John Garland Off The Market...

It looks like another one of our targets early in the offseason has a found a home. John Garland wanted a huge deal, but instead he became a victim of the current market and the new economy...

Jon Garland, who won 14 games for the Los Angeles Angels last season, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.

Garland agreed to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2010. The deal is pending a physical, the source said. The agreement was first reported by the Arizona Republic.

Garland will make a base salary of $6.25 million in 2009, a source said. The option year will pay him $10 million. If Garland wants to return for 2010 and the Diamondbacks decide not to exercise the mutual option, he will receive a $2.5 million buyout. If Garland rejects the option and elects to go back on the free agent market, he will receive a $1 million buyout.

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Double Talk: Boras Open His Mouth Again

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 process does not signal lack of interest in signing with the club. Case in point, the Angels signed two great free agent players who engaged in the mechanism, receiving and exchanging offers with multiple clubs, while negotiating with the Angels. Therefore, we are assuming that reasons other than Teixeira's interest in returning to the Angels were the driving factor."

I assume the two free agents Boras is referring to are Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter.

It sounds like Boras wants the Angels to go after Teixeira -- despite evidence he wants to stay on the East Coast -- just to keep the wheels spinning.

This whole drama has been good for taking up web space, chatter on sports talk radio, and the Worldwide Sports Leader -- ESPN -- gushing for the slugger to sign with New York or Boston; however, this has all become exhausting.

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The Angels Out of The Hunt For Teixeira

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.

NLCS Thoughts and Playoff Reflections; Markakis & A New Contract...

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 York.

Again, there’s the Manny factor. They look and play like a different team from the one we saw from April to the end of July. If the Dodgers go down 2-0 when they return to California, I think they are as good as done. I don’t think the Phillies can stop Manny based on how well he’s doing right now -- (but I think Ramirez only has a career batting average of .200 versus the Phillies) -- but shutting down the rest of the offense is ey.

However, if the Dodgers can touch up on Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer, the Phillies are in trouble. As well, if Howard and Burrell are shut down, it’s too curtains for them.

Although I think the Phillies have the superior hitting lineup, I think there’s an upset.

I would so love to see a Dodgers-Red Sox World Series. Just imagine all the story lines, drama, and I'm sure MLB would be happy with the ratings as it would be a blockbuster.

***

While a handful of teams are still in the playoffs, teams like the Baltimore Orioles are stuck in watching it from home and face the prospect of a long, hard winter.

That being said, now is the time to sign Nick Markakis to a long term deal. I have said over and over, I have full faith in Andy MacPhail and I more or less said last year that the right fielder not being signed to a long term contract isn’t an issue — however, if it’s not done this off-season it will be.

After seeing his peers like Ryan Braun, Evan Longoria, and Troy Tulowitzki signed to healthy contracts, after the progress Markakis has shown, he deserves the same.

At this point, if they go through arbitration process, Markakis will get a huge pay day indeed; however, the longer the team waits to sign him to a deal, the higher his price will go and the greater the likelihood that he’ll bolt.

Considering the Orioles are rebuilding, and it may be a while before they start to win, now is the time to sign Nick.

Let’s avoid Pandora’s Box from opening when it does not need to be the case.

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America, The Rays Are In The ALCS; Boston Finishes off the Angels...

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 ticket to the ALCS as they downed the Angels 3-2, thanks to a Jed Lowrie walk-off single that played Jason Bay -- who slid head first -- in the bottom of the ninth.

In what has to be a deflating loss for the Angels, it was an action packed game filled with lost opportunities. They've lost 12 out 13 to the Red Sox, and in each game, they could not seem to land the knockout punch.

The Angels scored in the eighth plating two with Torii Hunter's single in the eighth to tie the score, but they could not chop off the head of the Sox.

Boston got two runs in the fifth, one thanks a botched groundball that could have been a double play would have ended the frame, but allowed Mark Kotsay to score.

For the second year in a row, Boston find itself closer to the World Series thanks on the part of the Angels being unable to score when needed and finishing off their opponents.

The Rays and Red Sox meet again in 2008, this time for all the marbles. This should be "The Series" to watch and both have teams have a compelling storyline that has built up over the season.

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Angels and White Sox Still Alive; Brew Crew Done; K-Rod is Over-Rated; Playoff Reflections...

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 can match up with the Phillies in all aspects of game, and right now, I give them the advantage.

