Has The Bidding for Teixeira Already Begun?

(take my blog post article title with a grain of salt -- teams officially cannot talk with free agents until after the World Series...)

Well, it looks like Steinbrenner II -- Hank Steinbrenner -- has once again opened up his mouth and announced the Yankees grand plan to get back into the playoffs. Aside from the obvious targets for their desire -- A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, and Derek Lowe -- they want one other big name ticket item for their trophy case.

Mark Teixiera.

Needless to say, there's no doubt that they were going after the Maryland first baseman, considering they have millions upon millions coming off their books and Giambi will not most likely be re-signed.

From CNNSI.com: The Yankees' interest in Teixeira seems to make clear that longtime Yankee Jason Giambi will not be brought back. Even if the Yankees fail to sign Teixeira, they have determined they want to upgrade their defense at first base. The Angels, Orioles and perhaps the Giants and Mariners are among teams expected to show interest in Teixeira.

Baltimore needs the bat -- we need a Grade A first baseman -- however, will the organization spend the money when they are more than a couple of pieces short to be a contending team. Furthermore, he will demand a huge contract -- a nine figure one -- and if the Orioles don't improve (presuming he even signs with the team), will he want out much like he did in Texas?

I have no idea if the Orioles will attempt to sign him -- maybe they will, maybe they won't -- but the price will be high, and more so the case as Teixiera's agent is Scott Boras.

I've been on record as saying it would be a complete waste of resources to sign him, but we might as well gauge his interest and see what comes of it. If the likelihood of he signing with the organization isn't good -- let's spend the money somewhere else.

The Manny Being Manny Show Coming to Baltimore?

Paul Heyman of Sports Illustrated ponders on Manny Ramirez will be heading since the playoffs are done -- well, at least for him. It's interesting one of the places that are possibly (and I mean loosely) in the mercurial, dreadlocked slugger.

Charm City, believe it or not.

From CNNsi.com: The Orioles are another team that has been suggested as a possible landing spot, but they are more than one player away from competing in the ultra-tough AL East. Besides, new baseball chief Andy MacPhail appears to be getting away from the big-ticket buys of the Orioles past, and if they do go for a major free agent, it's more likely to be Severna Park, Md., native and Angels star Mark Teixeira. The Angels make some sense for Ramirez, but are more likely to try to keep the much younger Teixeira, whom they love.

I think that Heyman may be pulling this out of his head, or this might be some strange rumor, but I don't see him ever playing in Baltimore unless it is on the visiting team.

Honestly, a Manny Ramirez signing would go against the M.O. of Andy McPhail and what he wants do with the organization, plus would he be a good influence on the young guys, or would he pulls the same antics he did in Boston if he's not pleased?

As well, although he'd no doubt fill some seats, is he worth the money we'd sign him for, and would he we have give up draft picks if he were signed?

I say pass.

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Ramon Or Matt?

On top of the pitching concerns, and the debate over what free agents to sign, there's one other issue that's been on my mind -- perhaps on the minds of other fans as well.

Who will man behind the plate?

Aside from Daniel Cabrera, one of the other guys who left me distressed during more than any other is Ramon Hernandez. Despite a year where he improved with the bat, his play as the starting catcher for the Orioles left very little to the imagination.

At times he lacked focus -- almost to the point where he was lazy -- others, he just seemed unable to block balls and showed very little hustle behind the plate.

For the reason alone, we might as well give someone else a shot -- Matt Wieters.

The guy's story of his time in the minors has become nothing but a folk legend amongst the most ardent of fans, so why not see if he can cut in the majors?

Recently, Spencer Fordin of the orioles.com pondered about Matt Wieters after he answered a question about him in his latest mailbag...

Will Matt Wieters be starting for the Orioles on Opening Day? And will there be any other significant Oriole prospects that may have a role on next year's team? -- Mike V., Rochester, N.Y.

Wieters, who's on the short list for best prospects in baseball, represents an interesting quandary for the Orioles. If they bring him up on Opening Day -- and he's provided every indicator that he'll be ready by then -- they run the risk of losing him to free agency a full season earlier than they would if he spends the season's first month at Triple-A Norfolk.

