Owner: The Oriole Post URL:http://oriolepost.blogspot.com Join Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2006 07:16:36 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: The Online Home of the Oriole Post, the musings, rantings and thoughts of an innocent bystander who loves O's baseball and anything that comes to mind; news shaken, not stirred and chilled to perfection. News about the Baltimore Orioles, MLB and whatever Site statistics:Click here
Late Quick Hits 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Orioles News: The Orioles Sign Outfielder Jon Knott who was non-tendered by the Padres in December. He stroked 32 homers and drove in 133 runs in Triple-A last season and also had a .572 slugging percentage. He's not known for his glove, so his bat will have to carry him, which is the good news; however, he's 28. The hitting stats look good and he might be a diamond in the rough and battle for a roster spot.Reds Centerfielder Ken Griffey Breaks Hand in Accident: As of yet, no one knows how Ken Griffey Jr. broke his hand. Griffey's throwing hand will be in a hard cast for three weeks and it still unknown if he will be ready for Spring Training.The Boston Red Sox agreed to a minor league contract on Friday with pitcher Runelvys Hernandez, who was released this month by the Royals.The Red Sox are mulling the start time of their annual Patriot's Day game. The Red Sox said on Friday that they have received permission from Major League Baseball to play their annual Patriots Day game even Read more:Quick
A Requiem for Elrod Hendricks... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Mike Boehm on Orioles Magic, part of the mvn.com website has posted a wonderful article on his blog about the late, great Elrod Hendricks
. I found this while surfing the web today and it's a great read. Today is his birthday, and Mike wrote this article in tribute to him. He meant a lot me, and certainly him as well.Myself, I saw him all the time at Oriole Park and got an autograph from him, but the only time I spoke with him at length was when I was in Boston three years ago at Fenway Park and incidentally had seats near the Baltimore bullpen. I introduced myself to him with my Orioles gear on and told him a little about myself. Rather than blow me off or say he was busy, we talked for 10 minutes about my trip, what I did for a living and the Orioles.Such a class act and nice man. Elrod needs to have his number retired or something needs to be done in his name for his contributions to Baltimore and the Oriole organizationThanks very much Mike!Link: http://mvn.com/mlb-orioles/2006/12 Read more:Requiem
Former O's Relief Pitcher LaTroy Hawkins & His Work in the Gulf Coast Area 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Former
Orioles relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins
has penned an article for mlb.com about his organzation, Players' Trust and the recent work they have done in the Gulf Coast
after the carnage of Hurricane Katrina. It's nice to see the other side of professional athletes, especially when they are doing something positive and to better the lives of those far less fortunate than themselves.LaTroy recently signed with the Colorado Rockies after one season in Baltimore.Link: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061222&content_id=1766586&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp Read more:Pitcher
The Aberdeen Ironbirds Play in Cooperstown Before the Hall of Fame Induction 1970-01-01 00:59:59 It is almost a forgone conclusion that Cal Ripken will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, so the Aberdeen
IronBirds, one of the Orioles A affiliates and by owned by him, will take part in the Hall of Fame Weekend celebration, playing in the New York-Penn League Game at historic Doubleday Field according to the Examiner Newspaper. Expect a Maryland-centric weekend in New York as a ton of people from the state will flock up there to see Cal Ripken get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Link: http://www.examiner.com/a-455357~Baltimore_invasion_of_Cooperstown.html Read more:Induction
From Back in the Day - 1994 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Wow. This video brings back my teenage years, as I think I was in 10th or 11th grade when this commercial came out. This seems like from so long ago from me and I had been to a few games at the Yard during that time. Johnny Oates has passed on, and we all know how Palmeiro's career came out to be. The commerical is interesting and kind of corny, but it's creative at least.
