8/31 Happy Birthday Frank Robinson

Happy birthday Frank Robinson. Frank was traded to the Orioles prior to the 1966 season in exchange for Milt Pappas, a trade recognized as the most lopsided in baseball history (queue opening credits to Bull Durham.) Frank paid immediate dividends as he hit for the Triple Crown (.316-49-122) and won the MVP as the Orioles swept the Dodgers in the World Series. Frank’s Hall of Fame career included 2 MVP’s, one in both the AL and NL; he is the only player to win it in each league. Frank still ranks in top 10 all-time in many offensive categories and there is no question that he did it without the aid performance enhancers. He became the first black manager in MLB history in 1975 with the Indians. He later won AL Manager of the year with the Orioles in 1989…the year the “why not” Orioles played for the AL East title into the seasons final weekend. Frank has won over 1,000 games as a manager league manager. Frank now works in MLB’s front office. Happy 74th Mr. Robinson!

Happy birthday Brian Davis. Brian played for the Redskins from 1987-1990, appearing in 38 games. Brian was a 2nd round pick out of Nebraska and played mostly on special teams and nickel situations. His best year came in 1989 when he intercepted 4 passes and had 59 tackles. Brian has a Super Bowl ring from the 87’ season. Happy 46th Mr. Davis.

Cheers and Hail

Aug 29/30: Happy Birthday Tre' Johnson & Doug Decinces

Happy birthday Tre’ Johnson. Tre’ played 8 seasons for the Skins from 1994-2002. A 2nd round pick out of Temple, Tre’ appeared in 90 games for DC. Tre’ was not only the Redskins most reliable O-lineman in the 90’s…but also the largest at 6’2” 330 lbs. Despite his size Tre’ was very quick and agile and excelled on pulling plays. Tre’ also was the master of the “pancake” block, in which his opponent ended up on his backside. Tre’ made the Pro Bowl in 99’ as the Redskins won the NFC East and made the playoffs. In retirement Tre’ became a teacher at the Landon School in Maryland. Happy 38th Mr. Johnson.



Happy birthday Doug Decinces. Doug played 9 seasons with the Orioles from 1973-1981. He took over 3rd base for Brooks Robinson in 1976 and manned the position until a young kid named Cal Ripken Jr. relieved him in 1982. Doug was one of Cal’s idols growing up. A walk off homerun Doug hit in 1979 led to the slogan “orioles magic.” During his tenure as a starting 3rd baseman for the O’s, Doug averaged 17 HR’s and 66RBI’s. Doug was traded to the Angels before the 1982 season for “Disco” Dan Ford. Doug was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2006. Doug retired after the 1987 season (his 15th) with 1,505 hits, 237 HR’s and 879 RBI’s. In retirement Doug started Decinces Properties, a real estate property firm in his native California. Happy 59th Mr. Decinces!

Cheers and Hail

Aug 24/25 Happy Bday Cal Ripken And Albert Belle

Happy birthday Cal Ripken. What more can I say about Cal? He’s my all-time favorite athlete in any sport. What more can you say about his stats? He’s a 19 time, yes… 19 time All-Star selection. One of only 8 players to have 300+ HR’s and 3000+ hits. 82 ROY, 2 time MVP and Hall of famer. Simply the greatest shortstop of all-time. In retirement Cal has been very busy. He (along with brother Bill) has started many business ventures under the Ripken Baseball umbrella. Minor league teams, books, memorabilia, public speaker, commercial endorser and more. His vision of growing baseball at the grass roots level has blossomed into hundreds of thousands of children learning to baseball “The Ripken Way.” Happy 49th Mr. Ripken.



Happy birthday Albert (Joey) Belle. Albert signed a 5yr-$65 million contract with the Orioles prior to the 1999 season. I remember him hitting an opposite field home run at Camden Yards in the opening game that season…I turned to Porkboy and said “he’s gonna hit 162 this year!” Ooops. Albert was on the Orioles payroll from 1999-2003, although he only was active in the 99-00 seasons. During his 2 seasons with the O’s Albert hit 60 dongs and drove in 220, so that was a little over $1 million per homerun. Albert developed an arthritic hip that cut his career with the Orioles short. He is one of only 5 MLB players (Ruth, Foxx, Gehrig & Pujols) to hit 30+ HR’s and drive in 100+ in 8 consecutive seasons. In retirement Albert got big as a house and started stalking escorts. Happy 43rd Mr. Belle.

