The President Will Throw Out The First Pitch At Nationals Park; To Respect, Cheer or Boo?

The Washington Nationals are ushering in a new era as they prepare to open the new ballpark, and there’s going to be a special guest to open up festivities. The commander-in-chief, President George W. Bush, is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch opening night at Nationals Park on March 30^th before they host the Atlanta Braves, team owner Mark Lerner disclosed this weekend.

The president also threw out the first pitch for the Washington Nationals on April 14^th, 2005, when the team played its first game at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium after the franchise relocated from Montreal.

Anyhow, the Washington Nationals blog, Nats320 has a spirited debate amongst readers as what paying fans in attendance should do when the president, or much less anyone in authority should when they kick off a sporting event.

Here are some of the responses in the comments in the post:

"I can't believe Bush has the guts to show his face in public after all of the damage he has caused to America and the world.

I for one will be booing myself hoarse."

also...

"The point is that this is---or at least should be---more than mere politics. On a similar note, I should say that I had the opportunity to boo Mayor Adrian Fenty at the home opener last year. After all, if he had his way, there would be no stadium and no team for us to enjoy. However, I felt that since that battle was over, something more important was at stake so I applauded. So did most of the other fans. If for some reason, the POTUS cannot throw out the first ball in Washington on Opening Day, the elected mayor in my opinion would be a fine substitute."

also...

"I would, NEVER clap for him, and honestly having spoken to both of you about your views, I'm disappointed that you'd toss your well conceived convictions aside so easily. Granted, the "office holder" of the president of the United States should throw out the first pitch at each and every Nats home opener, however this one deserves no applause. I, with what I imagine is the vast majority of those in attendance, will be practicing my free speech that night. Let him show up and get what he is due."

Interesting and divergent opinion. The comments above just show how different our beliefs are in America.

This may be an unpopular opinion here, but people should have the right to voice their feelings when the President or someone of authority kicks off a sporting event.

Sorry, if that may offend.

In parts of the world where one could be shot or be considered a dissident for voicing their opinion against a leader, in most places in America, citizens can do so peacefully without fear of reprisal.

I personally have respect for the office of the President, no matter my beliefs, and I would never boo him in public; however, to expect people to stand at attention for him and cheer when they can do otherwise is pretty un-American.

The Niner, Jeff Conine Is Calling It A Career...

Just a quick note before I had to dreamland, if you all didn't read or heard about former two-stint Jeff Conine and his impending retirement.

VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Fittingly, Mr. Marlin will ultimately retire as a Marlin.

According to a source, Jeff Conine, one of the most popular players in Florida history, will sign a one-day contract on March 28, and then retire as a member of the Marlins.

Nicknamed "Mr. Marlin," the 41-year-old was a member of the team's inaugural roster, and he enjoyed two stints with the organization. A versatile performer who mostly played first base and the outfield, he was a vital part of the franchise's World Series titles in 1997 and 2003.

Conine, who resides year-round in South Florida in Weston, is scheduled to sign his one-day contract March 28, when the Marlins play an exhibition game against the Yankees at Dolphin Stadium.

Happy trails, Jeff and good luck in whatever you do. You were always a gamer in Baltimore, and myself and Oriole fans appreciated it.

Hank Steinbrenner May Need To Shut Up, Part II

He's awesome for the print media, online oulets and blogs; however, he's doing himself a disservice by continuously opening his mouth. I wish the man showed some self-restraint and I would have never thought that he would turn out to perhaps be worse than his father, George.

Once again, he's opened his mouth, once again firing rockets at the Boston Red Sox...

From Boston.com: Jonathan Papelbon was amused yesterday by Yankee owner Hank Steinbrenner's comments in the New York Post in which he said, "being insulted by Papelbon is like being attacked by a mouse."

During the good-natured back-and-forth between Steinbrenner and Sox owner John Henry a few weeks back concerning which team's brand is more recognizeable, Papelbon had told the Hartford Courant, "I don't know if he's trying to stir things up or not. I sure as hell don't care because he sure as hell hasn't stepped on a baseball field. He needs to just stick to pencil-pushing, I guess."

