Are The Orioles Who We Thought They Were?

Another game on the West Coast, another loss. I have my hands up in the air after another loss -- this time in extra innings; however, just like others -- close game, the Orioles struggle to come back and then lose in the end.

What's to say? The one thing we thought would be the problem isn't the problem (the pitching) -- it's the bleeping offense.

I said in the beginning of the year, I'd be happy to see the team improving, in a way it has with the competitive ball games and an effective relief/starting corps.

But again the bleeping offense is making me wonder if the Orioles are who we thought they were.

Now Roberts won't hit in the .250-260's (at least we hope), and Nick Markakis is far better than what he's showing right now. Huff (he's doing ok, but I still really don't care for the guy) is hitting in the .280's, Scott is struggling.

But everyone else? What in the world.

Um, I have a news flash -- the offense was going to be a problem with a lack of protection, and it's showing to be the case. As hot as Luke Scott was the first three weeks of the season, the lineup is really starting to show it's weak links without Tejada.

If the Orioles hit marginally better in the next few weeks, then we can hover around .500; however, as I see it, we are really seeing the true Baltimore Orioles at least on the offensive front.

Kids, the Luis Hernandez experiment needs to come to it's bitter end. Time to bring in Bynum -- if he does not work, bring in Cintron. Give Trachsel a few starts out of respect, but if he cannot improve, summon him to the pen or tell him to resume his career somewhere else.

I like what MacPhail has done so far and I see the forest from the trees; however, if I were a manager (this is the fan speaking in me), I'd love to put a few W's in the win column.

Still Unemployable: Barry Bonds

Ah, Barry Bonds. The Orioles and several other teams could use him; however, despite his abilities and numbers from 2007, I say this -- he may not find a job anytime soon.

I figured that he'd sign on with someone before the season; alas, it is anything but the case.

Now, the union is trying to look into why he's not been offered a job.

Good luck.

From the AP: The Major League Baseball Players Association has expressed concern to the commissioner's office over the lack of offers to Barry Bonds, asking for additional information about the offseason's free-agent market.

The union did not go as far as to file a grievance on behalf of the outfielder, 43, who remains unsigned and hasn't received any offers since the San Francisco Giants decided not to re-sign him last year and he became a free agent.

"We've raised both general concerns and some player specific concerns," Michael Weiner, the union's general counsel, said yesterday.

Weiner said the only player the union specifically brought up in its discussions with the commissioner's office was Bonds, who has repeatedly said he wants to play a 23rd major league season.

"I haven't received any offers on Barry since he became a free agent," said Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris.

Management has repeatedly said there has been no concerted effort against Bonds.

Unless he’s found religion in the past few months basically being blackballed from the game due his problems and reputation (yes, I said it), he’s not worth the gamble for a few wins.

I'd like to see Barry find a job, but I also think this whole issue with him is a referendum on his personality, his legal issues and more importantly -- how he's treated people in the past.

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Same Crap, Different Day - Orioles Lose Again in Oakland For Fourth Straight Loss; The Rundown & What The Bloggers Are Saying...

Could the good vibes of being a Baltimore Orioles fan in the short-term be coming to a close?

I was going to title this post something else (use your imagination), but I decided to be a good fan and use some decorum when doing this.

Again, the Orioles lost out West, 4-2, to the Oakland Athletics.

The loss was their fourth in a row, and they need to find answers; according to Spencer Fordin, the Orioles held a meeting at some point on Tuesday.

Brian Burres struggled for the most part last night, as he allowed eight hits and four runs (he was charged with three) over a little more than five innings of work. The bullpen was once again solid; however, once again the anemic offense did not do anyone favors despite the relief corps keeping Baltimore in the game.

The flighted ones made A’s starter, Justin Duchscherer, look like a Cy Young candidate as he went seven innings and allowed two runs — on four hits(!) — while walking two and striking out four batters. Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott each drove in a run for the Orioles, but honestly, after watching this game online — not much else happened.

In light of Burres’ start, he’s been out most consistent pitcher, and you cannot blame the ‘pen on this one. Folks, we’re now under .500 and 1-4 on this road trip, thus we surely cannot blame the pitching — it’s the bats.

