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NLCS Thoughts and Playoff Reflections; Markakis & A New Contract...
2008-10-09 15:33:00
The 2008 playoffs resume tonight as game one of the NLCS is played in the City of Brotherly Love.Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers take on the Phillies; thus, for me, although I am a fan of the Orioles, the NL style of baseball appeals to me a lot more. That being said, I am very interested to see how this series turns out.Both teams match up well with their lineups, as well as their pitching staffs although I think Philadelphia might have a slight edge with their bullpen (because of Brad Lidge). I think the starters for the first three games are suitable, there?s a significant drop-off from there with their starting rotations for both teams.That?s why I see things so even matched up.Right now, I am picking the Dodgers in seven games for the upset.Why?I think the Dodgers have been greatly underestimated, and obviously Manny in that lineup makes the difference; however, I think Joe Torre has also been a calming influence on this team as well by virtue of his experience dealing in New Yor...
More About: Reflections , Thoughts , Contract , Nick Markakis , Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

America, The Rays Are In The ALCS; Boston Finishes off the Angels...
2008-10-07 18:33:00
Yes, America -- the Rays are in the ALCS. After a decade losing and just plain awful teams, they are one step closer to the World Series; however, they've got to get through the Evil Empire 1A, the Red Sox.Tampa clinched a ticket to the playoffs as they beat the White Sox, 6-2, thanks a strong performance from Andy Sonnanstine and two home runs from B.J. Upton. Gavin Floyd, who had a strong past couple of weeks got lit up, and the bullpen could not save them.Meanwhile, the Rays sailed through game four in Chicago, and in the end, Grant Balfour -- yes him -- closed out the game.Congrats to the Rays as they've given all small market and bad teams hope that there's light at the end of the tunnel if you stick with a plan to rebuild, luck, and extremely good management from top to bottom.Chicago had a nice little run and clutch performances to get into the playoffs; however, their luck ran out as they went head to head with a complete Tampa team.***The Red Sox finally punched their ti...
More About: Boston , Angels , Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Angels and White Sox Still Alive; Brew Crew Done; K-Rod is Over-Rated; Play
2008-10-06 18:30:00
Well, I spent another afternoon of watching tons of playoff action ? um, actually, between flipping channels to catch some football (especially the ?Skins) and HBO?s ?True Blood? ? the games were must wins for three teams.Obviously, as you know, they were the Brewers, White Sox and Angels .Two ? the White Sox and Angels ? lived to see another day; however, the Brewers are done.***For much of the series, the Brewers offense could not do much and seemed to be at a huge disadvantage; thus, on Sunday, the Phillies finished them off for the season.Two huge home runs by Pat Burrell, and an impressive performance by Joe Blanton, helped Philadelphia down Milwaukee, 6-1. The home team could not mount much of a challenge, and the squad that needed everything to go their way at the end of the regular season could not translate the same magic into October.The NLCS could be one to potentially remember, as Philadelphia takes on the Dodgers. I think Manny Ramirez, his cohorts, and their pitching ca...
More About: Play , Alive

Oh, Lord, The Cubs & Brew Crew Save Their Season; Playoff Relfections
2008-10-05 19:45:00
Oh Cubs fans, my lord.How could Chicago's finest not put up a fight against the Dodgers -- a team that only finished with 84 wins? Harden was shaky in the first few innings, and for the most part did his job; however, the Cubs could not hot or draw anything when they were in scoring position; thus, lost the game and the series.The Cubs didn't look like a team that won the most in the National League, they looked more like, um -- the Nationals. They could draw in runs, could not score, and their defense -- especially in game two was atrocious -- thus, it is little wonder why they were disposed of so quick? One would think now that the Dodgers have all the momentum in the world as their offense is so hot, along with their pitching -- starting and relief -- may send them to the World Series.The Dodgers weren't too fearsome on Saturday night, but their first inning made the difference.It's 101 years and counting for the Cubs. I don't believe in curses, but maybe the Chicago Cubs ar...
More About: Season , Lord , Save , Brew

