Just In: Bedard & Guthrie Are Good and ESPN Is Taking Notice...

This just in.

Erik Bedard and Jeremy Guthrie are good, and only now is the national media is starting to take notice.

The sometimes defacto Yankee-Red Sox network, ESPN has a great profile on Erik Bedard and his case for the Cy Young and a Video of Jeremy Guthrie on their website.

Bedard may be enigmatic and surly to the media; however, he is looking now as one of the best pitchers were have seen in recent memory. He had a shaky start to his career, but under the tutledge of Leo Mazzone, his changeup and a jolt of confidence, Erik's career is taking off.

And what can we say about Guthrie -- a great guy, pious, and he's got an incredible arm. The Orioles should be appreciative of every day he wears that uniform. I have chatted with Jeremy several times, and let's celebrate having him on the team because he is a class act.

Check it out!

Also, check out David Picker's article in the New York Times about Erik Bedard...

ESPN Zone Reflections: Jeremy Guthrie

On a wonderful afternoon on Tuesday, fans got to meet amazing rookie sensation Jeremy Guthrie, as he held a Q&A & autopgraph session at the ESPN Zone in Baltimore's Inner Harbor on Tuesday.

Much like the rest of the events at the ESPN Zone, yesterday was especially packed, as fans decked in black and orange jammed the restaurant. There was a standing room only crowd in the facility as Jeremy questions from fans about the Orioles and also off the field items.

I will say, until this season I didn't know much about Jeremy Guthrie aside from he being a former first round draft pick; however, for those who did not attend the event, you missed out on something good.

If you match MASN or hear the radio broadcasts, everyone goes on and on about Guthrie, not only as a pitcher, but as a person. I sort of knew what to expect, but I even came off more impressed with him not only as a ballplayer, but an all-around person.

There are not too many athletes who I can say that about.

In addition to being comfortable with the crowd, he talked about his life before the Orioles; therefore, his time with Cleveland, his missionary work, but also his faith, a rare thing that athletes talk about.

Also, he challenged two fans to a basketball and an arcade game -- I found that awesome and very refreshing that a professional athlete would take out time from his day to mingle with fans.

The Q&A portion went on for a good half-hour plus, and fans who were able to play hooky from work or visit the ESPN Zone during their lunch hour got to get their memorabilia signed and get some face time with Jeremy.

Unlike some athletes who seem to live in their own sphere, Jeremy was very down to earth and very humble.

All in all, let's appreciate Jeremy Guthrie, he's a class act and welcome addition to the Baltimore Orioles!

I apologize for the quality of the pictures, I had to borrow a camera from work (I forgot the battery pack to my camera at home and didn't care to drive the 25 miles home...)

Photos:

Guthrie is the Man; O's Blank A's 2-0, The Rundown...

If anyone in the beginning of the season picked Jeremy Guthrie to be an emerging pitcher on the Baltimore Orioles, I have a $100 bill I'd like to give you.

Just kidding.

Well, Jeremy Guthrie once again showed why he should deserve Rookie of the year consideration. In perhaps his best start to date, he threw seven shutout innings, allowed two hits and struck out six.

The O's won 2-0 thanks the amazing effort by Guthrie, Chad Bradford holding things in check and Jamie Walker saving the game.

The runs for the black and orange were driven in by Kevin Millar and Jay Payton.

Although the O's are 14 1/2 out from first and all but out of contention, if we have to look back at one good thing from this year, it's Guthrie.

***

The Orioles MLB site, the Washington Post, Baltimore Examiner, and the Baltimore Sun have a recap of yesterday's game.

Bill Ordine of the O, by the Way Blog gives his thoughts on the game last night; meanwhile, erstwhile Sun blogger, Roch Kubatko has news on Terry Tiffee...

Chris Ray did not pitch in relief yesterday because of stiffness...

Kevin Millar does not seem to be bothered by the trade rumors so far, and he wants to stay in
Baltimore...

Talented prospect, Brandon Erbe is struggling in Single A...

According to the Baltimore Examiner, Anne Arundel Community College and the Baltimore Orioles are offering free tickets to students who sign up for the Educational Talent Search program.

Jeremy Guthrie at the ESPN Zone Tuesday; Q&A and Autograph Session...

Our friends at Formula PR just forwarded me this...

"Orioles starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie will be at ESPN Zone on Tuesday, July 24 for a question-and-answer session with fans. Along with responding to questions and signing autographs for Orioles fans, Guthrie will share his thoughts on the ball club, including how the Orioles can improve their roster before the trade deadline."

Here's our chance to meet exciting rookie Jeremy Guthrie in the flesh!

WHEN: Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 12 pm EDT

WHERE: ESPN Zone, 601 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202