The Deal for Roberts to White Sox a No Go?

Well, perhaps the talk of Brian Roberts going to the Chicago White Sox may have been overblown. Here's the latest from Baltimore Sun columnist Peter Schmuck...

From the Baltimore Sun: Sounds like the Orioles won't be sending Brian Roberts to the White Sox for pitcher Gavin Floyd anytime soon, though that rumor seems to have more legs than the Rockettes. White Sox general manager Ken Williams made a statement yesterday through a spokesman that he hasn't talked to anyone from the Orioles about anything since November.

Though many O's fans think that Floyd would not represent fair value for BRob, the White Sox apparently feel that a 17-game winner with several years left under reserve is a pretty valuable commodity.

If they didn't, you'd think Williams would use the trade rumor as a pretext for contacting the Orioles to bat the idea around, since Roberts would be a nice fit in the White Sox lineup. Don't hear much about this coming from the warehouse either, but -- to be fair -- you'd be hearing even less if something was going on.

I guess when it come to Brian Roberts and the offseason, you have no idea what to expect. Right now, we have no idea about the talks of an extension with the second baseman; however, from my time in the business world, no news is bad news.

Who knows what's going on, but I do think Roberts is dealt -- whether it is before spring training or during the trade deadline in the summer -- unless a deal can be made with Baltimore.

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.

Brian Roberts to the White Sox? (From MASN Sports)

MASN's Roch Kubatko had this tidbit on Brian Roberts on his blog, and it could be of great importance assuming there's any truth to the posting.

From MASN Sports: Brian Roberts always seems to be linked to the Chicago Cubs in trade rumors, but White Sox general manager Kenny Williams loves the guy and is trying to acquire him.

The two sides have discussed former Mount St. Joe pitcher Gavin Floyd as a starting point in trade talks. The Orioles might need more, though the White Sox would want it to be straight-up, since they'd be surrendering a 17-game winner.

At least Orioles president Andy MacPhail could say he brought a local kid home. It's just not Mark Teixeira.

Anyway, that's the buzz.

As much as I hate advocating this, I say if we could get another prospect or two to sweeten the deal -- do it. Roberts may or may not sign an extension with Baltimore, and this point, he'll more than likely be well into his mid-30's before the team reaches contention.

>>> Read More

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles; Game 3 - Sunday, July 15th

Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 15th, 2007

Here are shots of the game Saturday.

Send me comments and let me know what you think...

Click on the link above to see more images!!

Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles; Game 3 - Saturday July 14th

Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles

Here are shots of the game Saturday.

Send me comments and let me know what you think...

Click on the link above to see more images!!

Orioles Win 5-3, Garrett Olson Wins His First MLB Game, the Rundown...

Well, it was good weekend for O's fans as the team took 3 of 4 from the struggling White Sox, and saw a glimpse of perhaps the future of the Orioles as Garrett Olson won his first major league in a solid start on Sunday.

The O's won last night 5-3 for their third straight win, and I covered the game for Oriole Magic! yesterday

Pictures, etc. will be coming in a bit.

The O's start a series in Seattle tonight into Wednesday.

***

First of all, the team held a "State of the Orioles" meeting yesterday at the stadium for season ticket holders. Dave Steele of the Baltimore Sun has an article on the event yesterday morning and all in all, manager Dave Trembley and Andy MacPhail came off very good to the fans yesterday and handled themselves with confidence.

Second of all, I’ll give the front office and the organization credit; as much criticizing, moaning, griping and complaining we do with the Orioles, they at least took the initiative to hear fans out. Furthermore, MacPhail and Dave Trembley have gone out of their way to make themselves accountable to some degree to the fans.

The meeting went about an hour, and although there was not anything earth-shattering or no new revelations made.

***

The Baltimore Sun has a recap of the game as Garrett Olson won his first start in the majors.

The Baltimore Examiner, Washington Post, and the Orioles MLB site.

Corey Patterson was hot this weekend at the plate, and Steve Trachsel is on his way back to the big club.

Once again, Nick "the Stick" has gotten hot in the second half...

Right now, it is undecided if Steve Trachsel or Garrett Olson will be the fifth starter.

Kevin Millar wants to be in Baltimore, and enjoys playing here everyday. Well, two weeks ago, I would have said trade him, but with the injuries to Mora and Millar, he's not doubt a leader on the team right now, and with his hot streak at the plate, he's doing wonders for the club.

There is more on the thoughts of Millar from the Examiner.