Most thought we’d be terrible — we’re not (well, so far) — but the lack of hitting by the offense may make the doomsday predictions come true. Granted, the offense cannot be this bad for the long haul, but it’s been alarming the past week.

The whole team at the plate is awful and there are only two guys hitting even above .270 — Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott (who is slumping). A couple of guys (Millar, Hernandez, Jones) are nearing the Mendoza line. Just imagine if we could have put up a few more runs on the board, we could have at least split this trip so far.

They’ll go at again this afternoon as Jeremy Guthrie counters with Joe Blanton. We’ve got to stop making this Oakland team look like a bunch of All-Stars.

Are the Orioles looking like who we thought they were?

On the pitching front, Adam Loewen is ready to start rehab (the dude is a bulldog, and we need him back); James Johnson is versatile in the bullpen & so far is looking awesome; Childs Walker of the Baltimore Sun has a nice piece on minor league farmhands Chorye Spoone and Brandon Erbe.

Nowick Gray of the Orioles Hangout wonders if the team would benefit from a seven man rotation, Tony Pente has some interesting stats so far on the Orioles; Camden Chat's Scott Christ think this may be the beginning of the end of the Baltimore Orioles as we know it in 2008; Ben of Oriole Central wonders if and when Steve Trachsel will be released; HRB of Dempsey's Army looks at some key prospects in the minors; the Wayward Oriole looks at the offense in a unique style; & Roar from 34 looks at all the former Orioles who are part of Sports Illusrated's Baseball Greats.

A-Rod In Touch With Paternal Side: Passes Out Seeing Birth of His Daughter; Not A Big Deal...

Um, Alex Rodriguez once again is being excoriated by the press -- this time due to the birth of his daughter, ordinarily a watershed event in anyone's life.

Why does it seem everything he does PR wise turns out to be so awkward even when it should not be the case?

From the Baltimore Sun: Alex Rodriguez passed out during the birth of his first daughter in 2004. "The one nurse had a cold cloth on his head. The other nurse had the blood pressure on his arm. And my mother was, like, rubbing his back. And he is passed out on a couch. And I am there, in the middle of labor," Rodriguez's wife, Cynthia, said on an episode of the YES Network's YESterdays that is scheduled to be broadcast tonight. Natasha Alexander Rodriguez was born Nov. 18, 2004.

Is A-Rod a wuss? I don't think it's that big of a deal -- a lot of men, including a lot I know have been through this.

Look, we all known he's a built, high-profile, rich athlete; however, I don't see why this is getting play.

I do think his wife and he should have kept something so candid between themselves.

O's Lose in Oaktown, 2-1 in Ten; What About The Offense: The Rundown?

The O’s are now back at .500 as they lost to the A’s in Oaktown, 2-1. The loss is their third in a row; however, we should take some positives from the loss. After a devastating series loss to the Angels out in sunny California, they once again lost in a painful fashion.

First, Garrett Olson went a little more than six shutout innings, and looked nothing like the wide-eyed kid who could not keep his pitches in the strike zone last year. It’s too bad he didn’t get the decision; however, the A’s starter, Dana Eveland was just as good on the mound as he threw seven shutout innings and allowed only three hits.

Emil Brown had three hits, including the game-winning single with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, to decide the game. Rajai Davis drove in the other run for Oakland on the night with a bases loaded infield single off Jamie Walker. The Orioles fought back in the ninth and tied the score thanks to a Ramon Hernandez RBI. Jim Johnson took the loss in the tenth; however, he’s been nothing but exceptional, and the law of averages caught up with him.

I actually stayed up and watched most of the game, and let’s just say the offense needs to get into gear — real quick. I really didn’t see much there and it’s just disheartening to see a good pitching effort wasted by a youngster because the bats went quiet.

What should we do about it? I’m going to take this issue game by game, but it was no secret to any of us here that the bats would be a problem (although we suspected the pitching might be just as bad, which is now anything but the case). I still think we need more pitching depth, but the lack of hits and runs crossing the plate is becoming a huge issue.

Like I said, I’m not going to care about wins and losses in 2008; however, a hit here and a run there (especially after what I saw on Sunday), the Orioles could be several games over .500; the floor is open — what do you think? What should be done with the offense?

