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The Idiot File: ESPN's Obviously Biased Coverage; The Manny Ramirez Tagline
2008-05-15 19:39:00
Well, one should never count on "The Worldwide Sports Leader" for fair and balanced coverage (sorry, Fox News) unless you play in Boston, New York or Chicago if you're into baseball.Look at the highlighted portion of the graphic. Do we have a problem here? If I remember correctly, didn't the O's win yesterday? Didn't Jay Payton hit the game-winning grand-slam? I would say Manny Ramirez didn't exactly steal the thunder of the Baltimore Orioles.It's nice and wonderful that the Red Sox and Yankees drive ratings to your network and page-views to your website; however, wouldn't it be nice to perhaps show a little accuracy?Anyone who watched SportsCenter last night knows that the mercurial, goofy left-fielder made an excellent catch, but can't ESPN give the Orioles credit for, um, winning the game?
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O's Sweep Sox; The Rundown...
2008-05-15 14:55:00
For the past several years, the Baltimore Orioles have been worse than a laughing stock -- they have been disrespected, spat upon and treated well, like dirt. However, things might be changing and for the better.Yesterday, the Orioles had a dramatic come-from-behind victory as they beat the Boston Red Sox, 6-3, yesterday afternoon as Daniel Cabrera won his his fourth game and George Sherill earned his 15th save.We had a new hero of the day ? the always intense Jay Payton. We have swept the Boston Red Sox, or as I call them the Evil Empire 1A. The Orioles of last year would have given up in the 6th inning or had no clue as to how to defeat Boston, but this year's team is different.I got home around the sixth inning and once I saw Lester weaken & the Boston bullpen come into the game, the Orioles had a chance to come back.The Payton homer was incredible and I literally jumped up for joy ? something I have not done during an Oriole game for a long time.It?s been good to see more o...
More About: Rundown , The Rundown , Sweep

ESPN ZONE Announces NATIONAL ?SPORTS SPELLING BEE? Competition To Be Held i
2008-05-15 14:52:00
In tandem with the Scripps National Spelling Bee , ESPN Zone will debut a spell-off for sports fans on May 29 with the inaugural "Sports Spelling Bee." Spellers will go head-to-head at the Baltimore ESPN Zone spelling the names of local and national sports figures from various eras, including members of the Orioles.The info is below...ESPN ZONE Announces NATIONAL ?SPORTS SPELLING BEE? competition: Sports Fans Battle for Title of Spelling Champ at Eight ESPN Zone Locations BURBANK, Calif. (May 12, 2008) ? Sure, you know the number of times Coach K has taken the Blue Devils to the Final Four and that the Pittsburgh Penguins? legendary #66 led the team to two Stanley Cups, but the real test is whether you can correctly spell Krzyzewski and Lemieux. In a tribute to sports fans with spelling prowess, and in honor of the renowned Scripps National Spelling Bee, sports dining and entertainment mecca ESPN Zone announces its inaugural ?Sports Spelling Bee? competition.The Sports Spelling Bee i...
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Manny Being Manny: The Catch In Baltimore Today...
2008-05-15 09:00:00
Unbelievable...From today's game, only as Manny can do it. Such a savant, but nothing short of funny...Manny Ramirez made an over-the-shoulder running catch of Kevin Millar's fly ball to left field in the fourth inning on Wednesday then took the time to high-five a fan in the stands before throwing the ball into the infield to complete a double-play.A tip of the hat to Sox and Dawgs for the video...Bet on Baseball at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destination for all sports fans; adding more excitement and bonuses than any other sportsbook; on the web.
More About: Today , Baltimore , Catch

