Dead-Line is Really a Month Away

Wow, the MLB Non-Waiver Trade Dead-Line, its like Christmas to most fans, but to Oriole fans, it is more like a Christmas that just keeps getting pushed back. The print media and the Orioles front office can tell us fans as many times as they want that nothing is "eminent" but will that still stop us from feeling left out of the Christmas party? NOPE. While other teams are trading for prospects, or a big playoff push, the Orioles just sit back, kick their feet up, and revel being in last place, confident that the future of the franchise is firmly in the grasp of 3-4 young players. Risky, and yet it seems to them "sure fire" that Wieters, Jones, Markakis, and a handful of pitchers in the minors are going to win many championships. "Iffy" would be my choice of word.

Don't get me wrong I am as big of an Orioles fan as there is, but how many years in a row did we not do anything at this time of year? Too many. But, I guess there is a reason they get paid the millions, and I just write about it. And right now if there is no deal, there is no deal, and I would urge the O's not to lower their price on anyone, to do so would lower the price of the team, insulting its fans. If somebody gives in and gives up to us, great, we will not do so to them, that's for sure. So all you Oriole die hards, fans, fleeting followers, and near-by residents, ease your stress and relax, watch all the other teams flounder and fumble, while we stand firm in last place, complacent, preparing for the years to come.

Never A Doubt Georgie!!

Well that was nail bitter, and for all the people with blood pressure problems, stop watching the Orioles. But we can take two things from this, one, Daniel Cabrera had a good start and got the win for the first time in a long time, so his next start will probably be not so good. Two, the combined 20 runs in two games might be the most runs scored in a two game stretch by the Orioles this season, so most likely we won't score many runs today.

That could be completely wrong, and I hope it is. George Sherill lost some of his trade value last night, but still got the save. And, if every other sports news outlet is correct, don't expect to see much action by tomorrow at 4pm, the trade dead-line.

Day game today, 1:05 pm Joba Chamberlin vs. Dennis Sarfate. Sarfate is getting his first big league start today, in his hometown, to bad he was born in New York. I really hope we found something in Sarfate, that would be huge. LETS GO O'S!!

Boom Boom

That's the sound you could hear as far away as Philadelphia last night, coming from the bats of the Baltimore Orioles. With 13 runs and every starter getting a hit, you would've thought Liz was pitching, and we had lost, BUT it was thankful Jeremey Guthrie who got the win last night. Known, for his lack of run support Guthrie was able to work on a hitch in his delivery last night without much to worry about, must have been an odd feeling for him.

Other news is that Dennis Sarfate will make his first start of the season Wednesday in the Bronx, taking the spot in the rotation from Brian Burress, who was demoted to the bull-pen. Hopefully that will shake things up enough.

50-55, the Orioles record, meaning that in the next 57 games the O's need to go 31-26 to finish out the season at exactly .500, possible. But they will need to continue the trend of these last two games of getting quality starts from their pitchers, and if they don't, expect to see a few minor leaguers in Orange and Black in September.

Tonight is Daniel Cabrera vs. Darell Rasner at 7:05 PM, please, please be good Danny tonight. Please? LETS GO O'S!!

Amen

It is over, the Sunday curse that has puzzled the Orioles with 15 straight Sunday losses is over, as they beat the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim yesterday. And even more surprising that that is the fact the Garrett Olson went more than 4 innings. In his recent outings Olson has been solid for the first time around the opponents line-up, then while they made adjustments, he made none. Yesterday, however, he did make an adjustment and only gave up 2 runs in 6 innings.

And so they go on the road, up to Yankee Stadium, where, later in the year, they will play the last regular season game ever at The House that Ruth Built.

Tonight at 7:05 Jeremey Guthrie lines up against ex-Oriole Mike Mussina. LETS GO O'S!!

The Good, The Ugly, and The Ugly

I want to end this on a bright spot, kind of, so I'll start off with the two uglies, yesterdays two games. Daniel Cabrera showed us the usual, terrible control, wild pitches and hit batters, perfect. Roy Haladay owns the Orioles, but our bat can still be considered "hot."

It is frustrating that games 100 and 101 of the season, where, with the Jays being on a very off year, we could make a run at .500 again, we end up blowing it. Has anybody seen the Orioles do that before?