Cheers and Hail

8/23 Happy Bday Sonny Jurgensen & Mike Boddicker

Happy birthday Sonny Jurgensen. Sonny is a Hall of Famer and an icon for all Skins fans. His legendary arm (which could launch a football 80 yards) won 3 NFL passing titles and threw for over 32,000 yards in his career. Vince Lombardi has been quoted as saying Sonny was the best QB he ever saw…what more is there to say than that? An all-around athlete, he played basketball, baseball and football in high school and played both ways (defensive back) in college. Starting in 1981, Sonny began calling games with Sam Huff and Frank Herzog (later Larry Michael.) How many of you would/do turn down your TV’s to listen to the radio show? Their voices take us back to the good old days…and Sonny just turned 75 years young. Happy birthday Mr. Jurgensen, I just may light up a stogie for you!




Happy birthday Mike Boddicker. Mike played 9 seasons for the Orioles from 1980-88. Mike went 16-8 with a 2.77 ERA in the 83’ season. He then went 2-0 with 2 complete games and 0.00 ERA in the postseason as the O’s went on to win the 83’ World Series. Mike followed that up with 20 wins and an ERA title (2.79) in 84’. In the 88’ season Mike was traded to the Red Sox for Brady Anderson and Curt Schilling. Mike retired after the 93’ season and now lives in his native Iowa. Happy 52nd Mr. Boddicker.

Cheers and Hail

August 4: Happy Bday Riggo And BJ

Happy birthday John Riggins. What more can I say about my favorite football player of all time? He’s a hall of famer, leads the Redskins in every all-time rushing category and raised hell with the best of them. I can’t believe he’s 60 years old today. I know he could jump on a field right now and get a TD from the 1 yard line or get 3 yards on a 3rd and 2. I will have a beer for you tonight Riggo. Happy 60th Mr. Riggins!

Happy birthday BJ Surhoff. BJ played 8 seasons over 2 separate stints with the Orioles, 1996-2000 and 03-05. He ranks in the top 25 all-time in almost every offensive statistic in the history of the Orioles and was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2007. For his career BJ batted .282 with 2,326 hits and 1,153 RBI’s. I love the way BJ played the game. He was a hardnosed ballplayer who could play any position. He was the #1 overall draft pick in the 1985 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. He was also the 1985 ACC Male Athlete of the Year, sandwiched between 1984 winner Michael Jordan, and 1985 winner Len Bias. BJ has been busy in his retirement. He was a spring training instructor for the O’s in 2008 and traveled to China with Cal in to 2007 to instruct children how to play baseball. He’s also the Vice President of Pathfinders for Autism and has spent many years trying to help in the fight against the disorder that his son Mason was diagnosed with. I had the opportunity to meet BJ and have him as one of my coaches at the Ripken Fantasy Camp. He’s a great guy and I think he’d make an awesome hitting coach or manager one day (if he wants to.) Happy 45th Mr. Surhoff… (I won’t drop any more fly balls!)


Happy birthday Ravin Caldwell. Ravin spent 6 of his 7 NFL seasons with the Redskins from 1987-1993. He was a linebacker and special teams standout. Ravin appeared in 79 games, starting 14 and won 2 Super Bowl rings during his tenure. One of the highlights of my many trips to Redskins Park as a youth was watching highlights of the 87’ Super Bowl in the locker room area with Ravin and Reggie Branch. Ravin’s daughter was one of the top ranked women’s high school basketball players last year and will play for Cal this fall. Happy 46th Mr. Caldwell.

Happy birthday Jon Knott. There’s not much to say about Jon, he played a total of 7 games with the O’s in 2007. But, Jon was born in my hometown of Manassas, VA…and that earns him a happy birthday. Jon is still plugging along in the Independent League, making a living playing ball. Happy 31st Mr. Knott.

Cheers and Hail

July 27: Old School Oriole Birthdays

On a daily basis, Fatpickled recognizes the birthdays of the men who have played, and currently play for, my favorite teams. The Redskins, Orioles, Wizards, and Terps.



Happy birthday Floyd Rayford. “Sugar Bear,” played 6 seasons for the Orioles from 1980-87. A fan favorite, he played every infield position (except shortstop…some guy was hogging that positionJ) and catcher. His best season came in 1985 when he batted .306 with 18HR’s and 48RBI’s. The Toy Dept recently caught up with Floyd and he has a unique take on why that season was so good for him as well as good stories of Cal and him rooming together in the minors. Floyd was traded to the Cardinals in 1983 for Tito Landrum, whom would hit the home run that sent the O’s to the World Series. Of course the O’s loved him so much that they actually purchased him back from the Cards that offseason. In retirement Floyd got into coaching and he currently serves as the batting coach for the New Britain Rock Cats. Happy 52nd Mr. Rayford.


