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Yankee Nation to Descend On Oriole Park For Opening Day & ESPN Will Witness
2008-12-31 18:22:00
As most any season ticket holder to the Baltimore Orioles knows -- the Evil Empire will be coming to Charm City for Opening Day at Camden Yards on April 6th. There will be hardcore Oriole fans who will be there, but of course there will also be a throng of Yankee fans -- local and not -- coming to see their team embark on their manifest destiny to the World Series (or not).I just checked out Jay Trucker's blog on the Examiner website and apparently ESPN will be here chronicling the Yankees on the Opening Day telecast -- more specifically C.C. Sabathia's first start; thus, more or less, the Orioles will just be part of the supporting cast (or just maybe the extras).One could think that there will be incessant talk on how Tex was signed by the Yankees and how the Red Sox lost him, the Steinbrenners, will Burnett become Carl Pavano II and a litany of other topics all related to New York.How much mention of the Orioles will there be on their telecast? Little. The again, there might be...
More About: Nation , Witness , Park , Espn

The World Baseball Classic; A Night With Cal and Eddie...
2008-12-31 17:50:00
I have been wondering if the World Baseball Classic means really anything to a lot of baseball fans. In light of the Hot Stove, and what players would go where, there has been very, very little talk of the upcoming World Baseball Classic.The 2009 rendition will take place between March 5th and 23rd at various venues in North America along with Asia, and the championship round will take place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. Right now, it looks like Baltimore's Melvin Mora and Cesar Izturis will be participating for Venezuela, while Nick Markakis declined due to family obligations -- mainly the upcoming birth of his child.So far, the American players include Red Sox second baseman -- and reigning American League MVP -- Dustin Pedroia, Braves catcher Brian McCann, Angels pitcher John Lackey and Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. Others include Mark DeRosa, Kevin Youkilis & Ryan Braun. Meanwhile, stars like Ryan Howard, Josh Hamilton, Cole Hamels, and Brad Lidge have passed on it...
More About: Night , The World

Youre Kidding Me. The Orioles Want Richie Sexson?
2008-12-31 03:55:00
Been out all night, but I nearly fell out of the chair when I read this from the Sun's Peter Schmuck.Ok. This guy, I will admit has had a solid major league career; however, his best years might be behind him. He was horrible in 2008, and at this point -- he's simply a low salary, high reward guy who you hope has something left in the tank.From the Sun: The Orioles still are trying to figure out what they'll do at first base this coming season, and they've given some consideration to attempting a salvage operation with former 45-homer guy Richie Sexson . Club officials apparently have had at least one conversation with Sexson's agent, Casey Close, though the depth of their interest is uncertain.Sexson's offensive numbers have been in steep decline for the past couple of years, but he might be a worthwhile gamble if he's willing to take an incentive-laden contract. He turned 34 yesterday, so he would definitely be a temporary fix, but he has hit 30 or more homers six times in h...
More About: Kidding

2009 Is Upon Us...
2008-12-30 04:36:00
There does not seem to still be going much on with the Orioles or signings in Major League Baseball; however, the Big Unit is now in San Francisco and may perhaps be the least 300 game winner for a long while if he can stay healthy in 2009.Well, what do I hope for with the Orioles in the new year? Um, perhaps a few more wins for starters; however, being in the AL East and the shape the team is in versus the rest of the division, that's a tall order.The money that was going for Mark Teixeira should be spent on pitching, not put away for another day. If we are going after reclamation projects -- find a diamond in the rough like the Kyle Lohse of 2008 -- not necessarily the Mark Hendrickson's of the world (though they have a need). Then again, bring bodies -- lots of 'em -- as evidenced by last year, you can never have enough arms.>>> Read More