Well it doesn't get much easier than last series because tonight we welcome the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the team with the best record in baseball. But here is some good we can take out of it...sorry I was trying really hard to come up with something.

Now to the good, nay, GREAT. Last night I got the chance to see "The Dark Night." I don't really know how to describe the movie, this is the best I could do. It is the type of movie teenagers LOVE, the 20 year old crowd adores, and it makes the older generation want to become a superhero again. Yes, even the famous DPA would want to throw on some armour and run around at night. (PLEASE DPA NO TIGHTS!!!) You know my HOYA scale that I rank movies on, 1-5 Hoyas, well this one gets a 10. Heath Ledger, RIP, does an unbelievable job as the joker, and "The Dark Night" just bunny hopped "Rudy" "300" and "Tommy Boy" as my #1 favorite movie of all time.

Tonight 7:05 Sounders vs. Buress, please grab a win, please? LETS GO O'S!!

Rain

To complete the 100th game of the season, the Orioles will have to wait just a little bit longer. With 2 outs and a man on third in the top of the 6th inning and the Orioles trailing the Blue Jays 2-1 yesterdays game was suspended. It is scheduled for today at 12:05, 20 minutes after the final out, the O's will play the game regularly scheduled for today.

Guthrie was looking good, and we were starting to get some good hits off of A.J. Burnett, but now we will have to see how we can come back from this delay, always tough.

The second game will post Roy Haladay against Daniel Cabrera, and if Danny Boy has his stuff, we could be watching another pitching duel.

Does anybody else wish that the Orioles had about 4 or 5 more Jeremey Guthrie's pitching for them? That guy is great, he leaves everything he has out on that field and is very professional, and he is a good person. Speaking of good hardworking people, to say there is a new Iron Man at Camden Yards would be overstating just a bit, but when you see Mike Palulis on the nights he pulls bull-pen duty, you are in for a treat. If you are lucky enough to sit in the outfield, he really is an under-rated Camden Yards experience. The cat's pajamas if I many?

Pitching and Defense

Well the defense looked good last night, pitching on the other hand was the reason we lost the game. Olson had another disappointing start, not able to go 5 innings, thankfully though we held the lead, then lost it, then held it again, and then lost it again.

Because of being overworked the bullpen has called upon young arms to fill spots. Young and inexperienced arms, with control problems, cannot help when the game is on the line. Moving forward though it becomes clearer and clearer every day that what this team REALLY needs, is starting pitching. We will have to wait until the young studs in AA Bowie Baysox are called upon, hopefully in September, but most likely in Spring Training.

Tonight is Guthrie vs. Burnett. Burnett is like a more polished Daniel Cabrera, so, hopefully we get bad AJ tonight. Lets keep the bats hot and lets get some run support for the only guy who deserves it. LETS GO O'S!

Out of the Cellar

Quote of the day: "It's flattering to be the one that they keep asking about, but right now, I'm an Oriole and proud of it" - George Sherrill

Did someone just say they were proud to be an Oriole? Is that someone an All-Star? Yes and Yes. I guess things have really changed over there at Camden Yards. I love it when somebody shows loyalty to a franchise, especially with free agency and arbitration, it is highly unlikely that a player plays his entire career for one team. The attitude that Sherrill is showing though will hopefully change that for the Orioles.

Apparently Nick Markakis was talking about his contract with O's management and they have yet to come to an agreement. Nobody knows his asking price, but a reasonable deal that should get this settled should be a figure just above Alex Rios 6-year $65 million contract. I can live with that, heck, give him a little more for having to go through the rebuilding.

OK start by Liz last night, but comparatively, it was great. He went 5 2/3 giving up 6 walks and 3 runs, and got the win. Hopefully we can sweep or take 3 of 4 from the Blue Jays, tough with Marcum, Halladay and Burnett ending the series against Olson, Guthrie and Cabrera. Hey a guy can wish right?

Tonight at 7:05 Olson Vs. Marcum. Marcum though is making his first start since going on the 15-day disabled list, and will be limited to about 65-70 pitches, giving the O's a chance if they get at him early. Keep the magic going, LETS GO O"S!

