My Excellent Florida Spring Training Trip...

Well, as some of you may or may not know, I am taking a sabbatical from my everyday life which is not that action packed to begin with, and I am in Tampa, Florida right now.

Right now, I should be at the Astros/Yankees game. However, mother nature and the airline industry had different plans. If you are in the Northeast, you might be slammed at the moment with endless rain, cold winds, snow, sleet or a combination of everything.

Long story short, my flight got delayed and in between everything, I seemed to have lost my driver's license.

That means I can't rent a car and I'm stuck using the non-existent Tampa Bay public transportation system until I get my friend to come and fetch me.

Oh well.

However, I'll keep a chronicle of my baseball adventure for everyone out there. I'm at a Kinko's here wasting my time, but it's all good, plus it is nice and toasty here...

George Steinbrenner Comes to the Aid of Victims of a Fire in the Bronx...

Spending a lot of time in New York City and being a baseball fan, we often know about the legend of George Steinbrenner and his sometime tenuous relationships with players, coaches and managers. As well, he is often criticized for the Yankees spending and perhaps playing a large role in the financial disparity of franchises in the game today.

Well, I have seen George Steinbrenner show a lot of heart to players and with charity work, and yesterday he offered to help out nine victims of a horrific fire that engulfed a Bronx row house in the same vicinity where the Yankees play by paying for their funeral arrangements.

Some of us may hate or like Mr. Steinbrenner for his massive ego and theatrics in the past, but he stepped to the plate for a family in a time of need, and you only have to respect what he’s done.

The A-Rod Saga: A-Rod & Jeter...

The A-Rod Saga, We Cover It So You Don’t Have to…

Well, as we are into a new week and yet closer to the 2007 season, the Yankees have made news once again.

Former friends, but current teammates, Derek Jeter and A-Rod, as well all know have had a big thaw in their relationship since A-Rod gave an infamous interview to Esquire Magazine several years ago.

From AP: Jeter, the Yankees' captain, has distanced himself since a 2001 Esquire article in which A-Rod said "Jeter's been blessed with great talent around him" and "he's never had to lead.”… "You go into New York, you wanna stop Bernie (Williams) and (Paul) O'Neill," A-Rod was quoted as saying. "You never say, 'Don't let Derek beat you.' He's never your concern."

Here’s what Alex said in response to reporters asking about the issue this morning:

More from the AP: "The reality is there's been a change in the relationship over 14 years and, hopefully, we can just put it behind us," Rodriguez said. "You go from sleeping over at somebody's house five days a week, and now you don't sleep over. It's just not that big of a deal."

And…

"I'm a big boy. I'm 31 years old now, so I should be able to help myself out there," he said. "I care about what he thinks about me on the field. I think it's important for us to be on the right page. And we are. We're here to win a championship together."

When he was first asked about Jeter, Rodriguez said this would be the only time he would address the topic.

"Let's make a contract: You don't ask me about Derek anymore, and I promise I'll stop lying to all you guys," A-Rod told reporters. (AP)

I’m just bewildered by this. I see this as a friend who pissed of his buddy years ago and the buddy won’t forgive him. However, the difference is that the tiff or perception of a friend was not plastered to millions of people and in print.

Sigh. A-Rod threw his buddy under the bus, he feels guilty and now the world wants to know you feel.

At this point, it’s too bad it came to all of this, but you really need to focus on baseball, instead of the never ending melodrama which is your life.

Sounds like he needs a hug.

* - image from photofile.com

Will They Win it All? New York Yankees 2007 Season in Review - From the Desk of the Oriole Post

For the boys in pinstripe blue, every year brings high expectations from fans, the press and more importantly, George Steinbrenner. The Yankees have won the American League East division nine years in a row, but to most in Yankee nation, the season starts in October. In 2006, the Yankees lost in decisive fashion to the Detroit Tigers and disappoint reigned with all their fans. As a result of the loss, much of the offseason was spent wondering how it happened and to fix the team which seemed to lack chemistry and heart.

Since the New York Yankees missed their goal of winning the World Series, changes were abound and came swiftly. First, Randy Johnson, Jaret Wright and Gary Sheffield were traded and bench Lee Mazzilli was fired and replaced by Yankee legend Don Mattingly. Second, 2005 saviors Aaron Small was released and Shawn Chacon was traded during the 2006 season along with a litany of other pitchers. However, the Yankee method of operation has been altered & instead of spending big bucks to entice superstars to play in the bright lights of New York, the Yankees have now started to cultivate and trade for young talent, while being fiscally more conservative.

