Baltimore Orioles Soundoff

Sound Off Is Back

2008-04-15T15:55:00.002-04:00

After a two-year hiatus to become CBS College Sports' master of women's college basketball - I'm going to miss you, Candace Parker - the Baltimore Orioles SoundOff is back.

Who missed me?

Well, I'm back anyway.

After reading my last couple of posts from way back when I realized one important thing. The Orioles are better off now than they were then. And how.

We're going to do things a bit differently this time around. First of all, I won't recap each game for you, you can get that from a multitude of places Online. I'd suggest the BaltimoreSun.com. The Sun's Roch Kubatko is my favorite Orioles beat writer and I think his blog, Roch Around The Clock, is fantastic.

I'm a reporter and a writer and a journalist, blah, blah, blah, but bottom line, for OriolesSoundOff purposes...I'm a big fan of the Birds. We're going to get opinionated around here. I'm going to tell you what I think the O's are doing right and, unfortunately I fear, doing wrong on a nightly basis.

I couldn't be happier with the way the Orioles have started the season. I believe, when it comes to the Orioles, that I am an optimist. Of course, like any faithful O's fan, I can get cynical, but for the most part I see a bright future - one in which Boston and Yankee hats don't dominate the Yard and the Birds contend each season.

That said, we're not winning 90 games this season. But that doesn't mean we can't be competitive. We're building for the future and many of the pieces are in Baltimore right now. Adam Jones, especially, is going to need to be given some slack. But you are looking at your starting center fielder for a long time. Jones is raw ability, but you can see some of the finer tuned portions of his game taking shape. He's got an excellent attitude and drive to succeed.

Who isn't excited about Luke Scott? The guy will just be turning 30 this summer and he's hitting .375 right now. He's mashing the ball and looks good in left field. If he keeps hitting the way he is, teams are going to be knocking down Andy McPhail's door to trade for him near the deadline. The Orioles hope Double-A Bowie's Nolan Reimold becomes the left fielder of the future for the team and so Scott doesn't really fit into their long-term plans. He could bring back some solid minor league talent in a trade.

Brian Roberts is still an Oriole and he's setting the table for the team as usual. Brian has scored seven runs, leads the league with five stolen bases and is hitting .327.

One concern for the team is what exactly happened to Melvin Mora? After a torrid spring, Mora has significantly cooled off. He's hitting just .255, though he did go 2-for-3 in last night's 4-3 win over Toronto.

Nick Markakis has been business as usual holding down right field and the No. 3 spot in the order. The Natural's batting .310 and is among the league leaders in walks with 12 in 13 games. Kevin Millar, the O's cleanup hitter, got hot last night, scorching the Blue Jays for four RBIs with a two-run homer, but before that wasn't cashing in Markakis when he got on base. Millar is batting .250 on the year.

The Orioles' pitching situation is interesting. The starters have been dismal. The bullpen has been the team's brightest spot. Who would have thought that a bullpen that was so bad last year the starters were thinking about pressing charges for stealing victories would become one of the best in the league the next season.

A complete overhaul will certainly help. Only Jamie Walker and Chad Bradford remain from last year's pen. Randor Bierd has four scoreless innings this year. Matt Albers was pitching out of the pen until picking up last night's win as the starter, Jim Johnson picked up Albers and pitched two scoreless innings in that game.

Closer George Sherrill has been lights out - except for Alex Rios' two-run dinger last night - and is 6-for-6 in save situations to lead the Major Leagues in that category.

At 8-5 the Orioles are on top of the AL East, for now. Tonight they play the second of a two-game set against the Blue Jays. Steve Trachsel goes for the Birds against Shaun Marcum. Marcum has pitched well this year with a 2.57 ERA in two starts and 16 strikeouts.

The Orioles will have to hit tonight if they want to pick up the two-game sweet of their division rivals.

Orioles SoundOff will be back for more tomorrow!

2006 First Year Player Draft Central

2006-06-06T09:38:00.000-04:00

Draft Day 2006

It comes with the probably the least fanfare of the four major sports, but there is no draft done at such a feverish pace, and as unpredictable as the Major League Baseball entry draft. The intrigue of the draft has also become more mainstream now, after Michael Lewis' Moneyball brought us a behind the scenes look at the annual affair.We've decided to jump aboard and help create some of the predraft hoopla here on the Internet, as bloggers from around North America, representing teams from around baseball have come together to dissect their team's system, and try to highlite what you might see in the draft.

The list of contributors all run well respected baseball websites. Here's a rundown of who we have in place:

The Royals Corner will give their opinion on the Kansas City Royals
Purple Row provides the analysis for the Colorado Rockies
Tiger Tales will assess the Detroit Tigers most pressing needs.
6-4-2 does a double play and will take a gander at both Los Angeles teams.
The Cincinatti Reds blog will overlook the Reds draft needs
Orioles Sound Off is digging deep to uncover the Orioles draft strategies
D.A. Humber is providing the analysis for the Toronto Blue Jays
The Good Phight is going to dissect the Phillies plan
Aaron Gleeman will be the voice of the Twins
In George We Trust tackles the Yankees system
Talking Chop will look at the Braves draft strategy.
Let's Go Tribe is going to try to figure out what Cleveland will do without a first round pick

Before we get to each contributor's analysis, let's first take a wide overlook at what this draft has to offer.
To put it blunty, at first glance, there isn't much to offer here, especially in regards to high-end talent -- but there are some names to look out for, notably pitching. The consensous around baseball is that there are three (potentially four) big arms: Andrew Miller, Brad Lincoln and Tim Lincecum are all expected to be taken very early, the fourth wild card is Dodger holdout Luke Hochevar who may return to the draft if he's unable to sign with Los Angeles. After these, a lower tier of arms, including the likes of Brandon Morrow, Greg Reynolds or Miller's teammate Daniel Bard are bigger question marks but have a tonne of potential and ability. Other pitchers are plummeting down on team's draft lists for character reasons or signability issues. Teams could find some potential steals with late pickups in the draft, guys like Max Scherzer, Ian Kennedy, or Kyle Drabek, all have serious red flags on them, but still could become very quality starters in the bigs.But what about the bats? There are a few. Evan Longoria is unquestionably the premier hitter in the draft, but this doesn't mean he's a future allstar. Most scouts see Longoria as Aaron Hill with more power, and in most drafts would be a late first rounder. Due to the fact there really isn't another major league ready bat in the draft, Longoria's worth has been inflated in this draft. There are, however, other bats, with bigger question marks that could make for intruiging picks. Drew Stubbs is regarded as the best "toolsy" player in the draft but scouts remain unconvinced of whether he will posess the ability to hit against big league pitching.There are a few highschoolers that will be wildcards in the draft as well which will spice things up. The aforementioned Kyle Drabek highlites the list, but there are major questions surrounding his attitude. The same can be said of Kasey Kiker. Other highschoolers that will be tempting to some teams are Clayton Kershaw and the fomer number 1 high school prospect in the nation, Jordan Walden.You got all that? There is a bunch of information available about these guys online now, especially with the draft here, so feel free to browse.

But don't go yet, here's the analysis from our draft day team, answering the big questions:

Q : What are your team's positional needs down on the farm? This is considered to be a pitcher heavy draft, does it work in your team's favour?

The Royals Corner : Pitching, pitching, pitching. The Royals have a nice core of position player prospects with Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, Justin Huber, Chris Lubanski and Mitch Maier, but the pitching depth is incredibly weak. On one hand, the availability of pitchers in this draft helps, but there are very few standouts, which particularly stinks since the Royals have the first overall pick.

Purple Row : The Rockies biggest positional weaknesses on the farm entering this year were starting pitching and the outfield, as we are strong all around the infield with standout prospects such as Troy Tulowitzki, Ian Stewart, Chris Iannetta, Joe Koshansky and Chris Nelson to name a few. In the outfield we only have a couple of upper tier prospects in A ball, Matt Miller and Dexter Fowler, with everybody else having too many question marks to be considered in that same class, lucky we have the young Brad Hawpe and Matt Holliday already established as it could be awhile before more help arrives.Although several of our starting pitching prospects have had strong starts to the season, our history in this area has been spotty and there is still concern about a few of these, particularly in the upper levels, being better suited to roles out of the bullpen. For that reason, this year's draft strength of pitching, particularly fairly polished college pitching, plays right into one of our key positional weaknesses.

Tiger Tales : The Tigers biggest need in the minors are position players more than pitchers. If I was going to pick one position of greatest need, it might be catcher. They really don't have any top catching prospects. The Tigers like Chris Robinson's defense but he doesn't seem like a great offensive talent. Basically, they need more offense at every position.This doesn't mean that a pitcher heavy draft will hurt them though. You can never ever have too much pitching. Plus, I'm a big believer thatyou should draft the best talent available regardless of position in the early rounds.

6-4-2 : Want to know why the Angels re-signed Darin Erstad and Garret Anderson to expensive long-term contracts even though Erstad had shown scary signs of a significant downturn in production beforehand and Anderson was already on the wrong side of 30? It's the crickets chirping in the Angels' minor league outfields. No disrespect intended to Nick Gorneault, Tommy Murphy, or Reggie Willits, but none of those guys are anything more than fourth outfielders; the Angels need some power outfield bats, or possibly a centerfielder, another position the team has suddenly become deficient in. After their lone first-round pick, though, the Angels have a lot of nothing between them and the third round, so in a draft many observers have already labeled as one of the weakest in recent years, it's very likely to be a lost year for the Angels.The Dodgers, on the other hand, have started to graduate some players to the big club; probably their biggest need will be filling the hole created by the Luke Hochevar non-signing, preferably with a left-hander. But after that, I would expect them to draft a catcher; with Russ Martin up and looking like he's there to stay, the club's depth behind the dish suddenly doesn't look quite as deep. I also wouldn't be surprised if they took a look at a couple corner infield types for similar reasons. The problem for the Dodgers: if the draft is as weak as many say it is, having three first-round picks may not be the blessing you'd hope for.

Cincinatti Reds Blog : The Reds' greatest need at all levels is pitching. The crying need at the major league level is for quality starters in particular, and getting an ace is paramount in everyone's mind. Homer Bailey might be the answer, but he's in A-ball. So yes, a good crop of college pitchers is certainly a good thing for Cincinnati. The secondary need in the organization is catching, and the team will most certainly look to pick up a prospect for behind the plate.

Orioles Sound Off : The most important positions for the Orioles to build on are the corner infield positions. The current Orioles have Melvin Mora, who has a three-year contract coming to him and is getting up in age, to play third and a combination of Kevin Millar and Jeff Conine at first base.The minor leagues don’t help the O’s in those categories either. Currently on the big-league roster is Brandon Fahey who wasn’t even expected to be a big leaguer as a 6’2” 160 pound shortstop but made the club due to his ability to play multiple positions.The Orioles have no top third or first base prospects in the upper levels of their farm system and that could pose a problem in the future.Another position where the Orioles are weak is the entire outfield situation. Jay Gibbons signed a long-term deal to play right field but looks like an excellent DH-of-the-future. Nick Markakis will ultimately play right field for the Orioles, and, at only 26 years old, Corey Patterson is showing signs of being a long-term plan in center field. The minor leagues don’t give the Orioles many other options relating to the outfield so the O’s must build through the draft.

D.A. Humber : The Jays main concern the last couple of years has been beefing up the farm’s pitching, at the expense of drafting hardly any upper tier positional player prospects. Aside from Adam Lind and Ryan Patterson, the farm is dry of anything resembling a future major league hitter. With a weak draft, especially with hitters, the Jays may be forced to wait another year to address their farm’s pressing needs for some hitting. Combine this with the fact the team is without a 2nd and 3rd round pick because of their free agent signings this offseason, the Jays’ work will be cutout for them this year doing good with their 14th overall pick.

The Good Phight : Probably more than any other system I'm aware of, the Phillies are loaded with promising young pitchers-- and almost totally bereft of positional talent. Even after Cole Hamels was promoted last month, the team has four legitimate starting pitcher prospects at AA Reading, led by RHP Scott Mathieson and LHP Gio Gonzalez, and maybe a half-dozen more further down the chain. Recent positional draftees, however, are struggling: 2004 1st Round pick Greg Golson, an OF, is near the mendoza line in A Ball, '05 Second-Rounder Mike Costanzo, a 3B is batting around .230 in High-A, and other notable recent draftees like Tim Moss (2b, 2003, 3rd Round) are scuffling too.They say you can never have too much pitching, but if the Phils are drafting to need rather than best overall talent, the pick should be a third baseman or outfielder. My guess however is that they will draft a pitcher anyway.

Aaron Gleeman : The Twins basically need hitters at every spot but catcher, so a pitcher-heavy draft is definitely not in their favor. Of course, the team almost always loads up on pitchers and has a lot more success developing pitchers, so I doubt they care about the lack of college position players available.

In George We Trust : The Yanks needs quite a few things down in the minors, nothing more than depth behind the plate. Beyond Omir Santos and PJ Pilittere, there's no catchers worth mentioning, and even those 2 are backups at best. The infield needs help too, because both Eric Duncan and Marcos Vechionacci has stalled, and position changes are in the cards for both CJ Henry and Eduardo Nunez.Every team needs pitching and lots of it. The Yanks could certainly benefit from this draft which is overflowing with college arms because it'll give them both good young arms (the best currency come trade deadline time) and talent that isn't far off from the majors.

Talking Chop : I think that the Braves, like most other teams around baseball, tend to take the best available player with their draft picks rather than worry about positions. They have a track record of developing players, and should the need arise, they are willing to trade top prospects to remain contenders. Andy Marte is a prime example.That being said, the organization seems to be well stocked with middle infielders and catching prospects.Shortstop Elvis Andrus (signed as a free agent in January 2005) has drawn comparisons to Alex Rodriguez. And Cuban defector Yunel Escobar, who was drafted in the second round last year, possesses a potent bat, excellent physical tools, and very good plate discipline. Escobar may eventually change positions, but for now, the Braves are content with him playing shortstop at AA-Mississippi.Everyone knows about Jarrod Saltalamacchia (aka Salty) behind the plate. Salty is an imposing figure as a switch hitter and possesses a powerful bat. After a strong 2005 season and Arizona Fall League, Salty has struggled so far in AA-Mississippi hitting just .213 with 4 homeruns in 183 at bats. Fortunately for Jarrod, he will be given plenty of time to develop with Brian McCann handling the catching duties in Atlanta.Right now the bullpen happens to be one of Atlanta’s most glaring weaknesses. At the same time, the outfield depth down on the farm is a bit weak. Brandon Jones has shown flashes of greatness, but beyond that, there isn’t a lot of what most would consider major league talent.The Braves, again like most other teams, can always use more pitching. A pitcher heavy draft is always beneficial. The problem is…this is not a deep quality pitching draft.

Let's Go Tribe : The Indians organizational needs right now are middle infielders and catcher. Pitching is an organizational strength right now, so their needs don't mesh with the strength of this year's draft.

Q : Who do you think your club will target with their first pick? Who would you like for them to get?

The Royals Corner : I think it will be one of three guys: Andrew Miller from North Carolina, Brad Lincoln from Houston, or Luke Hochevar if the Royals can work out a pre-draft arrangement with Scott Boras (doubtful). Miller was underwhelming in his start today, although he did pick up the win, so it's really anyone's guess. My preference among those three right now would probably be Lincoln or Hochevar, but I won't be disappointed with any of them.

Purple Row : The last rumors bubbling out of the Rockies camp for the #2 overall pick had them liking Andrew Miller best, with three primary "Plan B" options should KC draft him instead. These were Evan Longoria, Tim Lincecum and Brad Lincoln. However, a Luke Hochevar rumor has come up in the last few days that has some surprising wind to it, and I'm beginning to think there will be a good chance that you see his name called in the Rockies spot if they can work out a pre-draft deal. My pick? I like Miller best, and would be excited to see him in a Rockies' uniform, but Hochevar's got the local boycomes home aspect, and we had such good success with LBSU's Tulowitzki that Longoria makes an interesting option that I wouldn't be disappointed with.

Tiger Tales : The names I've heard most often are Drew Stubbs and Clayton Kershaw. Ideally, I would like to see a position player with the first pick. The two top choices would probably be Stubbs or Evan Longoria.

6-4-2 : I don't have a good feel for specific players, though we do know based on the Angels' very productive 2004 draft that they're willing to take risks; if another Boras client bonus situation a la Jered Weaver scares off other teams, we can be sure the Angels will step up to the plate if that player's available. For that reason, it's hard to predict what Eddie Bane will do. Similarly, it's hard to forecast Logan White's picks because of his "take the best player available" philosophy. Unlike some front offices, White isn't dogmatic about picking college or high school players.As far as who I would like those teams to get, as a former CSU Long Beach alumni, for sentimental reasons I wouldn't mind it if Evan Longoria fell to either of those teams, but that's just not gonna happen for the universally-acknowledged best position player in the draft.

Cincinatti Reds Blog : The Reds have announced that they will be focusing on the best available player when they pick, which is always a good strategy. That being said, with all being equal the Reds will go for a high-ceiling pitcher when a decision is to be made. Since there are a number of college pitchers of roughly equal status, it's hard to focus on any one prospect without knowing who will make it through tothe Reds at number 8.

Orioles Sound Off : The Orioles hold the No. 9 pick in this year’s draft and will most likely use that pick on a power hitting corner infielder or outfielder. As far as speculation for who the Orioles will use their pick on, a few names stand out as most teams will use their first round picks on pitchers, the O’s want to focus on the position players of the draft. Two players that are slated to go a little higher than the O’s No. 9 pick but would be highly coveted are also the two highest ranking position players in the draft.Evan Longoria is a natural third baseman out of Long Beach State University who’s stats speak for themselves: .364 batting average, .491 on base percentage, .613 slugging percentage. If Longoria is around at No. 9, fully expect the Birds to grab him. The highest rated outfielder in the draft is University of Texas centerfielder Drew Stubbs. Stubbs hit .337 with 11 home runs, 48 RBIs and 21 steals for the Longhorns this past year and can play any outfield position. He projects as a centerfielder in the pros but could easily slide into the Orioles vacancy in left field with a solid showing in the minors.The most likely choice for the Orioles, due in part to his impending availability, would be New Jersey high school senior shortstop Bill Rowell. Although a shortstop in high school, the 6’5” 200 lbs. Rowell translates into the prototypical third baseman in the majors. He also reminds some people of the last 6’5” shortstop the Orioles had. Although drafting high school players is always a risky proposition, the Orioles would feel comfortable using their pick on Rowell if the other two collegiate players have already been chosen.