Happy birthday Rich Dauer. Rich played all 10 seasons of his career with Orioles from 1976-85, appearing in 2 World Series and winning a ring in 83’. He ranks in the Orioles top 30 all time in games played (1,140) and hits (984.) Rich was a great contact hitter that ranked in the top 3 in the AL in at bats per strikeouts from 1980-1983, leading the league twice. Primarily a 2B he also played some 3B and had an excellent .985 fielding % for his career. He also holds the AL record for consecutive errorless games (86) and errorless chances (425) for a 2B. In retirement he has coached extensively at the major league level and was a candidate for several managerial openings, including the O’s in 2003. I hope he gets his chance one day. Rich currently is the third base coach for the Colorado Rockies. Happy 57th Mr. Dauer.

Cheers and Hail

JT: Trembley's plan: Pursue Craig T. Nelson's Gold's Mother

"So are you an Orioles fan?"

"Yeah, I sure am. Its not easy, but I'm a fan. What gave that away, the shirt or the hat?"

..."I've got a funny story for you. Take your shirt off and hop up on the table."

"OK"

"...deep breath....now let it out...good. Anyway; so, my mother is a big Orioles fan too, right? Well I mean she's a big fan. Watches every game, calls me many times a week to discuss those games. I mean she'll remember every pitching change and have something to say about it."

"That's a pretty dedicated fan."

"That's what I'm saying. Ok hop off the table. So she knows some people over at the O's organization, right? So somehow she gets hold of Dave Trembley's email address and sends him some email. It wasn't fan mail exactly, she sent him what she thought of various decisions he's been making, the losing, etc."

"That's awesome!"

"That's not all. Alright follow my finger with your eyes...Good. I'm going to check your ears. So she emails Trembley a few times and he responds and there is some back and forth and then Trembley invites her to lunch! So here is my mother, a little old lady, meeting with the manager of a major sports franchise for lunch. Hahaha, and she let him know what she thought in person at that lunch..hahaha."

"That's amazing! Say doc, I've got this rash on my back is there anything you can do for that?"

"Yeah, I'll give you the name of a good dermatologist, no problem. So they have lunch once and it goes well and she walks him back to the stadium afterwards, telling him how to run the team the whole way back from the restaurant. Apparently he values her opinion and likes her company because he's taken her out a few more times since then and has really taken an interest into what she thinks. Pretty cool."

"That is pretty cool. I would love to give him some of my ideas sometimes..."

"Yeah, my mom is a pretty neat lady. Alright drop trow..." *SNAP* "OK, turn your head an cough."

"Ah-hem...alright we done?"

"Yeah, we're done. Go ahead and get dressed and meet me in my office."

"Alright, thanks Dr. Craig T. Nelson's Gold"

That was a paraphrased transcript of a recent trip of mine to the doctor's office. Aside from my rash there was a pretty interesting story in there...Trembley listens to the elderly!!! If I thought the elderly knew how to use computers I would never write this article but I know they can't read Internet so I will write my concerns and criticism of Trembley for this blunder in managerial tactics.

It's not that I'm anti-elderly, it's just that the elderly don't understand the steroid laden and loosing mentality of the Orioles baseball culture. They'll give Trembley "good" advice that "works" in game situations without giving any regard to 'roid rage, egomaniac behaviorism's, or how to speak to Greg Zahn in grunts and moans (I wouldn't say that about Zahn if he wasn't a senior citizen...but because he is I know he doesn't know how to use the Internets).

Now Dr. Craig T. Nelson's Gold (his name has been changed to protect me from a liable suit, or any claim to being a good reporter) didn't divulge the nitty gritty about what advice his mother is giving Mr. Trembley, and my bid to have his mother email me to talk about this story hasn't come to fruition. I would bet the majority of her advice involves having the players ingesting more Metamucil and Fibercon (...and maybe the occasional sacrifice play to get more players into scoring position so they can actually SCORE WHEN THEY GET ON BASE!!!). Mr. Trembley may have won a few minor league championships but he'll never win in the big leagues unless he starts listening to a younger brand of adviser. The younger the better. With food the way it is these days us young people are infused with the very chemicals needed to fully understand the irrational behavior of major league ball players and how to inspire them to aspire to greatness. I'd feel much better thinking that Trembley takes the time to listen to some punk kid straight out of high school with a know-it-all devil-may-care attitude than someone from the "Greatest Generation". Shame on you for listening to older and wiser people Dave Trembley, shame on you...