Steinbrenner II Talks & We Have To Listen Whether We Want To or Not....
2008-05-15 03:36:00
Folks, the Yankees are not what they used to be -- at least for right now. With a litany of injuries, along with A-Rod and Posada out, as well as struggles of the young pitching staff, it looks like the Bronx Zoo Part II may be opening up for business.With a bloated playroll and only 120+ games to go, Hank Steinbrenner mused about the Yankees.He more or less has called his team out -- again -- and once again Mt. Yankee blew up and let the press know what was on his mind.Hank said:Gentlemen, it's time to get your act together. "We've got to forget about all the injuries and start playing our butts off," Steinbrenner told The Post. The Yankees were buried by the Rays on Monday. These are difficult days for Joe Girardi's club. "The bottom line is that the team is not playing the way it is capable of playing," Steinbrenner said. "These players are being paid a lot of money and they had better decide for themselves to earn that money."Again, I have no idea if he's channeling dear old...
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The New Oriole Magic Video; So Bad, It's Good...
2008-05-14 23:54:00
The Oriole Magic video after the game was so bad, it was actually good.In what will become a classic for years to come, Kevin Millar, Adam Jones, Dennis Sarfate, Jeremy Guthrie and a few other O's were nothing but horrible, but having fun, lip-synced as they pretended to actually play the guitar, drums, etc, danced around in a non-rhythmic fashion, and showed clips of old-school O's players, great moments from the past and the present day.Sorry, it is so bad, it's good... here are some video caps, and I swear if they win again, I'll record it on my video camera or see if I find it on Youtube.I didn't know what the hell I saw on the video screen after the game, but I started snapping away and as soon as I saw Millar it was going to be interesting...
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Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles: Balt., Md - May 14, 2008
2008-05-14 23:02:00
Boston Red Sox va. Baltimore Orioles : Balt., Md - May 14, 2008
More About: Boston , Boston Red Sox , Baltimore Orioles

Some Fighting At The Yard...
2008-05-14 21:46:00
An unintended consequence of having an Red Sox-Oriole series where both teams are competitive is the jostling and yelling back and of drunken hooligans trying to show some bravado or be loyal to their team.As if the players on the team care what happens 400 feet away from the action.I caught this last night during the Oriole game as a Red Sox fan, high fiving his buddies and other fellow Boston fans tussled with some Baltimore fans in the upper left field seats.I'm all about having fun, some trash talk and there, and rooting for whomever; however, some people forget baseball is just a game and entertainment, not much more than that as fan.Apparently, some people have not figured that out or take their sports way too seriously.Most of the time it's the alcohol talking and idiots like you see in the picture ruin it for everyone --- well, until they are thrown out of the stadium, or arrested.Remember, folks it's just a game which will be meaningless the next morning in the grand sch...
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Johnson's Clutchiness Along With Luke's 3-Run Homer Downs The Red Sox, 5-4
2008-05-14 17:03:00
A win is always a good thing. However, one against the World Champions and the legions of their fans invading Baltimore is even better.I really don?t need to rehash the details of last night, but the Orioles beat the Red Sox last night, 5-4. Most of us already know what happened with the Luke Scott three-run homer and Jim Johnson?s clutch performance perhaps saved the game.Johnson?s matchup with Ramirez was classic in the 7th inning.The end result could have gone in favor of the Red Sox or the Orioles, but Johnson?s pounding of the strike zone and not being afraid to battle Manny paid off in the end. He helped Guthrie earn the win, and sent Baltimore Orioles fans home happy.We?re 20-19 right now, and honestly, did any of us think we would be at this point right now? Remember, this was a team projected to lose 100 games. Granted, we still have 120+ games to go, but if this happened in 2007, this would have been a game the Orioles assuredly would have lost.I don?t know if the Orioles ...
More About: Homer

The Red Sox Are Coming To Town; Adam Jones; The Rundown...
2008-05-13 19:13:00
The Baltimore Orioles tango with the Boston Red Sox, or as I dub them, the Evil Empire 1A tonight and tomorrow at the Yard.The Red Sox always play us tough; however, this weekend, the Twins took 3 out of 4 from them and they'll be looking maintain their slim division lead (Tampa is 1/2 game back from first in the AL East right now).The Orioles took three out of four in Kansas City, and despite the excellent pitching from both the starting and relief corps -- they are still struggling woefully on the offensive front.Matchups:Tonight: Jeremy Guthrie (1-3, 4.32) vs. Josh Beckett (4-2, 3.70)Tommorrow: Daniel Cabrera (3-1, 3.54) vs. Jon Lester (2-2, 4.06)I'd be happy with a split, and even more elated with a sweep in this short two-game series. Game one will be difficult as Beckett seems to back on his game and Guthrie will need a solid effort to win; however, I'm looking eagerly to see game two as it will be a test to see if Cabrera can stifle the Sox potent offense.The Boston offen...
More About: Jones , Town , Adam , Adam Jones , Rundown