Long Weekend

Hello and sorry for the three days without a post. So much has happened over the weekend, but I am going to try and keep this as short as possible.

Yesterdays loss makes the Sunday losing streak to 15 games, I don't know about any of you but I am not looking into this one bit. Mostly because in my eyes finishing the season with a .500 record is not the objective. It is to develop our younger players and I believe we have succeeded in that arena.

We split the series with the Tigers, with some fantastic finishes, and the big bat of Luke Scott. If anybody caught the Saturday night game, it looked like we should still be playing as the throw from Adam Jones in the top of the 10th was a little late. But fortunately the ump made the call and stuck to it, and we ended up winning on the walk off. I have also decided that Luke Scott showed the sports world how to cross the plate after a walk off, slide!

In Redskin news, Sunday the Redskins acquired Jason Taylor from the Miami Dolphins. It was an unfortunate situation that brought him to the Skins, but, to tell you the truth, I couldn't be happier. Will this be the year the Redskins make a push to go deep in the playoffs, who knows, ITS BASEBALL SEASON.

Tonight we open a 3 game series against the Blue Jays, Rodhames Liz will take the mound for the birds, looking to go deep in the game to give the 'pen some rest. LETS GO O'S!

What To Do Now That We're in The Second Half

"We're excited about the future, but we also want to be excited about now." - Brian Roberts

There is no better quote than that to sum up the Orioles situation coming into the non-waiver trade deadline of July 31. Will they be sellers, or buyers? Kevin Millar certainly wants to be buyers, Andy McPhail just wants to wait it out. Beyond those seemingly unimportant deals yet to be made, WE HAVE O'S BASEBALL AGAIN!

Tonight starts an 11 game home stand. The Orioles will take on the Tigers in Baltimore, with Garrett Olson taking the mound against, Kenny Rogers, yea he still pitches in the majors. I have a feeling, much like Mr. McPhail's feeling about opening day, that this game will be huge in the tone of the second half. If this 11 game home stand goes well, and if we depart from B-More with a record over .500 don't expect to see much at the deadline.

Either way I am pumped to see my O's go at it again. Somebody make a sign at the yard saying, "Hey O's, it's fun watching you have fun!" That week right before the break didn't look fun, nor was it watching it.

Respect

I admit it I was looking at other blogs and I came across this post. The original blogger asked for a mid-season review, what to do before the trade dead-line, and about the .500 winning percentage mark. After about six post a poster, named Lucky Horseshoe, had this to say:

"Peter, you said .500 was important to all fans. I am a fan and it is totally UNimportant to me. I couldn't care less if we end the season at a .490, .500 or .510 winning percentage. I care that we stick to the plan and execute it well and smartly. If we do that, playing .500 baseball will be setting the bar too low. So I totally disagree with your original post and agree largely with your second post. They say opposite things.I still bristle at the suggestion that we return to “the Oriole Way”. First, there is no such thing. As Lee McPhail originally set the path for this team it meant building through the farm system, concentrating on pitching and defense and bringing every player through the farm system learning the same terms, moves and way of playing. Well pitching and defense have been stressed since the dead ball era, there was no free agency so the farm system was the only way to build and the structure of the farm system was based on the Dodgers. The difference was that the O’s executed it well and they won. The Royals tried the same thing long ago with their baseball academy but didn't have the same results. What really bothers me is that some of the same folks who throw around the term “the Oriole Way” are the same folks who want us to rush Wieters and some young arms up to the majors. This is the total antithesis of “the Oriole Way” to the extent there was such a thing. Those teams were based on what the players learned in the minors. Hopefully we are implementing changes to the minor league systems and coaching staffs that will give us the same stability we had back then. But changes to the business of baseball will prevent parts of those systems from working and that has to be accounted for.Fred I reject your criticism of McPhail. The points you make dont hold water. Please detail what it is that you consider to be flip flopping on .500. I don't believe he has ever set .500 as a goal except indirectly in response to questions about it. I don't think he has wavered from his stated goal of rebuilding this organization from the ground up. I don't think he has ever intimated a temptation on his part to sacrifice that total organizational overhaul for short sighted short term goals. You will have to give me an idea of what you base that on because I don't see it in his words or actions. I, and most baseball “experts” disagree with your assessment of his trade strategy. While the national writers and commentators are not infallible, most know more than you or I about both baseball and the true story in the backrooms that you and I cant know about. They have sources we don't have access to. So when a Rosenthal, Kirkjian and Gammons seem to all agree that he got the better of both trades and through dogged persistence and patience improved his take as time went by, I have to feel that your accusations are just a fan with a bone to pick. It is a manufactured criticism when you agree that his two trades were good ones but complain he took too long to make them. Don't you see how silly that sounds? Who cares if it took him 3 days or 3 months as long as he “wins” the trade and the players are in place before spring training or the start of the season? And how do you know if he could have had the same return if he hadn't showed patience and persistence? Who knows why Matusz isn't signed. Who cares? How many first rounders ARE signed? There is no hurry. We want him to win for the next 15 years. not the next 15 minutes. Winning baseball organizations are built, they don't hatch full grown. Rebuilding this team is a marathon, not a sprint. You are manufacturing reasons to dis McPhail because there is nothing yet to legitimately complain about. I can’t possibly know your motivation but it is clear from your post."