...Ok so most of those opinions were sarcastic. In all seriousness I think it's truly awesome that Mr. Trembley takes some time out of the week every so often to speak with this woman. It shows he cares not only about his job, but how the fans perceive his team. It shows he's willing to listen to any good suggestion, wherever it comes from. The O's still have a long way to go before they're a contender again, but they've got the pieces in place to make a Tampa style run at some point in the foreseeable future, and I hope a humble and caring manager--who looks like William Shatner--like Trembley sticks around to see them make that run. Kudos Mr. Shatner, I mean Trembley, kudos.

July 21: Oriole Birthdays

On a daily basis, Fatpickled recognizes the birthdays of the men who have played, and currently play for, my favorite teams. The Redskins, Orioles, Wizards, and Terps.

Happy birthday Mike Bordick. Mike had 2 stints with the Orioles covering parts of 6 seasons and 739 games. Originally signed as a free agent by the O’s in December of 96’, he had the worlds toughest job at that time…replacing Cal Ripken as the starting shortstop. He did it with the grace and professionalism that made him a fan favorite over time. In 2000 he set the major league records for consecutive error-less games (110) and chances (543) by a shortstop. He still has a link to the Orioles, as he was traded by the Orioles to the Mets for Melvin Mora in 2000. Mora is still playing for the O’s nearly 10 years later. After the 2000 trade with the Mets, Bordick resigned with the Orioles that off season via free agency. He retired after 14 seasons in 2003 with an even 1,500 hits. In retirement Mike coached his son’s high school baseball team to the MD state final game in 2007. He also worked with a former college baseball player who was trying to make a comeback at Ripken Fantasy Camp…ME! Mike is a super nice guy and I appreciated the way he played the game. He’s now a roving minor league instructor for the Toronto Blue Jays. Happy 44th Mr. Bordick!


Happy birthday Mark Williamson. Mark spent all 8 years of his career as a middle reliever for the Orioles from 1987-1994. He was a steady right hander who appeared in 365 games. The Orioles acquired Mark from the San Diego Padres along with Terry Kennedy in a 1986 trade that sent Storm Davis to the Padres. Mark was especially effective in the 89-90 seasons, going 18-7 with a 2.61ERA. Overall he finished 46-35 with a 3.86ERA. He was also a part of the Orioles last no –hitter in 1991. The no hitter was unusual in the fact that 4 pitchers (Williamson, Bob Milacki, Mike Flanagan and Gregg Olsen) combined to toss it. Happy 50th birthday Mr. Williamson!

Cheers and Hail

Hello Fatpickled!

Fatpickle's note: Please welcome JT as a regular contributor to Fatpickled.

Hello, my name is Jason Anton and I am an Orioles fan, Redskins fan, Terps fan....and Miami Heat fan...and I am the newest contributor to the Fatpickled blog! Now before you notice my Miami Heat comment and ostracize me, cast me aside, and mail me the severed head of a random animal please hear me out and understand where I'm coming from.

I grew up in Ocean City, Maryland. A place familiar to many mid-Atlantic regionals as an easy vacation spot and middle ground for 'Skins, Steelers, Eagles, 76er's, Wizards, Phillies, and Orioles fans considering it's pretty close to Philly, DC, and Baltimore (and for some reason there are Steelers fans in EVERY city on the planet...and they always come complete with their own bar of some kind. In OC it's the Salty Dog Saloon). This alone gives me the right to be an Orioles fan and Redskins fan (the Heat justification will come) but that's not all that ties me to these teams and vindicates my fandom! See I was born in 1983. Not only did the Redskins win the Super Bowl in '83 (for the '82 season) with a heroic performance from Riggins, but the Orioles won the World Series AND Cal Ripken Jr. won the AL MVP award that year.

Speaking of the 'Skins '82 season Super Bowl victory, I was there! Now I didn't have great seats, and I couldn't actually see the game because my eye sockets hadn't fully developed yet, but I did eat the nachos...if you follow me. I was born in June. My parents got me a pin to commemorate my attendance that I still have.

Now, my geographic justification and my chronological justification should be enough to qualify me as a blogger on the subject of 'Skins and O's. I have been a fan, since birth, of both teams. One of my earliest memories is meeting Boog Powell and it inspired me to be a sub-par 1st baseman throughout my little league career until it was discovered that I threw a wicked side-armed fastball (and then I became a sub-par pitcher). Thanksgiving for my family has always consisted of 2 traditions outside of the food: 1-We watch the original Star Wars trilogy 2-We root for whomever isn't the Cowboys in the Thanksgiving Day game no matter who it is. I am a diehard lifelong fan and that's all I bring to the table.

