Orioles' Season Ticket Prices to Stay The Same in '09

With perhaps some of the worst economic times in memory this country and the possibility of many families being hit hard, the Baltimore Orioles announced that there will be no ticket increases for next season.

The price of Orioles season tickets at Camden Yards will remain the same for 2009. Orioles director of communications Greg Bader confirmed yesterday that season-ticket invoices have been mailed and there are no price increases. Individual tickets go on sale in January. The Orioles raised ticket prices for select seats before last season, marking the first hike in several seasons. Attendance at Camden Yards in 2008 fell below the 2 million mark for the first time in the stadium's 17-year history. The Orioles suffered through an 11th straight losing season and finished in last place for the first time in 20 years.

A good move by the team in times like these. Hopefully, the economy won't get worse, but April is nearly five months away...

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Baez Starting?

After missing the 2008 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Danys Baez -- who is still under contract to the Baltimore Orioles for one more year -- is looking for spot.

With the emergence of Jim Johnson and George Sherill in late inning relief, Baez may be shut out of a relief job, thus, he now has his eyes on an starter's spot.

It's not like the Orioles have a dearth of starting pitching. Aside from Guthrie, Baltimore does not have a reliable starter, and at this point anyone who can throw strikes plus get batters out could conceivably have a role in the rotation.

With as many as four openings in their 2009 rotation, the Orioles aren't ruling out any candidates to start, and that includes Danys Baez.

Baez, who hasn't pitched in a major league game since September 2007 and is trying to come back from ligament-reconstruction surgery, has informed team officials he wants to be a starter in the coming season. Signed to a three-year, $19million deal after the 2006 season to set up closer Chris Ray, Baez hasn't started a game since 2002, when he went 10-11 with a 4.41ERA in making 26 starts for the Cleveland Indians.

"He's expressed some interest in preparing himself as a starter, and we'll see how things go from there," Orioles president Andy MacPhail said. "It seems to make sense. I don't know if you lose anything by doing that. Preparing yourself that you are going to start is not going to retard your development whatever the role you end up being in."

Barring a trade, the back end of the Orioles' bullpen is mostly set with Ray, George Sherrill and Jim Johnson, meaning Baez's best shot to fill a key role for the 2009 Orioles is probably in their rotation. Only right-hander Jeremy Guthrie is a lock for next year's group.

For anyone who saw Baez in 2007, let's say a lot of his outings on the mound may have been cringe worthy -- however, at this point, we might as well see what he's got.

You're Kidding Me Right?

Ah, the free agent watch is in full swing, and I read this nice little bit from Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman this morning that made me laugh and cringe at the same time.

Sometimes I wonder where he gets his intelligence from.

The Blue Jays, Orioles and Yankees might be feeling better about coming closer to Ramirez's wish of at least a five-year deal since they could eventually utilize the great right-handed hitter as a DH. Toronto badly wants to upgrade its offense, Baltimore appears serious about becoming a player for multiple free agents (the Orioles are also looking at Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett) and the Yankees are expected to be the biggest free-agent force this winter.

Baltimore is interested in Manny? Or this some imaginary scenario coming out of Jon Heyman's head. We all know he is a great player, but seriously -- and I mean seriously -- do we want a guy who obviously dogged it on the Red Sox to be a leader in the clubhouse?

It's all well and good what he did with the Dodgers, but do the Orioles want the headache if he decides he wants out. I can see if they were a player or two from contending, but do we want to spend umpteen amounts of money on the a guy who is on the wrong side of 30?

Manny will bring in fans, and some renewed interest with the Baltimore organization, but you want to take the chance of he having a tantrum in the middle of the season?

I say pass.

What Barack Obama Means To The MLB Free Agent Market...

In the jubilation of Barack Obama being named President-elect in some parts of the nation, Major League Baseball players and their agents have taken notice.

Despite Obama promising all Americans who make under $250,000 a tax cut, the current crop of free agents in the sport are a little concerned as to what could happen once he takes office.

I would assume this would not only affect baseball players, but also those in the NBA, NFL, NHL and other high dollar sports.

With free agents Mark Teixiera and A.J. Burnett on the market -- this may be a small part as to where they sign, but this topic may be bigger than we all think.

Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun touched upon this evening, and good pal Ian from Sox and Dawgs buzzed me about this issue.

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Some baseball agents already are thinking about trying to beat a possible tax increase for their well-paid clients under an Obama administration.