Well put Luck, well put.

Josh Hammer'ton

Corny right? Anyways, what he did last night was absurd, the reason I posted this a little later was because I couldn't stop reading articles about him. Someone might want to call Disney, they have their next Blockbuster in the making, and its not even done yet. Another little tid-bit about last night, I loved the fact that a 71 year old threw him all those BP balls, anybody calculate his ERA, 28 runs in 3 1/3 innings. Does it matter that he lost the derby in the last round? Nope. All that matters to me is that my generation and the one after me have a new player to look up at and say, "If Josh Hamilton can do it, so can I." And to tell you the truth, I think that is more important to him than winning a home run derby. I don't have enough time, nor space to tell you what he has gone through, so I would recommend Google-ing him and reading about what he has done to himself, and how he has gotten back on track. Incredible.

Well tonight is the All-Star game, and to tell you the truth I was more excited about the celebrity softball game. I might tune in for the last inning, just to see Mariano finish it off, but who knows.

All-Star Breakage

What a good time for the All-Star break as the Orioles have lost 4 of 5 coming into the break. Also, they extended there Sunday loss streak to 14 games, awesome. Neither pitcher yesterday looked like they had their best stuff, it looked like the batters didn't either. I am having trouble with something to say because I am not liking the situation right now.

As I have said about 100 times before, and what yesterdays game made as obvious as the outfield grass being green, the Orioles are in DESPERATE need of a short stop. Hopefully something changes soon at that spot, or we can blow more winnable games.

Note: Melvin Mora stranded 11 out of the 15 base runners stranded in yesterday's game.

As for me I will have to wait until Mr. McPhail makes some moves for a short stop to stop complaining. But until then we have tonight's home run derby at 8, and then the All-Star game tomorrow, have fun and lets go O's.

Alright Alright

Well there you go...stooping the loosing streak from the arm of Brian Burres, who would have thought? I am happy, but nervous, how would a sweep of the Red Sox be before the break, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Rodhames Liz is pitching tonight against the knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. I really am satisfied and don't have much to say.

Like the great Chick-Fil-A I will not be working on Sundays, day of rest. Sorry for the short post. LETS GO O'S!!!!

OK so...

OK so...we got swept by the Blue Jays, it was predicted by some that we would loose 100 games.

OK so...our next series is against the World Champion Red Sox, but after that its the All-Star break and then 11 home games.

OK so...our bullpen is worn down, and 3 of 5 starters can't go 6 innings, remember they are rookies, the Baltimore Sun calls these last outings, "growing pains" they will get over it.

OK so...Jeremy Guthrie can't win a game where he pitches great. Do you think he cares if he gets the W as long as the team does, he doesn't which is a huge plus for the O's.

OK so...we are at least two year from contention, I'm OK with that because it is fun watching these Orioles have fun, only problem is, the last four games they didn't look like they were having fun.

OK so...we need to get middle infield prospects, we will, let Mr. McPhail do his job, plus Matt Wieters is a machine, several All-Star appearances are in his future.