D.A. Humber : As I touched upon, the Jays are in dire need of getting some hitters in their farm system. The team philosophy is drafting college based players, and there doesn’t appear to be any indication that they will deviate from this strategy this year. Looking at players that will probably still be around in the middle of the first round, Matt Antonelli from Wake Forest looks like the type of player that Ricciardi would be most comfortable taking. His athleticism, combined with his great plate discipline and college experience seem like a great fit to the Ricciardi drafting mould. There have been a few rumblings that the team is looking at the falling stock of Matt LaPorta, but I find that without a 2nd and 3rd round pick, I think Ricciardi will play it safe and nab Antonelli.Personally, I'd like for them to address their lack of hitting in next years draft considering this years crop is so poor, and if a guy like Joba Chamberlain falls out of the Top 10 and is available for the Jays at 14, they should take him. I would also be happy to see them take a risk on a guy like Max Scherzer if he is available.
The Good Phight : On The Good Phight, one of our posters announced the results of his participation in a mock draft. His pick was RHP Chris Tillman, a high-schooler. I've also heard the names Matt Antonelli (3B) and Kyle McCulloch (RHP). As I said, my preference would be a College hitter at a position of need -- so probably Antonelli, though I'm no draft expert.

Aaron Gleeman : I would like to see them target major league-ready hitters, which is unfortunately where this draft is particularly weak. Based almost solely on what I've read and heard about each guy, I'd say my targets would be Drew Stubbs, Matt Antonelli, Emmanuel Burriss, Wes Hodges, and Chad Tracy. With that said, I'd be shocked if the Twins ended up with any of those guys simply because of their draft history.

In George We Trust : For their first pick (21st overall), the Yanks will likely do what they've done the past 2-3 years: take the highest ranked available player on their draft board. With the way things are shaping up, they could end up with anyone from Joba Chamberlain to Dellin Betances to Ian Kennedy.Personally, I'm a big Betances fan and would love to see the Yanks go with him at number 21. It's very hard not to like a 6'9" high schooler that already touches the mid-90's. And it certainly doesn't hurt that he's a local kid.

Talking Chop : Atlanta doesn’t pick until #24, but the Braves do have 2 supplemental 1st round picks this year. Trying to determine who they will take that far down is a little tough, but if I had to take an educated guess, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Braves take pitcher Bryan Morris from Motlow State (Tenn.) CC or OF/1B Travis Snider (from Jackson HS in Everett, WA), if he were to fall from his projected mid-teens draft slot. High school pitchers Brent Anderson, Coltem Willems, and Kasey Kiker are all rumored to be favorites of the Braves scouting department as well.Realistically, if it were up to me (and it’s obviously not!), I’d look to the hard throwing North Carolina pitcher Daniel Bard. He’s a big strong kid who isn’t afraid to go after hitters. He’s the type of power pitcher the Braves could really use. I wouldn’t be upset with Bryan Morris either though, and I’d be thrilled if somehow Pedro Beato dropped to 24.

Let's Go Tribe : The Indians don't have a first round pick, but have several picks between picks between the supplemental first round and the supplemental second round. With where they're drafting, I'm fine with them drafting the best player available. All things being equal, though, I'd like to see them draft a college middle infielder in their first few picks. One guy who could be a nice fit for where they're picking is SS Emmanuel Burriss from nearby Kent State.

Q : How would you assess your team's track record of drafting over thelast few years? Are you satistified with the team's scouting and drafting history?

The Royals Corner : The Royals have drafted pretty well in the first round since 2002, but the later rounds have produced little. I'm looking forward to seeing if the new GM Dayton Moore can start to reverse that trend next year.

Purple Row : With the aforementioned Rockies prospects almost all coming from therecent drafts of Bill Schmidt, I would say I'm very happy with the way things have been turning around. This year's surprising Rockies team represents just the first wave of talent coming up in the system, with some really good players yet to appear. Even though a lot of the media attention on the Rockies system is focused on our top notch first round selections ofthe last few years, such as Tulo and Stewart, our real drafting strength has been a little later, in rounds four through twelve where we consistently find at least a couple of overlooked impact prospects. Hawpe, Iannetta, Fowler, Koshansky, and Corey Wimberly are just a few of the players we've found in these slots.Pitching has been a weakness of past drafts, as mostof our best talent in the upper minors has come from international signings and we've had a few upper round selections not pan out as expected. I think with Chaz Roe, Brandon Durden and a couple of other picks, last year's draft might have signalled a change in that trend. I certainly hope so, at least as this year it looks like pitching might be all we can get.

Tiger Tales : The Tiger draft history over the past 25 years has been pretty bad and that's been one of the big reasons for their long drought at the major league level. However, it looks like they may finally have a good player drafting and development staff in place now and things have been better the last few years. Cameron Maybin was an excellent first round pick last year. The year before it was Justin Verlander and he's already paying dividends. Joel Zumaya is another recent pick who is already helping a lot.

6-4-2 : Both clubs have done phenominally well, with both teams' minor league talent appearing in the top 100 prospects in the game and both getting top five system ratings from Baseball America. To say I'm satisfied with how they've done is an understatement, especially lately for the Dodgers, whose player development system fell off the face of the earth; their rookies are coming up and playing very well this year, helping to put to an end the notion that Dodger rookies are all hype.

Cincinatti Reds Blog : The Reds' drafting and development record over the last few years is abysmal. That is a major reason former GM Dan O'Brien was fired, and why Twins assistant Wayne Krivsky was hired this offseason to take his place. Krivsky has been saying all the right things so far and his moves have paid off, so Cincinnati fans are giving him the benefit of the doubt. We hope he can repeat his success with this year's draft.This draft is very important in starting the recovery of the Reds' poor stock of prospects in the minors.

Orioles Sound Off : The Baltimore Orioles have long had largely unsuccessful First-Year Player Drafts. For many years the O’s farm system clubs have been mediocre and the prospects scarce.The Orioles, as of late, have been less futile than in previous years. Yes, 2004 saw Baltimore get spurned by drafting Wade Townsend at No. 8 overall only to have him not sign and reenter the draft the next year. For all those lovers of karma, Townsend blew out his elbow while in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays farm system.The progress the O’s have made in the draft can be best seen by taking a look at the current major league roster. Nick Markakis, chosen No. 7 in the 2003 draft is the Orioles outfielder of the future. Brian Roberts is an all-star second baseman who was chosen with the No. 50 pick by the O’s in 1999. Adam Loewen, the Orioles top choice in 2002 is currently with the big club and recently made his major league debut start against Randy Johnson and the Yankees. He held his own in that start drawing praise from Johnny Damon in the process.

D.A. Humber : The JP Ricciardi regime of scouting has been met with a lot of skepticism in regards to their drafting philosophy. The new scouting objective, run by Canadian Jon Lalond is stiming at times and has deterred the team from sometimes drafting the best talent available at their draft position.The drafting regime has a lot to live up to. When Ricciardi let go of Tom Wilken, he let go of one of the premier scouting directors in the game. Wilken, who now is the director with the Cubs, was a major player behind the Jays’ phenomenal drafting record in the 90s. His drafting still remains a key reason why the Jays are competitive this year with his picks of Alex Rios, Vernon Wells and Roy Halladay. He was also responsible for drafting such superstars as Felipe Lopez, Michael Young and Shannon Stewart.With the team's farm system being pretty depleted right now of potentially explosive talent, and the fact that the Jays haven't really drafted a high end talent since the new philosophy was put in place, I'd like to see a bit of flexibility now that the team has more money at their disposal, and the opportunity use it on more risky propositions.

The Good Phight : From 1998 through 2002, the Phils' first-rounders were Pat Burrell, Brett Myers, Chase Utley, Gavin Floyd and Cole Hamels. Floyd was just demoted, but the other four are on the big-league roster and all playing very well. Further down they selected Jimmy Rollins (2nd Round, 1996), Ryan Howard (5th, 2001), Ryan Madson (9th, 1998) and Geoff Geary (15th, 1998). That's a pretty impressive haul. The problem was that from 2002 on, former GM Ed Wade kept losing picks because of free-agent signings-- none of which got the team over the hump. This year, with a first-round pick and a supplemental from the Mets signing of Billy Wagner, the Phils actually will have three picks in the first 65 selections-- so they will need to find some value with them.

Aaron Gleeman : As with the team in general, the Twins do a fantastic job finding pitching talent and a mediocre job finding hitting talent. They have pumped out great young pitching prospects for a long time already and the pitching depth in the low minors right now is incredibly good. Unfortunately, there might be 2-3 potential impact hitters in the whole organization outside of Mauer, Morneau, and Kubel.

In George We Trust : The Yanks have certainly done a better job of drafting over the last few years, and I think the 2005 draft was their best since 1990, which yielded Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, Ricky Ledee and Shane Spencer. They landed 2 first round talents in Henry and Austin Jackson, and stole Alan Horne - a former first rounder himself - in the 11th round. Throw in closer-in-training JB Cox and leadoff man extraordinaire Brett Gardner, and it's nearly impossible to think last year was the Yanks best draft in almost 2 decades.I'm becoming more and more satisfied with the Yanks scouting, especially since they've landed some nice international signees (none better than Mr. Tabata) to make up for the lack of upper round picks in recent years. Dan Oppenheimer is doing well, but it's still a far cry from the Brian Sabean days.

Talking Chop : I don’t know too many people who haven’t been happy with the way the Braves have drafted over the last decade. Roy Clark (Director of Scouting) has done a tremendous job of replenishing the organization with Major League quality talent. All you have to do is look at the “Baby Braves” of 2005. Atlanta promoted nearly 20 first year players and was still able to capture its 14th straight division title. Recent draftees such as Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur, Kyle Davies, and Saltalamacchia are just a small sample of the type of talent developed within the organization.

Let's Go Tribe : Over the past couple of years, the Indians have drafted much better. Their past first rounders were Trevor Crowe, Jeremy Sowers, Adam Miller, and Brad Snyder. Snyder is struggling at Akron this season,but the other three are doing well, especially Sowers and Crowe. Even 2002 first-rounder Jeremy Guthrie is finally having some success in Buffalo. But they haven't gotten much return on their draft picks since 1996 (with the obvious exception of CC Sabathia) thanks to several bad drafts from 1999-2001.

Dark Comedy

2006-05-23T14:16:00.000-04:00

If the Orioles were a televised phenomenon--and those outside Baltimore know they aren't--they would be a comedic satire.

This reality-based comedy has been running strong for 8 years now with no immediate plans for a finale.

In the latest episode, the Orioles' ace falls to 1-7 on the year, their flamethrowing stud is on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, their most consistent pitcher of a year ago has yet to win a game and their minor league stud who has just called up from the minors gets off the plane and is immediately struck with appendicitis.

You can't make this stuff up. This is gold.

One exasperated fan even predicted, "I wouldn't be surprised if Adam Loewen gets struck by a randomn falling anvil as he gets off the plane." --I wouldn't be surprised either.

God Don't Like the Orange and Black

2006-05-04T11:39:00.000-04:00

Baseball has quite the peculiar history.

Full of strange, unexplained and eerie circumstances, baseball has always had answers for these happenings. Blame the one who created it all.

Curses, spells, magic, slumps, heroics and the divine have always been a part of the game of baseball.

This begs the question: Who does God root for?

Irony would suggest that God obviously cheers for the Yankees. Twenty six world championships, how could God have not had a little something to do with that?

But, would God really embrace a team known as the "Evil Empire?"

Probably. But one thing is certain...

God is not an Orioles fan.

The Orioles, for many years now, have ruined it for God. God was getting interested in the 70's. God was a huge Jim Palmer fan and he absolutely loved Brooks Robinson. God appreciates good third base play.

Then, like many other Orioles fans out there, the O's spurned God. They had so many problems, so much drama it is laughable and God lost interest.

Now, like the rest of the American League East's fans, God considers the Orioles to be a joke. He is currently disregarded their attempts at becoming respectable and, instead, toying with them like a kid pulling the wings off a butterfly.

Team finally coming together? Learning to play well together? God tears of Brian Roberts' wing.

Starters progressing nicely? God uses the sun and a magnifying glass and completely burns off Bruce Chen and Rodrigo Lopez's ability.

Melvin Mora hitting well? God decides to make sure every pitcher beans him at least once.

Am I just venting my frustrations and needlessly throwing the blame at the ethereal? Yes. Why yes I am. But come on, this is getting ridiculous!

How are they still competing? In the span of an inning they lost Miguel Tejada, Brian Roberts and Kevin Millar.

The Orioles starting middle infield was also the All-Star team's starting middle infield last year. Currently, the Orioles middle infielders are named Chris Gomez and Brandon Fahey. Gomez is a utility shortstop and Fahey is a minor league shortstop who weighs about 120 pounds. You can't win like that!

Instead of Brian Roberts, an over .300 hitter and All-Star, the Orioles are leading off with either Fahey, who has about 10 major league at bats, or with Corey Patterson, who despite hitting well as of late has the worst batting eye in history.

Why does God hate the Orioles? Years of frustration. This team looks like it can compete. It just needs some breaks to go its way.

So, God, if you are listening, just leave us alone for like 3 months, if we haven't won you over at all in that time span, by all means, continue spurning the Orioles into eternal damnation.

The Heart of Charm City

2006-04-28T15:12:00.000-04:00

Forget about wins and losses.

Stop thinking about money, that isn't what it's all about.

Are you telling me Baltimore fans just don't care about baseball anymore? Hardly.

Fans of the Baltimore Orioles love baseball, they love the Orioles. Somewhere along the line, the Orioles took their fans for granted.

It takes loyalty to stick around during losing seasons. And loyal they remained. Now eight years since the O's produced a winning record and Orioles fans still want a reason to believe.

The Baltimore Orioles organization have tried many things to right this ship's many wrongs. Well, they've done everything but spend money, anyway. No, what the Orioles brass has to do now is focus on one thing and one thing only: Make Charm City home to Orioles Magic once more.

I don't care if you hate them or love them, the Boston Red Sox have it all.

There is a difference between being passionate about your baseball team and actually bleeding their colors.

If you cut a Red Sox fan he bleeds navy and red. Do O's fans still bleed black and orange?

In the past Orioles baseball has been known as "Orioles Magic." They played baseball the "Oriole Way." What does that mean? Now, it means absolutely nothing. But it did mean something then.

Does winning really matter all that much? Remember the saying, "It's not if you won or lost, it's how you played the game that matters?" Well, it is true. In a way...

I would much rather watch a team that plays with heart, a team that goes out and gives its all, has fun and makes a great show than one that simply wins. The Orioles have the worst of both worlds now, but the magic isn't dead.

There is no such thing as Tampa Bay Devil Ray or Toronto Blue Jay magic. And playing baseball the "Yankee Way" just means that you bought a whole bunch of high-priced talent like baseball ringers.

The Orioles once won with pitching and defense. They can once more.

Camden Yards once was the best place to watch a baseball game. It still is.

The Orioles will figure it all out.

Camden Yards will be filled once more. John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" will be heard by the customary 30,000 fans or more nightly. And more importantly singing will once again ring from Eutaw Street as the Orioles win.

That is a nice thought, isn't it Peter?

My First Rant of the Year (First of Many)

2006-04-10T15:29:00.000-04:00

Trying to find the words for how I feel right now is difficult. How does one translate agony into words?

The most appropriate thing I could say would only come out as a piercing, gut-wrenching scream because the Orioles get under your skin. They fester with their play and it makes loyal fans regret rooting for them.

There is a reason that the loudest cheer heard in Camden Yards this weekend was, "Let's go Red Sox."

That reason is the Orioles incredibly uninspiring play. And it isn't only this team's resounding ability to find new and ever-more exciting ways to fail at producing runs. It isn't only last year's team that found a way, as if there was ever any doubt, to go from scoring runs and winning to the laughing stock of baseball. No, it is so much more than that.

The problem lies with watching every game and the same basic storyline, over and over, until you want to fling the cat at the television.

Brian Roberts singles to start an inning. Luis Matos, in an effort to move the runner over, attempts to bunt. I can assure you Roberts won't be standing on second when the play is over. No, the O's find a way to screw everything up. Matos will bunt too hard giving the pitcher an easy force at first or even a double play. Or maybe Matos misses the first two bunts and is forced to swing away and THEN hits into the double play.

Whatever the case, O's fans should feel privy to the new and creative ways the Orioles find to fail. In a way it is borderline masochistic to be an Orioles fan.

A loyal O's fan is like a physically and emotionally abused spouse who refuses to leave their mate because "deep down he really loves me."

Honestly, I am getting sick of it. Switch teams? No way. I love the Orioles and I will be there to see them rise again. I do believe they are on their way. I love the coaching staff and I think they are building all the right pieces. That being said, somebody shoot me now and save me from 156 more nights of pain, misery and torture.

Thank god Daniel Cabrera only pitches every fifth day or he'd force me to take a long base on balls off a short pier.

Streaks

2006-04-06T13:29:00.000-04:00

I would like to pay homage to two streaks at this time.

Neither one of them is Jimmy Rollins current 38-game hitting streak.

No, I am speaking, of course, of Ramon Hernandez's current streak at the plate in which he has yet to record an out and leads the team with 5 RBI.

Hernandez is 5 for 5 with three walks and a sac fly so far in his short Orioles career. Way to go Ramon. Keep it up.

The other, more fun, streak is one the Yankees are currently sporting. Yes the Axis of Evil is currently mired in a two-game losing streak, well on their way to finishing the season with a sub-par 1-161 record. If the Yanks do manage to lose 161 straight games I think that would be some kind of record.

Isn't that just typical of the Yankees? Even in defeat they always have to be in the spotlight.

Congratulations to the Future

2006-04-06T09:20:00.000-04:00

Let it be known.

Yesterday, the 5th day of April in the year 2006, a star was officially born.