Playoff Reflections, Friday
2008-10-04 18:17:00
Well, yesterday brought us more baseball -- this time, exclusively AL -- as the Division Series continued on Friday . I got home from work, and aside from talking to people off and on throughout the night -- it was all baseball, even doing cardio on my stationery bike.The first game featured the upstarts Rays against the White Sox, and watching on TBS, it was shocking to see how many White Sox fans were there; nevertheless Tampa came back from a shaky first inning by Scott Kazmir -- where he gave up two runs -- and Chicago's inability to do anymore damage against him.In a 6-2 final, Tampa used small ball and a huge Akinori Iwamura home run in the fifth inning to breball, tampa bay rays eak it open.Tampa's bullpen kept the White Sox off the board, and in the end, they are now up 2-0 in the division series.Being a fan of the Orioles, I have watched the Rays more than enough to see what they are capable of -- they are a complete team from top to bottom and can score in various ways --...
More About: Reflections , Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

O.J. Simpson Guilty in Trial
2008-10-04 08:10:00
I didn't even know he was in legal trouble -- again.From CNN: Former gridiron great O.J. Simpson was found guilty of all 12 counts in the armed robbery of two sports memorabilia dealers at a Las Vegas, Nevada, casino hotel last year.Simpson, 61, and his co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart, 54, were charged with a dozen offenses stemming from the alleged sports memorabilia heist.Stewart was also found guilty of the same charges as Simpson. Both men will likely spend the rest of their lives in prison.Simpson arrived at the Clark County Justice Center at around 10:50 p.m. (1:50 a.m. Saturday ET). He told CNN's Ted Rowlands on the phone before the verdict was read that he was "apprehensive."The jury of nine men and three women, none of them African-American, began deliberations Friday after hearing from 22 witnesses over 12 days of testimony. Chief among the witnesses were seven of the nine people inside Room 1203 of the Palace Station Hotel and Casino for the September 13, 2007 conf...
More About: Trial , Guilty

Photo of The Day
2008-10-04 03:24:00
Since I have now amassed an interesting and plentiful inventory of pictures, I have decided on doing a new daily feature on the Oriole Post -- Photo (s) of the Day.I have no idea what I am going to do with this, but for now I'm going to stick with action shots or some more intimate fan-player interactions that I have been able to catch on camera.These series of pictures feature Nick Markakis having a little fun with a ball and a bat -- perhaps MASN should make a commercial out of this.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.

MLB Playoff Reflections, So Far...
2008-10-03 16:38:00
Sorry I have not had much time to write, but I was down in Tampa yesterday watching the Rays-White Sox and spent some of the evening coming home.Anyhow, the biggest surprise to me has been how bad the Cubs have really played. Right now, it looks like they are done unless they can somehow win three more games, which is something that has never been done.The entire Chicago infield looked horrible by making four errors, and the Dodgers thanks to the Dodgers taking advantage of the situation, and the continuing onslaught of Manny Ramirez led them to 10-3 victory. Zambrano looked shaky, despite over-powering at times; alas, his defense killed him -- literally.It looks like it may be yet another year where the Cubs don't see the series, and if I were the Dodgers' Frank McCourt, I might want to start drafting some papers to sign Ramirez. I would look away, hold my nose, hope he signs on the dotted and that Manny keeps up his new found maturity out West.***It looks like the Brewers nice l...
More About: Reflections

O, Danny Boy, Redux?
2008-10-03 01:57:00
Daniel Cabrera.The sound of his name either makes you wince, groan, or yell expletives. For years, we have been looking forward to him seeing the light and perhaps becoming a dominant majoe league pitcher; however, after a promising April and May, his whole season basically has gone to well ? use your imagination.We have been teased by potential ? for example, his one-hit performance in New York at the end of 2006 ? however, it?s been business as usual, walks, hit batters, a lack of control, focus and near the top of league in statistics you don?t want next to your name.If you?re Andy MacPhail, at this point, what do we do with Cabrera? I really, really hoped that he?d turn the corner this season and was looking forward to being overly positive, instead I?m ready to see if he someone else can take his spot. Maybe he should be non-tendered, or traded.But?The fear with getting rid of him is that some magical pitching coach will get Cabrera together and he?ll be our worst nightmare; al...
More About: Danny , Danny Boy

