Jeremy Guthrie Named Opening Day Starter

An honor well deserved, and perhaps was the only pitcher worthy at the moment of getting it.

More at the Baltimore Sun -- Link

Anyone Need Three Extra Fan Fest Tickets?

I've got three extra tickets to Fan Fest next weekend; thus, the first person to shoot email to me at mdguy2415@aol.com gets them.

They are marked, "Complimentary Season Plan Holder Early Entrance Pass", and that should enable you to get into the park early to hear Andy MacPhail speak.

If you're local to the DC area, I can drop them off or I'll send them via Priority Mail (2-3 days).

I just want to give them to fellow fans who are interested in going to Fan Fest.

The event is next Saturday and check out Orioles.com for info...

The Baltimore Orioles Interested in Felipe Lopez?

In light of the Brian Roberts trade talks, the Baltimore Orioles seem to perhaps rumored to be interested in another infielder -- albeit, a currently disgruntled one.

Well, according to Fox Sports Online, Ken Rosenthal reports the Orioles are looking at Washington National, Felipe Lopez.

I'll say one thing, right now, a lot of Nationals fans want to be rid of Lopez --- kind of how some feel about Jay Gibbons, though Felipe may be a lot better with the bat.

From FoxSports.com: The Nationals, trying to trade shortstop Felipe Lopez, are scouting the Royals' Angel Berroa as a possible replacement. The Orioles are believed to have interest in Lopez, who is guaranteed $4.9 million this season.

Lopez, 27, also has played 82 games at third base and 55 at second in his career, and his ability to fit in at multiple positions could increase the number of teams that are interested in him.

Right now, it is looking more likely that Felipe Lopez will be the reserve infielder up the middle, and he’s not too keen on the idea.

He came to Washington in a trade in 2006, and was slotted as the starting second baseman; however, a poor 2007, questions about his attitude along with his makeup, and the emergence of Ronnie Belliard and a healthy Christian Guzman, his fate may be sealed --- for now.

On Tuesday, when he was interviewed by various media outlets on how he feels in Spring Training, a question was thrown out on if he’d be willing to accept a bench spot.

His terse answer was, “Hell, no”.

Although his attitude and hustle is far improved from last season, Belliard and Guzman are simply out hitting him at the plate (Lopez’s average is around .200 right now); thus, Manny Acta made the decision that’s best for the team --- Lopez will sit.

With the situation as it is, Lopez could move back into a starting role if his numbers pick up and either Belliard or Guzman gets off to a slow start; however, he will more than likely be dealt.

Could he fit in with the Orioles? I don't know if this would be the place for him, but he could be a substantial upgrade over our shortstop options, is young enough, and could benefit from the change of scenery?

Now, who would the O's give up?

Cubs Punk A Coach -- Damn

Roberts Hot & Bothered With Trade Talks?

Brian Roberts bothered by trade talks? Wow, you don't say?

I think this has been pretty obvious for, um, since week as he talked with USA Today.

In article in the Baltimore Sun, Roberts confirmed the obvious --- he's bothered by the talks --- thus, in my opinion, I would not blame him one bit.

Granted, I should not have sympathy for a guy making $8 million per year: however, he's a human being and certainly not a machine without thought.

"At some point in your career, your name is going to be thrown out there in trades and it's going to create some uncertainty," Roberts said before the Orioles' 7-4 loss today to the St. Louis Cardinals. "But, no, I didn't expect this to go all the way through spring training. It's not something that I'd want to go through every year, that's for sure."

As well...

"When you're talking about your life circumstances, yeah, it's tough not to think about it," said Roberts, who went 0-for-4 today and hit into two double plays, his spring average dropping to .293. "I'm trying to block it out the best I can. But that's tough when everybody wants to talk about it. It's frustrating at times. And times, you say, 'It's out of my control.' Most of the time, that's how I look at it. I'm here for a reason right now and I'll make the best of every day, but there comes a time where you'd like to know what's going on."

Look, we all know that baseball is a business -- a huge on that generated revenue to the tune of $6 billion; however, you do have to feel for Roberts.

He's more valuable now as a pawn and a commodity rather than a member of the Orioles.