That didn't bother the Orioles when their previous top prospect, right fielder Nick Markakis, took the team by storm in Spring Training. Baltimore elected to start Markakis in 2006 despite the fact that he had never played at Triple-A, and had just 33 games at Double-A under his belt. And after some initial struggles, he became one of the team's best players.

With Wieters, the fifth overall pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, the Orioles may elect to play it safe. The catcher didn't sign until moments before the deadline to come to terms or go back to college, and Baltimore can expect a similar tussle when free agency rolls around. In this case, it pays to be careful, even if it means waiting an extra month.

While I see where Spencer is coming from, I don't think the issue of service time should come into play -- especially when he have someone seemingly as talented as Wieters in the wings.

However, the big issue is with Hernandez's contract. I would fathom at this point, since Ramon has one year left at I think $8 million plus, the Orioles would attempt to move him this off-season.

I say let Wieters play for a job in Spring Training, and if he tears it up, he should be behind the plate for Opening Day 2009.

Millar

Kevin Millar has been a mainstay of the Baltimore Orioles for the past several years, and every once in a while, he posts a blog on the MLB Orioles site chronicling his life in the majors.

In perhaps his final entry on the site (a very long one), he talks about his time in Baltimore and how he still wants to be part of the organization despite the rebuilding.

Here’s an excerpt:

From the orioles.com: It’s just one of those things, but this team is not as far away as some people think. We just have to find a way to get some more starting pitching, and that’s not easy. It’s the organization’s plan to add some arms, and they’ll move from there. But aside from finishing last in the standings, you have to see some bright spots. You look at George Sherrill and Adam Jones and what they meant to us, and you look at Dennis Sarfate and Luke Scott, the guys they got back in some of the trades from last winter. Aside from the record, there were a lot of bright spots for whomever is willing to look for them.

Personally, my situation is the same. I’ve made it known that I’d like to come back here. I’ve made it known that I enjoy bringing energy to this clubhouse and I’ve enjoyed the three years that I’ve played here. It’s been phenomenal. Hopefully, they know who I am, but I’m angry at myself and I’m almost embarrassed at the way I finished. I did not swing the bat well the last six weeks, and the reality is that you’ve got to hit in this league. I scuffled, but they know I fight tooth and nail every day. I know it’s general manager Andy MacPhail’s job to go out and test the market, but if things work out, I’d love to be the first baseman here. I have a lot of work to do this offseason to prove something and to personally swing the bat the way I’m capable of.

For anyone who had watched the team for the last couple of seasons, it’s obvious that Kevin brought some fun, mentoring, and well-needed leadership at times to the Baltimore Orioles.

At this point, though — does he even deserve to be on the 2008 roster?

Well, he was a good soldier; however, at this point, it’s time for the Orioles to move on and perhaps find a younger, power bat — can we say, Mark Teixiera — or have Huff at first. But as a fan, I enjoyed having him around and maybe if there’s a fit, he should come back. Sadly, at this point, we have to look at the road ahead and get some new blood in.

The organization has enough men already on the wrong side of thirty, and the team may not need another one.

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Did It Have To Be This Way...

The other day, I had gone to get an eye exam and I had an interesting conversation with doctor about baseball – specifically, the Baltimore Orioles.

I took part of the day off, decided to dress casual that day and wore a throwback Orioles cap (the one they wore in the late 60’s/early 70’s).

Long story short, the good doctor still follows the team; however, he’s not attended a game up in Baltimore in several years not because of the losing, or the bad teams, but because of solely one reason.

Peter Angelos.

He qipped, “I like the direction the team is going, the trade for Adam Jones, George Sherrill by getting rid of Bedard; that new guy — um, McPhail –he seems to know what he’s doing, but – I will not give Peter Angelos any of my money and I will only go to games again when he dies.”

“Oh, that’s a shame,” I said. “As painful as it is to watch them lose, I just can’t do it. I guess I love baseball too much.”

He says, “I know, but I got tired of his meddling, and the way the team is run.”

I said, “Yeah, I don’t blame you.”

He followed up by saying, “Yeah, I hear he does a lot of good, giving money away and everything — perhaps that should be more important than just baseball; um, but I still won’t go up there (to the Yard).”

I’m always surprised when I hear this. It seems like the community still cares for the Oriole and people still follow it; however, when it comes to opening up their wallets or spending the time and energy to head out to the park, they won’t do it.