Do We Sign Mussina?
2008-09-30 23:52:00
For the past week, I have heard a lot of talk on Mike Mussina and his free agency. Right now, in the position he's in, he can opt to join another team, or ride into the sunset and retire.The man won his 20th game on Sunday -- for the first time ever -- as the New York Yankees beat their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox. At 40, one might think he's got one good year or two left, as well might want to return next year to inch closer to 300, so the possibility is strong that he might return.There's been chatter on the radio, and on the 'net about Mike Mussina possible returning to Baltimore. While, it might be a good feeling amongst fans to have a guy who probably should have never left the city to return, the age factor is enough for me to say 'pass'.Like I said about Roberts, there's no need for the organization to pay a guy some bloated salary when the money could be better served somewhere else (perhaps with a younger pitcher; i.e. Burnett -- who will opt out and is not the f...
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Photo Gallery: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles; Sep. 28, & Photos
2008-09-30 01:59:00
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles ; Sep. 28, 2008After The Final Game -- At the Ballpark and the Lot
More About: Photo , Photos , Toronto

Help Comes When You Least Expect It...
2008-09-15 21:24:00
Class, raise your hands high ? I mean real, real high ? if you expected Radhames Liz to go eight shutout innings on Sunday afternoon.Ok, if anyone expected him go to eight ? much less six, or even five shutout innings ? you might want to consider stopping at a 7-Eleven in Washington D.C., Delaware, or over the Pennsylavania border and start playing Powerball.Out of nowhere and a day after giving up 24 runs in a doubleheader on Saturday, Liz threw a gem and gave the Orioles a much needed win over the Twins, 7-3. Despite things getting little interesting in the ninth inning with the return of George Sherrill, Liz dominated one of the best teams in baseball and thanks to the aid of five home runs ? two from Markakis and Oscar Salazar (?) ? finally, the Orioles earned a resounding win for the first time in a good, long while.I didn?t know what was wrong with Liz at the major league level considering he dominated in the minors, but he had command, only walked one and sometimes just focus...
More About: Expect

Lou Montanez at the ESPN Zone, Sept. 9th
2008-09-13 19:02:00
Lou Montanez - ESPN Zone ; Sept . 9th, 2008On Tuesday, the ESPN Zone in Baltimore?s Inner Harbor hosted its last ?Orioles Q&A? with the newest Oriole, outfielder Lou Montanez.The afternoon event, which was sponsored by ESPN Zone, Baltimore Orioles public relations department and was emceed by esteemed Maryland sportscaster Tom Davis, gave fans a unique chance to ask Montanez, who in his short time in the majors has made quite an impression by batting over .300 and hitting a home run in his first ever major league at-bat.The crowd at the popular restaurant was somewhat smaller this time around, than in the summer when kids and families were able to venture into the big city; nevertheless, the 26-year old outfielder was able to open himself up and be candid. During his 20 minute Q&A, Montanez, not only talked about his time in Baltimore, but in the minors, and how the sport he loved as a youth became his dream profession.After the Q&A session, he signed autographs and posed ...
More About: Espn

Brian's Baseball Bash: This Sunday
2008-09-13 06:36:00
Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts and his teammates will host Brian's Baseball Bash to benefit the University of Maryland Hospital for Children at ESPN Zone this weekend.The charity event will last from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. this Sunday , Sept. 14, at ESPN Zone and will be a fun-filled night of dinner, interactive games, auctions and giveaways from the Orioles, with all of the proceeds benefiting the hospital.For further information regarding ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Krista Ellis at 410-328-6064 or kellis@umm.edu. The tickets are $200 for adults and $150 Children 12 and Under.Also, check out the official site for Brian's Baseball Bash...