Like with every winter as of late with the New York Yankees, this one was particularly newsworthy. The trades of Johnson, Wright and Sheffield netted a lot of young talent and also dumped salary. Meanwhile, it seemed that the Yankees were covered 24 hours a day with news of deals, trades, rumors and drama. Longtime Yankees manager Joe Torre was rumored to be on the chopping block right after the team was disposed in the playoffs, but George Steinbrenner gave Torre one more year. On the field, enigmatic third baseman Alex Rodriguez was rumored to also be traded after a turbulent year in New York.

Much of the attention in the offseason for the Yankees was focused on the starting pitching. Although the Yankees coasted to the AL East title, the rotation was a big concern as it dealt with injuries and ineffectiveness. Randy Johnson had an oft-ailing back, Jaret Wright also struggled with few ailments, and Carl Pavano sat out pretty much all of 2006 recovering with shoulder problems and injuries from an accident.

Randy Johnson, as well know by now was traded back to Arizona after 2 lackluster years with the Yankees. While in pinstripes, he won 34 games in 2 years, but he dealt with a bad back, bouts of ineffectiveness and bad outings. He also never did fit in with Yankee culture, and in he looked uncomfortable while a member of the team. More importantly, he did not do the job in playoffs, and that got him jettisoned from the Yankees.

The Yankees biggest addition to the rotation is lefty Andy Pettitte, no stranger to the pressure and expectations of New York. While he was in the Big Apple, he won 4 World Series, and became identified with success. With the Houston Astros, he continued his winning ways, and ended up in the World Series in 2005.

The other new addition to the starting rotation is Kei Igawa from Japan. Igawa is a left-hander who had great success in the Japanese League, with good, but not over-powering stuff. The Yankees are hoping that Igawa can translate his success in Japan across the Pacific and contribute to the Yankees. He’s slotted to be the 4^th or 5^th starter.

In light of the injuries, the rotation had some stability with both Mike Mussina and Chien-Ming Wang. Mike Mussina will be 39 in 2007, but he relies on guile, pitch location and mixing his arsenal up as he no longer can throw as hard as he used to. He was given a 2 year extension and based on his track record should provide the team wins and quality outings. Chien Ming-Wang was a dark-house candidate for the Cy Young Award in the American League and won 19 games. He strikes out very few guys, but he gets by with a decent fastball, a great sinker and getting groundball outs with a great defense behind him. He’ll need to continue his 2006 success into 2007 in order for the Yankees to have a chance to compete.

There are two wild cards in the Yankee rotation – Carl Pavano and the young pitching.

Carl Pavano is a huge factor on how Yankee pitching will shape up after being on the DL for the better part of 2 years. In addition to not pitching much from a mound, he had irked fans, the media and even his own teammates with not disclosing his injuries from a car accident. Pavano has not been a very good pitcher with the Yankees, and it is yet to be seen if he can be the same pitcher he was with the Marlins. As it is, he needs to have a breakthrough year in pinstripes to justify his contract, or he’s a strong candidate to be moved.

The second wild card for the Yankee rotation is the young prospects in the organization. Much has been made of super prospect Phillip Hughes who has dominated the minor leagues until this point. He did very well in Double A, and will start off the year in Triple A. He repeats his success at the highest level of the minor leagues, he’ll be in pinstripes midseason, or perhaps sooner if the team struggles. Also, the Yankees acquired Humberto Sanchez and Luis Visciano from the Tigers and Diamondbacks organization, respectively. If the two pitchers stay healthy and progress, the Yankees have some good pitching up the pipeline.

The bullpen which was a source of strength during the 2006 season will be counted on again in 2007 to keep the Yankees in the game during tight situations. Led by future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera & workhorse Scott Proctor, Joe Torre had to rely on his relief corps more than he wanted to. Mariano was once again his old self in 2006, though concerns arose from his workload. Even though he may be reaching the twilight of his career, Rivera should be counted on another productive year in 2007. Scott Proctor worked a ton of innings out of the bullpen and showed was extremely durable, but showed wear and tear. The Yankees need to exercise caution against having him pitch too much many innings. Rounding up the bullpen will be Chris Britton, Kyle Farnsworth, & Brian Bruney. Pitchers T.J. Beam, Jeff Karstens & Darrell Rasner may also earn a bullpen shot as well.