Again, I don’t blame people for not going out the Yard. Why should one spend their emotional and financial investment in a product, if it will fail you time and time again?

Well, in the end, the one who is paying the biggest price, aside from the fans is Peter Angelos.

In the end, it won’t matter if he made his money the old-fashioned way – a Horatio Alger story of a man of modest means who becomes a billionaire by working hard, getting an education, a profitable career (I’m not going to argue the merits of it) – who also gives back the community; however, he’ll be known for one thing.

For killing (allegedly) baseball for Oriole fans everywhere.

I’m not going to begrudge a man who has carved out the American dream for himself; however, the hatred of Angelos amongst many just tells you how important sports are in the hearts and minds of people.

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NLCS Thoughts and Playoff Reflections; Markakis & A New Contract...

The 2008 playoffs resume tonight as game one of the NLCS is played in the City of Brotherly Love.

Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers take on the Phillies; thus, for me, although I am a fan of the Orioles, the NL style of baseball appeals to me a lot more. That being said, I am very interested to see how this series turns out.

Both teams match up well with their lineups, as well as their pitching staffs although I think Philadelphia might have a slight edge with their bullpen (because of Brad Lidge). I think the starters for the first three games are suitable, there’s a significant drop-off from there with their starting rotations for both teams.

That’s why I see things so even matched up.

Right now, I am picking the Dodgers in seven games for the upset.

Why?

I think the Dodgers have been greatly underestimated, and obviously Manny in that lineup makes the difference; however, I think Joe Torre has also been a calming influence on this team as well by virtue of his experience dealing in New York.

Again, there’s the Manny factor. They look and play like a different team from the one we saw from April to the end of July. If the Dodgers go down 2-0 when they return to California, I think they are as good as done. I don’t think the Phillies can stop Manny based on how well he’s doing right now -- (but I think Ramirez only has a career batting average of .200 versus the Phillies) -- but shutting down the rest of the offense is ey.

However, if the Dodgers can touch up on Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer, the Phillies are in trouble. As well, if Howard and Burrell are shut down, it’s too curtains for them.

Although I think the Phillies have the superior hitting lineup, I think there’s an upset.

I would so love to see a Dodgers-Red Sox World Series. Just imagine all the story lines, drama, and I'm sure MLB would be happy with the ratings as it would be a blockbuster.

***

While a handful of teams are still in the playoffs, teams like the Baltimore Orioles are stuck in watching it from home and face the prospect of a long, hard winter.

That being said, now is the time to sign Nick Markakis to a long term deal. I have said over and over, I have full faith in Andy MacPhail and I more or less said last year that the right fielder not being signed to a long term contract isn’t an issue — however, if it’s not done this off-season it will be.

After seeing his peers like Ryan Braun, Evan Longoria, and Troy Tulowitzki signed to healthy contracts, after the progress Markakis has shown, he deserves the same.

At this point, if they go through arbitration process, Markakis will get a huge pay day indeed; however, the longer the team waits to sign him to a deal, the higher his price will go and the greater the likelihood that he’ll bolt.

Considering the Orioles are rebuilding, and it may be a while before they start to win, now is the time to sign Nick.

Let’s avoid Pandora’s Box from opening when it does not need to be the case.

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Playoff Reflections, Friday

Well, yesterday brought us more baseball -- this time, exclusively AL -- as the Division Series continued on Friday. I got home from work, and aside from talking to people off and on throughout the night -- it was all baseball, even doing cardio on my stationery bike.

The first game featured the upstarts Rays against the White Sox, and watching on TBS, it was shocking to see how many White Sox fans were there; nevertheless Tampa came back from a shaky first inning by Scott Kazmir -- where he gave up two runs -- and Chicago's inability to do anymore damage against him.

In a 6-2 final, Tampa used small ball and a huge Akinori Iwamura home run in the fifth inning to breball, tampa bay rays eak it open.

Tampa's bullpen kept the White Sox off the board, and in the end, they are now up 2-0 in the division series.

Being a fan of the Orioles, I have watched the Rays more than enough to see what they are capable of -- they are a complete team from top to bottom and can score in various ways -- unlike the White Sox.

I think the Sox will take a game in Chicago; however, I just think the Rays move to the next round of play and no one should confuse this team with the previous incarnations of the last decade. This Tampa team is very athletic, they don't make (many) mistakes, and they'll use various tricks up their sleeve to win.