Although Joe Torre managed the Yankees, I am glad to see him in the post-season again, and not in pinstripe blue. Growing up, the Dodgers were my second team, so I am going to pick them in the NLCS.

As for the Brewers, it was nice to see another small market – especially a team that has not seen themselves in the playoffs after a generation gets in – however, this offseason will be one to watch for them.

Like I said in a previous entry, the Brewers’ ownership must make an offer to Sabathia – even if he turns it down – to just placate and give confidence to their fan base. Plus, you’ve got to wonder if they can even sign Sheets, keep their manager, and list of other stuff.

***
The White Sox, who needed to win, did so yesterday by beating the Rays, 5-3.

Tampa Bay starting pitcher Matt Garza was shaky, and the White Sox took advantage of him by getting hit after hit, especially Dewayne’s contributions with two hits and runs driven in. It was interesting watching the game how dominant the White Sox crowd was and I think it might have given them the advantage.

I figured the White Sox would win game three just because they were at home, and they had the impressive John Danks on the mound. I haven’t thought much of him this season, but he has been clutch for Chicago in the closing weeks and the post-season.

I like what he’s brought to the table, and it will be interesting to how Gavin Floyd (a tough pitcher) does versus Andy Sonnanstine – who has been slumping after his impressive first half. I still think Tampa takes the series in four; however, the White Sox have a veteran team that might give them some trouble.
***
The final game yesterday featured the Angels vs. Red Sox, perhaps the least interesting in my eyes, but probably the most compelling and captivating. Well, the Angels nearly gave this one away after Jacoby Ellsbury was able to bloop a ball into center – actually, both Howie Kendrick and Torii Hunter allowed the ball to drop in – thus, Boston plated three runners.

That play would have ended the first inning and perhaps saved America from five hours of drama.

Los Angeles won the game, by the way, 5-4.

Mike Napoli helped the Angels with immensely with two home runs – the first being a two-run job and the second a solo one – to keep them in the game.

The game was tied at 4 in the fifth inning and deadlocked until the twelfth as Erik Aybar plated in Mike Napoli. Javier lopez took the loss, while Jered Weaver in his first relief appearance kept the Angels alive with his clutch performance.

Both teams had multiple chances to score and end the game, but they could not.
And more thing – K-Rod, oh K-Rod. Your 62 saves might net you a big pay once the games are done; however, from what I have seen so far, you’re a tad overrated. You’ve seemed to be shaky, and that home run you give up to J.D. Drew as not done any favors for your huge quest.

To be quite frank, there are six other closers I can name – including one who wasont he mound last night – whom I would rather have to a pressure packed situation (Fenway is that to the last degree) than K-Rod.

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Playoff Reflections, Friday

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 -- unlike the White Sox.

I think the Sox will take a game in Chicago; however, I just think the Rays move to the next round of play and no one should confuse this team with the previous incarnations of the last decade. This Tampa team is very athletic, they don't make (many) mistakes, and they'll use various tricks up their sleeve to win.

Tampa is that good.

***
The final game on the night was the Red Sox vs. the Angels. Obviously, most people know my thoughts on this series; however, last night's game was highly entertaining and might have been the best game so far I have watched on TV.

I thought the Angels would mount a challenge and they did in game two -- but, the Boston Red Sox seem to have a killer instinct that the Angels don't have. A double by David Ortiz and then a home run by the "hurt" J.D. Drew in the top of the ninth lead Boston over Los Angeles, 7-5.

Jason Bay's home run in the first broke open the game and helped Boston take a four-run lead. They took advantage of a bad Ervin Santana, but his teammates chipped away at the Boston lead and Daisuke Matuszaka to tie it up. In the end, the Angels could not take advantage of opportunities -- especially in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded.

I expect Boston to finish the series up on Sunday. The Red Sox know they have the advantage, and now they head home to Fenway. The Angels will need a lot of luck on their side to win, and at this point -- if you saw the faces on some of the guys (especially Torii Hunter) -- you can tell that they are a defeated team.

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Black Sox (1919 Chicago White Sox) Documents To Be Auctioned Off...: The Words of Torii Hunter...

A interesting piece of baseball history might be opened even further as a box containing thousands of rare documents, letters and memos that detail events surrounding the so-called Black Sox scandal of the 1919 World Series will be up for auction starting Monday.