Press Box Online has a great piece on the success and personalities of Erik Bedard and Jeremy Guthrie.

Amber Theoharis thinks Dave Trembley is a perfect fit with the Orioles.

Now that we are in the second half, Stan "the Fan" Charles has his mid-season report card - it's so-so, and really needs improvement.

Bill Ordine of the O, By the Way Blog, has this thoughts on last night's game and also notes that the Loss Column is wanting fans to take back the Yard on September the 8th.

The Baltimore Sun has a question for Brandon Fahey...

Quick Hits; O's Down the White Sox, 2-0; Rundown...

Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles - July 13, 2007

Well, I was the game last night and here are some shots! Anyhow, the Orioles won 2-0, thanks to the masterful pitching of Erik Bedard and homers from Corey Patterson and Nick Markakis.

The Orioles should consider themselves fortunate that they won against the ever tough and efficient Mark Buehrle.

Bedard struck out 8, Paul Shuey held the game, and Chris Ray saved it; however, Ray did make things real interested via two walks, but was able to get out a jam.

The two teams take on each other again tonight and Sunday.

Well, after half the damn season (remember, I am a 6′5″ African-American guy and not that hard to miss), the friendly usher named Luther (who has seen me probably every game I have attended this year, as I sit the same seat perhaps 2-3 innings per game) in section 20 took the time to throw me of the section. He knows who I am an he never gave me trouble, but he decided to spoil the experience.

I’ll manage, but that was an awesome spot. I’ll try it again on Sunday and see what happens.

***

The Baltimore Sun & Washington Post have a recap of the game.

Roch Kubatko has news and bits of Oriole land in his blog, Roch Around the Clock.

Columnist Peter Schmuck of the Sun believes that the lack of depth by the Orioles at most every position is putting the team in a weak spot. It's no doubt that the problems with the team run deeper than the offense, as without a deep bench, the team has very little chance to win unless their pitchers throw shut-outs. The fact of the matter is without offense, much less a bench, the Orioles have little chance in contending in American League at all.

Matt Palmer of the Baltimore Examiner has a real interesting article about Dave Trembley.

As I figured, Melvin Mora will probably be put on the DL. The Orioles MLB site is reporting that Mora may be shelved for a week, Washington Post & the Examiner has more on the situation.

In light of the success of the Aberdeen Ironbirds and Ripken Stadium, the city is having serious problems making rent payments.

If you get a chance, you must stop by the display at Camden Yards of the Negro Leagues!

***

The above shot is of two fans I met last night who finally caught their first game live at Camden Yards, and trekked all the way down from Harrisburg, Pa., good Oriole country smooshed right in between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Tim Schildt, pictured on the left and his buddy Dave are featured and I was kind enough of to snap a photo at their request.

Thanks, guys!

Orioles Lose 9-7, the Rundown...

Last night, the Orioles lost to the Chicago White Sox, 9-7.

Jeremy Guthrie was off, and the White Sox scored 4 runs in the first inning. As well, they took advantage of a woeful Jay Gibbons in left field.

My Sunday partners Tony and Pug are going to celebrate when I say this, but anyone besides Jay Gibbons should be in left field, including Brandon Fahey.

I caught some of the game when I got home and it was pitiful to Gibbons out there.

Guthrie allowed six runs, five earned, and nine hits in over three innings of work, by far his shortest outing of the season. He's been nothing short of awesome, and hopefully what happened last night was just a bad start as he had not given up any more than for runs in any of his starts.

The Orioles nearly came back, scoring five runs in the ninth, but alas, it was not enough.

***

The Baltimore Sun, Washington Post, and Baltimore Examiner have reports from last night's game...

Rick Maese of the Sun believes that Dave Trembley has at least earned the opportunity to finish out the rest of the season, and I agree. There's no point trotting anyone else in at this point considering the Orioles are out of contention and he simply deserves his shot.

Often maligned pitcher, Danyz Baez returned to the team and Miguel Tejada will do some light hitting once he returns to the squad reports Roch Kubatko of the Sun.

Also, Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post has more on Miguel Tejada.

Candus Thomson and Monica Lopossay have an article about the new Triple-A affiliate of the Orioles, the Norfolk Tides.

The O, By the Way Blog has thoughts from last night's game...

Roch Kubatko reports that Melvin Mora might be injured more seriously than previously thought in his blog on the Baltimore Sun website.

The Orioles held open tryouts this week in Glen Burnie...