The starting lineup remains pretty much the same one from summer of 2006 and it will be expected to produce plenty of firepower and score tons of runs. Loaded with plenty of talent, perennial All-Stars and future Hall of Famers, the batting order of the Yankees should be able to rival anyone from any era.

The top of the lineup starts off with the dangerous Johnny Damon and the Yankee captain, Derek Jeter. Damon is coming off a great year with the Yankees after leaving the Red Sox, with a combination of power, a good average and on-base percentage. Even though he is getting older, he should have a few years left to produce. Although his throwing arm is suspect, he is the perfect guy to have at the top of the order.

Derek Jeter lost out on the MVP in the American League last year, but he was not doubt the cog in the offense for the Yankees. He finished second to Joe Mauer in the batting race, but he had over 90 RBI’s in the number two spot, and was key in clutch situations throughout the season. Even though he is getting older and some pundits find his defense suspect, he’s still very athletic, clutch at the plate and embodies the game and spirit of baseball.

The wild card in the batting order is Alex Rodriguez, the lightning rod of all of those in Yankee Nation. Blessed with all five tools, and year that was considered to be subpar, although he belted 35 home runs with 121 RBI. He struggled mightily in the regular season, and even more alarming in the playoffs, where he faced the indignity of batting 8^th in the deciding game of the ALCS. Also he had a horrendous June, and faced a barrage of criticism from the fans, press and his own team. There were rumors of he being traded, but in the end, the Yankee brass decided to keep him. Rodriguez asserted he wanted to stay a Yankee and help them to the holy grail – a World Series title.

Sad as it to say, the greatest all-around player of our generation has to produce in the playoffs and win in the World Series before he can get the 800 pound gorilla known as public perception off his back.

Rounding up the batting order will Jorge Posada, a still productive and dangerous hitter who is on the downside of his career; Jason Giambi, a deadly hitter who can hit for power, but not for average like he did in Oakland and his season as a Yankee; Hideki Matsui, the Japanese slugger who will be trying to battle back from an injured wrist, on-base machine Bobby Abreu and uber-player, Robinson Cano who battled Jeter and Mauer in the batting title race in only his second season.

The bench will have Melky Cabrera, the subject of trade rumors during the winter who impressed the Yankees while subbing for Matsui while he was out, as well as longtime Yankee Miguel Cairo, defensive whiz Doug Mientkiewicz who’ll platoon with Giambi at first & Andy Phillips. Both Melky and Mientkiewicz should see significant playing time as Melky should get plenty of time in field, as Matsui can sit or bat as the designated hitter, and Mientkiewicz will cover for Giambi at first.

The Yankee brass and their fans expect big things from their players in 2007. With the highest payroll in the game comes huge and perhaps sometimes insane expectations, but the players in Bronx know now it’s the only way it can be. Cashman now it seems has the power wants and has learned to not mortgage the future for the present. The Yankees should be the favorites once again to the win the East, but getting to the World Series is much easier said than done.

Quick Hits: O's News, Tomlin and Stuffage...

* Spencer Fordin of orioles.com has his latest article up on the site, and it looks at the Jay Gibbon situation, Corey Patterson and the bullpen situation.

* Roch Kubatko of the Baltimore sun updates his blog on the upcoming Orioles Fan Fest, Super Bowl stuffage, the Ironclad Baseball card show this weekend in Baltimore and gives his thoughts on a possible (joking) Brian Roberts extension.

*Mike Tomlin was hired as the coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and My Baseball Bias has an article about it.

I’ll try to have a 2007 preview of the dreaded New York Yankees on either Tuesday or Wednesday. I may or may not post much on Tuesday as I have to go and cover & take pictures of the Nationals Winter Caravan in Greenbelt, Maryland (a suburb outside of Washington) in the afternoon & write an article for another blog.

I'll work my way through the AL East first, then the Central, then the West. The National League will follow that, I'm still trying to decide whether I'll do separate teams for the NL, or perhaps a divisional review. It's quite hard to write a team article, and I have a new a respect for the writers who do so. I appreciate those who have given me feedback, especially for the Red Sox article, as it is greatly appreciated.

The Biggest Mercenary in Sports

Roger Clemens. Will he, or won’t he come back?

