Hammel Flirts With a No-No; Orioles Sweep Twins

It was a glorious Easter Sunday for the Baltimore Orioles as Jason Hammel had a no-hitter going through seven innings, and they defeated the Minnesota Twins, 3-1, to earn a series sweep.

Right now, the Orioles are 3-0 on the season and are tied for first place in American League East with the Tampa Bay Rays. For a team that was expected to be bad and see their pitching struggle, so far the Orioles have gotten one impressive performance on the mound after another.

On Sunday, it was Hammel’s turn. He went eight strong innings, gave a up a run, and retired 21 hitters in a row before Justin Morneau lined a double – that Nick Markakis inexplicably misplayed.

Newly acquired from the Rockies in a trade for Jeremy Guthrie, the fans at Camden Yards gave Hammel nothing but love after giving up the hit. Josh Willingham plated him in a few moments later; however, the significance of the day was not lost on anyone.

It had to be one of the finest performances by an Oriole pitcher that I’ve seen in a long time.

Baltimore once again got timely hits as J.J. Hardy’s homer – a solo shot - in the first inning gave them a 1-0 lead, and Wilson Betemit’s two-run double in the sixth innings raised the score to 3-0.

That being said, Hammel didn’t need much more on the offensive front by the Orioles.

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Orioles win game two, take series

For the second time in as many years the Orioles have won their opening series after taking game two from the visiting Minnesota Twins tonight at Camden Yards.

The 8-2 drubbing of the Twins featured three solo shots from the heart of the Orioles lineup. Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters all connected for solo shots. Robert Andino had a huge two-out two-RBI double in the fourth and Ronny Paulino, making his Oriole debut tonight, had a 4-4 night scoring twice.

Tommy Hunter started for the O's tonight and showed the 31 thousand person crowd what he is here to do: pound the strike zone; let the defense do its job and give the team a chance to win. Hunter lost the strike zone for a bit in the fourth but never broke inducing key grounders to get out of jams. He cruised, more or less, through seven innings of shutout baseball. Well, not quite shutout. In the eighth inning thirdbaseman Mark Reynolds bobbled a grounder allowing Ben Revere to get on. Hunter would give up a couple singles to load the bases before being replaced with Pedro Strop. Strop responded well throwing fire and minimizing the damage. Two unearned runs would score on fielder's choices from Jamey Carroll and Joe Mauer before Strop struk out Morneau on a 95 MPH fastball. Luis Ayala came out for the Orioles in the ninth and he quickly set the Twins down in order to secure the Orioles' second win of the season.

The team looked great tonight, the offense was clicking on all cylinders, Hutner and the rest of the staff was more than serviceable and despite Reynolds' miscue in the eighth the defense was on-point. Also, the Orioles looked good tonight the Orioles debuted their new orange alternate jerseys that they will wear every Saturday game. I love the orange jerseys, they are bright, fresh and distinctive. Hopefully those are three adjectives we can use to describe the Orioles for the rest of the year.

The Orioles have gotten off to good starts in the past, just last year they rattled off six wins in their first seven games before falling off into the cellar of the AL East. But taking a closer look, the O's were hanging right around .500 until June and July when the wheels came completely off the proverbial cart. To me that speaks to a lack of depth in the rotation, bench and bullpen. With the additions of Paulino, Wilson Betemit, Ayala and Ryan Flaherty the O's hoped to have a deeper team that looks to mitigate that usual midseason slide.

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Opening Day Thoughts

Opening Day has come and gone and yet again it was amazing.

It never ceases to amaze me the sheer amount of humanity that descends upon Baltimore on opening day. Every bar, every hotdog cart, every street corner is simply overflowing with people. The various critics of the organization and team always state that no one wants to talk about or really care about the Orioles anymore, yet Opening Day gives us a glimpse of what might be.

Obviously tonight's game against the Twins will not be as well attended as opening day was and not every game would be like that even in a good year but the point remains. After spending a day in the writhing sea of humanity that was downtown Baltimore yesterday you realize that this town wants to love the Orioles again and anyone who denies that is completely lost to their own curmudgeony ideology.

Random Thoughts about the day:

-The new hats make the Orioles look as if they have an entire new uniform, and they are great.

-It is really great to see Brady Anderson in an Orioles' uniform again.

-The new rooftop deck looks amazing, the food service was greatly improved over last year's opener - Natty Boh Brats all the way.