Cooperstown can wait however, because Nick Markakis is just getting started.

During last night's 16-6 thumping of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Markakis batted in the #2 hole in the order, which begged the question, can such a young hitter thrive so high up in the order?

Duh.

With patience well beyond his years, Markakis held back the jitters that must have been running rampant through his body and managed to stay well within his game. He took pitch after pitch waiting for his perfect one, and in his first three at-bats, he didn't find it.

I wonder. Check the record books. Has any player, in their major league debut, ever walked in their first three plate appearances before? Seems highly unlikely.

In his fourth at bat he worked a count in his favor and ended up being robbed of a double for his first major league hit. 0-1.

No matter to Mr. Markakis. Get 'em next time. And get them he did.

In what could end up going down as the first home run in one of the most prolific home run hitters of our children's time, Markakis crushed a shot to deep right field.

Congrats Nick. Keep it up.

Home runs, Chris Ray and those Standings

2006-04-05T09:58:00.000-04:00

Starting off with the negative aspects of Monday's game since there were far more positive ones.

Rodrigo Lopez struggled. He did pitch seven innings, but he labored through most of them and gave up six runs. He didn't have his good stuff and hopefully he can correct that as the year goes on. With that being said...

On to the good stuff.

Brian Roberts

Leading the season off with an infield single up the middle and then diving head first into first base is a hell of a way to come back from a career-threatening injury.

Aside from scaring Sam Perlozzo half to death, Roberts also proved he is tough as nails and isn't going to let a minor thing such as a gruesome injury where his arm was almost detached at the elbow stop him from playing hard all the time. There isn't one single team in the league that wouldn't trade their second baseman for Roberts.

The Dodgers would happily hand back Jeff Kent for B-Rob. The Nationals would give up Jose Vidro AND Alphonso Soriano, and so on.

Luis Matos

Luis came out and had an opening day performance rivaled only by the likes of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

After B-Rob reached in the first, Matos spent his first at bat in the #2 hole bunting him over. Only he bunted way to firm and the Rays were able to get Roberts at second.

To make up for that, Mr. Hyde then stole second base, cutting his nose on his helmet in the process. Later in the game he would homer and become only the second Orioles player to homer on back to back Opening days for the O's.

He looks confident batting in that #2 spot, but he still needs to learn the finer points.

Melvin Mora

I don't have anything bad to say about Mora. He is the consummate professional and the ultimate Oriole. His home run to follow Matos' homer was a line up drive bullet off his bat and he should be given anything he wants.

Miguel Tejada

Miggy slammed his first home run of the season to deep left field and it was a monster shot. Nice to see Tejada swinging a good bat again. We missed you Miggy. Continue that for the rest of the year and our MVP is back. Add some nice plays in the field and Tejada had an excellent game. Sam Perlozzo and O's fans can breath easier. I am actually sleeping better because of it.

Jay Gibbons

Gibbons doubled for the O's, a good sign that Tejada will finally have the protection behind him in the order that will allow him to go for big numbers this year. With a little help from the Gods, Gibbons can stay healthy and have one of his finest seasons as an Oriole. I am thinking 25 home runs and 100 RBI.

Kevin Millar

I could not be more estatic that Kevin Millar is an Oriole. If he didn't go 2-4 with a double on Opening day I would still have been happy, but he did, and if he continues to swing a good bat for the O's, that coupled with his infectiously good attitude will really help the Orioles through tough times. He could easily become the Orioles best offseason acquisition.

Jeff Conine

Honestly, I would rather not have Jeff Conine starting on Opening day in left field. That being said, thank God he did. His home run late in the game solidified the win for the Orioles and showed he could be a highly useful piece to the Orioles puzzle.

Javy Lopez

Only Tejada's game made me happier. Lopez, after having such a horrid spring at the plate, laced a shot to left for an RBI triple. If he snaps out of the slump that held him throughout the spring and can hit well, the O's can have an exceptional offense from top to bottom. Personally, and I don't care how much he complains, I would leave him at the #8 spot in the lineup and at DH. I think he can have a great year at the plate in that combination. He will see loads of good pitches and will turn the lineup over with power.

Ramon Hernandez

He went 3-3, all clutch hits. Like Lopez he had a terrible spring, he busted out of that slump rather nicely. He claims he must have gotten lucky. Let us hope that is just modesty because if Hernandez can continue to hit than every spot of the order can produce and produce with power. What was supposed to be a rather weak offense is shaping together extremely nicely.

Chris Ray

You're the man now, dog. Chris Ray's nickname should be Bulldog because that is what he reminds me of. He bears down, throws hard and works quick. Ray earned his first big league save on Monday and it should be the first of many. All hail the Bulldog.

Standings

Just look at them, so pretty. O's in first. Yankees and Red Sox both lost last night. So pretty.

Markakis Watch

Look for the Greek God of Baseball to be in the starting lineup in center for the O's Wednesday night against the Devil Rays. Hopefully he will bat second.

In my opinion here is Wednesday's line up:

1) Brian Roberts--2b
2) Nick Markakis--CF
3) Melvin Mora--3b
4) Miguel Tejada--SS
5) Jay Gibbons--RF
6) Kevin Millar--1b
7) Javy Lopez--DH
8) Ramon Hernandez--C
9) Corey Patterson--LF (or David Newhan)

Miguel Tejada's Big Day

2006-03-29T14:56:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know already, that title is sarcasm.

Miguel Tejada had the sort of day that makes me want to vomit. He went 0-3. All three times up there were runners in scoring position. In the first inning he hit into a double play and followed that up with strike outs the next two plate appearances.

So that is three times up and four outs he created.

He is a dead weight in the middle of the order. Why is he playing so badly?

It just seems like there is something going on inside his head that deals with something much larger than baseball. Tejada has spent his career being so solid and unflappable, however, since the all-star break last season he has been anything but solid. He has been downright weak.

For the O's to have any shot at competing in the AL East he must be the Tejada of old, but after a full spring and a stint at the World Baseball Classic it just doesn't look like vintage Tejada will be available.

Sam Perlozzo better figure something out very quickly or his star may suffer the worst season of his career leaving the Orioles with possibly their worst (could it get any worse?) season yet.

Effort

2006-03-28T13:54:00.000-05:00

Miguel Tejada said it best when he said sometimes the Orioles need a wake-up call from their manager to get their heads in the right place and to get them to play hard.

Do you wanna call bullshit, or should I?

Is it just me or should the Orioles have plenty of reasons to be motivated and want to play hard already?

How about nine losing seasons in a row. How about playing for a new manager. How about a young and imposing pitching staff.

I don't think the Orioles should need any pep talks to play hard.

I am getting sick of Miguel Tejada. All of a sudden he is having problems going to his left? Are you kidding? All of a sudden he has stopped hitting for power and isn't driving in runs? What happened to him?

Why are the Orioles not playing hard all the time? Brian Roberts does. Melvin Mora does. Looks like Nick Markakis will. What about the rest of the team?

The pitchers let bad fielding bother them into leaving balls to be crushed by waiting hitters, the fielders don't back up their pitching by making bonehead plays in the field.

I am getting sick of hearing about effort. Play hard all the time or don't play at all.

Brian Roberts Makes Me Giddy Like A Schoolgirl

2006-03-21T10:28:00.000-05:00

Seriously, if you could only see the mile-wide smile on my face right now.

B-Rob will play in his first game, Tuesday, since that incredible jerk, Bubba Crosby, hideously injured our Oriole hero at the end of last season.

If everything goes smoothly from here on, O's fans will watch #1 leadoff on opening day and I couldn't be happier.

With every swing Roberts singled, doubled and homered his way into the hearts of Orioles fans last year. And, without him, the O's would have less of a chance than they already do this year.

So be glad he is back. I was lucky enough to be there when they called him up to the Majors. I remember wondering who that small frame was that just hit a Grand Slam to win the game for the O's all those years ago. Now, he's a star.

His star is so bright in fact, he has fans who know nothing of baseball or the Orioles.

While I was attending a party a week ago I was fortunate to begin talking to a very goodlooking female and the conversation somehow turned in a way forcing me to reveal my favorite baseball team. So, of course, I said the Orioles.

The look that jolted through her body and finally settled on her face was one of delight.

"The Orioles!" she exclaimed. "Brian Roberts is on the Orioles!"

Well, I couldn't disagree with her, so I asked her if she was an Orioles fan. She said she was because of B-Rob but didn't really follow baseball other than that. She just saw him once and fell in love.

In fact, as it turns out, her entire apartment consisting of four girls, none of which are baseball fans, who fawn over the Orioles second baseman.

I was shocked to see that B-Rob has such a following.

And while I am extremely excited to see him in uniform again I am equally excited to gush over those bulging biceps and those devastatingly good looks.

That's right I said it. Any guy who bats .314 with 18 home runs and plays a stellar second base for my team is hot.

Melvin Mora Catches the Bus

2006-03-15T16:57:00.000-05:00

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.

O's Notes and Various Thoughts on Other Sports Topics

2006-03-13T11:06:00.000-05:00

The boys are back in town--some of them. And by boys I mean Bruce Chen and Erik Bedard--not Adam Loewen, he was cut. And by town I mean Fort Lauderdale.

Chen is like a walking billboard for the World Baseball Classic. But, he also pitched very well, and if he continues to pitch like he did in the WBC the Orioles will be very happy this season.

Bedard pitched great as well. And Rodrigo Lopez and Daniel Cabrera are still pitching well for their respective teams.

The Orioles are going to have a fun team this year. There is no doubt about it. With Kevin Millar and Jeff Conine, even if they aren't winning, they will be lovable losers. Last year they were dejected and couldn't stand to play with each other because of certain cancers in the clubhouse--named Sosa and Palmeiro and Mazzilli.

Bye bye. This year will be fun. Cowboy up and Gibby and B-Rob. Miggy and Niner. A young pitching staff. The Orioles are something I am looking forward to. I can't wait for the season to start.

One season that I am glad is finally over: Maryland Terrapins men' s basketball.

Yes, Maryland is my team. My father went there. I have had season tickets since I was 11 years old and a guy named Joe Smith was ACC Freshman of the Year.

I have always loved Maryland basketball. Always passionate. They always played with heart. Win or lose, they were great to watch.

Nick Caner-Medley, I am sorry to say that I will not miss you or the misfits that you call your recruiting class. John Gilchrist, who? Chris McCray, way to fail when your team needed you most. Travis Garrison, body like an NBA power forward and game like a middle-school point guard.

These guys stunk it up for four years. OK they won the ACC Tournament in 2002. Big deal. Gilchrist played amazing in those games and never played that way in a Maryland uniform again.

They played devoid of heart and emotion. They played unlike their coach. Caner-Medley has the talent, but when he tried to take the team on his shoulders he just forced shots. Maryland played no defense. They couldn't shoot or score for minutes at a time.

I am just sick of it. Ready to move on from four years of futility since the National Championship. This team missed the NCAA Tournament for two years running. That is unheard of for Maryland. What happened? They went from being a top team in the ACC every single year to being an afterthought.

I am glad to see all this year's seniors go, and can't wait until the next few years because of one man named Eric Hayes. 6'3", white guy, coaches son, fundamental, sound a lot like Steve Blake? Yes. I am giddy.

Washington Redskins went from having a sickly Wide Receiving corps to having a sick one.

They became the new "greatest show on turf," the new "posse" and the new "smurfs" in one expensive weekend.

Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El, Brandon Lloyd and David Patten. All speedsters, all could take it to the house on a bubble screen and all are highlight reel receivers. If they all play hard and adopt the Joe Gibbs attitude, AND if they have a healthy arm to get them the ball, the 2006 Redskins offense could be special.

Again, I am excited.

The Skins are going to rock next year, Maryland won't piss me off anymore (hopefully) and the O's are going to be fun to follow.

I am optimistic.

Oh, and there is a World Baseball Classic still going on...

Orioles in the World Baseball Classic, Day 2

2006-03-09T10:51:00.000-05:00

With the fact that half of the Orioles team in playing in the World Baseball Classic also comes the fact that nobody cares what the O's are doing in Spring Training.

Go Desi Relaford, yay. Woooo. Who cares, he won't be on the team come April. Just my opinion.

Sure, the big club has some intriguing young prospects and holes to fill, and the fact that, with the O's regulars gone, it gives these players more chances to develop and prove themselves is intriguing, but...I'll just say it, who cares?

Nick Markakis I care about. I want to see how Corey Patterson does (2 HRs and 2 walks already is an excellent sign). I care that Kevin Millar and Jeff Conine get into the swing of things so they can have productive years. I want David Newhan to come back strong from his off year ( so far, so good).

These things I don't care about (and the paper writes about it because, well, the O's are boring with their players):

1) Eli Whiteside making a name for himself:

Wow! You are kidding? The middle-aged minor league catcher is making a name for himself, big deal. The fourth stringer gets a chance to prove he belongs. Belongs where? Triple A? What is he going to prove? That he is the best fourth string catcher the Orioles have?

There is the outside chance that he could beat out Geranimo Gil and become the team's third string catcher, and yes, I understand that would be a big deal for Whiteside who could then break camp on the big league roster. But, truthfully, no one cares if he does or not because he won't play for the O's unless something drastic happens (see last year and Sal Fasano, better yet, just try and forget).

Honestly, I am much more interested in seeing how well Gil does catching for Team Mexico. And he hasn't done half bad, either.

2) Lefty in the bullpen:

Yes, I am definitely interested in this because it can really make or break a season and the O's need lefty relief--any kind of relief for that matter--bad.

However, before I wet my pants about Franklyn Gracesqui or Tim Byrdak or Eric DuBose managing to get somebody out, let me point out that these people are still named Gracesqui, Byrdak and DuBose.

Out of those three people, all of them will most likely make the Orioles opening day roster, and, out of those three people, two of them are mediocre at best (Byrdak and DuBose), and the other is highly unproven and has yet to reach speeds in the 90's even though he is supposed to be able to throw 99 to 100 mph.

The bullpen will not be too strong this year, I am resigned to that fact. And no amount of paying attention to spring training will change that. The good news is that if anyone has been watching the Orioles in the WBC, you start to feel giddy about that starting pitching.

Who knows? Maybe the O's can just pitch a complete game, or at least eight innings, every night.

3) Who is going to win the battle in left field?

Nick Markakis. Next question!

With that being said, on to the important stuff.

Orioles in the World Baseball Classic:

Luis Matos, Puerto Rico: Matos is still battling for his centerfield job with the Orioles even though he is playing in the WBC. And he is coming through. Matos went 2-3 with two doubles and a walk in Team Puerto Rico's last game, an 8-3 win.

Javy Lopez, Puerto Rico: Two O's in Team Puerto Rico's lineup had good days. Javy smashed a solo home run in the win.

Adam Loewen, Canada: So the Orioles need left-handed relievers do they? Well, Adam Loewen may not be ready to be a starter in the big leagues but after thoroughly dominating the United States All-Star team and helping Team Canada defeat the US, Loewen is looking more and more like stud he is supposed to become. Why not put the young lefty in the O's bullpen for spot and long relief duty? Think about it Sam...

Bruce Chen, Panama: Panama may have lost in extra innings to an excellent Cuba team but that should not take away from the spirited performance they delivered, and it all started with Chen. Chen was nearly untouchable for Panama pitching an unheard of five innings while only throwing 50 pitches. Chen looks like he can only improve on last year's breakout season.

I enjoyed watching my favorite Orioles perform in the WBC yesterday. More so than Spring Training, these games mean something, and the efforts put forth by the bird's representatives is uplifting. I look forward to enjoying their performances throughout the WBC and even more so when they return to the O's for the 2006 campaign.

Markakis Watch #2 | Orioles in the World Baseball Classic, Day 1

2006-03-08T13:59:00.000-05:00

Well, all good things must come to an end.

But, are you kidding me? I was reading the Baltimore Sun Sports section today and as I glanced over their "Who's Hot and Who's Not" article I found they listed Nick Markakis as Not.

The young slugger who, before yesterday's 10-6 loss to the Red Sox, had reached base in 10 out of 11 at-bats, went 0-3 in the game.

He went 0-3 in a single game and the Sun says he isn't hot. Well, now he has reached base in 10 out of his last 14 at-bats.

(The sound of me getting out my calculator)

That would make Mr. Markakis' new on-base percentage an abysmal .710. Ouch.

In contrast, someone who is Hot, Kevin Millar (and don't get me wrong he is doing very well) is only sporting a batting average of around .340. Markakis, after his doughnut, is batting a frail .600.

So, the kid is obviously human, maybe he isn't a Greek God afterall. But, hey, didn't some of the Gods eat their own children and kill their parents?

I don't know where I was going with that but bottom line, Nick Markakis isn't worried about his 0-3 performance just yet.

Orioles in the WBC

Erik Bedard, Canada: Bedard pitched extremely well in the opening round matchup with South Africa. Bedard went four innings, only giving up two hits and striking out six South African hitters. That is pretty impressive, even if it was against arguably the worst team in the tournament.

Miguel Tejada, Dominican Republic: Republica de Dominicana domini-dominiated Johan Santana and Team Venezuela with David Ortiz leading the way with two home runs. Miguel Tejada, however, did not dominate. His line: 1-6, 3 K's. Didn't Tejada used to never strike out? Miggy, please put up a better showing next game, you are making Orioles fans everywhere a little nervous.

Rodrigo Lopez, Mexico: Mexico lost in a close, hard fought battle with the United States, 2-0. Lopez, Mexico's starting pitcher did excellent for having to face a lineup that reads like the ultimate All-Star team. Rodrigo went four innings and only gave up three hits, one of which being a home run to Derrek Lee.

Markakis Watch #1

2006-03-07T12:07:00.000-05:00

He definitely needs a nickname.

So, why not? The Greek God of Baseball strikes fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers.

The Mykynos Masher. The Oriole from Mt. Olympus.

In any case, he did it again.

During the Orioles spring training victory over the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday, Markakis added to his already stupid numbers by going 2-2, both hits being doubles. His on-base percentage for the Spring is a robust .909 as, so far, he' s managed to get on base 10 out of the 11 times he's stepped to the plate.

Markakis has 3 walks to go along with 4 singles, 2 doubles and a home run, and, his only out came on a screaming line drive that the fielder had to make a good play to get.