President-elect Barack Obama has proposed increasing the top federal income tax rate from 35 percent to 39.6 percent, where it was under president Bill Clinton.

If signing bonuses are paid before Jan. 1, they likely would be taxed at the current rate and would not be subject to any increase.

"It's something we'll consider," agent Craig Landis said Tuesday at the general managers' meetings. "Besides the federal issue, we have a state issue in some cases, anyway, where it's advantageous to take signing bonuses because of the state income tax. A Florida resident can take the signing bonus and not have to pay his team's state tax."

Obama's proposal would increase federal income tax on families earning more than $250,000 annually, money that would help finance a decrease for workers and families earning less than $200,000. It's also possible more income might be subject to the Social Security tax.

Next year's major league minimum is $400,000. Agent Scott Boras, negotiating eight- and possibly nine-figure deals for free agents Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira, already has thought about the possibility of asking for larger signing bonuses payable this year in some of his contracts.

At this point, I don't have much sympathy for ballplayers who complain about the tax they are being levied when America is in an economic downturn, people are losing money in their 401K's, homes, and jobs.

Why would I, along with many fans who purchase tickets to events -- sometimes at a premium -- would have any heartfelt sorrow for athletes who at minimum make more than 20 times the national average salary?

With the Yankees and Mets opening up new ballparks in the next year, and salaries (still) escalating in sports, why should the average fan cry a river for these guys?

Everything is relative, right?

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Barack Obama Is Now Our President-Elect...

Congratulations Barack Obama.

There's not much more to be said aside from this being not only a watershed moment in America -- but the around the globe. I never thought I'd see this day -- an African American, bi-racial man elected President of the United States of America -- this soon in my lifetime.

To see the tapestry of people -- of all colors now in Chicago, but all over the country, in front of the White House, bars, universities, etc., on TV -- not only put a smile on my face, but brought me to tears.

What a moment; thus, whatever side of the aisle you're on -- whether you agree with him ideologically or not -- give this man the respect as the future leader of the United States of America. We're not a union of only black, white, brown, yellow, red rich or poor, red or blue stater, young or old -- we're all Americans are in this all together.

A night like tonight reminds me why we are the greatest nation in the world. We've started the road to moving on from the pain of the past, and hopefully we'll go further from this night forward.

John McCain, no matter what has happened or what people think of you -- you're a great American -- and thanks for finishing this race off with dignity.

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Burnett To Opt Out...

While America is waiting to see if Barack Obama or John McCain will become our next president, one of the worst kept secrets in baseball will become life in a bit and it involves A.J. Burnett...

from ESPN.com: Right-hander A.J. Burnett will opt out of his multiyear contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and declare free agency, his agent said Tuesday.

Agent Darek Braunecker said he's filed the necessary paperwork with the players' association and that Burnett will be opting out of the final two years of his five-year, $55 million contract. Burnett had two years and $24 million left on the deal.

"It's just a formality," Braunecker said from the general managers' meetings in Dana Point, Calif. "We're going to continue dialogue with [the Blue Jays]. But this is the formal exercise that allows us to talk to other people on A.J.'s behalf."

Burnett, 31, posted an 18-10 record with a 4.07 ERA for Toronto this season and established career highs with 34 starts and 221 1/3 innings pitched. He's expected to be seeking a four- or five-year deal for at least $16 million annually on the open market.

It looks like A.J. was good enough and also healthy at the right time to get the chance to make even more money -- however, I still think you have to take a cautious approach with this guy.

His numbers may look good -- but he's got a dubious record for injury and his career has been up and down. He might be a good fit for the Orioles -- however, at $16 million year?

No, for that money, I'll pass.

Some Free Agency Filings; Millar...

Over the past week, a few of the members of the '08 Orioles have filed for free agency...

From the Orioles.com: Two Orioles filed for free agency on Thursday, taking advantage of the earliest possible moment to join the open market. Veterans Jay Payton and Kevin Millar both signaled their intentions to test their value around the league, and the Orioles will make a decision in the coming weeks or months as to whether they bid to retain their services.

and the next day...

Shortstop Alex Cintron filed for free agency on Friday, becoming the third Oriole to do so in the first two days of eligibility.

For the most part, these three were expected to file for free agency, and may not be back with the team -- perhaps the only exception being Millar -- however, for him to come back, he'd come back only as a late option.