I plan on delivering to you, the loyal Fatpickled RSS subscribers, my insights into all things O's and 'Skins. Everything from the great potential of the Orioles outfielders, to how comfortable my wife finds the sweatpants she bought off of Chris Cooley's website. I don't do "investigative reporting" because I'm not a fan of "facts." It's a lot easier to just make everything up and I think everyone will have a lot more fun that way...just kidding.

Alright this post is getting long so I'll wrap up. I lived in Florida for a couple of years and that's where I became a Heat fan. They won the Championship while I was down there and I got swept up in the fever of it all. Also, all anyone ever talks about in Florida is the Gators and 'Nols. To which I could ever say is: FEAR THE TURTLE! and HAIL!

Here is a picture of my daughter in a LaRon Landry jersey:

July 10: Happy Birthdays

On a daily basis, Fatpickled recognizes the birthdays of the men who have played, and currently play for, my favorite teams. The Redskins, Orioles, Wizards, and Terps.

Happy birthday Marty Cordova. Marty signed a 3 year 9 million dollar deal with the Orioles in 2002. His history of injuries should have scared the O’s away, but it didn’t. He basically played just one season, missing the final two after blowing out his elbow. He won the 1995 Rookie of the year award while with the Twins, but will forever be known as the player who missed a game due to burning himself in a tanning bed. Cordova now works in various capacities UFC, he’s long time friends with Dana White. Happy 40th Marty.

Happy birthday Buddy Groom. Buddy pitched 5 years for the Orioles appearing in 330 games. For a time he was a very effective lefty middle reliever. He was 15-13 with 18 saves and a 3.59 ERA with the O’s. Overall Buddy pitched 16 season in the majors and finally retired when all southpaw relievers do…when they stop getting lefties out. Happy 44th Budman.

Happy birthday Alvoid Mays. Alvoid was a backup cornerback for the Redskins from 1990-1994, appearing in 61 games. Alvoid has a Super Bowl ring from the 91 season. Alvoid later played in the Arena league and also was sentenced to prison for robbing a grocery store. Happy 43rd wherever you may be Mr. Mays.
Happy birthday Chris Wilson. Chris currently plays for the Redskins as a defensive end. He showed great promise in 2007 with 4 sacks, but seemed to go backwards last season. During this year’s OTA’s, Wilson has been practicing in more of a outside linebacker/DE hybrid position. I hope to see great things from Chris this season. Happy 27th.

Cheers and Hail

I Don't Like The Yankees So Much

If you google "reasons to hate the Yankees," over 4.5 million results show up. I don't have that many reasons to hate them, but as a lifelong Orioles fan...there are a few things about the Yankees that burn my ass!

#1 $200 Million payroll:

OK, we all know they spend more $$ than everyone else...big deal. $134 million more than the O's. I'd take the O's young and inexpensive talent over the Yankees old and declining roster any day!

#2 They win all the time:

This is a false statement. Mike Mussina pitched in New York the past 8 years, he has the same amount of World Series rings as I do. They had a dynasty from 96-2000. For the 25 years sandwiching that era...C*&K.



#3 The Fans

First of all, they all look like this guy.

Yankee fans don't like each other, let alone any other teams fans. They invade Camden Yards when the Yanks come to Baltimore. Yelling for Deerrrricckkk Jettterrr and Mariiiiianno Riiiverra. My favorite Yankees fans? The Japanese Matsui fans that don't speak English.
Look, you can go to almost any bar or store anywhere in America and see a Yankee hat or jersey. It's no big deal. There may be 2 guys in said bar or store with Yankee hats and they won't even acknowledge each other, because it's common place. But if your wearing an O's hat in Tampa, and another guy walks in the bar wearing the same hat...that's a kinship. You have a bond.



#2 Jeffrey Maier

Let's face it O's fans, baseball is full of curses...we have the Jeffrey Maier curse. Little prick.

#1 They score hot chicks

Why wouldn't they? They all have $100 million dollar contracts. Whether it's Jeter banging Minka Kelly...or for that matter nearly every girl from my Sweet 16 Hot Chick contest, or A-Rod tapping Kate Hudson and Madonna (it would have been more impressive for Craig Nettles to bang out Madonna, she was hotter back then.) But wait, it doesn't stop there, Jorge Posada (operation Dumbo drop) has a hot wife, CC Sabathia (weighs 330) is doing well for himself, and AJ Burnett's wife is smokin! I'm sure it doesn't stop there, hell...I bet Craig Nettles wife is still hot.