In fact, his numbers and obvious skills thus far have made such an impression that he is the topic of nearly every reporter's question, not to mention the last two blogs I've written.

Orioles right fielder, Jay Gibbons, when asked who Markakis' game can be compared with, said, with a straight face, Babe Ruth.

While the Sultan of Swat may be a bit of an exaggeration at this point, Gibbons did also say that Markakis makes unbelieveable contact for a player at his age. Gibbons also said that he has yet to see Markakis swing and miss.

The Tzatziki Terror: Coming to a Major League Ballpark near you, April '06.

Nick Mark(akis)'s the Spot

2006-03-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

Are you serious?

The Orioles--and all of Major League Baseball--knew Nick Markakis would be a special player, but they weren't ready to give him a roster spot just yet. He isn't ready, right?

It may be time to think again.

The Greek God of Orioles Baseball--as myself and at least one other person calls him--is tearing up spring training pitching so far and giving the Orioles a tough, yet oh so sweet, decision to make.

After reaching base in eight of his first nine plate appearances, including a home run against the Washington Nationals, Markakis has the Orioles smiling like kids in a candy store and saying, "Hidalgo, Matos, Conine, Millar and Newhan who?"

Many highly prized young talents hit the Minor League's and dominate rookie ball and A-ball and then smash into a wall of mediocrity when they go against upper-level pitching, Markakis--probably an upper-level pitcher himself--has only gotten better and more dominant with his rise in the organization.

Oh and, by the way, I take full credit in discovering Mr. Markakis, having been on the field with him and speaking with his family the day he signed his original contract after being drafted in the first round. (ok, not really, but it was still cool.)

A jumbled and cloudy Orioles outfield--only Jay Gibbons has job security in right--can become as clear as an epiphony if Markakis can excel as the left fielder.

A young and highly talented group of Matos or Patterson, Gibbons and Markakis is a powerful combination, turning last year's pitiful outfield production into a potential all-star studded situation.

Markakis will be a great pro. Only when his reign of terror against AL pitching will begin remains to be seen. However, the future is bright. The Orioles have built and built and now have such a wonderful core of young and upcoming superstars that their losing days look like they can soon be coming to an end.

Without a starting pitcher over the age of 30, an infield that has already been the starting lineup at an All-Star game and now, a young and talented outfield, the Orioles look to be heading in the right direction.

It may not be this year, however some analysts believe they can compete (me), but soon. The O's are building in all the right places and it begins and ends with the future new God of Mount Eutaw Street.

Possible 2007 Orioles line-up...(and beyond)

1) Brian Roberts -- 2b--29 years old
2) Nick Markakis--LF--23 years old
3) Melvin Mora--3b--34 years old
4) Miguel Tejada--SS--30 years old
5) Javy Lopez--DH--35 years old
6) Jay Gibbons--RF--29 years old
7) Val Majewski--1b--25 years old
8) Ramon Hernandez--C--30 years old
9) Luis Matos or Corey Patterson--CF--28 and 27 years old respectively

Avg. Age: 29 years old

That is a young, powerful and pretty speedy starting line up. All of the above mentioned players have either been an All-Star or have All-Star potential.

Rotation:
1) Daniel Cabrera--24 years old
2) Erik Bedard--26 years old
3) Kris Benson--32 years old
4) Adam Loewen--22 years old
5) Rodrigo Lopez--30 years old

Other possible starters include:
Bruce Chen--30 years old
Hayden Penn--22 years old

Closer:
Chris Ray--24 years old

Avg. Age: 26 years old

As you can clearly see, the future is bright and the Orioles are jam packed with up and coming homegrown talent.

It is finally time to see these baby birds take flight.

Picking Up Where They Left Off

2006-03-03T12:27:00.000-05:00

Who remembers last year?

Who can recall that the Orioles struggled to get base hits and score runs?

Who recollects the garbage that was the Orioles offense during the second half of last season?

I do. And guess what?

They're back!!!

Sure, Dontrelle Willis is one of the league's top pitchers but this was the first spring training game and hitters are supposed to prosper over pitchers this early in camp. Maybe the D-Train was on his game, but come on, the O's offense was still almost non-existant.

Six hits in a spring training game? Not acceptible.

The anemic offense must pick up, everyone knows that. I am not saying that this opening spring game is any kind of indication on how the Orioles will hit during the regular season, that would be ridiculous and unfair, but it would make me feel better if the O's could put some runs on the board, get some base hits, and, some home runs would be nice too.

At least he got a run-scoring hit

You want to trust Luis Matos. Want to think he will put last year behind him and become the player he was destined to be.

And he came through in the Orioles first spring game when he laced a run-scoring single, one of the only hits the O's could muster.

But, it seems, with Luis anyway, that good always is coupled with bad. And the bad eventually happened.

Miguel Cabrera lifted deep shot to center and Matos made a great play to get to it and then, oops. The ball bounced off his mitt and the result was a triple for Cabrera. Not the impression you want to make when you are vying for a starting position, especially when it will be the only impression you can make for a while due to the World Baseball Classic.

Lopez passed his first(base) test

Hallelujah! Now pass the next one.

And freakin stop trying to catch grounders like a catcher. I don't care if it is efficient, you look like you don't know what you are doing. Mike Piazza looked dumb doing it and you do too!

Repeat after me, Javy, "I will not drop to my knees when a ground ball comes my way," again, "I will not drop to my knees when a ground ball comes my way," one more time, "I will not drop to my knees when a ground ball comes my way."

Good. Now do it again!

Sal Fasano sighting

While playing beer pong in a local New York City bar last night, I happened to glance at the taped version of that day's exhibition game between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Geriatric-Yankees.

My jaw dropped as the Phillies' catcher threw out a speedy runner at 2nd and I realized that catcher was none other than former Oriole backup, Sal Fasano.

And I hate Sal Fasano.

Sure, he did the best he could for the O's when they lost Javy last year, but that is no excuse. That man should be bagging groceries or fixing cars, not playing baseball.

Sure, he has his fair share of home runs for the O's last year, but in between the home runs was, most of the time, a sure strike out. The man swings and misses like he was intentionally swatting at something other than the ball.

He is Pedro Serrano from the movie, "Major League." The man can not hit a breaking pitch. Give him a fat fastball right over the plate and he is all over it, but give him a curveball, low and away in the strike zone and it is whiff city, with a capital W. (sorry for the bad Dick Vitale reference)

So, good luck Sal, you need it. Oh, and Phillies: God have mercy on your souls if he makes the team.

World Baseball Classic--Oriole on Oriole Violence and a Sense of Pride

2006-03-01T09:58:00.000-05:00

Picture this:

Mexico has made it far into the tournament, led by its ace pitcher Rodrigo Lopez.

Dominican stars Daniel Cabrera and Miguel Tejada are excited to be leading their star-studded team.

Panama, says New York Yankees (Geriatrics) closer Mariano Rivera, has no shot of advancing, but the smooth pitching of Bruce Chen has brought them a few victories.

Even Canada is doing well with Erik Bedard dominating the U.S.A. in a shutout victory and then Adam Loewen completing the victory against South Korea.

But now, picture this:

Cabrera unleashes a wicked 100 mph fastball at the head of the opposing hitter, he just let one get away from him. Venezuela's Ramon Hernandez tries to get out of the way of the speeding bullet but it hits him in the head causing a concussion and a delay to the start of his season.

It is one thing if a Roger Clemens fastball hits Tejada because they aren't teammates. But you don't want hardcore competition among teammates do you?

These scenarios are all highly unlikely and the truth is that nothing like this will probably happen, but, what if...

This WBC will create rivalry. But not Yankees vs. Red Sox vs. Orioles (we wish) type of rivalry. No, this is the type of rivalry that is based in pride of country.

Think about it.

Obviously Tejada and David Ortiz and Pedro and Vladimir Guerrero all think that baseball from the Dominican is tops. Bruce Chen wants to prove that Panama is no pushover. Jason Bay, Erik Bedard and company thinks even Canada can strip itself of its Olympic hockey blunders and advance in the WBC.

This isn't the pride of fans. This is pride of players. Later this season, when Baltimore takes a trip to Boston to play the hated Red Sox what will happen?

We all know that Miguel Tejada and David Ortiz are close friends. But, will they know get together with the binding spirit of triumphant Dominicans, or be separated by the hate-hate Oriole-Red Sox relationship?

I wanna see hate. Playful hate, but hate. I don't want Ortiz and Tejada laughing about Chen's Panamanian losers or Bedard's pitiful Canuck showing.

Now, I am not saying the Dominicans will win and the Canadians and Panama teams will lose, but it works both ways. I want team unity. I don't want the fact that they represented their own country to outweigh the fact that they first and foremost represent their Major League Baseball team.

That is the problem with baseball these days. It has become such a business that rivalry dies out amongst the players.

Look at College Sports. Duke and North Carolina hate each other. Maryland hates Duke. Florida and Florida State and Miami's feelings towards one another aren't much better. And these aren't the feelings of the fans, but of the players who meet face-to-face on the field of battle.

Sure, Orioles fans hate the Yankees. Hate everything about them. The fans, hate 'em. The team, hate 'em. A-Rod, a nancy boy. But, do the Orioles players hate the Yankees?

They may be frustrated by the fact that they can not seem to finish above them in the standings but I assure you, the teams do not mind each other.

If you ask a Bostonian what the worst act of treason they have ever witnessed was, they wouldn't give you some historical reference. They would point to this baseball offseason.

Johnny Damon in a Yankees uniform? Unheard of! Preposterous! Fact.

How could Yankee killer #1 join his most hated rival? Easy. He doesn't really hate them. Sure he gets caught up in the hoopla surrounding the fans about the rivalry, but, deep down, it isn't about I'm from Boston and you New York for Damon. It is about winning, and, more importantly, money.

And now, with the World Baseball Classic approaching, all players, yes, I said players, can talk about is representing and rooting for their countries. They are playing for something other than money. They are playing for pride. Pride of a nation. Pride of their upbringing. In many cases, pride of their struggle.

Pride. It used to be what Major Leaguers played for all the time.

Let's hope that all this pride makes the players realize that, once the WBC is over, they have 162 more pride-filled games to go.

Welcome 2006--Wish It Was April, May The O's Not Suck

2006-02-14T15:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome back O's fans!

It's great to see you.

Well, we are almost there. Spring Training began this week, this is the time to get excited.

Let's just hope it isn't the only time O's fans will be excited this year.

Spring Training is truly the purest and most hopeful time of year for any sport. Sure, football has its preseason, but it doesn't compare in length, and in spirit, to that of Spring Training. Every team thinks it can compete for the World Series Championship.

Speculation looms, players and teams take shape and the fans get the chance to see the shell of the team they will be following for 162 regular season games take form.

For the 2006 Baltimore Orioles many questions must be answered.

But, most of all, let us take a minute to appreciate what the Orioles did in terms of coaching staff and front office in this offseason. Above any player movement, the O's added class and superior coaching, as well as baseball smarts to their 2006 effort.

With Sam Perlozzo beginning his first season as Manager, it is my contention that the O's finally have the clubhouse leader they needed.

But why would Perlozzo be any better than Ray Miller, Mike Hardgrove or Lee Mazzilli before him?

Simple, Ray Miller was a pitching coach who didn't harness the ability to manage a team, Mike Hargrove, an excellent and proven manager fell into a tight situation rich with mediocre talent, a nothing minor league system and a GM who couldn't tie his own shoes, let alone gather the players that could bring Baltimore back to contention. Mazzilli, although not hampered by these burdens because since Hargrove, Baltimore has maintained a much better farm system and seemingly loaded itself with offensive weapons if not pitching talent, however, Mazzilli didn't garner his player's respect. Also, he had too many clubhouse personalities that were detrimental to the team.

So here we are, with Perlozzo, the long-time bench coach who knows, and loves, the O's. The players love and respect him. And, he brought in the kind of players you build a team around, proven winners with attitudes that make a team a family, not tear them apart.

This brings us to the addition of Leo Mazzone. And what an addition it is. Is there any pitching coach in the league more respected and with a better track record? No.

The Orioles have a plethora of young pitching talent, many of which have staff ace and cy young ability. If anyone can get them pitching up to their ability, it is Leo Mazzone. And he is already making a difference.

Now, on to the questions...

1) How will Miguel Tejada respond to the B-12 conspiracy and after rescinding trade demands?

That is easy. He must perform. And perform well.

Granted, Tejada acted less like a team leader this offseason, and more like a whiny baby always used to getting his way. This is going to have to stop right now. I want to believe that Miggy really was attempting to give the Orioles front office a jolt by saying trade me or get better. I really do think he may have had the Orioles best interest at heart, but he went about it the wrong way.

Still, after all, the talk about Tejada jumping ship has made the Orioles make some moves and now Tejada is at least content.

With that being said, he must be the leader he once was. He must be jovial in the clubhouse and inspirational on the field. His meager 98 RBIs will have to be majorly improved if the Orioles are to contend.

2) Will Leo Mazzone be able to mold the young staff into a formidble pitching machine?

His work in Atlanta being a thing of legend, Mazzone comes to the O's with some giant tasks ahead of him.

It's doable, I think. I hope.

Look at the talent he has to work with: A former #1 draft pick and collegiate dominator in Kris Benson, a 6'7" fireballer who tops out at a delicate 101 mph in Daniel Cabrera, a crafty young pitcher with Maddux-esque stuff who dominated the American League for 3 solid months before being injured in Erik Bedard, a proven top of the rotation guy and inning eater in Rodrigo Lopez and finally a late-blooming flower in Bruce Chen.

All in all, this O's pitching staff is healthy, has the front-line guy it so needed, and still, it is very young. The arms have great game experience at the major league level already, and Mazzone may be able to mold their raw talents into pristine starting pitching.

I hope.

3) Who will play centerfield? And for that matter, right field? And for that matter, I want to see Nick Markakis already!

The Centerfield Sweepstakes has two major players and O's fans are divided on who they want to see win the position.

If you are like me, you have developed an affection for Luis Matos and you want him to succeed. If Matos can begin to hit like everyone in the organization knows he can then O's fans want him in the lineup. He is still a fan favorite in Baltimore.

Corey Patterson, on the other hand, has superstar quality. He has already excelled at the major league level and his solid power numbers bring something that O's fans desire, a home-run hitting centerfielder.

Both are still young, and the Orioles feel that Patterson will come back strong from his dismal season last year. In fact, both Matos and Patterson has negative seasons and both hope to prove their worth this year. Obviously, O's fans hope both can become their productive selves creating a situation where no matter who is patrolling center, they can glove, they can run and most importantly, they can hit.

Left field is a different story. Although everyone in Baltimore wants to see Nick Markakis shine and grow into the superstar that he is destined to become, he is still at least a year away from a permanent place on the Orioles big league roster, according to the Orioles front office.

So in his stead, you have a few choices, like last year. Only last year's choices of Larry Bigbie, B.J. Surhoff, David Newhan and then, later, Eric Byrnes left something to be desired. This year's choices, however, come not only with talent but with big league moxy and clubhouse leadership. Kevin Millar and Jeff Conine are two new Orioles acquisitions who know how to run a clubhouse. While in Boston and Florida, respectively, they shined as team leaders. And both, although getting older, can hit and field. And both, can also play first base.

Here, my friends, is a look at your 2006 Opening Day Starter projections:
1) Brian Roberts (if healthy)--2B
2) Melvin Mora--3B
3) Miguel Tejada--SS
4) Javy Lopez--DH
5) Jay Gibbons--RF
6) Richard Hidalgo--LF
7) Ramon Hernandez--C
8) Kevin Millar--1B
9) Corey Patterson--CF

Starting Pitching:
1) Kris Benson
2) Rodrigo Lopez
3) Erik Bedard
4) Daniel Cabrera
5) Bruce Chen

Projected Depth Chart (by position) :

First Base
1) Kevin Millar
2) Jeff Conine
3) Javy Lopez
4) Chris Gomez
5) Jay Gibbons
6) Val Majewski (?)
7) Walter Young (?)

Second Base
1) Brian Roberts
2) Chris Gomez
3) Bernie Castro (?)

Shortstop
1) Miguel Tejada
2) Chris Gomez

Third Base
1) Melvin Mora
2) Chris Gomez
3) David Newhan
4) Fernando Tatis (?)

Catcher
1) Ramon Hernandez
2) Javy Lopez
3) Geranimo Gil

Left Field
1) Jeff Conine
2) Richard Hidalgo
3) Kevin Millar
4) Luis Matos
5) David Newhan

Right Field
1) Jay Gibbons
2) Jeff Conine
3) Kevin Millar
4) David Newhan

Center Field
1) Corey Patterson
2) Luis Matos
3) David Newhan
4) Nick Markakis (?)

Final 25 Man Roster Projection:

#1--Brian Roberts
#6--Melvin Mora
#9--Geranimo Gil
#10--Miguel Tejada
#11--David Newhan
#13--Rodrigo Lopez
#14--Chris Gomez
#15--Kevin Millar
#17--Corey Patterson
#18--Javy Lopez
#19--Jeff Conine
#23--LaTroy Hawkins
#27--Bruce Chen
#31--Jay Gibbons
#32--Luis Matos
#34--Kris Benson
#35--Daniel Cabrera
#36--John Parrish
#37--Chris Ray
#40--Tim Byrdak
#53--Todd Williams
#54--John Halama
#55--Ramon Hernandez
#91--Franklyn Gracesqui

Walter and the Young Stars Look to the Future

2005-09-16T23:55:00.000-04:00

Imagine that.

I seem to remember saying earlier in the season that if Walter Young were brought up instead of Midre Cummings, it would be of greater benefit to the Orioles.

Was I right? Or was I right!

Walter Young has been inspiring for an Orioles team that has long since resided in the fact that they will, once again, miss the playoff, and, once again, probably finish in 4th place.

Since being called up, he has appeared in seven games and has 15 at bats. He is hitting .400 and has managed to belt a mammoth, jaw-dropping blast of a home run.

In fact, it has been the baby birds who, through the painful end of this dismal season, have played with the most inspiration. They give the future of the birds hope.