Papelbon said in response to the mouse quote, "What ever dude. Obviously by that comment he's trying to start something. I'm not gonna get into it back and forth. I mean I said that because I honestly believe it. People nowadays, whether it be reporters, ESPN analysts, guys that don't play the game, don't understand what it's about. What the grind is about, what the clubhouse is like."

When told Steinbrenner said that Papelbon made it personal, the closer said, "I don't know why he would take it that way. I'm saying, guys that have never been on the field don't have the right to speak their mind about things that they don't know about. I'm not insulted by what he said."

Papelbon said he didn't want to do anything to escalate it any more and said he was even flattered by the fact Steinbrenner would go out of his way to single him out.

Ok, he's a colorful man is never short on opinion; thus, are we looking at the leader of the new Bronx Zoo if things get of hand with Girardi or the team start losing?

I can say one thing - baseball will never run out of content as well as Hank keeps opining on everyone and everything.

Markakis Having Fun or Being Reckless?

In his time in an Oriole uniform, Nick Markakis in light of his talent has been anything but a media hound. However, considering his meteoric rise in baseball and amongst Oriole fans, he may not be able to avoid the media anyone.

However, this morning, Markakis was profiled in the Baltimore Sun and it had nothing to do with baseball.

The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebeic has an article in today's paper and it's got nothing to do with what he does on the field, but off of it.

Let's just say it's anything but boring; in fact, some might find what Markakis does in his free time to be somewhat reckless.

Here's a portion of the article:

Markakis, who barely spoke in the clubhouse two years ago as a rookie, has started a new craze among his teammates with his purchase of Heelys, athletic shoes that have wheels on the bottom. The shoes are usually worn by children, but that matters little to Markakis, who sports them to and from the stadium and rolls around on them in the clubhouse and in the players' parking lot.

"We visited him [last week] and we were walking next to him and all of a sudden, he goes gliding by us on the sidewalk," said Dennis Markakis, Nick's father. "We didn't even know he was wearing them. He's like a little kid, always having a good time."

Loewen and Jeremy Guthrie have bought Heelys, and Burres says he wants to as well. On a recent off day, Markakis spent much of the afternoon rolling through a local mall. He also enjoys doing it at the grocery store but recently was scolded while he was wheeling in and out of aisles at a local Wal-Mart.

When told that such behavior might be perceived as unusual for a 24-year-old who happens to be a pretty well-known baseball player, Markakis said: "People look at me weird, but the biggest thing is, I'm really laid back and I really don't care what people think. If it's fun, I like to do it. The little things to me are the most fun, the things that people don't think of."

He's a brave man with his tricks; most contracts have stipulations about risky behavior in writing.

Well, he's being a little reckless and god forbid something happen to him; however, I find it refreshing that he's been able to preserve a lot his personality and not be so overwhelmed by fame, money, and his career.

It's good to see he's still acting like he's in his 20's rather than a grizzled veteran superstar who's too immersed with his own image.

I, for one, would like to see more stories like this. This piece has really humanized him.

Tag Day, the Scoreboard, and Oriole Park Improvements

This afternoon, I took a stroll to Camden Yards and wanted to take a look at the "Tag Day" activities along with the long-awaited stadium improvements.

***

"Tag Day", was open to prospective fans who were interested at the possibility of purchasing season ticket plans. Seats that were open were donated with flags, and various members of the Oriole staff were on hand to answer any and all questions fans had for them.

However, I was interested in looking at the new scoreboards, and finding out how that was coming along. I spoke with two members of the staff and they informed me that it should be operational by Fan Fest, and certainly ready by Opening Day.

Although the scoreboard was not on and functional during my visit, I was informed that a test run was done on Friday with the upper scoreboard, and from the feedback I got from my chat, "it's nothing but phenomenal and fans will say 'wow'", and as well, "rival what you see at M&T Bank Stadium".

The new scoreboards have the latest technology available, with high-definition. It was embedded into the current frame in centerfield, on the out-of-town scoreboard in right field, and also along the facade of the mezzanine/club section.

The HD scoreboard will replace the version that had been at Oriole Park since 1992, which had been besieged with technical problems as of late. It is being replaced, since there was virtually no product support or a way getting replacement parts for it.