-I question the fence in the flag court. How long before we have a fan interference call out there? If you haven't seen it you are very close to the action in real life.

-The minor touches and aesthetic changes in and around the ballpark are perfect. The powers that be have taken great care to update the look of the park without making any real glaring changes. You look at some of these things and you have to remind yourself that they weren't always there.

-I really hope that the rooftop deck remains a general admission area. The issue is that it does have a seating capacity, of about 300 people according to the Baltimore Sun, and there is no way to really regulate that without 1) a bouncer or 2) selling tickets. So get out now and enjoy the great free view while you can. I can imagine the team keeping it open on non-prime games but selling tickets on prime-nights.

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The Ambiance of Opening Day

What an Opening Day.

The experience - in and out of Camden Yards - would be nothing short of amazing if the Orioles could ever put a winner together. Based on what I saw on Opening Day, people do care about baseball in Baltimore -- it's just that the franchise needs to give people a reason to care.

Case in point: During the pre-game ceremonies, closer/reliever Kevin Gregg got booed without mercy. It kind of bothered me a bit, as I do not boo anyone on teams I root for; however, sports is a what-have-you-done-for-me lately business, and fans do have a voice in the matter.

Plus, this little kid who ran out at the closing of the pre-game intros for both teams left an impression on me. He knew it was once-in-a-lifetime moment and took full advantage of it, as he sprinted down the orange carpet and thenraced by ALL the players, slapping their hands. A very, very cool moment on a very memorable day to kick off the season in Baltimore.

Outside of the park before the game...

This was the scene outside Camden Yards on Opening Day. I took these while I was walking down Russell Street, and it was amazing the sea of people who were out celebrating or hanging out before the game itself. There were crowds of people EVERYWHERE the eye could see near the vicinity of the stadium.

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Orioles Face Twins Tonight, Dylan Bundy, Albert Pujols and Jamie Moyer

Tonight, the Baltimore Orioles play their second game of the season as they face the Minnesota Twins at 7:05 p.m.

This is the second contest in a three-game set. Right-hander Tommy Hunter squares off against southpaw Francisco Liriano on the mound.

Hunter, who came into this season slimmer and more fit is looking to establish himself as the number two starter. Much like with the other pitchers on the staff, he does have some questions about him; however, he has had some success in the majors with the Rangers and let's hope he can tap into it.

I feel confident about tonight’s game. Yes, the pitching may be questionable for Baltimore, and Minnesota’s Liriano can be either very or good bad; however, after what I saw from the Orioles on Friday, perhaps – with a sliver of hope – things may not be as bad as some have predicted.

Well, Dylan Bundy – the team’s first round draft pick in 2011 – made his professional debut, and the impression he left only added to the hype according to MASN’s Steve Melewski. Bundy struck out six of the nine batters that he faced. Amazing.

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Markakis and Arrieta Help Orioles Win on Opening Day

It was a glorious Opening Day for the Baltimore Orioles as they defeated the Minnesota Twins, 4-2, on a sunny Friday afternoon at a sold-out Camden Yards.

As we all know, twenty years ago, Camden Yards opened to the public and not only has become an indelible part of the city, but also helped transform the landscape of baseball.

The pre-game ceremony by the Orioles’ production team was well done and fans were excited to see the team back in town.

In addition, pitcher Rick Suttcliffe and his battery-mate from 1992, catcher Chris Hoiles re-united to open up the baseball season with the first pitch.

Pitcher Jake Arrieta started off 2012 on an impressive note, throwing seven shutout innings. He struck out four and walked two. For much of the day, Arrieta stymied Minnesota at the plate.

Arrieta was handed the ball on Opening Day and he delivered like a tenured veteran. The feat was even more astounding, considering Arrieta had surgery in 2011 and had some ups and downs in Spring Training.

That being said, let’s hope Arrieta can look at this performance and find a way to maintain some consistency.

Nick Markakis provided much of the offense for Baltimore as he drove in three runs. He hit a two-run, opposite field homer in the first, and added a triple in the sixth inning. Overall, he was 2-for-3 on the day.

Matt Lindstrom pitched a scoreless eighth inning in relief; meanwhile, left-hander Troy Patton made things interesting as he gave up two runs in the ninth inning off a Josh Willingham 2-run homer before reliever Jim Johnson came in for the save.

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A Missive on Opening Day

Good morning everybody, please be seated.