Tampa is that good.
***
The final game on the night was the Red Sox vs. the Angels. Obviously, most people know my thoughts on this series; however, last night's game was highly entertaining and might have been the best game so far I have watched on TV.

I thought the Angels would mount a challenge and they did in game two -- but, the Boston Red Sox seem to have a killer instinct that the Angels don't have. A double by David Ortiz and then a home run by the "hurt" J.D. Drew in the top of the ninth lead Boston over Los Angeles, 7-5.

Jason Bay's home run in the first broke open the game and helped Boston take a four-run lead. They took advantage of a bad Ervin Santana, but his teammates chipped away at the Boston lead and Daisuke Matuszaka to tie it up. In the end, the Angels could not take advantage of opportunities -- especially in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded.

I expect Boston to finish the series up on Sunday. The Red Sox know they have the advantage, and now they head home to Fenway. The Angels will need a lot of luck on their side to win, and at this point -- if you saw the faces on some of the guys (especially Torii Hunter) -- you can tell that they are a defeated team.

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O's Lose To Jays; Digging Adam Jones

Well, could this be the downfall of the Baltimore Orioles that we all expected, or just a rough patch?

The Orioles started off plain awful – I mean awful. A horrific inning on part of Garrett Olson, bad defense and an impressive output the Blue Jays with two-out hits allowed the Jays to beat Baltimore, 9-8.

Despite the bad inning in the fourth frame, Baltimore came back from a five run deficit, with an aggressive showing in the latter half of the game.

Nick Markakis homered and scored three runs in a three-hit performance while Adam Jones added a three-run homer for Baltimore – his first since June; however, the Oriole rally came up short.

Do you guys think the young pitching along with the bullpen are starting to wilt because of the long season?

As well, one more thing I’d love to ask, what do you all think of development of Adam Jones? He had some growing pains at the start of the year, especially at the plate, but he’s coming along just fine. His average is up, and he’s seemed to at least cut down on his strikeouts.

I like the kid, and personally, I can tell he’s improving and is heeding the advice of all his coaches and staff. At the end of the day, you can’t be anything but impressed. When he plays in center, you feel like the kid is a 10-year veteran, not a second year player.

Despite his numbers perhaps not being all that impressive (perhaps average), he’s learning the game fairly quickly at this venture, and his upward climb reminds me a lot of what Markakis had to go through in his first season.

It’s his inexperience that is hindering him his point. Jones has had less than 500 at bats in MLB and his numbers so far shows that he gets the game, but is still definitely learning at this level.

The experts say you need at least 1000-1500 at-bats to determine a player’s abilities at the plate. He’ll be fine, and at this point, we should be all be impressed that he’s worked himself up to a .281 average on July 10th.

We should not worry, he’ll be someone who’ll grow on us. Boy, once he gets better at recognizing pitches at the plate, he’ll start crushing the ball on a more occasional basis.

Orioles 83' World Series Reunion on July 25th; Discount Tickets Available...

It promises to be an excellent and quite memorable night on Wednesday, July 23rd, as the Baltimore Orioles have seemed to pull out all the stops to not only bring back some nostalgia, but to get fans pumped up for the summer.

The Orioles will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their 1983 World Series championship on Wednesday, July 23 at Camden Yards. Over 20 players and coaches from the ’83 team will return to Baltimore to take part in the festivities, and all upper deck seats (upper box and upper reserve) will be discounted to $5.50, the same price as an upper deck seat at Memorial Stadium in 1983, in honor of the event.

Players expected to attend on July 23 include CAL RIPKEN JR., EDDIE MURRAY, BENNY AYALA, MIKE BODDICKER, AL BUMBRY, TODD CRUZ, RICK DEMPSEY, JIM DWYER, MIKE FLANAGAN, DAN FORD, GLENN GULLIVER, TITO LANDRUM, DENNIS MARTINEZ, TIPPY MARTINEZ, SCOTT MCGREGOR, DAN MOROGIELLO, JIM PALMER, GARY ROENICKE, JOHN SHELBY, KEN SINGLETON, JOHN STEFERO and BILL SWAGGERTY. General Manager HANK PETERS and coach JIMMY WILLIAMS will also participate.