As well, with what I am seeing with the young rotation, Trachsel’s time in Baltimore could be in it’s final hours unless he finds himself. Well, then again, he should at least get one more start according to the Orioles MLB writer Spencer Fordin.

Finally, why I am hoping to see Freddie Bynum again in an Oriole uniform despite his numbers so far in his career?

There's been a lot of concern over Adam Loewen; however, the news is good with him as after seeing renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, his arm is structurally fine. At this point, I say just let him comeback slowly, and he should not force himself to comeback, unless he's absolutely healthy.

Kevin Millar has been struggling, and considering where he bats in the lineup, they need him to come around very soon.

The O's Head to Oaktown...

The Orioles continue their march -- eh, I mean road trip this evening. After dropping 2 of 3 with the California Angels of Anaheim or Los Angeles (they're confused), they head to the Bay Area.

Monday: Garrett Olson (1-0, 2.70) vs. Dana Eveland (3-2, 3.67)
Tuesday: Brian Burres (3-2, 2.87) vs. Justin Duchscherer (2-1, 2.40)
Wednesday: Jeremy Guthrie (1-3, 4.06) vs. Joe Blanton (2-5, 3.88)

The A's have been good -- very good, and a lot of their strength lies on the pitching front. Until yesterday, the O's offense has been dead; thus, they'll need to keep the bats hot against Oakland.

Despite the A's trading away some of their name players, the youngsters on that team mixed in with some cheap veterans have come out to a strong start and battling the California Angels for supremacy of the AL West.

On paper, the pitching match-ups look fairly even and the game I'm looking forward to seeing is tonight's, as Olson has his second start of the year. He was very good the other day: however, the walks didn't not bite him -- but, if he keeps up the walks, they law of averages will catch up with him and the O's will pay.

Yankees-Red Sox Spat Ends In Death…

Very sad and pathetic; it's just a game...

Could He Just Go Away?

If you want someone who seemingly has lied to baseball fans about who he is all these years, look no further to this guy -- now, here's his latest mea culpa...

From the AP:HOUSTON - In his first comments since the New York Daily News linked him to a series of extramarital affairs last week, Roger Clemens apologized to his family and friends.

In a statement issued Sunday to the Houston Chronicle, the former pitching star admitted making "mistakes" in his life but continued to deny any use of steroids or human growth hormone.

"I know that many people want to know what I have to say about the recent articles in the media," Clemens said in the statement. "Even though these articles contain many false accusations and mistakes, I need to say that I have made mistakes in my personal life for which I am sorry. I have apologized to my family and apologize to my fans. Like everyone, I have flaws. I have sometimes made choices which have not been right."

Clemens did not confirm any personal relationships in the statement but did address the Daily News report that accused him of beginning a decade-long affair with country singer Mindy McCready when she was just 15 years old.

"Now, I have been accused of having an improper relationship with a 15-year- old girl," Clemens said in the statement. "Nothing could be further from the truth. This relationship has been twisted and distorted far beyond reality. It is just one of many, many accusations that are utterly false."

The Daily News quoted McCready last week as saying she "cannot refute anything in the story" about her relationship with Clemens.

Meantime, Clemens continued to deny the use of performance enhancing drugs.

"I believe my personal life has nothing to do with the accusations of steroid and HGH use," he said. "I have already made clear that I did not use them."

That's wonderful. We know you're a creep -- now just go away.

If were his lawyer, that's what I'd tell him to do...

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Ozzie Guillen: Baseball Manager, Sociologist & Someone Who Should Really Watch His Mouth

I really like Ozzie Guillen as a manager and as a colorful personality, although I did not care for the man personally during my encounter with him.

Know for running his mouth and being more than candid, he's done it again and has now reached out to a another segment of people for criticism -- the fans of Chicago.

Ah, here's his latest:

From the AP: TORONTO - White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen had his own Lee Elia moment, letting forth a stream of obscenities in which he accused Chicago fans of turning on the struggling team after a strong start.

During his rant before Sunday's game against Toronto, Guillen said the White Sox are not sufficiently appreciated in their city despite winning the 2005 World Series.