Well, the new scoreboard will bring new excitement to the Yard, and for me, although I care more about what happens on the field more than anything, it's a welcome change considering the technology out there today.

I didn't stick around to see the Ball Boy/Ball Girl tryouts today because I had a conflict in the mid-part of the afternoon; however, before the event, I snapped a picture of Ernie Tyler and Dave Johnson chatting on the playing field.

If you want to see what happened last year and get the general gist of it, click here.

For anyone who tried out, I hope you had a fun and the best of luck of winning the job, because from what I can see and have learned from others, it's not easy.

The Idiot File: Hank Steinbrenner, Please Shut Up...

Ah, good ol' Hank Steinbrenner in less than 6 or months or so of being in charge of the Yankees is now known for his mouth as much as good old dad, George. Giving his two cents on the Rays-Yankees dust-up, here's what he says...

From ESPN: This time, Yankees general partner Hank Steinbrenner took up the charge, reaffirming the front office's support of manager Joe Girardi, backing the players and making a comment that clearly was directed at the small-market Rays.

"I don't want these teams in general to forget who subsidizes a lot of them, and it's the Yankees, the Red Sox, Dodgers, Mets," he said to The New York Post. "I would prefer if teams want to target the Yankees that they at least start giving some of that revenue sharing and luxury tax money back. From an owner's point of view, that's my point."

Steinbrenner, again exhibiting his penchant for verbal jabbing, said he has been pleased by the Yankees' team-first mentality this spring, and did not want to comment on Shelley Duncan's slide -- the one that prompted the Wednesday skirmish.

"Girardi has his players' back and I have his back and that's never going to change," Hank Steinbrenner said to The Post.

"There are going to be problems, especially if they go after our stars," Steinbrenner added. "It's not going to be tolerated. We never have done it to them. It's just not going to happen anymore."

Hank, just shut up...

The Hits Keep Coming Radio Show: Yankees/Rays, Spring Training, AL Central Preview...

Topics:

* Rays/Yankees Smackdown
* Spring Thoughts From Myself
* AL Central Preview

Another Guy Who Hates Bloggers: Bob Costas

I have always respected Bob Costas, and have loved his shows; however, he's off base with his comments on blogs and their importance in the sports world today.

MVN's Anthony Hall has an excellent piece on Costas' words to the Miami Herald, in a piece titled "You're On Notice, Bob Costas", which basically calls out the popular sports personality on his words.

It makes me wonder what the hell he's been reading.

Here's what he says below:

From the Miami Herald: "Costas, speaking before he emceed (and donated $50,000) at Tuesday’s Make-a-Wish sports auction at the Broward County Convention Center, doesn’t understand what compels so many nonjournalist sports fans to seek a forum for their opinions.

“It’s one thing if somebody just sets up a blog from their mother’s basement in Albuquerque and they are who they are, and they’re a pathetic get-a-life loser, but now that pathetic get-a-life loser can piggyback onto someone who actually has some level of professional accountability and they can be comment No. 17 on Dan Le Batard’s column or Bernie Miklasz’ column in St. Louis. That, in most cases, grants a forum to somebody who has no particular insight or responsibility. Most of it is a combination of ignorance or invective.”

What bothers Costas — and he’s not alone — is Internet and talk radio commentary that “confuses simple mean-spiritedness and stupidity with edginess. Just because I can call someone a name doesn’t mean I’m insightful or tough and edgy. It means I’m an idiot.

“It’s just a high-tech place for idiots to do what they used to do on bar stools or in school yards, if they were school yard bullies, or on men’s room walls in gas stations. That doesn’t mean that anyone with half a brain should respect it.”

I thought Bob Costas would be far more liberal, but like with every person you see on TV, you don't really know them until they open their mouth and say what's really on their mind.

Well, I have no disrespect toward Bob or anyone who dislikes blogs, but there's a new reality -- blogs are a part of every day life on the internet.

I would have expected the schism between blogs and the media to perhaps come together at some point, considering almost every newspaper has a blog and sites like Deadspin, The Big Lead, With Leather, Sports By Brooks and others are making their presence on the mainstream.