With about eight days remaining before the 2008 season, it is looking more and more likely that he'll be an Oriole. I was almost sure that he'd be a goner by week'd end, but again, it looks like there's a snag -- after three or four months of talking.

In my eyes, this deal needs to be done for the sake of the future of the Baltimore franchise.

Roberts has the chance to play for a contender with one of the amazing franchises in sports, and the Orioles simply need to improve and get as much talent as they can for the future.

MacPhail's hand should not be forced; however, something needs to happen sooner or later.

More Roberts and Chicago Chatter; Could He Remain In A Baltimore Uniform For The Near Future?

Here's more chatter about Brian Roberts, this time again from ESPN's Jayson Stark.

Again, take all this talk for what it's worth, because in the end, there are only a handful who really, really know what's going on.

STRIKE ONE -- MR. ROBERTS: Clubs that have spoken with the Cubs report that their frustration with the Orioles is mounting, after three months on the Brian Roberts trail. Despite all the names rumored to be in this deal and all the scouts who have hovered around all those names all spring, the Cubs have been indicating they still haven't been told by Baltimore what it would take to get this trade done.

Now add in the fact that it's less than two weeks to Opening Day, and that The Angelos Factor could gum up these talks for who knows how long, even if they make progress. And it's no wonder the Cubs are beginning to think this seemingly inevitable trade won't ever happen after all.

There's been more talk on this trade than I can even fathom. Although the vast majority of feel something will happen; however, it may not.

Read More Here...

Cal Ripken Video -- "A Baltimore Fan"...

Yet Another Oriole Team Review, From MVN.com

The great sports network, MVN and Firebrand of the American League reviews the 2008 version of the Baltimore Orioles. It may be kind of harsh, but I think it is fair and accurate.

Link ---> MVN.com

The Red Sox Arrive In Japan -- Video (I Think It's Insanity...)

The Red Sox, your new road, I mean air, warriors...

Their road trip to Japan, and then to Los Angeles is insane...

Quick Hits: The Oriole Roundup...

Yesterday, Adam Loewen did not look good -- in fact, he got skewered. The Orioles lost 12-3, as he came back from shoulder tendinitis, and gave up four runs on four hits which included four walks and two hit batters in just 1 2/3 innings.

Well, as gifted and as competitive Adam Loewen may be, he's been struggling in Spring Training and you've got to wonder if his arm struggles are to blame, or he's trying to get comfortable.

He says that he's unfazed.

However, whatever is happening, he needs to get resolved in a little less than two weeks as the Orioles begin their season.

The Sun's Jeff Zrebeic has more on the story, as does Spencer Fordin, and the Examiner.

***

A lot of people have been noticing that Melvin Mora is playing with a renewed sense of enthusiasm, looks to be focused, aggressive and seemingly ready to lead. The Sun's Peter Schmuck has a story on this, and notes Mora is trying to help and be a role model to the young Orioles...

Mike Constanzo, who's had a good spring with the bat despite the strikeouts, will most likely head to Triple-A Norfolk; Spencer Fordin has a piece on Orioles rebuilding process & Andy MacPhail; George Sherill will close and MASN Sports has more on the new Oriole; meanwhile, the fifth starter in the pitching rotation battle continues with Matt Albers and Brian Buress, but the Orioles Hangout site has a problem as to how the process went; Jim Johnson also wants a shot at making the team; The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec has a Q&A with fans about the team.

Brandon Fahey, despite his size and his appearance, has a pretty good shot of making not only the team, but also may be the starting shortstop if Luis Hernandez does not improve.

Finally, former Oriole closer, Gregg Olson has been inducted to the team's Hall of Fame -- congratulations! As well, the team also announced yesterday that they're naming an award after William "Wild Bill" Hagy for his unbridled love for the team, and Traveling secretary Phil Itzoe will also be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame.

***

Camden Chat has a general roundup of Spring Training so far, The Roar From 34 has a piece on Eddie Murray; the Wayward looks at Corey Patterson with the Reds; HRB of Dempsey's Army has his baseball predictions...