Melvin Mora and Miguel Tejada have been less than spectacular down the stretch, but we all know they will come back to form in the coming years.

But it is the core of young players that excites Baltimore the most about the upcoming seasons. Whether it be the gargantuan frame of Walter Young, the speed of Bernie Castro, the all-around ability of Nick Markakis, or the fireball abilities of Daniel Cabrera, Aaron Rakers, John Maine and Chris Ray, the O's youngin's have plenty of ability and plenty of excitement.

Imagine a lineup of Brian Roberts, Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada, Walter Young, Nick Markakis, Javy Lopez, Jay Gibbons, Luis Matos and Bernie Castro, with Eric Byrnes, David Newhan and Chris Gomez coming off the bench.

Imagine a rotation of Daniel Cabrera, John Maine, Erik Bedard, Bruce Chen and Rodrigo Lopez--still think Peter Angelos should spend money on some front-line pitching.

These lineups and rotations are solid. In fact, I would take that lineup any day of the week. The most important factor: Youth. When you take away B.J. Surhoff--not that Surhoff hasn't been the ultimate Oriole--Raphael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa, you are taking away old bodies who slump easily.

Youthful exuberance, that is what can turn a team around. Case in point, Atlanta Braves.

So look to the future O's fans, although you really have no choice in the matter. Look to the future because it may be bright. The young Orioles have much talent and all have a thirst for the game.

Look to the future because for half a year the Orioles were in first place in the AL East. That could signal things to come. Maybe next year they will last longer atop the eastern division. Maybe not. But maybe.

Maybe.

Where in the World is Orioles Soundoff

2005-09-10T10:14:00.000-04:00

Well, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I am sorry to say that, in case you haven't noticed, Orioles Soundoff hasn't been around much lately.

No, the shop hasn't closed up. No, I am not fed up with the Orioles play...yet. I just went through a move from South Florida to Hoboken, N.J., with a detour in Bloomington, Ind.

So it is known precisely the trials and tribulations that I have dealt with to get back to you today, I will now give you a day-by-day recap of my absence. I will start with Friday, September 2nd.

Friday, Sept. 2: Woke up in my bedroom at my house in Parkland, Fla. At approximately 1:00 p.m. I hopped on a plane headed for Bloomington, Ind., for my cousin's wedding. We arrived in Indianapolis--about and hour's drive from Bloomington--at around 5:00 p.m. I quickly changed into some nicer clothes and attended the Friday night wedding dinner. Had some drinks, got a little tipsy, went to White Castle for tastly sliders and then went to bed.

Saturday, Sept. 3: Awoke early in the morning on account that my room, that I shared with my brother was too loud to sleep anymore. My family and I had a free day in Bloomington before the wedding so we decided to drive to a little antiquing town where we spent day searching for that perfect little knick knack. Upon returning to the hotel, we had to change into our tuxedos and head to the wedding. I was walking my Grandmother down the aisle. The wedding last throughout the night, it was a lovely ceremony and an excellent party as well. Congratulations Sarah and Adam.

Sunday, Sept. 4: Forced to wake up at 7:30 a.m. for an hour drive back to Indianapolis to get on a plane to fly home to South Florida. Returned to Florida around 11:00 a.m., where I promptly finished packing my car. At approx. noon, my father and I began our drive to Hoboken. It would take 18 hours. On Sunday, however, we drove about 8 hours until we got to Sumter, S.C., where we stopped for the night.

Monday, Sept. 5: Woke up early again so that we could play some golf. We found a beautiful course in Sumter, S.C., and played nine holes. After golf we got back in the car and continued on our journey to Hoboken. We drove for about 6 hours on this day until we reached Washington D.C. We met our friends Norman and Lad for drinks and dinner and made sure to watch the Florida State-Miami college football game. We drank some, the hotel had a hot tub that we took advantage of, we eventually passed out.

Tuesday, Sept. 6: Again we rose early to get a head start on the final leg of our journey to Hoboken. We only had about 3 hours remaining and we wanted to complete the trek as soon as possible. Upon getting to Hoboken we double parked on the street outside my apartment and began unloading the car. After about 30 minutes bringing my belongings up three flights of stairs in the heat, we finished unpacking the car. I then parked my car and we had a little lunch. This is where we made our first mistake. When we returned to the car we found out that it was booted. Apparently, in Hoboken, you cannot just park anywhere. You may only park on the street if you have a permit saying that you are a Hoboken resident. Although I left my car there for only minutes, it was the $200 penalty that ultimately made me learn my lesson. That night, we met some friends in New York City for some dinner and drinks. Ultimately it was a good night, tiring, but good.

Wednesday, Sept. 7: Took my father to the airport early in the morning. This was a hectic day. I needed to obtain a New Jersey drivers license to park on the street so I started on this journey. Three trips to the DMV and four hours later, I had my license. This was to be my first night at my new job at the Newark Star-Ledger and so, at around 4 p.m., I began my drive to work. Work lasted until about 10 p.m. and I spent an hour at home trying to find a parking spot. Tonight would be my first real night in my new apartment. Why didn't I write Orioles Soundoff then, you ask? I had no internet. In fact, I had no furniture, only a bed.

Thursday, Sept. 8: Spent the morning hours waiting for the internet guy to come and set up the cable, internet and phone lines. He finally graced me with his presence at around 2:00. He set up all the stuff, but not the internet. Why? Because his companies internet was down and he couldn't get it done. I about smacked him. Second night at work for me, it was a good night. Came home to a surprise. The internet company had sent a guy back that night and set up our internet. Woohoo.

Friday, Sept. 9: Day off from work. Spent the whole day almost at IKEA. Bought some stuff for the apartment. By the way, I still don't have any furniture, just a bed.

Well, that is my move to Hoboken! Pretty hectic, aye? Well, i'll be writing more Orioles Soundoff now that I am here. Thanks for being patient.

All Hail Florida, Hail

2005-09-01T10:14:00.000-04:00

Yes, Baltimore won decidedly 7-0 last night. Bruce Chen pitched 8 strong innings of 2-hit ball. That was impressive.

But, I would like to take this post and dedicate it to my Alma Mater, the University of Florida. I've never been more proud to call myself a Gator as I am right now.

Everyone knows about the devastation that was Hurricane Katrina. People are giving back now. Donations are coming in from every direction.

Four major sports organizations have contributed over $50,000 to relief efforts so far. Here is the list:
1) The National Football League contributed $1,000,000
2) The New York Yankees contributed $1,000,000
3) The University of Florida contributed $75,000
4) Baron Davis contributed $50,000

I can not begin to describe how proud I feel that the University of Florida is the first and only school to contribute so far. The Gators are familiar with Hurricanes and they know how important it is to help out those in need.

I am more proud of my school now, than I ever could be, no matter what National Championship they could win.

O's What Could Have Been

2005-08-31T10:48:00.000-04:00

Think about it...

Brian Roberts, Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada, Javy Lopez, Jay Gibbons, Mike Lowell, Walter Young, Nick Markakis, Luis Matos.

Starting Pitcher: A.J. Burnett

How many O's fans think that lineup would be pretty sweet for next year?

Well forget about it...

Peter Angelos didn't let that happen. The Orioles had a chance to trade Larry Bigbie, Jorge Julio, Steve Kline and Hayden Penn for A.J. Burnett and Mike Lowell earlier this year. They balked at the chance. They blew it.

Why? Because Angelos was too cheap to take on Lowell's contract because Lowell wasn't producing. Well, guess what, he is a good ballplayer. It is not like the players the Orioles kept are producing right now either. In fact, they never have.

Jorge Julio and Steve Kline are busts, plain and simple. They don't belong on a MLB roster the way they are playing this year.

Especially for Julio, if he is going to garner trade interest, than for the sake of the gods of baseball, trade him! He is never going to produce for the Orioles. His time is over. And now, the rest of the league is wary of him and his trade value is reduced dramatically.

This is just one of the mind-boggling moves or un-moves that Angelos makes. He never pulls off the trade when he needs to. He always balks at the price. Winners do not balk. Winners do whatever is necessary to win.

The Red Sox do it. The Yankees do it. Even the Mets do it (Right Evan Appell?)

The Orioles, lately, do not do it. And it shows.

And look! His wife is hot! Just kidding AJ's wife, that isn't you. That is some random singer who sang the national anthem one night at the Florida game.

Baltimore Relievers are FAN...Crappy

2005-08-30T10:12:00.000-04:00

Is it just me?

What happened to the Baltimore Orioles' relief pitching? Wasn't it supposed to be one of the best in baseball before the year began?

Well, then why is every reliever the O's shuttle in and out of the game the worst pitcher I have ever seen? Anytime the starter leaves it goes from bad to worse for the O's, no matter what reliever they put in.

The Orioles do not have one single reliable relief pitcher. Not one guy you can count on to get outs when they need it most. Yeah, I hear you, B.J. Ryan, but Ryan is a closer. He only comes in to pitch when the Orioles are winning in the ninth inning.

In fact, most of the guys brought in to do the job this year aren't even playing at this point in the season.

Here is a look at the O's relievers to start the 2005 season:

Rick Bauer
Jorge Julio
Steve Kline
John Parrish
Rick Reed
Todd Williams
BJ Ryan

Let's play how many of those guys aren't with the big club anymore! Rick Bauer, John Parrish and Rick Reed are all in the minors or on another team right now. That is some strong bullpen.

Let's look at Orioles relief pitching as it stands right now.

James Baldwin
Tim Byrdak
Jorge Julio
Steve Kline
Chris Ray
Todd Williams
BJ Ryan

Tim Byrdak and Chris Ray were in the minors and brought up mid year. The saddest part of that is they happen to be the Orioles two most successful relievers. However, look at the stats, none of the O's relievers have very good stats.

James Baldwin started the year in the minors, was brought up as the long relief man, did very well for the O's. I guess he did too well for the O's, who promptly let him fall into waivers and be picked up by the Texas Rangers. While with the Rangers, Baldwin fell apart. When Baldwin was at his lowest, the O's thought it an excellent time to get him back, so when the Rangers released him, the O's scooped him up. He did not return to form for Baltimore. His stats:
0-2, 3.65 ERA, 24 Ks, 42 H, 44 innings, 11 walks

Jorge Julio is by far the most inconsistent reliever for the Orioles. He has such a high trade value because, at times, he can dominate hitters with his wicked slider and hard fastball. However, for the Orioles, he is horrible. When he comes into games you almost surely know that something bad is going to happen. Usually, that something bad turns out to be two singles and then a home run. Don't believe me? See last night's 10-5 loss to the A's in 12 innings. Julio should have been traded at the trade deadline to get good value for him, but instead the O's kept the struggling reliever. He will be increasingly harder to get rid of, the more he pitches. He walks too many people and he leaves too many balls right in the middle of the zone when he struggles. His stats:
3-4, 5.55 ERA, 62 H, 60 innings, 46 Ks, 21 walks, 10 home runs allowed

Steve Kline is not another story, he is a horror movie. Kline was brought over to the Orioles from the 2004 NL champion St. Louis Cardinals where he dominated last year. In all regards, it looked like an excellent move by the O's to bring him in. Boy were they wrong. From the very beginning of the season Kline has been a problem in the clubhouse. Early on in the season he told reporters that he didn't like Baltimore and that he wished he were still in St. Louis. Well, now, the Orioles wish he were still in St. Louis also. Kline never got it going this year. He looks overweight, his jokes aren't funny, he talks to much and he doesn't pitch well. Every time he comes in games he gives up hits. He can too often be seen entering a game only to leave three batters later after surrendering a walk and two hits. Kline doesn't even belong in the majors, the way he is pitching, and the O's tried to send him down. But, the cranky old veteran would not agree to going down to the minors and the Orioles had to drop James Baldwin instead. So, effectively, Steve Kline managed to ruin two pitchers seasons, his own and James Baldwin's. His stats:
2-4, 4.58 ERA, 54 H, 53 innings, 33 Ks, 28 walks, 11 home runs allowed

Todd Williams started the year brilliantly. Since, he has been anything but brilliant. You see, Todd Williams is a funny type of relief pitcher. He is the kind who has a gimmick. He has a funny delivery and an excellent sinker ball. If it were not for the sinker and the delivery, Williams would have never made it to the pros. He isn't a very good pitcher, but when his sinker is on, he can get anyone to ground into a double play. However, too often, Williams will miss with his sinker or the hitters will lay off it. His sinker is almost always a ball, however, it is tough for hitters to not swing at it. When they don't swing the count mounts in their favor and Williams is forced to throw a fastball over the plate. When this happens, bye bye baseball. Too many times I've watched him get into a 3 and 1 count and give up a home run. That isn't a good reliever. His stats:
4-4, 3.48 ERA, 61 H, 64.2 innings, 32 Ks, 5 home runs allowed, 23 walks

When Chris Ray was brought up to the majors the first time, he pitched extremely solidly in the beginning. He hit some hard times, however, and began to walk batters. He was sent down again. Recently he has been called back up and has done well again. The Orioles might possibly be grooming him as the closer of the future when BJ Ryan leaves via free agency. His 31 strikeouts in only 28 innings is extremely impressive, however his 14 walks and 4 home runs allowed are not. Ray will be an excellent reliever in the future and maybe a dominant closer, and right now, he is one of the only reliable guys the O's have.

Tim Byrdak has bounced around the majors like a red rubber ball. A red rubber ball with a slippery surface because he has never stuck anywhere. Maybe he has found a home with the Orioles. Since being called up to the majors, Byrdak has been the O's most successful relief pitcher, however, recently has struggled and is getting some rest due to fatigue and shoulder strain. Lately, his stats don't look impressive either.

The moral of this broke down story is the O's need to do some soul searching in the offseason. Get rid of Julio, Kline and Williams. Keep Ray, possibly Byrdak and Ryan if they can. However, if only the O's knew they would be this out of it by the All-Star break. They could have traded Ryan to a contender for some good players, instead of letting Ryan leave via free agency in the offseason. Hopefully the O's can at least get some compensation for him.

The O's need a front-line starter badly, but maybe more so they need some reliable relief pitching. Because anyone who has watched the O's this year knows, no lead is safe.

No lead is safe.

The Importance of Being Rodrigo and Hurricanes

2005-08-26T10:37:00.000-04:00

Rodrigo Lopez has been the Orioles most consistent starter this year. At 13-7, his record is as respectable as the way he has pitched in big games.

Look at the statistics against teams like the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Boston Red Sox. He has sparkled against these clubs, however, there have been low points.

Lopez's ERA is an unsightly 4.61. This is simply because he has had a few games that were less than spectacular. Take away the few games where he didn't last 3 innings giving up no less than seven runs, and his ERA would be in the 2.oo's.

While Bruce Chen and Erik Bedard have pitched well at times, Lopez has clearly been the anchor of a beleaguered staff.

When Rodrigo takes the hill, the Orioles know they have a chance to win, and that is very important to a team that is down in the dumps.

In fact, behind Lopez, the O's staff next season could finally be coming into some good ways.

Let's take a look at the possibilities:

Rotation:
1) Rodrigo Lopez
2) Erik Bedard
3) Daniel Cabrera
4) John Maine
5) Bruce Chen

Assuming the O's don't add any high-quality pitchers this offseason, the O's will most likely go with a rotation that looks like that.

Daniel Cabrera needs to become the dominant and consistent pitcher that all the scouts see in him. He can dominate a ballgame, however, he struggles with bouts of wildness that rivals that of early Nolan Ryan.

If he can harness his pitches and gain some control, Cabrera could become the ace of the staff.

Bedard also has ace quality stuff, but he needs to stay healthy and work on his out pitches.

John Maine has also showed bouts of brilliance.

The problem with the Orioles is depth and experience. The Orioles will field a staff next year that is extremely young, without the addition of a front-line starter.

There are too many questions involved. If Bedard stays healthy; If Cabrera finds control; If Maine gains experience. The Orioles need another front-line guy. They need a top of the rotation type guy so that they can guarantee they will be in more games.

All of this year's pitchers have shown flashes of great pitching, but alas, too many times have struggled and failed, giving up run after run and only lasting 3 innings at most.

The Orioles will have to answer this question, and loads others, if they hope to contend next year.

Hurricane Katrina Hits Where I Am

As many of you might be aware, Hurricane Katrina has hit South Florida. Now I realize that I have listed my location as Hoboken, New Jersey, but until September 5th I will still be living in South Florida.

That means, you guessed it, I got slapped around by Katrina. Not too bad really, some flooding, lots of rain and wind, but no real permanent damage.

While many around my community spent Thursday night in the dark with no power or lights, I spent it in front of the television watching the Orioles shut out the Angels. It was a good night.

LA Angels of Anaheim or Whatever Their Name is Take Out O's

2005-08-24T11:05:00.000-04:00

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim spent the first three innings of last night's game racking up the hits and runs against feeble Baltimore Orioles pitching.

The Angels then spent the rest of the game trying to ward off a furious Orioles comeback led by Miguel Tejada.

Tejada, who was mired in a slump before this game, finished 3-5 with two home runs and five RBIs.

Eric DuBose started the game for the O's, now losers of four in a row, and it wasn't nearly as smooth sailing as last time out. DuBose gave up eight hits and three runs in just over two innings of work. John Maine then came in and gave up another two runs as the Angels took an early 5-0 lead.

Javy Lopez homered in the 4th inning and Miguel Tejada's first home run came in the 8th to make the score 5-2.

Jorge Julio, however, pitched the ninth for the O's and was his usual self, giving up two more runs to the Angels and making a close game out of reach.

The O's fought hard to come back. They loaded the bases for Tejada who drove 'em all in with his second HR of the game, a grand slam to right. It wasn't enough though, as the O's came up one run short, losing the game 7-6.

BOX SCORE

Upcoming O's Game: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim @ Baltimore, Wednesday August 24 @ 7:05 p.m.

Erik Bedard vs. Bartolo Colon

O's The Depression

2005-08-22T11:34:00.000-04:00

Well Orioles fans, if you read my last column and hope crossed your mind, I hope you were somewhere out of the country, or at least out of reach of a TV so you didn't have to witness this weekend's joke of a series against the Cleveland Indians.