Look, whether a person is a PhD or living with mom, the advent of the internet has allowed anyone with a connection to communicate and voice their opinions, whether they are on a forum or publishing their own blog or website.

Sometimes I feel as if these sports personalities believe they are the beginning and end of opinion when it comes to their respective topic, and we as fans because of the lack of access they have should agree with them.

As someone in the computer industry, works for an online sports media outlet part-time, and has made the internet a part of their daily life, the more voices out there who are either trying to report on a serious, newsworthy topic or are trying to have fun should have the chance to express themselves.

It the content is good, it's good and they'll keep coming back.

I have no idea why the Costas & Kornheisers of the world are so against blogs -- honestly, if all of them sucked, then no one would read them, right?

Reaching Out And Failure; Trembley Tries To Get Cal and Brooks To Be More Active with the Orioles...

This evening while at home chilling out, I decided to read "Trembley Tries Wooing Two Big Birds Back To The Nest" by the Baltimore Sun's Roch Kubatko.

Well, the content of the article made me glad to see that the team, spearheaded by Dave Trembley, are reaching out to the stars of yesteryear; however, I am very dumbfounded as to why the Orioles had not made the overture to players earlier.

Obviously, we see Jim Palmer, Boog Powell, Rick Dempsey show-up at the Yard participating in team activities, but not Brooks, Frank, Eddie Murray or other former Orioles.

Granted, all these guys have their own lives, but unlike let's say the Yankees & Red Sox, why do so few stars bother to show up?

This passage by Brooks Robinson is a bit sad & may tell us more than we want to know:

"The chances of Robinson becoming involved aren't nearly as promising.

Robinson spends one day each spring at the Orioles' fantasy camp in Sarasota, Fla., but that's the extent of his involvement in the organization. He's met with owner Peter Angelos and executive vice president John Angelos in the past and written proposals detailing ways he could offer his services -- appear at spring training and the minor league camp, entertain, sell tickets -- but nothing came of it.

"I never heard from anyone and I don't have the time now," said Robinson, part-owner of four independent baseball teams, including the newly formed Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. "My interpretation is they wanted someone there all the time, not part time. I wouldn't have any interest now, but I don't have any hard feelings."

I'll say, I found this real disturbing. Last year, I had a chance to interview Brooks Robinson for the Oriole Post blog, I found him to be open and nothing but nice; however, for him not to anything with the team is sad. Moreover, it makes wonder what the team PR wise has been doing for the past decade to seemingly alienate a man with the stature of Brooks.

I obviously don't know the upper brass of the team, but if what Robinson says is true, something is terribly wrong. How the team could discount the contributions of a man who symbolized Baltimore baseball in it's heyday is nothing but short-sighted and insulting.

Was the team too busy making money or what not?

>>>Read More At Oriole Magic...

The Roundup; Roberts, the Cubs Deal & The Orioles...

Based on all of the chatter I've been reading, the Cubs have anted up the deal and it's now up to the Orioles to bite.

I've wondered what it's been like for Brian Roberts, as although he's a professional athlete, as he's surely not a robot and all the talk must wear on him.

Read this little excerpt from USA Today:

"The way things are going right now, it may sound funny, but I even looked at opening day. I haven't given a thought of what it would be like in another place or here," he said. "I've always tried to live for today. I'm here right now for a reason and I'm going to make the best of every day I have here."

also...

"If this is the first time, it's probably more difficult. I had two or three years with the Cubs that every time it got near the trading deadline, or even in spring training, I was getting traded to Cleveland or Cincinnati," Orioles right-hander Steve Trachsel said. "The first year it kind of shook me up a little bit, but the more it happens, the more you get used to it."

and...

Before the Orioles committed to this rebuilding project, Roberts was considered the cornerstone of the team's future. Now, it appears several other clubs want him to be a key component of their present. Every time he plays an exhibition game, Roberts does so in front of a handful of scouts surveying his every move.

"We joke with him, like when he steals a base, 'The Cubs are watching!"' Millar said. "You don't know what's going on behind the scenes or who they're asking for, but you know it's out there."

Roberts insists that once he walks onto the field, his lone purpose is to get ready for opening day. Impressing the scouts doesn't enter into the equation.