Brooks and Eddie Immortalized On Wine Bottles

Here's a story I found on Youtbe: Fox 45 in Baltimore reports about Charity Wines for Brooks Robinson Chardonnay and Eddie Murray Cabernet -- cool stuff.

Should make a nice gift or collectible for any Oriole fan...



Here's another from Channel 11...

Whoever uploaded these videos onto Youtube, you're awesome...

Keith Olbermann Disses Major League Baseball For the Episode With the Red Sox Coaches...

Keith Olbermann disses Major League Baseball for their action against the Red Sox coaches, nice.

Well, the Red Sox ended a threatened boycott today of their final spring training game in Florida and their flight to Japan, as they resolved a dispute against Major League Baseball over paying coaches for the season-opening trip overseas. According to Boston.com, a source said that all staff associated with the trip will be compensated.

The game against Toronto started an hour late when the team voted unanimously not to play or go to Tokyo after learning coaches and staff would not get a $40,000 appearance fee for the Japan trip. Players said they believed that fee was part of the original deal.

According to the major league source, in the past, the coaches' compensation has come from the players' portion of the pool. This time around the coaches were eliminated from that pool.

The source said that coaches, managers, and training staff will all be compensated and that the final amount is expected to exceed $40,000 per man. It's unclear whether it's $40,000 or even more because the receipts from the trip will be split at the end.

"Everyone connected with the trip will be fairly compensated," baseball spokesman Rich Levin said.

Kevin Youkilis, the Red Sox player representative, said the agreement still needs to be put in writing and the compensation for coaches and staff "is not the greatest thing that we wanted for them, but it's good."

He stressed that the players felt strongly about not going to Japan without a resolution.

"The club's working on stuff and trying to get money where it needs to get," he said. "It was definitely an experience of a lifetime and it ended in a good way."

Sorry, Major League Baseball deserves all the criticism it gets in this episode...

The Road Jersey Issue (Posted on Oriole Magic...)

I don’t think any debate has brought out the emotions of people than the issue of the team’s road jerseys.

As was rumored last season, it was rumored the the team was looking into instituting the road jersey of the 60’s back into play, but that idea got shot down.

Well, it looks like for sure the road jerseys may stay as they are as the Baltimore Orioles are looked upon as a “regional team” that encompasses the Mid-Atlantic region, including Pennsylvania and North Carolina rather than just singular to the city and surrounding counties.

The team has had that territory since the mid-70’s until this mid-part of this decade; however, with the Washington Nationals in the fold, is it time to give that idea up and have the team exclusive to the city?

As well, once again, should ‘Baltimore’ return to the road jersey or not? Do you care about this issue or not?

How about having 'Baltimore' on the road jersey at least 1/2 of time as an alternate uniform?

Meet Our Closer....

Well, if you haven't heard, George Sherill is now the Oriole closer. Keep in mind, he's only the closer because Chris Ray is injured, and will more than likely be out of the duration of the season.

From CNNsi: George Sherrill was picked Tuesday to be the Baltimore Orioles' closer, an unlikely assignment for a one-time situational left-hander who spent the first four years of his professional career toiling in independent leagues.

"I think any short reliever wants to be the closer, wants to be that go-to guy," said Sherrill, one of four players acquired from Seattle for left-hander Erik Bedard on Feb. 8. "I think we're going to have a really special bullpen. I think anybody in this bullpen is going to be good and any of them could close. To be named the one, it's pretty special."

With right-hander Chris Ray recovering from elbow ligament replacement surgery and manager Dave Trembley preferring to use left-hander Jamie Walker in a setup role, the job fell to Sherrill.

Trembley had decided on the 30-year-old Sherrill early in spring training, but asked the left-hander to see how he felt in exhibition games.

"When he first asked me, I wanted to tell him (yes), but he asked me to hold off," said Sherrill, who has four career saves. "I wanted to get the feel for it and get my feet wet in the spring."

Sherrill, normally a slow starter in spring training, responded with a 3.00 ERA, no walks and six strikeouts in five appearances covering six innings.

You go George -- grab the bull by the horns. Let's hope you're a lot better than what we had last year...

The Hits Keep Coming Radio Show -- Tonight: NL West Preview & More...