Pitcher Mark Hendrickson An Oriole...
2008-12-29 06:07:00
I was about to head to sleep, but Ian from Sox and Dawgs sent me an email via a report from Roch Kubatko on MASNSports.com that the Orioles have come close to an agreement with hurler Mark Hendrickson.Here's a bit more from the Orioles.com Spencer Fordin about the pitcher.From the Orioles.com: The report said that any deal would be pending a physical examination and that an announcement could come early in the week. Hendrickson's agent told the Baltimore Sun last week that there was interest between the two sides, and the Orioles have consistently said they need to add multiple pitchers this offseason.>>> Read MoreBet 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: Pitcher

Pudge Rodriguez an Oriole?
2008-12-29 00:35:00
With the Baltimore Orioles seemingly in need a catcher -- a starter, backup, or otherwise -- while phenom Matt Wieters may start the year in Triple-A to get some seasoning, there have been talks of former Oriole Gregg Zaun taking the role.However, there has been another name of late who has joined the fray -- Ivan "Pugde" Rodroguez.Baltimore Sun blogger and columnist Peter Schmuck brought up this topic in a recent blog post, as he says:From the Baltimore Sun: Former Oriole Gregg Zaun remains the free-agent catcher most likely to end up in the Orioles lineup on Opening Day, but there have been conversations with agent Scott Boras about veteran Ivan Rodriguez (left). Whether he would be a good fit to mentor Matt Wieters and eventually step aside for the O's top minor league prospect has been a subject of some discussion in the O's front office.>>> Read MoreBet on Baseball at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destination for all sports fans; adding more excitement and bo...

I'd Hate To Be A Lions Fan...
2008-12-29 00:26:00
If you think the Orioles have it bad -- can you imagine what's going on in Detroit? The Lions became the first ever 0-16 history as they lost to the Green Bay Packers, 31-21. They fought, but in the end, they could not salvage a win.Sports is a very important fabric of a community, and to see the Lion this bad -- especially considering what is going on with the Big Three auto companies, what's happened on the political scene up there, and the conditions of the city in general -- is nothing short of depressing.I hope things get better in the Motor City sooner rather than later.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: Hate

Old Our Friend Sammy Sosa Wants To Return To Baseball...
2008-12-27 07:41:00
Reading the information super-highway the other day, I caught that Sammy Sosa -- a member of the 600 home run club -- was looking for a return to the Major Leagues.The slugger who excited the world of baseball with his home run hitting ability, unabashed love for the game, and his infectious smile brought joy not only to Cubs fans in the 1990's, but to the world of baseball.Furthermore, many credit him and Mark McGwire for rekindling the interest of the sport to fans and admirers alike; however, all the goodwill he had built up went pretty much down the toilet after his appearance on Capitol Hill years ago.>>> Read More
More About: Baseball , Friend , Return

Pitching, Pitching, Pitching...
2008-12-27 01:03:00
It's the day after Christmas, and not much is going on with the Orioles; however, it looks like the Orioles are going after pitching -- probably closer to the stop-gap/mid-level variety.According to Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are after Japanese hurler Kenshin Kawakam -- who is also being targeted by the Red Sox, Braves, Dodgers, Twins, Giants and Brewers.>>> Read more

Merry Christmas and the Blog Is Moving...
2008-12-25 23:15:00
Merry Christmas , and hope everyone is having a Happy Holiday! Hope everyone is happy and safe with family, friends, or whomever is special in your life.Anyhow, starting tomorrow, this blog will be migrating to the Blog uin network, and you can simply access the blog at http://oriolepost.com.I'll still have posts appearing on Blogger -- however, they'll be more in a preview format to direct you to the new platform.
More About: Moving , Merry Christmas , Merry

Rest in Peace, Catwoman; Eartha Kitt Dead at 81
2008-12-25 22:55:00
According to the AP, Eartha Kitt, a sultry singer, dancer and actress who rose from South Carolina cotton fields to become an international symbol of elegance and sensuality, has died of colon cancer. She was 81.She was a great Catwoman back in the day during the campy "Batman" series. Rest in peace, Eartha.
More About: Peace , Rest In Peace , Dead