My Gripe with MASN: The Lack of Baseball Coverage 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Anyhow, I was on the phone with my good friend from Virginia this afternoon discussing the Orioles and Ravens football, and the topic turned to MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network) a regional sports network which broadcasts in the Washington-Baltimore market owned by the Baltimore Orioles and Peter Angelos. My mind got going this morning when I read an article in the Washington Examiner about MASN and their baseball coverage next year. The article reported that MASN personalities, Amber Theoharis and Anita Marks could possibly be involved in the production of the pre-game shows of both the Nationals and Orioles, ala "Baseball Tonight" on ESPN where they would interview, go over stats, score, and offer commentary, and the announcers for both teams would contribute to the coverage.In my mind, it sounds like a great idea. However, I not only have a big problem with not only this idea, but with MASN in general right now. There can be a pre-game show to incorporate both teams in the mind Read more:Coverage
, Gripe
Quick Hits - The O's First Base Issue, Potential Players, D-Train and an Old Friend... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The latest article in the Baltimore Sun about the Orioles' offseason ponders the latest issue: who's at first base? Right now, Kevin Millar is slotted to play the position, and Jay Gibbons wants a chance to play in the field rather than be a platoon guy or everyday DH, so he's also in the scene to become the everyday first baseman. Both guys will get their chance to show what they have in spring training unless the Orioles make a deal to get a more established first baseman within the organization.The article highlights that the Orioles have been scouring the league for first baseman available via trade, with names such as Chris LaRoche of the Braves and the Mariners' Ben Broussard. As well, the O's have been talking to the agents for Carlos Pena, Aubrey Huff and Craig Wilson.In the same article, the O's took a look at outfielder Shannon Stewart in a workout, and could be interested considering his injuries in the past few years and if the price is right. As well, Mark Mulder's Read more:First
, Players
, Potential
, Quick
, Train
Late Quick Hits 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Former Oriole (a two-tour of duty guy) Jeff Conine has been traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to Cincinnati Reds. He was traded for minor leaguers Brad Key and Javon Moran on Thursday. Good luck Jeff. Link: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061221&content_id=1765845&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jspBud Selig has been named Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily's Executive of the Year. Selig won the award due to baseball's economic growth, the success of the World Baseball Classic and MLB securing TV and media deals. Link: http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061221&content_id=1765560&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlbAndy Pettitte is now officially an Yankee. The Milwaukee Brewers have offered Jeff Suppan a 4 year contract.Non-Baseball Tidbit: As much as the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is criticized for going to the lowest common demoninator in terms of entertainment, the deameaning & sexualization Read more:Quick
The Baltimore Orioles Moving to Dodgertown/Vero Beach? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 According to the AP, the BaltimoreOrioles
are pondering a move of their spring training operations to Vero Beach
, Fla., the current home of the Dodgers Spring Traning facility, Dodgertown. The potential move to Vero Beach may happen if the Orioles cannot work out an agreement with the city of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.The mayor of Vero Beach, Fla. Tom White, noted that the Orioles and several other teams have inquired about the facility, since the Dodgers will probably set up camp in Arizona for Spring Training in 2009. According to the mayor, the Orioles have paid a visit to the facility although the denies it has. Source: MSNBC. Link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16318406/ Read more:Moving
Quick Hits... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The New York Mets are still in the hunt for Barry Zito and Jeff Suppan. As well, the Brewers have put in an initial contract offer for Jeff Suppan. Also, the Minnesota Twins signed longtime veteran to a 1 year deal for 2.75 million dollars.Boras still expects Drew to sign with the Red Sox in light of the injury news. He also asserts Drew is healthy and should be ready to go the for '07 season.The Washington Nationals have re-signed Robert Fick to a contract.Wally Backman is set to manage an independent league team. Remember, he was supposed to manage the Diamondbacks a few years ago, but gave up the job after he was discovered to have financial and personal problems.David Riske, Zach Day and Brandon Duckworth signed with Kansas City, which should help bolster their pitching. Read more:Quick
Jim Caple's Article on ESPN's Page Two... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 An article from ESPN's Jim Caple that compares the Yankees and Red Sox; Caple asserts now that the Red Sox have become the Yankees thanks to not having much homegrown talent on their roster, high ticket prices and now expectations of winning.Also the article by Caple focuses on the drug debate and why baseball is seen in a much more harsh light than football. A good little read...Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/061221 Read more:Article
The O's Spring Training Site to Remain in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Apparently, the Orioles are keeping their spring traning home in Lauderdale
.htm">Fort Lauderdale
after all according to the AP. The city and the O's agreed to terms to renovate Fort Lauderdale Stadium and to replace the adjacent Lockhart Stadium with practice diamonds and soccer fields. Link: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-os1222,0,5729146.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines Read more:Spring
, Spring Training
, Training
