rouge et Or defensive back/kick-returner gained the invitation following his showing Sunday at an NFL regional combine in Baltimore. BALTIMORE -- Manny Machado will have to wait at least another day before making his season debut with the Baltimore Orioles. Machado joined his teammates and was poised to be activated from the 15-day disabled list before rain postponed Tuesday nights game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The game has been rescheduled for Thursday night, previously a day off for both teams. Machado hasnt played for Baltimore since undergoing left knee surgery last October. The 2013 All-Star third baseman wont formally come off the DL until the next day the Orioles are to play a game, manager Buck Showalter said. Rain is in the forecast Wednesday, too. Machado is ready to play, rain or shine. "Im here to play baseball," he said, "If it is snow, if it is rain, if it is whatever." After a rehabilitation assignment that consisted of playing three games for Class A Frederick, Machado was convinced hes ready to compete again at the major league level. "The last couple days definitely helped," he said. "I felt ready a couple days ago. ... It was just a matter of getting the repetitions. I feel good. Thats the main thing. I feel great. My body feels good, everything feels good. Im jusst excited to be up here. Tobias Harris Jersey. " The 21-year-old Machado hit .283 with 14 homers, 71 RBIs and 51 doubles last year, his first full season in the majors. He will fill the roster spot vacated by slugger Chris Davis, who went on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a strained left oblique. Machado will also provide stability defensively next to fellow Gold Glove winner J.J. Hardy. "We played 156, 157 games together on the left side of the infield last year, so its going to be nice to be looking over to my right and being pretty familiar with each other," Hardy said. "Were all happy to a have him back." Machado insists theres no play defensively that he would be reluctant to make. "Im ready to play baseball. Im going to go out there and make whatever play comes my way," he said. "I made a couple of nice plays in the lower levels, and I feel good defensively. I feel great (there). Im not concerned about anything. Im a baseball player, and Ive been doing this my whole life. Im just going to go out there, and whatever comes my way, just go out there and do it and play some baseball and have some fun at the same while Im doing it." 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