Brian Roberts & Around The Blogosphere
2008-12-25 20:13:00
At this point, with the reality of Mark Teixeira not being signed by Baltimore, the question that many have asked is what will happen to Brian Roberts ?As most of us know, the Baltimore Orioles are in the rebuilding stage and have has eleven straight losing seasons. Moreover, the team plays in the AL East, and with the Rays as defending division champs, and with the powerhouse Red Sox, along with the retooled Yankees, one must think the organization has the task of climbing Mount Everest.Andy MacPhail -- despite the misgivings of a few fans -- I think has done a solid job in rebuilding the team. There's probably going to have a painful decision to be made with Roberts, and I think he will be traded before his contract is up.I am going to fathom that Baltimore will offer him an extension, but he will turn it down for the fact he wants to play on a competitive team. His status will be one of many questions as Spring Training is only about seven-eight weeks away.***The Sun's David Ste...
More About: Blogosphere

THKC Podcast: Teixeira, Salary Cap & Manny Ramirez
2008-12-25 05:08:00
Ian of Sox and Dawgs and I taped our weekly show this afternoon that aired on the Fantasy Sports Channel at Blog Talk Radio.We talked about the Mark Teixeira signing and it's impact on the game as well as gave our thoughts.Lenny Melnick of Melnick and Greco Fantasy Sports stopped by at the end of the show as well. You can check it out by following the link provided at the end here. [The Hits Keep Coming - 12.24]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: Podcast , Manny Ramirez , Salary , Ramirez , Manny

The Day After
2008-12-24 18:46:00
After having a day to digest the news of Mark Teixeira signing with the Evil Empire, and I'll say I can't blame him for signing with New York, nor the Yankees for signing him. You can't blame Andy MacPhail or Peter Angelos -- despite the history and how many feel about him -- due to simply the Orioles not having a chance at all.The slugger, the more I hear in the press had zero interest in playing for Baltimore, and the news that came out insinuating he did may have just been planted by Scott Boras to drive up interest in his client.If the events of yesterday have not convinced you that the sport needs a salary cap, I don't know what to say. It's one thing if the Yankees had one huge contract signing -- but three within the last two weeks -- who could compete with that in today's economy?The inequity in baseball between the haves (the New York, Los Angeles & Chicago teams, Boston) and have nots (everyone else) has now become so great that you have to wonder if the gap can ...

MacPhail's Response To The Teixeira Signing...
2008-12-24 00:11:00
Here's MacPhail's reaction to the Teixeira signing, and after reading it, I don't necessarily blame him. It's tough to see the news from today, but let's move on, get some pitching and head into spring training with at least some improvement to the roster.From the Baltimore Sun: The Orioles' offered Teixeira a seven-year, $140 million deal and told his agent, Scott Boras, that they were willing to be flexible in negotiations. However despite the fact that Boras and Orioles president Andy MacPhail had spoken several times since the offer was made, no serious negotiations took place. Boras phoned MacPhail this afternoon and informed him that his client, who weighed offers from the Yankees, Orioles, Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals, was going in a different direction."We'd all prefer to have the player, but at the end of the day, it didn't work out that way," MacPhail said. "As they have demonstrated this offseason, the Yankees have resources that aren't available to 28...
More About: Signing , Response

Teixeira Going To The Yankees...
2008-12-23 21:35:00
It looks like the Yankees have swooped in and got Teixeira.From Boston.com: Sports Illustrated.com and ESPN's Peter Gammons are both reporting that the New York Yankees are on the verge of signing first baseman Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract.It looks like New York -- as some thought -- may have swept him away with a last minute surprise (or they just kept things hush-hush). The deal is contingent on the slugger passing a physical, and it looks like Boras might have pulled out an old card -- going to the Yankees for a last minute deal (can anyone say Johnny Damon?).Obviously spending a ton of money doesn't necessarily mean a World Series or the playoffs; however, one must think the Yankees are indeed the favorites now to take the AL East title.I guess a year where New York finished in third place, plus a new ballpark have turned them to revert to opening up the checkbook and spending freely.For a team asking for more money to subsidize their ballpark, they su...