"I have a baseball card. They can go look at it if they want to know what I can do," he said. "I'm pretty sure the scouts have seen me before. I've had scouts watching me since I was 16 years old, so I'm not all that concerned about a scout in the stands. That's just too much to worry about."

I think he might have told us more than he wanted to; alas, although he tries to ignore the talk, it's on his mind. Whatever happens, despite the Mitchell report, he'll be seen as a class act amongst fans and anyone who's run across him.

I think Brian is being as honest as he possibly can be without telling the masses how he really feels.

If he does get a chance with the Cubs, he'll be on a winning team and play for a chance at the World Series -- a goal of anybody who was ever gotten a chance to wear a uniform in the pros.

MASN's Anita Marks has kept a log of her thoughts on the Baltimore Orioles down in Ft. Lauderdale while she's been down there this week. I will admit, I have been a little hard on her at times, but she's done good work down there and has allowed fans to hear a few things from the players that most would not have gotten otherwise.

Yes, baseball was played today and the Orioles lost to the powerful Red Sox, 7-4.

It looks like Garrett Olson has had a good camp based on his results so far and he's hoping for the fifth spot in the rotation; the young pitchers have had help in camp from former Oriole legends, Mike Cuellar, Scott McGregor, BJ Surhoff and Rick Dempsey.

Seeing the old-school legends out there is real nice to see, especially with such a young staff. Roch Kubatko has a story on this in today's Sun. On that front, Dave Trembley is trying to also woo back former Orioles Brooks Robinson and Cal Ripken; however, Robinson has more or less declined at this time, while Cal is open to the idea.

Meanwhile, with the injuries to some members of the team and a thin pitching staff to begin with, there's cause for a little concern with the status of Loewen and the season-ending drama with Troy Patton.

Jamie Walker is touting his vintage ride in camp, Randor Beird is heating it up in camp, & Mores is playing like a man with a renewed sense of optimism; Finally, Nestor Aparicio has a few stories on Rick Sutcliffe, former Oriole and currently battling cancer.

Bonds Final MLB Home Run Ball To Be Sold...

Well, if someone is going to profit of Barry Bonds' last home run ball, I could not think better than this fellow...

Link: Yahoo Sports...

A Deal Close to Being Done With Roberts? The Cubs Are Sweeting Up the Deal…

For most of us who read this blog, we all know about the Brian Roberts saga. In my opinion, I think it’s not a matter if Roberts will be traded, but when.

Here’s the latest:

From MLB Trade Rumors, Via the Chicago Sun Times: “We’ve actually got some movement this morning on the Brian Roberts front. According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs have added hard-throwing 21 year-old reliever Jose Ceda to their offer. They’d also send Sean Gallagher, Ronny Cedeno, and Donald Veal to Baltimore. The Cubs had been holding out on Ceda, a nasty relief prospect. With him included, they’d be sending their three best pitching prospects (according to Baseball America) in the 4-for-1 deal.

Wittenmyer also notes that the deal could be expanded to a 5-for-2 with cash if Jason Marquis and Jay Payton are included. He believes a deal will get done before Opening Day, but it may go down to the wire.”

Andy MacPhail is no doubt looking for the best deal possible for the Orioles down the road and Chicago really needs a standout leadoff hitter.

(A special shut-out to Ian of Sox and Dogs for the update...)

Read the rest of this entry »

The Idiot File: Shelley Duncan; Really, Who Do You Think You're Fooling...

I've not done this in a while, but welcome to the list Shelley Duncan. I'm wondering if you're high, or are trying to look cool for your teammates - either way, it's not working.

Shelley Duncan gives his thoughts on what happened yesterday - was he involved in the game we were watching?

ESPN: Shelley Duncan watched video of his hard slide in the Yankees' game Wednesday against Tampa Bay and still doesn't think it was a dirty play.

The New York first baseman's slide into second base with his spikes raised sparked a bench-clearing scrum that resulted in two players and two coaches being ejected during the second inning of Wednesday's contest with the Rays.

"I saw it a couple times," Duncan said Thursday. "I still don't understand why they were as upset as they were."

Duncan, who had hinted at the prospect of retaliating for the Rays' Elliot Johnson barreling over New York catcher Francisco Cervelli last Saturday, spiked second baseman Akinori Iwamura in the right thigh and was immediately tossed.