Mother's Day; The O's Lose to K.C., Some Minor Notes...
2008-05-12 17:20:00
As many of us know, yesterday was Mother's Day throughout Major League Baseball, and select players on all teams celebrated the day and helped promote the cause against breast cancer via the Susan G. Komen Foundation by either adorning pink arms bands, necklaces and some actually used pink bats at the plate.After starting off their road trip on a disastrous note with two bad series in the Golden State, the Orioles won the first three games in Kansas City before being shut out by the Royals, 4-0.I didn?t see much of the Orioles this weekend, but I just got watch a little of the game online via MLB.tv this morning and they seemed to have certainly no chance against Brian Bannister. Sunday was just one of those games where you just had to tip your hat to the opponent because they deserved the win.Bannister went eight strong innings, as he allowed two hits along with two walks and struck out five. Jose Guillen & Billy Butler had two hits and an RBI, while Alex Gordon and Mark Teaha...
More About: Notes , Minor

Photo Gallery: Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals; May 11th, 2008 --
2008-05-12 05:14:00
Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals - May 11th, 2008 -- Washington, D.C.
More About: Photo , Florida Marlins , Gallery , Florida

The Florida Marlins & Hanley Ramirez Agree On A Long-Term Deal?
2008-05-11 02:01:00
According to the AP, The Florida Marlins and shortstop Hanley Ramirez agreed on a contract extension for six years and $70 million. Despite the history with the Marlins of dumping high-value players or trading them, they have decided to put an investment with one of their core players -- in fact, he may be one of the top three in the game.Many, yes -- including myself, have been very critical of the Florida organization with their high turnover of players and taking the revenues they receive to not reinvest in their team. They scout well and know how to pick young talent, but it seems that the fan base down there are a little disillusioned with the franchise.Well, let's hope this is a sign of change down there.An official announcement is expected to come as early as next week, according to Florida media reports.The Marlins have a $21 million payroll this season. Ramirez's extension is the biggest contract in franchise history."We have something, but we're working out the details,...
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O's Win Last Night, 7-3, Against Kansas City; Wieters
2008-05-10 19:38:00
Perhaps we should not consider it curtains for Steve Trachsel, at least for now. The elder righty, who has been a topic of speculation -- mainly if he's still be employed in the future -- went a little more than five innings and gave up two runs.The Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals, 7-4 last night.Well, the big difference in the game was Aubrey Huff's three run homer in the fifth inning off Gil Meche, who'd lose the game.The Royals got on the board first as Alex Gordon hit an early two-run homer, but after Melvin Mora's two run homer in the third -- it was all Orioles.Meanwhile, George Sherill earned his 12th save of the year.Freddie Bynum had two hits, as well Nick Marakis and Kevin Millar.However, for many Oriole fans, the big story came from down in the lower levels, as Matt Wieters is showing why he's the future of Baltimore Orioles.According to Roch Kubatko:"Matt Wieters homered twice tonight, drove in three runs and scored three more for Single-A Frederick, H...
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Photo Gallery: Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals; May 9th, 2008 -- W
2008-05-10 19:17:00
Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals; May 8th, 2008 -- Washington, D.C.
More About: Photo , Florida Marlins , Gallery , Florida