This week, his agent Randy Hendricks asserted, “better than 50-50'' that Clemens plays somewhere”.

We all know what that means. Sometime in June, the lead story will be Roger Clemens signs with X team. ESPN’s Baseball Tonight, the other cable networks, the media and the bloggers, including myself will spend countless hours wondering about the good ol’ Rocket.

Once again, one of the mot intriguing topics of the winter (ok, it is spring if you’re here in Maryland spring in Mid-January), is the ever-going saga of Roger Clemens. The man is a living legend, his feats are worthy of tall tales though they are true, and he’s a Hall of Famer for sure.

Roger Clemens once again does now know if he’ll be pitching in 2007, but we all know for the right amount of cheese and situation (a chance at the World Series) he’ll make himself available.

To most of us in the baseball world, he’ll be with BFF, Andy Pettitte. So, he’ll most likely in pinstripes, since the Yankees are the Yankees and they are contenders. Brian Cashman and the fanbase up there want him, and since Randy and Gary Sheffield have now been jettisoned, George and company will be hard charging for him.

From what I know, the Yankees are the typical corporate organization where everyone knows their role and plays by the rules. Do I think the team would allow him to do as he please and have the schedule he had with the Astros?

No, but the lore of winning leads to desperation. They’ll bend the rules for him if he can be gotten.

The Red Sox aren’t likely to go after him anymore, since their rotation is fairly set, but you never know.

The Astros will mostly go after him since they have had a history, but the situation may be fuzzy down there, as they didn’t resign Pettitte over a few million and it looks like they are rebuilding. However, in the NL Central, it looks anyone could be possibly win it, so Clemens returning might be a possibility. As well, Houston would be most likely the team that would allow him the most liberal schedule.

The problem I find with Clemens is that he’s all for the ring and a hefty paycheck, and not much else. I don’t know him, and I have heard he’s a great teammate, good for the young guys, but isn’t part of being a teammate also being there for your team through the thick and thin, through every out and defeat?

Yeah, Roger isn’t just any pitcher, but are we all not tired of the song and dance?

Sports are a business and winning is everything. Clemens is the typical capitalist in America – however, it is sad that he has no sense of loyalty to anyone except himself and the dollar whatsoever.

More on the O's "Prime Game" Pricing...

As I posted earlier on the blog, the Baltimore Orioles now have instituted “prime games” in which teams that draw fans will be more expensive than regular priced games. This year, the selected games are against the Red Sox, Yankees and Orioles’ Opening Day.

A fellow blogger from the My Baseball Bias website posted an excellent follow-up to what I wrote. It’s worth a read and I appreciate him doing so:

Link: http://mybaseballbias.com/?p=96

On a few of the Orioles’ forums out there, some fans welcome charging Boston and New York fans for the experience in Baltimore, while some are upset because in turn, Oriole fans will be charged more and there are quite a few people with families along with college students, those on a fixed income who may or may not be able to afford the price of tickets.

Do I have a problem with this? Not so much. This is an issue of supply versus demand and the Orioles are a business, and any business has the right to charge whatever they please if they can get the revenue. In addition, if you have ever been at Camden Yards during a Boston or New York series, the fans from their respective teams take over and a good majority travel to see their teams and help the Baltimore economy.

In fact, a lot of businesses cater to those crowds. In most of the games against the Yankees and Red Sox, O’s fans are outnumbered – in some cases 3 to 1 or 4 to 1. This discourages a lot of fans from coming to the park, where in some cases they are subject to abuse from the opposing teams’ fans.

However, for a lot O’s fans out there, season ticket holders generally do not have pay the prime ticket prices if they buy the tickets from the team’s office rather via the internet.

Considering the Yankees and Red Sox were the only two teams where “prime games” pricing was used, what it does say about the state of O’s fans at Camden Yards?

We are not showing up and it reflects in the attendance.

According to Baseball Bias from the research done, the fans have stayed away from Camden Yards – in droves.

- In 1997, the Orioles season total for attendance was 3,711,132
- In 2001, the Orioles season total for attendance was 3,094,841
- In 2006, the Orioles season total for attendance was 2,153,250
- In 2006, the Orioles drew almost 20,000 less fans a game than they did in 1997.

There are quite a few reasons the fans are not coming out to Camden Yards, but the whole argument begins with the product on the field.

Our fans will come back and support a superior product, when that happens. We don't have that right now, nor has it been seen in almost a decade.