It's safe to assume this flare-up will only lead to more since they still have two more games against each other in spring training, and then play 18 times in the regular season.

Billy Crystal Holds His Head Up High; However, He Whiffs...

I didn't care for the fact Billy Crystal played in today's game, but I'll say for a guy who is not a baseball player, and at 60 years old, he didn't emberass himself. Ok, so he struck out in his at-bat (he hit leadoff); however he fouled off a pitch before being sent back to the bench. I watched the game on mlb.tv, and in the end, it was nice to see the Yankees embrace him.

From ESPN: Wearing No. 60 a day before his 60th birthday, and cheered on by fellow funnyman Robin Williams, Crystal gave himself a chance in the first inning in his only at-bat.

Swinging late against Pittsburgh's Paul Maholm, Crystal bounced a chopper past first baseman Adam LaRoche that landed several feet foul. Crystal got ahead in the count 3-1, but then swung over a pair of 88 mph fastballs.

The crowd gave Crystal a standing ovation, and he raised his hand to salute the fans. Teammate-for-a-day Alex Rodriguez signaled Maholm, who tossed the ball toward the Yankees dugout for a souvenir.

Crystal's debut -- and finale -- followed the likes of Garth Brooks and Tom Selleck, other celebrities who played in spring training games.

Johnny Damon took over the DH job from Crystal later in the game. Damon was in the spirit, saying it was fine that he sat at the start in place of Crystal.

"He's been around longer," Damon said. "He's got credibility."

Before the game, Crystal worked out on the main diamond at Legends Fields.

So, I might have been a little hard on him; however, he held himself up well and he has nothing to be ashamed about. It looked like he had the experience of a lifetime and got to live out a childhood dream.

I still don't think the New York Yankees should have given some who is a fan; albeit, a famous one a chance to play a professional game (honestly, Crystal had no business doing it), but stuff like this is what makes sports special.

Brandon Fahey

As an Oriole fan who tries to look at things in a fair and balanced fashion as well with an subjective eye at times, can someone either of the male or female persuasion please tell me the appeal with this guy?

I'm not going to insult a major leaguer, but after hearing the Anita Marks Show today she was ga-ga over him like a little school girl boy smitten by the most popular boy in school.

I know Fahey is the scrappy (small/skinny), underdog, cutesy type of guy people like to root for, but she and some fans have taken their love for him a little too far. Do people see this guy as really a tangible part of the Orioles future besides being a bench guy?

Please, someone explain Fahey-mania to me...

>>> To Read More on the Orioles, check out Oriole Magic!!!

The Roundup; Spring Training, Sutcliffe, & Oriole-land Blogs...

We are a little more past the halfway point of spring training, and it looks like the 2008 roster is starting to take shape. The Orioles made a few more cuts as youngster Hayden Penn was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, along with Fredy Deza and Bob McCrory, according to Rock Kubatko. As well, Non-roster catcher Zach Dillon was reassigned to the minor league camp in Sarasota, Fla.

The competition for the fifth starter is heating up, and Garrett Olson, who struggled in 2007, looked real good today throwing 3 scoreless innings in the Orioles' win against Minnesota. As well, Matt Albers is looking good.

Peter Schmuck, a few days ago, pretty much wrote a piece that didn't put Daniel Cabrera in the best of light as his inconsistency and control problems have popped up once again. Yes, we all know that Daniel has impressive physical attributes and has the potential to be good -- but, he has not been able to put it together. Obviously, the team is hoping that he can put it all together, sooner or later.

However, the big righty has been focused and all business this spring training.

Also, Luis Hernandez had also received a bit of attention, also for the wrong reasons. He's done well with the bat; however, in the field, the slick fielding youngster has made plenty errors and he might lose the starting shortstop spot in he doesn't pick it. Whether, it is because of jitters, stress or getting the kinks worked out, he might want to improve before someone steals his spot, like a Brandon Fahey, or the Oriole acquire someone else. Despite, the rough fielding, Hernandez is confident about getting the job.