Looking More & More That Teixeira Will Not Be Coming to Baltimore...
2008-12-23 19:13:00
I don't care where Teixeira goes right now; therefore, if he comes to Baltimore , I would be pleased, but not overjoyed after what I have seen the past few weeks. If he chooses Boston or New York, he's nothing more than a money-grubbing mercenary.According to a sobering report posted to the Baltimore Sun, it looks like the Orioles may be without their hometown boy unless there's a miracle or there's something we don't know.From the Baltimore Sun: Not wanting to get into a bidding war they knew they wouldn't win, the Orioles' hope all along was that Teixeira, who grew up in Severna Park, wanted to come home and become the face of a franchise that he grew up cheering for. If that indeed was the case and Teixeira had stated an interest in playing for the Orioles several times. Team officials expected Boras to get back to them with an idea of what it was going to take to make it happen.Boras and MacPhail have had several conversations since the seven-year contract offer between $1...

Teixeira To Make A Decision Supposedly Today...
2008-12-23 18:10:00
Could the plot be thickening, or is this bizarre drama almost over? There's a special tip of the hat to Ian from Sox and Dawgs for this, as Mark Teixeira is supposedly going to make a decision today. I guess this is going to be a big event since the slugger and Scott Boras HAD TO TELL the world of this.A major league baseball source has told The Washington Times? Thom Loverro that there will be an announcement today regarding the future of free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira.While the source declined to discuss specifics, there are strong indications that the Red Sox will announce that they have landed the highly-coveted slugger, who has been courted this off-season by several major league clubs, including the Angels, Orioles and Nationals.Whether this is the end of the saga remains to be seen; however, I love again how the source is once again "unnamed" -- I mean how many "unnamed" sources have there been so far in the saga.Either way, wherever he comes to Baltimore, or goes to...
More About: Today , Decision , Make

Teixeira Goes to Washington?
2008-12-23 04:34:00
Well, I think we may have a reason why the Teixeira sweepstakes dubbed by some on internet "As The Teixeira Turns" has gone on and on from a posting from MASN's Roch Kubatko just a few hours ago.And, yes, it involves the team to the south -- the Washington Nationals.According to multiple sources, the Washington Nationals have sweetened their proposal to first baseman Mark Teixeira, offering him an eight-year deal worth $178 to $184 million.The Nats were believed to have an eight-year, $160 million offer on the table. They apparently have increased the total value, putting them ahead of the other contenders, based on the numbers that have been reported.I'm also told that they're willing to go nine years - and there's been talk of 10 - which could be one reason why agent Scott Boras is dragging along negotiations. He's also trying to get the Red Sox back in the game and see if the Yankees and Orioles will react.So just how flexible is that Orioles offer?Right now, the Nationals n...

Our New Supporter - BaltimoreHotels.Net
2008-12-23 04:06:00
If you're ever coming into the Baltimore Metropolitan region either for an Orioles or Ravens game, business, a convention or just fun, take a minute and check out BaltimoreHotels.Net, one of the Oriole Post's newest supporters.BaltimoreHotels.net is the leading hotel reservation site for those who are looking for lodging in and around Charm City. The site allows you to choose from over 150 hotels in Baltimore, ranging from low budget hotels to exclusive luxury hotels.So take a minute, check them out and if you'll be the region anytime soon, look to BaltimoreHotels.net for booking your next room!