If you need some background, the 1919 World Series ended in a scandal the rocked the world of baseball. Well, eight players from the Chicago White Sox allegedly threw the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. The players were acquitted of the charges; however, they were banned from professional baseball for life. The Chicago players included the great "Shoeless" Joe Jackson; pitchers Eddie Cicotte and Claude "Lefty" Williams; infielders Buck Weaver, Arnold "Chick" Gandil, Fred McMullin, and Charles "Swede" Risberg; and outfielder Oscar "Happy" Felsch.

From the New York Times: Experts say the material may offer more insight about the White Sox, whose actions during the Series against the Cincinnati Reds became one of the darkest events in baseball history.

“This could be a treasure trove,” the baseball author Gene Carney said.

It is unclear how the documents, whose existence were previously unknown, ended up together or where they have been for more than eight decades. Mastro Auctions in Burr Ridge declined to reveal the identity of the two sellers and said that they probably purchased the box without knowing exactly what was inside.

The papers, examined by The Chicago Tribune, appear to contain documents from the 1921 criminal trial against eight White Sox players accused of throwing the 1919 World Series as part of a gambling scandal. The papers also include documents from a 1924 lawsuit in which some of the players sued the team for back pay.

It well be known soon enough if the documents reveal anything new about one of the most infamous sports scandals in history.

***

Well, as we all know Torii Hunter signed with the Los Angeles Angels last week. Right now he seems to be more than happy joining the organization, as they are a perennial contender, and more importantly, they gave him the contract he wanted.

Right now, that's more than he can say for Minnesota.

Here's what he said to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune: Torii Hunter said he wouldn't have returned to the Twins even if the money was there because he doesn't believe they can compete with the more talented teams in the division.

As for his decision to sign with the Angels he said: "It was like a 24-hour decision. I could not leave Anaheim -- that's a nice place, a nice ballpark, they play the game right, they've got a chance to win every year. Because Arte Moreno is that type of owner, he wants to win."

Had the Twins' three-year offer for $45 million been five years for $75 million, he might have considered it, Hunter said, but on the other hand, he wanted to play with a winner. He said he doesn't think the Twins are going to have the talent to win in the future.

"Sometimes you're going to ask for a raise or whatever. And it just so happened that in major league baseball the market is up, it's way up." he said. "So, I was going to get what I was going to get. I just wanted to make sure that I was with a team that wants to win, that's going to try to win day in and day out. Whatever pieces to the puzzle that they need, they were going to go out and get it. I just didn't feel the Twins were that ballclub."

With Hunter gone, and Johan Santans possibly leaving the organization, the Twins may be set to rebuild and have to consider life without two of their most bankable stars.

The Impact of the Torii Hunter Deal; An Overstocked Outfield and Miguel Tejada

With the signing of Torii Hunter by the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim, they finally have the protection that was sorely needed in the middle of the order for their slugger, Vladmir Guerrero.

Now that Hunter is in center field, Los Angeles now has a loaded outfield with Gary Matthews, Guerrero, Garrett Anderson, outstanding youngster Reggie Willits, and Gary Matthews, Jr.

However, what happens with all the players they have accumulated?

I say one of them gets traded --- perhaps Willits. Alas, this is where the Orioles come in.

As I mentioned a few day ago in a post, the Angels have targeted Miguel Tejada as part of potential solution to the left side of the infield for the past two seasons. With the trade of Orlando Cabrera earlier this week, it looks Los Angeles is setting itself up for a trade to get Marlins’ slugger Miguel Cabrera, or perhaps get Tejada as a second option.

That being said, if the Angels do go after Tejada, who do the Orioles go after?

With players such as Brandon Wood, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and younger talent in their system, Baltimore may be well served to trade Tejada.

However, there may be another player now part of the puzzle – Reggie Willits.

Although Willilts is not the big slugger that we all want and lust over, he’s an incredibly resourceful and talented ballplayer who batted .293 in his rookie year and was an on-base machine in 2007. In addition to his solid numbers, he stole 27 bases and would make an excellent spark plug in the order.

Well, he’s young and right now, real cheap; alas, he’s what the Orioles need, some young, good, plays hard, and isn’t afraid to get dirty.

The downside to having Willits is that obvious he’s not the sexy player fans want as he only slugged .346, and didn’t hit any home runs.