Tune in tonight as bloggers Ian of Sox and Dawgs and Jason of My Baseball Bias join me for our hour long baseball show called, “The Hits Keep Coming” on Blog Talk Radio. Every week at 7PM Eastern Time (6PM Central/ 5PM Mountain/ 4PM Western/Pacific) we chat, analyze and comment about the world of Major League Baseball.

This week: NL West Preview

If you’d like to call in, the phone number is 718-664-6564 or you can send us an instant message if you use AOL IM at hitskeepcoming20.

Please join us at : http://blogtalkradio.com/oriolepost - 7PM Eastern Time tonight!

Topics to be discussed this evening:

• NL West Preview
• The now resolved uproar in Red Sox Nation

You can listen to last week’s show by going over to the sidebar on the left and look for the Blog Talk Radio section.

See you all tonight!!!

Hear Me Opine About the Baltimore Orioles on MVN Radio...

As some of you know, I also do a lot of commentary on Oriole Magic over the Most Valuable Network aptly known as MVN.com.

For many of you who've never heard my voice, you can hear yours truly opine and analyze the new look 2008 Baltimore Orioles on MVN Radio! I chat about 20 minutes on various topics concerning the team and also on the blog itself.

Looking back now, I probably should have hit on a topic or two, but I was in lull at work and trying to get as much content in as possible in a limited amount of time.

A special shout to Brandon Rosage for giving me the opportunity.

Link ---> MVN Radio

Signature Showcase on March 8th

Signature Showcase; March 8th - BWI

The rainy Saturday morning, when many prefer to stay in their pajamas, brought baseball fans of all ages and loyalties together at the BWI Hilton Hotel.

The Signature Showcase, presented by MAB Celebrity Services and Ironclad Authentics, was an event including autographs from a number of former pro athletes and a variety of vendors promoting teams, new products, or selling items. Attending players included Bill and Cal Ripken, Reggie Jackson and many more. A full list, in order of appearance, is included below.

The Orioles, Redskins, Reds, and Yankees are some of the teams that were represented. However, the star of the day was Cal Ripken Jr. He signed autographs for hundreds of people for two hours, stopping occasionally to pose of pictures and shake hands. Ripken made it a point to take time with each seeking person. He was polite, kind, gracious for each item (including an old chair from Memorial Stadium) he autographed, and was enjoying the time to catch up with a few old friends.

The other highlighted player was Reggie Jackson, a former Yankee. In the past, Jackson had portrayed a dislike for the city of Baltimore. On Saturday he was nothing but smiles as he signed balls, pictures, bats, and other memorabilia and chatted casually with other players and the personnel.

The inviting firm, Maroon PR, led by Bonnie Shenahan, was promoting Cal Ripken’s Real Baseball. Real Baseball is an online video game which has been compared to fantasy ball. This free program allows a person to pick players for a team and then use the ‘characters’ to compete against friends or other teams. For more information or getting started yourself check out www.playrealbaseball.com.

The event was well planned and a great place for a fan to meet his/her favorite player, make memories, and collect memorabilia. Pictures of the event will be incoming shortly.

Attending Players:
Billy Ripken
Benny Ayala
Jim Palmer
Dick Hall
Curt Mutton
Cal Ripken Jr.
Tony Perez
Brooks Robinson
Johnny Bench
Davey Johnson
Don Buford
Reggie Jackson
Cesar Geronimo
Eddie Murray
Dave Concepcion
Harmon Killebrew
Ernie Banks
Mike Cuellar
Dave Leonhard
Joe Morgan
Frank Robinson
Andy Etchenbarren
Merv Rettenmund
Mike Devereaux
Boog Powell
Ed Watt
Earl Weaver
Clay Dalrymple
Paul Blair
Pete Richert

Guest Writer - Amanda

The Roundup; Oriole News and A Documentary Featuring An O's Fan Nominated For A Sports Emmy

As we are heading to the 2008 regular season, I think the two keys as to how far the Orioles get in a few weeks will be with Daniel Cabrera, young pitching along with the bullpen.