The Art of Hitting; The Roundup: O's News...
2008-05-09 20:07:00
There's a bit of stuff to go through in the roundup, but before we any further, Pressbox/MASN/WHFS's Amber Theoharis has a great piece on the art of hitting perhaps inspired by the recent struggles of the Baltimore Orioles. Simply put, she does a fine job explaining more or less why it is so hard to hit a major league pitcher.I played baseball growing and actually have the ability now to play in a fast-pitch men's league and used to play in a wood bat league a few years ago (let's say it's because of my age - 29).Needless to say, hitting is very hard thing to and it's why I am sitting in front a computer and spending half my time in a car than being one the privileged few to ever play the game on a professional level.It's one thing to play in a softball league and get brushed back, it's another to be given the same treatment by a flame thrower going 90+ mph with amazing movement on the ball."But the geometry alone is another reason hitting successfully is difficult. It doesn...
More About: News , Roundup

Danny Boy Kills The Royals; Bynum Returns and Makes an Impact...
2008-05-09 17:46:00
People have complained, whined and bitched about the Orioles this week as their nice start came to an abrupt and complete halt; however, tonight showed why we as fans have a lot to look forward to with the new look Baltimore franchise. Daniel Cabrera won his third game ? a complete game ? thanks to an excellent effort by the tall righty, and Nick Markakis? three run-homer.Back to Daniel, the kid is now focused and in a way ? now in the zone. Granted, we are not only even 1/2 of the way through the season, but if number 40 keeps this up, he will no doubt be the man we hoped he?ll be. Then again, he may be dangled on the market too.I?m going to be cautiously optimistic, but so far, so good. A good start in 2008 for Daniel does not erase several mediocre years, but he right now seems to be a different pitcher and is now actually pitching with a plan, and not throwing. If he keeps it up, Kranitz needs to be given major props for his work.He used groundballs and strikeouts (7) to get him...
More About: Royals , Danny , Danny Boy

Giveaway! Five Copes Available of MLB 08: The Show Given Out To Loyal Reade
2008-05-09 04:08:00
Well, this is the first I've ever done this on this blog, but I'm announcing there'll be a give away -- good one.What's the prize? A copy of MLB 08: The Show for the Sony Playstation III Console. I did a review on it, and the sponsor was kind enough to give five complimentary copies to give away to readers.The catch, there's none -- however, what I'd like you to do is tell me your favorite baseball story. It could be about the Orioles or anything encompassing the world of the sport -- just as long as it is about it.Anyhow, the story can be tender, heart-wrenching, funny, serious, or it could be even crude (to extent). Email me personally at mdguy2415@aol.com (I'll post your story on the blog), or you can leave a comment and send me a way to contact you.I'll have the contest running until next Friday (May 16th), and then ten stories will be chosen to win the available copies of the game.Good luck!MLB Betting at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destination for al...

Ozzie Guillen (To Give Him Credit) Is A Smart Man...
2008-05-09 03:47:00
Ah, in today's world of celebrity, blogs, sports talk radio, and 24-hour cable, one man in baseball has figured out how to manipulate the media and get himself some face time -- Ozzie Guillen !The boorish and loud White Sox manager, isn't crazy, he knows that controversy creates cash, attention and ratings...White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen knows what sells in the media, what piques interest in baseball and other fields of endeavor. It's people who tend to act a little crazy from time to time."Who cares about Britney Spears? But she's on TV every day. Why do you think people give a ... about Jose Canseco? That ... sells," Guillen said Thursday at the end of a 25-minute pregame meeting with reporters.Managers who stir it up with their comments -- as Guillen has done most of his managerial career -- or with their on-field tantrums, like former Yankees manager Billy Martin and Cubs manager Lou Piniella, stick out."Who's the manager they remember the most? ... Billy Martin. They don...
More About: Credit , Smart , Give