I don’t know is he’s the first player I’d choose from the Angels in a trade as there are more players with upside, such as Wood, Santana, Saunders and other young talent; however, Willits could be a serviceable player who would be part if the organization for a long time and for the most part, he looks like he could be a reliable piece of the rebuilding puzzle.

I would obviously include Willits as part of a package, providing we get sold pieces in return whether it is a pitcher, or a good bat.

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Torii Hunter Signs With The Angels!

It looks like the Angels have a newly acquired big ticket item on their squad. I didn't expect this, but Los Angeles has signed center-fielder Torii Hunter. The move gives the Angels not only their big bat and protection for Vladmir Guerrero, but also a defensive whiz in centerfield.

Outfielder Torii Hunter and the Los Angeles Angels reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday night on a five-year contract thought to be worth at least $80 million.

The agreement is subject to a physical.

"They play the game the right way," Hunter said. "They play hard-nosed baseball."

The 32-year-old becomes the much-needed hitter the AL West champions sought to protect Vladimir Guerrero in the batting order. Hunter hit .297 with 28 homers and 107 RBIs for the Minnesota Twins this year and is a seven-time Gold Glove winner.

Now it leaves us to wonder what happens with Gary Matthews, who only hit north of .250 last year, and got into hot water earlier in the season for his involvement with purchases of HGH from a New York pharamacy.

It's a nice upgrade for the Angels, I'd be concerned how he ages over the life his contract considering his style of play.

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Miguel Tejada Rumors: A Tale of Two Miguels & A Move to the Angels...

The big talk amongst Oriole fans at the moment is not who will the team sign in free agency, but who will go via a trade. It may not be a question of if, but when?

Obviously, the biggest trade chip the team has is probably Erik Bedard; however, lest we forget, we also have Miguel Tejada who is being dangled. By all indications, there is scant interest for him and the Orioles may be ready to deal at some point.

Recently, the Angels traded away their shortstop, Orlando Cabrera to the White Sox for hurler John Garland. That being said, the shortstop position is open and more importantly, the Angels are woefully in need of a bat to power the Los Angeles lineup, but more importantly protect Vladmir Guerrero.

One would think a move the best move for Los Angeles would be for the Marlins' Miguel Cabrera; however, Tejada might also be another option if Florida’s price is too high.

Cabrera would be perfect, as he is young, has put up prodigious numbers season after season and could be sign to a lucrative long term deal; alas, the downside of getting him is his weight concern and perhaps losing his effectiveness at third over the years.

Like I said previously – the price for him will be high; however, the Angels have enough young talent to pacify the Marlins. Now that the previous GM of the Angels, Bill Stoneman, is gone, thus, a move might be made.

Tejada is the fallback option if the Angels become stingy or a deal cannot be made with Florida.

Miguel is in his early 30’s, and still has a good bat; albeit, it’s thought universally that he’s lost his range in the field.

Personally, I think he needs a change of scenery, as the losing in Baltimore has got to him and there’s no hope in the immediate future for the organization to contend. Perhaps a move to the Angels will recharge his batteries and get him motivated.

I don’t think the Orioles would command as much as Florida would want for talent, and the Angels could afford to take on his salary.

Over the past few weeks, the Yankees have mentioned as a place Tejada could go, as well as the Dodgers and White Sox.

Obviously, he will not be going to New York as Rodriguez was re-signed, but the three other teams are viable options.

With players such as Brandon Wood, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and younger talent in their system, Baltimore may be well served to trade Tejada.

He’s served the Orioles well despite his flare-ups, but when all is said and done, a change of scenery is best for him, and Los Angeles may be the place if they for some reason fail with Miguel Cabrera.

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Looking Back; The AL West - Predictions and Reflections

Throughout the off-season, I'm going to take a look at what I have said during the course of season and some predictions I made before play started in 2007.

Well, I am going to start off with the American League West.

First, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:

What I said: "If the Angels pitching and their offense come together, then they could possibly win the AL West and find themselves in the playoffs. Southern California has two potential playoff contenders in the Angels and the Dodgers, and in the end, the Halos led by Guerrero, Lackey, Weaver, and company could make 2007 a year to remember in that part of the region."

Prediction: Dead On.

***Second, the Seattle Mariners:

What I said: "The Mariners play in a competitive American League West and it may be hard for the team to move up in 2007 in light of the additions made. The team has made a number of changes to attempt to get more competitive, but it looks like the Mariners may remain where they are unless the pitching rotation steps up and additions to the offense perform like they have in the past. Considering this is Ichiro’s walk year, it’s vital that the team make strides to move up the AL West standings.