"That's what ticks me off about Chicago fans and Chicago media, they forget pretty quickly," Guillen said, punctuating his outburst with a healthy dose of vulgarities.

He bemoaned the fact that the Cubs are considered the "best" in Chicago even though they haven't won a World Series since 1908, dropping F-bombs along the way. He fears his team will never get respect "no matter how many World Series we win."

Guillen also mocked the 25th anniversary of the rant by Elia, the former Cubs manager. Guillen predicted his own tirades will one day be equally legendary, and maybe lucrative.

"How many times do I curse people out? I will make a lot of money. ... I have to keep going because in the future Ozzie will need money," he said.

The White Sox, who lost 4-3 Sunday, have dropped eight of 11 and fallen out of first place in the American League Central. At 14-15, the White Sox are below .500 for the first time since they started the season 1-2.

"People are panicking," Guillen said. "Did we play a real bad week? Yes, we did. We stunk. But it wasn't too long ago that we were the biggest surprise in baseball. Wow, look at the White Sox."

The man may be right to some extent; however, the fans will like who they want, and most of the time the play on the field will take care of it. I agree with the fact that the White Sox have played second fiddle to the Cubs for a very long time, but Guillen needs to act with some decorum and professionalism.

As a MLB manager, Ozzie needs to be above all of the garbage that spews out of his mouth at times.

I'm almost beginning to think, if he gets fired from his job, it won't be because of the play on the field -- it will be because of his mouth.

What To Do With Trachsel? O's Lose Another One Run Game, 6-5

Right now, Steve Trachsel is 1-4 with a 7.62 ERA, and his performance on Sunday did not help things. Charged with six earned runs, in only three innings of work, could his time in Baltimore be coming to a close?

Two horrible starts should not damper his full body of work; however, is it time, considering the solid pitching of the Orioles so far that we give his slot to someone else? He served up three home runs — including a three run jack to Torii Hunter in the first — and seemingly was vulnerable on the mound, to put it simply.

Baltimore lost to the Los Angeles Angels, 6-5, in a game which the Orioles possibly blew because of poor decisions on the base paths, and giving the Angels extra outs (highlighted by Roberts being thrown out twice on the bases — he being gunned down in the ninth inning was a killer.)

They had 15 hits, but only crossed the plate five times, which served as another problem on the afternoon. The bats woke up as Melvin Mora had three hits, including a solo home run, while Nick Markakis homered as well, and Kevin Millar drove in two runs.

In light of the loss, the Oriole bullpen was great, only allowing one hit in five innings of work. We had to Oakland on Monday and play a strong, upstart, A’s team that matches pretty well at the moment against Baltimore.

Now, we’ll head back to my original question — what’s to be done with Steve Trachsel?

The Weekend So Far; Some Notes & Thoughts

So far, the Orioles have played very well on their trip out to sunny California beating the Angels on Friday night, 4-3, thanks a great performance by Jeremy Guthrie, a Markakis homer, and a tight ninth inning; however, on Saturday, they faced a strong hurler in John Garland and lost, 3-1.

Cabrera, who pitched this afternoon, was decent and had a shut-out until the sixth inning - that is, until glimpses of inconsistency and walks did him in.

In the end, Baltimore held the Angels in check, but in the end, the lack of offense opportunities did the Orioles in, (for example, Nick Markakis and Melvin Mora swapped places in the lineup -- however, that might have not worked too well).

The two teams play in the rubber match on Sunday as Steve Trachsel goes against the undefeated Joe Saunders.

We all know what we are getting with Steve, and the Baltimore must put some runs on the board, or they’ll lose the series. The Orioles have played some real close and very competitive games; however, their margin of error is very low and the lack of punch along with hits may put their strong start in peril unless something happens.

(Amber Theoharis, in her latest blog on MASN Sports has some notes on the offense).

Despite my words, I’m glad we are in every game so far and making something of a season that many assumed would have been a throw-away one. In light of a bad outing or two by the bullpen so far (Sarfate on Wednesday against the Rays) -- it's been rock solid and will need to sustain that success in order to keep their heads above water.