Payton stepped in a reserve role in '08 with Luke Scott in the fold; however, I see him not returning to Baltimore, as I guess he'd want to play for a winner and never looked comfortable here, plus, he's on the wrong side of 30 and the team desperately needs to get younger.

Cintron was a decent bat; alas, he was completely useless in the field -- ok, he was just awful at times, and with the team needing shortstop help, he's as good as gone.

Millar could be back if the Orioles fail to find a first baseman on the market, or if Huff is not moved; however, I think his chances of returning to Baltimore are slim, just for the fact like with Cintron -- the team needs to get younger. Kevin was a decent glove at first, had a good batting eye, plus power; alas, he's probably at the end of the road as an everyday player as evidenced by his declining batting average over the years.

I expect him to be picked up by someone, but ardent fans will probably miss him for the energy, positivity and for just being a good teammate.

I sure will.

The Idiot File: Woman Denies Kids Halloween Candy If They or Mom or Dad Support Obama?

The apocalypse has come.

This woman must really be the wicked witch of the West, the meanest woman I have seen in a long time, or just a plain old bitch.

I've now seen it all.

From Youtube: A suburban Detroit woman has decided to scare up the vote among neighborhood children by just offering treats to John McCain supporters.

Shirley Nagel of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., handed out candy Friday only to those who shared her support for the Republican presidential candidate and his running mate Sarah Palin. Others were turned away empty-handed.

TV station WJBK says a sign outside Nagel's house warned: "No handouts for Obama supporters, liars, tricksters or kids of supporters."

Nagel calls Democrat Barack Obama "scary." When asked about children who were turned away empty-handed and crying, she said: "Oh well. Everybody has a choice."

John McCain on SNL (Via Saturday Night Live...)

I missed Saturday Night Live -- a show that has not been on my radar for a long time -- that is until the election...

Anyhow, Ian from Sox and Dawgs has a video of Presidental nominee John McCain on this week's edition of the long running comedy show.

I don't know if I enjoyed McCain as much as Palin, but anytime someone as important as he can go on that type of broadcast and have some fun, we're all better for it.

Mr. McCain is good American; however, after what I heard from Ms. Palin tonight, it will be a cold day in hell before I ever vote for that ticket.

McCain Palin
Uploaded by beisbolct

Are The Orioles Close To Having A New Spring Training Home?

One of the side stories in the offseason with the Baltimore Orioles organization has been about possibly securing a new home for spring training, or refurbishing their current home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Now the Baltimore Sun has some news on that front:

Vero Beach, Fla., and Indian River County officials are hopeful that Orioles owner Peter Angelos and the team's upper management will meet as early as next week and approve an agreement that would make Dodgertown the team's long-term spring training home starting in 2010.

Representatives from the Orioles and Indian River County and Vero Beach spent Wednesday and Thursday meeting in Orlando, Fla., trying to complete a deal that has been discussed for more than a year. A negotiation agreement between the Orioles and the county expired yesterday, but government officials are prepared to give the team time to review the offer.

"We have made them our final offer," Vero Beach Mayor Tom White said yesterday. "After many hours of discussion and changing this and changing that, I'm hoping that Mr.Angelos and the board of directors will accept it. I think it's a good offer and they'll be happy here."

Orioles executive vice president John Angelos, who is heading the organization's search for a long-term spring training home, hasn't returned calls this week. Director of communications Greg Bader said the team wouldn't be commenting on the matter.

The Orioles have long maintained they are committed to staying in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where the club has trained since 1996. They will be back in Fort Lauderdale again in February, but barring a significant change in the coming months, it could be their last training camp there.

I'll say from visiting the Orioles facility in Southern Florida -- it is woefully inept and behind the times in terms of sports complexes. The stadium in Fort Lauderdale does not compare to the other spring training homes in Florida, and is frankly outdated.

I would have no problem with the organization moving north to Vero Beach; however, aside from a great complex and atmosphere for baseball, there's not frankly much to do in the vicinity.

Vero Beach is closer for many fans who drive from the Northeast; alas, in terms of hotels, nightlife, food, etc., it does not compare to Southern Florida. But I'll say that Vero Beach's facility is perfect for spring training, and you could do worse.

I should say Vero Beach -- a small town -- does not have the profile, size or activity of Ft. Lauderdale, a much larger city.