Yet Another Loss & Millar
2008-09-11 21:48:00
Last night, we made another young pitcher look like Cy Young, and we lost again to Cleveland, 7-1. The Orioles only got three hits, and two Kelly Shoppach homers made the difference.Ugh. I guess the march to the finish line is going to be painful.Anyhow, the Orioles are obviously thinking about nine as of their callups have been placed in prominent roles, and one fellow who has made quite an impression in the heart of fans wants to return.His name is Kevin Millar; however, do his numbers justify another contract with the Orioles and should he take up the spot of a youngster who could potentially help the team in the future, or a free agent with some pop in his bat?His contributions to Boston's first World Series title team in 86 years will forever link him to Red Sox Nation. He has spent more time with the Florida Marlins than with any other club.Yet Kevin Millar, the fun-loving, trash-talking, gear-grinding veteran first baseman, thinks of himself as an Oriole.He has been one sinc...
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So Far With Cleveland...
2008-09-11 03:11:00
The swoon started again where it left off last night as they got walloped by Cleveland , 6-1.At this point, you?ve got to wonder will Radhames Liz get it as a starter. Well, as we know dominating in Triple-A is one thing; doing it in the majors is quite another. He?d already hit the 100-pitch mark in the fifth inning, and on top of that he could not finish the frame and took the loss ? his fifth.Meanwhile, the Orioles bats were quite after scoring 14 runs on Monday, and Jeremy Sowers ? who was only 2-8 entering the game ? won his third by throwing eight strong innings where he only gave up one earned run and struck out seven.Oh lord. There?s nothing making a mediocre pitcher look like Cy Young on any given night.With Jim Johnson, Loewen (no longer a pitcher, now trying to makes it as a hitter in the pros), Sherill and Guthrie out with various injuries and ailments, the young pitching rotation definitely has to step it up.However, if it can at this juncture is subject to debate.When y...

Photo Gallery: Cleveland Indians vs. Baltimore Orioles; Sep. 8th, 2008
2008-09-10 15:44:00
Cleveland Indians vs. Baltimore Orioles ; Sep. 9th, 2008
More About: Photo , Gallery , Baltimore Orioles

O's Win Big Last Night
2008-09-09 21:52:00
A sweet, resounding win by the Orioles last night at the Yard as they walloped on the Indians, 14-3, thanks to good pitching by Olson, timely hitting with four home runs (highlighted by a 7-run sixth inning and a 5-run eighth).Even better, it ended a miserable eight game skid. With a little more than three weeks left in the regular season, perhaps Baltimore can get it's act together and make life miserable for some contenders. With Jim Johnson, Loewen (no longer a pitcher, now trying to makes it as a hitter in the pros), Sherill and Guthrie out with various injuries and ailments, the young pitching rotation definitely has to step it up.A lot has gone wrong in the past few weeks, but a strong ending to the season may get fans all happy about 2009.Don't have much time to write today, but at writeup should be coming up in the next day or two on Lou Montanez's Q&A at the ESPN Zone as well as a piece on Brooks Robinson.
More About: Night

Photo Gallery: Oakland A?s vs. Baltimore Orioles; August 7th, 2008
2008-09-08 16:29:00
Oakland A’s vs. Baltimore Orioles ; August 7th, 2008
More About: Photo , Oakland , Gallery , Baltimore Orioles

Photo Gallery: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals; Sep. 2, 2008
2008-09-08 10:55:00
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals; Sep. 2, 2008
More About: Photo , Philadelphia , Gallery , Philadelphia Phillies

Photo Gallery: Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals; Aug 31st, 2008
2008-09-08 09:56:00
Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals; Aug 31st, 2008
More About: Photo , Gallery , Atlanta , Washington Nationals