Eutaw Street opens at 5:00 p.m. and the ballpark seating bowl will open at 5:30. 1983 team members will greet fans at entry gates until 6:00. The first 25,000 fans to enter the ballpark gates will receive a 1983 World Series 25th Anniversary pennant, and 500 of those fans will receive a pennant autographed by a member of the ’83 team.

1983 team members will participate in a press conference in the bullpen picnic area at 6:00 p.m. that is open for all fans to observe, then take part in an on-field pre-game ceremony at 6:30. Select members will sign autographs on the lower concourse once the game has begun. Fans will also have the opportunity to pose for photos with the 1983 World Series trophy throughout the game.

Current Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays players and coaches will wear jerseys from the 1983 season for the 7:05 p.m. game in honor of the occasion. Orioles players and coaches will also wear a 1983 World Series 25th Anniversary patch on their jersey sleeves. After the game, the Orioles jerseys of both ’83 team members and current players and coaches will be auctioned online at www.orioles.com, with proceeds benefiting Shannon’s Fund, the OriolesREACH initiative named for former Director of Community Outreach Shannon Obaker.

Ballpark music and video entertainment for the game will reflect the 1983 season.

Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m. for the start of pre-game ceremonies. Tickets may be purchased via phone at 1-888-848-BIRD or online at www.orioles.com. Season Plan Holders with July 23 as part of their plan will receive an automatic credit to their account for the difference in price. All other ticket buyers of record will receive an automatic refund for the difference.

Rangers Take 2 Out of 3; Loewen On the Shelf

It was an ugly day at the Yard on Sunday.

Well, in perhaps one of the longest, frustrating, exciting, and heart-breaking nine-inning game that I have ever had to sit through, the Orioles valiantly came back from a four run deficit late; however, they narrowly missed defeating the Rangers, 11-10. The game started off ugly, and only got worse as Radhames Liz, who had managed to win a few game despite finding himself in trouble had his luck run out Sunday as he only pitched a little less than four innings.

The offense came together, but ten walks by Baltimore pitching allowed Texas to pile on the runs. Down by in the eighth, our usually reliable relievers, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill let the flood gates open, along with a huge Freddie Bynum error that only made things worse.

The Orioles used the long ball -- three in total, including a three-run shot by Nick Markakis in the 8th, and solo shots by Melvin Mora and Kevin Millar in 9th; however, Oriole Magic just came up a bit short.

To add insult to injury, one of our young guns, Adam Loewen perhaps may have found himself on the shelf again, and one has to wonder about his career from here on out.

Loewen, making his third relief appearance since being activated from the disabled list last Monday, hopped into the air and grimaced after throwing a pitch to Rangers shortstop Ramon Vazquez. Trembley and Bancells were already perched on the top step of the dugout, watching intently for signs that Loewen was hurt.

"He felt a sharp pain in his elbow, not like he felt in Seattle," Trembley said, referring to the former first-round draft pick's last start before going on the DL April 25. "He's not going to pitch for a while."

Catcher Ramon Hernandez said he checked on Loewen because "he had that pained face," but the left-hander gave assurances that he was fine. He came out after his next throw.

One has to wonder is he going to done? Could he ever live up the promise that he had when he was signed in the draft? Honestly, unless he makes a miraculous recovery, I don't envision him ever being a starter again. Perhaps he might go down the road of Kerry Wood? He's a good kid, a fighter, and is still young, but is it time for Baltimore reconsider his role in the organization?

And yes, the Orioles have lost for the 13th consecutive Sunday! What gives? Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers, a team we should perhaps have beaten -- at least in the first two games, sneak out of Baltimore taking 2 out of 3.

Furthermore, can we surmise that their lucky run might be coming to an end? With Toronto and Boston on the docket this week, along with after the All-Star break, Detroit, Toronto again, the Angels and the Evil Empire, Baltimore will have a fight on their hands. Well, it is starting to look like the young pitching is faltering, injuries are starting to creep up on the staff, and there's a lack of pitching depth in the minors -- what are the Orioles to do?

The next week will tell us a lot on where the Orioles stand.

Photo Gallery: Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 6th, 2008

Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles: July 6th, 2008

O's Down Rangers, 10-4: What Do The O's Do?