The Mariners may be a few players away from seriously contending in 2007, but the young core that they have give the team hope for the future."

Prediction: I never expected the Mariners to do so well this season. The offense carried them and the pitching performed far better than I thought (in some instances); however, the weaknesses came through in the last quarter of the season and they wilted. In light of it all, they were a complete shock to me. They still need better pitching and Sexton needs to hit more than his weight, but fans of the team should be pleased with the effort.

***

Third, the Oakland Athletics:

What I said: In the end, the A’s should once again be counted as contenders for both the American League West and the pennant; however, but the team must avoid injuries and get better production from the offense. The pitching, even with Zito leaving for the National League should be among the league’s best and will be perhaps what gets Oakland into the playoff. The main competition for the American League West will be the Angels, but in a stacked American League, it may become a dog fight in the end for a playoff spot American League supremacy with the crowded talented AL Central and East.

Prediction: I did not expect them to be that bad this season, but with injuries to key guys and a lack of offense, they were doomed.

***

Last, But Not Least; The Texas Rangers:

"In the end, the Rangers may not have enough to win the AL West, but the team has a core of young and established veterans that could make an impact in ’07. A lot of the success that the team will have this upcoming season will depend on their pitching and if the weaker parts of the offense from ‘06 picking up the slack.

Also, the other storyline that America will be watching is Sammy Sosa, and whether he can reclaim his glory, or he if he’s done."

Prediction: Close, and almost accurate. Teixiera got traded, but the Rangers got a lot of young talent and they helped to contribute from the get go.

***

Later on this week: The AL Central

Doing It The Right Way: O's Beat Angels, 3-0, The Rundown...

Pitching, defense, timely hitting & making the key plays are essential to the success of any baseball team. For the past month, the Orioles have more or less become a national joke because of how bad the team has performed. For the most part, they have not executed one or more these key elements during a game recently.However, last night, Baltimore played good baseball, one based in fundamentals and doing the little things right. More importantly, they won last night.

Instead a football score, or a score out of co-ed or beer league softball, the black and orange shutout the Angels, 3-0.

Call-up Jon Leicester pitched 5 2/3 pitches where he kept the Angels at bay, and the bullpen came in and lifted the Orioles to victory.

The funny thing is that the line-up sans Nick Markakis, Kevin Millar and Aubrey did not have any regulars in the lineup. There was no Miguel Tejada, or B-Rob, or Mora, or Ramon slotted to play. Some fans were upset from not seeing the regulars, and I was a little shocked to see the Miguel didn’t play; however, the numbers don’t lie — the Orioles have been terrible when those guys have been in the lineup.

In my honest opinion, this one of the best games they have played all year. Rather than seeing a team play uninspired baseball waiting for an October tee-time, it was about time to give the guys a shot who may never see major league playing for a long time, if ever again.

With a lineup full off career minor-leaguers, 4A players and guys who are looking for a shot, strong defense and fundamental play was norm on Thursday night rather than the same old song and dance.

Let’s just say Miggy was not happy being benched, as he opined: “They feel like they want to give me a day off. I don’t know if it’s a day off or I’m sitting on the bench,” he said. “Then I can go somewhere else next year, [if] they have somebody that can play short. That would be nice for me.”

Miggy, you’re a athlete and although you are the highest paid one the team, you don’t determine the lineup each day.

The O’s are 20 games under .500 and a stone’s throw away from the bottom.

The manager decides who plays, thus suck it up. It’s not like everyone was performing with you in the lineup.

Maybe seeing a bunch multi-millionaires sitting on the bench will wake everyone up and send a strong message.

***

To make matters worse for the Birds, both Daniel Cabrera and Dave Trembley have been suspended by MLB for their infractions. Well, Trembley will be out three games for his role in an on-field argument Wednesday night, and Cabrera will sit out a six for his infamous bench clearing near-brawl and completely losing his temper last Friday.

I don't think Trembley should have been suspended for three games; however, you'll pay if you ever show up an umpire, and Cabrera, the suspension is just about right. He'll miss a start, but he was so wrong in the case that it is not even funny.

The Orioles MLB has more on the development.

***

The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Examiner, Washington Post and Orioles Hangout have a recap from last night.