UWC Invasion Photos
2008-05-08 21:56:00
UWC Invasion : Fairfax, Va.UWC Invasion photos; not for the faint of heart, but awesome from where I was...Read the original article here...
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Teixeira: Our Hero On A White Horse?
2008-05-08 21:36:00
We'd all be nieve to think that Mark Teixiera will not be headed for a serious payday once the season ends, but the question that has come up in the minds of Oriole fans is will he come to the Yard and back to Baltimore? (he grew up in Anne Arundel County)In Paul Heyman's Daily Scoop on the CNNsi.com website, the slugger chats about possibly returning to Maryland -- this time -- perhaps as an Oriole.I'm still not convinced he'll come to Baltimore as our first baseman, but what he told Heyman is promising -- with a grain of salt."These are things to talk about at the end of the season,'' Teixeira says. "I'm not going to make any predictions. I'm enjoying playing in Atlanta ... and there's no doubt this organization is a winning organization. When I become a free agent, Atlanta's definitely in the mix.''How about his hometown Orioles?"The Orioles are close to my heart,'' Teixeira admitted."I have family in Baltimore,'' he continued. "But I have family in Georgia. And I...
More About: White , Hero , Horse

The Hits Keep Coming Internet Radio Show -- May 7th, 2008
2008-05-08 04:47:00
Topics Discussed: * The Business of Ballparks * The Holy Trinity: Roger Clemens/Alex Rodriguez/Ozzie Guillen * A look back at the month of April * Who?s hot, who?s not * Big names on the disabled listMLB Betting at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destination for all sports fans; adding more excitement and bonuses than any other sportsbook; on the web.
More About: Radio , Internet , Show , Hits , Internet radio

Are The Orioles Who We Thought They Were?
2008-05-08 03:42:00
Another game on the West Coast, another loss. I have my hands up in the air after another loss -- this time in extra innings; however, just like others -- close game, the Orioles struggle to come back and then lose in the end.What's to say? The one thing we thought would be the problem isn't the problem (the pitching) -- it's the bleeping offense.I said in the beginning of the year, I'd be happy to see the team improving, in a way it has with the competitive ball games and an effective relief/starting corps.But again the bleeping offense is making me wonder if the Orioles are who we thought they were.Now Roberts won't hit in the .250-260's (at least we hope), and Nick Markakis is far better than what he's showing right now. Huff (he's doing ok, but I still really don't care for the guy) is hitting in the .280's, Scott is struggling.But everyone else? What in the world.Um, I have a news flash -- the offense was going to be a problem with a lack of protection, and it's show...
More About: Thought

Still Unemployable: Barry Bonds
2008-05-08 02:58:00
Ah, Barry Bonds . The Orioles and several other teams could use him; however, despite his abilities and numbers from 2007, I say this -- he may not find a job anytime soon.I figured that he'd sign on with someone before the season; alas, it is anything but the case. Now, the union is trying to look into why he's not been offered a job.Good luck.From the AP: The Major League Baseball Players Association has expressed concern to the commissioner's office over the lack of offers to Barry Bonds, asking for additional information about the offseason's free-agent market.The union did not go as far as to file a grievance on behalf of the outfielder, 43, who remains unsigned and hasn't received any offers since the San Francisco Giants decided not to re-sign him last year and he became a free agent."We've raised both general concerns and some player specific concerns," Michael Weiner, the union's general counsel, said yesterday.Weiner said the only player the union specifically brough...

Same Crap, Different Day - Orioles Lose Again in Oakland For Fourth Straigh
2008-05-07 17:22:00
Could the good vibes of being a Baltimore Orioles fan in the short-term be coming to a close?I was going to title this post something else (use your imagination), but I decided to be a good fan and use some decorum when doing this.Again, the Orioles lost out West, 4-2, to the Oakland Athletics.The loss was their fourth in a row, and they need to find answers; according to Spencer Fordin, the Orioles held a meeting at some point on Tuesday.Brian Burres struggled for the most part last night, as he allowed eight hits and four runs (he was charged with three) over a little more than five innings of work. The bullpen was once again solid; however, once again the anemic offense did not do anyone favors despite the relief corps keeping Baltimore in the game.The flighted ones made A?s starter, Justin Duchscherer, look like a Cy Young candidate as he went seven innings and allowed two runs ? on four hits(!) ? while walking two and striking out four batters. Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott each d...
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A-Rod In Touch With Paternal Side: Passes Out Seeing Birth of His Daughter;
2008-05-07 05:13:00
Um, Alex Rodriguez once again is being excoriated by the press -- this time due to the birth of his daughter, ordinarily a watershed event in anyone's life.Why does it seem everything he does PR wise turns out to be so awkward even when it should not be the case?From the Baltimore Sun: Alex Rodriguez passed out during the birth of his first daughter in 2004. "The one nurse had a cold cloth on his head. The other nurse had the blood pressure on his arm. And my mother was, like, rubbing his back. And he is passed out on a couch. And I am there, in the middle of labor," Rodriguez's wife, Cynthia, said on an episode of the YES Network's YESterdays that is scheduled to be broadcast tonight. Natasha Alexander Rodriguez was born Nov. 18, 2004.Is A-Rod a wuss? I don't think it's that big of a deal -- a lot of men, including a lot I know have been through this.Look, we all known he's a built, high-profile, rich athlete; however, I don't see why this is getting play.I do think his wif...
More About: Birth , Touch , Side , Daughter