OK so...tonight in Boston Brian Burres is pitching again, remember, he can be dominant, note the first few weeks of the season. Also our bats have been hot and the Sox are putting a 'semi' rookie on the mound. Slug Fest? I hope not.

OK so...we are looking at going into the break under .500, SO WHAT, in my eyes taking 2 of 3 from the Sox would be the greatest thing since taking 2 of 3 from the SOX, oh yea that would also put us at .500 going into the break. Don't get your hopes up.

Only 4 More Days

Thankfully there are only four more days until the All-Star break, I don't think I could handle it if there was no break. And thankfully Jeremy 'Guts' Guthrie is pitching tonight, I love watching him work. Last night came close to what I prescribed we needed, hopefully it will be enough to win tonight's game, and then we travel to the dangerous Red Sox to play three games in Fenway.

Nick Markakis extended his hitting streak to 16 games, hitting about .400 in that span, raising his average to .303. Adam Jones, Aubrey Huff, and Brian Roberts also have been hitting lights out. But it always seems, for the Orioles at least, that when one thing is going well another is slumping big time, pitching. The team ERA that was once at 3.80 in May is now at 4.80, in baseball a whole run more on an ERA IS a big deal.

Hey Guts, show some tonight and shake off this loosing streak.

Nicknames can Brighten the Mood

Here a few nicknames I (I being me and people on other blogs/websites) picked up for the O's:

Daniel Cabrera
- Danny Boy
-I'm with Danny Boy just because you can hold the boy, "Danny BOOOOOY"

Jeremy Guthrie
-Guts
-Awesome, its just his last name shortened, but it says so much more.

Ramon Hernandez
- Razor Ramon
-Don't know why people chose this, but hey, I'm not against it.

Aubrey Huff
-The Rooster
-Hahahaha.

Adam Jones
-Dr. Jones
-This has awesome use potential, check it, "No time for love Dr. Jones!! We need a double!!"

Nick Markakis
-Honeybear
-My favorite nickname on the O's, if you don't get it check out the youtube video on the right.

Kevin Millar
-Kevbo
-Cowboy up is an action, not a nickname.

Melvin Mora
-MelMo
-Reminds me of Elmo, what other options did they have?

Brian Roberts
-B-Rob
-Every team should have at least one player with a nickname consisting of (First initial - Shortened last name)

Luke Scott
-LUUUUKE
-Kind of like former Orioles "MOOOSE" just "LUUUKE"

George Sherrill
-Flat Breezy
-Note his flat brimmed hat.
OR
-Georgie Boy
-Clubhouse favorite

Tonight's pitcher is Garett Olson, looking to go deep into the game because of the unexpected amount of pitchers used last night. If we win, it will be a huge emotional lift for this team, not to mention stopping an 3 loss skid. Think of it this way, we take the next two from the Jay's and one from the Sox we go into the break at .500, anybody who said that was possible 3 months ago would've been stoned.

Jim...OUT!

Why Not Make it Easy for AP

Dear Andy McPhail,

Please take note of last nights game, where we lost on an error by one of our many different short stops. Note that it is still in your hands to make sure games like that, two or three years from now, don't happen because of the talent that is on the field. I know it is still only a year into the "rebuilding process," but anything you can do to keep it going will be greatly appreciated by us fans. But on the other hand, please take into consideration how it is making us feel to see our O's at .500, its good.

Because I am only a fan and I am not in your position, I can only say these things based on what I see on the field. We need a short stop for the future, no more platoons, PLEASE. I hear about the clubhouse and how great the chemistry is, for me it means keep Kevin Millar and let him teach the young guys that get to come up how to play this game, "The Orioles Way" because I can see that way in him. As for a few player to consider moving, if at all possible, here are a few names I see as good options. Aubrey Huff, no one can deny his great start, but in reality he would do this franchise a bigger service as a trading chip, especially since he is hot. Jay Payton, I know it seems as he is coming around, in the clubhouse mix, but I'm sure there are a few teams out there looking for a veteran right handed outfielder. You can try Melvin Mora, but I like him, I don't know why, but that's what makes me a fan, and you the boss.