Cabrera and Uninspired Baseball...
2008-09-07 21:15:00
Well, it was another loss at the Yard on Saturday as they lost to the Oakland A's, 5-1. The loss was not nearly as bad what the Orioles experienced the night before, but it was still shocking.Daniel Cabrera -- perhaps the model of inconsistency that you could ever experience on the mound -- only lasted a little more than two innings in which he gave up two earned runs. However, he walked six and had already thrown 84 pitches before all was said and done.At this point, I would not be surprised if there was something wrong with him and if he might just be shit down for the rest of 2008. Moreover, his future with the organization has now must be in doubt, as he seems to not be improving at all despite his strong start to the year.Alfredo Simon, who was recently signed by Baltimore, threw hard, but also served up two solo home runs, and showed you have to locate your pitches, just not try to blow it by people.Otherwise than that, it was yet another lifeless game, and it seems that the ...
More About: Baseball

Bad Baseball, Real Bad Baseball
2008-09-06 21:33:00
As I sit down and look out the window on a gloomy Saturday with the rain coming down, and the wind whipping through the sky, I ask myself what the hell did I see last night in person at the Yard?The Orioles seemed in the game, down by a run ? that is, until the eighth inning ? thus, little did I know how my fandom would be tested.While sitting in a intermittent rainstorm and wondering how bad conditions would be on Saturday, the Orioles perhaps had one of their worst innings that I think I have seen in person, much less in baseball ? ever.Some teams have given up more runs throughout the course of an inning; however, how can a team walk in four runs in a frame? To add insult to injury, the pinch-runner who came in the beginning of the inning hit a grand slam home run and it served as the only hit in the frame. In the end, the Oakland A?s were handed a win 11-2, because the Oriole relief staff had severe problems even just finding the strike zone in the fatal frame in the eighth.Last...
More About: Baseball , Real

Trembley Extended
2008-09-05 19:36:00
One of the questions as to what?s going to happen in the off-season has been already answered? From the Baltimore Sun: The Orioles announced today that they have exercised their option for the 2009 season on the contract of manager Dave Trembley. The club has also added a team option for 2010. Trembley spent 20 years managing in the minor leagues before joining the Orioles as bullpen coach and field coordinator in 2007. After spending most of the first 2 1/2 months of that season as the club?s bullpen and interim bench coach, Trembley was named interim manager on June 18, 2007, after Sam Perlozzo was fired. The Orioles removed the interim tag and Trembley became the 17th manager in Orioles history on Aug. 22, 2007. He has compiled a 103-129 record during his managerial tenure with the club. I think is a move that we can all agree with. Now, let?s return back to the workday, school, or whatever we are all doing. Bet on Baseball at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destin...
More About: Extended

Taking Stock of Things
2008-09-05 17:28:00
As know you by now, the Orioles have seemed to go on their annual season swoon -- however, it's not because of they simply being bad -- it's because of injuries & and talent that has not been developed. With Guthrie having missed a start, Cabrera ailing plus seemingly not living up his potential, as well Olson, Liz, Waters and a cast of others, along with injuries to Chris Ray, Danys Baez, Adam Loewen; alas, let's not forget the departure of Chad Bradford, is it little wonder that reality has now crashed on the Orioles?Not really.Like I have said, I showed great optimism that the Orioles could clinch closer to .500 thanks to their offense and pitching -- of course that was in July; however, thanks to the Orioles facing much better competition and just injuries, the organization perhaps is assured of an 11th straight losing season.The answer is how do we improve things?Do we go the route of the Nationals and put the future of the organization in the hands of a hoard draft picks an...
More About: Stock , Things , Taking

Another Day, Another Loss
2008-09-05 05:15:00
It was more of the same on Wednesday, as the Orioles lost late, 5-4, thanks to a late error by reliever Jim Miller who was recently called up from the minors. Baltimore had a conglomerate of pitchers -- all from the bullpen -- pitch, and for six innings, the plan worked perfectly. They had a 4-0, much of it due to a strong showing by Lance Cormier -- who was perhaps brought out a little too early -- but, Sarafte kept things in order until he departed the game.Jamie Walker and Rocky Cherry -- who both have struggled -- let the Rod Sox back in the game thanks to heroics of the pesky Dustin Pedroia.The Red Sox earned the sweep, and stay within striking distance of the Rays; meanwhile, the Orioles are pretty much trying to play out to stretch and one has to wonder how bad it could get. Perhaps we might get a break with the A's in town, but at this point, the Orioles have to play much, much better.***Well, if you still have the urge to see a ball game in September at the Yard, the team ...
More About: Loss