Karen Burnett (Maryland girl)

And for the record, if you google "reasons to hate the Orioles," you only get 190,000 results. We win.

Cheers and Hail

July 6: Happy Birthdays

On a daily basis, Fatpickled recognizes the birthdays of the men who have played, and currently play for, my favorite teams. The Redskins, Orioles, Wizards, and Terps.


Happy birthday Joe Jacoby. The former offensive tackle for the Washington Redskins hits the big Five-O today. Born July 6, 1959, Joe played 13 years in the NFL, all with the Redskins. A 4 time Pro Bowler and 2 time All-Pro, Joe has 3 Super Bowl rings. An original member of the Hogs, he's destined to one day be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. An added bonus, he's now an Assistant Coach at my Alma mater.


Happy birthday Alvin Harper. Alvin Harper was the Brandon Lloyd of his day. Norv Turner loved to bring in ex-Cowboys during his tenure, and Harper was brought in to "stretch the field."
He stretched it all right. 1 time for 52 yds, and then for good measure he caught another pass for 12 yards. That's right. 2 catches for 64 yds in 12 awful games that 97' season. Happy 41st Mr. Harper, thanks for nothing.



Happy birthday Todd Husak. Drafted by the Skins in 2000, Husak appeared in one NFL game going 2-2 for negative 2 yards...how does that happen? He bounced around some training camps/practice squads and NFL Europe, but never became the next Gus Frerotte. He now broadcast Stanford football games. Happy 31st Todd.



Happy birthday Brian Bass. The current Orioles middle reliever was born 27 years ago today. Brian is currently 4-2 with a 4.62 ERA this season.



Happy birthday Norm Charlton. The former "nasty boy" spent one half of a season going 2-1 with a 6.94 ERA before the Orioles released him after the all-star break in 1998.

Cheers and Hail

Orioles Midseason: Magic Or Tragic?

Halfway thru the 2009 season the Orioles are definitely a work in progress. Having shown signs of improvement, they still finished the first half at 36-45...and with a firm grip on last place in the AL East. Their record also placed them 24Th out of 30 MLB teams. But, it hasn't been all bad...let's take a look at the first half, the positives (Orioles Magic) and the negatives (Orioles Tragic.)

Orioles Magic:

Adam Jones - Voted to his first All-Star game today, Jones is having a breakout year. He's almost eclipsed his numbers from last year, in every category. He batted .307-12-46 in the first half and played a gold glove centerfield. And he blew bubbles the whole time.

Luke Scott - He has swung a hot bat all year, .296-16-43, despite a stint on the DL.

Markakis, Roberts, & Huff - The big 3 have been as steady as ever. Roberts is tracking 70 extra base hits, Markakis is tracking 108 RBI's and Huff 110 RBI's.

Nolan Reimold - NOLAN! He finally got his chance and he's delivered. 9 HR's in only 45 games. He's got sneaky speed and doesn't seem over matched in any situation.

Brad Bergesen - All he has done is go 5-2 with a 3.53 ERA since being called up. His record would have been better if not for the bullpen letting him down twice. Plus, he's been lights out working with Matt Wieters.

Tragic:

Free Agent Class 2009 - Ryan Freel, Chad Moeller, and Adam Eaton are already gone from the organization. The rest of the class, Koji Uehara, Mark Hendrickson, Ty Wigginton, Cesar Izturis, and Greg Zaun range from disappointing to horribly disappointing.

Cubs prospects turned Orioles prospects - Since taking over the O's, Andy Macphail has made a point of picking up or trading for draft picks that didn't pan out during his tenure with the Cubs. Guess what...they still suck with an Orioles uniform on. I guess there's a reason we got Hill, Montanez, and Pie for next to nothing.

Middle relief - Bass, Hendrickson, Walker, Sarfate, Liz, and Ray have been absolutely horrible.

Melvin Mora - Not sure if it's age or something else?? He went nearly a month without an RBI and has 2 HR's and 9 extra base hits so far.

To Be Determined:

Matt Wieters - The knock on him coming up was that he was not going to be a good defensive catcher...so far he's been great behind the dish. His bat was slow to get going, but it's gotten hot the past couple of weeks. Expect a big 2nd half.

Cheers and Hail

Favorite All-Time Baseball Card: Bill Ripken 89 Fleer

This is one in a series of posts that I am writing about my favorite things. What’s your favorite things? Tell me in the comments section or email me from the main page of the site.