However, I hope the Orioles stay in South Florida just for sake of staying there.

Sarah Palin Gets Punk'd...

Sorry, it does not matter what side of the political aisle you're on, this is hilarious...

How Sarah Palin could not pick out the subtle clues that this might be a prank call has just showed me she does not have the fitness to be second-in-command.

If for some reason she becomes this country's vice president, God help us.

The Oddsmakers Say...

Now that we are at the start of a long off-season, the oddsmakers at BetOnline.com have already come up with some preliminary odds for the 2009 season for the World Series.

I'm sure all of the odds can change depending on who goes where, injuries, etc.; however, the usual suspects are on the top of the list, while BetOnline gives Tampa a 10-1 shot to return to the promised land.

Obviously, they are not giving the Orioles a chance, and the Nationals sadly look like they have no chance in hell next season.

Boston Red Sox 3/1
Chicago Cubs 5/1
LA Angels 5/1
Philadelphia Phillies 6/1
New York Yankees 6/1
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 10/1
Chicago White Sox 10/1
New York Mets 12/1
Milwaukee Brewers 15/1
Minnesota Twins 15/1
LA Dodgers 15/1
Toronto Blue Jays 20/1
Detroit Tigers 25/1
Florida Marlins 30/1
Houston Astros 30/1
St. Louis Cardinals 30/1
Cleveland Indians 30/1
Atlanta Braves 30/1
Arizona Diamondbacks 40/1
Colorado Rockies 40/1
Texas Rangers 50/1
Cincinnati Reds 50/1
Oakland Athletics 50/1
San Francisco Giants 80/1
KC Royals 100/1
Baltimore Orioles 100/1
Seattle Mariners 100/1
San Diego Padres 100/1
Pittsburgh Pirates 200/1
Washington Nationals 300/1


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Burnett Spurns The Yankees?

The World Series is over, and now the talk amongst fans, the media, and executives across the sport of baseball will be the discussion of free agency, trades, and what moves will be made.

After an 11th consecutive losing season, the Baltimore Orioles are looking forward to the future and there's talk in amidst the rebuilding that the organization is looking to spend some money. Now, that may involve bringing in some big ticket items -- one which obviously involves talks with Mark Teixiera -- but one other name thrown around has been A.J. Burnett, another Maryland native.

The Baltimore Examiner -- via a report in the New York Post -- noted that the right hander, who is expected to opt out of his contract with the Blue Jays, will probably not want to the join the Yankees.

And now word is spreading that A.J. Burnett will shy away from The Bronx, too.

If Sabathia and Burnett don't want the Yankees' money, the Yanks will be left to dance with Ben Sheets, Derek Lowe, Ryan Dempster and Oliver Perez.

Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, denied his client has ruled out the Yankees.

"That is 100-percent wrong," Braunecker said. "If he does indeed opt out of the deal [with Toronto] he will see if the Yankees are interested."

Burnett, who went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA and fanned 231 in 2211/3 innings for the Blue Jays this past season, can opt out of the final two years ($12 million each) of his contract following the World Series.

While the Blue Jays hope they can keep him - even after he files for free agency - it's likely that the career 87-76 right-hander lands in another uniform.

Texas and Washington expressed strong interest the last time he was a free agent with the Nationals, the only team to offer a fifth year. Tired of losing and watching the Rays join the Red Sox and Yankees as AL East powers, Orioles owner Peter Angelos is talking about going after first baseman Mark Teixeira and Burnett. Each is from Maryland.

I'm going to take all this with a grain of salt. Although Burnett has shown some affinity to playing in Maryland and for the Orioles, the organization is going to have to make an offer -- one that would most likely pay at least eight digits a year.

If you compound that with his injury history, you've got a potential expensive powder keg on your hands. Assuming Burnett can stay healthy, he's one of the better pitchers in baseball and that could be a boon for the Orioles; however, at this point I'm not going to read too much into the news and it's buyer beware for me.

Your World Series Champs -- The Phillies

After all the rain, wind, cold and debate over Bud Selig’s decision to suspend Game Five of the World Series, action resumed a little after 8:30 tonight.

Folks, America has finally crowned a World Series Champion – the Philadelphia Phillies – as they beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-3.

Tampa was upended by a Phillies team that hustled its way to a win.