Well, Lance Cormier was brought up from Norfolk this weekend; meanwhile, Freddie Bynum is starting his rehab assignment in Bowie (can anyone assume he'll see a lot of time at shortstop sooner rather than later, Randor Bierd is on the DL, and Greg Aquino is in the minors after being designated for assignment and passing through waivers.

Speaking of the Birds, I am watching the Alfred Hitchcock classic, "The Birds" on Turner Classic Movies, but that shouldn't damper our thoughts on the Baltimore Orioles.

Before I go, did anyone read the real nice story on Miguel Tejada and what he did for a young fan down in Houston? In light of went on with his inclusion in the Mitchell Report, the ESPN E:60 episode and the federal authorities investigation of him, perhaps his gesture reminds us about the small things in life and the role of sports.

Photo Gallery: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals, May 3rd, 2008

Photo Gallery: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals: May 3rd, 2008

Photo Gallery: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals, May 2nd, 2008

Photo Gallery: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals

The O's Hit The Road: First, Onto Anaheim...

The Baltimore Orioles, right now, the MLB's version of the road warriors once again hit the road -- this time for 10 days. After a brief visit at home where they lost two out of three, they head to the sunny Golden State to face the California Angels.

Oops, I mean the so-called Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

At 18-12, the Los Angeles Angels are riding high in the AL West; however, they are also tied with the surprising Oakland A's. They boast one of the most powerful lineups in baseball, and it's needless to say that the Baltimore Orioles will no doubt have their hands full.

Friday: Jeremy Guthrie (0-3, 4.34) vs. Jered Weaver (2-3, 4.21)
Saturday: Daniel Cabrera (2-0, 4.14) vs. Jon Garland (3-3, 5.94)
Sunday: Steve Trachsel (1-3, 6.08) vs. Joe Saunders (5-0, 2.08)

The match-ups are good on Friday and Saturday, but we all know what we are getting with Trachsel on Sunday. The Angels have a tough pitching staff, and the Orioles' offense must get it together and put up some runs or they have a very good chance of being swept.

Guthrie has not gotten much run support, but Cabrera has been nothing but solid the past few starts. If the Orioles take two out three in Anaheim, I'd consider things nothing short of awesome.

I would not be surprised if they only win one game this weekend.

The next two weeks will say a lot where the Orioles stand. If they put together a nice trip, they'll be in good shape and I'll reevaluate them. This team has a lot of fight in them; however, I am sure I'm not the only one who thinks Baltimore has a fight on their hands.

ESPN's Thinks The Orioles Are A Trainwreck; MASN To Air Norfolk Tides (AAA) Baseball...

Despite the joy we are feeling with the Orioles success in April, most in the media think the gravy train ride may come to a screeching halt.

ESPN's Jonah Keri in a piece titled, "The Failure Dynasties", picks the Orioles as one the prime examples of futility in the sport of baseball.

Also included in the list are the Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates & the Washington Nationals (formerly Expos). In the piece, he goes over some five bad moves each respective franchise made, their lowest moment, horrible staff/players, quotes, and notes for the future.

Here's his summary of the franchise as it stands...

"The 15-13 start is nice, but the Orioles probably won't see a winning season for a while. Nick Markakis and Adam Jones are great building blocks in the outfield, Luke Scott is an above-average player as the third outfielder, Brian Roberts and George Sherrill should fetch some interesting loot in a trade, and Matt Wieters is a potential franchise player a year away from taking over at catcher. After that, the closet is nearly bare, with a severe lack of pitching the biggest problem."

I would not dispute anything on the list at all, and he's pretty much right about the Orioles. No matter how some try to spin the recent success of Baltimore as more than potentially a fluke, the team is awfully weak in some area, and really needs to focus on rebuilding the minor leagues.

I'm not trying to be negative, but I see the forest from the trees and know reality all too well.

***

I got a press in my email stating MASN will start showing Norfolk Tides' baseball - a very interesting move.

While I have been somewhat critical of the network in the past, this announcement is wonderful to hear. It'll allow us Oriole fans to keep up of what is going on at the lower levels and get us acclimated with some of the future stars of the organization, as well as some names we might see up the pipeline in the future.

Let's hope MASN so can do a little of the same with those fans who are interested in the Nationals.