And hey, Mr. McPhail, why not go after Mark Teixeira in the off season, let him play 1B and somebody else, Millar? to DH. I think that would help bring back some of the fan base lost in the decade of losing. A hometown boy, do you remember the last "hometown" boy we had? He wore number 8 and lives in Cooperstown now. Yea. Think about it.

Sincerely,
Jim

News Breifing

Here we go...

The Orioles are 20-9 in the first game of s series this year compare that to 27-26 last year, if they can keep it up, that's is a huge improvement.

The Orioles are 18-19 when giving up a run in the first inning, meaning they are 26- 24 when they do not, not a huge disparity, but something I wouldn't mind to see change.

Daniel Cabrera is 4-7 in 14 games at Toronto in his career, he also has two complete games, and the Orioles are 7-7 when he takes the mound up north.

George Sherrill got the nod to represent the Orioles in the upcoming All-Star game at Yankee Stadium, he has 27 saves, good enough for second in the AL in that category.

Aubrey Huff was named AL player of the week for last week, going 10-29 (.345) with 3 doubles, 3 home runs, and 9 RBI's. He beat out Nick Markakis, A-Rod, and Roy Halladay.

Adam 'Boom Boom' Jones is hitting .282, way up from the .230's he was hitting earlier in the year. He has seen his average, RBI's and runs scored steadily increase as the season progresses.

Nick Markakis has a 14 game hit streak going 21-55 (.382) during his career best streak. He has almost double his walks as of this time last year, and is currently tied for second place in the AL with 8 outfield assists.

Time Will Tell

23 Days until the trade deadline, Mr. McPhail has some choices to make. Does he try to ship the hot players and continue to completely rebuild this team, or does he make a few improvements for the here and now that may also work well down the road? I'm glad its not my decision. GET TEX! Anyways, Matt Weiters is batting .342 in 11 games for AA Bowie, not bad, but lets give him half a season there and then have him starting next season.

Tonight's game is in Toronto against the Blue Jays, who, surprisingly are in the cellar of the AL East. Last time they met the O's took 2 of 3 and Jeremy Guthrie got some run support (the games he does stick out.) Tonight it will be Daniel Cabrera coming off a complete game, I don't think he'll have another one, but I hope we see the Danny C. from the beginning of the season again, stringing quality starts together. Who knows, but I know I will be back later on with some nice stats just before game time.

Back When

So I did a lot of scanning today at work, which left me a lot of free time on the Internet. I read a Baltimore Sun blog about changes that fans want made to OPCY (Oriole Park at Camden Yards) and it brought me a sense of nostalgia. I remember my first game at Camden Yards, the green grass, perfect white jerseys and of course, "Ice cold icy ice, ice cold lemon chill!" I also remember the enthusiasm of the fans, I found myself yearning to feel the sense of being a part of the game, having an influence through my young shouts. Then I read about Wild Bill Hagy and section 34, I wanted to be a part of that, no, I want a new section 34, maybe a right center field section 90-98? Is there anything better than a day game at a major league ball park?

If anyone is a Redskins fan and has been to a game, you know the feeling of screaming at the other team and having all your Redskin Family back you up. A chant could start at the drop of a hat, so why can't that happen for our Orioles. Maybe a winning season will do it, exhibit A is the Rays. Maybe it might have to be a string of playoff runs? Maybe it will happen in a few years? Maybe it will happen in my lifetime? Maybe not. Will that deter me from going to a game, and when I can afford it, all of them, no, and I hope you won't either.

For fun here is a youtube video of a report on Wild Bill Hagy. Take some notes O's fans, and lets get back to that sometime in the next 60-70 years, but why not sooner?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cVoSYXQ1EEM

This Is Not Looking Good

That 11-10 loss yesterday was not a good sign, not only was it the Orioles 13th straight Sunday loss, but Lowen was injured, and a lot of the teams needs were brought to the surface. It has become apparent that the O's are in desperate need of their starters to have long outings. Now lets look at it this way, last years best starting pitcher averaged about 7 innings per game the bottom 3 of the Orioles rotation is lasting an average of just under 5. That's is not just two innings the bullpen has to pick up, that is four innings. The O's only have two pitchers that average more, both Daniel Cabrera and Jeremy Guthrie average about 6.5 innings, but that number is skewed for Cabrera, who has two complete games. This comes into play with the second weakness, which used to be a strong point, the bullpen. Plain and simple, they are worn out, good that this All-Star break is soon.