As we look to the sky this morning we notice that the sun is taking a more familiar path. The trees are regaining their greenery slowly, surely; the fauna of springtime are vocalizing their pleasure in this great day. Baseball has returned to Baltimore.

The Orioles, our Orioles, will once again take the field carrying the undying hopes of a community of people. Young/ old; black/ white; all of us sit, watch and hope. We hope for a team that gives us a reason to hold our heads high. Through the losses, the injuries, the bad decisions, the bad luck we still sit and hope.

Yes in this year 2012 that hope may very well be misplaced and once again go unrealized, but today is not a day for that. No, rather, today is for first pitches and a continuation of rituals that go back generations. With every first pitch there comes the hope for something better. With every first hit there comes a sense that this could be our year. With every “w” written on the schedule comes the ever present question: “why not?”

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Improvements at Camden Yards and New Food Offerings...

On Wednesday, the Baltimore Orioles invited the local media and various dignitaries out to Camden Yards to preview the renovations, plus the new culinary offerings available Opening Day and beyond.

Camden Yards starting on Friday will feature ‘Dempsey’s Brew Pub and Restaurant’, which is named for former Oriole catcher and current MASN broadcaster, Rick Dempsey, who is a part-owner. As well, there will be a stand available now for Gino’s Burgers and Chicken, plus Stuggy’s.

The new offerings were spearheaded by Delaware North Companies Sportservice, who took over as the primary food vendor in 2011.

The most impressive addition that I saw to the park is the ‘Roof Deck’ which is in center field, where the cameras used to be stationed and next to the large scoreboard.

The area will be open to all ticket holders, and I have a feeling it will be pretty happening. Although the area was not quite done on Wednesday, it will feature an open bar and two rows of seating.

If you’ve ever been to Boston and sat on the Green Monster, the Roof Deck will remind you of that. The area also features an immaculate view of centerfield and you can also see the plaza where the new statues of the Orioles’ Hall of Famers will be placed.

Finally, the blog was able to get a number of interviews with some of the dignitaries who attended Wednesday’s event. I should have them all done this weekend, as I had a fairly busy day, plus the Opening Day report and pictures will take up a lot of my Friday.

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That Opening Day Feeling

In a little more than 24 hours, it will be Opening Day in the city of Baltimore for the Orioles.

It’s supposed to be a cool, but sunny day out at Camden Yards on Friday; however, I’ll be excited be to out at the park and the Birds of Baltimore start the season out on a high note.

The game is sold out on Friday, and I’ll be curious to see what attendance is like on Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon. The local media will treat the day as holiday with wall-to-wall coverage, it will be a day of pomp-and-circumstance with the pre-game ceremonies, and people will be excited to baseball back in town.

The bars around the stadium will be buzzing, there will be a lot of alcohol flowing, and there will be a lot of fans dressed in black and orange to partake in another start of the year for the Orioles.

However, I do get the feeling now that Opening Day at Oriole Park is like going to church on Christmas, or Easter in the city.

Well, sort of like people are glad to be there for the sake of being there, and the other 80 home games don’t matter.

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Orioles Finalize 25-man Roster

It looks like the Orioles have finalized their 25-man roster.

It's been a long day for the blog, but there will be more later on tonight in the morning. Some the local media - including some of the local bloggers, team executives, dignitaries got to view some of the improvements and updates to Oriole Park.

The Roster, 25-man:

C: Matt Wieters, Ronny Paulino

IF: Chris Davis, Robert Andino, J.J. Hardy, Mark Reynolds

OF: Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Nolan Reimold

DH: Wilson Betimit/Nick Johnson

Bench: Endy Chavez, Ronny Paulino

SP: Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Tommy Hunter, Brian Matusz,

BP: Jim Johnson, Kevin Gregg, Luis Ayala, Matt Lindstrom, Pedro Strop, Darren O'Day, Troy Patton

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Best Survey Software

Have you been considering running any surveys online? This is an excellent way for you to be able to poll people so that you can choose products and also give some direction for your company through the eyes of your existing customers. This type of survey software tool has also been invaluable for many companies as a way to evaluate their employees and to make any changes that may be necessary to keep them happy as well. Of course, there is going to be differences between the different types of survey software that you choose, so here are some things that you should keep in mind so that you can pick the solution that is going to work the best for you.