Roch Kubatko has his news and thoughts from Oriole-land in his blog, and Bill Ordine has his take from last night.

Like I mentioned above, most of the regulars were not in the lineup on Thursday and that had a few fans concerned and little miffed. At this point, this month is about evaluation and testing out the young guys, not so much winning the games. Well, the team having been so bad closing out season that you might as well light a fire under their a**es.

Dave Trembley's blowup was classic, and Childs Walker of the Sun compares him to the masters, Weaver, Piniella, et. al...

The Baltimore Examiner has a-not-so-flattering piece on the top class action lawyers in America, and Peter Angelos appears on the list...

Photo Gallery: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Baltimore Orioles, Sep. 12th, 2007

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Baltimore Orioles

Here are photos from the game on Wednesday night! Hope you enjoy...

Welcome to the Bottom: Orioles Lose to the Angels 18-6, the Rundown

I went to the Angels/Orioles game last night, and usually out of support I stay the duration of match-up.

However, on Thursday night, I left early. Being the Orioles were down 11-5 and I honestly had better things to do last night, like get up for work on time and refreshed in the morning, I gave up.

Good thing I did. It only worse thereafter.

In the end, life goes on and Baltimore lost to Anaheim, this time with yet another football score, 18-6.

The best part of last night was seeing Dave Trembley ejected. He was not happy over a completely botched call by umpire Paul Emml where Scott Moore was called out at second base off a Jay Payton ground out.

However, Howie Kendrick was not on the bag - he was in a completely different time zone.

Alas, Trembley put on a great performance for those in attendance. He must have telepathically tapped into the head of Earl Weaver, Billy Martin or Lou Piniella because in his tantrum he not only drew a line where Kendrick stood and then HE THREW the umpire out due to this utter incompetence.

Great theater.

Now, the bad. There was a lot of it.

Daniel Cabrera was tagged for 10 runs, 8 of them earned. The bullpen did not do much better, in fact, sucked even more. He's lost his 16th game in a row.

Errors, walks and just down right bad play did the team in. The Angels took advantage of the Orioles poor play and beat the heck of them.

Garrett Anderson hit a homer and drove in five runs, and Vladmir Guerrero drove in four RBIs.

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The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Examiner, Washington Post, Orioles Hangout & Oriole Magic!

Bob Cohn of the Washington Times has an article on the the state of the Baltimore Orioles & Dave Trembley, which is obviously not good.

Rock Kubtako has his thoughts on last night, as well as Nick Markakis and the state of the team.

Peter Schmuck opines that the Orioles free fall into oblivion this season has exposed a lot of problems that the team needs to fix.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Guthrie still wants to pitch this season and he's itching to come back into the fold.

More of the Same: O's Lose to the Angels, 10-5

For the Orioles, it was more of the same last night – another loss.

The Angels beat them 10-5, thanks to two monster home runs by Vladmir Guerrero’s two homers and the contributions of pretty much every Angel, as each batter got at least once hit.

With a thin starting rotation, Baltimore inserted another guy into the fold – Victor Santos.

Well, it’s not like he did any better than anyone else the team has trotted out there as of late.

He allowed five runs in 2 2/3 innings and naturally, the bullpen did not do any better as they coughed up 5 more runs.

Kevin Millar homered; however, the Oriole got whipped again.

This is their 17^th defeat in 20 games and makes me wonder does anyone on this team care anymore? Besides Markakis’s solid numbers and Brian Roberts playing through injuries, what else is there to see?

Last night we reached a milestone; albeit, a sad one – the tenth straight losing season.

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The Baltimore Examiner got an interview with Peter Angelos and got his thoughts on Jay Gibbons. He opined that everyone is innocent until proven guilty and Gibbons has not been tested positive for anything. However, he did not say much on other topics, such as the losing with the team.

The Oriole players, staff, manager and front office are naturally not talking about the whole PED issue with Jay Gibbons. I’m sure the players must feel a little disturbed and weary of it all, but for now, the public will not hear much from the team on the Gibbons story as advised through Orioles’ media director, Bill Stetka.

Are the Orioles cursed? Kevin Cowherd of the Sun and many believe so…

The Baltimore Sun has a recap of the game as does the Baltimore Examiner, Washington Post, & Orioles Hangout.

Roch Kubtako looks at the Orioles as they are now, and a few more tidbits about the team.