Peter Angelos can blame the Washington Nationals in the drop of attendance; however Oriole attendance has been dropping since then. While there might be a small drop, due the lack of interest, anger at Peter Angelos, and the traffic situation between the two cities, both cities have more then enough people to support them.

However, when you are the laughing stock of baseball and you’ve managed to alienate your fanbase in two cities, then you have apathy.

I don’t put the onus on Peter Angelos, but on the team and it’s performance. The team has to pay better, plain and simple. With the exception of Tejada, Mora, Roberts & the rise of Markakis, the Orioles do not have a real star and I think Ripken retiring had a small role, but not nearly as large as 9 losing seasons.

However, since Peter Angelos is captain of the ship, he’ll get the blame.

Peter may not have spent the money needed to compete for a few years, but in the end, it’s the product of the field that counts. Oriole fans no doubt care for their team, but why spend your hard earned money if the entity you give to doesn't put out a competitive product.

In my mind, Camden Yards is a great baseball experience. To be honest, the Orioles will only have the fans come back, if and when we are ready to compete with the big boys. We have spent some money to build what looks like will be a respectable team on paper, now the O’s have translate it into W’s.

Link to a previous post on the Red Sox/Yankee fan attendance issue: The Explosion and Annoyance of Yankee and Red Sox fans at Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Babe Ruth Museum Visit Reflections - Baltimore, Md.

Being a long time resident of the great state of Maryland, as well working there and visiting Baltimore only a few thousand times, you often walk by places you need to see, even if it is obvious to you. Case in point, I had never been in the Babe Ruth Museum, or Sports Legends at Camden Yards, although I went to about 40 Orioles games last season in total.

So, to break the streak, this Saturday, I decided to take a tour of both since I’d gone to Ellicott City to take care of a few things that day.

I’m going to write two entries, one for the Babe Ruth Museum, one for the Sports Legends Museum.

My first visit was to the Babe Ruth Museum, up the street from Camden Yards. It’s located a few blocks away from Camden Yards on Emory St. in Baltimore, Md. On the day I visited, there were only but maybe 5 or 6 people in the museum, but for any baseball fan, it is quite a place to see. Although Babe Ruth was a Yankee, Red Sox and played for the old Orioles at the turn of the century, Baltimore claims him as their own, and the museum is a testament to that. Opened in 1974, the museum is made up of 4 town homes, and the first one where you enter is actually the house he lived in during his youth.

The house where Babe Ruth was born is now a shrine to the Babe and chronicles his life, records and well as displays of artifacts from other players, like Cal Ripken and Eddie Murray, but 90% of the museum focuses on him. Visitors can see rare family photographs, mementos, complete record of his home runs, videos, uniforms and a few rooms of that replicate his actual home in 1900 with artifacts and furniture.

Let’s just say at 6’4”, I didn’t have a lot of room to move around the museum, but for me as a baseball fan and a student of history, it was a pleasure.

Well, that brought a question into my mind – why nearly half of a century since he passed away, plus another 60 or 70 years since he last played a game, does he still matter in the lexicon of sports? Why is he seen in such a romantic way?

He hit 714 home runs, and hit 60 home runs in 1927. Both records have been passed, so why do we still honor him today?

Honestly, from seeing the artifacts in the museum you can sense why. In this age of violence, selfishness, corrupt politicians, drug use is sports and everything else wrong in society, you’re taken back to a time that was simple, and Babe Ruth sort of looked like an ‘everyman’ with undeniable appeal. From my eyes, it looked like Babe Ruth had fun, enjoyed his life, and liked having his stature in life, especially when it came to children. People, in a sense lived vicariously through him and felt their accomplishments and dreams come alive, if even all he did was hit a ball with a bat.

He was undoubtedly the first superstar, and one that looked to be extremely accessible to the public. Babe Ruth was a man who rose from a humble upbringing to being an idol for everyone. Unlike the superstar athlete of today, with their toned physiques and muscularity, Babe Ruth looked like an ordinary man – sturdy and strong, but with a hefty waist and ample body fat on him, sort of like a beer league softball player or any average sized guy you could meet.

Even though he was imperfect as a human being, his exploits on the field and goal to extend his joy of playing to the fans make him an athlete of all ages that very few can compare to – even now. He did everything over the top, with flair, enjoyment and perhaps a tinge of arrogance, but unlike now where he’d hit by a pitcher the next at bat, in a different time, it was a show could that rival anything, except on Broadway and his peers respected him.