Daniel will be key part whether the Orioles take the next step to respectability or if they are stuck in neutral. Based on what I saw on MASN Sunday, he looked like what many saw in the World Baseball Classic and his final start 2006 against New York. I think his new found professionalism and seriousness (at least what I have seen so far), could lead to a breakout year. Of course, he needs to control his pitches and just keep the basic fundamentals in place.

In terms of the pitching, will the young Birds will take the leap forward, considering the expectation of inexperience in the rotation. With the departure of Erik Bedard from the rotation, a lot of pressure will be put on them to succeed.

Can Guthrie take his game to the next level? Will Loewen come back healthy? is Trachsel close the end or can he pull out more tricks from the black cap? Will we go after another starter outside the organization?

The tragedy of the Baltimore team in 2007 was the bullpen – yes, the $40+ million big ticket item. Aside from Jamie Walker who was solid as the left handed specialist along with Chad Bradford, things were a mess. Both Walker and Bradford were way over-used, thus over-exposed and the Orioles had to rely on youngsters from the lower levels, journeymen and retreads from other teams to patch it up.

We know Bradford and Walker will be consistent, but how will Sherill do as the closer? Will Aquino, Burres, Sarfate and whomever else deliver?

So many questions, so few answers.

***

Garrett Olson has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk; meanwhile, George Sherill, who has been excellent in Spring Training, was been handed the closer's role.

With a less than two weeks to go, the Orioles face a littany of decisions to made -- mainly, the fifth starter, shortstop and possibly second base.

Meanwhile, Jim Hoey is hurting; Scott Moore, who has had a great spring is back in the lineup after illness, and Brandon Fahey is in the hunt for a roster, and possibly a starting spot.

As well, former Oriole manager Sam Perlozzo wants to manage again and Dave Jauss came to the team for 'serendipity'...

Monday was a sad day for those in Vero Beach, as the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been in the area will more than 60 years to conduct Spring Training will more than likely leave for Arizona; however, the Orioles might move to the facility. Vero Beach citizens seem more than open to welcoming the Baltimore organization, but the town right now is all Dodger blue.

***

A friend and Oriole fan, Tom, shot me a great email this morning about one of our young, but fellow fans, Ray Daugherty.

Well, I have met the young man more than a few times, myself and he was featured in a documentary that aired on ESPN called "Never Miss A Game" and as well, "This Week in Baseball", where TV crews document his day at home with his mothers, Marie and Deanna, and at the ballgame.

Despite he being only four years old, he's just as knowledgeable as any Oriole fan in the game.

The documentary he was in has been nominated for a 2008 Sports Emmy.

The Yankees Visit Virginia Tech University

The New York Yankees were on the campus of Virginia Tech University this morning to honor the victims of the horrific April 16th shooting tragedy that took 32 lives at the campus in Blacksburg, Va., last year.

The team is in town for an exhibition game with the Virginia Tech team.

Say what you want about the Yankee organization; however, this was a classy move by the team and their generosity will not soon be forgotten.

Thoughts From A Sunny Trip to Florida...

As many of you know, I went to down Florida for a few to check out this year’s rendition of the Baltimore Orioles. With the current trade rumors, innuendo and whatever else going on out there, I am just going to quickly jot down what I saw in Ft. Lauderdale two weeks ago.

The season is almost here, everyone!

• Dave Trembley: I do no think the Orioles could have chosen anyone better for this team. You’ve got a manager who’s hungry for respect and for his team to do well, leading the way and having his players respond. The guys are running down the basepaths, doing the little things, playing aggressive ball (both at the bat and on the field). More than anything, I noticed his interactions with the players --- most notably Adam Jones. Rather than channeling Lou Piniella or LaRussa, he seemed to comfort his players, give praise and treat them like men, rather than robots. Finally, he’s nothing but great with the fans and seems to realize he’s a in great spot and living out his dream. You can’t but only want to root for the man.


• Adam Jones: Big kid, and although he did not do much while I saw him, he’s batting a little under .400 right now. Despite his miscues in the field early on in camp, I expect him to be focused with the task at hand in the next few weeks as the season commences. From what I have heard and read, he’s quite an articulate young man and one Oriole fans may come to love. Meanwhile, a lot of baseball will be watching to see how he progresses, as he was the centerpiece of the Bedard trade.
  
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