Baltimore Orioles Soundoff

After an interesting ordeal involving missing the team bus due to a miscommunication and receiving a $100 fine by the Orioles, Melvin Mora followed that up by going 0-3.

Way to make ammends.

Well Melvin was planning on apologizing sooner or later--with his bat I mean--and he did today.

The Orioles beat the Boston Red Sox 3-1 today. I should say Melvin Mora beat the Boston Red Sox 2-1 today.

Mora was 3-3 with a home run and 2 RBI's. Now that is the Melvin we all know and love.

With that being said, does anyone else want to ring Peter Angelos and Orioles front office's neck?

What the hell are they doing? Yes, I said "hell."

Mora came to the Orioles when Jeff Conine was the star of the team, anyone remember who else was on that team? Jay Gibbons was a rookie. Bring back any memories? They stunk, they had nobody. And that is exactly what Mora was, a nobody.

He quickly became somebody, and, for the O's, in a big way.

No other Oriole has played with as much passion and heart and pride for Baltimore since Cal Ripken. It almost brings me to tears to see how the Orioles are treating their savior. (Yes, I realize they haven't even won anything yet, but they are a better and more fun team)

Melvin Mora went from super utility man to superstar. He went from playing every different position to a gold glove-caliber third baseman. With age came stardom and still, he has been as humble as ever.

And he would die for the Orioles. Ask him, in his heart, what colors he bleeds. He won't say Orange and Blue like the mets, he'll say Orioles black and orange. He loves Baltimore, wants to end his career here.

For God sakes, give him whatever he wants. He's earned it. Treat him right. Make him happy.

Miguel Tejada is a great player with a load of heart, Melvin Mora is an ambassador.

When Tejada was making trade demands, who called him and talked him out of it? Mora did.

When the Orioles were courting Ramon Hernandez, who sold him on playing for Baltimore? Mora, his best friend, did. And, the thing is, everyone considers Mora their best friend.

I could go on forever. Bottom line, Melvin Mora should be an Oriole for good. He should retire here. He should live in Baltimore for the rest of his life. Then, when he is ready, he should be a coach for the Orioles.

In my mind, in my heart--and Mora's--he will always be an Oriole. Mr. Angelos, don't be greedy. If Cal Ripken asked for something he deserved would you let him walk out and go to another team? No way. Neither should you with Mora. Please, give him what he deserves.



Kris Benson, Hayden Penn and Chris Ray have good outings against the Red Sox:

Benson, the starter, finally put it together and pitched 4 innings of 4-hit ball, giving up only one run.

Hayden Penn followed Benson and added 3 innings of 1-hit ball, striking out three and not allowing a run.

Chris Ray got the save in the game, the future O's closer pitched a perfect inning and struck out one man.