The Orioles found every possible way to lose. Even when it looked like a little league team could finish out the game, the O's were clever enough to find a loophole and lose. In fact, they not only found ways to lose, they found new and exciting ways to lose. Ok, well it is exciting if you are an Indians fan.

Indians fans got to see their team come back from a 4-1 deficit in the 8th inning. They got to see their pitchers give up only 15 hits in 28 innings. Most importantly, they got to see their team--in the hunt for the wild card--win when it had to most. In a word, clutch.

The Orioles had no life in them. Melvin Mora scowled again. Miguel Tejada isn't coming up with the big hits. Sammy Sosa is still striking out in every possible big situation. Even the fiery Eric Byrnes is hard pressed to contribute in any significant way.

The starting pitching is actually keeping the Orioles in ballgames. The relievers are taking them out. In what was supposed to be one of the most dominating bullpens in the majors before the season is a running joke with no punchline.

The Orioles have one consistent relief pitcher. Tim Byrdak wasn't even with the club to start the season, but he is the only pitcher to come out of the bullpen and get people out consistently. Jorge Julio can't, if Todd Williams gets a three-ball count he is useless, Steve Kline is a joke of all jokes, and it goes on and on.

The Orioles hitting, well the hitting is another story. The hitting isn't a joke, it isn't funny at all, it's pitiful. Only Luis Matos and Javy Lopez are having any success at the plate and they are scattered in the lineup at 8th and 4th respectively.

The Orioles lineup has too many guys in a slump at the same time. Has someone put a curse on their bats? Must have happened sometime during the injuries to Lopez and Matos because they are hitting. As for the rest of the team, they complain they aren't seeing the ball well, that is obvious. But the whole team at the same time?

That is ridiculous. Isn't it?

This team finds every concievable way to fall apart. Here's looking at you Peter Angelos. Sell, sell, sell, please, for the love of the Orioles, sell.

You are a curse, Mr. Angelos. Since your reign started, the Orioles have gone from bad to worse. This year looked so promising, and now it is dead. Every time the Orioles begin to see a rainbow, the sky darkens and it rains for days.

Wherever the Orioles play, a storm cloud follows close above them.

The Orioles are like a drowning child, struggling to find the water's surface, and you Mr. Angelos are like the bully who pushes them back into the infinite abyss.

They wont' win under you.

This may seem like a frustrated Orioles fan's rants. And don't get me wrong, it is. But I speak for Orioles nation when I say, something is wrong. Something is wrong, Mr. Angelos. And you can't fix it.

It is time to pack it in, cut your losses, fold your hand, cash in your chips and surrender the team.

Isn't Cal Ripken in the market for a new franchise?

Orioles Baseball: It's Simply A Game

2005-08-19T10:33:00.000-04:00

Baseball can run through the veins. It inhabits the every thought and feeling of those who love and embrace it.

Baseball is a game, simply a game. And baseball is special to those who hold it dear.

But for some, baseball is just a means to an end, a job, simply a paycheck. And when that happens, baseball becomes an ugly thing. Fans can tell the difference.

Pure baseball, baseball for the love of the game, is played by boys. Boys, who, no matter what their age, get giddy every time they step up to the plate or take the mound. Men play serious baseball. Men take baseball too seriously.

It is quite easy to tell when baseball is being played by boys, and when it's played by men, isn't it? The smiles vanish. The fun disappears, and baseball becomes a job, not a game.

The Baltimore Orioles have been both boys and men this season. In fact they have gone boys to men. The boys won, the men lost. The O's need a resurgence of boys.

The Oakland Athletics series may have been the right team at the right time to welcome back the good ol' boys of Baltimore.

After throwing a strikeout to the final batter to sweep Oakland in a three-game series, Todd Williams, who notched his first career save, exuberantly pumped his fist and celebrated like he had just closed out the little league championship game.

After the final out was made, Melvin Mora and Miguel Tejada--smiles from ear to ear--did their crazy special handshake that was so prominent during the first half of the season, only to be absent by the all-star break.

Interim manager Sam Perlozzo clapped his hands and celebrated with his team, also with a smile on his face.

In fact...Did you notice it? Every player in a Baltimore uniform shared the same look of happiness.

Now, of course, winning is much better than losing, so obviously the players will smile after sweeping a three game set. These were not just winning smiles. The O's are starting to realize baseball is fun again.

Melvin Mora and Miguel Tejada are still not hitting like they should be, and don't even get me started on Sammy Sosa. Palmeiro and Daniel Cabrera both were hurt before the final A's game, but that didn't matter.

What matters is that Mora no longer steps up to the plate every time with a scowl on his face. Or that Tejada doesn't force the weight of the world on his shoulders. What matters is that they get back to doing the one thing they have always loved to do--play baseball.

Even the pitching staff treats every start like a business meeting. Instead of going out and pitching like they have always known how, they press. They press and they tighten up and they ultimately fail. Rodrigo Lopez, Bruce Chen and now Eric DuBose has found a way to get back to just pitching. Hopefully Erik Bedard will follow suit.

The O's played this last series with a lighter heart, and it worked, didn't it? They played this series like boys, playing it for the love and not the money. They became a group tired of losing, their old manager never smiled, never did much of anything. Their new manager always has a smile on his face, and it's infectious.

They are having fun again. They are playing baseball like it was meant to be played, like it is the best game on earth.

Playoffs or not, the O's should have a wonderful end to their season if they continue down this path back to boyhood.

For losing stings boys and men of all ages, but men take it personally where boys shrug it off and go out for pizza anyway.

Next Orioles Game: Baltimore @ Cleveland; Friday August 19 @ 7:05 p.m.

Erik Bedard vs. Scott Elarton

When the A's Found the Orioles

2005-08-17T10:29:00.000-04:00

Let me introduce you to the Baltimore Orioles. The REAL Baltimore Orioles. The team that at one point was 14 games over .500 and had at least a four-game lead in the AL East.

Missing: One entire baseball franchise. The black and orange-uniformed players usually answers to the collective name "Orioles." May be looking a bit thin because of malnutrition and insufficient win-loss proportions.

If found, please contact Oriole Park at Camden Yards immediately. The city of Baltimore, Orioles fans everywhere and Peter Angelos are determined to get their players back. And soon.

In an E-mail to Peter Angelos, A's owner Lewis Wolff writes:

Dear Mr. Angelos:

My playoff-contending ballclub has recently discovered your franchise here in Oakland. We don't know how they strayed so far from home, but we do believe that it is, in fact, the same team that we played in Baltimore at the beginning of the season.

Barry Zito is convinced that he was run over by several players matching the description you gave on your missing posters. Joe Blanton, as well.

The A's will gladly send your franchise back to Baltimore. Frankly, they are wearing out their welcome in Oakland. Mr. Angelos, you do realize we are in a playoff race, do you not?

We do not appreciate the fact that your misguided team was lost, and then found, in our home city. It does not help our cause. We would, of course, be grateful to see them go.

I sincerely hope you realize the service that my A's have done your franchise. We took them in, clothed them, sheltered them and then they bit the very hand that fed them.

No need to thank us, Mr. Angelos, just continue winning, and do not come back to Oakland for the rest of the season.

Sincerely,
Lewis Wolff
Owner, Oakland Athletics

So the Orioles have been located! The Oakland A's are Baltimore's saviors. They are for the Orioles what spinach is for Popeye. OK, this might possibly be a slight exaggeration, or a complete coincidence, but I am running with it.

The Orioles are now one game under .500 and a series sweep on Wednesday afternoon would be the icing on the cake.

Sammy Sosa, Melvin Mora and Miguel Tejada all produced for the O's in last night's 4-3 win. Yes, that's right, those are the last three O's that Orioles Soundoff has bashed, and they responded! (And PassFirst's Bill Ferrara thought upon reading my last post, Sammy Sosa would commit suicide...)

Bruce Chen had the type of game that makes you sit back and enjoy life. The type of game where he wasn't walking men around the bases and spraying hits to all fields including the parking lot. Bruce Chen has been the O's most solid pitcher this year. He has reached 10 wins for the first time in his career and he deserves some recognition.

Orioles SoundOff hereby recognizes Bruce Chen: All Hail Bruce "Almighty" Chen. Bruce Chen is the Panamasian Devil!

It is now time for the Orioles to catch fire. Hopefully, Oakland is all the kindling the Orioles need to reheat up their once-blazing season.

The Oakland A's are like Rachel Phelps, the fictional showgirl owner of the Cleveland Indians in the movie, Major League. Phelps inadvertantly motivated the Indians to win 32 of their remaining games after starting 60-61, and ultimately get to the ALCS.

Hey, if it can happen in the movies, it can happen in real life, right? Maybe not, but the O's are still in the hunt, and the time is now to begin playing like a first-place team again.

Jeffrey Maier Sighting in Tampa

Are the rumors true? I was tipped off that in last night's Yankees, Devil Rays game, Eduardo Perez hit a bottom-of-the-ninth homerun that was interfered with by a fan in left field. Is this true? I can find no information on this anywhere.

Has Jeffrey Maier really become a Tampa Bay fan? Has he spurned the team that he once helped rob the Orioles of an LCS crown? If you have information on last night's interference/home run or on the whereabouts of that snake in the grass, Jeffrey Maier, please leave comments below.

That is all I have to say about Jeffrey Maier. I wish you all a good night...er, afternoon. Oh, unless you are Jeffrey Maier.

Next O's Game: Baltimore @ Oakland; Wednesday, August 17 @ 3:35 p.m.

Daniel Cabrera vs. Danny Haren

Sosa's 25-foot Shot

2005-08-16T10:39:00.000-04:00

During last night's defeat of the Oakland Athletics, Sammy Sosa was once again a major contributor to O's victory.

By going 1-4, Sosa provided the hit, shot really, that lifted the O's to take down Barry Zito and the A's. That one hit of Sosa's, well that was an RBI single, an RBI single that was blasted softly to the pitcher. Yes, folks, Slammin Sammy Sosa's only hit in his past 17 at bats was a dribbling come backer to the mound.

How pathetic. Effective, but pathetic. A hit is a hit is a hit, says Sosa, he'll take it any way he can get 'em.

Oh really? Take them any way you can get them, huh? If that were so than why doesn't Sammy bunt in situations that calls for it?

The answer is because he won't take it any way he can get it. And he is full of it if he thinks all he cares about is the team. Of course, he is embarrassed that the only hit he's gotten in 17 at bats is a dribbler, so what else will he say but he'll take it. Of course he'll take it, what is he going to do? Give it back?

He doesn't bunt in bunting situations because he still believes that he can hit it out of the ballpark all the time. This just isn't so, anymore. He doesn't have the bat speed. He stands too far away from the plate. He is too slow. Give him a good fast ball up and inside of the zone and he'll whiff, every time.

Shoot, give him a good breaking ball out of the zone and he'll whiff, every time. The moral of the story is that he is more of a strikeout machine than an RBI machine. He hurts the team more than he helps.

Perlozzo has now taken to moving him progressively down in the order--Sosa hit 7th against the A's. What Perlozzo must do is not-so-progressively move him out of the order. Make him a pinch hitter or something. Just don't let him strike out in big situations anymore.

Pitchers do not fear Sammy Sosa anymore. He was once the most feared bat in the majors, this is just a memory. Pitchers, in fact, delight in facing Sosa. They can watch their stuff destroy a once impenetrable ego. To burst Sammy's bubble is to throw him something hard, down and outside. Or hard, up and inside. Just don't throw it hard, straight and right down the middle--Sosa CAN still hit those.

So, while Sammy will take anything he can get at the plate, Sam Perlozzo should not. He should explain to Sammy that he has two choices.

Choice Number One: Become a team player. Bunt when you come up with a runner on second and no outs. Sacrifice to get runners over. Play baseball like you belong to a team, not the Sammy Sosa, I-do-everything-for-myself club.

Choice Number Two: Start hitting home runs again! You were acquired because you are a right-handed power hitter, not a soft-slugging singles hitter, who doesn't single all that much and has a penchant for striking out in big situations.

If Sosa can not comply to either choice--smart money is that he can't--than it is time to bench the 500-homerun club member. If he does no good for the team, he doesn't belong on the team. That is simple, right?

It may be harsh, but it is what needs to be done. Look at the Yankees for example. Yes, Orioles Soundoff still hates the Yankees with a passion, but you have to give them credit for not tolerating losing. Jason Giambi was hitting horribly and the Yankees had no allegiance to him that wouldn't make them hesitate at sending him down to the minors or removing him from the order until he got his stuff together.

Sometimes threats work. Threaten Sosa, heck, beat him, for all I care. Just either get him hitting again or get him out of there.

Game Update: Orioles 6, Athletics 2
Box Score

Is it possible that there is just something about the Oakland Athletics that make the O's start to play like a cohesive unit? I don't think there is much to this claim but know this: Baltimore began the year red-hot, right out of the gates, but it began with a series against the Oakland A's. Baltimore won their home opener against, of course, Barry Zito--A game that Rodrigo Lopez also won. However, the O's dropped their next two to Oakland only to win 7 out of their next 9 to take first place in the AL East. Maybe the A's bring out the best in the O's. Maybe it is just the battle of the teams with one vowel and then an apostrophe to make it plural. Or maybe it is just coincidence. Either way, the O's defeated the A's 6-2 on a strong pitching performance by Rodrigo Lopez and some timely squibblers and errors. The birds managed to score five times in the 7th off Zito after he had blanked them the rest of the game. In that 7th inning the O's tallied 3 hits, two of them infield singles, two bases-loaded walks, two hit batsman, one error by Bobby Crosby and two pop-up outs by Melvin Mora.

Let's see if this kind of luck continues for the O's as they look to take a season-series lead on the A's with a win tonight.

O's Record: 58-60

Next Game: Baltimore @ Oakland, Tuesday, August 16 @ 10:05 p.m.

Bruce Chen(9-6) vs. Joe Blanton(7-9)

The 3, 4 Hitters and the Return of Raffy

2005-08-15T10:27:00.000-04:00

Pay close attention to the Orioles Sunday afternoon 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays, and you will see a pattern develop.

I must warn you what you are about to read may be quite disturbing, shocking even, alarming to say the least. The stats I am about to produce are all correct, no need to adjust your computer screen.

Melvin Mora (#3 batter): 1-5, RBI, 7 LOB...(LOB is men that were left on base after the batter made an out)
Miguel Tejada (#4 batter): 0-3, RBI, 5 LOB

Yes, that means that, combined, the Orioles 3, 4 hitters went 1-8 with 2 surprising RBI's, but more importantly 12 runners left on base. Twelve!

That means that almost every other Orioles hitter was doing his job. Almost every other Orioles hitter was getting on base and setting the table for the big hitters, the RBI machines.

And the RBI machines failed. Miserably.

How can the Orioles expect to win a game if their big RBI producers aren't producing RBI's in RBI situations? They can't. And they didn't.

The table setters did their jobs nicely. Brian Roberts, Javy Lopez and Luis Matos combined to go 8-11 with 3 RBI's and only 2 LOB. That means they were getting on, and if anyone else was on, they were hitting them in. It also means that Melvin Mora and Miguel Tejada failed miserably to add to their efforts.

Now, I am not suggesting that Melvin Mora or Miguel Tejada be moved around in the order, but something is wrong. They are not seeing the ball as they have in prior situations. Both need to be rested.

I realize you can not rest Tejada, with his pursuit of Ripken's streak still going strong, but you can DH him. If the O's insist on playing Chris Gomez, why not play him at his natural position of shortstop some days. Give Miggy some time to rest between at bats.

He looks tired. Most of the Orioles do. In fact, the only Orioles that look to be playing with any vigor are Eric Byrnes and Luis Matos. Matos is patiently climbing the batting average ladder and is currently sitting at .296 after a 3-3 game.

If the O's could only put it all together. If they could only get good pitching on the nights they have good hitting. If their middle of the order guys can only produce when their bottom of the order guys are. Then they would be a scary team.

For some time in the beginning of the season, they were playing like champions. I know they have it in them. It won't happen this year. But it's there. The magic is there. Orioles magic is alive and kicking.

Finishing the season above .500 is priority number one for the O's. Priority number two is pitching and defense.

Then, who knows, next year they could go wire-to-wire.

The Return of Rafael Palmeiro...is an ugly one.

Rafael Palmeiro returned to the lineup on Sunday, and instead of looking like he never left, he looked like he had just got off the juice and didn't have much strength left in that over-40 body of his.

Palmeiro batted 6th in the order and was the DH. He finished 0-4 with a walk and 4 LOB. Two of those LOB came in the bottom of the 9th, when he came to bat with two outs and the men on second and third, the game on the line. He popped up softly to end the game.

Soft was the key word for Palmeiro, who looked it all game long. The man couldn't get a ball in the air with any distance, grounding out to the right side on most occassions.

The fans gave him a decidedly mixed reaction, many cheering--some with a standing ovation--others booing and jeering him. But if you ask me, I don't care about all that. If the man is going to be in the order, he better produce, otherwise he can just retire.

On Sunday, he didn't produce. In fact, he failed. He had a chance to be a hero and he blew it. If I am the fans, that isn't the way to get back into my good graces. Alejandro Freire can just as easily pop up to end a game, so can Walter Young. Shoot, so can Sal Fasano for that matter. The Orioles needed a hero, and Palmeiro would have made his return something special. Something to build on. A repuation boost when he needed it most.

Instead, for all I care, he can sit the rest of the season out. Give the young guys a chance to play. We don't need him.

If this is harsh, Raffy. Get a hit next time.

Weekend Game Recaps:

Friday: Blue Jays 12, Orioles 0
Box Score

I am not even going to mention this game. It speaks for itself. Orioles couldn't hit, pitchers couldn't pitch. Enough said.

Saturday: Orioles 1, Blue Jays 0
Box Score

In a game that was the complete opposite for the Blue Jays, the Orioles were impressive with a 1-0 win. John Maine was called up to make his first start of the season and was spectacular for 5 solid innings to get the win. Miguel Tejada got the Orioles lone RBI as the O's only managed 4 hits but got the win. B.J. Ryan struck out the side in the 9th for his 26th save.

I never thought I would see an Orioles 1-0 victory again this year. Congrats O's. You proved me wrong.