I Could Not Resist: My Views on "Rocky Balboa" 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Ok, I had the chance last night to catch a late viewing of the movie, "RockyBalboa
".Well, if anyone has seen the "Rocky" series, most especially "Rocky V", you see why sequels should never ever be made, no matter how much money it brings. However, after "Rocky V", a movie had to be made to close out the series rather than to have the last movie as an epilogue to a major movie character. This time, Stallone can justify making "Rocky Balboa
", if only to forget "Rocky V" was ever made.Anyhow, I think "Rocky Balboa" was a decent movie, certainly not great, pretty much predictable and a general idea that has been used over and over, but it was good, fairly entertaining and nice way to burn an hour and 40 minutes. Basically, Rocky wants to box again, Rocky trains, Rocky fights, Rocky triumphs.In the end, it's not a classic, but I am satisfied with the ending of the "Rocky" series. Mr. Stallone, if you read this blog (um, whatever), don't make another "Rocky".If anyone cares, there's the
The Nationals New Ball Park: Non-Orioles Related 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Well, our neighbors to the South, the Washington Nationals, have made incredible progress on the construction of their ballpark. It's incredible what's happened of late down there and it looks to be that the Nationals should be able to complete the project on time, considering the mountain they had to climb.I like baseball in general, and I often consider the Nationals as the second team I follow. I have been to quite a few games in Washington and hope the team does will in the future, and I will be keeping track of their stadium progress.Here's an article I wrote about the Nationals for another blog: http://all-baseball.com/oleanders/Here are pictures of the stadium construction: http://www.flickr.com/photos/86213991@N00/ Read more:Orioles
Albert Belle and Harold Baines 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I just reading up on Orioles.com today and saw two articles posted on whether Harold
Baines or AlbertBelle
are legitimate candidates for the Hall of Fame.Well, let's consider Harold Baines first. He always seen as a quiet, focused, but steady and consistent. He's a local guy from across the Bay Bridge and although he came up short of 3,000 hits (he had 2,866 career hits), he played 22 years for the White Sox, A's, Rangers, Orioles and Indians. Baines finished with a .289 average, 384 home runs, 488 doubles, 1,299 runs scored, 1,062 walks against just 1,441 strikeouts and 2,830 games played.Should he get in: Yes. His numbers are very solid, and even though he came short of 3,000 hits, he played for winning teams and he was the epitome of professional. He may have to wait a few rounds to get in, but he will get in eventually, I think.Link: http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061221&content_id=1765913&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=balNow, let's
Orioles' Photos from 2006 - Gallery 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Hey all, just want to wish you all Happy Holidays! Anyhow, I have a selection of baseball photos from 2006, and it ranges from shots I took at Orioles
' games, as well as some trips I took and the 2006 All-Star Game in Pittsburgh, Pa. Let me know what you think of the photos by either leaving me a comment or shoot me an email at mdguy2415@aol.com. Just click on the logo to access the pictures! Read more:Gallery
Orioles' Fan Fest: Why no Promotion? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Hello to all out there & hope you are enjoying Christmas Eve considering the unseasonably warn weather we are having in the DC/Baltimore area.Anyhow, does anyone out there even know when Orioles
' Fan Fest is? Anyone at all?Well, using the means at my disposal, primarily my laptop and a little patience, I went on Google and entered in "Orioles Fan Fest 2007".What did I find?Well, on the first page of the search term entries, I did find a reference to Fan Fest 2007. The lasting for it was the fifth link down, as the first link referred to previous years Orioles' Fan Fest! And the kicker is, the lifting was not even on the Orioles' web site or any sites affiliated with it, but on a site called "Mendy's Baseball Memorabilia". The second mention of Fan Fest on that page is the last entry and it directs to the Baltimore Covention Center asking staff what needs to be ordered! The only other place I found a mention of the event was on Orioles Hangout, only because there was a thread d
The Worst Christmas Gift Ever: My Mom Didn't Know and the Infiltration of Derek Jeter into My Life... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Ok, my mother knows I am a baseball fan and adore the Baltimore Orioles, and her extent of baseball knowledge does not go farther than that.She figures she'd get me something baseball related...She got me cologne. She got me ... DerekJeter
's Driven Cologne!Upon opening the gift, it was an internal reaction I never had before. I looked and looked and told my mom thanks, but she didn't understand that my X-mas will be a downer now.Being an O's fan, especially after '96, this goes further than getting the bad sweater or hard fruitcake. This to me is bad, yes, it's only liquid and chemicals, and my mother didn't know what it represents, but it was tough accepting the gift. It's out of love and my mother was being thoughtful and Jeter is a good guy, but it's what the gift represents -- the New York Yankees!However, I got some courage and opened the box which stored the cologne. I sprayed it and took a whiff, and actually is not that bad. It has a masculine tint to it, as the smell Read more:Christmas
, Christmas Gift
, Infiltration
Quick Hits... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The Brewers have signed former Cardinal and NLCS Most Valuable Player Jeff Suppan to a four-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday for $42 milliom. It's an ok move, and maybe if everything falls into place for the Brewers (like Ben Sheets healthy for a season), this addition might make them a contender. There's an option for a 5th year.Zito is still chillin' - He has not signed with anyone as of yet. The Rangers may or may not be of the Zito bidding considering the trade last week with the White Sox. Read more:Quick
Aubrey Huff Rumors from CNN/Sports Illustrated 1970-01-01 00:59:59 From CNN