The Press Release:

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – MASN, the television home of the Baltimore Orioles, announced it will broadcast 16 minor league baseball games of the team’s Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides this season. The first broadcast will air on Saturday, May 3 from Harbor Park live at 7:00 pm when the Tides take on the Indianapolis Indians.

Throughout the season, MASN will air eight live and eight delayed broadcast Tides games against the Triple-A affiliate teams of the Cincinnati Reds, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays, the Boston Red Sox, the Detroit Tigers and the Washington Nationals.

“This partnership allows fans throughout the Mid-Atlantic to get a sneak peek at players who will one day have a major impact on the Orioles' future,” said Orioles President of Baseball Operations, Andy MacPhail. “Fans will be able to watch tomorrow’s Orioles today.”

The Tides have been the Triple-A home of the Orioles since the 2007 season. Several players who started the season with Norfolk are currently with the Orioles, including Jim Johnson, Garrett Olson, Bob McCrory and Eider Torres. Notable Orioles prospects currently playing for Norfolk include Mike Costanzo, Scott Moore, Radhames Liz and Hayden Penn.

“The Tides are excited to be playing on MASN this season. With the increased fan interest in the Orioles and the number of young stars playing in Norfolk, we are proud to be showcased to MASN’s 7-state audience,” said Tides owner Ken Young.

“This season, MASN viewers will have the unique ability to watch not only every star from the American League and the National League, but also the brightest young prospects from across the entire region,” said MASN spokesman Todd Webster. “We are giving fans more local baseball than has ever been available.”

MASN, the local leader in live sports entertainment, brings fans maximum access through player interviews, pre and post game shows before and after every game, and in-game features, like Wired Wednesday. The 16 Norfolk Tides games add to MASN’s already robust baseball lineup, including over 320 Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals games.

MLB 08: The Show - A Review

Last month, Sony sent me a free copy of “MLB 08: The Show” to review. Due to commitments and work I did not have time to play until recently. I borrowed my little brother's Playstation 3 for a few weeks, so I got the game especially for that platform.

Over the past few years, I have had a major attachment to MVP Baseball 2005, which I consider perhaps my favorite video baseball game of all time.

However, “MLB 08: The Show”, might have kicked MVP Baseball 2005 off the perch.

There are so many features in this game, I have no idea where to begin, but if you’re a serious baseball nerd like me, you could not do any better.

First off, everything is so life-like. You feel like you’re actually in the game and part of the action – well, as far as a video game could possibly let you. Granted, the features in the game will get someone like, who has not played video games in a while a bit of getting used to; however, for the veteran, they should be able to play with some ease after some time.

The various parks looks very close to reality, the colors are vivid, and the players are nothing short of real – some gritty, some with the characteristic features you know them by, for example, David Ortiz, and the action is nothing but superb. I love the commentary that comes with the action during the game – so much that I’d rather play this at times than watch a run-of-the-mill boring TV broadcast.

Heck, I had one of the announcers tell me when I threw a wild pitch or made an error.

My favorite portion of the game was the “Road to the Show” feature where you can create a player and basically create a scenario where he’s a draftee to seeing him develop into a tangible major leaguer. It took me a couple of tries to make any progress, but I did get there.

As well, you can also participate online with various people to create a team – yes, a team of 25-30 guys and as well, there are forums, boards and a website you can be a part of where you can interact with other gamers and fans.

Moreover, for someone like me, who kind of likes the nuts and bolts of the game, you can break down so many aspects of the game from managing to break down a players swing to yes, finances.

In closing, I have never played any other renditions of this game, but I was blown away and I guess the only downside is that it took me about a week and half to figure it out.

Now, “MLB 08: The Show”, may not be for casual fans, but for any baseball fan that loves the sport and video games, this is for you.

I fell in love with it and it looks nothing short of bad-ass on my new LCD TV.

And yes, my beloved Baltimore Orioles didn’t play too hot in this game. Then again, reality is a bit different – for now.

Youth & Contracts: Should Markakis and Jones Get Their Big Deals Now?

The erstwhile Ian of Sox and Dawgs sent me this little piece that was featured on the CNNsi.com website the other day on both Nick Marakakis and Adam Jones from featured writer, Paul Heyman that was featured on Buster Olney's blog.