The Orioles started the fireworks early as they downed the Rangers in a laugher, 10-4. Both Freddie Bynum, who played due to illness (Roberts battling the flu), and Brandon Fahey supplied much of offense on the 4th of July. Fahey had two doubles, and Bynum has three RBI's for the easy win. The offense jumped all over Vicente Padilla - a 10 game winner for Texas.

Jeremy Guthrie finally got the run support he needed to earn his fifth win as he went a little over six innings, and looked balanced in the victory.

***
There's been a lot of talk about the trade deadline and what the Orioles should do. I have been on record as saying that Andy MacPhail should continue the rebuilding process no matter what -- however, it does not mean that he should just trade guys to trade 'em.

For example, Aubrey Huff? His contract is relatively affordable, and he's now having a hell of a year at the plate? Do we trade him and his 17 homers, 53 RBIs? Who would we get for him? It's not like he's old -- he's only 31!

Roberts? He's the spark plug of the team and fan favorite -- who makes up his .368 OBP or his 22 stolen bases? Do we trade Walker and Millar, two men who perhaps unquestionably are the leaders of this team and perhaps have improved chemistry?

I trust MacPhail, and he's on the mark with most very deal so far. However, with all the chatter on talk radio and the 'net, the Orioles may be closer to improving than any of us thought in March.

Still, moves need to be made, we have an issue with shortstop (but Fahey is doing well in his limited playing time), and the team looks to playing their best baseball in a decade. Right now, the road is looking bright, but you don't trade guys just to trade them.

Like Dave Johnson said, "you can't get ride over everyone over 28, and have a team of twenty-year olds."

I like the team assembled, and fans are happy to see a winning product. I have no illusions of seeing playoff tickets printed, and in the end, if we have a strong August-September, there's a buzz that will be created for Orioles baseball that has not been seen in a long time.

There's one thing we know, Bedard and Tejada are not missed.

Photo Gallery: Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 4th, 2008

Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 4th, 2008

Bad Baseball Doom the O's

K.C. Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 3rd, 2008

Last night was painful to watch, real painful as the Orioles blew a game that they should not have, 10-7.

We have the free-swinging Rangers on the docket this 4th of July weekend, but first, last night started off so well and then became an unadulterated train wreck.

Garrett Olson started off well, and the Orioles pounced the Royals for seven runs — including two long balls by Aubrey Huff — however, in the sixth inning, Olson would wilt and the game would be turned over to the bullpen.

Adam Loewen did not look good at all, but the meltdown was not all his fault as Kevin Millar committed a critical error that opened up the flood gates, and down — the Orioles never got back up. Chad Bradford came in and the K.C. hit parade continued.

When all was said and done, the Royals would put seven runs in the sixth inning, and their bullpen shit us down.

Baltimore just needs to shake off this loss, and start the weekend off strong. If the Orioles can go into next Monday with a .500 or better record, this season so far will have been above and beyond anyone’s expectations.

Two questions for you all. One, do we continue trotting Adam Loewen out there, considering the absence of Albers — or should he work himself out in the minors? Two, if you’re Andy MacPhail, what changes do you make in the second half (for example: Do we keep or trade Huff and do we really need David Eckstein)?

Photo Gallery: K.C. Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 1st, 2008

K.C. Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 1st, 2008

The O's Really Want To Win on Sundays; Melvin Mora At The ESPN Zone on Tuesday...

In a way to rally the troops, and get fans to support the team, the Orioles are taking a unique step to break the streak of the team losing on Sundays.

The Orioles announced a new promotion today in an effort to help the club reverse its Sunday struggles, which will debut this Sunday for the team's game against the Texas Rangers at Camden Yards. If the Orioles defeat the Rangers Sunday, the "We Win, You Win" promotion will reward fans with a complimentary ticket in the same seating category to any future non-prime game.

Yesterday's 3-2 loss to the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park was the Orioles' 12th straight Sunday defeat. The team has a 1-12 record on Sundays this season and hasn't won on Sunday since beating the Seattle Mariners April 6 at Camden Yards.

"The circumstances surrounding the team's Sunday struggles are highly unusual and inexplicable," team director of communications Greg Bader said. "We believe the situation calls for added assistance from our loyal fans to help the team deliver another Sunday victory. And if the Birds win on Sunday, anyone who does help us break this hex will be rewarded with a complimentary ticket to a future game of his or her choice."