Perhaps that’s what left me impressed with museum and a deeper perspective of the man. I felt that I already knew a lot about him, but seeing artifacts from his life and the museum, I know his impact in the game of baseball that much more. I could have walked through the museum in 15 minutes, but I was in there an hour plus, asked questions and took a multitude of pictures and soaked in the experience.

He was the first to set baseball records, and put them out of reach, until recently. With the steroid issue in the sport, and the surly, sullen personalities of Bonds and McGwire, fans like me perhaps appreciate Ruth even more for what he did. Yes, he did not play with African-Americans or perhaps his peers were far inferior to players on the field today, you can no doubt sense the enthusiasm, the way he played the game and the super-human feats he was able to accomplish.

He does not look like me at all, nor can I even fathom his accomplishments. What struck me about him?

In essence, Babe Ruth was the American Dream, one tht was accessible, and in your wildest fantasies could come true. He rose from a hard life, worked hard at his craft and talent, had a way to entertain and inspire us and he prospered in the process.

I still regret not seeing the museum earlier in my time, but I was fascinated by it, as small as it seemed to be.

You often hear the cliché, “No one else will be like the Babe”, and after my visit to the Babe Ruth Museum, that certainly rings true, now more than ever.

Quick Hits: Big Unit out of NYC?

From the rumor mill (ESPN.com):

"In the past week the Arizona Diamondbacks have offered a package of players to the New York Yankees in exchange for Randy Johnson, a baseball official said.

In need of starting pitching -- and a marquee name that will draw more fans -- the Diamondbacks have offered a package of at least three players, including a major-leaguer. They would also want a 72-hour window to negotiate an extension with Johnson, who is owed $16 million in the final year of his contract. The Yankees, according to the official, don't want to pick up any of Johnson's salary."

Wow. If this is true, then this would be big for both teams. The Yankees will rid themselves of Johnson's monstrous contract, a player who has not quite fit in the Big Apple, and a pitcher who has not matched his success in Arizona with the Yankees. In turn, the Yankees would get some prospects, some major league ready and also they could exercise more flexibility with their pitching staff and possibly set themselves up in the race to get Roger Clemens.

The D-Backs will get a marquee name, and a guy familiar with the area. Also, the move could possibly make the team a contender again in the NL West. If Johnson could possibly regain his form with Arizona again from his first tour of duty, the combination of he and ace Brandon Webb would be a formidable twosome.

However, Johnson must approve any trade, as he's got a no-trade clause in his contract.

Jim Caple's Article on ESPN's Page Two...

An article from ESPN's Jim Caple that compares the Yankees and Red Sox; Caple asserts now that the Red Sox have become the Yankees thanks to not having much homegrown talent on their roster, high ticket prices and now expectations of winning.

Also the article by Caple focuses on the drug debate and why baseball is seen in a much more harsh light than football. A good little read...

Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/061221

Late Quick Hits

• Former Oriole (a two-tour of duty guy) Jeff Conine has been traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to Cincinnati Reds. He was traded for minor leaguers Brad Key and Javon Moran on Thursday. Good luck Jeff. Link: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061221&content_id=1765845&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp
• Bud Selig has been named Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily's Executive of the Year. Selig won the award due to baseball's economic growth, the success of the World Baseball Classic and MLB securing TV and media deals. Link: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061221&content_id=1765560&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
• Andy Pettitte is now officially an Yankee. The Milwaukee Brewers have offered Jeff Suppan a 4 year contract.
• Non-Baseball Tidbit: As much as the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is criticized for going to the lowest common demoninator in terms of entertainment, the deameaning & sexualization of women and it's violent content, they recently finished a tour of Afghanistan & Iraq. The WWE deserves commendation and a applause for it's performers and staff for risking their lives, doing a duty to their country, adding a little holiday cheer and good vibes to the troops stationed overseas. Link: http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/tribute/

The Explosion and Annoyance of Yankee and Red Sox fans at Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Well, this next post is concerns a long standing issue that angers many Oriole fans throughout the Mid Atlantic region.

It concerns our great friend and sometime troublemakers to the north – our dear Yankees and Red Sox fans. In attending some of the Boston and New York games here the past year, I have gotten friendly a few of the fans and chatted with them about why a lot of them would travel to Baltimore.