First of all, you should choose a solution that is not only a web survey software, it permits you to analyze surveys that you may take on the telephone as well. It is important for you to consider this, even if you are not currently taking any other types of surveys. It is also important for you to choose a solution that is going to allow you to create the surveys easily and may even walk you through the process. Finally, be sure that you are able to look at the results of a survey in a way that makes it easy for you to analyze the information. This is not only going to assist you in choosing the direction for your company, it is also going to assist you in making sure that you are making any necessary changes to future surveys as well.

Wada on DL; More Moves Made...

The Baltimore Orioles made a few more moves yesterday, as the roster for Opening Day is close to being finalized. The biggest news out of the flurry of activity is that pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada will start the season on the disabled list. He says that he is fine and ready to go; however, although Wada had some soreness issues, the Orioles decided to make the move in order to get him stretched out further.

That is, in terms of getting his pitch counts up and getting some more work in.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are sold to Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten & Friends for a Ton of Money...

I’ll comment on the Orioles later in a few posts, however, I did want to mention what happened on the left coast night with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Well, it looks like a consortium of a bunch of well-do-people led by Magic Johnson – who we all know played for the Los Angeles Lakers back in the day - and longtime baseball executive Stan Kasten came to an agreement to purchase the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For TWO BILLION dollars. I cannot wrap that around my head. I'm sure a lot of it is built into an impending TV deal plus the history of the franchise.

I mean, the Powerball jackpot is supposed to come close to $500 million, but who has TWO BILLION to spend like that? Wow.

It’s good for Dodgers fans to finally be rid of Frank McCourt and family, because frankly they f**ked that team up. Geez, and people say that O's fans have it bad with Peter Angelos...

I will say, Frank McCourt is a real man of genius. He bought a storied franchise, had some success at first, drove into the ground, siphoned off money to live an opulent lifestyle, and now can profit greatly from the sale -- up to a BILLION dollars?

I’ve been a Magic Johnson fan since childhood and I’ll be intrigued what he does – along with Stan Kasten with that franchose. I’m sure some other wealthy people fronted the money to purchase the team, but Magic is the figure-head, and Kasten will run the show.

It will be interesting to see if the Dodgers become the Yankees west, or still stick with their ‘value-added signings?

I will say … if I owned the Yankees – or any team in baseball - I’d be very, very happy with the developments from the West Coast.

I mean, if the Dodgers are worth two billion, how much are the New York Yankees worth with their stadium, TV, radio money, and everything else included?

What about the Boston Red Sox?

The Chicago Cubs?

The Philadelphia Phillies?

I guess there’s not truly a concern about the economy after all in baseball – unlike in the rest of the country.
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Orioles and MVA Team Up to Issue Cartoon Bird License Plates...

A very cool idea by the Orioles in conjunction with the Motor Vehicle Administration. I've already got plans to get them...

Orioles announce cartoon bird license plates

The Orioles today announced that they, in conjunction with the Maryland MVA, have created Orioles-themed, State of Maryland license plates that feature the new cartoon bird along with a randomly assigned 4-digit number. Plates cost $50, with $25 going to the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation.

Featuring the popular cartoon bird logo, the license plate is a great way for fans to show their fandom while also supporting the many community programs funded and supported by OriolesREACH.

Fans may enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win plate #0001, the first plate available, by going to orioles.com/plates to register and order their plates (no purchase necessary). The sweepstakes runs until April 17, and by registering, fans agree that they are a resident of the State of Maryland with a valid Maryland driver’s license and that they will use the plate on their vehicle as required by the Maryland MVA.

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75 Wins in 2012 and Other Predictions

I think this Orioles team is going to be better than last year's. I think the best case scenario for this team is .500, I think the worst case is 66, so middle ground I'm putting them at 75. I think there is too much talent on this team to lose 100+ games even if everything goes wrong. You need to be a special kind of bad to have that happen and I don't think the Orioles are that kind of bad.

Orioles All-Star: Adam Jones and Matt Wieters. Yes TWO All-Stars for the Orioles this year. I think both are going to have good enough first halves that you simply can't keep them both out.
Which Pitcher will win the most games? Arrieta with 17.

Who Will Lead the Team With RBI? Adam Jones

Who Will Lead the Team in Homers? Reynolds with 40

Saves Leader: Jim Johnson. But you will also see Pedro Strop and maybe even Chris Tillman record saves this year.

Who Will Be the Orioles MVP? Matt Wieters

Does Brian Roberts Play? No. He will eventually be transferred to the 60 Day-DL and some sort of agreement will be worked out regarding the remainder of his contract.

Attendance: 2.5 million. The team is better.

