Baltimore Orioles Soundoff

With the recent suspension of Rafael Palmeiro, the Orioles were allowed to call up a player from the minor leagues to take his roster spot until he gets back.

Lee Mazzilli's choice: Midre Cummings, OF (click for stats)

Why Midre Cummings? First of all, Cummings plays outfield and Palmeiro is a first baseman. OK, so Mazzilli feels that Chris Gomez or B.J. Surhoff can play first while Palmeiro is gone. But what does Cummings bring to this team that is badly in need of a spark?

Absolutely nothing. He won't even play, aside from cameo pinch hitting performances at the end of games. And what did he contribute last night? He struck out in his only at bat.

My choice: Walter Young, 1B OR Alejandro Freire, 1B

Freire is leading the Ottawa Lynx with 18 roundtrippers, and although 30 years of age, could be the spark the O's need. A guy who can come up to the majors and hit a few home runs. Anyway, if you are going to take a guy like Cummings, who also is getting up in age, than why not the guy is who producing best for the Lynx?

You want to talk about exciting? Walter Young could be like a jolt of electricity for the dark ages the Orioles are suffering through. Young is only 25 and he has been ripping home run after home run for years in the minors. At 6'5" 320 lbs. why wouldn't you take the chance to insert that into your lineup for a few games to see how he does?

I don't know Mazz, it makes sense to me. But then again I'd have gone with Nick Markakis--who at the ripe old age of 22 is tearing through the system--over Midre Cummings. But that's just me. What do I know?