The third weakness is shortstop, easy, but no easy fix. Before the trade deadline, I think, as much as I like watching this group, that we need to unload some of the players, Huff and Payton, to get some infield prospects. Maybe trade something to the Royals for their top SS prospect, supposedly awesome bat. But who are we kidding, the Royals aren't making a push at a postseason berth. But someone who is sure would like a hot bat like Huff, or a steady player like Payton.

Mr. McPhail is doing a great job, I hope that, even though he doesn't want to "Pull the rug out from underneath these guys," he pulls the rug out from underneath them. That would be doing whats best for the franchise, tough, but necessary, maybe not yet, but in the very near future.

Nothing over 10...PLEASE!!!

Texas didn't get very close to 30 runs yesterday, and I hope they never will again. Guthrie pitchd well into the 6th then let up a little, hopefully Freddie Bynum stepped up and had three RBI's. The bottom of the lineup has been really doing what they have been asked to do. Each game I am more and more believing in this team, not for a playoff run, but for the next few years. Adam Jones hit almost .400 in the month of June.

Now I'm going to give a plug to MLB TV, I love this feature from MLB because beingin Philly, being able to watch the games is a big plus. Thanks!

Happy 4th

Happy fourth of July everybody, I am down in Ocean City, New Jersey and that was the reson for the late post. A 4:35 pm game today with Baltimore's ace, Jeremy Guthrie taking the mound. The first time I saw him start last year, I knew he was going to be good. I feel like my predictions are always right on par, except for last night. Sorry.

Well it is to nice to stay inside today, go out there and have some fun, I'll see you tomorrow, hopefully with the O's another game above the .500 mark.

USA, USA, USA!!!!

Battle Royal!!

This is going to be my longest post, but by far the best. Many of you know one of my 6 housemates, Tim Foley, son of Tom Foley. Well today at work I met a co-worker named Tom Foley. I mentioned I had a friend named Tim and he said that was his sons name. Upon informing my housemate he replied via e-mail,

"They probably suck. I want a complete analysis of these guys tonight. I want everything. I wanna know which foley tandum is cooler, smarter, better looking... anything you can think of."

Of couse I did some research and found the best way to decide the better Foley Family was to have a characteristic BATTLE ROYAL!!! Here it is:

"Foley #1 V. Foley #2 Battle Royal!!

ROUND 1

Who would survive the Stone Age?

An easy way to answer this, who has better vision? Considering Tom #1 and Tim #1 both wear corrective lenses and Tom & Tim #2 don't, and survival comes in the stone age by being able to see your attackers, or a pack of foxes, round # 1 goes to #2

ROUND 2

Who would survive the Ice Age?

Considering the amount of fur running in the family line of Foley's #1(Bryan is too cool for fur) and the lack of hair in Foley #2's Family. It is easy to say that the warmer you are the better shot of surviving the Ice Age as a Foley #1, Round #2 goes to #1

ROUND 3

Who is Better Looking?

Tough one here, if we just consider both Tom's and both Tim's only #2 has a clear advantage, but if we take Families as a whole, Bryan has more of a power injection than Barry Bonds once had/used. Tim and Tom #1 thank Bryan for your slight advantage...I don't know how the other Foley's survived this long in history with out someone like Brian

Final Count

Foley's #1 - 1.75

Foley's #2 - 1.25

Congrats!!

Did I say that?

I remember using the word 'dominant' in my last post regarding Danny C. Its kind of funny to see all those "proffesional" writers use it now, after he was, dominant. Maybe I do have a thing for this? Anyways last night makes two in a row for the O's and Daniel Cabrera pitched a complete game. They won 5-2 with run support from Aubrey Huff who has been on fire in the past month and 3 days.

Nick Markakis was robbed of a homerun when Royals center feilder make a leaping try against the center feild wall. He only managed to bring the ball back into play without catching it, leaving Nick with an RBI triple instead of a homerun. That man, Joey Gathwright, has some serious speed.