The shaky Rays’ bullpen once again came unglued as J.P. Howell served a double to Pat Burrell with the score tied at three; thus, after he was taken out of the game for a pinch runner – Eric Bruntlett – Pedro Feliz plated him and the Phillies took a 4-3 lead.

And then the amazing Brad Lidge came into the game, and it was all said and done. The Rays got on base in the ninth as Dioner Novarro reached on a single and Fernando Perez ran for him and stole second; however, pinch hitter Eric Hinske struck out to end it all.

Needless to say, Lidge has finished the season perfect in save opportunities -- in both the regular season and playoffs -- thus, he's left the vestige of a sad ending to 2006 behind.

The Rays looked awful – I mean awful – when the game resumed. Geoff Jenkins started off the frame with a double off reliever Grant Balfour, and then he scored when Jayson Werth’s bloop single which careened off Akinori Iwamura’s glove to give them a 3-2 lead.

As soon as the Phillies took the lead – the game was suddenly tied at three in the next frame. Rocco Baldelli sent the ball over the left field off a pitch from Ryan Madson to make things interesting, but Tampa would end the inning not doing much.

The city of Philadelphia has a championship finally to savor, and I’m sure it will be a wild time up there the next couple of days.

You have the give all the credit in the world to the Rays – sort of the little, small market engine that could – however, they were completely over matched, and shut down. They will be a force to be reckoned with, and seeing them in the AL East 18 times a year, I know I'll be looking forward to seeing them, but also scared to face their lineup and great arms.

Tampa has a bright of future under the tutelage of Joe Maddon and after finishing above the Yankees, deposing the White Sox and Red Sox in the playoffs, I though they could it.

However, it is the Phillies time now.

It's crazy to think that Philadelphia has only won two titles in 126 years; however, enjoy the win, savor it, remember this season, and be safe.

Then again, after the booing of Bud Selig, the Rays, and anything else not being invoked with the Phillies...

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Rally in Baltimore on November 12th for the Orioles...

Well, I have not done much Orioles news as of late because...

a) my real job has taken over for the last month...

b) there frankly has not been a lot to talk about as we are waiting for the season to end...

However, I took a quick look at Pete Schmuck's blog on the Sun site, and if you'll be in the area on November 12th, there's an O's related rally taking place.

I have no idea if I'll be there, as I have no idea what my job will entail from day to day...

Don't get your hopes up. It's a little late for the Orioles to rally now, but the team is planning a big fan rally on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Harborplace and has sent out invitations to season ticket holders. There has been a lot of speculation on the various O's message boards that it will be to unveil the team's new uniforms, the road version of which will -- as reported in The Baltimore Sun this summer -- have BALTIMORE on the front.

We've done a little poking around and determined that some of the posters and bloggers around here are pretty smart. Indeed, the rally will be to launch the new uniforms, which will feature some other changes along with the return of the geographical designator on the out-of-town jerseys.

The Orioles are pretty mum on this because they don't want to let the cap out of the bag, so to speak, but there are rumors they've come up with a new, fiercer bird logo. That would be interesting. I've included the current ornithological bird logo on the right. I guess you could try to imagine it as a blood-thirsty, talon-baring, hawk-like creature, but we're getting way ahead of ourselves. The bird makeover is just a rumor.

I'll looking forward to seeing this -- and why not, it will be cool to see what new the jerseys look like and as well what surprises are in store.

I've never been one to be real big on uniforms (unless they are ungodly hideous), but I'm curious to see the roadies.

Game Five Suspened; World Series Reflections...

It was wet and wild in Philadelphia last night, almost to the point it was beyond ridiculous as to why Major League Baseball allowed Game Five of the World Series to be played.

After both teams played for quite a while in whipping wind and a downpour, the brass in Major League Baseball finally got to their senses and stopped the game in the sixth inning with both Philadelphia and Tampa tied at two.

There was a strong prospect that the World Series could have ended last night when the heavy rains came down; however, in the sixth inning, B.J. Upton -- who beat out an infield single to get on base -- stole second and was plated by a Carlos Pena base hit to tie the game.

It looked like Philadelphia would meet up with destiny as they scored twice in the first inning via a single by Shane Victorino that plated both Chase Utley and Jayson Werth; however, Tampa pitching shut down the Phillies and got out of quite a few jams.

Tampa's first run came off an Evan Longoria single that plated Carlos Pena.