Close, But So Far: O's Lose to the Halos 4-3 on Sunday, the Rundown

In light of Brian Roberts being chosen an All-Star for the second time and Jeremy Guthrie on the mound, the O's could not muster a win against the Angels in the rubber match in the three game set.

Thanks to the rifle arm of Vlad Guerrero, the Angels were able to win the game yesterday as Melvin Mora was gunned down at home despite a valiant effort to score.

The Black and Orange lost 4-3.

The collision was rough, as Mora hurt his foot and catcher Mike Napoli had to be carried off the field.

The Orioles were helped out big time by Jay Payton's 2-run homer and heads up baserunning by Ramon Hernandez.

Jeremy Guthrie only gave up four hits, but gave up a 2-run homer to Casey Kotchman and an RBI double to Vlad Guerrero in the 4th inning, and a homer in the 8th to Mike Napoli.

Guthrie was strong, but Lackey was slightly better and the Angels made most of their opportunities.

The O's take on the White Sox in the Windy City tonight.

It'll be Erik Bedard squaring off against Mark Buerhle in what should be a great pitching matchup.

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There's more on the game from the Baltimore Examiner & the Washington Post.

Sun blogger and beat reporter Roch Kubatko has his thoughts on yesterday's game and also the surprise resignation of former Oriole manager Mike Hargrove.

With the struggles of Chris Ray, the Orioles may move to a "bullpen by commitee". There's more also in the Washington Post and the Orioles MLB site who reports that Chris Ray is now being rested...

As noted earlier, Brian Roberts was selected to the 2007 All-Star Game as a reserve second baseman. The O, By the Way blog has their thoughts on some of the All-Star snubs including Jeremy Guthrie and Erik Bedard being passed over. More on All-Star news from the Baltimore Examiner & the Washington Post.

Daniel Cabrera is 'living a dream' by having the ability to pitch in the majors...

The injury to Steve Trachsel and he subsquently landing on the DL leaves a big hole in the Oriole rotation, and perhaps it will be filled by Rob Bell or Garrett Olson.

The Orioles have a lot of good hitting prospects down in the lower levels of the organization according to the Baltimore Examiner.

The Washington Times has an interesting story on Jeremy Guthrie, his season with the Orioles and his time with the Cleveland Indians.

Photo Gallery, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Baltimore Orioles - July 1st, 2007

Los Angeles Angels vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 1, 2007

Extended Slideshow: http://sports.webshots.com/slideshow/559706870MGWrwV

Photos of today's action - hope you enjoy...

Belated Quick Hits; The Game Last Night - O's Lose to the Angels 9-7, Huff Hits for the Cycle...

Sorry for the delay today, but I have been feeling sick all day.

Well, unless you were under a rock yesterday, you know the Orioles lost last night thanks to home run by Howie Kendrick last night served by Chris Ray.

The Angels ended up winning the game by a score of 9-7.

Aubrey Huff hit for the cycle last night, but the night is now remembered for yet another Oriole defeat in the hands of the bullpen, rather than the feat or a near-comeback by the black and orange.

Steve Trachsel got hit hard, but give credit to Rob Bell for keeping the Orioles in the game.

Folks, what do we do with Chris Ray? Is he meant to be a closer, or is he just in a funk?

The Orioles MLB site has more on Huff and his historic night.

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If you didn’t hear, Steve Trachsel has been put on the DL – however, that’s news to him. He looked terrible last night, but is he hurt?

There’s more on the story from Roch Kubatko in his blog, Roch Around the Clock.

There’s a recap of the game last night from the Washington Post, and the Baltimore Examiner.

In light of the event of the controversy on Thursday considering the rain and the storms during the Yankee-Oriole game, Andy MacPhail believes that there’s a lot of blame to spread around and the team has to shoulder some of it. The Orioles MLB site has more on the situation and so does the Baltimore Examiner.

Dan Connolly reports on the inexperience of Dave Trembley and the precedent of him being a first time major league manager with no playing experience.

Peter Schmuck believes right now, there’s no manager employed or otherwise who is custom fit for the team right now under MacPhail…

Under Dave Trembley, the Orioles are more aggressive on the basepaths now…

According to Matt Palmer, Bedard will be talking more – oh joy.

Photo Gallery, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Baltimore Orioles - June 29th, 2007

Los Angeles Angels vs. Baltimore Orioles; June 27th, 2007

More later...