I dont know what to do about our shortstop position. I feel like the smart play would to get a young guy who hasn't proven himself. That way he could develop along with Adam Jones, although I doubt there is somebody out there who we could grab from a team who fits that mold.

Today another KC matchup, this time its youngster Garett Olson. I really like his stuff, in the next few years he will be a great middle of the rotation guy, but this year its tough to say which Olson we will get. Although seeing that we are in Baltimore, where his numbers are way better, I think we will be pleasantly supprised tonight.

A little minor league talk

Today on ESPN's Sportsnation Baseball America's Jim Callis answered questions from around the country regarding minor leauge prospect. Some Oriole fans got a few in there, 'VK' from D.C. asked if Orioles top prospect catcher Matt Weiters had an argument for the number one prospect in all of the minor leauges, in his very proffesional opinion, "Yes." A man of few words, but he makes them count for O's fans. The final question with regards to the Orioles was a multiple choice, three years down the line "2011, Weiters/Markakis/Jones will be A) Above average major leaugers B) Huge busts (minus Nick) C) A Pitchers nightmare" and again Jim's few words go a long way, simply, "A & C." Thanks for making an Orioles fans day Jim, by the way GREAT name.

Hancock

First things first, O's stoped there "skid" last night beating the Royals 7-5. Every game I am more and more impressed with Adam 'Boom Boom' Jones. He is batting .272 with 31 RBI's in his first full year as a pro, wait until he is a little more seasoned, he is going to be dominant. Rodhames Liz got the win and the bounce back performance of the day goes to George 'Flat Breezey' Sherrill who picked up his 27th save. Series is split 1-1 now with two more to play. Danny Cabrera is pitching tonight, last time he pitched against the Royals he put up a complete game victory. Might be high hopes but look for him to be dominant tonight.

Now, last night I was lucky enought to see an advanced viewing of the movie "Hancock" staring Philly's own Will Smith. Now the papers weren't impressed by it, but I sure was. Extremely. It has everything a good movie should, humor, action, and drama. Its one of those movies that you go out and buy right when it comes out on DVD. Should make some money at the box office this weekend. Wow. On the Hoya Scale I give it 5 out of 5 Hoyas!

Old!...Me?

I started to get the sense I was old yesterday and today, not like retirement old, but I'm graduating college in a year, and possibly living on my own. With my own expenses and my own problems. I am a little freaked...I set up a savings account and start to save money, I went to subway because they have cheaper sandwiches than Wawa. I like the extra money I'm saving, its just weird because I'm not used to it.

I wonder what its like to be my age, or close, and have plenty of money, Adam Jones. If I ever get the chance I'll ask him a few questions on the subject and put the answers up here for anyone to see. I forget what they call that but I think it begins with an i...

Anybody have any Listerine?

Games like the one last night, where the Orioles blew a four run lead, leave a terrible taste in my mouth. Not only is our bullpen supposed to be our best attribute, it is supposed to be one of the best in the league. But hey Brian Burress and Jim Johnson pitched well. Twice in as many days have the Orioles had their opponent down to one out and given up a tying or game winning homerun, both by the second best closer in the league, George Sherrill. I dont want to talk about this that much, to upsetting.

I have come to notice a trend among my peers, there are three different type of Orioles fan in my generation. There are the Orioles-Ravens fans, baseball fans only, until the Ravens come to town. The National-Redskins fan, didn't care about baseball until the Nates came, but would go to see a game at Camden Yards. Then there are the hybrid fans, like myself, the Orioles-Redskins fans. Although I have found fewer and fewer of these brilliant sports loving people, I still think that, in my generation of course, these are the purest of fans. To young to remember the Senators, and to much love for baseball not to root for someone.

So out of proffesional ball for a second, 8th seeded "Da Earf Worms" will look to beat "Off Constantly" in the first playoff round of the Rockville mens summer league softball. I have to point at some highlights of the starting line-up. Behind the plate calling the game will be Pat Arkin, general of the feild, consistant bat, you cant ask for more. Patroling the outfield is Kevin, Pete K., Pete A., and capitan and fearless leader Terrance Leary. Good luck gentlemen.

I might come back later today if I have anything to say, but I might not.