Hamels was good -- but not dominant -- thus, you have to wonder if the weather and he getting hit on the hand off a foul tip hindered him in any way. Kazmir started off the game rocky, but settled into his own, and the Rays bullpen got him out trouble in the sixth inning.

Speaking of Longoria -- it's nice that he and Carlos Pena finally broke out of a depressing slump to bring some life back into the Rays. Simply put, if they had continued their drought into Monday night, the trophy would have been driving down Broad Street sooner rather than later.

In the end, the game got suspended -- for the first time ever in Series history. I don't think the game would have been called if the Phillies had the lead, simply because this is the 'World Series' and not any other game. An event of this magnitude should allow both teams every opportunity to play each and every out -- not matter how long it takes.

We will see if both teams can play tonight; however, according to the weather reports, it does not look promising as well.

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Phillies Make The Rays Uncomfortable, Take 2-1 Lead in World Series

It looks like no one in America is really watching this World Series; however, if you're missing it – you're missing some interesting baseball. The Phillies are now up 2-1 in the 2008 World Series as they beat the Rays, 5-4, thanks to a weak infield single – a dribbler along third bases – with the bases loaded by Carlos Ruiz that plated Eric Bruntlett.

The frame started as J.P. Howell hit Bruntlett, and then he was relieved of by Grant Balfour. Only a minute later, Balfour would throw a wild pitch and Bruntlett advanced to second. After two intentional walks to both Shane Victorino and Greg Dobbs, the game would end a few minutes later.

With the score tied at four, Evan Longoria tried in vain to scoop the ball and throw it home; but the ball sailed over Dioner Navarro's head and Bruntlett tapped home plate.

The matchup on Saturday featured the sometimes overly emotional 24-year old Matt Garza versus Jamie Moyer, who should at 45 years old be considered a living legend. The matchup did not look good on paper – in fact, I thought the Rays would take advantage of Moyer – however, the elder fellow showed why he was 16-7 and still effective in the big leagues.

If you counter Moyer with Matt Garza, who looked fidgety and never comfortable on the mound on Saturday – it's even more remarkable what he did. He went 6 1/3 innings and gave up five runs on three hits; meanwhile, Garza went six innings and gave up four runs – three of them solo home runs to Carlos Ruiz (second inning), Chase Utley (sixth), Ryan Howard (sixth) – but, J.P. Howell took the loss as he and the Rays just fell apart in the ninth inning.

Philadelphia took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning as Chase Utley plated Jimmy Rollins with a groundout; thereafter, in the next frame, Carl Crawford -- who'd gotten on base via a double, and then stole third – scored off a Gabe Gross sacrifice fly to tie things at one.

The Phillies took a 4-1 lead into the seventh inning, but the train came off the tracks thanks to bizzare a play – a missed call – that open things ups for Tampa. Carl Crawford reached a on a bunt single; however, it looked like he was out as Jamie Moyer mad an acrobatic throw from the dirt and it seemed the Ryan Howard caught the ball – with his bare hand! – before Crawford hit the bag, but umpire Tom Hallion called him safe.

The next batter, Dioner Navarro doubled; thereafter, Gross would plate Crawford with a groundout and then Navarro would be plated by Jason Bartlett.

Tampa tied the game at four in the eighth inning thanks to some aggressive base running by B.J. Upton. The Tampa center fielder reached on a infield single, and then promptly stole second and third. Upon stealing third, the ball thrown by the Phillies' Ruiz hit Upton in the back, and careened away from third base allowing him to score.

Last night's game showed why Tampa may lose – as it is not for a lack of talent – but because of their inexperience. Like I said prior, Garza looked uncomfortable and at times the team looked real shaky in the field.

Philadelphia has not been good, but lucky and if Tampa keeps giving them opportunities like they had in game three, they will win the World Series.

One more thing, boy did the Philadelphia fans go out of their way to make the Rays uncomfortable – from the silly song that they had the Tampa team run out in the pre-game celebrations to the fans calling Evan Longoria “Eva” – last night America got to see why they are the most infamous, crude, but passionate fans anywhere.

Loewen and the Jays

Upon reading today's Sun article on Adam Loewen signing with the Blue Jays, I don't think anyone can begrudge him.

I respected the kid because he was a bulldog on the mound and seemed to work hard; however, it looks like wanted for play for Toronto, simply because he is a Canadian and rooted for them growing up.

I'm sure a lot of fans and people will miss him in the organization, but he's got a hill to climb in order to transition from pitching to become a big league hitter.