Also former #1 pick, Ben Davis (who is nothing but huge) is looking to catch onto Baltimore; Luke Scott is on the mend from illness and ready to play; & Jay Payton has returned.

Sadly, Adam Loewen will miss a start this week; however, he says it's not big deal, despite he coming back from a serious injury; it looks like George Sherill will become the closer officially in 2008; Guthrie is looking good.

Meanwhile, Brian Roberts, who has seemingly always been a health nut (or looks like one) has gone on a organic diet (sounds yummy - um, not really). Of course, despite the rumors, he's still an Oriole.

Dave Nichols of Bottom Feeder Baseball has his 2008 Baltimore Orioles Preview up; James Baker has his thoughts from Spring Training; SC of Camden Chat does not think highly of Terry Crowley (based on the numbers, SC has a point); Oriole Central has news on Lohse and Loretta; The Loss Column has news on Spring Training; the Wayward previews the American League; & Dempsey's Army pleads with Luis Hernandez to be better...

Meanwhile, WNST's Nestor Aparicio wants to love the Orioles, but can't this season, and Drew Forrester has seemingly had it with the organization and the way they have treated their station.

Amber Theoharis, notes that the Orioles and other clubs have not only tightened their media access, but also to the clubhouse to the steroid scandal and other stuff in the game. Allen McCallum reports that Patton, despite his injury would be a year away from making an impact, & Jim Henneman wonders if the team needs a closer, anyway...

News on an Old Friend: Sad news about former Oriole, Rick Sutcliffe. The big man has been has colon cancer and will undergo chemotherapy and surgery. However, it looks like the cancer has been caught early and will take a few months to recover.

Bud Selig Getting Paid...

Well, Bud Selig, in spite of his foibles on Capitol Hill, the steroid and whatever else is still loved by a certain group -- baseball owners, and they are making sure he gets paid.

Bud Selig is the highest paid among the league commissioners of baseball, football, basketball and hockey. Selig was paid $15.06 million for the fiscal year ending Oct. 31, 2006, according to a report in SportsBusiness Journal, a trade publication. Selig's pay represents a 4% increase from the $14.5 million he was paid for the previous fiscal year. The figure was obtained from the tax filings Major League Baseball has made.

I know some people about his salary; however, from a business standpoint, he runs an enterprise that generates $6 billion in revenue. His salary is in line or perhaps below what may CEO's, hedge fund operators, and celebrities make -- is Bud's salary deserving?

The Wit & Prose of Erik Bedard...

Erik Bedard may have left Baltimore, but the memory of his surliness and pissing off some members of the media here have not been forgotten.

Well, on March 5th after a Cactus league start, Erik decided to opine this thoughts to the Seattle media - you've got to read this...

From the Seattle Times:

Oh man, I know this topic is going to start something. The reporters who cover the team just got back from talking to Bedard after his performance. Total time on my recorder of the interview session: 1 minute, 18 seconds. Even the security guard who let us back into the stadium knew the deal.

"Didn't have much to say to ya, did he?" she said.

Yup, Bedard was...Bedard. He set the tone right off.

"You get four questions," he told the group.

1. Can you tell the difference from start to start?

Bedard: "No, not really. I was throwing same as last week. They just didn't hit it today."

2. This is a team you're going to face a lot this year. Is there anything you can get from them the first time you're looking at them (the Angels)?

Bedard: "No, not really. They're in the same boat as us. Just trying to get ready for the season and trying to get in shape."

3. How helpful was it to have the kind of defense you got from Willie (Bloomquist) at third base today?"

Bedard: "Helped me a lot. I wouldn't have gotten out of the second inning if he wouldn't have made those plays."

4 My question: "The third pitch to Figgins..."
Bedard interrupts: "Last one."

Me: "You hit him with strikes the first two. The third one, you looked like you were a little upset. Did you miss the location a little on that one?

Bedard: "I looked upset? Really? To start the game off, you mean? Curveball. Yeah, well, he hit it. I was trying to get him (Figgins) out with less than four pitches. He hit a triple."

(Someone tries to ask another one...)

Bedard: "That's it. Four. Later." (He walks off).

Geez. If this really happened, there was no need for his obnoxiousness. Yeah, might be a shy guy who likes to left alone -- but really, did Erik have to be this silly?

