ORIOLES

[atomicfront]

I love the crappy beer at Wrigley.  I've been there twice and it's one of my favorite places to go!  The Gingerman across the street is one of my favorite bars in Chicago.

I'm glad I went to Fenway, but I don't feel the need to go there again.

I'm hoping we can follow the Orioles out to San Fran and San Diego this spring, but we shall see...

the gingerman is where i met that girl.  good beer selection there.  the mens bathroom at wrigley is basically a circular tub where everyone stands around peeing into.  I don't like looking at another guy while peeing. 

[K8teebug]

That sounds so scary!

Yay Gingerman!

[vansmack]

but im sad to see morse go.

If you can move him for a quality lefty reliever to replace Burnett, you can keep the nucleus of last years squad with a healthy Strasburg and having added a true lead-off hitter as a defensive center fielder, then I think it's a no brainer to deal Morse.

I was thinking morse could be a good platoon with betemit at dh but evdidently he hits right handers better than left handers.  So I don't think he is a good fit with the orioles.

The Orioles are just a perplexing franchise to predict, at least from an outsiders perspective.  I'm sure this forum could be searched ad nauseum to see my thoughts on this and Angelos and his "character tests" post the Albert Bell deal, but in a year when I really thought they would splash a little cash or make a deal or two they've sat quiet.

They still might deal with AZ (likely Kubel over Upton given Angelos history of clubhouse first) and there's some pitching to be had.

But hey, they nearly won the division and made the playoffs with last years squad, the rest of the division is in decline (save for Toronto, who mortgaged the future to win this year) so maybe they're in the right spot this season doing nothing.

[K8teebug]

I'm still feeling confident:

Manny Machado
J.J. Hardy
Nick Markakis
Adam Jones
Chris Davis
Matt Weiters
Brian Roberts (for the 2 games he plays before he hurts himself again)
Nate McLouth

I realize these aren't the insane big bats, but there's some hitting and fielding power here.  That combined with our pitching should make the Orioles competitive.

I can't wait to cheer for Buck Showalter during "The State of the Orioles" at fanfest!  Anyone else going?

[shemptiness]

Paying their arbitration eligible players will cost them maybe an additional $20M this year, so that's a consideration.  I still think Duquette makes a deal - maybe for Morse.  In any event lots can happen late in the off-season. Gonzo was acquired late last year.  And Wada makes his debut.  And a healthy Nick.  And Roberts -maybe. 

And darn swim meets will keep me away from Fan Fest this year.  Bummed.

[K8teebug]

I've gone the last three years.  Will be interesting to see all the fair weathers this year.  All the autograph sessions sold out in under an hour.  Have never seen that happen before.

[atomicfront]

I've gone the last three years.  Will be interesting to see all the fair weathers this year.  All the autograph sessions sold out in under an hour.  Have never seen that happen before.

bring on the fair weather fans.  It is much more enjoyable to have a full crowd at the yard that is really into the game than 10,000 fans who are sitting on their hands.

[James Ford]

People pay money to get millionaire's autographs? I at least hope that 100% goes to charity?

I've gone the last three years.  Will be interesting to see all the fair weathers this year.  All the autograph sessions sold out in under an hour.  Have never seen that happen before.

[atomicfront]

People pay money to get millionaire's autographs? I at least hope that 100% goes to charity?

I've gone the last three years.  Will be interesting to see all the fair weathers this year.  All the autograph sessions sold out in under an hour.  Have never seen that happen before.

it is free for kids.  i think that the money from adults goes to charity.  it used to be free for everyone but all the adults crowded out the kids and the kids were never able to get an autograph.  So the fee is just to keep things managable.

[K8teebug]

Yes, all the money for the autographs goes to charity.  And they have a free kids autograph station throughout the day.  MASN also sets up a free booth where you can meet certain players (I met Brian Matusz and Jim Palmer last year) and there's another photo booth where for 5 bucks, you can get your picture taken with a player (changes throughout the day).  That money goes to charity as well.

I've never paid for the autograph sessions.  But, that's not what fanfest is about for me.  I just like to say hi and maybe get a picture (or not) and see all the q&a sessions. 

It's really fun if you're an O's fan!

[K8teebug]

I've gone the last three years.  Will be interesting to see all the fair weathers this year.  All the autograph sessions sold out in under an hour.  Have never seen that happen before.

bring on the fair weather fans.  It is much more enjoyable to have a full crowd at the yard that is really into the game than 10,000 fans who are sitting on their hands.

Yes, I am down with the stadium being crowded this year.  And people being excited!

[K8teebug]

Who is in for fanfest Saturday?  I will be there for the 10am talk!

[hutch]

Earl Weaver has died


on fan fest day of all days..



guess its going to be a big part of the talk at Camden Yards today

[shemptiness]

Earl

and Stan Musial

[K8teebug]

They had Earl Weaver's number and jersey up on the same stage and flower at his number and statue in the flag court.  Good day to honor Earl and celebrate the Orioles!