O's Lose in Oaktown, 2-1 in Ten; What About The Offense: The Rundown?
2008-05-06 17:03:00
The O?s are now back at .500 as they lost to the A?s in Oaktown, 2-1. The loss is their third in a row; however, we should take some positives from the loss. After a devastating series loss to the Angels out in sunny California, they once again lost in a painful fashion.First, Garrett Olson went a little more than six shutout innings, and looked nothing like the wide-eyed kid who could not keep his pitches in the strike zone last year. It?s too bad he didn?t get the decision; however, the A?s starter, Dana Eveland was just as good on the mound as he threw seven shutout innings and allowed only three hits.Emil Brown had three hits, including the game-winning single with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, to decide the game. Rajai Davis drove in the other run for Oakland on the night with a bases loaded infield single off Jamie Walker. The Orioles fought back in the ninth and tied the score thanks to a Ramon Hernandez RBI. Jim Johnson took the loss in the tenth; however, he?s ...
More About: Rundown , The Rundown

The O's Head to Oaktown...
2008-05-06 02:51:00
The Orioles continue their march -- eh, I mean road trip this evening. After dropping 2 of 3 with the California Angels of Anaheim or Los Angeles (they're confused), they head to the Bay Area.Monday: Garrett Olson (1-0, 2.70) vs. Dana Eveland (3-2, 3.67)Tuesday: Brian Burres (3-2, 2.87) vs. Justin Duchscherer (2-1, 2.40)Wednesday: Jeremy Guthrie (1-3, 4.06) vs. Joe Blanton (2-5, 3.88)The A's have been good -- very good, and a lot of their strength lies on the pitching front. Until yesterday, the O's offense has been dead; thus, they'll need to keep the bats hot against Oakland.Despite the A's trading away some of their name players, the youngsters on that team mixed in with some cheap veterans have come out to a strong start and battling the California Angels for supremacy of the AL West.On paper, the pitching match-ups look fairly even and the game I'm looking forward to seeing is tonight's, as Olson has his second start of the year. He was very good the other day: however, ...
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Yankees-Red Sox Spat Ends In Death?
2008-05-06 00:33:00
Very sad and pathetic; it's just a game...
More About: Death , Yankees , Ends

Could He Just Go Away?
2008-05-05 20:53:00
If you want someone who seemingly has lied to baseball fans about who he is all these years, look no further to this guy -- now, here's his latest mea culpa...From the AP:HOUSTON - In his first comments since the New York Daily News linked him to a series of extramarital affairs last week, Roger Clemens apologized to his family and friends.In a statement issued Sunday to the Houston Chronicle, the former pitching star admitted making "mistakes" in his life but continued to deny any use of steroids or human growth hormone."I know that many people want to know what I have to say about the recent articles in the media," Clemens said in the statement. "Even though these articles contain many false accusations and mistakes, I need to say that I have made mistakes in my personal life for which I am sorry. I have apologized to my family and apologize to my fans. Like everyone, I have flaws. I have sometimes made choices which have not been right." Clemens did not confirm any personal rela...