- photo from the Examiner

O's Beat the White Sox 9-6; Olson Debuts...

Youngster Garrett Olson was summoned to the big club yesterday, and in his start yesterday, he didn’t disappoint.

Although he only went a little more than four innings and didn’t earn the win, he still looked good and had a solid outing.

Thanks to the bats and contributions from a Jay Gibbons homer, Kevin Millar and Nick Markakis, the O’s beat the White Sox 9-6 on Independence Day.

The O’s whipped up on Jose Contreras and torched him for six runs in five innings.

Rob Bell came into the game in the fifth and earned his second win of the season.

***

The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Examiner, & Washington Post have a recap of the action from yesterday.

The Orioles released Scott Williamson on Tuesday to make room for Garrett Olson. He was a little surprised by the news, as he didn’t pitch all that bad for the Birds, just that he was always injured and his appearances were few and far between. In addition, it sounded like the club wanted to see more of its young pitchers in the lower levels have a shot at the big time.

I think it was a good move, and does not hurt the Orioles. Roch Kubatko of the Baltimore Sun has his thoughts on Scott Williamson and also on Garrett Olson.

The O, By the Way blog has their thoughts on Olson’s start on Wednesday.

Matt Palmer believes that Cal Ripken is trying to take a middle ground in the debate between Barry Bonds and steroids.

-- photo from the AP

The Game Last Night; White Sox Topple Orioles, 5-1

I’m at RFK covering the Cubs vs. Nationals for the DC Sports Box, so I’ll keep my post brief.

The Orioles lost last night 5-1 in Chicago to the White Sox. Daniel Cabrera, who has the makeup to be one of the best starters in the majors – if he can ever be consistent and get his head together.

Considering Cabrera has been in the majors for a few years now, this is as good as he’ll get?

He can be so amazing, but yet, more often that not, he frustrates the hell out of you.

Meanwhile, the starter for the White Sox, Javier Vazquez who has had an up and down year, dominated the Orioles last night and gave his only via a Kevin Millar homer.

The best pitcher probably in the minors for the Orioles, Garrett Olson gets the start today in Chicago (the article reports Mora play today, and Scott Williamson is on the mend). He was brought up because of the injury to Steve Trachsel, but hopefully he’ll impress, and can get a little more than a cameo this week.

***

The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Examiner, and Washington Post has a recap of the game last night.

Roch Kubatko has his thoughts on Daniel Cabrera.

As noted, Garrett Olson is starting for the Orioles tonight in Chicago. As well, The Washington Post has more on him and his expected day later on, so does the Orioles MLB site.

Peter Schmuck believes in light of the Orioles’ failures this season, the front office duo of Mike Flanagan and Jim Duquette deserve high marks for finding Jeremy Guthrie and Brian Burres.

The Baltimore Examiner has a piece on O’s minor leaguer, Wally Crancer and reports that the Aberdeen Ironbirds are stumbling out of the gate as their season began a few weeks ago.

The Game Yesterday, O's Beat White Sox 7-6, the Rundown

The O's won last night in Chicago by a score of 7-6, after mounting a dramatic comeback and taking advantage of a tough Bobby Jenks who was having an off night.

The Orioles came back from a four run deficit to secure the win.

Chris Ray even looked great, striking out the side in the ninth inning after being beleaguered in his past few appearances. He earned his 14^th save.

Erik Bedard had so-so outing as he only went a little more than five innings and was tagged for six runs; however, the bullpen picked him up and Rob Bell got the win. Corey Patterson came through with four hits, and Millar came through in the clutch delivering an RBI single to win the game for the Birds.

Although the Orioles are nine games under .500 at 36-45, I feel a lot better about the team than I have in the past few weeks.

At this point, give Trembley a shot to manage until the end of the season. It looks like the players are responding to him and there now seems to be fight in the team – which was missing since April.

***

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

Melvin Mora sat out last night’s game with a bruised foot after his valiant effort to tie the game on Sunday. It looks like according to the Orioles MLB site that he might be out a few days.

The Washington Post has more on the development.

Spencer Fordin of the Orioles.com has questions about the state of the team that he has in his current mailbag.

As well, the Baltimore Sun has a question for Melvin Mora (he’s not going) about being selected for the All-Star Game.

The Baltimore Examiner has a great article on manager, Dave Trembley.

The O, By the Blog sees a lot of good out of yesterday’s win.

Roch Kubatko has all the latest in Oriole-land in his blog, Roch Around the Clock.