Double Talk: Boras Open His Mouth Again
2008-12-22 22:03:00
While I am at home trying to recover from the flu, Mark Teixeira is still not signed with anyone.With news of Manny Ramirez seeking a three year deal from the New York Yankees, most are waiting for the chips with Mark to fall.Most thought that the Angels were out of the hunt for Teixeira, as they withdrew their names from contention this weekend; however, Boras may be trying to lure them back in. The Angels know they need Teixeira's offense, despite the slugger wanting to play on the East Coast -- thus, if you read the passage below, he kind of wants them back in the fray.From Jon Heyman: "Mark Teixeira enjoyed his time with the Angels and was an integral part of their success last season," Boras wrote in his statement. "His interest in returning to the club has been sincere, real and continues to be one of his earnest priorities throughout this off-season."...Boras also wrote in his statement, "Clubs are very aware -- in particular the Angels -- participation in the free-agent pro...
More About: Open , Double , Talk , Mouth

The Angels Out of The Hunt For Teixeira
2008-12-21 23:36:00
Ah, it looks like a team has withdrawn from the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes -- the Los Angeles Angels . Perhaps because they play on the wrong coast, the Angels might have found themselves in a race that seemingly they would not win.From ESPN: The Angels' departure from the Teixeira sweepstakes leaves the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles as the four teams still in the mix for the premier position player in this winter's free-agent market.Angels general manager Tony Reagins revealed before the winter meetings that the team had offered Teixeira an eight-year deal. The size of the team's offer was undetermined.The Angels really needed Teixeira's bat, and although they are pretty much assumed to be the favorite to win the AL West, his bat really strengthened their lineup during the 2008 regular season.I guess at this point, one could assume they will go after Manny Ramirez, or some of the other big boppers on the market.
More About: Hunt

Teixeira Saga Coming To An End Soon? What About The Yankees?
2008-12-21 18:41:00
It seems to be the whole Mark Teixiera hunt according to those in the know from mlb.com may soon be coming to an end.At this point, I just think that if Teixeira really, really wanted to sign with someone, he would have done so. Obviously, he and his agent Scott Boras are playing an interesting game of financial chicken -- to get the most money out of a team who'll be hoodwinked into signing him.I think Teixeira is a fine player; however, do I think he's being close to A-Rod or Albert Pujols at the plate -- no. Despite what I feel, he's probably the surest thing on the market and he'll get what someone wants to pay him.MLB.com: Decision day could be right around the corner for Mark Teixeira, according to a Major League source familiar with the negotiations. The source anticipates the free-agent first baseman's highly anticipated announcement within the next few days.The field of serious bidders from Day 1 includes the Red Sox, Nationals, Angels and Orioles, with the depth of th...
More About: Yankees , Saga

The New Economic Reality May Hit The Orioles
2008-12-21 03:26:00
Just read this on Peter Schmuck's blog, and this really, really caught my eye.I have been a victim of the changing economic times -- albeit, in a minor fashion -- however, it looks like it may affect the Baltimore Orioles for next season.Well, we all don't have access to the company books, nor do we know if the team made or lost money in 2008; alas, it looks like there's going to be some financial tightening taking place at the Yard.The Baltimore Sun: If you doubt that baseball teams are going to feel the effects of the economic downturn, I'm hearing that the Orioles recently notified game-day employees that they are downsizing their stadium staff for the upcoming season and will need many of them only for the higher-attendance games.I know some staff who work there -- whether they are ushers, or people who work the various concession stands -- and some are retirees, some just love the ambiance of Camden Yards, and for others it is supplemental income on top of their everyday jo...
More About: Reality , Economic

Daniel Cabrera Goes to Washington; Interest in Tim Redding?
2008-12-21 00:18:00
It has been slow on the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes since Thursday night's meeting with the Red Sox down in Texas. There's not much else that has come out from the media besides more speculation; however, an ex-Oriole has found a new home -- not too far from the one he just left.According to Bill Ladson of the nationals.com website, Baltimore's former, but inconsistent fireballer -- Daniel Cabrera -- has found a home in the Nation's Capital as a member of the Washington Nationals.He and Washington have agreed to a one-year contract, pending a physical.I only wish the best of luck to him. The Nationals may be a place where he gets his career on track, and may figure it out thanks to a change of scenery. There might be a good chance that the Washington Nationals highly regarded pitching coach Randy St. Claire can work some wonders on the tall righty.There's also talk that Baltimore might be looking at right-hander Tim Redding -- who was incidentally not tendered a contract by the W...
More About: Interest