Tag Day & Ball Girl and Ball Boy Tryouts...

Saturday will be of interest to hardcore fans of the team looking forward to having a sneak peak at the park and also interested in being a select group to lead the fans in the "charge chant" and be a future ball/boy-girl.

Yes, in a matter of weeks, Baltimore Orioles baseball will be back in the area, and the games will now count..

Here's the press release from the Baltimore Orioles...

***

Tag Day: Fans can walk through the ballpark and select their season seat location...

With the start of the season just a few weeks away, the Orioles will hold their annual Tag Day this Saturday, March 15, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Tag Day gives fans interested in purchasing either a full or partial Season Plan for the 2008 season the opportunity to "try out" their seats before they buy. Available seats will be tagged with pennants, and Orioles sales representatives will be stationed in each section to discuss season plan options and answer questions.

Orioles Season Plans come in 81-game, 29-game, and 13-game packages. Season Plan Holders are exclusively entitled to Orange Carpet Benefits, including a significant discount on tickets and parking over single game prices, the opportunity to purchase Opening Day tickets, early entrance to the ballpark for batting practice at each home game, and priority access to special events.

Tickets for plans purchased at Tag Day will be printed immediately, allowing fans to take their tickets home with them. The Orioles Box Office will also be open for single game ticket purchases.

Free parking for Tag Day is available in Lot C. Fans should use the Home Plate Plaza entrance to the ballpark, located between dates D & E. For more information, call 1-888-848-BIRD or visit www.orioles.com.

***

Outgoing and athletic men and women ages 18 and older who are interested in serving as ballboys and ballgirls for the Orioles during the 2008 season are invited to the open tryout at Oriole Park. Candidates should dress casually, bring their own gloves, and use the Home Plate Plaza entrance to Camden Yards on the southwestern corner of the ballpark. Complimentary parking is available in Lot C. In addition to being able to handle a glove and field ground balls, interested candidates should be personable and customer-service oriented, and be available to work the entire 2008 season. Judges will include Orioles front office personnel, former Orioles pitcher and current MASN and Orioles Radio personality Dave Johnson and "Ironman" umpires attendant Ernie Tyler.

Here's my experience from last year ---> Link

Billy Crystal To Suit Up For the Yankees...

Billy Crystal is not doubt one of the most renowned entertainers in the world as he's had a wonderful career of making the masses laugh through comedy and his cinematic work.

However, I strongly disagree with his latest move, whether it is to fulfill a lifetime dream on not. He’ll be suiting up for the Yankees and signed a one-day, minor league contract with the New York Yankees and play in Thursday’s exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Crystal, an avid Yankees fan, will work out with the team on Wednesday and will wear uniform No. 60 for the game -- to be played one day before his 60th birthday. The Yankees said Monday they have the approval of baseball commissioner Bud Selig.

"I've been waiting 50 years for this call," Crystal said in a statement released by the team. "I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the Yankees and commissioner Selig. I know this'll be tougher than the Broadway Softball League, but I'm looking forward to helping the younger players, which by the way is all of them. Oops, I have to go, Scott Boras is on the phone."

Crystal, according to the Yankees hit .348 and was captain during his senior year at Long Beach High School in New York. He directed and produced "61*," a move about Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle and the 1961 Yankees.

"The Yankees are excited to welcome the newest member of our team known for his humor and wit as well as his undying love for the Yankees," chief operating officer Lonn Trost said.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi, after Monday night's 4-0 win over Cincinnati, said he hasn't determined what position Crystal will play.

"That remains to be seen," Girardi said. "Obviously, it's kind of exciting. Billy Crystal has done a lot for this organization. He's always been a big part of it. Our way of rewarding him, saying thanks for everything that you've done."

I'm for fans living out a dream, but c'mon, this a bit silly and is going way too far. It's one thing to practice with a team, suit up for batting practice, and get up and close with the players; however, if you're not doing journalistic work or you're not an athlete, you've got no business playing in a competitive professional game - exhibition or not. I don't want to know what the Yankees were thinking.

I love Billy Crystal's work, but I think playing in a live professional baseball should be left to those who can sincerely play the game, not for fans who want to live a dream.