I was 14 years old when I heard about the Bill Ripken error card. Was it real, was it an urban legend? Word on the street was there was a Bill Ripken card out there that had a vulgar word written on it. There was no Internet back then to "google" it. There was no EBay back then to purchase it. All you could do was try to find the card in your local card shop (no chance,) or try to find a picture of it in Beckett magazine (if you could find one.)

I opened many Fleer packs that summer, even got a couple Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards...but no B Rip F&*k Face cards. None to be found at Pete's Card Shop, none at Grandpaw's Attic (the 2 card shops in my hometown in 89.) But, what would I do if I found one anyway? I could only look... at it's height the card was going for $500 bucks.

I eventually purchased the card in 2006 for $7 dollars. It's a mint condition card that I had Billy sign. Eventually, Fleer put out 12 different 1989 Bill Ripken cards, but 1 stood out the most. The mystery surrounding the card and how F&%k Face got on the handle was divulged in this interview with Bill. Yes, on the 20th anniversary of this card, it's still the best out there. It's the error card of all error cards. You can have your cards with pieces of uniforms, bats, and bases...give me F&*k Face.

Apologies to Cal's rookie card, Eddie Murray's rookie card, and all my signed Nick Markakis cards.

Cheers and Hail

Favorite Sports Promotion: The O's Floppy Hat

My favorite sports promotion of all-time is Orioles Floppy Hat night, which just happens to be tonight! If I was anywhere near Camden Yards, I would be heading over there to score this cherished memento. Tonights version is black (I prefer orange) because the O's always wear black during Friday night home games.

These hats were great for fishing trips and just generally hanging out and drinking. I always circled Floppy Hat night on the schedule at the beginning of every year. I wish I still had my old ones, but they are all lost, stolen, or fell apart.

While other promotions may have more glamour or appeal, for my money the floppy hat will always be my favorite.

Apologies to bobble heads, player T's, and all you can eat!

Oh, this seems like a good time to post the greatest 7th inning stretch song ever!Kick it John.

Cheers and Hail

O Say Can You See The Future

Wipe your eyes, the future is bright!

picture via The Baltimore Sun

In case you haven't been paying attention, the Orioles future is officially here. And the Orioles future is a lot better than recent past. I'm not just optimistic because I'm a fan, the talent that is upon us is the real deal!

Friday marks the debut of the #1 prospect in all of baseball, Matt Wieters. He has played like a man among boys in the minors for a little over a year, and as Macphail said "it's time." He's a switch hitting 6'5" 230lb BAD-ASS!

Pictured above is rookie Nolan Reimold. His walk-off 3 run homer today was his 4th HR in his short 2 week career. He seems to be a keeper. Center Fielder Adam Jones appears to be the next Eric Davis (healthy in his prime, Eric Davis.) Jones has a .354-11-34 line so far this season. Oh yeah, he's playing like a gold glover defensively. You know Markakis is a stud, I'll just remind you he is only 25 years old!

So far this season the Orioles have saw 3 rookie pitchers win their major league debuts, they'll go for #4 tomorrow when David Hernandez takes the hill. Hernandez was 3-1 with 2.91 ERA in the minors this season, along with 60 strikeouts in only 43 innings. He struck out 14 in his last start at Norfolk. In the next 4 games against Detroit the Orioles will stroll out 3 rookies with only 9 games experience under their belts...and I couldn't be happier. No Eaton, no Hendrickson.

But, the future talent doesn't stop there, the O's minor league system is loaded. Chris Tillman (5-0 2.13 ERA) and Troy Patton (5-1 1.62 ERA) will be in Baltimore before the end of the year. Last years 1st rounder, pitcher Brian Matusz, and 2005 1st rounder, 1B Brandon Snyder will be up next season. Pitcher Jake Arrieta will also be making his prescience felt soon.

It's a great time to be an Oriole fan. Although there are still some growing pains ahead of us, it's obvious that the next 10 years will be better than the last.

Amen to that.

Cheers and Hail

Classic YouTubes: Orioles, Redskins, Caps

This is an awesome story about Wild Bill Hagy from 30 years ago. It's a little long, but it's almost like watching Any Which Way But Loose. The old cars, the old beer cans...great stuff.




Hard to believe its going on 19 seasons since the Skins last Superbowl. Here is a quick look back at the 91 team that was one of the best ever.




Here is a short clip from one of my favorite movies ever, Slapshot. What makes this interesting? The player wearing #7 for the opposing team, who scores twice in the clip, is Bruce Boudreau, head coach of the Washington Capitals.