From CNNsi: "Most major-league teams are working to sign their best young players to multi-year deals. But right now, the Orioles' internal philosophy is to wait for at least three years before discussing a multi-year deal with the likes of Adam Jones and Nick Markakis.

Surprising, isn't it? If the Orioles eschew long-term deals, their best players will be much more expensive when the team is ready to compete. Markakis, their star player, will be up for arbitration after this season. Maybe he won't get the $10MM Ryan Howard did, but $7MM seems reasonable. There were already rumblings that Markakis was angered by this year's $55K raise."

I think Adam Jones has plenty of time on his side to earn a contract, so I'll omit him from the conversation; however, I would be more concerned about Markakis.

The Baltimore Orioles have three years left before Nick Markakis can get a free agent pay day, and lest we forget, the team is under no obligation to pay him more than what the CBA dictates.

Buster Olney adds this:

This is something that the Yankees and Red Sox do, generally. But while the Orioles are reducing the risk of a bad deal, they are increasing the risk of losing core players to free agency. Right now, the Orioles don't have the organizational allure that the Yankees and Red Sox have, so they may have a much tougher time keeping their youngest stars as they near free agency. It's a strategy that is an enormous gamble, as the Orioles attempt to rebuild.

That may be true; however, like I said in the beginning -- the Orioles have 3 years to sign him to a long term deal. Now may Andy be rocking the boat by not giving Nick the deal and security he wants - maybe - alas, he's up for arbitration for the first time in '09, and if he has a year like he did last year, he'll get his money.

In fact, if he keeps improving, his salary will escalate accordingly. I'm sure if Andy signs him to a deal he wants, all will be forgiven and we'll sing "Praise the Lord".

Sure the Orioles are saving money, but giving a player a big deal is always a risky proposition - can anyone say Melvin Mora or Albert Belle?

Not that Nick will be in the situation, but Andy is charting the course of the team's future slowly, and right now there's far more to worry about.

If this were happening in year five, I'd worry - but now, it's no big deal.

UWC “Invasion” Storms the D.C. Area; My First Foray Into The World of Mixed Martial Arts...

Folks, I covered my first mixed martial arts event last weekend in Fairfax, Va. It's a little different from the baseball fare, but yet was exciting to see.

It's not for the faint of heart.

***

It’s needless to say these days that the sport of mixed martial arts is on the rise and is part of the lexicon of the American sports landscape. In fact, it would probably be a gross understatement.

On Saturday, the mixed martial arts world came to the Washington Metropolitan region as the Ultimate Warrior Challenge‘s “Invasion” was held at the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University. The event was only the second ever held at the Patriot Center, and drew a little under 5,000 people in spite of rainy conditions outside.

The crowd was uniquely diverse, almost all adult; however, unlike in most sporting events, the crowd seemed to be into the action from the beginning to the very end. When the action was hot, the crowd hollered and pumped up their fists in excitement. Having the opportunity to see the action from mere feet away, it was like you had been transported back to 125 B.C., where gladiators fought for victory, and more importantly, glory along with pride. Alas, when the audience was bored or was not impressed by what was going on, they booed, shouted “Boring!” or “Throw a punch!” and uttered expletives that cannot be mentioned in this piece.

Certainly not for the squeamish, the event was a nine fight card where the action took place in a ring, but probably would better be described as a cage with six sides to it, not a standard boxing ring. Obviously there was some blood spilled and heavy action, including one man earlier in the evening who seemed to be knocked unconscious. The event profiled some of most skilled fighters anywhere and after each fight, they were able to get up and walk out of the ring under their own power. No matter what you think of mixed martial arts as a sport, the athletes are no doubt finely tuned, competitive, and have a lot of pride in what they do.

The event ran a little longer than three hours; however, it went relatively quickly and also featured stars from the mixed martial arts world from various federations such as the ultra-popular UFC, Pride, and IFL, most notably, UFC’s Quentin “Rampage” Jackson, arguably one of the biggest names in the sport today. Unlike most sports where celebrities sit in the front rows, smile for the cameras and demand everything under the sun, the ones who were featured interacted with the crowd and posed for pictures, signed autographs, and chatted with fans as they walked through the arena – without agents or handlers around. The interaction along with the experience between the fighters and fans are what have driven people to the sport of mixed martial arts, aside from the violence and skill of the athletes.