All in all, a good portion of those fans are well-behaved, somewhat respectful of Camden Yards and the history of the Baltimore Orioles. However, a small minority of the Red Sox and Yankees fan do engage in some boorish and disgusting behavior. At least for me, with some of my friends being Yankee and Red Sox fans, inviting them to a game at Camden Yards does allow for some bantering and good natured ribbing.

Why have they taken over? I have 3 main reasons.

The first reason is simply supply and demand, accessibility along with economics. Well, I went to school in NYC and would venture up to Boston once a year in the 1990's, and I will tell you right now, it was nothing in terms of fan support for either team as it is now. I remember the Yankees drawing 25-30K per game in 96' and the stadium being half empty! Simply, because tickets rare readily available through Orioles.com or Ebay, anyone at anytime can get tickets rather easily. A lot of the fans who come down to Baltimore either cannot get up close to their favorite ballplayers, or tickets are very scarce & in the case of the Red Sox, impossible to get without spending your mortgage.

These days in that part the country of, unless you make a good living, or have grandfathered yourself into the season ticket base for both teams, the average family cannot afford to see their team, so they come here. In New York City and New England, tickets are also hard to find for those teams, so it makes more sense to come here to Baltimore for a lot less money.The second reason is the recently fan and media explosion of both teams. The fanaticism in Boston and New York now was nothing like it was in the mid-90s'. Both teams are now in a peak period, where fan interest is strong, the two teams have ridiculous media coverage, a lot of cash, hyped up 24-a-day RSN's, Sports Talk Radio which seems to cover their teams like the White House Corps cover President Bush, charismatic players, a lot of bandwagon fans, and the feeling you of needing to be "in" to be a fan and you have the main reasons why the Yankee and Red Sox fan bases are so fanatical.

Compare the coverage of the Orioles on MASN in comparison to NESN or YES. You’ll see the difference. Try to find a baseball report on the Orioles during the winter here, but, however, reports are available on the Red Sox and Yankees – almost several times a day!

The third reason is our fellow Oriole Fans, access and our ticket affordability. As well, a lot of season ticket holders and fans sell their tickets via EBay and Stub Hub for a profit, so that's another reason for the proliferation of Yankee and Red Sox fans to Baltimore.

Furthermore, especially for die-hard Yankee fans, they have to ability to see their players up close during the game and batting practice, snap pictures, get autographs, and come to one of the crown jewels in baseball. You also have a lot of the businesses and hotels that cater and wait for those fans to show up so they can make a buck. As well, add to that the generous ticket prices we offer here, you have the reason for the takeover for each Red Sox/Yankee series.

Now where does that leave those who bleed for the Black and Orange? Well, simply it is a reflection of the state of this team. Not to put all the onus on Angelos, but he's captain of the ship, and no matter what, he needs to realize the impact that these fans have on us. Oriole fans no doubt care for their team, but why spend your hard earned money if the entity you give to doesn't put out a competitive product.

Combine the lack of a product now, and the Orioles fine history until 1998 and the lack of anything to remember for the past decade, we have the seeds for fan apathy.

Simply put, not to beat a dead horse, we need to get better, spend the cash, rebuild the farm system and get the players to play for pride and to win, not for the paycheck. If not, for the Yankee and Red Sox attendance, we'd be in the position of the Pittsburgh Pirates. There's too much history and too much to be proud of for the amount of fan apathy -- but, everything starts at the top, and since they are collecting our money, they need to do their part.

Fans will come back and support a superior product. We don't have that right now. It's up to Mr. Angelos and his Front Office to do whatever they can to make this team competitive again. It's embarrassing and demoralizing to see the visiting fans outnumber you 50-50, 60-40 or 70-30...

Smart investments, restoring the pride of what the Orioles once were, caring about the fans and their welfare can create a Renaissance like is being seen in Detroit.

A-Rod Contemplating Retirement?

Well, as I am just catching up on some reading, I just caught an article on the NY Times about the possibility of Alex Rodriguez not playing after his massive 10 year contract runs out. According to the article by Michael S. Schmidt, Alex Rodriguez told Bob Costas in a nationally syndicated radio interview that he might not play once his current 10-year contract expired after the 2010 season.