Kevin Millar Visits the ESPN Zone; August, 26th
2008-09-04 01:31:00
ESPN Zone 's season-long Orioles took place on Aug. 26th, and fan favorite Kevin Millar held his second Q&A at the restaurant. Legendary Maryland broadcaster Tom Davis will hosted the afternoon event, which included an autograph signings and tons of giveaways last Tuesday.As always, Kevin was so funny and entertaining, and even belting opening tune of Orioles Magic and part of his at-bat music.The first baseman/designated hitter talked about wanting to play a few more years in the sport and about how much he loves being in Baltimore. As well, he talked about how the Orioles Magic video came life and talked about the great team camaraderie he has experienced this season. Millar also answered questions about his changing hairstyles, the origin of his nicknames, his friendship with Kenny Chesney, and also more serious topics like the team's need for more starting pitching. He talked as well about his favorite baseball moments, and the importance of playing team baseball. In the end, i...
More About: August , Espn

The Bottom Is Falling Out...
2008-09-03 15:36:00
I was generally optimistic that the Orioles could have made a strong run at .500 and appeased fans back in late July or early August. Well, perhaps I thought that the "swoon" that has accompanied this team for the past four years like a dark cloud would magically stay away this season; however, I guess things in life often don't work out the way it should.After a sweep by the Rays, we've now lost two in a row to the Red Sox -- including being schooled by their offense, led by Dustin Pedroia (it's very odd I am typing this, but compare and contrast him following Ortiz in the lineup) on Monday and Tuesday. The offense has been respectable, but the pitching -- oh lord, the pitching -- has been dreadful, and even moreso when facing quality teams. Right now, the arms we have up in Baltimore cannot get the job done, and seem to be feeble against major league batters.There was not much to write about last night, we simply got our arses kicked badly. The Orioles are now in a five-game fu...
More About: Bottom

Three Losses, Three Days..
2008-09-01 06:00:00
The Orioles went down to Tampa, Florida and promptly lost three game to the Rays this weekend. The Tampa offense took Oriole pitching to school, out of the park at times, and to add insult to injury, scored in the double digits during each loss. Things got so bad at times watching on MASN, I just turned off the TV and walked away only to see things get worse.At this point of the season, have the Orioles started their swoon? It does not get any easier as they face a Red Sox team starting on Monday that's looking to survive in the playoff race, the A's thereafter, then they face the red hot Indians and counter with teams all over the .500 mark.For Baltimore, it looks like another losing season is becoming a stark reality, and despite some of the successes this season, it's back to the drawing board for MacPhail.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: Days , Losses

The Status of Trembley...
2008-08-29 21:59:00
Many of us know that Dave Trembley despite the limitations of the roster he?s got have made the Orioles into a team that?s at least competitive ? if not so much record-wise ? in the vast majority of games that have played in 2008. However, he?s not been given an extension, much less a contract for ?09. Why? Take a read at what Peter Schmuck wrote this week in the Baltimore Sun: ?I think they have to like what he?s doing,? Kevin Millar said. ?I think Dave Trembley has done a great job here. He has done everything he could do to change the focus and direction of this organization.? True enough, and if the measuring stick for this team?s performance was the gloomy preseason expectations, Trembley?s job review ought to be pretty upbeat. The oddsmakers put the over-under line on Orioles victories this year at 64 1/2 . The team could pass that number before the end of August. ?From a player?s perspective, he?s been awesome,? Millar said. ?I don?t think he ever gets outmanaged. I think he ...
More About: Status