Si.com: "According to one source, the Orioles initially flinched at Aubrey
Huff's asking price; however, it has come down significantly, and one industry source believes Huff is now looking for a three-year deal worth around $23 million. Huff also has attracted interest from the Indians, Rangers and Pirates; the Yankees and Red Sox could be interested on a one-year basis.-- Baltimore Sun" Read more:Aubrey Huff
, Illustrated
, Sports
, Sports Illustrated
The Case Against San Francisco Chronicle Reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams, BALCO and Jail Time 1970-01-01 00:59:59 While surfing, I caught an article about the case of San FranciscoChronicle
reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and LanceWilliams
. If you happen to not know these two men, they are two San Francisco newspaper who wrote the book, "Game of Shadows" that follows the BALCO organization and case, along with career of Barry Bonds and his alleged drug use that helped him approach Hank Aaron's home run record. They have also written numerous articles about the BALCO case which involved such athletes as Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, Marion Jones, Tim Montgomery and countless others.The federal authorities want the two men jailed because they have refused to testify about who leaked them secret grand jury testimony from a doping investigation which supplied their article and book content. According to the AP the article, federal prosecutors told the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that San Francisco Chronicle
reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams should be jailed for up to 18 months for Read more:Reporters
Orioles Radio Situation for '07 1970-01-01 00:59:59 According to the Examiner about the current Orioles
' radio deal, "Barring any last-minute snags, look for the Orioles to move to ESPN 1300-AM/WHFS-FM soon."It's an interesting chain of events if the switchover does and it could be a good move for everyone. WHFS has a fairly strong signal in Maryland and those who live outside of the immediate Baltimore area should be in relief, and the quality of FM is far superior to AM.If this all happens, I don't know what the Orioles' situation on the radio concerning the D.C. area would be as games were broadcast on SportsTalk 980 last season. I'd assume since the Washington Post Radio
owns the rights to the Nationals, Orioles games in DC might be aired on Triple X ESPN Radio.We'll see what happens...Link: http://www.examiner.com/a-470587~MASN__Red_Zebra_should_make_great_partners.html
Roberts Thankful for Family, Friends at Holidays - from the Orioles.com 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Check out the article on orioles.com about Brian Roberts
and his thoughts on the holiday season. The article is just a Q&A about on how Brian will spend Christmas and his reflections on holidays' past with his family.Link: http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061218&content_id=1763488&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal Read more:Family
, Friends
, Holidays
, Orioles
, Thankful
Quick Hits... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The White Sox traded Brandon McCarthy & David Paisano to the Rangers for John Danks, pitchers Jacob Rasner and Nick Masset.Angels Outfielder Juan Rivera breaks his leg in a winter league game. You now see why GM's and teams DO NOT want star players playing ball in the offseason.The Yankees got hit for a $26 million dollar luxury payment.Former Red Sox and A's pitcher, Keith Foulke likely headed to the Indians. Read more:Quick
More Baseball Photos 2006 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Hey all, just want to wish you all Happy Holidays! Anyhow, I have a selection of baseball photos from 2006, and it focuses a little more on stars actions from other teams, not necessarily from the Orioles.Orioles Photos can be found here: Orioles' Photos from 2006 - GalleryLet me know what you think of the photos by either leaving me a comment or shoot me an email at mdguy2415@aol.com. Just click on the logo to access the pictures!
Quick Hits: Big Unit out of NYC? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 From the rumor mill (ESPN.com):"In the past week the Arizona Diamondbacks have offered a package of players to the New York Yankees in exchange for Randy Johnson, a baseball official said.In need of starting pitching -- and a marquee name that will draw more fans -- the Diamondbacks have offered a package of at least three players, including a major-leaguer. They would also want a 72-hour window to negotiate an extension with Johnson, who is owed $16 million in the final year of his contract. The Yankees, according to the official, don't want to pick up any of Johnson's salary."Wow. If this is true, then this would be big for both teams. The Yankees will rid themselves of Johnson's monstrous contract, a player who has not quite fit in the Big Apple, and a pitcher who has not matched his success in Arizona with the Yankees. In turn, the Yankees would get some prospects, some major league ready and also they could exercise more flexibility with their pitching staff and possibly set t Read more:Quick
My O's Icon: Frank Robinson... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Well, as long as I have been alive and an O's fan, I have always had this one name in my mind: FrankRobinson
.For me growing up, Frank Robinson was an iconic symbol unlike any other. I always tell everyone Cal Ripken was my favorite all-time Oriole growing up, but Frank was my all time favorite ballplayer.I went to the final Nationals game of 2006 at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., which was Frank's last one as manager. As a baseball fan in general, I often catch other teams than the Orioles, but even though Frank donned the Nationals red and blue, he was still the man to me. I've only met him once at a show, but that Sunday I felt that one of the symbols of my past was going away, perhaps never to been again. Seeing this icon, a man who had a will of steel, and sometimes stubborn, cry and show the love to his fans that Sunday sent chills up my spine. That day 30,000 of us along with Frank and his family showered him with emotion, love and empathy reserved at most time for only i
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