Since I started this blog, I have not mentioned A-Rod in any shape or form. I don't know if I see him retiring and leaving the game, but I definitely see him in another uniform besides the Yankee pinstripes. After the hate and dismay he's gotten from the New York media and Yankee fans, I thought he's not be cut out for the Yankees, like many other players that have passed through that city for the elusive ring.

If anyone read SI's article a few months ago about A-Rod & his relationships on the Yakees, I thought he'd be a goner after the season and sent along his away to another team. As well, I felt at the time that A-Rod would not continue on with the Yankees and he'd pad up his numbers somewhere else. However, he has a lot of pride in light of what is said about him, and he'd seen as a failure if he left the team. As well, after the drama with Jeter and his struggles in June, I assumed Cashman would have traded him.

However, who else in the league would put up his numbers? That's why he's a Yankee still today.

Personally, I enjoy seeing A-Rod play, and I think it's asinine that fans rail on him. Whether it is the contract or not, even I think he's not lived up to his potential, perhaps because of his contract and his previous body of work.

NY Times Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/16/sports/baseball/16base.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Has Japan Become America's Farm Team? From Time.com

Link: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1569776,00.html

The article looks at if Japan can be a furtile training ground for Major League talent. Much of the focus of the short article centers around Daisuke Matsuzaka and what his impact leaving Japanese baseball will leave on fans and the business aspect of the game there.

Most do believe that the elite level Japanese players can indeed play in the majors, but however, the question remains what happens to the sport in Japan, once the big money guys have moved on.

Some are afraid, but for most to see a player like Matsuzaka is a source of pride and strength.

I think if a player can play in the major leagues, by all means do it and hope he helps a team win. Look at the Latin influence in baseball, now. Japan, through Ichiro and Mastui have helped to show they can on this level, and even though both players are more workman-like, their play and efficiency have helped both the Mariners and Yankees win.

O's Quick Notes

• First off, if you have not heard, David Newhan and Todd Williamas were informed that their contracts will non-tendered by the O's. In other words, they have been released and are free to sign with other teams. I had spoken to David Newhan a few times while he was part of the Orioles, and I'll say he's one of the nicest guys in baseball who was very open to the fans and would take a minute to chat with anyone. He was a fan favorite, and although his numbers were marginal for the past few seasons, he always tried and played the game with passion. Todd Williams had a few good seasons with the O's, but got killed last year and was a victim of the bullpen improvements.
• Second, Jay Payton is now officially an Oriole. He's signed for 2 years and about 10 million. In reading the Sun article this evening, I found this statement from him really cool when he described his desire in playing in the stacked AL East against the Sox and Yankees : "I love trying to battle ... the two Evil Empires, I call them, between Boston and New York, and knock those teams off," said Jay Payton, the 34-year-old outfielder, who hit .296 with 10 home runs and 59 RBIs for the Oakland Athletics last season. "It's a lot of fun to go into the stadiums and play in front of those crowds with all that energy."
• Third, the Orioles were chosen to play the New York Mets in the Hall of Fame game on May 21st in Cooperstown, NY. Of course, as we all know Cal is expected to be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame this year.
• Fourth, Lee Mazzilli, former O's manager, recently on the Yankee bench as a coach has accepted a job with SportNet NY, the Mets Channel up in the Big Apple, NYC. Lee played for the New York Mets from 1976 to 1981, as well as in '86, when they won the World Series.

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Yankee Doodle Dandy: Petitte back to the Yankees for 1 year, 16 million

Andy Pettite is returning to where his career started. He's going to back to the Yankees for 1 year, 16 million after three seasons in Houston. Apparently, Houston offered Petitte 12 million for one year, but he wanted 14 million and the Astros didn't budge.

As you recall, Petitte only went to Houston after the Yankees didn't even make an offer for him to remain there. Concerns about his elbow arose, and he was let go, even as he won 21 games for them that year and was as "money" as you could get.

The Yankees swooped in with a 16 million dollar deal for the '07 season and Andy took it.

Does that open the door for a Roger return?

Um, Houston, we have a problem. Give credit to the Yankees -- a good move.

Link: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061208&content_id=1754838&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy

Who says you can't go home again?

Jeffrey Maier

Folks, check up on what Jeffrey Maier, a villian in Orioles folklore is doing now. Seems like a good kid though, but it's hard to get the image of he helping out the Yankees in '96...

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/05/sports/baseball/05maier.html?_r=2&ref=sports&oref=slogin&oref=login