Sunday: Blue Jays 7, Orioles 6
Box Score

The Blue Jays took the series from the Orioles, distancing themselves from the O's in the standings. Erik Bedard pitched a rather uninspiring game and the Orioles big hitters couldn't come up with the big hits. The bullpen couldn't get it done either.

Orioles Record: 57-60

Next Game: Baltimore @ Oakland, Monday, August 15 @ 10:05 p.m.

Barry Zito vs. Rodrigo Lopez

Break Out The Brooms; Brian Roberts' Hitting Problem

2005-08-12T10:15:00.000-04:00

The Baltimore Orioles completed their first sweep since June 15 against Houston, last night, when they beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4-2.

This game, this series, was a beautiful thing to watch. The Orioles mixed good, solid pitching with timely hitting--like a real major league baseball team with at least three sure Hall of Famers should do--to take three easy games from the Rays.

Javy Lopez hit an important home run that made the game 4-2, while going 3-4 from the plate. Luis Matos had a big RBI single and Alejandro Freire contributed by going 2-4 in only his third game as an Oriole.

Bruce Chen pitched a wonderful, sparkling game. He pitched seven innings, giving up three hits and two runs. He walked none and stuck out five Rays hitters in the process. In fact, Chen could have gone more than seven innings since he only threw 77 total pitches, but Sam Perlozzo felt he should be taken out and the O's were none the worse for the decision.

B.J. Ryan closed out the game for his 25th save and the Orioles are back in business.

This being an indication, hopefully the O's can creep out of their major slump and start winning consistently again.

The players believe. The are only 9 games out of the wild card at this point, and a long winning streak, coupled with some key losses by other teams could make the race get interesting once again for the O's.

The Orioles are hopeful, I am hopeful, the city of Baltimore should get hopeful. Their team is not too far out of it, and they are showing signs of fight.

Davey Johnson has been rumored to be a possible candidate for the managerial vacancy after this season, but if you ask me, I'd wait and see what Perlozzo does to end this season before making any decisions.

The Orioles have plenty of games left this year, and with some more timely hitting, some solid pitching and some fight, they might just have what it takes to fight off the worst collapse in years and make the playoffs.

I am hopeful. Let's hope.

Orioles 4, Devil Rays 2
Box Score

Brian Roberts' Problem

Brian Roberts is not exactly in a slump. Yes, his hitting has declined since his red-hot first half, but this may not be due to a hitch in his swing.

B-Rob is making excellent contact. In fact, he is downright hitting the ball hard, still. There is one tiny difference between the home-run hitting, .350 batting Roberts, and the Roberts we've seen the past few weeks.

Timing.

It is obvious to me that Roberts' timing is slightly off. He is hitting the ball very solid, to the deepest part of the ballpark. He is hitting shots to deep center field. Balls that, if turned on, would be home runs or doubles, are being caught in deep center.

If he gets his timing down, if he swings a fraction of a second sooner, you will see the Roberts of the first half.

Write it down, Roberts is in no slump, and soon, they will correct his tiny problem and he will get red hot once again.

Next Orioles Game: Toronto Blue Jays @ Baltimore Orioles; Friday, August 12 @ 7:35 p.m.

Daniel Cabrera vs. Josh Towers

This is a huge series for the Baltimore Orioles as the Blue Jays come to Camden Yards. A sweep in this series can bring the O's out of 4th place in the AL East and back up to third, not to mention greatly improve their chances at the wild card. The O's at least need a series win here. Good luck O's.

O's Take Series Vs. D-Rays

2005-08-11T10:55:00.000-04:00

Orioles Game Update: Orioles 9, Devil Rays 5
Box Score

Two in a row, O's fans! If last night's first inning is any indication, than the Orioles might have finally broken out of their hitting slump. Brian Roberts started the inning off with a hit, which he hasn't done in quite some time. Eric Byrnes followed with a walk. Melvin Mora, who I am not pleased to hear leads the team in strikeouts, struck out. Miguel Tejada followed Mora with an RBI single to score Roberts. Javy Lopez then walked to load the bases for Sammy Sosa...who popped up to the catcher. But with bases loaded and two outs something ridiculous happened. Instead of weakly grounding or popping out, Jay Gibbons launched a ball out of the park for a Grand Slam. After one inning the O's led 5-0. The offense didn't stop there, either as the O's won 9-5. Rodrigo Lopez pitched a shaky, but effective 8 2/3 innings for his 11th win of the season. And the Orioles won a series, something they haven't managed to do since before the All-Star break.
O's Record: 55-58

Next Game: Tampa Bay @ Baltimore, Thursday, August 11 @ 7:05 p.m.

Bruce Chen vs. Doug Waechter

This is the day that Rafael Palmeiro is supposed to return to the Baltimore Orioles from his 10-day steroids suspension. O's skipper Sam Perlozzo says that Palmeiro should be in the lineup as he gives the Orioles the best chance to win the game. We will see whether or not Palmeiro is in the lineup, and if he contributes to another Orioles win. Only time will tell...

The Plight of Rafael Palmeiro

2005-08-10T10:25:00.000-04:00

When a scrawny singles hitter, who averaged just over nine home runs per year for his first five seasons in the major leagues, begins slamming the ball out of the park at a clip of over 29 home runs per year for his next five seasons, there may be reason for some concern.

When that same scrawny lefty, who has the sweetest, most picture-perfect swing in the game, averages more than 39 home runs per season for the rest of his career, the original concern melts away and his home run deficiency is just a fluke.

When the game's most underrated player for so long reaches a plateau that only the likes of Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Eddie Murray had ever reached, there is cause for celebration.

That was the career of Rafael Palmeiro, a wonderful baseball story. Until now.

Everyone knows about Palmeiro being suspended for taking steroids. But what should Raffy do next?

There is talk that the Baltimore Orioles don't want him back. In a season where the O's spent most of the first half of the season in first place only to freefall to fourth in record time, the O's didn't need this.

If the Orioles do not welcome Palmeiro back into the lineup, I back that decision. The playoffs are just a pipedream at this point and although Palmeiro could help the O's, he isn't a miracle maker. They don't need him.

What the O's need now, is the young guys to take charge. Enter Alejandro Freire, a 30-yea-old first baseman recently called up from Ottawa where he was leading the Lynx in almost every offensive catergory. Instead of Palmeiro coming back, let Freire play in his stead. In fact, I would rather the O's call up Walter Young, but hey, what do I know?

Rafael Palmeiro has had an amazing career, and if it ended a little more than a week ago, if it ended right after he achieved 3,000/500, than he would have been celebrated in the Hall of Fame. But it didn't end there. And now Raffy is tainted.

There is nothing he can do about it now. He took steroids. Even if he is telling the truth and he didn't take them on purpose--if you believe that I'll tell you another one--his career is effectively over.

Some of the younger guys who were caught with steroids can bounce back from this. They made mistakes, they weren't that good to begin with, they are young. But Raffy is old, his mistake was crucial, and nobody knows how long he's been on the juice but the speculation begs that his records be astericked.

No, Raffy is done. His career is over.

I loved watching him play, he was a delightful player to adore. He always had a smile on his face and he always produced. He was always modest and he never brought attention to himself. Maybe now we know why.

Palmeiro, Ponson and Surhoff Down; Freire, Rakers and DuBose up

In addition to the fact that Rafael Palmeiro probably isn't coming back to the Orioles, Sidney Ponson and B.J. Surhoff were also taken off the active roster. They were placed on the disabled list with various injuries.

These roster moves pave the way for Alejandro Freire, Aaron Rakers and Eric DuBose to step into the major league spotlight. For Rakers and DuBose, this is another chance to shine. Both have already, at some point, been in an Orioles uniform. For Freire, however, this is his first time in the majors.

Neither Rakers nor DuBose pitched in last night's game, however Freire did start at DH for the O's. He, however, was the only Oriole not to record a base hit last night against the Devil Rays, going 0-4 and grounding into an inning-ending double play.

Hopefully we will see good things from all these baby birds in the future. And soon, I'd like to see Walter Young up at the major league level.

Orioles Game Update: Baltimore 5, Devil Rays 2
Box Score

In what could be considered the most flawless game the O's have played in a very long time, Baltimore defeated the Devil Rays 5-2, last night. The game started off shaky for both Orioles starter Erik Bedard and O's hitters, but both settled into their roles and produced nicely. Almost every Orioles starter had a hit, with the exception of Freire, and after giving up two runs in the second inning and walking four early hitters, Bedard settled down to pitch seven strong innings of five-hit ball. The O's scored two runs in the 5th on an Eric Byrnes HR, and added three runs in the 7th off RBI singles by Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada and Javy Lopez. B.J. Ryan struck out the side in the ninth for his 24th save.

Next Orioles Game: Tampa Bay @ Baltimore, Wednesday August 10 @ 7:05 p.m.

Rodrigo Lopez vs. Casey Fossum

Washington Redskins Season Preview

2005-08-09T11:04:00.000-04:00

Well, The Orioles had an off day and this gives us the opportunity to venture out to broad new dimensions of the sports spectrum.

Hail to the Redskins!

The Washington Redskins first preseason game is almost upon us--Saturday at 8 p.m. against the Carolina Panthers--and it is time to see what we are working with this year. Here we go, position by position to find the strengths and weaknesses of the 'Skins.
*disclaimer #1: This preview assumes that players who should be, will in fact be healthy, clean and out of prison by the time the season starts
*disclaimer #2: I am aware that I am a Baltimore Orioles and Washington Redskins fan, and not a Baltimore Ravens and Washington Nationals fan, so there is no need to point that out. Thank you.

Quarterbacks: In what was a major weakness for the 'Skins last season, this year's starting QB should at least not be Mark Brunell. Last year, Redskins QBs were abysmal, combining to complete only 56.4% of their passes for 2,859 yards, 17 TDs and 17 interceptions. In comparison, the three-headed QB that Tampa Bay used in their lackluster season still managed to combine for 66.4% of their passes totaling 3,773 yards and 24 TDs. This performance is unacceptable by Redskins QBs. Joe Gibbs will look to spread the offense, and a strengthened offensive line--Jon Jansen is back from injury--will help Patrick Ramsey be able to stay in the pocket and make better passes. The addition of Rookie Jason Campbell will give Ramsey a reason to look over his shoulder. Let's hope for a Drew Brees type situation, where Ramsey has a career year with a young stud standing behind him, waiting to get into the game.
Rating: C+

Running backs: An all-pro in his first two seasons, Clinton Portis went from averaging 5.5 yards per carry in his first two years in the league, to averaging 3.8 in his first year in Washington. The main reason for this was a depleted offensive line and the fact that Joe Gibbs used him like a bruising back when speed and finesse are clearly his game. This season, however, Gibbs vows to spread the offense and allow for Portis to be his speedy self, plus the additions of Jon Jansen and center Casey Rabach will allow Portis to burst through the line once again.
Rating: A

Receivers: Goodbye Lavernues Coles and Rod Gardner, the Redskins receiving attack is revamped, but is it for the better? They are speedier, but they are also shorter. The 'Skins brought in Santana Moss from the Jets and David Patten from the Patriots, both of whom are 5'11". The third receiver will be former Florida Gators wideout, Taylor Jacobs, who is 6'0". Personally, I think the passing attack will be a good deal better, simply because the O-Line will be better and Ramsey or Campbell will have time to throw the ball. Look for Gibbs to spread the receivers out and have them confusing secondaries like the Gibbs of old. Remember the posse? Ok, well not quite, but if all goes according to plan, the 'Skins will throw much more this season. They could still use Rod Gardner and Laverneus Coles though. Look for Chris Cooley, a rookie last season, who has great hands, to step up and make a lot of important catches this season at tight end.

Rating: B-

Defense: Last year's third-ranked defensive unit looks to improve upon itself this year. Linebacker LaVar Arrington will hopefully be healthy, finally, and Safety Sean Taylor will hopefully be not in prison to anchor the hardest hitting defense in the league. Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams turned the 'Skins into a defensive force last year while missing Arrington and Mike Barrow. This year, with the 'Skins healthy, they should be dominating. They did lose Fred Smoot--a superb corner--which will hurt very much. Right now Walt Harris and Shawn Springs are the starting cornerbacks, however, Williams hopes to have rookie first pick Carlos Rogers ready to play full time by mid season. Look for another great year for the Redskins defense.

Rating: A

Coaching: Joe Gibbs has a year under his belt and should be a lot more prepared this time around. He will look to spread the offense and try to get back to the days when his offense was the most complex and confusing to defenses in the game. The defense, under Gregg Williams, will be great, no doubt about that.

Rating: B+

It is time to put up or shut up for Daniel Snyder and the Redskins. By put up, I mean score some points. Last year the Redskins ranked 30th in the NFL in points scored per game with only 15.0. The offense ranked 29th in total yards per game with 274.8. These trends have to cease. Scoring points and gaining yardage should be the most important thing for the Redskins this year. The defense is solid, all they need to do is put up some points and they will win most of their games. Take the Baltimore Ravens for example. A great defense and scoring just 19.8 PPG gave them a winning record at 9-7, as they narrowly missed the playoffs.

Tonight's Orioles Game: Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Tuesday, August 9th @ 7:05 p.m.

Erik Bedard vs. Scott Kazmir

Miguel Tejada Needs Bifocals

2005-08-08T10:18:00.000-04:00

By: Jeff Lippman

Orioles SoundOff

And then God said to Miguel Tejada, "It is thee who must lead thine Orioles out of darkness and into light."

And then Miguel Tejada said, "But, God, for I cannot see clearly. There is cloud in my vision hindering me from making thunderous contact with my mighty lightning rod."

Could it be? Does Miguel Tejada need glasses? Probably not. But then what is wrong with him?

His average isn't exactly plummeting--like that of Brian Roberts--but where is the power? Where are the timely homeruns? Where did the RBI machine go?

If you watch every at bat of every game, like I do, than you might be able to notice something different about Miggy lately. Earlier in the year, last year, he didn't miss pitches. Now, more and more, he lets the perfect pitch go by and ends up swinging at something in the dirt when he gets two strikes on him.

Many times he ends up looking foolish by swinging at a pitch far away from anything that could even resemble a strike.

During a time when the Orioles need their leader more than ever, far too often he is slamming his bat down in disgust of himself. Not often enough do you seem him rounding the bases pointing to the dugout in triumph.

Far too often is he grounding out to shortstop or second base. Not often enough is he drilling doubles into the gap or the left-field corner.

He doesn't pull the ball as much anymore, when he does make good contact it is usually to centerfield or right-center. To me, that is a sign that he isn't seeing the ball well.

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Miguel Tejada is one of the game's great players. But, this could happen to anyone. He still makes contact, he still fights off most pitches, he can still drill a ball out of the ballpark to left. Just not as often.

It can be said that all of the Orioles are slumping. Why pick on Tejada?

Brian Roberts is definitely in a slump, and that hurts the Orioles almost as much as Tejada slumping. But Roberts is still making good contact. His timing may be a little off so he flies out to center instead of doubling to right, but he still hits the ball solid on most occasions.

Sammy Sosa just isn't very good anymore, is he? Honestly, he can hit the ball a mile if you serve him up a beach ball right over the inside corner of the plate. Other than that, he can't hit his way out of a paper bag.

Tejada, who had such a promising start to the season, who seemed to get a big hit every time he saw someone in scoring position, who seemingly got an RBI at every possible chance, is struggling to do just that. Badly.

His homeruns are down, his RBI's are down, his hits are down. And to me, his plate presence is down. When he swings--and misses--at a pitch so far outside and in the dirt that it is almost a passed ball, there is something wrong. I don't remember Tejada swinging and missing very much at all, let alone at a ball that far out of the strike zone.

So I say, listen to me Miguel, and listen to God. Go see a optometrist, if he tells you that you have perfect vision, great! But there may be a need to make a change, for the better.

The Orioles need you to be your RBI-machine self, Miggy. It is worth a shot.

Orioles Weekend Games Update: Rangers 10, Orioles 3; Rangers 9, Orioles 3
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

It hurts to even talk about it. The Orioles were utterly dominated by the Texas Rangers over the weekend. They lost by a combined 19-6 on Saturday and Sunday. Daniel Cabrera walked 5 people in just over 4 innings. In the 2nd inning, Cabrera walked home two men with the bases loaded, only to give up a grand slam to the next batter for a six run inning. Sidney Ponson, who I am dubbing, "The worst pitcher in the majors," only went 2 1/3 innings before having to be removed from the game with a mysterious injury after getting murdered by Texas hitting. Good riddance Sidney.

Sam Perlozzo's honeymoon is over and reality set in. The Orioles are going to have to just become more clutch hitting and pitching over the final months of the season, if they want to have any chance. Ponson is garbage, but Daniel Cabrera can be something special if he just controls his pitches better.

Record: 53-58

Raffy is no Alex Sanchez

2005-08-06T09:01:00.000-04:00

Alex Sanchez of the San Francisco Giants was the first person to be caught by baseball's new steroid testing policy.

Rafael Palmeiro is no Alex Sanchez. He is a bonafide star.

What does this mean for baseball? What does it mean for us Orioles fans?

I have noticed among fans on Orioles talk forums that many of them have lost their faith in Raffy. They are spurning him by calling him a liar and a cheat. I am not so quick to spurn Raffy.

Don't get me wrong. Palmeiro took steroids--Unless, in order to make himself more credible, Jose Canseco has been slipping into Raffy's bedroom on occassion and injecting him in his sleep. Hey, is that really all that impossible? I've seen Canseco speak, he's a nut.

I've also been a Raffy fan my whole life, since he was an Oriole the first time. I have grown fond of that sweet swing and also of his sweet, never demanding, viagara-taking, and utterly quiet nature. He's never been considered anything but a professional by anyone he's ever met. He is modest, although his numbers are up there with the clouds.

Here is my argument against Palmeiro taking steroids, it may be a weak one, but let me have my dreams (I still like the Jose Canseco theory...) :

Palmeiro has never, ever been on the disabled list. Steroids, if taken over a long period of time, cause muscles and tendons to tighten to the point where they can snap at any wrong movement. The point behind steroids is to tighten the muscles. Now, I ask, how can Raffy have been habitually taking steroids if he's never had to go on the DL? It just doesn't make sense. Look at Jason Giambi, he took steroids and the man crumbled.