Note To The O's, Vote For Pedro

The O's need to sign Pedro Martinez and they need to do it soon. The Orioles are batting .290 as a team and scoring over 6 runs a game. This kind of offensive production should be enough to win a lot of games and compete in the AL East. Unfortunately, the O's have assembled what might be one of the worst pitching staffs ever. The 3,4, and 5 starters are horrible (and the 3rd starter is on the DL.) The middle relievers have struggled and a couple of them, Bass and Liz, have proven that they are not major league pitchers. The back end of the bullpen has also struggled. Ray appears that he is not fully recovered, or not comfortable yet, from shoulder surgery. Sherrill has been shaky at best.

We can only assume that the offense will continue this kind of production (Jones is blossoming into a star) or even get better with the addition of Weiters sometime soon. So why not compete now? Why wait till 2010?

Reportedly, Martinez can be had for a 1 year $5 million dollar deal. That's certainly not going to break the bank and the one year deal does nothing to mortgage your future. I know Martinez is on the decline and his health is a major risk. But you can't tell me he's not better than Hendrickson or Eaton. How is Adam freakin Eaton even on this squad? They couldn't talk Steve Trachsel into returning? Sign Martinez, and bring up Tillman, Bergesen, and Patton to fill some of the holes. The O's are 4-0 when Guthrie or Uehara start, after that you get 19 runs in a single game put up on you.

Cheers and Hail

Great Names For DC Area Sports Blogs

When I named my blog I put about 15 seconds of thought into it. Lets see, I'll take my username and add a D, yep that works. I didn't come up with that catchy blog name that incorporates humor with an athlete. Well, here's a few that have come to mind from the beltway sports area. Do you have ideas for others? Let me know in the comments section. I also might have a few ideas coming soon about teams and players that I dislike, stay tuned...

Jacoby's TheaterVision

There's An Arenas Between Us

The Skin's Traded A 2nd Round Pick For This Blog

Alomar Spits Brady Swallows

Bend Yoder And I'll Show You

Gary's Pit Stains

Cooley's Playbook

Alice Sweet's Tomato Plant

Alonzo Mourning Wood

Cheers and Hail

Lazy JC "Smithers, are they booing me?"

(Smithers' response: "No sir, they're saying Boo-urns, Boo-urns.")

Keeping in theme with today's movie-quote post, I can't help but comment on the frequency of TV generated quotes that run through my head, in reaction to most everyday occurrences. One happened just Monday, as I sat at home, enjoying my spring break, watching the O's host the Yankees on Opening Day.

Orioles fans, finally with some hopes of backing a respectable team (the starting pitching is not good, but they're going to be a fun team to watch), made a conscious effort to taunt, jeer, and boo Yankee first baseman Mark Teixeira at every opportunity. When he was announced during pre-game festivities, during his at-bats (not just at his announcement, but during the ENTIRE at-bat), and even whenever he handled the ball at first base. Now, for a lot of Yankees, this is nothing new. Derek Jeter gets heckled mercilessly at ballparks around the country. A-Roid will have to play with earplugs this year. It's common, and, usually, expected. Now, why had the Baltimore fans singled out Teixeira, as I assume they'll continue to do all season? Easy, the Orioles offered the Severna Park, Md. native $140 this past offseason to man first base near to his childhood home. Of course, shortly after, the Yankees swooped in and offered $180 million. Teixeira, like any of us, took the money and donned the pinstripes.
Should he be faulted for turning his back on the team he watched play as a kid?

No, he's admitted many times that, while an O's fan, his favorite player was Don Mattingly. How can you blame a guy for following in the footsteps of their hero? Fox Sports writer Ken Rosenthal and ESPN Radio blowhard Colin Cowherd have made thier opinions on this matter known, blasting the Baltimore fans for being classless, and clueless, like they ever really had a chance to land Tex in the first place.
Granted, it's thier job to stir-up controversey and fan interest, they've got to attract readers and listeners somehow. Still, it's times like these that make want to drive my car off a cliff when I listen, keeping in mind how much they're being paid to blabber on about such stupid and meaningless things. Newsflash: Mark Teixeira will get booed in most American League parks simply because he's a Yankee. While a lot of folks can't remember the time there was a Baltimore-New York rivalry, is it even unexpected for a Yankee to be dealt with hostilely in Camden Yards? You think the reaction will be much different in Fenway? Are the O's fans bitter? Sure they are. So what? My only regret is, that unlike the Simpsons' episode it reminded me of, the fans didn't pelt Teixeira with soft pretzels, the way the fans of the Sringfield Isotopes did to Mr. Burns. Tex has $180 million reasons to be completely unaffected by the boos, maybe he can lend a few to the national sports media to give it a rest.