***

How the AL East will shape up at the end of the season: Tampa Bay, Boston (WC), New York , Toronto, Baltimore ** As mush as I think that the Orioles will be a better team this year and have a non-zero chance of finishing over .500 I can't in good conscience put them anywhere but fifth. This is more a function of their division than anything else. For the Orioles to not finish fifth one team above them will have to fall apart.

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Jake Arrieta Named Opening Day Starter

Finally, the speculation is over. It was a formaility that Jake Arrieta was going to be named the Opening Day starter, but made official today.

From the Orioles.com: SARASOTA, Fla. -- Manager Buck Showalter announced on Monday that Jake Arrieta will be the Orioles' Opening Day starter. Baltimore will begin the season on Friday at home against the Minnesota Twins.

"Jake will pitch on that day and we will go from there," Showalter said in a press conference at the club's Spring Training complex. "We're real proud of him and the way he's gotten back. He's experienced with that environment, as are some other guys we considered. We're hoping he pitches well enough that he does it again next year and the year after that and the year after that. ... He was one of our better pitchers last year before he had the surgery."

It's a quite a cool honor for Arrieta, as he will pitch on Friday against the Minnesota Twins. He counters against veteran Carlo Pavano. Considering how Arrieta's season ended in 2011 and how he has rebounded is quite an accomplishment.

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Need a BP Oil Spill Attorney?

The disaster that took place in the Gulf region with the BP oil spill in 2010 left a profound sense of sorrow, anger and disbelief to those lived through it.

It permeated through almost every facet on life in that part of country, and although time has moved forth, a lot of people are still impacted by what happened.

Although billions have been spent on cleanup, oil spill recovery, and restoring the way of life down in the Gulf, not everyone has still been taken care of. Many people and businesses have gotten back on their feet with a BP oil spill claim, Gulf coast spill claims, and Gulf oil spill lawsuits; sadly, many have not.

If you are still suffering, or have been impacted by the BP or Gulf oil spill, visit the offices of Farrell & Patel, Attorneys At Law.

They will work with you if you need a BP Oil Spill attorney, Gulf oil spill claims, or if you are mired in an oil spill lawsuit, trying to resolve a BP Oil Spill claim.

As well, they can assist with the BP oil spill claims process and serve as your oil spill attorney.

Life has been permanently impacted for many in the Gulf coast region; therefore, if you need, restitution or assistance on getting back on your feet through the complicated legal process, remember, Farrell & Patel, Attorneys At Law can help.

Need a BP Oil Spill Attorney?

The disaster that took place in the Gulf region with the BP oil spill in 2010 left a profound sense of sorrow, anger and disbelief to those lived through it.

It permeated through almost every facet on life in that part of country, and although time has moved forth, a lot of people are still impacted by what happened.

Although billions have been spent on cleanup, oil spill recovery, and restoring the way of life down in the Gulf, not everyone has still been taken care of. Many people and businesses have gotten back on their feet with a BP oil spill claim, Gulf coast spill claims, and Gulf oil spill lawsuits; sadly, many have not.

If you are still suffering, or have been impacted by the BP or Gulf oil spill, visit the offices of Farrell & Patel, Attorneys At Law.

They will work with you if you need a BP Oil Spill attorney, Gulf oil spill claims, or if you are mired in an oil spill lawsuit, trying to resolve a BP Oil Spill claim.

As well, they can assist with the BP oil spill claims process and serve as your oil spill attorney.

Life has been permanently impacted for many in the Gulf coast region; therefore, if you need, restitution or assistance on getting back on your feet through the complicated legal process, remember, Farrell & Patel, Attorneys At Law can help.

Opening Day Plans at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, April 6th

From the good folks with the Baltimore Orioles. If you're curious about Opening Day - which is sold out -- here's a rundown of activities, information, plus additions to Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Orioles announce Opening Day plans for 20th Anniversary Season

The Orioles have announced plans for the first game of their 59th season and the 20th anniversary celebration of Oriole Park at Camden Yards -- The Ballpark That Forever Changed Baseball. The team will face the Minnesota Twins on Friday, April 6, at 3:05 p.m., 20 years to the day that Camden Yards hosted its first regular season game in 1992.

PRE-GAME FUN AROUND THE YARD

To allow fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of Opening Day, the entire ballpark will open at noon on Friday. Each fan will receive a 2012 schedule/car magnet at the gates. Roving musical groups will entertain fans on Eutaw Street and the main concourses.