"I don't think it's about money," MacPhail said. "The way it was explained to me, it's all about playing for his national team in Canada and it's not about terms or anything. The way it was explained to me is he grew up there and it's his lifelong dream to play for Toronto. I have no interest in having Baltimore become part of Canada. We're proud members of the United States, and there isn't much we can do about it."

It was assumed Loewen would re-sign with the Orioles -- until the Jays looked into getting him...

That apparently changed when Toronto came calling. Loewen said he and his representation told the Orioles there were "other offers on the table and they knew fully that there were other teams interested.

"It has been something I've been struggling with ever since I got put on waivers and the possibility presented itself," Loewen said. "[The Orioles] fully did what they had to do and I was aware of that. They did everything on their part that they could do to try to sign me back. I love playing in Baltimore and I loved the coaching staff. Even when I went to instructional league, the coaching staff was outstanding. There was no animosity at all. I just thought this was an opportunity that doesn't come along very often. It was tougher than I could say. I'm excited to be a Blue Jay, but I'll never forget my time in Baltimore."

Sports is a huge business, and no matter what we think, if Loewen struggled horribly -- he could have been released anyway. However, it looked like the Orioles were going to have him every chance in the world to succeed.

The ball was in Adam's court, but instead, he wanted to play for the Jays, and we shouldn't judge him. This move will be simply one the Orioles could afford to not get emotional about -- he was not going to help the team in 2008, 2009 or perhaps beyond.

I'll be rooting for him to make it back to the Big Leagues.

Adam Loewen Now Part of The Blue Jays...

I seriously thought that Adam Loewen would resign with Baltimore; however, things have changed as he was put on waivers a few days ago.

Now he's part of the Toronto Blue Jays.

TORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Blue Jays acquired two of the top four picks in the 2002 draft on Friday, signing converted pitcher Adam Loewen to a minor league contract and claiming right-hander Bryan Bullington off waivers.

Bullington was selected by Pittsburgh with the top overall selection and Loewen was taken fourth by the Baltimore Orioles. Neither player has panned out so far professionally.

Baltimore released Loewen on Monday, but had hoped to re-sign him to a minor league deal. Loewen, a native of Surrey, British Columbia, acknowledged leaving the Orioles was "extremely difficult," but said the chance to join Toronto was too good to pass up.

"I grew up watching the Blue Jays and was a huge fan all my life," he said. "This is a great opportunity. I'm really excited to get going."

Loewen's pitching career ended in July because of recurring stress fractures in his left elbow. Loewen worked with Baltimore batting coach Terry Crowley in September before joining the Orioles' instructional league team. He went 8-8 with a 5.38 ERA in three years as a pitcher.

Loewen, who will attempt to reach the majors as a first baseman/outfielder, said he has no regrets about giving up pitching.

"If you gave me a brand new left arm and I was able to do what I used to, I don't think I'd take it," he said.

Too bad. That's just the risk the Orioles took releasing him and not putting him on the 40-man roster.

Rays Tie Series at One

Last night, in Tampa-St. Petersburg, the Rays upended the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-2.

The Rays scored four runs in the first four innings to earn the victory, as they scored in two runs in the first inning off groundouts by Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria; thereafter, in the second inning, B.J. Upton plated Dioner Navarro with a bases-loaded single and they tacked another run in the fourth due to a Jason Bartlett groundout.

Philadelphia got on the board after little used Eric Bruntlett homered in the eighth, and scored again in the ninth as Jason Werth scored off a Longoria; however, the game was all Tampa's.

James "Big Game (sorry, Tampa fans I strongly disagree with this)" Shields lived up to his moniker as he went 5 2/3 innings and gave up zero runs for the win. The Tampa bullpen held on, and David Price kept things in order by pitching the last 2 1/3 innings although he gave up two runs -- only one earned.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia's Brett Myers went seven strong innings to get the victory; however, he got saddled with the loss as gave up four runs -- three earned -- on seven hits.

When all was said and done after Game Two, the Phillies should be down 2-0, rather than have a tie. Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard have not much, and they seem to always be waiting for the big hit rather than manufacturing runs. They strikeout too much, and can't seem to do the little things right -- the exact opposite of what Tampa did in game two.

If the Phillies can't get their act together -- unless Cole Hamels in on the mound -- I don't see where they will win the Series.