Fans can purchase tickets online at orioles.com, by calling 1-888-848-BIRD or in person at the box office. The promotion is valid for paid tickets only. If the Orioles beat the Rangers Sunday, fans will be given their choice of a comparable seat location for any of the 33 remaining non-prime dates during the regular season, subject to availability. If the Orioles win Sunday, the box office will remain open following the game for fans wishing to redeem their tickets, though fans will also be able to redeem tickets any time prior to August 31.

An awesome deal, and kudos to the Orioles for trying to spark up the region's interest in the team. I guess you have to do what needs to be done to sell tickets.
***
ESPN Zone continues its season-long Orioles Q&A series Tuesday, July 1, at noon with Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora, our third baseman and two-time All-Star. The event will run from 12-1pm.

An Orioles broadcaster will host the free event, which will include an autograph signings and tons of giveaways.

Stunned; Washington Downs Baltimore, 3-2, With A 12th Inning Walk-Off Two-Run Homer

In the game of baseball, a difference between winning and losing is determined sometimes by an inch or the judgment of an umpire.

That theory could be applied to Sunday’s rubber match against the Baltimore Orioles on a hot, sunny day at Nationals Park.

With two outs in the bottom of the twelfth inning, and Baltimore ahead 2-1, thanks to a valiant comeback in the top the frame, the Washington Nationals were seemingly on their way to a second straight loss, and dropping the Battle of the Beltway series against the Orioles.

Baltimore closer George Sherrill had to only throw a strike to end the game; however, he walked Dmitri Young on a very close pitch that could have called in their favor. A pitch that might have been called a strike, if it was only a fraction of an inch closer within the zone perhaps may have set up the dramatic moment to finish off a strong weekend.

Ronnie Belliard, the next batter, had his shot against Baltimore’s unflappable closer and was behind in the count, 0-2. The third pitch in the sequence to Belliard looked to be close in the strike zone and could have ended the game; however, he would lay off the pitch and it was called for a ball by the home plate umpire.

On the next pitch, Belliard took Sherrill’s slider that missed its spot and deposited it over the field fence at Nationals Park.

When all was said and done, he rounded the bases like a little kid; thus, upon reaching to home plate, Belliard got a hero’s welcome as he was awash in a sea of red with his teammates giving him high fives and much deserved congratulations.

His two-run homer stunned not only the Orioles, but perhaps the 39,824 in attendance – the largest crowd in the stadium’s three month history.

Washington fans, who jockeyed with those that ventured down from Baltimore all weekend in the stands, got a well deserved and hard fought win as they beat the Orioles, 3-2.

Before the dramatic finale of Sunday’s game, Baltimore had gone ahead in the top of the twelfth inning to break a deadlocked 1-1 tie. Washington reliever Luis Ayala started off the inning, and then gave up two consecutive singles with two outs to Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff; thus, moments later, Ayala was replaced with Joel Hanrahan.

With men on both first and second, Adam Jones singled off Hanrahan and plated Markakis and took the lead, 2-1. Guillermo Quiroz would fly out to end the frame, but Baltimore had valiantly come back after being stymied by Washington all day.

After keeping the Orioles off the board for six frames, Luke Scott took Washington’s Jason Bergmann deep to right field and hit his 14th homer in seventh - a solo shot - to tie the game, 1-1.

Meanwhile, Baltimore’s Jeremy Guthrie, went seven strong innings, gave up an earned run, while striking out three and walking four. He pitched well enough to as well earn a win, but a lack of run support – finished the day with a 3.50 ERA and only a 4-7 record to show for it.

And yes, the Orioles are shockingly only 1-12 on Sundays!!!

For Pictures from this weekend: Click here and here…

Baltimore Orioles vs. Washington Nationals; Washington D.C., June 29th, 2008

Baltimore Orioles vs. Washington Nationals; Washington D.C., June 29th, 2008

Photo Gallery: Baltimore Orioles vs. Washington Nationals; June 28, 2008

Baltimore Orioles vs. Washington Nationals; June 28, 2008

A Yawner in Washington; Staying the Course: Felipe Lopez?

After a huge series at Wrigley Field, where they took two of three from the Cubs -- the Baltimore Orioles returned home -- sort of, as they played a road game down in the Nation's Capital last night.