With that being said, why Palmeiro had the 'roids in his system now, is beyond me. (Unless because of the Jose Canseco thing). See even if Palmeiro had taken steroids in the past, why take them now? You have 3,ooo hits and 500 home runs, what more do you need? You have one more year left in baseball, why take steroids now? That was stupidity and I didn't want to believe Raffy was that stupid. I guess he is.

Baseball won't miss a beat because of this. It will keep moving in a positive direction. It may actually do some good--if Raffy can be caught and punished, maybe I can too...

It won't hurt the Orioles either. They are invincible from this because they have enough problems already. It's like if you hurt your foot and you want it to stop hurting so you hurt your hand, then your foot isn't so bad anymore. The Orioles can't hurt about the Palmeiro thing at this point, they are too busy hurting about firing their manager and losing.

This may help the O's. Sammy Perlozzo takes over, they start winning some games (2 in a row and counting), and then Palmeiro comes back nicely into the lineup and they take off. Hey, it could happen.

Look, I love my Raffy. I think he is a hall of famer without any doubt in my mind. I think he did a stupid, stupid thing. I don't condone it. But as FU2RMAN, so eloquently points out, "Even the freakin' leader of the free world has Rafael Palmeiro's back!"

Orioles Game Update: Orioles 10, Rangers 5
Box Score

Like Lou Brown, manager from the movie "Major League" once said, "Yesterday we won a game. If we win today, that's called two in a row, if we win tommorow, that's called a winning streak. It has happened before."

Yes, that's right O's fans, your Orioles have won--get this--two games in a row. Sam Perlozzo is doing an excellent job with the pitching staff and the Orioles have responded by scoring more runs(10) than they have in a long time.

Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons went yard, Chris Gomez and BJ Surhoff added doubles, Melvin Mora was on the bench. Let's hope this continues O's fans--not Mora being on the bench, the hitting part.

Weekend Series: Orioles @ Texas: Saturday, August 6th at 4:05 p.m. and Sunday, August 7th at 2:05 p.m.

How Sam Perlozzo Got the O's Groove Back

2005-08-05T10:47:00.000-04:00

By: Jeff Lippman

Baltimore Orioles SoundOff

Hallelujah! Praise Sammy Sosa! Praise Rodrigo Lopez! But, most of all, praise Sam Perlozzo for leading the O's to their first victory in their last nine games.

Yeah, Eric Byrnes hit a triple off of Orlando Cabrera's leg and Sosa crushed a ball out to left for the four runs the O's scored, but if this were a Lee Mazzilli managed team, four runs would not have been enough.

Perlozzo masterfully worked the bullpen and was able to put the right pitchers in, and keep them in, at the right times.

Too many times Mazzilli would take a lead into the 5th, 6th or 7th innings, and too many times the O's would end up losing that lead because of their bullpen. But is that really the bullpen's fault? Or is it Mazzilli's?

Rodrigo Lopez pitched an excellent game for 4 innings. In the 5th, things got a little hairy. But Lopez finished strong and got out of the inning. Having thrown a lot of pitches the inning before, Perlozzo felt Lopez needed to be taken out. I might have left him in one more inning, but whatever.

Enter Todd Williams. Williams did an excellent job for an 1 2/3 innings. Perlozzo didn't have to make any decisions there, so nothing special. Now is when Perlozzo's actions show why he is the better man for the job.

Tim Byrdak, one of the O's best relievers in the past few weeks, came into the game next. He got the man he was supposed to get, the left-handed specialist did his job. But then, something crazy happened, a right-handed hitter came to bat and Perlozzo didn't put Chris Ray in the game. He didn't change pitchers at all. And it worked! Byrdak got the man out. Imagine that.

Then, with switch-hitting Chone Figgins coming to bat, Perlozzo wanted to make him face a hard thrower from his weaker side. He took Byrdak out, and brought in Jorge Julio. With two runners on base already, this seemed to me an excellent idea.

But Julio failed.

He walked the man he came in to face and loaded the bases. Here it comes, game after game, the same thing. It's bases loaded, O's up 4-1, bottom of the 8th, time to blow it.

And Mazzilli left Julio in and he gave up the game-winning homerun, again. But wait! Mazzilli was fired! Perlozzo is the manager of this team.

Perlozzo yanked Julio like his was a particularly bad performance on the Gong Show. If you are a reliever and you walk a batter, you come out. No more chances. Way to go Sam.

B.J. Ryan was placed in the game and he struck out his man to end the inning. Threat over. Orioles still leading 4-1. Orioles win.

To me, the difference is as clear as night and day. Mazzilli would have left Julio in. Perlozzo took him out. That is the whole game right there.

Congratulations Sam Perlozzo, I look forward to a lot more of this to close out this year. If you keep this up, you might just be sticking around to manage for years to come.

Game Recap: Orioles 4, Angels 1
Box Score

The O's have finally won a game! The impossible has happened, and I love Sam Perlozzo. Eric Byrnes tripled in two runs and Sammy Sosa slammed his 14th HR of the year for the other two. Rodrigo Lopez pitched excellent for 5 innings and Todd Williams, Tim Byrdak and BJ Ryan held down the fort superbly as the O's moved their record closer to .500 at 52-56.

Now all we need is the Red Sox to go on the same collapse that the O's went on, plus we need about a 12-game winning streak and we are back in first. Maybe.

Next Game: Friday, August 5th, 8:05 p.m.
Baltimore @ Texas

Bruce Chen vs. C.J. Wilson

So Long Lee Mazzilli

2005-08-04T14:13:00.000-04:00

Mazzilli's bubble has burst

After just about a season and a half, Lee Mazzilli has been fired as manager of the Baltimore Orioles. Story.

I hate to say I told you so...But...I TOLD YOU SO!

Mazzilli couldn't stand the heat. He didn't know what to do at the end. He was a lost puppy dog. The Orioles didn't need a lost puppy dog running the team.

Congratulations Peter Angelos. You've missed out on countless free agents over the years because you are greedy greedy tightwad, but you got this one right.

Sam Perlozzo will take over the team on an interim basis. Paging Cal Ripken. Cal Ripken could you please report to the manager's office.

Calling #8, Where Are You?

2005-08-04T10:31:00.000-04:00

While watching last night's game, it became clear to me that Lee Mazzilli was not the man to lead the Orioles to the promised land--and they showed so much promise this year.

Here's the old adage, "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch." And Mazzilli seems to be a miniature pinscher when it comes to his managerial style. He yelps a lot and makes a lot of noise, but in the end, are you really afraid of such a little tyke? No. Neither are the other teams, or even his own players.

Last night I saw Mazzilli make two critical mistakes--one managerial and one spiritual.

With the game still within reach at 5-2, and after Tim Byrdak came in to pitch to a lefty and so dominantly retired the batter he faced, Lee "Matchups" Mazzilli struck again. Instead of leaving in Byrdak, who looked effortless while getting his man out, he decided to bring in Chris Ray because of match up reasons, since the next batter was a righty.

Mistake "Matchups," mistake. Are you telling me Byrdak isn't a good enough pitcher to get two guys out in a row? He looked great, why change? It makes little sense to me.

The other mistake that I saw Mazzilli make was a crucial one to his role as leader of the Baltimore Orioles. This may be why some on the team do not respect the man. After the game got out of hand--Mazzilli's fault for putting in Ray--Mazzilli could do nothing but hang his head in the dugout.

He didn't get fired up, he didn't get mad and scream at anybody, he didn't do much of anything. He just hung his head. Is that what a leader would do in that situation? Would Miguel Tejada just hang his head after striking out? I've seen Miggy slam thing and hit himself so I don't think so.

Would Earl Weaver just sit in the dugout while his starting pitcher was consistently hitting the outside corner of the plate to no avail from the umpire? Weaver would still be kicking dirt in Anaheim right now. And be throwing things.

Would even Davey Johnson just sit back, hang his head and let the bad things happen?

Would Cal?

Where have you gone, Cal Ripken Jr? Orioles nation turns its lonely, losing eyes to you. Woo Woo Woo.

The Baltimore Orioles, as they stand right now, are good enough to contend with anybody. They have one of the best lineups in baseball from top to bottom. They have a good young pitching staff, which nobody can deny. Their bullpen was supposed to be dominant. What are they missing? A leader in the form of a manager, that's what.

Who is the one person that nobody in or around Baltimore would ever dare to put down? Cal. Who would lead the Orioles with the spirit of man who comes to play every single day, and plays hard? Cal. Who does Miguel Tejada emulate more than any other? Cal. That's right. Cal.

On this O's squad, Miguel Tejada is the clear leader. Nobody is looked up to more than Miggy, no, not even Maz. That shouldn't be. The manager is the leader, that is just the way it is. There is only one person in Baltimore that is larger than Miguel Tejada, and a better leader.

Cal Ripken, you could save the Orioles. Please come back.

This team is ready to have a leader show them the way. Cal Ripken is that leader.

Cal Sr. managed the Orioles, and he didn't do that great of a job. Sr. was beloved by everyone but he wasn't a great manager, he was a better coach. That won't happen to Cal Jr.

Cal Ripken Sr. wasn't revered as much as Jr. because he never had the talent or the impact on the Orioles that his son had. Ripken Jr. is the Baltimore Orioles, always will be.

Orioles fans could come to Memorial Stadium and Camden Yards from 1982 until 1998 and count on #8 being in the lineup. They could count on his stellar bat and his golden glove at shortstop and then at third. They could count on Cal, always.

And now, when Orioles fans need it the most, through seven losing seasons and on its way to a most devastating eighth, they need to be able to count on Cal again.

Come back, Cal. Your team, the Orioles, needs you.

Last Game: Angels 8, Orioles 4
Box Score

Erik Bedard pitched a great game for 4 1/3 innings. Then he hiccupped. What had happened was...His pitches, in my opinion were hitting their spots on the outside corner. The umpire didn't see it that way. He called all his pinpoint pitches balls and forced Bedard to come over the plate. The Angels hitters were much obliged, scoring six times in the 5th inning.

If not for that crazy inning, the Orioles might have--gasp!--won a game. Oh well, we'll get 'em next time. HA!

Next Game: Thursday, August 4th, 4:05 p.m. @LAA.

Rodrigo Lopez vs. Erwin Santana

Midre Cummings? Gross

2005-08-03T10:59:00.000-04:00

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?

Lee Mazzilli: Where Do You Get Your Lineups From?

2005-08-02T21:42:00.000-04:00

Every single day I check the Orioles lineup card during the pre-game, and almost every single day its like my birthday--only when I see my surprise, it makes me want to vomit.

The Orioles opening day lineup was beautiful. Roberts, Mora, Tejada, Sosa, Palmeiro, Lopez, Gibbons, Matos, Bigbie. What is wrong with that lineup?

The answer, my friends, is nothing. However, Lee "Matchups" Mazzilli feels the need to shake up the lineup almost daily, never keeping continuity for too long. I nickname Mazzilli "Matchups" because it seems that he will compromise some of his best hitters in favor of favorable pitching matchups. For example, sitting Rafael Palmeiro, Jay Gibbons or the former Oriole Larry Bigbie and playing Chris Gomez because the pitcher happens to be a lefty. Nothing against Gomez but Palmeiro, Gibbons and Bigbie are all better hitters, period. So why sit a better hitter just because the matchup is less favorable by the numbers? I believe that the best hitter should hit. Always. If you are going to give a guy a night off, that is one thing. But strictly adhering to lefty righty matchups is ridiculous in my opinion.

Another qualm I have with our boy "Matchups" is his penchant for playing musical chairs with the lineup. Roberts is always leadoff. After Roberts, your guess is as good as mine. Roughly, Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada, Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa and Javy Lopez are all somewhere near each other in the order, but come on! Sometimes Mora bats second, sometimes third. Sometimes Tejada bats third, sometimes fourth. Palmeiro started the year batting fifth but has also batted fourth and sixth. Sosa, who moves around a lot to find his best suited spot in the order but it seems sucks anywhere you put him, has batted second, fourth, fifth and sixth. Lopez has also hit in many different positions, batting fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh.

The bottom of the order is a whole other story. The combinations of David Newhan, Luis Matos, BJ Surhoff, Larry Bigbie, Jay Gibbons, Chris Gomez and Sal Fasano have moved around so much they feel like military children. Mazzilli has even gone so far as to bat Bigbie, Matos and Newhan in the two hole from time to time.

I know why the O's offense has struggled so much lately! The Orioles hitters have traveled the lineup so much they have jetlag. So please Lee, for the good of the team, keep it simple stupid. Let the best hitters hit, every day. Keep the lineup solid, when the offense knows the job it has to perform day in and day out, it can better perform its duties.

So here is my perfect lineup. Lee take a lesson from me and stick with this!

Brian Roberts, 2B
Melvin Mora, 3B
Miguel Tejada, SS
Rafael Palmeiro, 1B
Javy Lopez, C
Sammy Sosa, RF
Jay Gibbons, DH
Eric Byrnes, LF
Luis Matos, RF

Tonight's Game Recap:
Anaheim Angels 10, Baltimore Orioles 1
Box Score

Well the O's certainly had a performance worthy of this last blog. They managed 13 hits and only scored one run. ONE RUN! Vladimir Guerrero went deep twice for the Angels who dominated every pitcher the O's threw at them. Sidney Ponson is at least consistent. Consistently bad. He continued his losing ways by giving up 8 runs in just over 5 innings pitched.

O's Record: 51-55
9.5 games out of first

This only begs the question: Will the Orioles ever win again? Stay Tuned! Next Game: @LAA 10:05

Welcome to unofficial authority(self-titled) on Baltimore Orioles baseball

2005-08-01T15:15:00.000-04:00

My good friend Bill Ferrara--check out Bill's NBA Blog called Passfirst--was listening to me complain about the team that I pour blood, sweat and tears into. Lots of tears. Lots and lots of tears, lately. Bill's a Yankees fan and so obviously is tired of hearing me talk about the Orioles.

We have our arguments: I say the Yankees are too old, the pitching staff belongs in an assisted living center. He said the Orioles would choke and couldn't possibly win with their mediocre pitching staff. OK, so we were both right.

Bill gave me the idea to start a blog where I could rant, praise, criticize, damn, show love for and otherwise discuss anything that I feel worth discussing about the Birds.

So here goes nothing: Jeff's Baltimore Orioles SoundOff...Post #1

Rafael Palmeiro's Steroid Suspension: The Jeffrey Maier Curse Continues...

Rafael Palmeiro sat out of Monday afternoons game against the Chicago White Sox as the first of a 10-game suspension for violating the MLB's drug policy. Palmeiro, coming off a magical few weeks when he became only the fourth player in the history of baseball to obtain 500 career home runs and 3,000 hits, becomes the seventh and highest-profile player to be suspended for violating the drug policy.

Palmeiro denies vehemently that he had any knowledge of putting illegal substances into his body and doesn't know how they got there. However, why would you put anything into your body that you aren't absolutely sure is 100% legal?

The timing of Palmeiro's suspension is impeccable isn't it? Is it just me, or are the Orioles belly-flopping faster and harder than newly acquired Eric Byrnes did Sunday night when he dove into third? It can't be just me.

Let's look at a timeline of the Orioles season thus far, you know, so we can pinpoint exactly where the implosion I am calling "The Curse of Jeffrey Maier" began.
Disclaimer: Jeffrey Maier will be bashed more than any two other people combined on this site, with good reason.

1) Opening Day: Orioles 4, Athletics 0; Rodrigo Lopez pitches six scoreless innings and Sammy Sosa leads the offense to an opening day shut out. (Record: 1-0)

2) April, 10: Orioles 7, Yankees 2; Again Rodrigo Lopez pitches a stellar game and the Orioles complete a sweep of the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. (Record: 7-4)

3) April 30: Orioles 7, Devil Rays 5; BJ Surhoff, Miguel Tejada and the red-hot Brian Roberts all homer for the first-place Orioles who finish April with a 19-9 record. (Record: 19-9)

4) May 6: Orioles 3, Royals 1; Sammy Sosa sits in this game with a Staph infection to the bottom of his foot. He doesn't return again until May 24th. (Record: 22-12)

5) May 10: Minnesota 6, Orioles 4; Luis Matos breaks the ring finger on his hand after being hit by a Jesse Crain pitch. He is expected to miss 6 weeks. (Record: 24-13)

6) May 21: Orioles 7, Phillies 0; Erik Bedard is masterful as he lowers his E.R.A. to 2.09. However, this would be he last start before going on the DL with a strained ligament in his left knee. (Record: 27-15)

7) May 24: Orioles 3, Mariners 2; Sosa returns, however Javy Lopez breaks a bone in his hand after Bret Boone fouled a ball off it. Lopez would need surgery and wouldn't return until after the all-star break. (Record: 28-16)

8) May 31: Red Sox 5, Orioles 1; Orioles end May with an L, and have lost 4 out of their last 5 with the Red Sox gaining ground. (Record: 31-20)

9) June 30: Indians 9, Orioles 3; O's end June the same way they ended May, with a loss. This time the hurting O's limped into July by losing 8 out of their last 10 games. (Record: 43-35)

10) July 12: All-Star Game; Orioles had lost control of first place as of June 23rd. After beating Boston to close the first half of the season, they stand 2 games out of first. (Record: 47-40)

11) July 31: White Sox 9, Orioles 4; Ending June by losing 13 out of 15 games is not a good way to stay in the race. The Orioles were pretty much healthy now, but their offense still looked sickly. (Record: 51-53)

So you see, somewhere down the line, the Orioles seemed to be crushed by some unexpected force. Be it injury, managerial decisions, slumps, etc. The Orioles were flying high for much of the season. But after going 4-13 from July 12-31, they have slipped to 8 games out in the standings and nothing seems to go right.

They can't hit when they pitch well. They can't pitch when their hitting picks up. They are a recipe for disaster. And now that Raffy has been suspended, anything that could have gone wrong this year, has.

My friends, the O's are still in it. They are. No, really, they are. But something needs to pick up. Some force needs to take back over, because they are reeling. And a freefall this hard usually isn't stopped by a mere net.

Thanks for listening to my first blog! Check in daily for game by game story lines, criticisms and praise. Go O's!