PRE-GAME CEREMONIES

PLAYER INTRODUCTIONS

Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 2:30 p.m., when pre-game ceremonies will begin. MASN personality JIM HUNTER will serve as emcee for the pre-game festivities.

In a continuation of the Opening Day tradition, Orioles players and coaches will be introduced prior to the game. Orioles players will run through the center field gate on an orange carpet and take their places between first and second base. Manager BUCK SHOWALTER, coaches and staff will be introduced from the Orioles dugout. Members of the Twins will be announced and will run from their dugout to line up between second and third base.

OriolesREACH has arranged for 80 youth from local Girl Scout troops to line the orange carpet holding Orioles flags during player introductions. The Girl Scouts are celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2012.

For the 19th straight season, one fan will be chosen to represent all Orioles fans as the team’s “10th man”. The fan will be introduced as a part of the Orioles starting lineup during the pre-game ceremonies.

FIRST PITCH

In a pairing of 1992 Opening Day batterymates, former Orioles pitcher RICK SUTCLIFFE will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to Orioles Hall of Fame catcher CHRIS HOILES. Sutcliffe was the first pitcher to take the mound at Camden Yards in 1992, throwing a five-hit shutout in a 2-0 Orioles’ win over the Cleveland Indians. Hoiles went 1-for-3 with an RBI double in the game.

NATIONAL ANTHEM & GOD BLESS AMERICA

Representing The Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, tenor Rolando Sanz will perform the National Anthem and God Bless America. Sanz recently made his Carnegie Hall debut singing the role of Kostik in the world premiere of Prokofiev’s lost opera Dalëkie Morja (Distant Seas).

During the anthem, a 30’x 42’ American flag from Fort McHenry will be unfurled over the batter’s eye wall in center field. The flag is a replica of the one that flew over Fort McHenry when Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem.

Colors will be presented by the Fort McHenry Guard in celebration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812. The group consists of men and women, National Park Service personnel and volunteers, who represent the defenders of Baltimore and Fort McHenry: the Field Music in scarlet and white; the Corps of Artillery, the Baltimore Fencibles, the Sea Fencibles, and the citizens of Baltimore who supported them.

GOLD GLOVE AWARDS PRESENTATION FOR MARKAKIS AND WIETERS

Rawlings established the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 1957 to recognize the best fielders at each position; it has evolved into baseball’s greatest measure of defensive excellence. Every year, managers and coaches of each Major League Baseball team select a squad of the best defensemen in their respective leagues, excluding their own teams.

In 2011, right fielder NICK MARKAKIS and catcher MATT WIETERS were named Gold Glove Award winners at their respective positions. Both were first-time recipients. In a pre-game ceremony, a representative from Rawlings will present Markakis and Wieters with their Gold Glove Awards.

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About this Afternoon & The Roster

The Orioles closed out their Grapefruit League portion of the spring as they lost to the Tampa Bay Rays, 8-5 on Sunday in Sarasota.

Wei-Yin Chen had a rough afternoon as he gave up seven runs – only three earned. He did give up three homers – two to Desmond Jennings, who had three on the day; Evan Longoria also homered off of him.

A enormous J.J. Hardy error in the fourth inning opened up the flood gates for the Rays; however, Chen’s outing was not as terrible as it looked.

Despite Hardy’s miscue in the field, did homer twice – once in the first inning and again in the sixth. Nick Markakis and Nick Johnson also hit homers, as well. Johnson, who should make the squad as a bench player, or part-time designated hitter drove in four runs.

With that all being said, it looks like the Opening Day roster is taking shape despite Buck Showalter not finalizing anything. Heck, he has not even named a starter for April 6th although most in the media are speculating Jake Arrieta will be tabbed.

Here is what I think the roster will be:

C: Matt Wieters

IF: Chris Davis, Robert Andino, J.J. Hardy, Mark Reynolds

OF: Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Nolan Reimold

DH: Wilson Betimit/Nick Johnson

Bench: Endy Chavez, Ronny Paulino

SP: Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Tommy Hunter, Brian Matusz,

BP: Jim Johnson, Kevin Gregg, Luis Ayala, Matt Lindstrom, Pedro Strop

The members of the bullpen who are on the bubble are Darren O’Day, Pat Neshek, Zach Phillips, Tsuyoshi Wada and Troy Patton. I think Phillips makes the team as a long reliever who is a southpaw, while Patton starts at Triple-A.

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