It rained and poured literally before the game, but after a brief delay, the Orioles and Nationals tangoed in the second round of the Battle of Beltway. Baltimore looked flat and very lethargic, and in the end they would lose the NL's worst team, Washington, 4-2, last night.

In a game full errors and miscues on the field, along with looking woeful at the plate; Daniel Cabrera was serviceable -- not good -- as he got charged for two runs in the both the first and seventh innings to fall to 5-4 on the year. Besides those two innings, he looked fine, but was hittable on the night.

In a lineup not featuring Aubrey Huff -- by in large, the team's hottest hitter and Luke Scott, the Orioles offense suffered. Nick Markakis and Brandon Fahley drove in runs for Baltimore, but they just could not get the engine going.

***
Despite the Orioles taking the Cubs series at Wrigley Field, where they caused the Cubs to lose their first series at home for the year, Baltimore to repeat again and again has been a pleasant surprise.

With the loss yesterday in Washington, they are currently 40-38, two games over .500 and 8 are games out, but most fans would be fooling themselves if they thought Baltimore was a contending team. I don't want to sound crass, rude or raining on the parade -- but the reality is that the Orioles are playing way above their heads.

Despite Huff, Roberts, and Markakis' numbers, the fact remains this team has a lot of holes -- (i.e., shortstop -- Brandon Fahey starting??), an inconsistent starting staff staffed by mostly youngsters, and a lineup stuff devoid of power.

If the Orioles are still contention by the All-Star break, Andy MacPhail should wheel and deal -- for the future -- not to contend for a pennant. As much I would love to see the team in the playoffs, the fact of the matter is, this still is probably not even halfway through their rebuilding job.

This notion might be unpopular, but if we have to deal one of our key guys (outside of Markakis and Roberts), it should be done if we can get quality in return. We need a shortstop, more pitching, a power bat, an offensive first baseman and more for the future.

Don't be swayed by the record right now, Andy MacPhail must stay the course.

The winning is nice, but we have to be realistic.

***The other big news to come out in the past few days are the rumors of Felipe Lopez coming to Washington.

You don't want to know what I though when heard the news.

From Fox Sports: The Orioles, desperately seeking a shortstop, have engaged in substantive conversations with the Nationals about a trade for infielder Felipe Lopez, according to major league sources.

The Nationals reportedly are close to signing shortstop Cristian Guzman to a two-year contract extension for an unknown dollar amount and are unlikely to retain Lopez as a free agent after this season.

In return for Lopez, the Nationals likely would receive a marginal minor-league prospect.

The Orioles have been looking for help at shortstop ever since trading Miguel Tejada to the Astros last off-season.

Lopez is hitting .247 with 25 runs and 20 RBI.

If a deal is completed, it likely would not be announced until after the completion of the Orioles-Nationals series this weekend in Washington, sources say.

Lopez had some good numbers in Cincinnati -- perhaps because of the bandbox there -- but he's been nothing short of a bust in Washington. Besides his numbers at the plate, the infielder has been seen as nothing but a grouse by the media, and his play on the field has left nothing to be desired.

I thought he might have made a good candidate to be traded to Baltimore when the season began; however, he could be a bad seed on a Baltimore team that fosters hard play, respect, following the rules, and playing 100%.

He's not done that with the Nationals.

Simply put, he definitely needs a change of scenery and he might be re-energized in Baltimore, but in this case -- if the Orioles do trade for him (IMO, they should not) -- buyer beware!

***Before I go, I'll have more on the awesome time I had at Wrigley Field perhaps starting on Monday. I'll say, I have nothing but respect for the Cubs fans and how the majority of them treated us from Birdland. They did a great job in making us welcome, by chatting with us, and conversing in baseball; however, they showed incredible passion for their team, and their ballpark -- just beautiful, pristine, and full of life.

In a day where ballparks have emulated rock concerts or stuff you'd see in the NBA, it was nice to see a park use minimalist bells and whistles to get the crowd going. Wrigley is simple -- you focus on eyes on the game, the crowd, and not the exploding fireworks, large LCD screen, places to go galore. I appreciated that at Wrigley, and that's why I put it in the upper echelon of ballparks I have ever visited.

I have a lot to do this weekend, and I'm doing the series in D.C. against Baltimore.