"Ben Sheets often is heard before he's seen in the A's clubhouse.

On a team where the veterans usually speak softly and lead by example, Sheets deviates from that pattern with his rambunctious personality.

He'll greet teammates by belting out one of his favorite lines — "Good morning, champions!" — as he arrives for a game.

He recently had two mini basketball hoops installed in the home clubhouse at the Oakland Coliseum. Now nerf basketballs are flying through the air before and after batting practice.

"You never know when the Golden State Warriors coaching staff is going to walk through," Sheets said. "Somebody might have a great jumper."

Sheets was signed to a one-year, $10 million contract in January because the A's wanted a proven veteran to anchor their rotation. After missing all of last season with an elbow injury, the right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.74 ERA and appears to be rounding into form. He'll make his fifth start today against the Tampa Bay Rays as the A's begin a six-game road trip.

But teammates say they also benefit from his lighthearted spirit.

Players such as designated hitter Eric Chavez and second baseman Mark Ellis, the longest-tenured Athletics, set a standard with their work ethic and professionalism.

Sheets, 31, adds a dash of nuttiness, and Chavez says it's a welcome addition.

"We need some loudness every once in a while," Chavez said. "And coming from a guy who's had some experience, it's pretty good for us. I'm not loud, so someone needs to be loud.""