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O's Lose to Rays, 4-2; Ball Park Ranking in SI

Well, the home stand for the Baltimore Orioles ended up being disappointing as the offense could not back a strong outing by Brian Burres and they lost a matinée to the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-2.

Buress left the game with a tie in 7th inning; however Carl Crawford broke open the tie in the seventh inning with a two-run hit that made all the difference off reliever Jamie Walker.

Adam Jones provided all the offense for the Orioles with a two-run homer off Tampa starter Matt Garza in the fourth inning.

Despite Jones' hit, the Orioles only mustered three hits on the afternoon and went quietly.

In light of the loss, the Orioles had a great April, going 15-12 and holding the top spot of the division.

Now what will May hold for us? We have a tough, tough road trip as we head out to Anaheim to face the California, I mean the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for 3, then onto Oakland and then Kansas City. It's needless to say the next two weeks will be tough, but if Baltimore can finish at .500 or above during this trip, they'll be in good shape.

No matter what happens, my long-term outlook is not based on how many wins the Orioles garner, but if the team improves. Already, I see marked improvement as they are holding things tight in all the games (with the exception of few so far) and Adam Jones is developing into a strong every day player.

It's too bad the attendance sucks as this is a team worth watching, but we need to give things time to develop.

Ballpark Rankings In SI: If you get a chance, take a look at the ballpark rankings online at CNNsi.com.

The magazine polled fans about the experience of each ballpark of all 30 franchises, and each respective team's commitment to winning.

The Orioles ranked 14th overall, and they did better in some categories than others.

Here's how Baltimore ranked:

Affordability: 17th
Food: 11th
Team Quality: 29th
Tradition: 8th
Atmosphere: 17th
Fan IQ: 11th
Hospitality: 12th
Promotions: 24th
Traffic: 8th
Neighborhood: 5th

I don't disagree with the rankings, but considering this was done in March, a few things might have changed; however, overall, it's fairly accurate. I think Oriole tickets are fairly affordable, at least in comparison on the East Coast, and I think the team overall have a fair amount of promotions including a quite a few discounted nights, but the concern is and should with the product on the field.

This is what has hurt has the Baltimore franchise.

Although this survey was done in March, the bottom line is despite the record, the Orioles do not have any marquee names besides perhaps Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis to bring people out to the park.

The bottom line is that fan interest and confidence will build up once the team starts winning. Despite everything on the field, Camden Yards has nothing but a stellar reputation amongst those is baseball and is a great place to watch a game.

O's Lose to Rays, 8-1; The Rundown...

There was not much to yesterday's game at for the Orioles. We entrusted our young pitching to carry us, but an explosive Tampa Bay and a stellar performance by their starting pitcher Andy Sonnanstine's dominant doomed Baltimore.

As well, thanks to a five-run seventh by Tampa, the Orioles went quietly into the night as they lost to Tampa by a score of 8-1.

Sonnanstine only allowed one run on six hits and struck out five. Veteran Eric Hinske hit a two-run bomb in the fourth; meanwhile, Carlos Pena & Dioner Navarro each drove in two runs -- all in the fateful seventh inning.

O's rookie, Matt Albers looked solid through the first six innings, but was charged with the loss. Bob McCrory came into game in the seventh for his major league debut, but got touched up.

B-Rob was 2-3, and drove in the the only run for Baltimore.

The Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Examiner, Orioles.com, Orioles Hangout has more on the game.

Nick Markakis got a rest last night, while the test on Adam Loewen's tender elbow were inconclusive. The Sun's Roch Kubatko has a profile on Loewen and how he's dealing with injury. The surprise start of the Baltimore Orioles has made news all around the game, and the players are tired of justifying or explaining their hot start according to Peter Schmuck.

Luke Scott is having a nice start to the 2008 season is happy that he's feeling wanted with the Orioles. Meanwhile, Amber Theoharis writes about the clubhouse chemistry as the Birds go through a long season which will no doubt have it's ups and downs.