Are The Red Sox Bluffing With Teixeira? You Bet They Are...
2008-12-19 20:02:00
As I went sleep last night, the reports out of Boston were that Scott Boras, Mark Teixeira and members of the Red Sox office flew down to Texas -- where Teixeira has his off-season home -- and went to hammer out contract details.However, before I went to sleep, I got an email saying that the Red Sox were suddenly out of the sweepstakes for the slugger. Well, I put my head on the bed and thought, "hey, this is great for Baltimore - woohoo, although I am against the signing of him", but then I immediately thought the Red Sox may be bluffing with Boras and Teixeira, and the super agent along with his client may have overplayed their hand.It goes without saying, fans across Birdland were overjoyed at the news this morning and some actually now think that the slugger may don the orange and black when it is all said and done. I say, "not so fast."You hear nothing from the Red Sox for weeks acknowledging the deal, and then the owner of the team emails the press? Well, well, I think he's t...
More About: Bluffing

The Evil Empire, The Yankees Introduce Their Big Ticket Items
2008-12-19 06:17:00
With all for the conjecture and the kind words about the Yankees , just say why you joined the team -- um, for the money. It's always about the money.
More About: Evil , Empire , Items , Ticket

No Deal For Teixeira With The Red Sox After All?
2008-12-19 05:42:00
Just got a late email from my bud Ian from Sox and Dawgs. Again, take this for what it is worth...This all seems to be getting more bizarre by the day.From Boston.com: Red Sox owner John Henry e-mailed several media members late tonight with a stunning twist in the team's pursuit of free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira.Henry's words: "We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him. After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."Earlier tonight, multiple news outlets reported the Red Sox had traveled to Texas to meet with Teixeira and his agent, Scott Boras, in the hopes of trying to finalize a deal. WCVB-TV Channel 5 reported that the Red Sox had offered Teixeira an eight-year deal worth $184 million (an average of $23 million per season).Five teams have been in the hunt for Teixeira to some extent -- the Sox, Angels, Yankees, Orioles, and Nationals -- and all indications had been pointing to the Red Sox as the...
More About: Deal

Boras Meeting With Red Sox About Mark Teixeira?
2008-12-19 02:48:00
Take it for what is worth, but if this is true, we might be heading towards a conclusion soon in the whole Mark Teixeira free agent sweepstakes. It looks like the team that most thought would pull in the slugger -- the Boston Red Sox -- may finally be making their move to acquire him.From the Baltimore Sun: ESPN and a Boston TV station both reported tonight that Teixeira's agent, Scott Boras, was having or will have face-to-face negotiations with Boston Red Sox officials tonight.WCVB-TV in Boston cited unnamed sources saying that the Red Sox were offering the former Severna Park resident and Mount St. Joseph alumnus an eight-year deal worth $184 million while meeting with Boras in Texas tonight.If true, the contract far surpasses the Orioles' offer, which is believed to be seven years and between $140 and $150 million.Contacted early tonight, Orioles president Andy MacPhail was unaware of the TV report. He would not comment on any speculative offers, but said he had not been infor...
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A New Found Respect For Scott Boras...
2008-12-18 21:42:00
While the national media and the 24-hour sports networks (ok, ESPN) have pretty much all but figured that Mark Teixeira will be headed to Boston to get a ring or two or three, one has to give credit to his super-agent, Scott Boras.Right now within this saga, it is safe to assume that no one, and I mean no one aside from the player, Boras and the principals in the story know what's going on. I guess I have a much greater appreciation of the super agent in his ability to use the media to keep this story alive and to help his client.As a fan, I revile him because the contracts that he gets for his clients hve completely driven the price of seeing a game and obviously has made the MLB Players Union very, very happy.I wonder how an agent could have such a large stable of players and yet get anything done for them. The man is good at what he does -- mastering the art of the deal for his clients -- and also bringing untold millions into his firm.I also don't care for his negotiating tact...
More About: Respect , Scott Boras